The GAA’s Central Council has decided against a return to having the All-Ireland minor football and hurling championship finals before the senior deciders at Croke Park, saying that it is “not currently feasible”.

The last time the All-Ireland MFC and MHC finals preceded the senior showpieces at Croke Park was in 2019, with the traditional practice changing after the minor grade switched from U18 to U17.

Last year’s All-Ireland minor football final saw Tyrone defeating Kerry in Newbridge while the minor hurling decider, which saw Waterford victorious over Clare, was played in Thurles.

This morning’s meeting of the Ard Chomhairle saw the following bulletin released, which also confirmed that inter-county players will be permitted to return to training for the 2027 season on November 20th.

“At today’s meeting of Ard Chomhairle a report examining the possible alignment of minor and senior All-Ireland finals was presented and adopted,” the statement read.

“It proposed, that while keeping an open attitude to the staging of curtain raisers before finals, the possible fixing of minor finals before senior finals, as was previously the practice, is not currently feasible.

“Pre-match arrangements centred around the ‘Warm Up Show’ as per recent years, will continue.

“The GPA presented a synopsis of its activities, including a financial overview of its operations.

“Friday, November 20th was agreed as the date for return to training for inter-county players before the 2027 season.”

#GAA news: Ard Chomhairle has issued a press release following this morning's meeting. #GAABelong https://t.co/qS9f1FtQde

— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 30, 2026

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