Potential alterations to Mayo Championships dictate Convention discourse

Every year at the Mayo GAA Convention, motions taken to the floor by clubs bring with them plenty of response from other delegates, and 2025 was no different.

With every club across the county represented in St John’s Centre in the shadow of the Knock Basilica, many had their say on the impact of potential changes all twelve motions might set in train.

Motions Two and Three, which related to the introduction of ‘B’ sides for senior clubs with over 75 playing members into the intermediate championship, generated the most discussion.

Westport representative Willie McDonagh pitched this motion, stating that the current state of affairs left 40 of his club’s players not in a position to play competitive football after August each year.

The motion had a degree of support from the room, though many concerns were raised.

Knockmore’s delegate, Philip Breslin, broadly backed the motion, but disagreed with the premise of the 75-player quota.

Paddy McNicholas, the new Connacht Council delegate, welcomed the motion on the basis that it would bring football to players later in the year.

However, in his opinion, questions would linger regarding how many sides would need to be relegated from intermediate ranks to make room for the added teams. The other issue, per McNicholas, was the potential lack of support for this notion should it be brought before Connacht Council.

The other issue raised would be the implications on the last round of the group stages of the competition where B teams who couldn’t be relegated and weren’t in a position to win the competition might have little interest in winning their game.

Con Moynihan, Central Council delegate, echoed the sentiment that, while the motion had validity, the discussion would go higher. Separately, he mooted the notion of a provincial and national ‘B’ Championship.

Chairman, Seamus Touhy, said that while the motion had merit, a lot of kinks would need to be ironed out, and that vice-chairman Michael Diskin and a sub-committee would explore alternatives for ‘B’ footballers.

These weren’t the only motions which explored suitable options for those not playing for ‘A’ sides late into the year.

Motion Four, from Crossmolina, proposed the Premier Junior Championships being played on alternate weekends, while Motion Eleven from Kiltimagh related to a competition for those who had not played senior, intermediate and junior championship to be played on alternate weekends.

Tooreen objected to Motion Four on the basis that the Premier Junior Championship would then impede on the ‘hurling-only’ weekends of the year, and the motion was referred to the CCC, as was Motion Eleven.

Another alteration to the existing Championships was brought by Aghamore, who proposed the introduction of preliminary quarter-finals at senior and intermediate level.

John Farragher of Garrymore voiced his approval, labelling the move as a potential ‘ray of sunshine’. Shane Quinn, the outgoing chairman of West Mayo, explained a lot of negatives to the proposal, including a situation in Galway where games needed to be played in midweek to combat the congestion caused by the hurling championship.

Ballyhaunis delegate William Nestor also expressed concern with regards to the calendar for dual players, while Parke’s delegate Padraic Carolan said that he is yet to meet a player who disagrees with the motion, adding that the idea of ‘flogging it out’ while an opponent waits in the last-eight is even more of an incentive to finish top of the group.

Ultimately, the motion was referred to the CCC, but not before a show of hands indicated that a large number of delegates were in favour of the motion.

Davitts proposed an increase to the Injury Benefit Fund from the current maximum payout of €5,500. In 2025, every incident of an ACL or meniscus injury within the club will surpass the current cap.

Fears were expressed that should the Injury Benefit Fund increase, the market may react accordingly. Davitts accepted this and said they would wait for the Ard Comhairle review of the fund.

Motion Five, suggesting the removal of the smaller arc, and Motion Six on the wording of the rule surrounding the awarding of a two-point score in error, both from Hollymount-Carramore, could not be implemented until 2030, the end of the trial rules cycle.

aturday, in a presentation speech after the U-21C football final in MacHale Park vice-chairman of Mayo GAA, Michael Diskin, said a huge amount of matches had been played in the venue and the pitch needed urgent remedial work.

This all comes at a time when hurling in Mayo faces somewhat of an uncertain future after three of the county's leading officials stepped away.

Chairman, Seán Ó Raghallaigh, secretary, Trevor Kelly, and PRO, Ann McGahon informed Mayo GAA that they will not be seeking another term in their positions.