January could be ‘mark’ date

GAA’s Central Council will today decide on when the mark will be introduced to Gaelic football after a motion was passed at Congress last month.

Although playing rules committee chairman Jarlath Burns wanted to see the rule implemented immediately, he now accepts it will require a bedding-in time and may now come in on January 1. The GPA endorsed the proposal but several players have already queried Congress’ decision to give the mark the thumbs-up without a trial.

Central Council are also expected to deal with the successful Antrim motion, which from next year will see the Christy Ring Cup winners rewarded with a Leinster quarter-final spot.

A number of anomalies with the proposal have arisen, such as leapfrogging a team from a secondary competition over three counties who have qualified to play in the Liam McCarthy Cup.

As Cork’s Frank Murphy pointed out in the motion’s debate, Congress had earlier in the day endorsed retaining the championship in its current format.

Delegates are also expected to give more consideration towards the introduction of the calendar year. Although Congress chose not to give enough support for the All-Ireland finals to be brought forward by two weeks, GAA director general Páraic Duffy believes there is still a possibility it could come in for 2018. The practicality of the calendar year has been strongly questioned by dual counties.

Central Council are set to debate proposals put forward by Duffy such as the abolishment of the Allianz Football League Division 1 semi-finals.

That recommendation is expected to be green lighted as is Duffy’s call for more double football and hurling league weekends. The plan to complete the All-Ireland U21 hurling championship before the All-Ireland senior final from 2018 is also on the table.