Delegates told Parish Rule could close clubs

KERRY GAA delegates have been asked to think of creative ways to ensure that clubs do not fold after being told that the enforcement of the Parish Rule would lead to clubs folding down the line.

Kerry’s Munster Council delegate and Chairman of the Parish Rule and Player Registration Sub-Committee, Joe Crowley, told last Monday’s County Committee meeting that he respected the fact the Club Forum earlier this year had stated that the Parish Rule was sacrosanct for clubs going forward, but said it would lead to major problems in its present form, particularly with the concentration of the county’s population around the centre at present.

Mr Crowley floated an idea of putting all clubs in the county into three categories, A,B, C with transfers being allowed across and downward in grades but not upwards.

County Chairman Tim Murphy echoed Crowley’s concerns and said that he is working with counties in other provinces to address the issue at national level in the hope of bringing something tangible to annual Congress to address the issue.

Also at the meeting, three Catchment Area proposals were approved between hurling clubs, and clubs in and bordering the Killarney area, on the eligibility of players to play for clubs in the areas concerned. The agreements are subject to a review after five years.

Meanwhile, Joe Crowley also asked that District Boards respond fully to a questionnaire sent out by another sub-committee he is chairing, saying that the Club Forum was of the view that a revamp of the way District Boards operate was required.

It was also announced at the meeting that a sub-committee headed by Development Officer Eamon Whelan on the County Senior Football Championship will report to the County Committee at its November meeting.