Month: September 2021

1. Ireland Head Coach Joe Schmidt who received his Honorary Fellowship of the Faculty of Paediatrics for contribution to child health

Source: Gary Carr/INPHO

2. Shamrock Rovers’ Gary Shaw tackled by Jamie Lennon of St Patrick’s Athletic

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

3. Leinster’s Sean O’Brien pictured competing against Wasps

Source: Inpho/Billy Stickland

4. Bath’s Freddie Burns fails to ground the ball to score a try late in the game as he is dispossessed by Maxime Médard of Toulouse

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

5. Joey Carbery celebrates after the Munster-Exeter match

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

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6. Ireland fans pay tribute to the late Oran Tully

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

7. Imokilly’s Seamus Harnedy lifts the trophy after his side triumphed in the Cork Senior Hurling Championship Final

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

8. Toulon’s Daniel Ikpefan and Sinoti Sinoti of Newcastle

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

9. Portlaoise’s Ricky Maher celebrates with Cahir Healy at the end of the Laois Senior Football Championship Final 

Source: Ken Sutton/INPHO

10. Dunboyne celebrate after the Meath Senior Football Championship Final

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

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CLANN NA NGAEL, Aughawillan and Portlaoise were among the teams to triumph on a busy day of GAA action with several county finals taking place.

In Leitrim, Aughawillan overcame Mohill 0-14 to 1-9.

An early goal from Ronan Gordon helped his side surge into the lead, as they found themselves 1-7 to 0-7 ahead at the break.

However, an impressive second-half fightback ensured Aughawillan prevailed, with Morgan Quinn, Mark Plunkett and Sean Flanagan among those contributing vital points as the match approached its climax.

Clann na nGael were the victors in the Roscommon SFC final, as they earned an emphatic 4-15 to 1-12 win.

It was the first time that their opponents, St Brigid’s, have lost at this stage since 2003, winning their last 10 finals in succession before today.

A closely fought encounter in Down, saw Burren beat Kilcoo 2-12 to 2-9 in Páirc Esler.

It was Burren’s first triumph since 2011, while Kilcoo narrowly missed out on an incredible seventh title on the trot.

Rhode secured their third successive Offaly SFC final victory at O’Connor Park.

A comfortable 1-18 to 0-10 success over Ferbane ensured they celebrated winning the competition for they 29th time in their history.

At Pearse Park, Mullinalaghta triumphed in Longford for the third year in a row, winning at the second time of asking after the original tie had ended in a replay.

After a shaky start in which they conceded an early goal, the outcome seldom looked in doubt, with Mickey Graham’s men beating Abbeylara 2-14 to 1-2.

Portlaoise beat O’Demseys 2-16 to 1-13 at O’Moore Park in the Laois decider.

It continues a remarkable haul for the team that has seen them win 11 of the last 12 titles and 34 in total.

There was late drama as a Simon Donohoe score contributed to an exciting end to the contest in the Wexford SFC final.

It ultimately finished 2-11 apiece between Kilanerin and Shelmaliers after Donohue’s crucial intervention, with the replay pencilled in for next Saturday at 3.45pm in Innovate Wexford Park. 

In the Sligo SFC final, Tourlestrane were the victors in Enniscrone.

They beat Tubbercurry 1-12 to 0-8 to triumph in the competition for the third year on the bounce, with Cian Surlis registering the all-important goal for his side early in the second half to put the holders firmly in control.

Finally, Rathnew and St Patrick’s could not be separated in Wicklow.

A tight contest ended in a 0-13 to 1-10 draw, with Shane Murley’s last-gasp point rescuing Pat’s.

The replay is set to take place on Saturday 27 October in Aughrim at 3pm.

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Castlehaven 1-18
Duhallow 2-15

John O’Shea reports from Páirc Uí Rinn

ONE OF THE best Cork SFC championship games to be played in a long time. A game played at full throttle and full of drama from first whistle to last.

Castlehaven and Duhallow will have to do battle once more, after this pulsating replay encounter once more ended in a draw.

This entire contest of football was played at quite an electric pace. It was absorbing stuff right throughout. Those in attendance witnessed arguably the most exciting game of football in this year’s championship.

