GAA to replace minor grade with U-17?

A series of meetings are taking place at provincial and national level this week to discuss proposals that, if implemented, will mean major changes to GAA competition eligibility and structures.
If the proposals are implemented, a national and provincial competitions control committee will be established with responsibility for the organisation of youth games at these levels and across the post primary school and inter-county minor grades.
One of the proposals that is likely to arouse a lot of discussion is the recommendation to reduce the minor age to U-17. No U-15 player may participate at inter-county minor level and no minor may play at U-20 or senior inter-county levels. It is clear from reading the report that, if accepted, a move will follow to replace the U-21 grade with U-20 competitions, something that has been mooted for some time.
According to the report, a copy of which has been seen by The Clare Champion, this will mean “the majority of minor players will be in fourth year rather than sitting their Leaving Certificate which will ensure that the inter-county minor championship can be played in the months of May, June, July and August. No minor player will be eligible to play in the adult grades”.
The report also states no player may play more than one age group above their own.
For some time there has been a concern about an overlap of inter-county minor and colleges competitions.
According to the report “a number of factors contribute to the association’s failure to maximise the impact of Gaelic games at youth level.”
“There is a lack of a development ethos at all levels – a culture of keeping the best and ignoring the rest that is a product of valuing the outcome (winning) over the developmental process (achieving one’s full potential).
“There are inadequate competition frameworks – too much emphasis on championships and the absence of a meaningful programme of regular, scheduled games. Games are being postponed, often for the flimsiest of reasons, to accommodate a small minority to the detriment of the vast majority.”
Under the heading ‘Key Principles’, the report states that the opportunity should be provided for cross-county and cross-provincial games where possible. It further states that the acceptance of the recommendations will facilitate dual involvement, minimise overlapping commitments and enhance revenue-generating potential.
The report also recommends changes to the Féile schedule.
“To ensure that Féile can be spread geographically, the National Féile tournament will be organised on a regional/provincial basis.”