THE VERY existence of clubs could be at risk if 18-year-olds aren’t permitted to line out for their adult teams, according to outing Limerick GAA Chairman John Cregan.
At national level, there is a strong belief that an imminent return to ‘even age’ grades is on the cards for young players.
However, in an interview with the Irish Examiner, Cregan said the terms of decoupling minor and adult may have to be altered should the minor grade be restored from under-17 to under-18.
“Senior clubs, with their numbers, would obviously be able to abide with the current norm but in many instances smaller, rural clubs would be dependent on their 18-year-olds playing adult”, he explained.
“That’s the conundrum we’re all facing presently. You also have to consider the fixtures issue attached to this too if decoupling is done away with. At the end of the day, we have to balance keeping the clubs in existence and that would have to become a priority.”
Cregan is in the final year of a successful five-year at the helm of Limerick GAA, with vice-chairman Seamus McNamara (Fr Casey’s) and Granagh/Ballngarry’s Seamus Twomey declared as candidates to succeed the Dromcollogher/Broadford official.
Wayne Fitzgerald of Gerald Griffins is unopposed to replace Gerry Phillips as Limerick Football Committee Chairperson.
