All-Ireland football format remains unchanged

The All-Ireland senior football championship will remain unchanged for the foreseeable future after Congress last night rejected two restructure motions and the “B” championship proposal was withdrawn.

Prior to Congress, Central Council had chosen to remove from the clár their plan for a second tier competition involving Division 4 counties. The decision was taken so as to avoid what was likely to be an overwhelming defeat.

In explaining its withdrawal, GAA president Aogán Ó Fearghail revealed to delegates all of the eight Division 4 counties had articulated no desire to play in a “B” competition. In what could be considered an embarrassment for Central Council, they decided there was no point persisting in commending the motion for consideration.