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In with the new…

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FOR TWO: Johnny Heaney of Connacht scores a two-pointer from outside the 40-metre arc. Photo: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile.

Adam Moynihan was in Croke Park as the FRC unveiled their plans for the future of Gaelic football (and he liked what he saw)

At GAA HQ on Saturday night, as the clock ticked down to 0.00 at the end of the first quarter, the newly-introduced hooter burst into life and bellowed loudly around the mostly empty stadium. The tremendous noise almost startled the poor man in front of me out of his seat. The way Gaelic football has been going, maybe a shock to the system is exactly what we need.
There was a giddy atmosphere at Croker for the Inter-Provincial decider between Connacht and Ulster; I think we were all genuinely excited to see the Football Review Committee’s new proposals in the flesh.
The game itself was great fun, particularly in the closing minutes as Connacht snatched a draw before losing a comically bad penalty shootout. But that part was unimportant. The weekend’s matches were a showcase for the possible new rules and they were a resounding success in that regard. Of course that comes with the caveat that there was nothing really at stake and we won’t be able to properly judge the amendments until they’re trialled in competitive games.
With all that being said, I was very encouraged by what I saw. The 3v3 in each half of the field is a real game changer and of all the proposals on the table, I believe this is the most important.
The return to a more traditional shape with attacking players being stationed up the pitch made such a huge difference. Firstly, it prevented teams from implementing a blanket defence with 15 behind the ball. They could still bring back 12 - the change will not signal the end of the low block - but there was more space for attacking teams to exploit. And when the defenders forced a turnover and looked to transition to attack, they immediately had targets to aim at in the other half of the pitch.
All told, it led to quicker attacks, more kicking, and less possession-based football. Isn’t that exactly what we’re after?
TWO-POINTERS
As for the new scoring format, with goals being worth four points and shots from outside the 40-metre arc being worth two, the latter worked a lot better than the former. In fact, as I was writing this piece on Wednesday it was reported by Maurice Brosnan in the Irish Examiner that the four-pointer is being scrapped.
The two-point arc is a nice addition and, for me, anything that encourages guys like Rian O’Neill to shoot from distance more often is a plus.
Awarding two points for frees and 45s has been criticised by some and I agree on the 45s – in fact, it now appears that they will revert to one point – but the frees cannot be worth one if the arc is kept.
Picture the scene: it's the 2025 All-Ireland final. Shots outside the arc count for two points but frees count for one. Kerry are down by two. It’s the last play of the game. Seánie O'Shea receives the ball outside the arc and is about to go for a two-pointer to level the scores… What are the defenders going to do? Foul him. They know the one-pointer from a placed ball is no good to Seánie in that scenario. Therefore, you are encouraging cynical play by not making frees worth two.
If you think two-point frees from the edge of the arc are handy and the reward is too great, the solution is pretty simple. Don't foul around the edge of the arc.
OTHER CHANGES
The new kickout format, with the ball having to travel beyond the 40-metre arc, worked pretty well. There was a noticeable increase in contests. It was nice seeing Stephen Cluxton getting a bit rattled in the first game on Friday as he seemed to struggle to find his man. Pity it's 10 years too late.
One rule that might need some tweaking is the one pertaining to where on the pitch the keeper can receive the ball from a teammate. While banning the pass to the goalkeeper in his own half is a definite improvement as it cuts out the cowardly backpass (which in turn was leading to boring periods of uncontested possession), there is a loophole. The keeper can now only receive the ball from a teammate in the opposition half and when he gets up that high, as Niall Morgan did for Ulster on Saturday, the attacking team then have a 12v11 outfield advantage. This will undoubtedly lead to more piggy in the middle stuff.
It’s a definite sticking point and it could result in a more severe amendment to the rule, potentially signalling the end of passes to the goalkeeper entirely.
The solo and go is another ‘yes’ for me. We didn’t see as much of it as I expected over the weekend but it’s simple and it speeds up the game. The 50m penalty for dissent and for not handing the ball to an opponent when it’s their free are also positive steps.
One major rule ‘enhancement’ that we didn’t see in action, probably because there was nothing at stake in the games, was the new interpretation of the black card. If the FRC have their way, stopping an attack by holding a player (not just by pulling them down) will result in a sin-binning. That’s a necessary change in my opinion.
There are several other suggestions in the FRC’s masterplan and after witnessing them first-hand, I would be in favour of trialling basically all of them in the league next year, with some amendments and omissions as suggested above.
If they need further tailoring then or if they’re not fit for purpose, so be it. But change is badly needed and the vast majority of what I saw was smart, progressive and at least worthy of further exploration.

