GAA games development chair: No change to teen structure

GAA games development chair: Teenage matches will remain competitive

Updated / Wednesday, 11 Nov 2026 14:45

The chair of the GAA's National Games Development Committee Micheál Martin says that games at teenage level will remain competitive.

It emerged on Tuesday that proposals were being prepared to consider changing the nature of underage GAA matches, with the aim of improving the retention of players in the 13 to 17 bracket.

Research work by a team of academics is set to highlight how the rate of dropout of players from aged 12 upwards is high, and suggested measures to address this included the possible modification of rules, small-sided games, and offering a less competitive environment.

This piece of research is due to be published soon.

Last month the GAA Games Development department published a 'Cohesion, Clarity and Consistency’ report, led by Martin.

This work also targeted long-standing structural and participation challenges across the association and addressed issues with adolescent participation and high rates of player drop-off.

In addition, it shone a light on volunteer withdrawal and other challenges facing coaching and development personnel.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Martin offered clarity on the GAA’s stance going forward on these matters.

He said that the new research paper would examine challenges around participation and retention and explore potential approaches.

"It should not be confused with agreed GAA policy or a decision to introduce wholesale changes to underage games," he stated.

"In terms of any proposals in that research, they may be brought to the next level at some stage, but that is quite a bit away and will be primarily for adapted games in rural areas to facilitate clubs fielding teams at nine or 11-a-side where it suits their needs.

"In some cases, counties have already done this by changing structures to suit their local clubs such as playing 11-a-side at under 15 and 16, but still retaining the competition.

"Similarly, there are counties where clubs have multiple teams at Under-14, Under-15 and Under-16."

Martin acknowledged the merits of the proposals that the imminent report will recommend and says it is a necessary piece of work.

But he said that any public perception the association will turn non-competitive between the ages of 13 and 19 is incorrect.

"I believe there is merit in exploring alternative playing formats, particularly where clubs struggle with numbers, or where young players are not getting meaningful opportunities to participate," Martin added.

"That does not mean abandoning traditional competitive structures or imposing a one-size-fits-all approach.

"Ultimately, our objective should be to keep more young people playing, enjoying and developing through our games, while recognising that competition remains an important and valued part of Gaelic games. The non-competitive teenage games are not on anyone's radar - or certainly not that I am aware of.

"The report due is a piece about participation which goes back a good bit. There is a place for different formats at youth level but not non-competitive.

"Games from under 13 to 18 will never be non-competitive. There may be additional games provided in the future, but only as an extra offering."

Read Next