Reform or removal: The age old debate around divisions in Cork GAA

Complaints around the divisions and their inclusion in the Cork senior championships never feel too far away. It’s dormant – until say, Imokilly win the premier senior title, and clubs throw their toys out the pram.

But is it really a case of senior clubs being sore losers – or is there merit to the volcano that erupts every time the candystripes are kings of Cork?

It depends on who you ask. A divisive topic for a reason.

But it’s the same arguments for and against the inclusion of divisions that arise, every time the conversation is had.

ARGUMENTS 

When it came up in 2018 and Glen Rovers proposed that divisional sides shouldn’t be able to field in the championships, the motion was beaten back.

At the time, Glen Rovers’ secretary Jude O’Callaghan said; “Divisions are not subject to relegation. They are not even subject to a penalty if they decide not to enter a team in the hurling or football. We have to move with the times.” 

Six years later, those points remain true.

Divisions still cannot be relegated, nor do they have to enter a team in either championship. The same applies to the MTU and UCC. They possess an element of freedom that clubs aren’t afforded.

While not the fault of the divisions – it’s not surprising that clubs feel aggrieved.

They can’t be relegated. In the case of Imokilly’s hurlers, their strength also means they play no group games. 

The fact is they have a considerably easier route to the quarter-final and are drawn against the lowest seed.

An easier route to the quarter-final, coupled with an easier quarter-final means Imokilly have every chance of getting to the semi-final. Two wins and they’re county champions.

But Divisions winning the county – that’s good for Cork, right?

That’s one argument you’ve probably heard, but that’s not the case when it comes to hurling.

1952 and 1966 are the only years when a divisional side has won the county, and Cork won the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship simultaneously. On both occasions Avondhu won the county championship, as Cork beat Dublin (1952) and Kilkenny (1966).

Of the other eight Cork SHC titles won by divisions, Cork only got to one final – last year when they were beaten by Clare. In terms of Cork winning the year after a divisional county win, there is only one example – when Imokilly’s win in 1998 preceded the Rebels’ win over Kilkenny in 1999.

In saying that – it’s not as if the divisions have dominated the Cork senior championships either. The recency bias of Imokilly’s success is a factor.

It’s also worth noting the natural equaliser in play – the fact that divisions cannot use senior players. Imokilly were a class above last season. So were the clubs that fed players to Denis Ring’s side.

One of those clubs being Watergrasshill, who went on to become All-Ireland champions. They’re now taking Cloyne's place at premier intermediate.

In theory it should make Imokilly weaker. The reality is it most likely will.

REFORM 

Do the rules around divisions need to be reformed? Possibly. Take one example.

The fact that a fringe senior player for say, Blackrock, can come off the bench and play the final five minutes against Imokilly on a Saturday but cannot then feature for their intermediates the following day against Lisgoold is a rule in place for good reason.

It protects the smaller clubs from an unfair advantage.

But his counterpart can play five minutes for Imokilly on the Saturday and start for Lisgoold on the Sunday.

That in turn hurts senior clubs.

That’s not a problem Imokilly have to deal with, and even if they did – they’re choosing from nearly 400 players. Newtown’s population in 2022 was listed at 433.

There are many ways of preserving the divisions in Cork, all while keeping them relevant.

Improvements to the divisional competitions themselves would be a good starting point. 

Something such as the State of Origin series in Australian rugby league would be an interesting concept.

Making the divisions a historic yet prominent feature of Cork GAA. Take inspiration from the NBA with the recently completed all-star break, or even something like the British and Irish Lions tours.

A best of three test series with Cork’s divisional winner in football taking on East Kerry. Or how about the hurling champions take on Offaly or Antrim in the Páirc?

I hear there’s a debt that needs tackling.

ESSENTIAL 

If keeping the divisions in the county championship is essential – there are solutions. How about the system applied to the old All-Ireland intermediate and junior championships, where the winners of one season can’t play the next?

How about the removal of Cork seniors and U20s, given they’ve already got exposure to Cork and don’t need it in the form of divisions?

It’s a debate that won’t be settled any time soon. But it’s one that needs to be thoroughly thought out. Losing the divisions entirely would be so disappointing, and the division/colleges section could be so much more.