In the opening half, whenever one side looked like getting in front, the other would pull the other back in. Duhallow had players such as Michael Vaughan, Donnacha O’Connor and Anthony O’Connor in good scoring form, while Castlehaven had points from Michael Hurley, Conor Cahalane and Mark Collins among others.

At half-time, it was Duhallow that led 0-9 to 0-7 , but in truth, football was the winner after what was an enthralling opening 30 minutes of football.

Castlehaven hit the back of the net early into the second half, when Michael Hurley finished with a clinically taken effort.

It was an absolutely crucial score for the West Cork side, as they were to remain in front for much of the remainder of the contest. Further points from the inspirational Hurley, Cathal Maguire and Damien Cahalane looked to have booked the Haven’s favor.

But this most compelling of contests would have its fitting dramatic conclusion. Duhallow got a late goal from Darragh Moynihan and a point from Vaughan meant we were going to extra time, with the scores level at 1-14 apiece.

Just when it looked as though Castlehaven again had done enough, Anthony O’Connor found the net with seconds left in extra time for Duhallow

Conor Cahalane and Castlehaven had other ideas and a final late point means these two teams have to do battle all over again.

Scorers for Castlehaven: Michael Hurley 1-7, Mark Collins (0-4 frees) , Conor Cahalane 0-4 each, Conor O’Driscoll 0-2, Cathal Maguire 0-1.

Scorers for Duhallow: Michael Vaughan 0-5, Anthony O’Connor, Darragh Moynihan 1-1 each , Donnacha O’Connor (0-3 frees) 0-3, Aidan Walsh, Seamus Hickey 0-2 each, Fintan O’Connor 0-1.

Castlehaven

1- Anthony Seymour

2- Ronan Walsh
3- David Limrick
4- Ciaran O’Sullivan

5- James Davis
6- Damien Cahalane
22- Steven Collins

8- Mark Collins
9- Sean Dineen

10- Shane Hurley
11- Roland Whelton
20- Darragh Cahalane

19- Conor Cahalane
14- Brian Hurley
15- Michael Hurley

Subs:

17- David McCarthy for Whelton (HT)
13- Conor O’Driscoll for Dineen (HT).
12- Cathal Maguire for S Hurley (41).
7- Jamie Walsh for Davis (52).
25- Seanie Cahalane for O’Driscoll (71).
23- Shane Nolan for M Hurley (77).

Duhallow

1- Patrick Doyle (Knocknagree)

2- Bart Daly(Newmarket)
3- John McLoughlin (Kanturk)
4- Kevin Crowley (Millstreet)

5- Lorcan O’Neill(Kanturk)
6- Kealan Buckley (Knocknagree)
7- Lorcan McLoughlin (Kanturk)

8- Paul Walsh (Kanturk)
9- Aidan Walsh (Kanturk)

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10- Fintan O’Connor (Knocknagree)
11- Donnacha O’Connor (Ballydesmond)
12- Eoghan McSweeney (Knocknagree)

13- Anthony O’Connor (Knocknagree)
14- Seamus Hickey (Rockchapel)
15- Michael Vaughan (Millstreet).

Subs:

18- Darragh Moynihan (Ballydesmond) for A O’Connor (39)
17- Jerry O’Connor (Boherbue) for F O’Connor (54)
22- Kevin Cremin (Boherbue) for Vaughan (67).
18- A O’Connor for Moynihan (71).

Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers)

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LOUTH’S CIARAN BYRNE and Galway’s Cillian McDaid have both announced their retirement from AFL football, making the decision to return home to Ireland.

Louth’s Ciaran Byrne and Galway’s Cillian McDaid had both been playing for Carlton.

The pair have both brought their time with Melbourne-based club Carlton to an end.

23-year-old Byrne first made the move to Australia in 2013 but had suffered injury problems, including a torn cruciate ligament during the 2016 campaign.

He was in action for his club St Mochta’s yesterday as they celebrated a Louth intermediate football title win but had to go off during the game with a serious ankle injury.

22-year-old McDaid has also brought his spell to an end after one season with the club, originally joining last November.

