A regulation proposing that seeded groups, similar to the current Meath Senior and Intermediate Hurling Championships, be introduced in the junior football grade was debated at some length at the first county board meeting of the year.

The regulation came from the Clonard club and cited results of some games in the 2020 Junior championship as extremely one-sided where the strongest clubs were pitted against the weaker clubs.

Clonard argued that certain small rural clubs in Meath are currently struggling to field and to find motivation for players to play adult football and heavy defeats are adding to their difficulties. They said the existence of these clubs at adult level was now been brought to question and the introduction of seeded groups would allow these clubs play against similar strength clubs and would greatly assist in encouraging their current and former players to train and play Gaelic football.

They gave examples of how the new format would work and it found favour with a number of clubs.

However secretary Mairead Delaney and CCC member John Gilmartin were sceptical that the new proposal could work but it was eventually passed on to the CCC for recommendation.

All other motions and regulations on the Clar were withdrawn.

The secretary reminded all clubs that this Friday, January 15th, was the closing date for transfers. She said that players must present the transfer to the club they are leaving and if it is not signed the club
must state on the transfer the reason why. Transfers should be scanned and emailed to the County Board.

Brendan Thornton (St Paul's) asked could the time frame be extended due to problems with Covid but was told that the closing date was stated in the bye laws. An exemption would have to be got from Croke Park which might or might not be granted.

Central Council delegate Jason Plunkett said he would seek an update with the rules advisory committee.

No date has yet been set for the start of club action in the county.

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