By increasing the tempo and encouraging contests the new rules are aimed at making the game more enjoyable for everyone

Michael Murphy: Armagh’s All-Ireland was the result of a Kieran McGeeney masterclass in spreading around reliance

Kieran McGeeney has patiently assembled a well-drilled Armagh side with a potent mixture of experience and youth

The protocols of the lead-up to an All-Ireland final can seem strange, but are ultimately useful

Donegal will see their All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Galway as a lost opportunity

Contrast between the two weekends will be stark but the race for Sam Maguire is remarkably open

Michael Murphy: The four counties still standing won’t have to cope with Dublin’s ruthless box-ticking but they all still have their own issues to address

Mayo needed to ask the big questions from the start and didn’t. You can be sure Kerry won’t make the same mistake.

Mayo again showed their fearlessness against Dublin but once more the champions had the answers

Striking litany of injured players undermines teams but also impacts on individuals themselves

Three matches after winning the league, Mickey Harte’s team look like they want the season to end

Jim McGuinness’s Donegal imbued with a fresh confidence as they set their sights on more silverware

After Gareth McKinless’s red card against Galway, there was no way back for Derry who no longer look like All-Ireland contenders

Michael Murphy: It takes until All-Ireland quarter-finals for likely winners to emerge but non-contenders can be identified much more quickly

Timing is important and things are clicking into place for Kieran McGeeney’s team