Counties face choice on structures
The message was brought home to delegates at the weekend meeting of the Central Council when the terms of a Cork motion passed at last April's Congress were outlined. The net effect is that no further experimentation can be allowed under rule.
In correspondence with the management committee, Cork made the case that only two options were available. The counties could either say yes to the current structures or go back to the old system.
Director General Liam Mulvihill said the management committee's interpretation of the rule provided a third option that a new system could be introduced, except there could be no experimentation.
"We all know that it would be a big decision for Congress to jump into something new," he said.
A sub-committee chaired by Padraic Duffy is carrying out a review of the hurling and football championships. It is envisaged they will have an interim report ready before Christmas, following which discussions will take place with the provincial councils and motions can then be submitted to county conventions.
"Next year's Congress is going to have to decide to say yes or no to what has been experimented with or to go for something new without experimentation," Mr Mulvihill added. But he did not rule out the possibility of a motion which would rescind the Cork motion and open the way for new structures to be tried out.
"We have often gone for new things in the past without experimentation. The counties might be prepared to put in a new structure if it fits in with the overall objectives. That's still a strong possibility," Mr Mulvihill said.
He said Congress could still bring in a totally new structure the following year if there was sufficient support.
"I don't think there is any support at all for a return to the old system. The only issues to be sorted out are how the present qualifier system can be fine-tuned to make it more manageable and more equitable for the provincial champions."
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
