Coiste Chontae Liatroma Meeting – 12 Jan 26 – How the Motions Fared
The first meeting of Coiste Chontae Liatroma 2026 took place last Monday night and dealt with the competition motions that were referred forward from the Convention Clár in December. How the motions were received is outlined below:
Club Championships
Motion 1
2026 Senior Football Championship
Senior Football Championship to consist of 8 teams with each team playing a total of 4 games at the round-robin stage. A The draw to factor in that each club to have two home and two away games. A predetermined matrix to decide the order of the four rounds and the draw to determine each team’s placing in the matrix. Teams can only play a team once in the group stages. After the round-robin games are complete the top 2 teams with the highest number of points automatically qualify for the semi-finals with the teams that finish 3rd to 6th to play off in the quarter-finals. (3rd plays 6th, 4th plays 5th). At semi-final stage the 2 top ranked teams, after the group stages, to be placed on opposite sides of the draw. The teams finishing 7th and 8th to play in the relegation final with the defeated team to be relegated to IFC 2027.
The draw to take place after the conclusion of the ACL Division 1/2 Finals.
2026 Intermediate Football Championship
Intermediate Football Championship to consist of 8 teams with each team playing a total of 4 games at the round-robin stage. A The draw to factor in that each club to have two home and two away games. A predetermined matrix to decide the order of the four rounds and the draw to determine each team’s placing in the matrix. Teams can only play a team once in the group stages. After the round-robin games are complete the top 2 teams with the highest number of points automatically qualify for the semi-finals with the teams that finish 3rd to 6th to play off in the quarter-finals. (3rd plays 6th, 4th plays 5th). At semi-final stage the 2 top ranked teams, after the group stages, to be placed on opposite sides of the draw. The teams finishing 7th and 8th to play in the relegation final with the defeated team to be relegated to JFC A 2027.
The draw to take place after the conclusion of the ACL Division 1/2 Finals.
Current Competition Regulations to be amended accordingly.
Coiste Chontae Liatroma
Result: Approved
Motion 2
Restructuring of Senior and Intermediate Championship Format
That Leitrim GAA restructures the Senior and Intermediate Championship as follows:
Recognizing the need to enhance competition structure and maintain fairness, this Executive Meeting calls on Leitrim GAA to implement a new format for the Senior and Intermediate Championship involving 8 teams divided into 2 groups of 4 teams each as detailed below:
- Group composition to be drawn as Group A and Group B, consisting of: • Finalists (Senior and Intermediate) • Beaten Semi-finalists • Beaten Quarterfinalists • Relegation Final winner and Intermediate Champions
- Each team in Group A will play all teams in Group B, resulting in each team playing 4 games.
- The games will preserve the 2 Home / 2 Away format from previous years.
- At the end of the Round Robin series: • The top 2 teams from each group advance to the Semi-Finals. • Team 2 from Group A will play Team 3 from Group B, and Team 2 from Group B will play Team 3 from Group A in the Quarterfinals.
- The bottom team in each group will contest the Relegation Final.
- The Top 2 teams will be seeded for the Semi-Final draw.
Rationale: • To provide a balanced and competitive championship structure. • Preserves the traditional home and away balance ensuring fairness. • Introduces clear progression and relegation pathways based on performance. • Enhances competitive opportunity for teams through increased matches in a structured format. • Encourages engagement and interest across the championship season.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
Motion amended to a version that was largely similar to Motion 1 but to include seeding as outlined above
Result: Defeated
Motion 3
Proposal to move the U20 championship to a later date.
Propose to run the U20 championship after the Senior/Intermediate/Junior championships have concluded, this will free up all eligible players. Games can played on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ballinamore Sean O Heslin’s
Result: Defeated
Motion 4
Scheduling of the U20 Championship Before County U20s begin
That Leitrim GAA schedules the U20 Championship to be played before the commencement of the County U20s
Recognising the benefits of scheduling the U20 Championship prior to the start of the County20s, this Executive Meeting calls on Leitrim GAA to arrange the U20 Championship fixtures to be completed before the county team campaign begins. This scheduling will ensure full availability of players for the U20 competition, allow county management to attend and assess games more effectively, and provide much-needed assistance with officiating through the availability of referees during this period.
Rationale:
- Ensures full player availability for the U20 Championship without conflicts with adult or county commitments, this will also lead to less walkovers.
- Allows County management to observe and evaluate U20 players ahead of the campaign. Supports the wellbeing of volunteer players who balance sport with other commitments, also stops the need for players to play up to 3 games in the same week
- Helps address referee availability at a busy time of year by spreading fixtures more evenly.
