Interprovincial competition to be run as part of Gaelic football rule trials

Michael Murphy, Ulster, in action against Michael Darragh MacAuley, Leinster during the 2014 M Donnelly Interprovincial Football Championship, semi-final. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach / SPORTSFILE

An Interprovincial competition will take place this October as part of the Jim Gavin-chaired Football Review Committee’s rule trials.

The competition, which is set to be played in Croke Park, will feature intercounty players eliminated from their club championships. The games will be open to the public and it is also hoped that the weekend tournament will be broadcast. It comes as the FRC continue to run ‘Sandbox games’ across the country.

Originally, players from counties who were no longer in contention in the 2024 championship were invited to participate in matches trialling proposals. However, recently the games have involved club sides, with Cusack Park hosting Éire Óg vs Clondegad this weekend.

The suggestions being trialled were unveiled earlier this year. They include four-points for a goal, a two-point arc, 1v1 for all throw-ins and a ‘solo and go’ from frees, where the fouled player can play on. The committee are also looking at keeping three players from both sides inside a set line at all times.

All of the proposals will be narrowed down with a shortlist used for the interprovincial matches. It’s seven years since the last Railway Cups were played in December in hurling and football.

A staple event in Croke Park from the 1920s-1970s, the finals were held on St Patrick’s Day slot for several years. The competition did not take place three times in the seven seasons before it was discontinued after issues with attendances and finding a slot in the calendar.

The FRC will draft a report for Ard Chomhairle in November with a Special Congress set for December. The trial of rule enhancements will then be in place for all 2025 competitions, including the national league and championship.

There would be a mid-season 2025 review before the formal end of the trial with the completion of the 2025 championships. It is envisaged the full adoption of new rules for Gaelic football will be in place from January 1, 2026.