Carlow/Kilkenny TD praises FAI aligned calendar plan decision

Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has welcomed the decision by the FAI to allow exemptions to their aligned calendar plan which would have seen leagues at all levels follow the professional League of Ireland in a summer schedule.

“It is news that gives a sense of a major win for local clubs across my own constituency of Carlow/Kilkenny, who can now decide the way they run their own league seasons,” Deputy Cleere said.

“This will continue to encourage members to continue participating in all sports that they love and enjoy, rather than having to choose one or the other,” he added.

Ireland is the only UEFA member of its stature that does not have an aligned calendar across professional, amateur and youth leagues, but concerns were raised from many grassroots organisations, especially in rural communities, about the strain that a summer schedule might put on volunteers who are also active in the GAA during these months.

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The FAI general assembly approved the plan in December, but the backlash has now prompted a reversal in which the choice has been given back to the leagues in how they schedule their seasons.

“It would have been detrimental in towns and villages in rural Ireland who don’t have the numbers to facilitate all sports, unlike the bigger counties and cities,” Deputy Cleere asserted.

“I would like to thank the FAI and all relevant stakeholders who have listened to those concerns and have come to this decision today,” he concluded.

Supporters of the aligned calendar argue that the summer schedule in better weather would lead to less games being called off and more favourable pitch conditions along with being a necessary move to bridge the gap between Ireland and other association members in player development.

The pushback is a blow for the FAI as they attempt to lay the groundwork for a more aligned pyramid and the eventual introduction of a third tier in the League of Ireland system.

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