*Cillian McGroary in action against Gearoid Keane in this year’s Minor A final. Photograph: Burren Eye Photography

Major changes to the age-groups of GAA underage club teams are to be introduced across the country including Co Clare from 2021.

Clubs in Clare received confirmation from both the underage football and hurling wings of Clare GAA on Thursday night that the changes would come into play next year after the Association received clarification from Croke Park earlier on Thursday.

Association policy now stipulates that counties operate U13, U15, U17 age-grades as “a minimum requirement”. An option to play grades such as U12, U14, U16 and U18 in addition exists provided there is consultation with the Central Games Development Committee. Counties are expected to have one grade above U17 and below adult level.

In a joint statement to clubs, Pat Gavin and Anne Hayes, the respective secretaries of Coiste na nÓg Iomáint and Coiste na nÓg Peil said of the development, “This has come as a huge shock to us in Coiste na nÓg and we will be now asking the County Board to put a structure in place to plan for this change”.

Further information is expected to be issued to clubs in the coming weeks.

Croke Park officials in correspondence to outgoing Clare GAA GDO Sean Chaplin stressed “the option to seek derogation will not exist in 2021”.

Related News

donna mcgettigan 1
Abnormal rental prices in Clare says McGettigan
donald trump 2
Trump 'more than welcome' in Doonbeg for Irish Open says Agriculture Minister
inagh bus stop bike shelter 1
Inagh named Ireland's Greenest village
Burren centre
Burren Visitor Centre celebrates 50 years of history and heritage
Latest News
naomh eoin v clondegad 12-10-24 sean mcallister sean bonfil 1
Clondegad cruise past Naomh Eoin to qualify for Clare IFC semi-finals
cratloe v ennistymon 14-09-25 diarmuid ryan 1
Cratloe claim victory over Ennistymon following extra-time excitement
st josephs doora barefield v kilmurry ibrickane 14-09-25 diarmuid boyle james curran 1
Parish produce big second half pump to knock out Kilmurry Ibrickane
court yard lanters 1-2
Gort Arts to host exhibition at Kennedy studio for Culture Night
clondegad v o'currys 28-09-24 michael foran 1
O'Currys relegated to Junior A ranks for first time since 95 following Ennistymon loss
Premium
Wind in Corofin's sails to bounce back to top tier after quarter-final win over Gaels
Cooraclare cause big shock to knock Kilrush out of intermediate championship
Glory for Kilmihil in relegation final as Wolfe Tones drop back down to intermediate
Éire Óg qualify for Clare SFC semi-finals to keep double bid alive
Lissycasey lead the way beating St Breckans to claim first semi-final place

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.