RTÉ's Sunday Game pundit calls for debate on GAA 'parish rule'

RTÉ Sunday Game hurling analyst and Offaly GAA chairman Michael Duignan has said a debate is needed the whole issue of the Parish Rule in his address to county's Convention.

With Tullamore GAA Club withdrawing a motion to amend one of the most sacrosanct laws, the parish rule, Mr Duignan noted that Tullamore's motion was the start of a debate that needed to happen as changing demographics are leaving many small clubs in a battle for survival.

The Tullamore motion had sought for the introduction of a parentage rule which would allow children of parents with a strong connection to a club to play outside the parish they reside in. Under the parish rule, players must play with a club in the parish they are born and live. Tullamore had carried out an extensive campaign seeking support for the change to the Offaly parish rule bye law but surprisingly withdrew their motion over a week ago.

Tullamore's motion would not have passed but there was some disappointment that they withdrew it as a debate on the issue would have been healthy. Tullamore's motion had a couple of problems – as the biggest club and population centre in Offaly, they would not have received widespread support for extending their base while it was aimed primarily at facilitating three young players living in the Cappincur area.

Re-elected unopposed for a fourth year as chairman, Mr Duignan, however, ackwowledged that many clubs were facing problems.

Noting that Offaly had a lot of very small clubs and a county of it size would need amalgamations, he called for a “tiered approach” and said that clubs needed to stay on their own as long as they can. Pointing out that there was 31 club nurseries now compared to seven in 2019, he said a club only needs 7 players for Go Games and should only combine with another club when they need to.

“There is a changing landscape across the county in terms of housing and the rural-urban divide. A debate is required early next year and maybe we will have a look at that and plan for the future properly. I know there was a motion that Tullamore have withdrawn but maybe that was the start of a debate that has to be had in terms of ensuring the viability of our smaller clubs across the county and making sure every club can survive and grow.”

He spoke at length about the board's strategic plan for the future. He outlined the five pillars of the plan: sustainable club coverage, a vibrant games programme, high performance pathway, financial stability and a respected brand for Offaly.