Kerry GAA reverses controversial decision to bar clubs' second teams from County Leagues

The motion, proposed by Lispole, was to set up a reserve or development league for these teams, and was passed by the Competitions County Committee in November

WARNING: Kerry CEO Peter Twiss. When the second club teams motion was put to delegates it was carried by 49-24 votes (67%). Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

KERRY GAA delegates have done a u-turn on a controversial decision to exclude secondary (B and C) teams from senior Leagues in the county.

A previous decision to do so was reversed this week at a Board meeting with the necessary 67% approval from delegates.

The original Lispole GAA club motion, was to set up a junior or development league for bigger clubs with B teams and was ratified by the Competitions County Committee in November.

However, the decision was back on the floor Tuesday, stirring lively delegate debate with Lispole's Kevin Griffin expressing his disdain and accusing club delegates of being asleep at the wheel.

“On a point of order, on behalf of the Lispole Club who put forward the original motion, we object to this motion being put, because it is not an amendment, it is a complete reversal of our motion.

"The motion was already passed at our November meeting, so what has changed? We put forward the motion, it was circulated to all the clubs, it was openly debated here, and it was put to the floor and passed. 

"Everybody present had the opportunity to speak, amend and vote. Can I remind everybody that club (Dr Crokes) who are now putting forward this notice of motion did not even speak on the night and worse still went out to the media the following morning, blasting this room and undermining the outcome of a democratic vote? 

"So I want to say, if you have something to say, you say it inside here, when the motion is debated. I don’t think going out to the newspapers and coming back in here two months later looking to rehash the who issue again is good enough. It’s very simple, the vote was passed so move on. 

"To preserve the integrity of the November meeting, I propose that this motion not be put and deferred until the November fixtures meeting” said an impassioned Griffin.

Kerry GAA Secretary Peter Twiss explained that the Crokes notice of motion was in order and entitled to be put to the floor. 

"Under a change that was passed at Congress last year, you are allowed now under general rule to put forward a motion to amend a motion that was already passed by County Committee in relation to fixtures or competitions. 

"There was no opportunity to do this until last year but it was changed at Congress 2025 to allow a Notice of Motion to change or amend a regulation or a competition motion that was already passed. 

"In order for the motion to be effective, it requires a 60% majority of those entitled to vote. It’s an unusual procedure but perfectly valid but it up to the person who is proposing the motion - in this case it is Matt O’Neill from Dr Crokes, to outline the motion - the reasons for it, clarify any queries, is referred to the person proposing it."

O’Neill, on behalf of Dr Crokes, put his motion to the floor, refuting the Lispole delegates assertion that Dr Crokes had ran to the media with their concern at the November decision. 

"I did not go running to any press, I was asked for an opinion and I did not undermine anybody. I fully accepted what was voted on and that is still the current situation. I gave my opinion which I am entitled to and I was not undermining anybody, in fact I was away on holidays,” said O'Neill.

He proposed: “That the regulation passed at County Board meeting held on November 18th, 2025 be amended as follows 'That B and C teams be allowed partake in the County Leagues in the same manner as 2025 and that there be no change to the makeup of the various divisions after the final placings for 2025 had been decided' i.e. that promoted teams go up a division and relegated teams go down a division as in previous years.

Dr Crokes B team had won promotion to Div 4 but as a result of the Lispole motion being passed, they could not play in the county league, and would compete in a reserve league instead.

O’Neill gave an impassioned address on why, saying: “I bring this motion forward because it strengthened both club and county football in Kerry.  The decision passed in November has caused widespread player concern, not only for players from Dr Cokes, but across many clubs consulted. 

"The message from players is loud and clear from players after the November motion and that is playing football is less appealing, will damage the game in Kerry and we cannot allow that to happen.” 

O’Neill went on to outline the fact that the smaller clubs who were able to play 13-a-side in Div 6 and 7 will not be able to do so in Division 5. O’Neill’s argument was met with overwhelming support, though a number a smaller clubs spoke against.

When the motion was put to delegates it was carried by 49 votes to 24 (67%).