GAA Congress 2026: A Complete Guide to All 25 Motions, What They Mean and Why They Matter
The 2026 GAA Annual Congress takes place this weekend in Croke Park, and as always, the real business of Congress lies in the motions.
These proposals, submitted by counties, clubs and Central Council, will determine how the Association is governed, how championships are structured, how players qualify, how referees are protected and even how many players can line out on a team.
What follows is a detailed, plain English breakdown of all 25 motions, who submitted them, what exactly is changing in the rulebook and what the real world impact could be for clubs, counties and players.
This guide is written to be clear and accessible, while also going deep enough for those who follow GAA governance closely.
MOTION 1
Submitted by: Meath County Committee
What is being proposed?
This motion amends Rule 3.9 on elections of county officers. Currently, if a person serves five years in a specific officership, they must step away and cannot immediately serve another term. They can return after five years out of the role.
Meath are proposing a more nuanced system. Instead of only counting consecutive years, service would be calculated cumulatively. For every year you hold the office, one year is credited. For every year you are not in the role, one year is deducted, but the total cannot fall below zero.
Additionally, if someone is elected “in term” less than 26 weeks before Convention, that period will not count as a full year.
Why does this matter?
This gives flexibility to counties who may rely on experienced administrators but also want to avoid indefinite control of key positions. It allows someone to step away briefly and return without resetting the entire clock.
It is a governance reform that balances continuity with renewal.
MOTION 2
Submitted by: Sean Leithghlinn, Carlow
What is being proposed?
This motion amends Rule 3.40 on the composition of Central Council. It seeks to add a voting representative from GAA Rounders to Ard Chomhairle.
Why does this matter?
GAA Rounders is one of the Association’s recognised codes, but it does not currently have voting representation at the highest governance level.
If passed, this strengthens inclusivity across codes and formally recognises Rounders within the core decision making structure of the GAA.
MOTION 3
Submitted by: Kilteely-Dromkeen, Limerick
What is being proposed?
This motion changes the definition of a “First Club” under Rule 6.2.
Currently, a player’s first club is determined once they play at Under 12 or above. The proposal lowers that threshold to Under 10, including Go Games.
Why does this matter?
A player’s first club has significant implications for transfers and eligibility.
Lowering the age to Under 10 effectively ties players to a club earlier. In urban areas with multiple clubs, this could reduce later movement. In rural areas, it may create complications where underage structures merge or combine.
It is a seemingly small age change, but it could affect hundreds of transfer cases annually.
MOTION 4
Submitted by: Kerry County Committee
What is being proposed?
This motion addresses Rule 6.7 on playing restrictions.
Currently, if a club does not field a team at Under 21 or younger, a player may join an Independent Team or a combined team, often under a name that does not reflect an adult club.
Kerry propose allowing that player to simply play with another club at that age grade, subject to County Committee approval.
Why does this matter?
This simplifies administration. Instead of creating artificial “independent” teams, players can join existing clubs directly for that year.
For smaller clubs who cannot field at certain grades, this could ensure young players continue playing without bureaucratic obstacles.
MOTION 5
Submitted by: Clontarf, Dublin
What is being proposed?
Clontarf propose amending Rule 6.8 to introduce an eight game requirement for senior inter county championship eligibility.
To play senior championship in 2028, a player must have played at least eight competitive club league or championship games in 2027.
There are exemptions for injury and counties may decide how to implement it.
Why does this matter?
This is one of the most significant club v county motions in years.
It strengthens the club first principle and ensures inter county players contribute meaningfully to their clubs.
For elite county panels with heavy training schedules, this may force counties to align fixtures more carefully.
MOTION 6
Submitted by: Laois County Committee
This is a two part motion.
Part 1, All Ireland Senior Hurling Championship
The proposal removes the preliminary quarter finals.
Instead:
- Munster third place plays Leinster runner up
- Leinster third place plays Munster runner up
This effectively streamlines the pathway to the semi finals.
Part 2, Joe McDonagh Cup
Under the new format:
- 1st place qualifies directly for the final
- 2nd and 3rd meet in a semi final
- 2nd place has home advantage
Why does this matter?
For the Liam McCarthy Cup, it reduces fixture congestion and rewards provincial consistency.
It significantly reshapes the structure of Tier 1 and Tier 2 hurling.
MOTION 7
Submitted by: Tempo Maguires, Fermanagh
What is being proposed?
This amends Rule 6.15 to ensure that All Ireland minor finals are played in Croke Park as curtain raisers to senior finals.
Why does this matter?
The motions wants to restore prestige to minor finals and guarantees young players a Croke Park experience on senior final day.
Bound to be strongly opposed by a large number of Counties who see the benefit of a standalone fixture.
MOTION 8
Submitted by: Gaelic Players Association
What is being proposed?
A new Rule 6.16 limiting the senior inter county playing season to 30 competition weekends per year.
The only exception is an All Ireland final replay.
Why does this matter?
This is a player welfare motion.
It caps the length of the inter county season, potentially restricting the addition of new competitions and forcing tighter scheduling discipline.
MOTION 9
Submitted by: Abbeylara, Longford
What is being proposed?
Clarifies that referees and match officials shall not attend disciplinary hearings or give oral evidence.
Why does this matter?
It protects officials from cross examination and reinforces that written reports stand as primary evidence.
Given ongoing concerns about referee recruitment and retention, this is significant.
