Cork GAA pressing ahead with integration conversation despite national delays

The first Cork County Board meeting with delegates in 2026 was held at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday night.

It was an interesting one with many different topics discussed.

Despite an agreement that the club U21 championships couldn’t be played before July 1st, it was revealed at the meeting that Carrigdhoun GAA attempted to play the U21 football championship in February. 

It was contrary to what was agreed between divisions and county CCC and approved by county committee. 

Carrigdhoun GAA chairman Myles Barry stated that “Carrigdhoun were only doing what the clubs wanted” in which Cork GAA CEO Kevin O’Donovan replied “If the clubs wanted 17-a-side would ye do it?”

Cork GAA chairman Pat Horgan also got involved in the conversation.

It was announced that the Cork minor footballers will enter a second team into the Leinster League as they prepare for the championship.

It gets underway on Saturday February 7, which will be ideal preparation for championship for Keith Ricken’s side.

They don’t play their first round of the Munster until Monday, April 27 with their opponents not known until closer to the time until Phase 1 is completed.

It was also revealed at the meeting that ran for around 90 minutes, that clubs that have no referees will be losing home advantage in the league. It’s set to come in for the 2027 season onwards.

Finally, there is an integration subcommittee, which is continuing. O’Donovan and Horgan along with the Cork LGFA and Cork Camogie will continue the conversation around integration, which is already happening on Leeside.

The LGFA and camogie teams have access to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh including the gym, 4G pitch and have played on the main surface in recent years.

All the relevant bodies are now looking at developing the relationships further by using an integrated website.

Cork are well ahead of the curve on the integration compared to many counties around the country.

Ted Owens is the chairman of the integration committee and has done Trojan work behind the scenes to get to this point.