Football Review Committee Issues Final Report

The Football Review Committee (FRC) has issued its final report into competition structures and associated issues in Gaelic Football. The committee was set up in April 2012 by GAA President Liam O'Neill. The review hopes to eliminate some of the anomalies that exist in the game over recent years. The report re-examined the largest consultation process ever undertaken by the GAA. 4,000 individuals from across Ireland and oversees voiced their opinions on Gaelic Football.

The FRC report recommends:-

-that the four provinces are adjusted slightly. It would mean that there are 8 teams in each province. This change according to the report would streamline the Inter-county championship fixtures and dates could be planned in an orderly fashion around the country, this would help with fixture-making at local level.

-that all counties must play some club championship games from mid-April to early August. This would allow 98% of players who are only involved in club games a fair chance of getting regular championship games during those months. All-Ireland qualifiers would remain as they currently stand.

-that the age limit for the minor football grade to be reduced to Under-17 from under-18. This would help students studying for Leaving Cert and A-Level exams who are generally at the U18 grade.

-that the final of the All-Ireland Club Championship is changed to Early December to allow for the National League Division 1 to consist of the top two teams playing a final with no semi-finals.

-that a 3 to 5 year development plan is put in place for the development of Football in less successful counties, rather than the re-introduction of a second championship.

Eugene McGee summed up by saying that: “It is the strong belief of the FRC that remedies can be found which satisfactorily address the problems which have been highlighted. Many of the substantive remedies proposed in this report would need Congress approval, while some others are a matter of implementation of already agreed regulations and procedures.”

Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Liam Ó Néill said: “I would like to place on record once again my sincere gratitude to Eugene McGee and the entire committee who have worked diligently since their appointment to produce two thought provoking documents."