Penalty kicks unfair in relegation play-off

Caulry and Tang tabled motions to the recent Westmeath GAA convention regarding the situation with extra-time and penalty kicks in relegation play-offs.

Ger O’Kelly Lynch of Caulry noted that Tang defeated St Malachy’s on penalty kicks in the 2025 senior football relegation game. “I know all clubs relish their status, be it senior, intermediate or junior. It’s critical; it’s nearly as important as winning the championship. We feel the game should be decided on the field of play,” he said.

“A replay or even a second replay (would be fairer). The fact that both teams are out of the championship at that stage, and usually it is played during the knockout stages of the championship. So time is not a problem. It’s terrible to have lost on on penalties.”

The club called for whatever number of replays are needed to resolve a draw, rather than having penalty kicks.

Outgoing Westmeath GAA chairman Frank Mescall noted that relegation via penalties has happened twice in hurling and football. “Most people will agree with you,” he remarked.

Mr Mescall felt a similar motion from Tang - proposing a replay, with extra-time and penalties if needed - carries more strength.

Tom Farrell, Tang delegate, said clubs should be entitled to a second replay in a relegation game given the importance of such games. “It took us 20 years to recover when we were last relegated,” he remarked.

“If you are to come through a game like that (relegation play-off), you have to have all your ducks lined up. The Malachy’s and Tang match was a great saga; I don’t know how people didn’t get heart attacks in the end. But it was crazy then to take penalties. To decide that somebody should be relegated on penalties is beyond me. In the senior final there is a replay; all we are looking for is (a replay) in the relegation play-off.

“We (the GAA) are talking about 11-a-side and 12-a-side for smaller rural clubs to keep them alive. For Tang to hold on to their senior status this year was amazing for the club. Hopefully next year we will be stronger. It’s very unfortunate for St Malachy’s.”

Mr Farrell asked for a show of hands to see if clubs would be in favour, but the chairman rejected this. “I didn’t do it with any other motion - I’m not doing it with this. Planning people are smart people; leave it to them,” he added.