Following on from the success of the first ever Cross-County Leagues in hurling and football for Under 13 and Under 15 players this year, Leinster GAA are hoping that even more clubs will get involved in 2018.

The Leinster GAA Games Development Committee, Chaired by former GAA President Liam O’Neill, aim to provide more games of a similar standard for teams in both codes, and also to lengthen the playing season around the province. Ultimately, the aim is to increase participation, combat drop-off and improve standards.

With over 250 teams entered in 2017, the organising committee have listened to feedback from clubs, mentors and players and have made some tweaks to the format going forward, as explained here

Competition Structures

• It has been decided to divide all teams into divisions in the north and south of the province based on grading advice from County Coiste na nÓg committees. Each division will be made up of groups of four, therefore giving each club three games at their own standard in their region before advancing to a full provincial semi-final and finals day. This will cut down on travel and try to provide games of a similar standard throughout the competition.

Where teams finish in the group determines what level of semi-final they enter (i.e. 1^st place in Div 1 Group A, South v 1^st place in Div 1 Group B, North)

This carries through for all teams in each group, so wherever teams finish, they find their level and play a semi-final at that level.

• 2 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss
• Head to head followed by score difference to decide placings
• Leinster GAA and home teams’ County Board are responsible for appointment of referee
• All games will be fixed for Saturday, u13 at 1pm and u15 at 2.30pm, but should both clubs agree an alternative date the home team are responsible for appointment of a replacement referee for the re-fixture.
• Home team responsible for payment of €35 to referee
• All results to be returned by home team to hannah.horan.leinster@gaa.ie
• All re-fixed games must be played by 10th of March, league standings will be decided on 10^th of March

• All semi-finals and finals to be played as part of Leinster GAA Cross County Finals Festivals at Centres of Excellence throughout the province.
• All teams must pay a deposit of €250 to enter (returned on completion of all games)

Playing Rules

Under 13

• Under 13 is 13-a-side
• All games 30 minutes per half
• Under 13 size 4 football & sliotar to be used
• Under 13 to use small goals and pitch size from 13m line to opposite 13m line. Full width.
• Unlimited substitutions

Under 15

• Under 15 is 15-a-side
• All games 30 minutes per half
• Under 15 size 5 football & sliotar to be used
• Under 15 Full size pitch
• Unlimited substitutions

How to Enter

FOR APPLICATION FORM – CLICK HERE

Please note no team will be entered until the deposit of €250 (made payable to Leinster GAA) is posted to Hannah Horan, Cross County Leagues, Áras Laighean, Portlaoise, Co. Laois