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Replying To Wmeath2: "Option 1:
Senior Football Championship
12 teams
One open draw round of games is played. Two leg matches, played at each club's
venue. Combined score from two legs determines winner.
Six winners form two groups of three (open draw).
Six losers form two groups of three (open draw).
Played on round-robin basis.
Open draw for Game 1 in each group.
Game 2 in winners' groups - winner of Game 1 v remaining team.
Game 2 in losers' groups - loser of Game 1 v remaining team.
Top team in each winners group to semi-final.
2nd team in each winners group play top team in each losers group in quarter final.
Bottom team in each losers group play-off for relegation.
Minimum four games per team, 30 games in total.
Option 2:
12 teams.
Round 1 - Open draw - eight teams, four games.
Round 2 - Open draw - four winners from Round 1 and four bye teams, four
games.
Round 3 - Open draw - four winners from Round 2, two games.
Round 1 Qualifier - Open draw (avoid repeat pairings) - eight losers from Round
1 and Round 2, four games.
Round 2 Qualifier - Open draw (avoid repeat pairings) - four winners from Round
1 Qualifier, two games.
Round 3 Qualifier - Avoid repeat pairings (if possible) - Round 3 losers v Round 2
Qualifier winners, two games.
Semi-finals - Avoid repeat pairings (if possible) - Round 3 winners v Round 3
Qualifier winners.
Relegation semi-finals - Open draw - four Round 1 qualifier losers, two games.
Relegation final - two losers from relegation semi-finals, one game, loser relegated
to Intermediate.
Minimum three games per team, 24 games in total.
Other Possible Structures
Four Groups of three
Three Groups of four
One Group of 12
One Round, followed by Four Groups of three
Four Groups of three (for seeding purposes), followed by knock-out" I have talk to a lot of people since this came out. Yes, I am from the Athlone region so dual players aren't too common down here. However, every person I have talked to agrees there is no need for change in the football structure. From reading this forum it seems 99% have the same views.
This is a real own goal by the new county board.
Temple56 (Westmeath) - Posts: 607 - 21/01/2026 10:13:45
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Replying To Westmeath213: "Did you ever hear the likes!! Our championship structure is brilliant.
It's all amount the money , it's all about the gate receipts. I don't understand how the county board believe reducing the number of games increases gate receipts.
For example if you reduced the number of group game for each Team by 1 that would mean 18 less games across senior to junior 1. The most games you could add after the group realistically is 2 more quarter finals in senior & intermediate so 4 extra games.
No jeopardy ? Didnt every team bar 2/3 have something to play for in the last round of championship last year ? Across senior and intermediate.
In my own club we have dual players and not too many of them if any moan about the number of games. These players train all year around from January to want to play and win a championship. I think for these players having a minimum of 5 games every summer and some margin for a slip up is the lesst out club players deserve.
Reduce the number of high intensity club games you reduce the development rates of players particularly young lads who we are looking to develop up to senior inter county players. Players development increases by the more games they play." I think the argument about lack of jeopardy is that teams in Section A can lose 2-3 group games and still have something to play for in the last group game. If you lose 2-3 group games, you shouldn't be still in the mix so I understand trying to change that
daboru (Westmeath) - Posts: 55 - 21/01/2026 10:44:32
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Replying To daboru: "I think the argument about lack of jeopardy is that teams in Section A can lose 2-3 group games and still have something to play for in the last group game. If you lose 2-3 group games, you shouldn't be still in the mix so I understand trying to change that" 2 games 2 losses is ridiclous to chsnge 3 ok maybe but change because someone lost twice is harsh
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1154 - 21/01/2026 11:41:35
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Replying To OverTheHill85: "The document released literally states that dual players are one of the reasons. I'm certain in saying no football people want the structure changed. So if the football people don't want change then it's obviously coming from the other side of the dual coin. So no it's not an attitude problem it's just facts." I said it was cause wiyhout facts you were blaming hurling for bringing it as snothet poster ssid it wasnt from.
