HERE are some queries that have arisen during the first two rounds of the NFL, in relation to the changes brought in my the FRC’s new rule enhancements. When can a free be taken from outside the 40-metre arc for a two-point score? The only time a player can opt to kick a two-pointer is […]
JOE BROLLY: Everyone’s a winner
February 10, 2025
ARMAGH had played their first game against Galway as though the old rules still applied, in line with a school of thought that was popular before the league started that the new game only required a tweak of the old one. As one inter-county coach said to me, “We think we can still make do with […]
Defending will always be about the fundamentals says Enda McNulty
January 9, 2025
By Michael McMullan FORMER Armagh defensive star Enda McNulty feels there must always be a focus on the “fundamental” area of defending before any consideration of the incoming rule changes. Speaking on this week’s Gaelic Lives podcast, to look back at Queen’s 2000 Sigerson success, the 2002 All-Ireland winner speaks in depth about his university […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: A sense of Christmas cheer
December 19, 2024
LOOKING ahead to 2025, I feel, we as Gaels, have an awful lot to look forward to. Much has been said and written about the introduction of the new rules, but I must say it’s great to be looking forward to them. Over the last number of weeks, I have spoken to people involved with […]
Running the rules: What the players think of the proposed rule changes
November 28, 2024
Central council delegate Benny Hurl and six intercounty footballers speak to Niall Gartland ahead of Saturday’s Special Congress on the new rules. SOON, all will be revealed. A Special Congress will take place this Saturday to determine whether Jim Gavin and his band of merry men will have their way. Unless you’ve been living under […]
Poacher calls for three-tier county structure
November 28, 2024
By Michael McMullan NEW Leitrim manager Steven Poacher is calling for a three-tier approach to the inter-county senior football season, including a knock-out Sam Maguire race. The Down native, a columnist in Gaelic Life, hailed the National Leagues for producing well-balanced games with counties competing at the same level. As it stands, the four groups […]
Family bonds behind Portaferry success
October 24, 2024
By Shaun Casey GERARD McGrattan was still playing the last time Portaferry claimed three consecutive county titles, and last Sunday, he patrolled the sidelines and watched on as his son led the line on another historic day for the club. Sunday past was the first time since 2002 that Portaferry won three in-a-row, and Tom […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: I fear for the future of football if the rules stay the same
August 8, 2024
T’S club championship time up and down the country this weekend as all focus now turns back for the club scene. Here in Donegal we have a league format where you play four games and then based on where you finish after that will determine how and where you enter the championship. It’s a bit […]
KEVIN CASSIDY: Group stage finale doesn’t get the pulse racing
June 13, 2024
WE are at the stage of the group stages of this year’s All-Ireland series and finally we should see some real championship matches this weekend. A lot has been said and written about the format of the championship this year. I do think that perhaps we might see some changes to this in the future […]
Harte feels football rules changes are not required
February 29, 2024
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Mickey Harte doesn’t feel rule changes are needed in Gaelic football and admits he isn’t a fan of the forward mark. Speaking after Sunday’s win over Galway after watching Eoin McEvoy become the fourth member of this defence to find the net this season, Harte questioned why rules would need […]