LAOIS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS PROPOSED RESTRUCTURE

LAOIS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS PROPOSED RESTRUCTURE

A strategic vision for enhanced competition and club development

The proposed restructuring of the Laois Senior and Intermediate Football Championships represents a transformative opportunity to create a more competitive, engaging championship structure that will benefit participating clubs, players, and supporters.

The Laois GAA Executive Committee, Coiste Peil and the Competitions Control Committee have a responsibility to ensure our competitions are fit for purpose, providing clubs and players with meaningful competition where there is an opportunity to play at a competitive level, develop, and progress.

With this in mind, a proposal to restructure the current Laois SFC and IFC, approved and supported fully by the Laois GAA Executive Committee, Coiste Peil and the Competitions Control Committee, has been distributed to all clubs for their consideration ahead of the November County Committee meeting. In addition, an information meeting/workshop is planned for the 15th of October at 7:30pm for all stakeholders in the COE.

REVIEWING THE CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP FORMATS.

The current championship structures have served the competitions well, however over the past 5 years it has become apparent that the structures of the SFC and IFC may no longer be fit for purpose.

The IFC has become stale and jaded, with a lot of repeat fixtures due to the eight-team format with teams progressing to the SFC struggling to make an impact at the higher grade.

The SFC format, while looking elegant on paper is not without its flaws, for instance a team that wins Round 1 & 2 and is then eliminated at quarter final stage only plays 3 SFC championship games. There is also a 5 week break between Round 2 and the quarter-finals, where Round 2 winners get no championship games at the height of the season. This year saw the 8 Round 1 winners all subsequently go on to qualify for the 8 places in the quarter finals, which may lead one to ask what is the purpose of Round 2 and 3 of the competition other than providing extra games?

In addition, there has been a drop in competitiveness in the SFC over the past number of years, for instance the average winning margins in Rounds 1,2 and 3 has risen from an average of 5 points in 2020 to nearly 9 points in 2024 and 2025. More worryingly 30% of the Round 1-3 games were won by a margin or 15 points or more in 2025.

This loss of competitiveness is detrimental to the development of clubs and players and in turn the standard of players feeding into to our county teams.

PROPOSED STRUCTURE & TIMELINE

Phase 1: 2026/27 Championships

• Senior Football Championship (SFC): Reduce to 12 teams.

• Intermediate Football Championship (IFC): Increase to 12 teams.

• Transition Mechanism: 3 teams relegated from SFC, 1 team promoted annually.

Phase 2: Full Implementation by 2028

• Balanced 12-team structure across SFC and IFC (2 Groups of 6 – Round Robin)

• Championship format maintains the current promotion/relegation principles (1 up, 1 down)

KEY BENEFITS FOR CLUBS

1. Enhanced Competition Quality

• More competitive SFC and IFC championships with balanced team strengths.

• Elimination of mismatched games that may discourage player retention / development.

• Every match becomes meaningful with genuine promotion/relegation stakes.

• A minimum of 5 championship games guaranteed with most teams getting at least 6 games.

2. Increased Engagement Potential

• Greater interest from club supporters and the wider public.

• More exciting, closely-contested matches throughout the championship.

• Enhanced media coverage and sponsorship opportunities.

3. Improved Competitive Balance

• Strategic restructuring ensures teams compete at appropriate levels.

• Reduced risk of one-sided encounters that diminish the championship’s appeal.

• Fair progression pathway for ambitious clubs while maintaining standards.

4. Player Development Opportunities

• Players compete at levels matching their abilities and club resources.

• Enhanced development pathways through meaningful competition.

• Reduced player burnout from mismatched encounters.

CALL TO ACTION

This restructure represents a strategic investment in the future of Laois football. By approving this proposal, clubs will:

• Enhance their competitive experience.

• Increase supporter engagement.

• Contribute to a more competitive and attractive championship.

• Ensure sustainable long-term development of our players.

In November, we respectfully seek the approval of Laois Clubs to implement this transformative restructure, positioning our football championships as a model of competitive excellence. The future of competitive, engaging Laois football begins with our club’s approval of this strategic restructure.

A pdf presentation outlining the SFC / IFC restructure in more detail can be found at the link below:

Laois SFC IFC Restructuring Proposal 07-10-2025