Fitzgerald sees merit in provincial structures
Winning a provincial title does not hinder teams in their pursuit of the Sam Maguire Cup - that is the view of Kerry football legend Maurice Fitzgerald.
The last three All-Ireland Senior Football Championships have been won by sides that have not reigned supreme in their provincial competitions. They were Tyrone in 2008, Kerry in 2009 and Cork, who beat Down by 0-16 to 0-15 in last September's decider.
Fitzgerald played in both the old knockout structure and the more recent back door system, so he is well-placed to give his view.
He feels that the All-Ireland successes of Tyrone, Kerry and Cork via the back door route do not lessen the importance of provincial titles.
"You have had changes to the system, with those who haven't won provincial honours taking All-Ireland titles," he said.
"Vice versa has also happened. One goes out the window with a provincial title and ultimately going on to try and achieve All-Ireland success.
"I don't think anybody would set out their stall not to win a provincial Championship."
And Fitzgerald reiterates the Kerry mindset that all silverware is important - including Munster honours.
"I know in Kerry winning a Munster title is certainly something that you would have a big appetite for.
"It has hard to judge the qualifier system as it is still very much in its infancy. But I think when you set out your stall at the start of the year with the National league you want to be trying to prepare your team.
"You want to get a handle on your best 15 and your top 20 players and when it comes to the Munster or Leinster Championships or whatever, I think most teams would want to get their hands on the first bit of silverware."
Fitzgerald believes that provincial accolades can be the kick teams need to drive them onto further success.
"It brings a bit of confidence and I can't say necessarily winning a provincial Championship adversely affects your ability to win an All-Ireland series. It has just happened that way in the past couple of years."
Fitzgerald was speaking at the launch of the 'Secrets of Kerry' - a Captain's Story' DVD, which chronicles Kerry's All-Ireland football successes, with interviews with all of the former living captains and others key men in Kerry's footballing story over the 126-year history of the GAA.
He says that the DVD produced by fellow Cahirsiveen native Christy O'Riordan and Radio Kerry's Weeshie Fogarty is a unique production.
"This has been a labour of love for Christy who thought up the idea of this particular project," he explained.
"It was something that he thought would be achievable interviewing all of the living Kerry captains or any of their deceased relatives.
"He muted this idea with Weeshie and the journey they have gone on has been phenomenal."
The DVD contains over four hours of footage, with all of the proceeds from sales going to local Kerry charities.
