Tipperary GAA votes to restore even age grades for juveniles in 2026

The return to even age grades for juvenile competitions was confirmed on Wednesday night when delegates at the November meeting of Tipperary Coiste Chontae voted in favour of the County Board motion to restore the U12, U14, U16 and U18 structure from 2026.

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The decision represents the most significant change to the juvenile calendar in several years and brings Tipperary back to the traditional age grade system.

Two motions had been placed before the County Committee. The County Board proposal called for an immediate move to even grades next season, while a Boherlahan Dualla motion sought to delay the change until 2027.

Delegates backed the County Board motion by majority vote and subsequently dismissed the Boherlahan Dualla proposal, clearing the way for the full implementation of even grades from the start of 2026.

The meeting also provided clarity on how competitions will operate under the revised structure. The U18 grade will fall under the Senior Board. Cross-divisional U17 hurling and football leagues will continue in a similar format to 2025. Feile and Peil competitions will remain at U15.

At U12 level, Go Games rules will apply and championships may be run on a league basis, with the option to stage semi-finals and finals as blitz events.

Scores will not be published, and results will record only win or loss. Presentations and gates will be permitted at finals, and girls will continue to be eligible to compete at U12.

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