Cats want return to September slot for All-Ireland final

By attempting to convince the GAA to move both All-Ireland finals back to September, Kilkenny are aiming to create a new pocket of space for club championship fixtures at the height of summer.

A motion proposed by O’Loughlin Gaels, calling for the Central Council to have the power to stage the finals on or before the third Sunday in September, is listed as the last of the 40 proposals to be debated in Congress in Wexford on Saturday week.

It will go up against a Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) recommendation to organise the finals for on or before the 35th Sunday in the year, which usually falls at the end of August or start of September.

Kilkenny secretary Conor Denieffe explains the new provincial SHC round-robin format and the championship’s scheduling has had a negative effect on the county’s premier competitions.

Where once they had a round of league championship in April, two in May, possibly one in June and another in July and August, this year they are looking at one in April, two in May and a break until, possibly, the end of August.

“We had a very good system in Kilkenny where we have played championship games after the Leinster final and the All-Ireland semi-final when we have got there. The new inter-county system doesn’t enable us to do that.

"What we did last year was start in April but it was August before we resumed it and clubs were very unhappy with that.

“This is an attempt to do something to solve an issue for Kilkenny but it’s also something that would impact on other counties.

By putting the All-Ireland finals back, you’d be able to give more summertime to the clubs. It mightn’t suit everybody but we hope there are counties who feel the same as ourselves.

“We haven’t really got into discussions with them yet, other than informal contacts. I know there is a motion from Central Council and the CCCC calling on things to be left more or less as they are and I imagine our motion will be heard with it.”

Even if it begins a debate on providing clubs with more championship time in the summer, Denieffe will be satisfied.

Another summer of just league games, some of which weren’t played in 2018 due to walkovers, is not appetising.

“We’re open to any proposal that would improve things. We’d be in favour of the club and county seasons running hand-in-hand than one half of the year being given to one and one half for the other.

“We have continued to play league games in May, June and July but clubs want championship. Hurling is a summer game best played on dry pitches.

"The inter-county championship games were fantastic last summer and we’re not quibbling with the format but the result of that format. Big club games have to be played at that time too.”

The other aspect of the motion is to address the GAA having surrendered September as a shop window.

“It’s not about being traditional but moving the All-Ireland finals has created a vacuum in September in terms of coverage,” Denieffe remarks.

“That vacuum will be filled by other sports. September has always been a GAA month but more coverage is now being given elsewhere.”