The upcoming GAA Congress in Donegal Town promises lively discussions as various motions addressing inter-county player involvement, underage hurling, international participation, football format changes, and community facility access take center stage.
Ahead of this weekend's GAA Congress held in Donegal Town, we examine some of the most prominent and interesting motions on the agenda. \Motion 12, proposed by Dr. Noel McCaffrey, a former Dublin player and father of Jack, through his club Clontarf, seeks to mandate a minimum number of club games for inter-county players. This proposal, affecting Rule 6.
8 of the Playing Restrictions in the Official Guide, states that to be eligible for adult inter-county championship (excluding minor and under 20 grades), a player must have played a minimum of four competitive league games with their club in the same calendar year (either in their county or their first county). Exceptions exist, such as potential injuries, and the motion would necessitate adjustments to club league fixtures to accommodate the requirement. Dr. McCaffrey emphasizes the importance of players' involvement with their clubs. \Motion 13, brought forward by St. Mary's club of Rosslare, aims to promote the widespread adoption of hurling at the underage level. The motion proposes that every club field at least one hurling team at the Under 7, Under 8, Under 9, or Under 10 age grades. Clubs that fail to comply would face a financial penalty of €250 in the first year, with the fine doubling for each subsequent year. However, a provision allows clubs that exclusively cater to football to avoid penalties if they can demonstrate that another nearby club can accommodate aspiring hurlers. Despite this safety net, the motion's passage remains uncertain. \Two motions address participation in the Lory Meagher Cup. Motion 14, from Maastricht GAA in Europe, suggests adding European teams to the competition starting in the 2026 season. The Central Council would approve the annual fixture schedule. Motion 20, from New York GAA, proposes their immediate entry into the competition, with the team finishing top of the round-robin series advancing directly to the final. The second-place team would then face New York in a semi-final, with the Central Competitions Control Committee determining venues. Both motions introduce intriguing possibilities for expanding the competition's scope. \Motion 5, originating from Kilkenny's Danesfort club, has significant implications for the future of GAA revenue generation. It proposes that clubs, in accordance with Central Council policy, can allow the use of their ancillary facilities for community-based sports, health, and well-being groups, as well as community activities for recreational purposes. This would enable clubs to host activities like keep-fit and yoga classes, provide space for dinner dances of other sports clubs, and support various community-driven initiatives. Importantly, this motion does not involve letting out playing pitches, but rather focuses on ancillary facilities, potentially opening up new revenue streams and community engagement opportunities for the GAA.
GAA Congress Inter-County Players Hurling Football Format Community Facilities
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