Galway adapting well to new rules
Are the new rules working?
Coming into the 2025 Allianz League campaign, there was an unknown of what to expect. The Football Review Committee (FRC), which is made of various experienced former coaches and players has been a breath of fresh air as the game of Gaelic football has been much more enjoyable to watch, with some big scores being racked up week in week out. The leader of the FRC, Jim Gavin has gone about these rule enhancements with a very open mind with household names such as James Horan, Eamon Fitzmaurice and the newest addition, Peter Canavan offering great hope for the game. The tap and go rule in which a player can continue on playing although they are fouled seems to working well as it indicates a continuous advantage to some degree to the player that is fouled. One interesting rule that is on trial in the league campaign is that each team must have three players excluding goalkeepers in their own half at all times. There have been a few occasions where teams have been penalised as they have only had two outfield players in their half. Many pundits have expressed one rule that is not working, maybe it needs a slight tweak or potentially it could be one that gets scrapped. That is where the goalkeeper is allowed to join in attacks and as a result there is a numerical advantage evident. This represents 12 v 11 in attacking positions which many have expressed their anger over as it is often contributing to back and over, timewasting tactics. The addition of rewarding a score kicked outside of the 40metre arc is certainly a rule that forwards are relishing. A two pointer is the prize and it definitely is making a difference in the league campaign with some huge scores being seen so far. It will be interesting to see what rules get fully implemented and if any get tweaked or even binned. The general consensus is that the new rules have made an improvement to the game but all is not fully complete as there are some flaws. A full review of the new rules will take place after week five of the league campaign.
Galway like a duck to water with new rules
The Galway footballers have adapted to the fresh rule changes as it looks like they are one of the top teams in which the fresh spectacle suits. Their ability to kick points from long range is outstanding. Players such as Shane Walsh, Rob Finnerty, Cillian O`Curraoin, Matthew Tierney, Sam O`Neill, Paul Conroy, John Maher, Cillian Mc Daid and Damien Comer who hasn’t featured yet for Joyce so far in the league, all at Padraic Joyce`s disposal is simply frightening.
Four games in, The Tribesmen sit top of the pile after impressing most recently against Donegal. The opening league affair was kicked off in a repeat of last years All Ireland Final as Armagh travelled west to Salthill in a game under the brand-new floodlights in Pearse Stadium. On this occasion, there was a different outcome as Padraic Joyce and his side started the season in good style. Three two pointers from Galway sealed the deal as both sides looked off it, but that would be expected in January football. The reigning All Ireland Champions finished proceedings with 14 men as Niall Grimley saw red late on. A bright start for The Tribesmen, who looked exciting at times with their impressive forward unit excelling. The game finished with a score line of Galway 1-12 Armagh 0-9.
The Connacht derby was next where a competitive affair was expected. It turned out to be a complete walk in the park for Joyce`s men as Mayo looked poor, even in their backyard of McHale Park. Going in at the break, Mayo led narrowly by one but the second period offered the opposite. The consistent Shane Walsh immediately kicked a two pointer which seemed to kick Galway into gear. The visitors kicked on with further two pointers coming from Cillian O`Curraoin and Shane Walsh who put in a fine personal display. Seven two pointers to one, it’s clear that’s how Galway won this clash between the neighbours with Mc Stay`s Mayo offering little in front of goal. The game featuring these Connacht sides finished up Mayo 0-16, while Galway came out victorious with an impressive tally of 0-26.
Pic: Old rivalry reunited.
Credit: Sportsfile
Two from two, it was a trip to Derry next where the tribesmen seemed to impress early on. The men in maroon rushed into an early lead. Galway`s Shane Walsh helped himself to an impressive tally of 0-6 in the first half alone including two long-range pointers. Corofin man, Dylan Mc Hugh finished off a well worked goal as the tribes seemed to be cruising. The visitors led 1-10 to Derry`s 0-4 at the break which many thought it was game over at half time. However, Paddy Tally`s men who had lost their opening two games needed something and they required it immediately. The Young Ulster men seemed to grow into the game as the second period went on, with Conor Glass and Shane Mc Guigan leading the way. There was just three in it with fifteen minutes left as it appeared the game was in the melting pot. Derry`s forward unit answered the call as Lachlan Murray and the impressive Mc Guigan kicked Derry level. The points were shared as it finished Derry 0-16 Galway 1-13.
Next up was the visit of top of the table, Donegal. Played in horrific, windy conditions, Galway raced in to an early lead. Continuing on from his recent long range accurate shooting, Shane Walsh led the way as he kicked a personal tally of eleven points throughout the seventy minutes. With the wind assisting the home side, Galway opened up on the Ulster men as they led amazingly 0-17 0-1 at the interval. A crazy first half which ended in Matthew Tierney picking up a red card late on. Without the likes of Patrick Mc Brearty and Michael Murphy, Donegal lacked the clinical edge up top. However, they reduced the gap thanks to Gweedore`s Daire O`Baoil but it wasn’t enough as Walsh kicked Galway on with him scooping the man of the match award afterward. Galway ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 0-21 to Donegal`s 0-14
Can they win the big one?
No doubt it has been an impressive start to the league for Padraic Joyce`s side who have been making the most of the long distance two pointers. With one of the most talented forwards in the game in Shane Walsh, and youngster’s such as Sam O`Neill and Cillian O`Curraoin on offer, it’s clear the new rules have been working well for the Tribesmen. The midfield area is of huge importance with Paul Conroy and John Maher, they enjoy a large kickout success with both men offering a great physical stature to the middle areas. At the back, Claregalway`s Johnny Mc Grath and Corofin`s Liam Silke are both outstanding defenders where Dylan Mc Hugh offers a serious threat going forward, it’s clear they have a great balance in both sides of the pitch. Galway`s captain, Sean Kelly is the man that makes it all tick, he can play as a man marker, in midfield and is no doubt confident in front on goal also, as he often pops up with scores for his side. Its clear Galway have started off well but their sights will be certainly on the big one in the summer. With normal progression and a healthy squad, there should be no reason why Galway won’t be far away from winning Sam where they last tasted success in 2001. They came close in recent years but could this be their year? I reckon so.
