Format changes to four groups of four

GROUP 1

THE biggest championship in the county provide the most headaches at the recent championship draws in Ballinakill.

With 16 teams involved, An Tochar, AGB, Ashford, Avondale, Avoca, Baltinglass, Blessington, Bray, Carnew, Dunlavin, Enniskerry, Hollywood, Kiltegan, Lacken, Newtown, and St Patrick’s, the CCC proposed a format of two groups of five and one of six

There was a suggestion from the floor of four groups of four.

“If Lacken doesn’t take part we’ve a group of three then,” warned County Chairman Martin Fitzgerald.

Carnew’s James ‘Bear’ Doran quipped that they would take that group.

“It’s all about games in Junior ‘B’,” said Martin Fitzgerald.

“It’s simpler run with four fours, though,” replied Doran.

Chairperson of the CCC, Bridget Kenny, suggested four groups of four, top two teams through to the quarter-finals, open draw, you can’t play someone from your own group. This was agreed upon.

Eddie Leonard then asked if the fixtures were to be home and away or neutral venues?

“The same as last year, group games home venues, neutral venues for knock-out,” answered Bridget Kenny..

“Eddie, it’s not easy get pitches,” said Martin Fitzgerlad.

Another delegate asked why the Junior ‘B’ football championship couldn’t be played at weekends?

“Why is the Junior championship always played on a Thursday night?” He asked.

“Because Thursday night is Junior football night. Hard to get neutral venues,” replied Martin Fitzgerald.

“It can work for you or against you. I propose neutral venues for Junior ‘B’ championship matches,” said Eddie Leonard.

“It’s not easy put that string around the CCC’s neck, because it’s not easy get pitches as you know. If Bridget rang St Pat’s in the morning looking for a pitch would she get it?” asked Fitzgerald.

“If Bridget rings us in July or August for a Saturday or Sunday we’d take any match, no problem,” replied Leonard.

“We’ll leave it to the CCC to decide that,” said the County Chairman.

“Well I’m proposing neutral venues for Junior ‘B’ football championship,” retorted Leonard.

An Avoca delegate made a counter proposal to leave it as it is.

A vote was taken and returned with a 40 to 6 defeat of Eddie Leonard’s proposal.

However, it was apparent that some clubs were acting the cod and breaking the rule that states only two delegates can vote at meetings with many having three delegates sticking their arms up.

Eddie Leonard spotted this transgression.

“Are there two delegates or three delegates allowed to vote, Mr Chairman?”

“Some clubs here with three delegates,” said Leonard.

“Do we want to vote again with two delegates? Eddie, you’re being a little bit awkward, it won’t make a difference to the vote,” said Martin Fitzgerald.

“No, there’s two delegates from St Pat’s here, there’s three from other clubs. I’m only asking the question here, Martin,” replied Eddie.

The vote was taken again and Eddie Leonard’s proposal was defeated by 40 to 4.