Leinster chief calls for 'complete review' of GAA playing calendar 

Derek Kent writes that 'an open-minded group' need to look at the issue. 

TRUE COLOURS: Louth flags on display in a house before the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Leinster GAA chairman Derek Kent has called for “a complete review” of the GAA’s playing calendar.

In his provincial SFC final programme notes, the Wexford man has written about the challenges presented by the condensed nature of the inter-county season.

He mentions the difficulties faced by supporters in dual counties and those neutral fans who can’t get to matches that clash with their own county’s fixtures as well as the pressures put on volunteers by the high volume of matches in a contracted period of time.

“Last year, I commented in my programme notes that we review ticket prices, the scheduling of our games and venues,” Kent remarks. “We considered our pricing structures and provided discounts in the first round, a stand ticket reduced to €15, which was warmly welcomed.

“Before today’s final, we stage the nine games in our provincial grounds and showcasing those matches around the province worked well.

“Scheduling remains an issue and that will require a complete review from an open-minded group to finally develop a plan that will endeavour to take into account everyone’s opinion but ultimately extend our playing season.

“It is impossible to take in another championship game as a neutral GAA fan, impossible to see and support every inter-county team within a dual county. We are currently playing on average over 15 games per week, excluding U17 and U20.

“So many games in an abbreviated timeframe is hindering the promotion of our games. Administrators, official, volunteers, players, supporters, medics and our media platform are at their limits because of our current scheduling.” 

Speaking last month, GAA president Jarlath Burns ruled out the possibility of the All-Ireland finals returning to August. “It’s not a non-runner for the future. This year it's out, next year it's out as well. But it's going to be the next president who will make that decision, whether or not we go into August.

“It's probably not going to be my decision, but I would be open to it notwithstanding the health warning that comes with the whole area of starting the club championship. “