The Allianz GAA Football Interprovincial Provincial series is making a comeback after a hiatus since 2016. This tournament, also known as the Railway Cup, has a rich history dating back to 1927. The competition has seen various formats and venues over the years, from Croke Park to provincial grounds, and even international locations like Rome, Boston, and Abu Dhabi.
This year’s series will take place at Croke Park, with Leinster facing Connacht and Munster playing against Ulster on Friday. The losers will compete for the shield, while the winners will battle it out in the cup final on Saturday evening. The tournament will feature some new playing rules proposed by the Football Review Committee, aiming to improve the game of Gaelic football.
The proposed rule changes include a 1 v 1 throw-in, adjustments to kickouts, a ‘solo and go’ rule, goalkeeper backpass restrictions, a 3v3 structure, a new scoring system, and an advanced mark rule. These changes are designed to enhance the pace and dynamics of the game while maintaining its core elements.
The series will showcase top players from across the provinces, with high-profile names like James McCarthy, Stephen Cluxton, Aidan O’Shea, and Tadhg Morley leading their respective squads. The managers, including Dessie Dolan, Pádraic Joyce, Kieran Donnelly, and John Cleary, are eager to see how these rule changes will impact the competition.
After this weekend’s matches, Central Council will review the proposed changes, with a Special Congress scheduled for November to finalize the rules for 2025. The goal is to improve the quality of Gaelic football and create a more engaging experience for players and fans alike.
Don’t miss the action-packed Interprovincial Series on RTÉ News Channel and RTÉ Player this weekend, featuring some of the best talent in Gaelic football and exciting new rule changes that could shape the future of the game. It’s a thrilling opportunity to witness history in the making and see how these innovations will impact the sport we all love.