Upgrading leagues in new games structures

GAELIC FOOTBALL COMMISSION 1989

The Football Commission members in 1989, back: Liam Cullen, Godfrey Timmind, Liam O’Loughlin. Front: Jim Brophy (RIP), Donal McGillycuddy (County Chairman) and Mick Lawlor. Missing from the photo was Sean O’Toole from Kiltegan.

THE common problem of leagues not being treated with the anywhere near the same respect as championship was addressed in the Commission’s report in May of 1989.

A revolutionary change that will force equal importance on championships and leagues is recommended by members of the football commission

Apathy among many teams in relation to leagues will no longer be tolerated and the penalty is demotion to a lower status for the following year’s championship.

For instance, if a Senior team shows little interest in the league and faces relegation as a result, the side will have no option but to play in the Intermediate championship the following year.

Any team withdrawing from the league or giving three walk-overs will be automatically relegated in that season.

The proposal for the 1990 championship is to have 16 teams in the first round proper.

The preliminary round will consist of all nine eligible division teams plus five group divisional sides in which lower grade clubs could combine to form a Senior team.

Seven of these teams would then go forward to the first round where all nine Division 1 sides will already have qualified, leaving a total of 16.

It is intended to streamline the 1991 championships even further. Following promotion and relegations during the 1990 league campaign the championships would be run on the following basis:

Senior – 12 teams plus four divisional group sides made up of

Intermediate and Junior players. Intermediate – 12 teams only. Junior A – 12 teams only. Junior B and novice – subject to approval of affiliation with a provision that no Senior club may field a novice team unless it also fields sides in all higher grades.

A comprehensive system of promotion and relegation will operate in the 1990 county leagues, with league performance having a big pairing on championship status in 1991.

It is pointed out that the Activities Committee may set up competitions which are subsidiary to Co. Leagues and championships, but they must not interfere with the main fixtures.

The Commission also proposes an under-17 football league, as early as 1989 if possible, to start in September and be completed by Christmas.