Proposal to move All-Ireland Finals back two weeks withdrawn

David Clifford, Kerry, and Brendan McCole, Donegal, in action during the 2025 All-Ireland SFC Final. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The motion to move the dates of the All-Ireland finals back a couple of weeks was withdrawn at GAA Congress.

The current requirement is the finals must be played by the 30th Sunday of the year.

Iar Ard Stiúrthóir Paraic Duffy explained why the motion was brought to GAA Congress. "This motion represents the work carried out by a workgroup," he said.

"It was set up to analyse the inter-county schedule. We focused on how to address the promotional needs of the Association in the split-season structure.

"The workgroup is aware it creates challenges for strong dual counties. It is challenging, but manageable."

Galway GAA chairperson Paul Bellew, who opposed the motion, outlined the relevance of club activity in the split season structure. "I want to complement Paraic and the group, it is an excellent report," he said.

"Everything we've talked about endorses the current structure. The greatest growth has been the club game."

Connacht GAA CEO John Prenty also spoke about the proposal. "For me, club comes first," Prenty remarked.

"The main thing the split season gave was certainty for club players when they'd be playing. In this system, we're taking two weeks out of that.

"We've the split season for three or four years. I think we shouldn't lose the benefits for the sake of two weeks."

Former GAA President Seán Kelly said that 'the split season has been a success, we're doing well."

Wexford GAA's Micheal Martin, Waterford GAA's Brendan Tobin, and Down GAA's Seán Óg McAteer opposed the motion."

Paraic Duffy responded to the delegates. "I appreciate the comments, they weren't unexpected," he said.

"There is a problem. This may not be the solution, but as an Association we need to address it.

"One part of the debate needs to be addressed, everybody here cares about the club players. Every member of the workgroup belongs to a club."

Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns withdrew the motion. "We're two codes and two levels - club and county," he said.

"It is always going to be a series of compromises. The fact that so many people spoke against it was very definitive. We will withdraw it."