Covid 19 update

 

GAA GAA
Páirc an Chrócaigh Croke Park
Baile Átha Cliath 3 Dublin 3

Guthán +353 1 8658600 Telephone +353 1 8658600
Faics +353 1 8366420 Fax +353 1 8366420
www.gaa.ie www.gaa.ie

 

30ú Aibreán 2021

 

Do: Gach Rúnaí Chontae

Gach Runaí Chlub

Covid Update for Clubs in the 26 Counties

A chara, 

I know you will be aware by now of the positive announcement by the Irish Government yesterday in relation to the further relaxing of restrictions for society generally and for Gaelic Games in particular. 

As you will appreciate, we need to receive further clarity on aspects of what was announced last evening but broadly speaking the following is what is proposed in the coming weeks: 

  • From 10th May – Outdoor training is permitted at adult level in pods of a maximum of 15 people (including coaches). However, games are not allowed and indoor facilities must remain closed. 
  • From 7th June (and subject to the Public Health situation at the time) – Club games will be permitted at all levels but must be played “behind closed doors”.

We are currently liaising with the relevant Departments to seek further information on the finer details of what will be permitted at various points in the recovery plan. For the moment, we would ask for your patience in relation to questions you and the broader membership no doubt have in relation to the various return dates and the specifics of what will be allowed. It is our intention to issue a more detailed communication to Clubs and Counties next week and once further information is available. 

In the interim, we would remind all Clubs in the 26 Counties of the following: 

  • Until May 10th, only training for underage teams (non-contact and in pods of 15) is permitted. “Underage teams” means any registered team at U-18 level or below.
  • All indoor facilities must remain closed (exception: toilet facilities). 
  • Fundraising events on GAA property are not currently permitted. 
  • Gym facilities must remain closed (exception: Senior Inter County players may use their relevant Club Gym for individual training as long as they are following the advice in the Inter County Return to Training and Play document) 

Inter County Challenge Games/U20 and Minor Training   

The Allianz Leagues in Hurling will return on the weekend of May 8th/9th and in football on the weekend of May 15th/16th

 

The broad announcements yesterday did not make any reference to when Challenge games will be permitted at inter county level. Nor was there any reference to when inter county U20 and Minor teams may return to training. 

 

We are currently seeking clarity on these two points and will communicate directly with County Secretaries in this context once we receive it.  

 

In the interim, we would ask for your patience while we complete this work and we look forward to communicating in detail with you all again as soon as possible in relation to the resumption of GAA activity. 

 

Is muide, le meas, 

Labhrás Mac Carthaigh Tomás Ó Riain

Uachtarán Ard Stiúrthóir

 

Championship Draws 2021

Rebels’ Bounty April Draw Result

Rebel’s Bounty Draw results for April 2021

 

Cork GAA Finance Manager Appointment

Cork GAA is pleased to announce the appointment of Denis Calnan as our new Finance Manager.

Denis will be responsible for financial management, control and treasury across all aspects of Cork GAA. He will report to the CEO and will be responsible for providing financial insights, to enable Cork GAA to deliver on its strategic objective of maximising commercial opportunities, while delivering financial stability and creating a future sustainable organisation.

Denis is a chartered accountant with over 20 years’ experience in all aspects of commercial operations, across a variety of different industries, including the renewables sector, private industry and multinational organisations such as Kerry Group and EY. He has a proven track record in financial management, control and reporting having served in the role of financial controller with GP Wood and as project manager on a number of renewables projects.

He has a long association with the GAA, having served his club Carbery Rangers as Chairman, PRO and currently Treasurer.

This announcement follows an appointment process overseen by County Chairman Marc Sheahan, Treasurer Diarmuid Gowen, Ger Lyons (Audit & Risk), Michelle McAleer (Croke Park) and CEO Kevin O’Donovan.

Welcoming the appointment, County Chairman, Marc Sheehan said, “We are delighted that someone of the calibre and experience of Denis Calnan is joining the Cork GAA team. He brings a wealth of practical experience to this role, along with a strong GAA background. He has come through a rigorous interview process, and we are very lucky to have secured his services. On behalf of Cork County Board, I would like to warmly welcome Denis to the team and wish him every success in this new role.”

CEO Kevin O’Donovan said, “This is another step in the right direction in the stabilisation and future expansion of the Cork GAA financial and commercial functions. Denis’ appointment will serve us well across a range of projects, including both County Board and SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh operations, as well as One Cork, Rebels’ Bounty and many other initiatives.”

County Championship Draws 2021

The draws for the 2021 Bon Secours County Football and Co-Op Superstores County Hurling Championships will take place at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on this Thursday, April 29th at 7pm (preceded by the Rebels’ Bounty Draw for April).

The live event starts at 7pm and we will run straight through from Rebels’ Bounty to the Championship Draws.

Our media partners, the Irish Examiner will livestream the full event from the TV Studio. Colm O’Connor will present.

Streaming Link  https://www.irishexaminer.com/gaalivestream/

30 monthly prizes for Rebels’ Bounty will be drawn.

Then, nine championship draws in total will take place. All football draws to be completed first, from IAFC to PSFC, followed by hurling to LIHC to PSHC.

The divisions and colleges rounds will not be drawn until there is more certainty around entries.

Formats and seedings can be found below

 

Draw Summary       In all competitions with 12 teams (3 groups of 4), draws will take place as follows: There will be 3 Groups to be filled (labelled A to C). There will be 3 top seeds, 3 second seeds, 3 third seeds and 3 fourth seeds. The three top seeds will be placed in bowl 1. The three second seeds will be placed in bowl 2, the third seeds in bowl 3 and the fourth seeds in bowl 4. For example, Group A will be formed by drawing one team from each of the four bowls and so on.

Cork County Senior and Intermediate Championship Draws 2021

Following a comprehensive review process throughout 2018 and 2019, the Championship formats outlined below were approved at County Committee for a period of two years, 2020 and 2021. In 2021 this format will be implemented as outlined below, with a number of additional amendments which proved successful in 2020 and will be retained, as follows.

 

  • Two teams (instead of three) to progress from the groups of four to the play-off stages, thus removing the need for preliminary quarter-finals. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off stages in most competitions, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals. In the Premier Senior championships, only the top-ranked group winner will qualify for the semi-finals and the remaining two group winners, the three second-placed teams and the divisions / colleges winner qualifying for the quarter-finals. In IAFC, two teams will qualify from each of the four groups, as before.
  • In all grades, the relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the bottom-placed teams from each group.
  • All knock-out games will be finish on the day, where necessary, and as decided by the CCC.
  • Clarification was provided in 2020 with regard to avoiding repeat pairings in quarter-finals. and this is also incorporated below, with no repeat pairings in semi-finals.
  • Seeding for 2021 will be based on final positions after the group stages in 2020, with promotion and relegation taking precedence.

 

Following review recently, April 2021, the following was agreed and will be reflected in the upcoming draws.

 

  • The regrading to Junior of all 12 teams in Lower Intermediate Hurling (LIHC) and 4 teams from Intermediate A Football Championship (IAFC), scheduled for the end of the 2021 season, has been paused for one year, due to the effects of Covid-19 related restrictions.
  • It is planned to revert to two Intermediate Hurling (PIHC & IAHC) and two Intermediate Football grades (PIFC & IAFC) at the end of 2022, instead. The IAHC and IAFC grades will contain 16 teams each. LIHC will be abolished, as planned.
  • Consequently, the 2020 Junior A Hurling winners will not be promoted to IAHC. They will instead take their place in LIHC. This means that there is a requirement to relegate one team only from IAHC 2020. Therefore, the round robin relegation series between Meelin, Glen Rovers and Argideen Rangers, which has yet to be completed, will see only the bottom team relegated to LIHC 2020, rather than the two teams outlined previously.
  • Also, the 2021 Junior A Hurling winners will be promoted to LIHC for 2022 and not IAHC, again requiring only one team to be relegated from IAHC at the end of 2021.

The format / scheduling of Divisional / College rounds will be confirmed at a later date following further consultation with the Divisions / Colleges. Therefore, these draws will not take place this week.

Summary

  • 104 Club teams in total in Senior & Intermediate Championships by start 2023
  • Four Grades with 12 Teams in both Football and Hurling
    • Premier Senior Football & Hurling (12)
    • Senior A Football & Hurling (12)
    • Premier Intermediate Football & Hurling (12)
    • Intermediate A Football (16)
    • Intermediate A Hurling (2021 / 2022 =12, 2023 onwards =16)
  • Transition period across 2021 /2022 will see an extra hurling grade of 12 hurling teams in Lower Intermediate (LIHC)
  • Grades 
    • Premier Senior Football Championship PSFC 
    • Senior A Football Championship SAFC 
    • Premier Intermediate Football Championship PIFC 
    • Intermediate A Football Championship IAFC
    • Premier Senior Hurling Championship PSHC
    • Senior A Hurling Championship SAHC
    • Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship PIHC
    • Intermediate A Hurling Championship IAHC
    • Lower Intermediate Hurling Championship LIHC

 

  • Seedings Based on final positions after the group stages in the previous year.

 

  • Sequence of Group Games R1 (A v B, C v D); R2 (A v D, B v C); R3 (A v C, B v D).
  • Placings as per Rule 6.21 Placing within groups for qualification / relegation will be determined in line with general rule, as follows:
    • if two teams are tied, it will be based on the head-to-head result.
    • if three or more teams are tied, it will be based on scoring difference.
    • placing across groups to be determined by points won and scoring difference.
  • Qualification; two teams from each groups qualify for the semi-finals / quarter-finals as outlined in each grade below.
  • Relegation; ‘one up one down’.
  • Divisions / Colleges; one team to enter at quarter-final stage of the Premier Senior Championships. Format / scheduling of Divisional / College rounds to be confirmed later following further consultation with the Divisions / Colleges.
  • Draw Format & Procedure In all competitions with 12 teams (3 groups of 4), draws will take place as follows: There will be 3 Groups to be filled (labelled A to C). There will be 3 top seeds, 3 second seeds, 3 third seeds and 3 fourth seeds. The three top seeds will be placed in bowl 1. The three second seeds will be placed in bowl 2, the third seeds in bowl 3 and the fourth seeds in bowl 4. For example, Group A will be formed by drawing one team from each of the four bowls and so on.
  • *Exception For IAFC where there are 16 teams there will instead be four top seeds placed in bowl 1 etc. They will be drawn and placed in Groups A to D in order.

Premier Senior Hurling & Football

    • 12 Teams
    • 3 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
    • 3 Games each

 

  • Divisional and College teams will play in their own competition as before, with one team gaining entry to the Championship proper at the quarter-final stage. Players from the 24 Senior Clubs (Premier Senior and Senior A ) will not be eligible to play with such teams as per bye-law. Cork will represented in provincial Club competitions by the Premier Senior, Premier Intermediate and Junior A champions, as before.

 

Premier Senior Hurling Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1. Glen Rovers  4. Douglas  7. Newtownshandrum  10. Carrigtwohill
2. Blackrock 5. Erins Own 8. Midleton 11. Bishopstown
3. Sarsfields 6. Na Piarsaigh 9. St. Finbarr’s 12. Charleville

 

Premier Senior Football Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1.Castlehaven 4. Newcestown 7. Carbery Rangers 10. Carrigaline
2. Nemo Rangers 5. Ballincollig 8. Douglas 11. Ilen Rovers
3. St. Finbarr’s 6. Valley Rovers 9. Clonakilty 12. Winner Mallow / Eire Óg

 

Qualification

In the Premier Senior Hurling and Football Championships, only the top group winner will qualify for the semi-finals, with the remaining two group winners, the three second-placed teams and the divisions / colleges winner qualifying for the three quarter-finals.

Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Top Group runner-up
  5. Second Group runner-up
  6. Third Group runner up

Quarter-finals: (a) 2v5, (b) 3v4, (c) 6 v Divisions / Colleges winner

Semi-finals: 1 v (b), (a) v (c)

A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 2v5 and (b) 3v4 above. If either scenario arises, then team 2 will instead play team 4, and team 3 will play team 5. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.

Senior A Hurling & Football

 

  • 12 Teams
  • 3 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
  • 3 Games each

 

Senior A Hurling Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1. Ballyhea 4. Newcestown 7. Fermoy  10. Mallow
2. Fr. O’Neill’s 5. Bride Rovers  8. Cloyne 11. Killeagh
3. Kanturk 6. Bandon 9. Ballymartle 12. Blarney

 

Senior A Football Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1. Bishopstown 4. Loser Mallow / Eire Òg 7. Kiskeam 10. Dohenys
2. O’D Rossa 5. St. Michael’s 8. Clyda Rovers 11. Bantry Blues
3. Fermoy 6. Bandon 9. Béal Áth an Ghaorthaidh 12. Winner Knocknagree / Kanturk

 

Qualification

Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off stages, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals. 

 

Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Top Group runner-up
  5. Second Group runner-up
  6. Third Group runner up

 

Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5

Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)

 

A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups. 

Premier Intermediate Hurling & Football

 

  • 12 Teams
  • 3 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
  • 3 Games each

 

Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1.Kilworth 4. Watergrasshill 7. Ballinhassig 10. Aghada
2. Carrigaline  5. Ballincollig 8. Youghal 11. Valley Rovers
3. Castlelyons 6. Courcey Rovers 9. Inniscarra 12. Winner Aghabullogue / Eire Óg

 

Premier Intermediate Football Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1. St. Nick’s 4. Nemo Rangers  7. Macroom 10. Naomh Abán
2. Cill na Martra  5. Loser Kanturk / Knocknagree 8. Castletownbere 11. Na Piarsaigh
3. Newmarket 6. Aghada 9. St. Vincent’s 12. Winner Mitchelstown / Rockchapel

 

Qualification

Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off stages, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals. 

 

Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Top Group runner-up
  5. Second Group runner-up
  6. Third Group runner up

 

Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5

Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)

 

A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups. 

Intermediate A Hurling

 

  • 12 Teams
  • 3 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
  • 3 Games each

 

Intermediate A Hurling Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1.Blackrock 4. Sarsfields 7. Midleton  10. 1st place Argideen Rangers / Meelin / Glen Rovers
2. Loser Aghabullogue / Eire Óg 5. Mayfield 8. Dungourney 11. 2nd place Argideen Rangers / Meelin / Glen Rovers
3. Kildorrery 6. Cloughduv 9. Douglas 12. Winner Russell Rovers / Castlemartyr

 

Qualification 

Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off, with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals. 

 

Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Top Group runner-up
  5. Second Group runner-up
  6. Third Group runner up

 

Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5

Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)

 

A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups. 

 

Intermediate A Football

 

  • 16 Teams
  • 4 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
  • 3 Games each

 

Intermediate A Football Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1.Gabriel Rangers 5. Aghabullogue  9. Dromtarriffe 13. Glenville
2. Loser Mitchelstown / Rockchapel 6. Ballinora 10. Kildorrery 14. Ballydesmond
3. Kilshannig 7. Glanworth 11. St. Finbarr’s 15. Glanmire
4. Millstreet 8. Kinsale 12. Adrigole 16. Junior A winners

 

Qualification

In Intermediate A Football Championship there are four groups of four, so the top two from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals, where group winners will play a group runner up from another group.

 

Teams (1-8) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Fourth Group winner
  5. Top Group runner-up
  6. Second Group runner-up
  7. Third Group runner up
  8. Fourth Group runner-up

 

Quarter-finals: (a) 1v8, (b) 2v7, (c) 3v6, (d) 4v5

Semi-finals: (a) v (d), (b) v (c)

 

A repeat pairing is possible in all quarter finals here. If a repeat pairing occurs, the second team in the fixture will move down to the next fixture on the list with group winners playing group runners up in all cases. If a repeat pairing occurs in the last quarter-final (d) (i.e. 4v5), then team 3 plays team 5 and team 4 plays team 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the four bottom placed teams from the groups. 

 

Lower Intermediate Hurling

 

  • 12 Teams
  • 3 Groups of 4 Teams, each with a top seed, second seed, third seed and fourth seed included
  • 3 Games each

 

Lower Intermediate Hurling Championship Seedings 2021

Top seeds Second seeds Third Seeds Fourth seeds
1. 3rd place Argideen Rangers / Meelin / Glen Rovers 4. Tracton 7. St. Finbarr’s 10. Grenagh
2. Castlemartyr / Russell Rovers  5. Kilbrittain 8. Ballygarvan 11. Barryroe
3. St. Catherine’s* 6. Milford 9. Dripsey 12. Junior A Winners

*This seeding has been simplified since the previous draft with no change in seeding

 

Qualification

Two teams will progress from each group of four to the play-off stages. This will result in six teams qualifying for the play-off stages with the two top group winners qualifying for the semi-finals and the remaining group winner and the three second -placed teams qualifying for the quarter-finals.

 

Teams (1-6) will be ranked as follows, on completion of the group stages:

  1. Top Group winner
  2. Second Group winner
  3. Third Group winner
  4. Top Group runner-up
  5. Second Group runner-up
  6. Third Group runner up

 

Quarter-finals: (a) 3v6, (b) 4v5

Semi-finals: 1 v (b), 2 v (a)

 

A repeat pairing is possible in the quarter finals in (a) 3v6 above. If this arises 3 will instead play 5 and 4 will play 6. Repeat pairings in semi-finals will be avoided, with pairings being adjusted where necessary.

 

Relegation

The relegation final will be a straight play-off between the two lowest ranked teams (in terms of points won and scoring difference) amongst the three bottom placed teams from the groups.