The Mark has been introduced in order to protect against high fielding

Jarlath Burns’s (Chairman of the GAA’s Committee on playing rules) decision to push ahead with the motion to implement the Mark was met with a mix of celebration and derision on Social Media.

The Gaelic Life team were delighted as this meant we have a really meaty debate to record in this week’s social Media reaction.

Plenty of famous Gaels were either incensed enough, or delighted by the decision that they wanted to have their say on the matter.

Some argued that the rule was pointless, and that it would slow the game down.

Others believe that it is a positive step in protecting the art of high fielding.

The new rule will be implemented at a date to be decided when central council meet next month.

Here’s a mixture of the opinions:

Wow .. The mark has been passed! But it still doesn’t ensure keepers will kick the ball long

— anthony masterson (@antomasterson1) February 27, 2016

GAA missin the point… The mark won’t get rid or reduce defensive football, likely to encourage it, more time for team to “organise ”

— anthony masterson (@antomasterson1) February 27, 2016

The ‘mark’ was successfully trialled in 2010. Wouldn’t be too afraid of this one. Simply helps to promote a key skill #congress2016

— Dick Clerkin (@dickclerkin8) February 27, 2016

Club players still shafted and the mark is introduced without a trial run. I’m away to scream with rage into a pillow.

— Eamon Mc Gee (@EamonMcGee) February 27, 2016

Thoughts on GAA congress: (feels like emojis are sufficient)
The Mark ?? ??
Sky decision ??
U17/U20 ?
Not to shorten IC season: ?????#GAA

— Tomás Quinn (@mossyquinn) February 27, 2016

Looks like club players are shafted again.Massive rule change in the mark introduced without even a trial!

— Adrian McGuckin (@bigaidso14) February 27, 2016

For the players complaining about the mark being introduced to Gaelic football, here’s the solution: when u catch the ball, just play on.

— Michael Foley (@MickFoley76) February 27, 2016

Chances are the mark will end up a non-entity of a rule. The change to the black card rule has the potential to make more of an impact. #GAA

— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) February 29, 2016