Wicklow motion seeks backdoor at U-21 level

THE All-Ireland U-21football championship could have a backdoor from 2012 if a motion in Wicklow is successful.

The Kiltegan club proposal calls for rule 6.28 of the GAA’s Official Code to be amended so as to allow the U-21 competition follow the same structure as the All-Ireland senior football championship.

Croke Park are sure to be adverse to clogging an already packed master fixtures calendar.

However, there are indications that there would be support for the motion from other counties.

Both Armagh’s Paddy Óg Nugent and Longford’s Peter O’Reilly used their annual reports to criticise the knockout nature of the competition.

Nugent questioned the amount of time and money spent on preparing a team with the prospect of playing just one game.

Commenting about the Armagh U-21s’ Ulster FC quarter-final defeat to Donegal, Nugent said: “This proved to be a very short competition this year and it would make one question whether the time, effort and finances spent on this age group is worth it considering that the season might last for one game.

“It is not that the commitment shown by players and management at this level is any less than that shown by other squads but is it really justified for one game?”

In his report, O’Reilly echoed

Nugent’s misgivings about the knockout process of the provincial championships and called for the Leinster Council to create a competition for those beaten after just one game in the age group.

“Our U-21 team reached the shield final of the Hastings competition in January only to be beaten by Leitrim after extra-time. They exited the Leinster Championship to a superior Wicklow side at the first hurdle. The time and effort put into preparing this squad and the dedication shown by all was huge just for a single fixture.

“Our Leinster Council delegates have endeavoured, but to no avail, to introduce a losers section into the U21 championship. I feel it is something that is needed and would enhance this competition and, hopefully, will come to pass in the not too distant future.”

Wicklow’s convention, fixed for last week, has now been pencilled in for December 30, due to bad weather.