Who would be a goalkeeper? It is definitely the most thankless job in gaelic football. You get very little of the credit when things go right, while every small mistake is magnified.
Despite this, the position is becoming more and more important in the sport. Kick-outs are now seen as a key part of any game plan, acting as the first avenue of the attack.
This is something that is thought to play a large part in Rob Hennelly's inclusion in the Mayo starting team. The general consensus is that his kick-outs are superior to David Clarke, giving him the number one jersey despite Clarke's superior shot stopping ability.
This is what makes this goal conceded against Roscommon so disappointing. Hennelly completely misread a short kick-out, delivering the ball straight into the arms of a waiting Roscommon attacker, with Ultan Harney ultimately finishing off the move.
Ultan Harney with Roscommon's second goal! pic.twitter.com/8W35Ip0H7w
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 25, 2019
While Hennelly seems to have a strong grip on the starting place at the minute, this error is sure to lead to further debate surrounding his inclusion in the team. He may have played well in the league final, but Clarke still has plenty of supporters within the county.
It will certainly be an interesting battle to watch over the remainder of the summer.
