CPA unveils proposals for fixture issues
July 25, 2017
The CPA launch their master fixture schedule proposal © @ClubPlayerAssoc
Today at a press conference at The National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, Dublin, the Club Players Association published full details of their fixtures proposals.
At the event they called upon the GAA authorities to seize the opportunity presented by the forthcoming Special Congress to include specific motions designed to protect and preserve the Club game.
The CPA says that this must include at a minimum ring fencing April as an exclusive club only month, December as a close season and completing club competitions in a calendar year.
Micheál Briody said "The GAA is making incremental change, we had the Super 8, now hurling proposals. Let us together as an association take the opportunity presented by this Special Congress, of incidentally which there was no mention until recently, to provide real direction on fixtures and participation to club players and county officials alike.
"The system is causing antagonism and unnecessary stress with the Association. It's time to make the bold and decisive changes that are needed."
In calling for the All-Ireland club season to be completed in a calendar year, Crossmaglen player and former Armagh senior player Aaron Kernan has highlighted the problems for county teams when Club Champions are successful at All Ireland level.
Aaron said: "What people maybe don't realise is that I wanted to play and achieve success with both my club, Crossmaglen and my county. The GAA through its own competition structures and poorly designed calendar actually discriminates against the successful club player and undermines county teams. The lads at Cross wanted to play for both teams but it wasn't possible because we happened to experience success!"
Plan GREEN Proposal
Fixture list for the GAA season based on the club season is being defined as:
1. The month of April
2. From August 1st to December 1st
How would this be possible?
1. Restructuring the Provincial Championships and All Ireland Championships.
2. Setting defined windows for all counties to have their club championships completed.
3. Completing the All Ireland Club Championship in the calendar year.
New Approach
- Provincial Leagues replace National Hurling League.
- A Liam McCarthy Cup of 10 teams in groups of 5.
- A two-tier Senior Football Championship.
Plan PURPLE Proposal
Fixture list for the GAA season based on the club season is being defined as:
1. The month of April
2. From August 1st to December 31st
How would this be possible?
1. Replacing the All Ireland, Provincial Championships & National Hurling League for a new All Ireland Championship.
2. Setting defined windows for all counties to have their club championships completed.
3. Completing the All Ireland Club Championship in the calendar year.
All Ireland Championship
League Basis: The All Ireland Championships would be played on a league basis from February to June/July before the knockout stages. The top teams from the leagues play semi-finals and finals for the All Ireland. This allows for numerous home and away games and a meaningful season from start to finish.
Tiered Structure: The National Leagues are extremely popular due to their tiered structure, which has made the matches competitive and this can be maintained in the All Ireland.
April Break: The All Ireland Championships would break for the 'Club Month' of April. During this period the clubs would have 100% control of player access and no other competition would have the ability to interfere.
Plan PURPLE PLUS Proposal
Fixture list for the GAA season based on the club season is being defined as:
1. The month of April
2. From August 1st to December 31st
How would this be possible?
1. Replacing the All Ireland, Provincial Championships & National Hurling League for a new All Ireland Championship.
2. Creating a new straight knockout Provincial Cup to run alongside the All Ireland Championship
3. Setting defined windows for all counties to have their club championships completed.
4. Completing the All Ireland Club Championship in the calendar year.
All Ireland Championship
League Basis: The All Ireland Championships would be played on a league basis from February to June/July before the knockout stages. The top teams from the leagues play semi-finals and finals for the All Ireland. This allows for numerous home and away games and a meaningful season from start to finish.
Tiered Structure: The National Leagues are extremely popular due to their tiered structure, which has made the matches competitive and this can be maintained in the All Ireland.
April Break: The All Ireland Championships would break for the 'Club Month' of April. During this period the clubs would have 100% control of player access and no other competition would have the ability to interfere.
The Provincial Cup
This proposal would see the introduction of a traditional straight knockout cup tournament based on the Provincial Championships. This would culminate in provincial finals and a National Provincial Cup champion.
This tournament would be open to teams from all tiers and would run alongside the All Ireland Championship. The final would be played in Late July. This would offer teams two opportunities to win National trophies and allow for meaningful competition to be in.
This allows us to keep the historic provincial championships and also adds in the knock-out element which appeals to all GAA fans.
