9 Key Takeaways from GAA Congress 2025: Major Changes and Big Decisions.
The 2025 GAA Congress in Donegal saw a host of important motions debated, with major changes confirmed for the All-Ireland football championship format, disciplinary procedures, and the inclusion of New York hurlers in the Lory Meagher Cup. Meanwhile, several high-profile motions were withdrawn for further discussion, including controversial proposals on hurling handpasses and club participation requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant moments from Congress:
1. All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Format Revamp (2026 Onward)
One of the most significant decisions at Congress was the approval of a new format for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, which will come into effect in 2026. The group phase, introduced in 2023, will be scrapped in favor of a qualifier-style knockout format.
• Why the Change? The current group stage format had been widely criticized for a lack of jeopardy, as three out of four teams in each group progressed to the knockout rounds.
• New Format:
• The eight provincial finalists and the next seven teams (based on league ranking) will qualify, along with the Tailteann Cup winners.
• These 16 teams will be randomly drawn for first-round matches.
• The eight first-round winners move to Round 2A, where they face off to determine four direct quarter-finalists.
• The eight first-round losers move to Round 2B, with four progressing to Round 3, where they will face the Round 2A losers for the remaining quarter-final spots.
• The system ensures teams get at least two chances, while increasing the competitiveness of each game.
• Overwhelming Support: The motion passed with a 92.8% approval rate.
• Final Year of the Current Format: The 2025 championship will be the last played under the group phase system.
2. No All-Ireland Final Replays in 2025
A motion proposing that All-Ireland finals go straight to a replay after normal time was withdrawn after a spirited debate.
• What This Means: The 2025 All-Ireland finals will continue with extra-time first, rather than an immediate replay.
• Provincial Finals Debate:
• Cork supported All-Ireland replays but opposed provincial final replays after extra-time.
• Donegal’s chairwoman, Mary Coughlan, pushed for provincial finals to be decided without penalties.
• Outcome: No immediate change, but discussions will continue at Special Congress.
3. Club League Participation Motion Withdrawn
A high-profile motion requiring players to play four club league games before being eligible for inter-county selection was withdrawn.
• Who Backed It? Former Dublin footballer Noel McCaffrey championed the proposal, arguing it would ensure club football remained relevant.
• Opposition: Strong resistance came from Cork and Galway.
• What’s Next? GAA President Jarlath Burns requested it be reconsidered in an amended format next year.
4. Hurling Handpass Reform Rejected
A controversial motion to reform the hurling handpass was comfortably defeated, with 67.6% voting against it.
• Proposed Change: Players would no longer be allowed to handpass using the same hand that carried the sliotar. Instead, they would have to:
• Strike with the opposite hand, or
• Bounce the ball off the hurl before striking.
• Who Pushed for It? Former Tipperary defender Conor O’Donovan (Nenagh Éire Óg) argued that current handpass techniques resemble throwing, making refereeing difficult.
• Why It Was Rejected? The majority of delegates felt the change was unnecessary and impractical.
5. Liam Griffin’s Hurling Motion Withdrawn
Wexford’s Liam Griffin, who managed the county to All-Ireland hurling glory in 1996, proposed that all dual clubs should field hurling teams from U7 to U10.
• Outcome: Griffin withdrew the motion, placing faith in the Hurling Development Committee to drive change.
6. Disciplinary Powers Strengthened
Two motions aimed at tightening GAA disciplinary procedures were passed with ease.
• What’s Changing?
• Committees can now enforce additional suspensions for serious Category III and IV infractions.
• They can also add a one-match suspension if an appeal is deemed frivolous or an abuse of process.
• Impact: These changes aim to curb unnecessary appeals and strengthen accountability.
7. New York Hurlers to Compete in Lory Meagher Cup
• The motion allowing New York hurlers to compete in the Lory Meagher Cup was passed, with 76.8% of delegates in favor.
• This marks a historic inclusion for New York, boosting overseas participation in inter-county hurling.
8. Club Facilities Motion Falls Short
A Danesfort (Kilkenny) motion proposing that GAA clubs permit other sports and community groups to use their facilities received a majority vote but failed to reach the required 60% threshold.
9. Rule Change Proposals Limited to Every Five Years—For Now
• A Sligo motion aimed at abolishing the rule that clubs can only propose playing rule changes every five years narrowly missed the 60% threshold.
• Currently, clubs can only suggest playing rule modifications at five-year intervals, limiting the frequency of major reforms.
Final Thoughts
GAA Congress 2025 delivered some landmark decisions, with a complete overhaul of the All-Ireland football championship format and strengthened disciplinary measures. Meanwhile, several key motions were withdrawn, setting the stage for further debate at Special Congress.
• The new football championship format is designed to increase competitiveness and reduce dead-rubber games.
• The debate over replays continues, with some counties divided on whether penalties should decide provincial titles.
• The hurling handpass rule remains unchanged, as delegates rejected the proposed reform.
• The inclusion of New York hurlers in the Lory Meagher Cup is a big step forward for overseas teams.
With motions like club league participation rules and facilities for other sports still under discussion, it’s clear that the GAA’s evolving landscape will remain a hot topic in the years ahead.