Westmeath clubs decide to retain current age grades

By Damien Maher

Westmeath clubs voted firmly in favour of retaining the current age grades at a well-attended meeting of the County Committee in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Wednesday evening.

Following an impassioned plea by incoming Coiste na nÓg Chairman Barry Kelly to run with the status quo (under 13, U15 and U17), a lengthy debate ensued and 15 different speakers followed, most of whom supported Kelly.

There were opposing views, though and a warning from St Loman’s, Mullingar that players were being lost from minor level upwards. Delegate David Geoghegan said only three players from last year’s minor (under 17) side that contested the Division 1 championship final are now active.

“It’s at 18 that clubs are losing players,” he warned, calling for a change of current age grades with immediate effect.

With a new Coiste na nÓg for 2023 and adult leagues set to kick off next weekend, it was decided, following a vote, that Westmeath will retain the under 13, U15 and U17 grades for the current season and change to under 12, U14, U16 and U18 next year. Significantly, those who play under 18 next year will not be permitted to play adult football or hurling.

Some clubs were in favour of under 18 players being permitted to play at adult level. Rosemount’s Vinny Cox expressed the club’s support for option three of those put forward by Central Council, one that permits under 18 players to play at adult level within 60 hours of an under 18 game.

Head of Operations, Patrick Doherty, said it would be impossible for the Competitions Control Committee (CCC) in Westmeath to run fixtures on that basis. He expressed concern regarding a form, under option three, to alert players and parents of the risks around burnout and over-training, which would have to be completed before under 18 players play at adult level.

The GAA’s Central Council came in for strong criticism given the timing of their proposal. Chairman Frank Mescall said they hadn’t “covered themselves in glory” and had only put forward proposals at the 11th hour. Former Coiste na nÓg Chairman, Alan Leech, also found fault with the governing body, as did Aiden McGuire of The Downs.

However, Tom Hunt, Westmeath’s Central Council Delegate, said the proposals followed extensive consultation with all counties and the GAA had recognised that a ‘one size fits all’ approach would not work. Counties are now given permission to implement what is best for them in 2023.

Patrick Doherty also stressed that the governing body should be acknowledged for taking on board the views of the county.

Many club delegates were confused as to whether the options provided by Central Council may change again ahead of the GAA Congress next Friday and Saturday. They were assured that Central Council policy will prevail.