GAA Congress Rejects Motion for Extended Inter-County Season

A proposal to extend the GAA inter-county season, which could have seen the All-Ireland football final moved to August 2027, failed after Motion 14 was withdrawn moments before a vote at Saturday’s GAA Congress held at Croke Park.

Concerns Over Club Schedules and Pre-Season Competitions

The withdrawal came after several counties signaled their opposition to the motion, which was brought forward by a working group led by former GAA director general Páraic Duffy. Counties voiced concerns about the potential impact on their club schedules, as well as the elimination of pre-season competitions.

“The signs were ominous in the lead-up with a number of counties confirming to RTÉ Sport that they would be voting against the motion.”

Debate and Withdrawal

During the Congress, Duffy presented his findings. However, opposition was voiced by former president Seán Kelly, Connacht GAA’s John Prenty, Galway’s Paul Bellew, Wexford GAA’s Michael Martin, Waterford’s Brendan Tobin, and Sean Óg McAteer of Down GAA.

Facing an almost certain defeat, Duffy requested the motion be withdrawn. This request was approved, despite an appeal from Bellew for the vote to proceed.

What’s Next?

The decision leaves the current structure of the GAA inter-county season intact. The All-Ireland football final will continue to be played in September, with the hurling decider in July.

Watch Kildare v Meath in the Allianz Football League on Saturday from 6.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Saturday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1

Watch Allianz League Sunday from 9.35pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow a live blog on all matches on the RTÉ News App and on rte.ie/sport. Listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1