McDaid was a Category B rookie and after impressing in 2017 for the Galway U21 side that reached the All-Ireland final, along with making his championship debut for Kevin Walsh’s senior side, he moved to embark on an AFL career. An All-Ireland minor hurling winner in 2015 with Galway, McDaid did not make his senior AFL debut in 2018 and instead lined out for the Northern Blues.

Cillian McDaid goes up against Con O’Callaghan in the 2017 All-Ireland U21 final.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Byrne had spent four years with Carlton, playing in 22 senior games for the club. He made the decision to retire and part ways with the club on 7 October, after a number of discussions over the past two weeks and throughout the course of the year.

“This decision hasn’t been made lightly, it’s something that’s been on my mind for a while but ultimately I feel the time is right for me to go back home,” Byrne told Carlton’s official website.

“The club has been incredibly supportive, managing the best interests of both myself and my family and for that I will always be incredibly thankful and grateful. I will miss the club, my team-mates and coaches and will always be a Carlton person.

“I wish the boys the very best for next season and beyond.”

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The pair were both wished well by Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd.

“We are disappointed to lose a quality young player like Ciaran, but we understand his decision to return to Ireland for personal and family-related reasons,” Lloyd said.

“As a club we have supported Ciaran very closely over a number of years, but ultimately his desire to return home was too strong, so we accept that and will continue to support him as he transitions into the next phase of his life.

“We also hope Ciaran makes a speedy recovery after breaking his ankle playing Gaelic football on the weekend.

Ciaran Byrne in action for Louth in the 2013 Leinster senior football championship.

Source: Colm O’Neill/INPHO

“Likewise, we’re also accepting of Cillian’s decision to return to Ireland – it’s a huge challenge for these players to travel and live on the other side of the world.

“We wish Cillian and Ciaran all the very best for the future and thank them for their services to the club.”

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CORK’S MARK KEANE and Derry’s Anton Tohill have become the latest Irish players to make the move to Aussie Rules after Collingwood confirmed they have signed the duo.

Derry’s Anton Tohill and Cork’s Mark Keane are heading to Melbourne.

Source: INPHO

The Melbourne-based club announced the recruit of the duo who had been heavily linked with a move to Australia for some time.

Mitchelstown club man Keane was part of the Cork U20 side that contested this summer’s EirGrid Munster final against Kerry while Swatragh’s Tohill, the son of Derry All-Ireland winning great Anthony, was part of his county’s U20 squad that claimed Ulster honours.

The pair both attended an international AFL Academy in Florida last January and the AFL Combine that was held in UCD last December. They have come under the guidance of former Down footballer and Collingwood player Marty Clarke in recent months as well. Clarke made 73 AFL appearances for Collingwood during two stints with the club.

At the recent AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne, Keane finished second in the goal kicking test while Tohill was 12th in the overall kick testing. Their signings follows on from the recruitment of young Dublin footballer James Madden by the Brisbane Lions in October.

James Madden in action for the Dublin U20 side against Longford this summer.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

The announcement also comes just a day after the return home of two Irish players was revealed with Galway’s Cillian McDaid and Louth’s Ciaran Byrne both departing Carlton.

“Mark and Anton will really add to our developing key position depth,” said Collingwood national recruiting manager Derek Hine.

Mark Keane and Anton Tohill at last year’s AFL Combine in UCD.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

“They are different to each other in the manner in which they play. Anton has the makings of a tall utility who will be capable at both ends of the ground, with the potential to play minutes in the ruck.

“Mark is very strong overhead and has natural game sense. We can see him playing as a key forward or key defender.”

The duo will join the club next month ahead of the commencement of pre-season training before the 2019 campaign will start next March. Collingwood contested the AFL Grand Final this year, losing out 79-74 last month against West Coast Eagles.

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DUBLIN FOOTBALL STAR Paul Mannion isn’t a fan of the proposed new rule changes for Gaelic football.

The GAA’s standing committee on playing rules revealed earlier this month the five rules that they believe should be experimented with in the sport.

A restriction in handpasses, a plan to have all sidelines kicked forward, the introduction of an attacking mark, the implementation of a sin bin and a new kick-out rule involving zoning are to be considered.

