GAA's new inter-county certification programme to soft launch in 2027

Speaking in June, GAA president Jarlath Burns said he had asked president-elect Derek Kent (pictured) to head up the committee charged with implementing the measures. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

The GAA’s new inter-county certification programme is expected to have a soft launch for the 2027 season.

County teams must adhere to a series of stipulations to be permitted to compete in next year’s National League and championships.

The motion to introduce a licensing agreement required a simple majority at last February’s Annual Congress. Although there was unease about the lack of detail, it received just over 59% support.

The first season of the initiative will be “light touch”, according to a GAA source. 

Eventually, teams will have to provide information such as GPS data and comply with maximum expenditure limits and a limit of 10 paid backroom team members. Inter-county managers will also have to take induction courses.

Speaking in June, GAA president Jarlath Burns said he had asked president-elect Derek Kent to head up the committee charged with implementing the measures.

“Essentially, I think it is going to be Derek’s job, or privilege, to have this as a major aspect of his presidency,” said Burns. “It is something we want. There is some low-lying fruit there with regards to things we can do and we can impose.

“We want to go about this methodically and correctly. It is a big change for the Association. We are moving on from governance into regulatory powers and we want to do so with the full support of counties. As you can see, I just about got it over the line. I don’t want to turn it into a spectre. I want counties to see that this is ultimately there to help them.” 

Prior to its success at Congress, Burns’ former county team-mate and Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney had questioned the certification programme. 

“It’s the same way they keep talking about the inter-county spend, and I said to (GAA director-general) Tom Ryan, I’ve said it to Jarlath, they don't spend that money. They keep the money and they give it out, and we've never had an issue with that.

“But we raise the money we spent, not them. And if they're looking for licences, I think they could maybe look a wee bit closer to the county boards, and for the people in those positions. I’m sure that will be a popular thing out there, but I don't know who they're going to blame when they have no county managers to look at.” 

Meanwhile, the GAA are expected to give the go-ahead to the Kerry-Mayo challenge game in Saracens’ StoneX Stadium in London on November 28. 

Although challenge games are not permitted until December 1, the three-day difference and special element attached to the rerun of this year’s All-Ireland SFC final at the 10,500-capacity venue is expected to see the fixture approved.

It could be approved by the GAA’s Management Committee later this month or Central Council when they next sit on Saturday, October 3 when the championship fixture dates are set to be signed off.

Central Council will decide if the Joe McDonagh Cup concludes on All-Ireland semi-final weekend in July or retains its place as the Leinster decider curtain-raiser in June.