No changes to championship structures for 2018 but extra-time will apply

Proposals to reduce the SFC and IFC club competitions to 16 teams each were defeated at tonight's special Co Board meeting in Dunganny.

"We discussed the matter in relation to the relegation issues and the proposed championship structures at the last Co Board meeting and it was decided to convene this meeting to finalise the matter after the clubs had an opportunity to discuss the various options," stated Co Board chairman Peter O'Halloran.

There were two separate proposals - one from Dunboyne / St Brigid's and one from the Co Board - both aimed to reduce the number of teams in the SFC and IFC and both were defeated following separate votes.
The only change that was ratified was in relation to championship semi-finals and finals - extra-time will now apply to any final that ends in a draw, this will only apply for 2018.

Clarification was sought from delegates about making amendments on the night, but it was agreed that the only options were to either accept or reject the joint-proposal from the Dunboyne / St Brigid's clubs.

Dunboyne delegate Conor Donoghue put forward the proposal and explained that the JFC would comprise 20 teams, a regional championship of eight teams, a IFC and SFC of 16 teams each.

"It's necessary to make these changes due to the extra inter-county demands on our football and hurling teams," stated the Dunboyne clubman as he asked the delegates to support the proposal with support from Michael Heery (St Brigid's).

"We are against the proposal after detailed discussions with our members and players, when we consulted with everyone it became clear that the main requirement was for specific dates for leagues and competitions," said Nobber delegate Larry McEntee.
We are not against a championship of 16 teams, but we want a proper timetable, the leagues start this weekend on poor pitches due to the weather conditions, this could be addressed with better scheduling of our overall fixture schedule," he added.

There was a lengthy submission from Carnaross delegate Malavchy Plunkett who opposed the proposal and cited the example of Louth Co Board who had to reverse a similar format.

Pat Jennings (Summerhill) spoke against the proposal and urged a review of the actual fixture scheduling. Paddy Watters (Duleek / Bellewstown) also spoke against the proposal and cited the financial implications in relation to loss of revenue for the Co Board.

St Brigid's delegate Michael Heery spoke in favour of the proposal with a patrticular emphasis on the proposed District FC and the advantages of that competition for the smaller junior clubs.

THe following clubs were not represented - Ballinlough, Clonard, Kildalkey, KIllyon, Kiltale, Longwood, St Paul's