Ep. 189 – County Committee Meeting Updates

Episode 189 of The Premier View Podcast dives deep into one of the biggest administrative changes in Tipperary GAA in recent years. The county has officially voted to return to even age grades, a move that brings Tipperary back in line with the vast majority of the country. From 2025 onward, club championships will run at under 12, under 14, under 16, and minor reverting to under 18,following last weeks County Committee meeting.

The decision passed comfortably at the recent County Board meeting in Thurles. Two motions were on the floor, one from Bórd na nÓg for 2027 and one from the CCC for immediate adoption. The Bórd na nÓg motion was ruled out of order because the meeting was dealing solely with the 2026 championships, leaving the CCC proposal to proceed. While the status quo of odd ages technically had a proposer and seconder, there was no debate or speaking in favour of it. In truth, there was no real contest. Tipp is now back in step with almost every other county, with only four still operating odd ages.

One of the biggest practical benefits is the ability to organise proper challenge matches again. Tipp management teams have struggled in recent years because neighbouring counties were all at under 18, making challenge fixtures impossible without splitting squads or drafting in younger players. This change removes that headache immediately.

However, the move brings new complications. While club minor returns to under 18, inter-county minor remains at under 17 for now. Kerry have a motion to Congress to re-establish minor at under 18 from 2027, and that is likely to attract strong support. If that happens, fresh scheduling challenges will emerge. An under 18 inter-county minor grade creates knock-on effects with adult fixtures, divisional championships, and college commitments as many 18-year-olds move away in September. The issue of whether under 20 squads lose 18-year-olds, who currently can play under 20 even when minor is under 17, is another complication that will need national clarity.

Fixture pressure is also growing. All-Ireland finals are expected to move back by a week for hurling and two weeks for football, which squeezes the club calendar even further. If Tipp minors or 20s embark on an All-Ireland run, July could become unplayable for club championships. Divisional boards, however, have a strong track record of adapting, and while there will be teething problems, counties always find solutions.

The November County Board meeting also brought significant administrative news. Donie Nealon has been proposed as the new President of the Tipperary County Board, a fitting honour for a man who has served Tipp at every level as player, administrator, and coach. Two further stalwarts, Len Gaynor and Michael O’Brien, were named honorary life members, recognising decades of service.

Finally, Tipperary have officially nominated Ger Ryan for the GAA presidency. A hugely respected figure, Ryan has served as PRO of both Tipperary and Munster Council, chaired Munster Council, and currently leads the Semple Stadium committee. If successful, he would become Tipperary’s fourth Uachtarán, following Maurice Davin, Seamus O’Riain, and Seamus Gardiner.

Episode 189 brings clarity, context, and reaction to a pivotal set of decisions that will shape Tipperary GAA for years to come.