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New Sunday date for 30th anniversary Historic Rally

The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will move to a new Sunday date for its 30th anniversary running. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, […]

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22 July 2026

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The Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will move to a new Sunday date for its 30th anniversary running.

The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 29, marking the opening round of the 2027 Irish Tarmac Rally Championship Historic category.

Five-time World Rally Championship event winner Paul Nagle will spearhead the event as Clerk of the Course. The appointment carries personal significance, as Nagle is the son of the late Maurice Nagle, the original founder of the rally.

The first Killarney Historic Rally was organised by Maurice Nagle in December 1996, shortly after the international Rally of the Lakes moved to its permanent May Bank Holiday weekend slot. Having served on the organising committee for the old winter Rally of the Lakes, Maurice maintained that Killarney had the capacity to host a motorsport event during the winter period. Over the last three decades, it has grown into Ireland’s only dedicated event for historic rally machinery, where an overall victory is as coveted as a win at the international event in May. “Taking on the role of Clerk of the Course for the 30th anniversary is a massive honour, but more importantly, it is an opportunity to protect and build upon the legacy my father left behind,” said Paul Nagle. “He believed that Killarney’s classic stages were the perfect arena to showcase historic cars, and he fought hard to establish this. Reaching 30 years of Ireland’s only dedicated historic rally proves his vision was right. We are fully committed to making this anniversary edition a special event that honours his memory and celebrates the history of historic motorsport.”

Nagle has promised a return to the classic Killarney tarmac that defined the event’s early years, confirming that stages such as Ballaghbeama Pass and Caragh Lake will feature on the itinerary for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally. Since retiring from professional co-driving in 2023,

Nagle has worked as an FIA Safety Delegate on several World Rally Championship events. Work is now underway to secure a strong field of historic rally cars, with some star names expected to join the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship regulars on the entry list. His experience in event management, combined with his international contacts, is currently being used to attract an expanded entry list. A promotional push is underway to secure a large field of historic rally cars, including several drivers from overseas. The event retains the title sponsorship of the Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, located on College Street in the centre of Killarney town. The hotel’s town centre location is highly favoured by rally fans who return each year, having proved to be a popular base since the hotel first took on the role in 2023.

Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection and Killarney Towers Hotel and Leisure Centre, Gemma Ring commented: “We are incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the Killarney Historic Rally as we enter our fourth year as title sponsor. This year’s event is especially significant as the rally celebrates its 30th anniversary, a remarkable milestone for one of Ireland’s most iconic motorsport events.
At the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, we have always been passionate about supporting events that showcase the very best of Killarney. The Historic Rally brings together competitors, enthusiasts and visitors from across Ireland and beyond, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout the town while making a valuable contribution to our local businesses and community.
Congratulations to Killarney and District Motor Club and everyone involved in reaching this incredible 30-year milestone. We look forward to welcoming participants and spectators once again and wish everyone a safe, enjoyable and memorable weekend.”

Full route details and regulations for the Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney Historic Rally will be released by the Killarney and District Motor Club in the coming months.

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Rathmore’s Tearmann Lodge raises €1,200 for Kerry Hospice

The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation . The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents […]

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The staff and residents at Tearmann Lodge in Rathmore recently came together to raise €1,200 for the Kerry Hospice Foundation

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The facility, which is run by the Kerry Parents & Friends Association, hosted a successful bingo evening and raffle in late March of this year. This follows a similar fundraising event held at the centre in 2024.
Residents at the lodge were encouraged to participate in the evening, which proved to be a highly positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Tearmann Lodge Manager Gillian Kenny facilitated the fundraiser, while staff member Irene O’Donoghue acted as the main organiser, with assistance from colleague Karen McCarthy and other members of the team.
The residential facility provides accommodation for nine residents, alongside an extra bedroom used for respite care when needed.
“Kerry Hospice would be close to the hearts of many here, both residents and staff, whose loved ones have benefitted from the services provided by the charity. We are delighted to be in a position to give something back in return,” Irene O’Donoghue said.
Pat Doolan of the Killarney Branch of Kerry Hospice expressed his gratitude to everyone at the centre during the official cheque presentation.
“This was another lovely gesture by all concerned and I want to thank them for their generosity. I spent some pleasant time over a cuppa with residents and staff members in the comfortable surroundings at Tearmann Lodge on the day of the cheque presentation. Esther Kelleher, who is a resident at the centre, entertained us with a lovely song,” Pat Doolan said

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