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Colm O'Rourke Reckons Football Could Become More Boring Under New Rules

Colm O'Rourke Reckons Football Could Become More Boring Under New Rules
Niall McIntyre
By Niall McIntyre Updated
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Colm O'Rourke doesn't hold out much hope that the new rules will improve the entertainment quality of Gaelic football.

The Meath legend has an interesting column in today's Sunday Independent, delving into various topics including his departure from the Meath managerial hot-seat and the new rules which will be trialled in this year's Allianz National Football League.

O'Rourke is scathing on the role of the Meath county board in his decision to step down during the off-season.

The two-time All-Ireland winner says 'trust, loyalty, integrity and vision' are key elements for any county board, but feels they were absent in Meath's top table.

He says many of his Meath players reached out to him to thank him for his work with the team, lifting the Tailteann Cup in 2023.

He was taken by these 'kind personal messages,' but was less complimentary of other Meath players, those who 'realise they are not part of the plans and who will become frustrated ... or worse,' he wrote.

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He says this particular cohort of the panel came up with 'excuses,' blaming management and tactics, refusing to 'take on personal responsibility.'

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There is a lot of excitement in the Gaelic football landscape surrounding the new rules but from what he has 'seen so far,' O'Rourke is reserving his judgement.

He worries that goalkeepers playing as extra-men out the field could lead to the game being 'similar to last year, maybe worse.'

"From what I have seen so far there is a distinct possibility that there will be more hand-passing, not less," he writes.

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"I think teams will hold the ball as much as possible to allow the goalkeeper to get forward and create an extra man."

"Similar to last year, except maybe worse as three forwards have to stand and watch this tennis, unable to cross the half-way line to put in a tackle."

"In some regards it could be a form of torture," he wrote.

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Read More: Brian Fenton Set For Shels Input Ahead Of New Season

 

 

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