Cork championship changes in the pipeline
Having consulted with the various stakeholders in a series of recent meetings, the executive has published their suggestions — based on those of Rockchapel and Meelin — and these are to be discussed at the next regular county board meeting on Thursday, November 26.
At present, first-round winners progress to round four with losing teams contesting rounds two and three.
This had led to long delays for some winners - who were eliminated if they lost their next game - and tackling that was a central focus of the changes. It is proposed at intermediate level that the eight first-round winners would play off in four ties in round 2A, with the four winners advancing to the quarter-finals.
The eight losers would play in round 2B, the four winners of those games playing the four losers from round 2A and the winners of those ties progressing to the last eight.
The ‘third chance’ afforded sides would be dispensed with, as will automatic relegation, but teams would play off to determine the ‘lowest’ sides. At the end of 2017, a review would be undertaken and weaker sides re-graded.
At senior level, all teams — clubs, colleges and divisional sides — would be included in round one from the start, whereas now the colleges and divisions play off among themselves before two sides join the clubs in the fourth round.
A two-week holiday break would be inserted into the championship programme but a proposal which may lead to controversy relates to allowing senior and premier intermediate clubs, “with a large number of players in densely populated catchment areas” to enter their second teams in the intermediate championship. A county-wide U21 championship is also a possibility.
Tonight, there is a special county board meeting, dealing solely with the issue of the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh. It will be held in camera, with only registered delegates permitted to attend.
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