The GAA’s annual congress was held this past weekend.
One of the proposals put forward, by Wexford GAA, was to stay with the U20 age grade at the inter-county level but ease restrictions to allow players to play both U20 and senior, albeit for only one of those teams in any seven-day period. That motion was passed at 82% in favour with 18% against.
See also: GAA Congress happened at the weekend – so what big changes are we looking at for 2024?
For example, under the old ruling, Limericks Cathal O’Neill, Corks Ciaran Joyce, and Galway players Tiernan Killeen and Gavin Lee were ruled out of the u20 championship last year after participating in the senior championship for their counties. Critics of this rule included Limericks John Kiely and Kilkenny’s own Martin Fogarty
Speaking after Kilkenny’s victory over Tipperary in FBD Semple stadium last weekend, Under 20 All Ireland winner and Current Kilkenny Senior manager Derek Lyng said the decision made at congress won’t make much of a difference;
See also: “We have to up the performances now” Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng looks ahead to clash with laois
“It is a funny one, because looking at the fixtures, it is not going to make it any easier. I don’t know if it really cleared up anything, to be honest.”
“I would prefer if they were allowed to play both, but the fixtures don’t allow for that. Maybe in the earlier rounds, but if someone is playing on one team they can’t turn around within seven days and play. So we will cross that bridge when it comes.”
Kilkenny will take on Laois this Sunday, and you can listen to that game Live on KCLR, with coverage starting at 1.30 pm. Don’t forget KCLR is the only place where you can hear full live commentaries of all of Kilkenny’s Walsh Cup, Allianz National Hurling League, Leinster championship, and All-Ireland series games in 2023.
Listen back to the full interview below on Scoreline Extra:
