The Ulster Council has released a statement following the GAA Central Council's decision to cancel all provincial preseason tournaments in 2025. The UC claims they are "surprised by the plans but also understand the need to improve player welfare in the game."
Last week, a meeting of the GAA Management Committee and Central Council took place at Croke Park to discuss improving the game. A number of changes were proposed, including a revamp of the football calendar, with fewer games and more danger in 2026 being one of the key changes.
Another key change was the removal of pre-season competitions in 2025 on a trial basis, with a review to follow to determine whether they should be scrapped permanently. This means the Walsh and Kehoe Cups, the Munster SHL, the Dr. McKenna Cup, O’Byrne Cup, McGrath Cup, and FBD League in football will no longer take place.
The Dr. McKenna Cup is a well-supported event in Ulster, and this week the Ulster Council shared a survey with Ard Comhairle members that showed support for keeping pre-season competitions.
Armagh , United Kingdom, 8 April 2023; Jemar Hall of Armagh during the Ulster GAA Football Senior Championship preliminary round match between Armagh and Antrim at Box-It Athletic Grounds in Armagh. (Photo By Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images) )The UC claims that this decision will limit some of Ulster GAA's programs and stresses the need for a balance between game-time experience and player welfare in Gaelic football.
"While disappointed that there will be no pre-season competitions in 2025, Ulster GAA accepts the decision of Ard Comhairle," read the statement.
"We fully understand the issues around player welfare articulated by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) and others, and we recognise the importance of striking the proper balance between the welfare of our players and the overall games program.
"We were surprised at the decision of Ard Comhairle, given that the results of a recent survey of counties, which was presented to Ard Comhairle members, indicated a preference for retaining pre-season competitions. The decision will result in the curtailment of some of the programmes that Ulster GAA offers.
"However, the decision has been made, and there is now a clear onus on the GPA to ensure that the return-to-training protocols and dates are strictly adhered to by their members."
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