- Allows clubs to arrange training of the squad without impacting on adult or county teams.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
Result: Defeated
Club Leagues
Motion 1
For the 2026 League playing season and beyond, ACL Leagues Divisions 1-3 to be played through as follows, taking into consideration the 2025 results:
Division 1 8 Teams
Division 2 8 Teams
Division 3 7 Teams
Phase 1
Each Team to play each other once in the normal round-robin format. For each of these games 2 points to be awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw. The draw for this phase to be take place every two years with reverse matrix to decide fixtures in year two of the cycle. Each team will have a maximum of four home games and a minimum of three in Divisions 1 and 2, and three home and three away games in Division 3.
Phase 2
Divisions 1 and 2: At the conclusion of Phase 1, three additional fixtures to be built in to conclude the league series. Points earned in Phase 1 to be carried forward. For each of these games 3 points to be awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw. Team placed in the odd numbered league placings to play each other and the teams in the even numbered league placings to play each other also. In this phase each team will play a home and away game in Rounds 1 and 2. A draw conducted by CCC Liatroma will decide the home venues for Round 3. Teams will play 10 games in total between Phase 1 and 2 combined. At the conclusion of Phase 2 the teams in first and second place shall contest the league final and shall be deemed to be promoted. The teams that finish in the two lowest places in the table shall be relegated.
Division 3: At the conclusion of Phase 1, four additional fixtures to be built in to conclude the league series. For each of these games 3 points to be awarded for a win, 1 point for a draw. Points earned in Phase 1 to be carried forward. These additional fixtures to be decided by a preordained matrix that will involve playing the first 4 rounds of said matrix together with a wrap up round that involves the teams which had byes in Rounds 1 through 4 guaranteeing 10 league games in total across both phases combined, 5 home and 5 away games for each team.
At the conclusion of Phase 2 the teams in first and second place shall contest the league final and shall be deemed to be promoted. There will be no relegation from Division 3 and no promotion from Reserve 1.
In all of the above League series GAA Code 11.1 TO 2025 shall be used to determine table placings in the event of ties at the conclusion of Phase 1. Competition Regulations shall determine the table placings in the event of ties after the conclusion of Phase 2.
Current Competition Regulations to be amended accordingly.
Footnote: The ideology behind this motion is that that Phase 1 will, in the main, overlap the Inter County playing season. Phase 2 should take place after the conclusion of the Inter County Playing season.
Coiste Chontae Liatroma.
Result: Approved
Motion 2
To Remove the Reserve League
That Leitrim GAA gets rid of the Reserve league and is replaced with a division 1 to 5 League
Text of Motion: Recognising the importance of competitiveness and providing opportunities for club teams to develop and grow, this Executive Meeting calls on Leitrim GAA to replace the reserve league and replace with a straightforward Div 1 to 5 league format. This option will encourage teams to strive for success while promoting their progress and strengthening the overall standard of football competitions within the county. We suggest the following as a starting point for grading: All 8 teams in Senior championship play Division 1 League. All 8 teams in Intermediate Championship play Div 2 League. 12 teams in Jun A championship play Div3 League Divisions 4&5 to be made up of remaining teams. All league winners promoted to higher division for the following year, with lowest placed team relegated
Rationale: • Promotes competitiveness by rewarding success with progression opportunities. • Allows teams to grow and develop by competing at a higher level. • Encourages clubs to invest in player development and team improvement. • Supports the overall enhancement of competition standards in Leitrim GAA. • Gets rid of the ceiling on Res Div 1 so teams that are exceeding that level can be challenged further.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
Motion taken on the basis that it would be introduced in 2027
Result: Defeated
Motion 3
Motion regarding ACL Division 3 2026. Home and away games in Division 3 (trial basis to be implemented for ACL Divisions 2 and 3 2027) Playing home and away fixtures will mean 12 games for each team. League to start last weekend of March – replacing spring league for division 3 teams. This will mean more competitive football for teams playing in ACL division 3. The old format of 6 games in a league not enough games to determine promotion in a 7 team league. Top two teams after 12 rounds of fixtures will be promoted and play off in a league final.
Aughnasheelin
Result: Motion Withdrawn in favour of Motion 1 above as passed.
Motion 4
Provision of Rest Break for Teams After Club League Final
That Leitrim GAA introduces a mandatory minimum rest period for club teams competing in the League Final.
Text of Motion: Recognising the physical and mental demands placed on club teams competing in league finals, and to support player welfare and the quality of competition, this Executive Meeting calls on Leitrim GAA to introduce a mandatory minimum rest period of 10 days between the League Final and first round of Championship. This rest break will provide players with adequate time to recover and prepare, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury.
Rationale:
- Adequate rest promotes player health and injury prevention.
- A rest break improves overall quality and competitiveness of club league finals.
- Supports the wellbeing of volunteer players who balance sport with other commitments.
- Gives the two competing teams a weekend off to ensure fairness with other teams.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
Result: Motion approved in principle.
