Offaly fail with motion for 10-team Division 1

Offaly's motion for a 10-team Division One in next season's National Hurling League has been defeated today at a meeting of the GAA's Central Council.

The Central Council met to rule on the question of whether to retain the proposed Division One structure of nine teams for 2008 or make it a 10-team league, as Offaly were seeking after their recent defeat to Limerick in a relegation play-off.

Offaly hurling manager John McIntyre even called on GAA President Nickey Brennan to intervene during the week and save Offaly from what he termed "the wastelands of Division Two."

The GAA released a statement following today's proceedings. It read: "Following a discussion on a motion from Offaly and a submission from the Hurling Development Committee, it was agreed that there would be no change in the HDC's proposal in regard to the format and structure of the National Hurling League in 2008.

"Following a vote, Offaly's motion was unsuccessful which means that they will participate in Division Two next year."

Meanwhile, in a boost to the National Hurling and Football Leagues, it was reported that "the 2007 Allianz National Leagues had realised a significant increase in gate revenues which meant that the County Board Dividends would be restored to the pre-2006 levels.

"It was noted that contrary to sustained negative speculation, the National League games played at Croke Park proved significant successes."

The following matters also arose at today's Central Council meeting:

DRA

Mr Liam Keane, the secretary of the Disputes Resolution Authority, gave a report on the work of the authority in 2006. It emerged that 37 cases were heard last year but only seven of these were successful. 27 cases were unsuccessful, two were settled and one was withdrawn. It was noted that there was no incident where a court injunction was sought in a GAA context in 2006.

Match Regulations

1. It was agreed that only the 15 players starting a game as per the official team list are permitted on the pitch for the parade and National Anthem. All other team officials must vacate the pitch after the toss of the coin.

2. Four water carriers, over 18 years of age, per team will be allowed. They must be positioned two on each side of the pitch. The water carriers may enter the pitch only during a break in play and in hurling they will also act as hurley carriers.

3. The County Chairman may also be part of the official County sideline backroom team.

Political Involvement

In the current election environment, delegates were reminded that under the association's Rules, GAA property or facilities may not be used for party political purposes.

Charity

It was agreed that Temple Street Children's Hospital and the Hope Foundation would be the GAA's official charities in 2007/2008. All counties were asked to support these charities generously.

Rugby/Soccer Internationals

It was agreed that any revenue that has accrued from the rugby and soccer internationals played at Croke Park will be allocated directly to County Boards and to local projects. No money in this context will be retained centrally by Croke Park.