But Mannion, a key figure again in Dublin’s All-Ireland success this year and a winner with his club Kilmacud Crokes in last Saturday’s county semi-final, is not impressed with what has been suggested.

He is aware that they are only proposals and is open to the idea of inside mark being trialled but overall feels they would change Gaelic football ‘in so many ways’ if implemented.

“I personally think they are a really bad idea, to be honest. I completely understand they are only proposals and just suggestions. So we won’t know until a few of them are trialled, but my initial thoughts were just that they were pretty bad ideas.

“I don’t know how much kind of thought went into them or was there any kind of consultation process, but I just don’t see what they are trying to achieve or what it’s going to do.

“It is going to change the game in so many ways – if they were all introduced. Now I know it’s unlikely they’d all be implemented but it would just be a completely different game if all those were brought in. Yeah, I’d be completely against them to be honest.”

The inside mark would be the proposed rule likely to impact most on Mannion’s style of play as a regular corner-forward in the Dublin team.

Paul Mannion lifts the Sam Maguire last month.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“I suppose even when they were bringing the kickout mark in, when that was proposed I was kind of 50-50, I didn’t know what would work, what it would look like and then when it was trialled, I was like, ‘This actually works pretty well’.

“I thought that was a good one. I kind of feel similar about that one. That’s probably the only one that I’d be like maybe it might work. So I suppose seeing if it’s trialled and how it works out, it could turn out to be a good idea.

“It probably takes a little bit away from your preparations in the league if you know whatever happens, you’re going to be going back to the old rules. There’s nothing we can do about that, it’s out of our hands. We’ll just focus on what we can control. We’ll have plenty of time during the championship anyway to practise ourselves in our own training games so it won’t be a massive issue really.”

Mannion’s Dublin boss Jim Gavin has been a previous advocate for the sin bin but the attacker does not agree with the plan that is being floated.

Jim Gavin celebrates with Paul Mannion after the victory over Tyrone.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“You could have situations now where if a sin bin is brought in, teams will completely shut up shop for 10 minutes and do everything they can to just waste time and it’ll turn out to be worse again. It’s really difficult to see how these will work out unless they’re trialled.

“I wouldn’t agree with that now myself. Unless then they started giving out yellow cards more frequently, I’d imagine that would have to be the case if you’re going to need three yellow cards to get sent off. Again, it could just turn the game into complete chaos with fouling and this kind of stuff.

“I’m glad anyway at least that there’s going to be some thought around it before going to trial and if it’s a success then we can implement it. They’re only suggestions and proposals. They’re not wrong to try and improve the game. That’s what everyone wants. Everyone’s all for that, trying to improve it.”

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IT’S COUNTY HURLING final week and enough has occurred since his last appearance with Ballyboden St-Enda’s for Simon Lambert to appreciate this build-up.

Ballyboden collected six titles between 2007 and 2013, Lambert a Dublin hurler at the time and a lynchpin in their run of club success.

Now it’s almost three years since he was cut from the county squad by Ger Cunningham and while still harbouring ambitions to play, a recall has not been forthcoming.

His omission in late 2015 did not sit easy with him, accusing Dublin boss Cunningham at the time of ‘disrespect’.

But with a current vacancy in the Dublin managerial hotseat, Lambert is hoping to get a chance to impress for 2019.

“I’m 29. I’m 30 in a few weeks. I finished three years ago. For me, it didn’t finish nicely. Do I have any regrets? Maybe about what I said? Possibly so.

“Ger had to do a job. End of story. He looked at his panel after year one and said ‘I had to get rid of X, Y and Z. I was one of them. Did I think I was good enough to play? Yeah.

“Do I still think I’m good enough to play? Yeah. But that remains to be seen for whoever comes in.”

Lambert freely admits to being disappointed at not getting an opportunity to audition when Pat Gilroy took over for the 2018 campaign.

Simon Lambert in action for Dublin against Galway in 2015 in Croke Park.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

“I was yeah, I’ll be honest, it hurt me. No different to Joe (Fortune), when Dublin were looking for a management, he probably thought he was going to get into that role.

