After some time Galway became the only credible team in Connacht and was essentially given an automatic pass to the All-Ireland semi-final every year. This knock-out system persisted for nearly 60 years and was considered to be the fairest system as the All-Ireland champions would always be the only undefeated team of the year.
Galway became the dominant team in Connacht, receiving an automatic berth to the All-Ireland semi-final every year. This knockout system remained in place for nearly 60 years and was considered to be the fairest system as the All-Ireland champions would always be the only undefeated team of the year.