The Donegal GAA County Board has this afternoon said it will look at the ‘possibility’ of returning to even number juvenile age grades for 2024.
Last night, the executive voted unanimously to stick with the status quo of odd number grades for this season.
The grades, U13, U15 and U17, have been unpopular since they were first introduced a number of years ago.
However, the board released a statement this afternoon explaining the rationale behind last night’s decision and hinting at a return to even numbers next year.
Club delegates made the decision following consideration of a report from the GAA National Task Force, which recommends that no player should have to play an Adult and U18 game within 60 hours of each other and requested County CCC’s to adhere to this policy,” a County Board spokesperson said.
“Many delegates felt that clubs haven’t been preparing for that (even numbers) scenario in 2023 and have already got their underage management teams in place. The impact of moving to a full schedule of u18 games and the restrictions on adult fixtures was also considered.
“For these reasons, it was decided to remain with the uneven age grades for 2023 and to look at the possibility of running an under 18 competition when the u17 competition has been completed and return fully to even age grades in 2024.”
A number of counties, including Tyrone this week, have voted for change amid concern over the gap between U-17 and adult competition being too great and impacting on player retention.
Tyrone also voted to allow 18 year olds to play adult football. Derry are to meet on the issue next Monday night.
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