Wicklow is poised to propose a motion at this Saturday’s Central Council meeting, demanding the resurrection of pre-league competitions in January 2025. The call comes in the wake of the September council resolution to abolish provincial tournaments such as the Dr McKenna Cup, O’Byrne Cup, FBD League, McGrath Cup, Munster SHL, and Walsh Cup.
Notwithstanding the earlier resolution, concerns have arisen relating to the authority of the Central Council over provincially managed competitions. With this in mind, Cavan has plans to dispute the previous decision during the upcoming Central Council gathering over the weekend.
In a similar vein, Wicklow is also prepared to put forward a proposal advocating for the commencement of the competitions in January. Given the anticipation that a number of the Football Review Committee’s regulations will be endorsed for implementation in 2025, staging the pre-league contests could provide teams with a valuable opportunity to acclimate to the upcoming changes before the National League starts.
Commenting on the situation, Wicklow’s Central Council delegate, Martin Fitzgerald, stated: “We simply believe this isn’t the appropriate year. Counties like Wicklow greatly value the National Football League, and it’s crucial for our players to familiarise themselves with the rules ahead of the league.”
A 60% majority vote would be needed to overturn the September ruling, according to reports. John Prenty, secretary of the Connacht Council, would back any moves to bring back the January competitions, stating that “not only are these competitions invaluable because of next year’s rule changes, they are worthwhile annually”.
The decision last week to cancel the FBD League in 2025 is projected to cost the Connacht Provincial Council roughly €150,000 in ticket sales, streaming revenues and sponsorship. The ensuing financial shortfall has compelled Connacht GAA to reduce the ground rent rate payable to counties from 10% down to 5% in 2025.
Connacht GAA revealed that the decision to withdraw funding from one of its main sources – the FBD-sponsored Connacht football and hurling leagues – by the Central Council (Ard Comhairle) has resulted in severe monetary constraints for Connacht. In recent times, these competitions have been held at the University of Galway Connacht GAA Air Dome. The province’s projected revenue is predicted to decrease by around €150,000 due to a shortfall in ticket sales, streaming, and sponsorships.
The anticipated elimination of these competitions in 2025 is expected to have a notably adverse effect. This is especially the case as potential benefits could have been reaped by teams, match officials, and supporters through exposure to new rules before the start of the national league.
Notably, former Mayo manager and current member of the FRC, James Horan, has also expressed his disapproval of the plans to abandon the early-year tournaments, arguing, “I’d be directing my frustrations towards [those] who decided to scrap the preseason contests this year.”