Four clubs had proposed a "Champions League" style format for the 2010 football championship with relegation coming from championship performances rather than league, but the motion was voted down on a margin of 56-28 at last Monday’s football board convention in Lough George.
Salthill/Knocknacarra, Dunmore McHales, Monivea Abbey, and Oranmore Maree had tabled the motion which was proposed by Dunmore’s Ollie Turner.
As Turner stated at convention, the current arrangement in Galway was in contravention of GAA rules and would have to be changed at some stage. Only that Connacht Council allow Galway to operate as it does on an annual basis and allow relegation on a league basis, then the new format would have to be adopted.
Turner told the Galway Advertiser yesterday this change would have to come into place in the next few years. “It is a case more of when, not if,” he said.
Regardless, once the top table voiced their view that there would be a problem with dates for the additional games, the motion was always likely to fall.
In other news there were no changes at the top table and returned chairman John Joe Holleran spoke highly of incoming senior manager Joe Kernan and tipped the Armagh man to bring Galway back to successful days.
"Joe has a lot of experience, bringing both his club and county to All-Ireland success in the past, and I have no doubt his training and demand for commitment with players, management, officials and supporters alike will pay dividends. "
The chairman also revealed that several local businesses came forward within days of Kernan's appointment offering free flights, accommodation, and meals.
"We are very grateful to these businesses who came in immediately to help us support the next phase of Galway football," he added.
Holleran also paid tribute to former manager Liam Sammon who stepped down in August after two seasons at the helm.
"Liam has made a huge contribution to Galway football as a player, coach, and administrator and I am delighted that he has remained involved in a coaching initiative and the blueprint which has been put together to take Galway football forward," he added.
*The 2009 Senior “A” league final between Cortoon Shamrock and Tuam Stars takes place this Sunday at 2pm in Tuam Stadium.
