'There is a mass exodus': Kerry clubs vote overwhelmingly to change minor age back to U18

'We are over-emphasising the elite players. Every time I come into a meeting I hear about loading and elite players. The ordinary club players, we are losing those at 18 years of age, that might become fabulous players at 21 or 22'

CHAMPIONS: St Kieran's won the Kerry MFC title this year for U17s The championship will revert to U18s in 2025, giving them a chance of a repeat.

Kerry GAA clubs have voted overwhelmingly to revert the minor age grade in the county to Under 18 as. County Bord meeting heard of a 'mass exodus' of young players after U17.

Legion's Donal Culloty told the meeting: "We would like to see the minor age go from under-17 to under-18, and we think decoupling (allow also to play at adult level) should be allowed. We think when it comes to fixtures, if there’s a conflict between a minor player and a senior player that a senior competition can’t be held up - because the minor should actually play with the minors.