By Sean Creedon
DUBLIN — The GAA may have to consider a radical realignment of intercounty teams in order to take into account of major shifts of population toward the eastern half of the country. This is reported to be one of several options to have been addressed by the GAA’s strategic review committee, whose report will be published early in the New Year.
The committee, chaired by former GAA president Peter Quinn and including the four provincial secretaries, has carried out the first major review of policy since the McNamee Commission 30 years ago.
“We do recognize that major shifts in population to the eastern half of the country have taken place,” GAA President Sean McCague said. “And we recognize that parts of Munster and parts of the Midlands will be much the poorer for personnel going forward for games in 10 and 15 years time.”
Meanwhile, the GAA has deferred a decision on the venue for next year’s AIB Club hurling and football finals. With Croke Park closed for pitch renovations, Semple Stadium, Thurles, seemed to be favorite to stage the finals, which are always played on St. Patrick’s Day.
But now the GAA will wait until the semifinal are completed before deciding on a venue.
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However, the GAA have confirmed venues for the semifinals. Thurles will be the venue for the hurling semifinal between Ballygunner of Waterford and Clarinbridge of Galway on Feb. 17. On the same day, Ulster champions Dunloy will meet Leinster champions Birr in Clones. In football Munster champions Nemo Rangers meet Connacht champions Charlestown in Nenagh on Feb. 24, while Ulster champions Ballinderry await the winners of the Leinster final replay.
If Na Fianna get through, the game will be played in Breffni Park, Cavan, but if Rathnew triumph, the venue will be Longford.