New rules as Westmeath and Roscommon begin league campaigns

The footballers of Westmeath and Roscommon start their respective Lidl National Football League campaigns this weekend.

The 2026 league campaign will be a new experience for the players and management of all counties with confirmation from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA) that a package of twelve playing rule enhancements will be trialled during the competition.

Reigning Leinster intermediate champions Westmeath travel to O'Donnell Park Letterkenny on Sunday for a Division 2 fixture against Donegal, throw-in 2pm.

Meanwhile, Roscommon, relegated from Division 2 last year, will host Limerick on Sunday afternoon in St Brigid's GAA, Kiltoom, throw-in 2pm.

Westmeath manager Frank Browne will be hoping to build on the confidence gained from winning a provincial title in 2025, while his Roscommon counterpart Finbar Egan will be aiming to feature in the promotion positions at the end of the county's league campaign.

Former Westmeath player Fiona Claffey was part of the group which recommended the twelve new playing rule enhancements.

Six of the twelve changes mirror the GAA Football Review Committee’s rule enhancements in the men’s game.

They are the kickout mark, the two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half at all times, the solo and go, and frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline. Short restarts within the 40-metre arc will still be allowed, however.

The six other rule changes look specifically at current LGFA rules, including those related to the tackle, with the overall aim of ensuring that the playing rules of the game are fair, consistent, inclusive, and reflective of the modern development of the sport.

A Special Congress will take place following the trial period to determine which rule changes will then be implemented on a permanent basis.