Proposal to limit third-level students' involvement in pre-season fixtures to go before Central Council

The 48-hour eligibility proposal is viewed as a first step in establishing zero overlap of third-level and pre-season competitions.

Eddie Healy, MTU Kerry Campus and Hugh O'Connor, UCC, in action. Pic: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus LTD,

A proposal will go before Central Council later this month recommending that third-level students cannot line out in pre-season fixtures that fall within 48 hours of a Sigerson or Fitzgibbon Cup game.

The proposed eligibility criteria, driven by the GAA’s higher education committee and the four provincial council secretaries, is to prevent third-level students being overburdened with college and inter-county commitments during the busy January games period, as well as ensuring that players are allowed to prioritise third-level championship fixtures over the returning pre-season competitions.