Let Them Entertain Us

There'e a fair bit being written about the new rules which the GAA has implemented in the NHL and NFL this winter. There seems to be growing frustration amongst inter county managers and their campaign bandwagon will kick into overdrive in the coming weeks as they try to give them a yellow card of their own.

To summarise the rules, basically, they are trying to rid the games of cynical pulling, dragging and other foul play. The punishment is a yellow card, but one with a new consequence. Should you warrant this punishment, you will be banished to the stands for the remainder of the game but be replaced by a substitute.

Examples of such offences that could lead you to a shivery stint sit in the stand would be a high tackle or blatant pull of the jersey to stop an opponent scoring. I've been fortunate/unfortunate to see alot of the games on TG4 and Setanta this winter and can honestly say I would not have one complaint. In fact, I've found the games to be some of the most enjoyable league games in recent years. I caught the last 25mins of Dublin Kerry today and thought it was excellent entertainment. Kerry staged an eventual dramatic comeback but everytime they were in touching distance, Dublin put together a flowing move up the field to edge them further ahead.

Under last years rules you could be sure that some Kerry gurrier would have performed a 'Drico' (cringe) style tackle to breakdown the play. At worst he could have expected a booking. On this occasion, the likes of that famous actor O'Mahony was left to count the studs on his opponents boot as he led the chase from behind! In the end Donaghy clipped over an equalising point but the final score of 1-15 to 1-15 is indicative as to why the rules must stay.

From early February, even as the wind and rain swept through the island, teams were putting up scores which would be more familiar to hurling teams in full flight mid-summer. And that's the key. With the G.A.A. seemingly unlikely to reduce inflated ticket prices to come into line with the nation's caution and reduced spending power, it is big scores that can bring the big crowds.

So, I say keep the innovative rules and fair play to those who came up with the ideas. Let the best players entertain the nation when the need is greatest. The G.A.A. needs it to fight off the painful hype of Irish rugby at the moment and the public need it to bring some joy to their Sunday afternoons.