Looking forward to new rule changes

Chess is not a great spectator sport.

In having a discussion on the current state of the game with one of my closest friends a few weeks back, and he’s a guy whose opinion I value highly, he argued that there’s no need for rule changes. His biggest point was that the most important thing is that we need to see teams of similar ability playing against each other more often. We agreed on that. And things are improving in that regard.

And then he made the “chess” comment. He reckoned the current game is fascinating and it’s like watching a chess match as teams try to figure each other out and find the gaps. For flip sake Tom!

It’s obviously still grating with me. I think that’s because I know it’s an opinion held by a lot of people, particularly those currently ingrained in it in a playing or coaching role, but I just can’t get on board at all. I reckon though there’s a strong majority, often a silent majority, who are mad for change in the game.

I’d an e-mail from Mick in Western Gaels during the week. He’s obviously a big football fan who has good ideas on improvements needed in our teams, but he doesn’t go to senior games anymore, club or county.

“Too slow, too predictable”, he says. The sad thing is I reckon there are literally thousands like Mick around the country.

Recycling isn’t fun. Probing isn’t fun. Fifteen behind the ball isn’t fun. Backwards passing isn’t fun. I want to see one-on-one battles for the ball. Long kicks. Full-blooded collisions. High fielding. I want to feel like there’s barely time to take a breath from one end of the game to the next.

And here’s the thing, we’re not that far away from it. As it is, we were treated to some really good games at the weekend. Just let’s not be afraid to tinker with the rules a wee bit.

That brings me to this famous rules committee chaired by Jim Gavin. I’m hugely enthused by the soundings so far.

They’re not hanging about. One hundred days in and they’ve already met 19 times apparently. And we don’t have to wait until the FBD next year to see them trying things out. They’ve organised these “sandbox” games — specially set up games for testing new rule ideas and adjustments.

I turned on the telly to watch The Sunday Game Live and there’s Eamon Fitzmaurice essentially holding a Q&A session with Joanne Cantwell and the lads about all the work they’ve done so far. I’m always very impressed with Fitzmaurice. I think he has a good read on games and tactics, and it’s great to see him playing a leading role, along with Gavin, on that rules committee.

I like nearly all of the changes they’re currently trialling. Teams being forced to keep three forwards inside the opposition ‘65 is probably my favourite. I like the idea of two points for long-range scores too. Moving goals to be worth four points is linked to that I’d say — you’ve got to keep incentivising goals.

My second favourite idea is the amendment to the current advanced mark rule — the ball must be caught inside the 20-metre line, and the attacker will have the option to play on with the safety net of knowing the mark will still be awarded if no clear advantage is gained. So we shall no more need to see the sight of a forward putting the hand up to take the easy option of the mark when there was a clear goal chance if he’d played on. He can now turn and have a crack — worst case scenario is he’ll be brought back to take a free kick.

The vision of this committee is to make our game the most enjoyable amateur game in the world to play and watch.

More enjoyable than chess I hope.

Welcome victory in Pearse Park

Let’s just look back at this for what it was, a do-or-die, winner takes all, knockout championship match. Finally. And we did the job.

Forty-four scores. You’d think it was a hurling match. Some superb moments of skill. Lots of long-range scoring and some really good goals. There wasn’t a very big crowd but the smaller venue helped in this regard.

That size of the ground is important and something the GAA should get better at. For example, don’t be playing that Roscommon/Dublin game a few weeks back in Croke Park. Parnell Park would have been perfect.

I heard Marty Morrisey in commentary at the Galway/Armagh game saying it was a great crowd of around 8,000. It was in Markiewicz Park and so that was a big crowd at the Sligo venue, but had it been in, say, Clones, the atmosphere generated would have been much less. The same goes for the Dublin/Mayo game — 16,000 or so. The Hyde was ideal.

Anyway, back to the Rossies’ big win. A really enjoyable game with some great standout moments. Daire Cregg is just fantastic to watch in full flight. He’s got a youthful exuberance along with superb skill and athleticism. The only downside is that his decision-making lets him down at times, but that will come.

Diarmuid Murtagh is having what I reckon is his best year yet for Ros’. His accuracy and his ability to make space for himself are both excellent. Man of the Match against Cavan — that’s a few times this year he’s been our best player.

When the big moments were needed, like when Cavan had reeled it back to just two points early in the second half, or then again when they came with a great goal of their own, who was it that stood up and made things happen? Enda Smith, again. I don’t think enough has been made of just how good that guy has been for Ros’ over the last ten years or so. Outstanding.

Robbie Dolan is having a big season now and establishing himself as a very solid and versatile operator. He had that great goal-line clearance in the first half, along with a few other vital dispossessions.

The management will be happy that most of their moves worked. The use of Ultan Harney was smart. He started off inside but played most of his game in the middle and did well.

Ruaidhrí Fallon was repositioned to full-back and this released Brian Stack to be more involved further up the field (prime example being his goal) as well as sweeping when needed.

They’ll continue to work on their kickout press though I’m sure. There were just too many spaces not covered, and Cavan seemed to be able to get out, particularly through the number 6 position, too easily.

The tackling intensity will also have to be cranked up. Yes, I know I’ve said that before. But it is a big area for improvement for us. I thought Mayo played similar to us against Dublin but they were able to keep up the high pressure defensive work all game long.

Roscommon have only managed to apply serious pressure in patches. When the opposition get inside our ‘45, we generally have plenty of players there. The key is to get in their faces and make it impossible for them to find space. We only seemed to defend like that for a short period after half time on Saturday — it’s got to be a full game performance the next day.

Let’s be clear though — Saturday was positive and a big win, especially coming on the back of so many defeats this year. Nothing beats winning and, hopefully, the spring will be in the players’ step now and they will let rip with a mighty performance against Tyrone on Saturday evening.

Top 5…

Is it just me or does there seem to be a sharp rise in the number of ACL tears this year? There are four cases on the Roscommon intermediate ladies’ football panel alone. It’s something that requires further investigation.

For now, here’s five my top players we’re currently not seeing in action due to this dreaded injury.

*Jenny Higgins (Roscommon)

*Aimee Mackin (Armagh)

*Paddy Durcan (Mayo)

*Paddy Lynch (Cavan)

*Aoibheann Reilly (Ireland women’s rugby player).

I know I’m veering off football for the last one there but it was awful saddening to hear that the young South Roscommon woman will miss out on the Olympics with the sevens rugby team due to injury.

Please continue to send your thoughts and ideas for this column to me at mfinneran.mf@gmail.com.

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