“That was a year ago, I was 28, absolutely, you feel you’re coming to the peak of your career, you think you have something to give. My club (form) has probably been indifferent over the last couple of years, I’d absolutely agree. But I still definitely did think last year I had something to offer, both on and off the pitch.

“I heard numbers like 65 or 70 lads that were brought out. And you’re kind of going, ‘Jeez, am I not in the top 70 in Dublin?’ I’m going from playing for Dublin to not being in the top 70. That’s Pat’s way.

“If he wanted to go a different way about it, that’s fine. I would be a small bit envious of the lads and how good the setup was this year and the continuity that they all had.

“They were unlucky with the couple of results they had. But as I said, I’m enjoying my hurling and football with the club. The fact that I’m not with Dublin means I can go and play football with the club, that’s the other side of it.”

He’s keeping an eye on the hunt for the Dublin boss and will be interested in the identity of the new man with Anthony Daly, manager of the Kilmacud team that Lambert’s club face next Sunday, one of the candidates believed to be in the running.

Kilmacud Crokes manager Anthony Daly.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

“Dublin’s a lot different from the setup Dalo left. Obviously the likes of (Chris) Crummey, Trollier (Eamonn Dillon) – they’re probably leaders in the team now that Dalo brought in. But whatever Dalo does, Dalo does.

“I’m sure he’d like to get back into county management, whether that’s with Clare or with Dublin. If he goes back with Dublin, all the best to him.”

“if Dalo gets it I wouldn’t be saying he’s going to bring me back but the door, for me, I’ll always keep the door open to playing with Dublin, no matter what age I am.

“So whoever comes in, I’ll just try to perform on Sunday and you never know, if it’s Dalo or Mattie (Kenny) or Anthony Cunningham, they’re probably the three lads that are being touted for it. I’ll just look after myself on Sunday and see what happens.”

After ruling Dublin hurling circles in the first part of his career, Lambert and his Ballyboden team-mates have had to watch Cuala and Kilmacud dominate in recent times, accumulating five of the last six crowns.

With All-Ireland club kingpins Cuala having exited the 2018 stage, there is a major opportunity to grasp silverware.

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Ballyboden St Enda’s players celebrate winning the 2013 Dublin senior title.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“Every year you don’t win one you think ‘are we ever going to get back there?’ 

“And we haven’t even looked like we were going to get to a final. Last year, we beat Cuala six weeks after they won an All-Ireland.

“I suppose you could say they still had a hangover. But (we) beat them.

“And a week later, we lost to Crumlin. No disrespect to Crumlin, but we would have expected to beat any other club team.

“So yeah, we’ve kind of got our act together under new management. I’m just look forward to Sunday.”

“One of our biggest issues is we’ve had so many lads with Dublin. Granted, when we were successful, we probably had seven or eight.

“But it takes its toll. We’re doing our day-in, day-out training with the club and then the county lads are just coming back in straight into the team.

“And it kind of disrupts the whole thing. This year, we had only three or four lads – Niall McMorrow dropped himself off it.

“So it hasn’t been as disruptive. That’s a big factor.

“Obviously then having Joe (Fortune, I never had Joe but most of the team had him with DIT or underage and they knew what he was about.

“So it was great to have him. In fairness to Joe, he great at delegating as well and his man-management skills are great.”

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KERRY’S MARK O’CONNOR is set to miss the remainder of his club Dingle’s county senior football championship campaign after his AFL side Geelong stated they cannot permit it as ‘it’s a breach to his contract’.

O’Connor returned home after the close of the 2018 AFL season and featured in Dingle’s county quarter-final win over Austin Stacks last month, playing a key role in that victory.

But the 2015 All-Ireland minor winning captain was not in action last Sunday in their drawn semi-final against East Kerry in Tralee, with a replay in store between the teams next Sunday.

The AFL website has reported that Geelong were unaware of his participation until after the Kerry quarter-final, prompting them to contact O’Connor.

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“It was down to the risk of injury which would then compromise his ability to play and train for Geelong,” the club’s head of football Simon Lloyd told the AFL website.

“We (told Mark we) cannot provide permission for you to play in further Gaelic football games as it’s a breach to his contract.”

“To Mark’s credit, he acknowledged Geelong was his main priority and that he wouldn’t do it again.”

