This weekend’s GAA Congress in Donegal will focus on a potential new football championship structure and the possible return of provincial and All-Ireland replays, but several notable hurling motions are also on the agenda.
Europe’s Bid for the Lory Meagher Cup
One of the most intriguing proposals comes from Maastricht GAA, which has called for Rule 6.12 (C) to be amended to allow European teams to compete in the Lory Meagher Cup from 2026.
If passed, the proposal would require annual approval by the Central Council, following recommendations from the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC).
Meanwhile, a separate motion from the Central Council and CCCC aims to introduce New York GAA to this year’s Lory Meagher Cup.
- The proposed format would feature six teams in a round-robin structure.
- Each county would play three home games and two away games, with locations rotating every year.
- The top team would qualify directly for the final, while the second-place team would face New York in a semi-final in Ireland.
Push for Underage Hurling Growth
A motion from St Mary’s, Rosslare, the home club of hurling great Liam Griffin, seeks to expand hurling participation at the grassroots level.
The club is proposing that every GAA club in Ireland must field at least one hurling team at the Under-7, Under-8, Under-9, or Under-10 levels.
- A similar motion failed in 2022, receiving only 34.6% support.
- The new proposal includes a €250 fine for non-compliance, which would double each consecutive year a club fails to introduce underage hurling.
Griffin, a longtime advocate for hurling development, argues that players worldwide can take up the sport, yet in some parts of Ireland, they do not have the opportunity.
New GAA Head of Hurling Willie Maher has recently suggested introducing grants for start-up clubs, which could help the motion gain traction this time.
Handpass Rule Under Scrutiny
Another major hurling motion comes from Nenagh Éire Óg, the club of two-time All-Ireland winner Conor O’Donovan.
Since 2018, O’Donovan has campaigned for the GAA to enforce stricter regulations on hand-passing, arguing that the current rule is being abused.
His club has proposed an amendment to Rule 4.2, suggesting that a player should not be allowed to transfer the ball from the holding hand.
- Alternatives would include passing with the non-holding hand or executing a handpass only after first bouncing the ball on the hurley.
- O’Donovan’s motion has gained support from multiple counties, making it a topic of debate at Congress.
Key Decisions Ahead
While much of the focus at this year’s Congress will be on football’s future structure, these hurling motions could have a lasting impact on the sport.
With growing calls for wider participation, stricter rule enforcement, and greater opportunities for international teams, this weekend’s decisions could shape the future of hurling at home and abroad.
