Overview
- The National Demographics Committee published a report warning that demographic change is a present reality requiring urgent action.
- Central Council approved placing two motions on the 2026 Annual Congress agenda to ease club maintenance rules and to permit championships with fewer than 15 players.
- Ireland’s population now exceeds 7 million, with 25.5% of children aged five and under concentrated in just 50 clubs, underscoring severe urban pressure.
- With 78% of GAA clubs located in rural areas of declining population, the association is prioritizing supports for teams struggling to field 15 players.
- Plans include pilot initiatives in Kerry and Kildare, creation of a Club Support Unit, trials of modified formats such as 11-a-side, and exploration of revised transfer and dual-eligibility rules.