Mark O’Connor captained Kerry to the 2015 All-Ireland minor football title.

Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

O’Connor had emerged strongly for Geelong at the end of the season, featuring in their last four outings before their campaign ended with a loss to Melbourne in the first elimination final of the 2018 final series.

He emerged strongly for Kerry in underage football ranks, winning All-Ireland minor medals with the county in 2014 and 2015, along with securing Hogan Cup honours with his school PS Chorca Dhuibhne in both those years.

Then in October 2016, O’Connor signed for Geelong after impressing during the AFL Draft Combine and he made his full AFL debut for the club in May 2017.

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TRIBUTES ARE POURING in for 2009 All-Ireland winning captain Darran O’Sullivan following his retirement from inter-county football on Tuesday.

O’Sullivan is now the fourth Kerry player to retire since the end of their 2018 championship campaign, joining a group which includes Kieran Donaghy, Donnchadh Walsh and Anthony Maher.

The four-time All-Ireland winner was renowned for his speed and skill since joining the Kerry squad at the start of the 2005 season, and former teammates, opponents and others have posted their tributes to the Glenbeigh-Glencar player and 2011 All-Star. 

Kieran Donaghy

Started with this man, finished with him. Struck pure fear in everyone with his blistering pace. A leader as he showed at a young age in 09 as Kerry captain. He was a great passer finisher and kicker, but his will to win and that bit of a dog in him is what I loved most. #legend pic.twitter.com/hWmme1AskN

— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) October 16, 2018

Seán O’Sullivan

All the best @Darransull86 on your retirement. An explosive skillful player and a great teammate. And now we can finally put the argument to bed…I was quicker! 😉👍

— Sean O Sullivan (@SeanTheBawn) October 16, 2018

Paul Flynn

All the best @Darransull86 👍 https://t.co/AZ3NyrstLL

— Paul Flynn (@Flinto23) October 16, 2018

Darren Frehill

Best of luck Darran. You gave it everything and can have no regrets

— Darren Frehill (@Darrenfrehill) October 16, 2018

Aidan O’Mahony

Blessed with pace & an eye for goal, a defenders nightmare when ye got up to full throttle, the fabric on his jersey was the most tested in the GAA for years & even more so at training, great friend & a great character on & off the pitch ,loved a Wooly jumper 😁👌All the best💚💛 pic.twitter.com/o9tsOImXED

— Aidan O Mahony (@GmailMahony) October 16, 2018

Killian Young

Congrats @Darransull86 on a memorable Kerry career. I’m very proud to have shared the jersey with this man since minor level in 2004, and we had some craic along the way! A superb role model with all the qualities to dismantle any defence. A class act 👏🏼

— Killian Young (@killianyoung) October 16, 2018

Marc O’Sé

What service @Darransull86 has given @Kerry_Official since 2004. The craic,laughter,friendship I had with this man for years is something I’ll always cherish. Nothing would stop this man when he would tear through the middle ! Congrats on retirement Darran. pic.twitter.com/AWuRU5EvKe

— Marc Ó Sé (@osemarc2) October 16, 2018

Bernard O’Shea 

Ah Darren it only feels like two years ago when I accidentally retired you on the radio. I’ll get @KeithWalsh2fm to declare our love for you tomorrow in EVERY BULLETIN. You’ll be missed 👍

— Bernard O'Shea (@boshea5) October 16, 2018

GPA

Best of luck to 4-time All-Ireland winner Darran O’Sullivan in retirement

Darran has been a GPA squad rep for Kerry in recent years and has contributed greatly encouraging players from his squad to engage in player development programmes throughout his tenure

Best wishes Darran pic.twitter.com/fPAuB9KKD0

— GPA (@gaelicplayers) October 16, 2018

Dáithí O’Sé

We're all retired from @Kerry_Official senior football team even though some never started.. best of luck @Darransull86 some craic that day @osemarc2 @starryboy14 pic.twitter.com/EY3ZZnO1Im

— Dáithí Ó Sé (@daithi_ose) October 16, 2018

Glenbeigh/Glencar GAA

Congrats to @Darransull86 on an outstanding career & for carrying out club name with such distinction all these years. We wil never forget 2009 when you brought Sam to our small village. Enjoy your retirement. We look forward to seeing you in the 🔴⚫️ for a few more years yet💚💛

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LEADING REFEREE CONOR Lane says that the reaction in refereeing circles to the proposed new rules in Gaelic football has been “very positive”.

