The Central Competitions Control Committee recently conducted a consultative process to gather feedback on several important topics in the world of Irish sports. These topics included discussions on the All-Ireland master fixtures plan, the eligibility of U-20 players for senior county activity, and the feasibility of continuing with league finals given the crowded schedule. The majority of counties have expressed their preference for eliminating the four National Football League (NFL) deciders and determining divisional winners based on final league table placings. Additionally, most counties support allowing individual counties to manage the crossover of players between the senior and U-20 grades rather than imposing strict eligibility restrictions based on fixture time windows.
The Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) had initially considered canceling this year’s league finals due to their close proximity to the championship in the new split-season calendar. However, they were given a temporary reprieve by the Central Council in September. Despite this, the scheduling conflicts became evident when Mayo’s successful performance in the spring led them to qualify for a Division 1 showpiece, only to face Roscommon in a Connacht SFC quarter-final a week later, resulting in a loss. Whether the Central Council will change their stance this time remains undecided, as some argue that the Division 3 and 4 finals provide smaller counties with a rare opportunity to compete in Croke Park.
The CCCC has actively sought input from grassroots stakeholders in formulating proposals for the 2024 season. They conducted a roadshow across the four provinces and engaged in virtual meetings with Connacht and Munster counties to gather suggestions and feedback through questionnaires. While some meetings are still pending, the majority of counties have already shared their preferences, which lean towards eliminating the league finals. There is also widespread support for extending the 2024 All-Ireland SFC final to Week 30, following the precedent set this summer with the scheduling of the football decider in July. Counties are in favor of starting the national leagues on the last weekend in January, preceded by provincial pre-season competitions post January 1. The CCCC is pleased with the immense feedback received from all participating counties.
Central Council’s upcoming meeting on July 15 will review motions that may need to be sponsored for the Special Congress on September 30. In the realm of tier two hurling counties, there is growing momentum for change. Most counties are eager to remove the qualifying preliminary quarter-finals from the calendar, which currently determine the two Joe McDonagh Cup finalists’ entry into the Liam MacCarthy Cup. This change would allow for more time to be allocated to the Joe McDonagh Cup, rather than rushing to conclude it by the end of May. It would also provide flexibility to the Leinster and Munster Councils when setting their provincial round-robin dates. For instance, the Offaly hurlers faced a grueling schedule this year, playing on seven consecutive weekends. They advocate for a revised system that offers the opportunity for a break in between competitions. These discussions come after Offaly’s busy early summer, culminating in a heavy defeat to Tipperary.
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