Longford and Leitrim are the latest county boards to come out in favour of Proposal B ahead of Saturday's special congress.
With 183 delegates permitted to vote on Saturday, the 60% margin required means that 110 votes are needed for Proposal B, the league-based championship, to prevail ahead of Proposal A, four provincial groups of eight, and Proposal C, reverting to the status quo of a provincial and qualifier system, minus the Super 8s.
With many of Ulster’s voting delegates set to reject Proposal B in favour of C, the strength of the overseas units will be significant – they hold 34 votes.
The outcome would appear to be finely balanced at this stage, with many Ulster counties favouring C, a lot to play for still in Munster, whereas in Leinster there is serious backing for Proposal B.
Wexford, Westmeath, Louth, Kildare, Offaly and Meath have all favoured B, and last night Longford GAA decided to vote likewise.
Sources say that in proposing their congress delegates vote for Proposal B, Longford chiefs feel the motion is not perfect, but it trumps anything else on offer.
It is understood that they will be rigorous in pushing for top status for the Tailteann Cup, in terms of TV exposure and playing it before the All-Ireland final. They will call for a regular review of the new format if it is passed and feel tweaks will be necessary in order for the Tailteann Cup not to fall the same way as the Tommy Murphy Cup.
Meanwhile, Leitrim also gave their backing to Proposal B last night following a consultation period with the county’s senior footballers and new manager Andy Moran.
Listen to the RTÉ GAA Podcast at Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