The 2018 All-Ireland SFC final man in the middle hasn’t been involved in any of the trial matches thus far but says that the feedback has been optimistic.

Recently, the GAA’s standing committee issued five proposed rule changes to be considered. These include a restriction in handpasses, a plan to have all sidelines kicked forward, the introduction of an attacking mark, the implementation of a sin bin and a new kick-out rule involving zoning.

They’ve been trialed in some Thursday night college games with Lane mentioning that David Gough, Cormac Reilly and Brendan Crawley have taken charge.

“The feedback is very positive,” Lane said at the launch of the GAA’s Referee Development Plan in Croke Park this morning. 

“I was chatting to the lads and Pat Doherty about it this morning. The feedback has been good.

“I haven’t been involved because they’ve all been in Kildare and Dublin. I’m from Cork so it would be too much of a trip for me to travel up on a Thursday. It’s positive, yeah, the feedback has been positive.”

While there has been some uncertainty around the proposed changes from top inter-county players, Lane welcomes them from a refereeing point of view. 

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Darren Hughes, Paul Mannion, Aidan O’Shea and Brian Fenton are four players to have voiced their opinions on the matter, their views coming as mixed. 

Conor Lane (file pic).

Source: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO

Hughes slammed them as “embarassing”, O’Shea and Fenton were much more reserved but shared their uncertainty while Dublin and Kilmacud star Mannion most recently said that his “initial thoughts were just that they were pretty bad ideas.”

Lane thinks otherwise on a personal level though.

“Positive for me,” he continued. “Hurling would be my first love. From refereeing hurling in Cork when the defender gets the ball he’s trying to get it up the field as fast as he can.

“Football at the moment is just a bit slow, so, for me, the quicker we get the ball up the field the more attractive it is for the fans and the more attractive it is for everyone.”

It’s also been said that more rules my be too onerous for referees, adding to their load. But Lane firmly disagrees with that. 

“Look, it’s like every year, what we’re given we’ll just go out and perform and do what we’re told to do. If it’s hand-passes we’ll do it, if it’s an extra mark we’ll just have to buy into it and do it.

“I’d be positive. Whatever we’re told to do we’ll just do it. It won’t be an extra work-load for us, no. It’s just another challenge that we’ll embrace. I’m looking forward to it.”

Cavanagh being carded by David Gough in 2016.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

The introduction of a second referee is something that’s also been called for of late, namely by former Tyrone star Sean Cavanagh. 

And obviously, the possible introduction of new rules has heightened that debate and increased those calls. Again, Banteer/Lyre clubman Lane disagrees, saying that one referee can handle it with ease.

“No, I was involved in the Australian Rules last year and we had the six handpasses rule in it. It was very easy to get it into it.

“It’s all about the players buying into it as well. We can all be negative and moan about stuff, we just have to get on with life. It’s all positive for us really, we love the extra work-load.

“I think one referee is more than enough. Loads, yeah. I wouldn’t be shouting for two referees at all, to be honest.

“I don’t think our game is fast enough for it. The ball is going back and across a lot. One is plenty for us at the moment anyway.”

The GAA’s national match officials coordinator Doherty stayed more coy when asked at the same event if referees feedback to the proposed rule changes had been positive.

Pat Doherty (file pic).

“Quite honestly, they haven’t fed back hugely,” he said.

“Their attitude to things like that are, ‘Well, we’re here to referee the games, we referee the games and if the rules change, they change and we’ll do our best to referee the changed rules.’

“As you probably know, the Standing Committee of the Playing Rules have a couple of third level games organised on Thursday evening – challenge matches. So, some of the lads will be involved in refereeing that. They will have a better view on it then.

“We cannot be saying, ‘This is great’ or ‘This isn’t great’ until we see them in action. That would be the attitude of the referees — whatever is in front of us, we’ll do our best to referee.”

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