New U19 competition to replace U21 as regulations passed
January 14, 2020
Ratoath were the last winners of the U21 FC
Regulations mostly dealing with the new format in competitions were the main topic for discussion at last night's first county committee meeting of the new year in Dunganny.
John Gilmarin from the CCC put forward the regulations, most of which were passed without a vote.
Some of the main changes include an under-19 football championship which replaces the under-21 championship, while the number of clubs in Division 1 and Division 2 of the A Leagues will be brought back to 12 from the present 14.
At the end of the 2020 season the CCC will rebalance the A Leagues into divisions of 12 teams maximum, using the 2020 league final standings to determine the new divisions.
Chairman John Kavanagh made delegates aware that this will have a massive knock on effect on Division 3 and Division 4 teams with anything up to eight clubs being relegated.
Nobber delegate Larry McEntee proposed that the divisions be left as they are but following a vote the regulation was passed.
Skryne delegate Joseph O'Brien opposed the abolition of the U-21 football championship in favour of an U-19 competition and said there should be room on the GAA calender for both. He was supported by St
Brigid's.
Chairman John Kavanagh said there was no room for both competitions while Ciaran Flynn pointed out that at under-21 level some clubs only got one game as it was a knockout competition. Following a vote the regulation was passed by a large majority.
Clubs will have to play the cup competitions, Feis Cup, Corn na Boinne, Tailteann Cup and Brendan Davis Cup, without players involved with county teams, including finals. Games in the A League 4B can go ahead with a minimum of 13 players.
Extra time (if necessary) shall be played in all knockout matches including the final of all cup, league and championships. In the event of a draw after extra-time, all games except for senior, intermediate and junior championship finals shall be concluded by 'Finish on the Day' as set out in the Official Guide. Replays that end in a draw after extra-time shall be concluded by 'Finish on the Day.'
TJ Reilly (Boardsmill) said he was concerned that there was 10 months of activity without a break for either players or officials and said there should be a one week 'holiday period' for players.
