Alternative GAA championship debate postponed

This month's GAA annual congress will not debate any of the proposals for alternative All-Ireland Football Championship structures when officials participate in the digital format event on Saturday 27th February.

However, a Special Congress will be convened later this year to debate them as well as potential playing rule changes proposed by the Standing Committee on Playing Rules.

“Some 47 motions have been prepared for consideration and have been validated by the Rules Advisory Committee and Central Council in the normal manner,” stated GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Tom Ryan in his annual report.

“However, many of the proposals are complicated and have far-reaching consequences.

"They require careful debate, which is not best achieved in a virtual meeting.

“Included among these are the potential alternative football championship structures and the potential playing rule changes proposed by the Standing Committee on Playing Rules.

“Later this year, as soon as it is permissible and safe for us to gather again in person, we will convene a Special Congress for the specific purpose of considering these topics,” he added.

The GAA also reported a deficit at national level of €34.1m after 2020 revenue was badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019 the GAA earned €36m from gate receipts, in 2020 income from gate receipts was €3.6m

In 2019 the GAA earned €20m in commercial income, in 2020 it was €8.7m.