Underage Football
Motion 1
- U13 Tap and Go: We propose that there should be no tap and go inside the 45. Due to the pitch starting on the 13m line, the 45m line is the de facto 32m line and gives a clear line of delineation to referees to officiate the rule rather than the “discretion “hitherto implemented.
Motion 2
- U13 “2 pointer”: As the U13 end line is on the 13m line, we propose that U13s should include the 2 point rule applied in the same way as other competitive grades.
St. Mary’s Kiltoghert
Result: Both referred to Coiste na nÓg for further consideration in advance of approval of Competition Regulations.
Motion 2
All county semi-finals should from senior at adult level to U13 at underage level have full complement of officials to officiate, i.e., one referee and two linespersons.
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Motion taken as recommendation where possible.
Motion 3
Amalgamations and approval of same should be addressed at Coiste na nÓg level. This will allow club coaching officers and those club coaches directly involved with the various under age teams to be consulted with and to be involved in the approval or otherwise process. This will ensure full transparency.
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Motion accepted as a model of best practice, incorporating discussion at Coiste na nÓg, with acceptance that the ultimate approval of Independent Teams is the responsibility of Coiste Chontae Liatroma.
Motion 4
County under age academy- for all age groups, one out of every three sessions be held in North Leitrim. This will encourage greater participation across the entire county which can only be good for the development of Leitrim GAA.
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Referred to Coaching and Games as a recommendation.
Referees’ Education/Administration
Motion 1
That Leitrim GAA, through game development management, introduce a refereeing course for transition year students in secondary level schools across Leitrim. Ideally, this course should last 6 weeks, and should include the development of a mentoring programme where experienced senior referees can advise, support, and encourage these young students/potential referees The young refs can develop their skills then at Club blitzes and Cumann na mBunscol games. They will receive payment in line what is already established for Cumann na mBunscol games
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Approved as a model of best practice.
Motion 2
2025 saw the introduction of the new playing rules, which have been by any measurement, a tremendous success. They go a long way in making the game an exciting sport again. Compliments must go to all the referees who officiated at any Leitrim GAA club games both underage and adult levels on how they managed the introduction of the new rules. The referees played a vital role in the rules’ success. Leitrim GAA, as part of continued professional development for referees, holds a seminar/course to which attendance/completion is compulsory before officiating at any Leitrim GAA fixtures. The primary objective is to bring a consistent application of the rules with particular emphasis on the advantage rule, timeframes for kick outs and free kicks (defensive and offensive,). This will further encourage new referees to take up the role.
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Approved as a model of best practice.
Competition Regulations
Motion 1
Amend Coiste Chontae Liatroma Regulation 27 of the Regulations Governing the Organisation and Presentation of Leitrim County Football and Hurling Championships 2025 with the addition of the following: ‘Teams involved in games which are live streamed by Leitrim GAA, have the option of recording the match using their own platforms for analysis purposes. This would be performed with the understanding that a team involved in said games do not share the recorded game for monetary gain’.
Regulations Governing the Organisation and Presentation of Leitrim County Football and Hurling Championships 2025
27. Leitrim GAA retains the right to livestream games at the knockout stages of the Leitrim Club Championships. Taking into consideration the GAA Streaming and Local Licence Agreement Policy Agreement Leitrim GAA will not be granting permission to livestream games at any stage of the 2025 Leitrim Club Championship. Any unauthorised livestreaming by a unit will incur a minimum €500 fine.
Rationale:
Many clubs have invested in the purchase of recording hardware and analysis software, with the sole purpose of player and team development, i.e. Veo.
Some analysis software is not compatible with copies of the recorded live stream that is available upon request from the County Board.
This in effect leads to the recording hardware and analysis software becoming useless. If a team wishes to use the recorded live stream for analysis, it results in the club incurring more expense to buy compatible software.
In addition to this, the regulation as stated above is contradictory to the GAA Stream and Local Licence Policy Agreement.
Point 7 of the GAA Streaming Protocol Checklist states:
Clarification regarding internal team analysis filming: Please note, this agreement relates to the streaming of matches to a public audience and is separate to the recording done for internal team purposes (e.g. training and analysis purposes). Therefore, team video analysts / statisticians should continue to gain approval from the normal sources for their purposes.
Therefore, we are requesting that teams have the option as outlined above.
Annaduff
Result: Motion Approved (to be written into Club Championship Regulations.)
Gaeilge
Motion 1
Glencar Manorhamilton GAA in conjunction with our Oifigeach na Gaeilge wish to raise the following motion – that the spelling of Páirc Séan Mac Diarmada would be updated to its grammatically corrected version of Páirc Sheáin Mhic Dhiarmada.
Glencar/Manorhamilton
Result: Motion Defeated