MOTION 10
Submitted by: Abbeylara, Longford
What is being proposed?
Clarifies when appeal decisions take effect. If no appeal is lodged, the decision stands after the appeal window. If an appeal is lodged, the decision stands once that appeal is resolved.
Why does this matter?
It removes ambiguity around suspension start dates and procedural timing.
MOTION 11
Submitted by: Castledaly, Westmeath
What is being proposed?
Instead of 12 members calling a Special General Meeting, it would require 10 percent of adult membership or 25 members, whichever is greater.
Why does this matter?
In larger clubs, this raises the bar significantly. In smaller clubs, the impact may vary.
It strengthens governance stability by preventing very small groups from triggering formal meetings.
MOTION 12
Submitted by: Central Council
What is being proposed?
Changes to the Management Committee composition to ensure structured female representation, with at least three provincial female appointments from 2027 onward.
Why does this matter?
It formalises gender balance at central level and reflects broader equality goals within the Association.
MOTION 13
Submitted by: Central Council
What is being proposed?
Provincial senior finals replays.
Why does this matter?
The opportunity to have Provincial Final Replays which may in turn further impact the inter County Calendar.
MOTION 14
Submitted by: Central Council
What is being proposed?
Moves All Ireland finals to be played by the 32nd Sunday of the year, effectively shifting them two weeks later into August.
No inter county competitions before the 4th Sunday of the year.
Clubs from counties reaching All Ireland finals receive a bye in provincial club championships.
Why does this matter?
This is a major calendar shift.
And the big motion at this Congress, Many Counties have already signalled that they will vote against this proposal,may well be withdrawn before a vote.
MOTION 15
Submitted by: Central Council and Amateur Status Review Committee
What is being proposed?
Introduces an Inter County Certification Programme.
Counties must meet standards in governance, player welfare, amateur compliance and financial oversight to participate in senior inter county competitions.
A new Certification, Governance and Oversight Committee would oversee compliance.
Why does this matter?
This is one of the biggest structural reforms proposed at Congress 2026.
It introduces formal accountability standards and potential sanctions for non compliance.
MOTION 16
Submitted by: Central Council and Amateur Status Review Committee
What is being proposed?
Rewords Rule 1.8 on Amateur Status.
It clarifies:
- Expense payments must not create tax liability
- Personal endorsements are allowed
- Full time training is prohibited
- Minimum 24 week suspension for breaches
Why does this matter?
It modernises the amateur definition while acknowledging commercial realities for elite players.
MOTION 17
Submitted by: Central Council and CCCC
What is being proposed?
Adjusts New York’s participation in hurling tiers.
If promoted, no team is relegated that year. New York must win a semi final within three years or face automatic relegation.
Why does this matter?
It protects competitive integrity while supporting overseas participation.
MOTION 18
Submitted by: Central Council and Hurling Development Committee
Alternative proposal to remove preliminary quarter finals.
If Motion 6 passes, this will not be heard.
MOTION 19
Submitted by: Central Council, Hurling Development Committee and Standing Committee on Playing Rules
What is being proposed?
Introduces a 30 metre advancement of free for dissent in hurling.
At Under 18 and below, a black card sin bin applies.
Team official dissent results in a free on the 20m line.
Why does this matter?
This mirrors football’s dissent crackdown and aims to improve respect for referees in hurling.
MOTION 20
Submitted by: Central Council and Demographics Committee
What is being proposed?
Allows County Committees flexibility in recognising clubs under Central Council policy to reflect changing demographics.
Why does this matter?
Supports club restructuring in rural decline or urban expansion areas.
MOTION 21
Submitted by: Central Council and Demographics Committee
What is being proposed?
Allows committees to reduce teams to as low as 12 a side, with a minimum of 11 outfield players.
Why does this matter?
Vital for small rural clubs struggling for numbers.
MOTION 22
Submitted by: Central Council and Development CCC
What is being proposed?
Expands Development CCC membership and gives authority to conduct annual operational reviews of U17 and younger competitions.
Why does this matter?
Increases oversight at underage level and strengthens governance of blitzes and development structures.
MOTION 23
Submitted by: Central Council and Rules Advisory Committee
What is being proposed?
Grants Central Council final authority to interpret Rules and Codes until ratified at Congress.
Why does this matter?
Speeds up rule clarification and strengthens central governance.
MOTION 24
Submitted by: Central Council and Rules Advisory Committee
What is being proposed?
Clarifies the definition of Permanent Residence, excluding school attendance alone as sufficient.
Why does this matter?
Closes loopholes in transfers and residency claims.
MOTION 25
Submitted by: Central Council and Rules Advisory Committee
What is being proposed?
Allows online applications for transfers within a county.
Why does this matter?
Administrative modernisation and increased transparency.
Final Analysis: What Congress 2026 Is Really About
The motions at Congress 2026 fall into five main themes:
- Governance reform and certification
- Player welfare and season control
- Strengthening amateur status
- Protecting referees and officials
- Supporting small clubs and demographic flexibility
Several motions, particularly 5, 6, 14, 15 and 19, could have long lasting structural impact.
Congress 2026 is not just about minor rule tweaks. It is about governance tightening, player welfare protection, calendar restructuring and modernising the Association for the next decade.
For anyone involved in club administration, inter county management, player welfare or rules interpretation, this Congress will shape the GAA landscape in meaningful ways.