Jimmy Lee Celebrates Player Victory as Munster Council Shelves Seeding Plan After Talks
Limerick senior football manager Jimmy Lee has praised the Munster Council for postponing the league-based seeding of the upcoming senior football championship until 2027. This decision comes after considerable opposition from Limerick management and players regarding proposed changes that would give the top two teams from the National Football League (NFL) automatic byes to separate semi-finals.
Details of the Seeding Plan
- The league seeding was initially scheduled to be implemented in 2024.
- Kerry and Cork, the top teams from this season’s NFL, were set to benefit from this change.
- The revised Council proposal will now apply the league seeding to the Munster Senior Football Championship (SFC) starting in 2027.
This additional year allows Division 3 teams, such as Clare and Limerick, the opportunity to improve their league standings. Should either team advance to higher divisions and if Cork were to descend from Division 2, they could secure automatic semi-final positions in 2027.
Feedback from Limerick’s Management
Lee expressed satisfaction with the compromise, stating, “I’m glad to see there’s been some sense. It may not align perfectly with Limerick’s initial proposal, but there’s progress.” He acknowledged the efforts of players who engaged in discussions with the Munster Council and highlighted the role of the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) in advocating for fairness among the teams involved.
Upcoming Championship Details
The upcoming championship draw will maintain the current seeding format, which has been in place since 2015. Winners Kerry and runners-up Clare will receive seeding based on their performances in the previous season. Teams involved in the quarter-final draw will include Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, and Waterford, with the matches scheduled for April 11, coinciding with the post-NFL season.
Championship Timeline
- Quarter-finals: April 11
- Semi-finals: April 25
- Final: Weekend of May 10
Since 2021, there has not been a championship final featuring Cork and Kerry. Historically, Kerry has dominated the Munster SFC since 2000, claiming all but six titles during that period. Cork has secured victories in 2002, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2012, while Tipperary achieved their first SFC title in 85 years in 2020.
Future Considerations
Discussions are underway regarding the potential extension of league seeding to all four provincial senior football championships. However, the support for such a measure appears insufficient to guarantee its implementation across the board.
