THE GAA’S HOPES of restructuring the football and hurling calendars to ensure space for club games in September were dealt a major blow this morning when Congress voted against a motion to move the All-Ireland senior hurling final to August.

Galway, Cork and Kilkenny spoke against motion seven, which would have seen the All-Ireland football final played on the first weekend in September with the hurling showpiece two weeks earlier.

Though the motion received 60.8% support, it failed to achieve the two-thirds majority required.

Also failing this morning was a motion to make extra-time obligatory for most championship games, with the exception of the provincial and All-Ireland finals.

Again, both Cork and Kilkenny spoke against the motion which was defeated despite 57.5% voting in favour of it.

Among the motions actually passed this morning was one which will see players — who are not included in their county’s 26-player panel — allowed return to their clubs on weekends of league and championship fixtures.

Poll: Do you support the changes to the GAA’s minor and U21 age grades?

Gavin makes three changes to Dubs for Monaghan clash in Croke Park