Kerry GAA: Minor changes haven't worked - time to go back to U18 and Croke Park finals

Believes Kingdom CEO Peter Twiss: 'Taking the minor finals away from All-Ireland final day, has left a huge void on the day itself and denied our top underage stars an ideal stage to showcase their great skills and talents

FINAL DAY: Kerry captain Gearóid White leads his side in the parade before the All-Ireland MFC final in Newbridge - the decider needs to return to Croke Park, believes Kingdom CEO Peter Twiss. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

KERRY GAA chiefs believe the time has come to revert the inter-county minor age grade to Under 18 and return the All-Ireland finals to Croke Park SFC and SHC curtain-raisers. The dropping of the age grade to Under 17 has not worked, CEO Peter Twiss will tell delegates to annual convention.

This year Kerry played Tyrone in the All-Ireland MFC final in Newbridge, losing by a single point.

“Our thanks to Kildare GAA for being excellent hosts and of course our congratulations to Tyrone on their great victory on the day. However, I believe it’s time for the Association to review where we have come in relation to the inter-county minor championship. The dropping of the age grade from Under 18 to U17 and the decision to take the minor finals away from being the curtain-raiser games on the All-Ireland final day have not worked.

“It is now time for the Association to review those decisions. Even though there’s only a year’s difference in age, the contrast between U18 competition and U17 is quite stark while the progression to U20/U21 level seems so distant for an Under 17 player when compared to that of an Under 18 player,” Mr Twiss said.

He added: “Furthermore, taking the minor finals away from All-Ireland final day, has left a huge void on the day itself and denied our top underage stars an ideal stage to showcase their great skills and talents. Even the presentation of the Jubilee team on All-Ireland Final day has been somewhat diluted by the lack of patrons and atmosphere in the ground - it’s easily addressed if one had an attractive game scheduled beforehand.” 

Meanwhile, the county’s productive season on the pitch is reflected in financial results, presented by treasurer Paudie Healy. 2025 delivered a bottom line surplus of €608,149 off commercial income of €1,365,668 (up 5.79%), with fundraising income up a whopping 75% to €611,079.

Kerry’s net cash reserves of €2,936,839, also represents a 4.72% increase in 2025 with net assets of €12,885,656 (up 4.84%).

Said Mr Healy: “This year, we made an additional €100,000 contribution to the Croke Park Fund. Combined with €13,879.19 in interest made over the last 12 months, our fund account now stands at €713,879. My long-term strategic objective remains to secure a €1 million ring-fenced operational reserve, providing a vital buffer during periods of uncertainty and ensuring the organisation remains resilient and future-proofed.” 

A restructuring of the loan on the Centre of Excellence in Currans has reduced interest rate payments from 6.5% to 2.95% - yielding “substantial annual savings and strengthening long-term financial capacity”, the treasurer added.

Inter-county team costs were north of €2m again - €2.123m - with a €366,000 cost attached to the All-Ireland champions’ team holiday earlier this month. Ticket costs, and the purchase of same, amounted to €1.6m.

“While our performance remains strong, the organisation must continue to focus on expanding commercial revenue and driving operational efficiencies. Sustainable growth, disciplined spending, and strategic investment remain essential to maintaining Kerry GAA’s excellence, both on and off the field,” Healy said.