Anyway westmeath may have more football base nut still plays hurling in quite a few whether you like it or not
Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 1154 - 21/01/2026 11:46:49
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Replying To stonemadbeany: "You're incorrect, hurling clubs have no problem with the current structures, this is not a proposal from the hurling side, this is being proposed by the county board, which is run by people from football clubs, there are approximately 14 or 15 members and if there's 3 from hurling clubs that's about it. And football clubs have more input than hurling clubs, as someone else said we're a football county." They should really clarify that then, dual players and gate receipts stated. Maybe if they planned properly more would go to games. I recall Castledaly and Milltownpass played in Killucan I think, how would that encourage Castledaly supporters to attend.
This may only be a review and if everyone is happy as it seems then maybe there'll be no change.
Maryland and Kilbeggan were fighting for places right till the end for both qualification and relegation. So a few cases isn't enough for change I feel.
OverTheHill85 (Westmeath) - Posts: 213 - 21/01/2026 14:29:49
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Replying To OverTheHill85: "They should really clarify that then, dual players and gate receipts stated. Maybe if they planned properly more would go to games. I recall Castledaly and Milltownpass played in Killucan I think, how would that encourage Castledaly supporters to attend.
This may only be a review and if everyone is happy as it seems then maybe there'll be no change.
Maryland and Kilbeggan were fighting for places right till the end for both qualification and relegation. So a few cases isn't enough for change I feel." I just dont get it at all. Is this as a result of the AGM? Senior and Intermediate championship didnt get much complaint there but Junior 1 did and there is not a peep about changing that grade
Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 362 - 21/01/2026 15:27:36
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Tomorrow's meeting is about all grades, senior, intermediate and junior based on documents circulated to clubs. Minors playing adult grades is also up for discussion.
Claretandblue (Westmeath) - Posts: 2545 - 21/01/2026 16:07:50
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Replying To Claretandblue: "Tomorrow's meeting is about all grades, senior, intermediate and junior based on documents circulated to clubs. Minors playing adult grades is also up for discussion." Already noted its 'probably best to retain the
status quo in Junior and continue with the championship as is'.
There is no requirement for a change in Senior or Intermediate so I dont know what this performative nonsense is
Darragh (Westmeath) - Posts: 362 - 21/01/2026 16:44:14
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This is the initial email from county Board:
Dear Chairperson and Secretary,
Westmeath GAA invite each club to attend a meeting in the Mullingar Park Hotel on Friday night, the 23rd, at 7.30pm.
Each club is requested to be represented by:
Club Chairperson
Club Secretary
One Player Representative
The meeting will focus on discussion of the attached draft document, with the aim of gathering feedback and views from both club officers and players.
Given the significance of the issues outlined, it is important that all clubs are represented on the night.
Please ensure this email is brought to the attention of the relevant club officers and player representatives, and confirm attendance where possible.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday night.
This is the second email from county board.
Dear Club Secretary / Chairperson,
Further to my previous email, all 47 Westmeath GAA clubs - both hurling and football - are hereby notified that the meeting taking place on Friday 23rd January at 7.30pm in the Mullingar Park Hotel is for all clubs.
The purpose of this meeting is to facilitate an open discussion and to hear the views of all clubs on the attached draft Championships document, along with all motions that were referred back to Planning.
Please note that this is a discussion evening only, with the objective of gathering feedback and input from clubs. Following this meeting, all feedback will be brought back to Westmeath CCC, who will then produce the Fixtures and Competition Regulations for 2026. These will subsequently be submitted to Westmeath GAA Management, and thereafter to the Westmeath GAA County Committee Competition Regulation Meeting 2026 for approval.
It is essential that all clubs have full representation in attendance to ensure that every club, both hurling and football, has the opportunity to have their views heard as part of this process.
We strongly encourage all clubs to attend and engage in this important discussion.
gti (Westmeath) - Posts: 244 - 21/01/2026 21:14:20
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