In releasing sample detailed prototypes of how a split season might operate, the CPA have highlighted the opportunity that exists for a fresh start for fixtures.

The organisation argue that new arrangements can realistically be made for 2021.

“If we can plan to play an All-Ireland final in December when circumstances dictate, then anything is possible with advance planning,” said CPA Chairman Micheál Briody.

“The COVID-19 season has shown us that the GAA is capable of radical change and fast moving decisive response when it is needed. Credit to management, they pulled the 2020 season out of the fire, so far so good as we move towards the inter county season.

“Covid-19 has also provided clear evidence if any was needed of the appetite and enthusiasm for the club game up and down the country. In the past - including in the Task Force report - concerns were raised that a shorter intercounty season would result in less media coverage for our games. Those fears have thankfully been proven unfounded. If anything the profile, thanks to clubs, has been better than ever.”

The CPA released the following statement and prototypes:

Split Season - How Will it Work?

There has been a lot of discussion on a split season. How it would work. What would be the timelines. When would one start and the other end. 

To put flesh on the bones our fixtures planners have drafted two split season scenarios which we are sending to the fixtures task force and publishing generally today. The objective is to show what is possible by modeling how the season would look for football and hurling. In our examples we show a change to the hurling inter county season that we believe would promote and help develop hurling nationally and give every team a clear pathway to progress at all levels. We also show the necessary time required for county boards in dual counties to complete their club championships. 

By modelling different scenarios and factoring in individual county needs, including dual players, it is possible to develop a split season model that is achievable, affordable for counties and is attractive for players and supporters. 

We believe that the time is right, the opportunity exists and the public support is in place to establish a split season that gives club and county a fair share of coverage.

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