Miller match gives GAA a chance to change game for the good
■ IT was with great joy I heard on RTÉ news that the GAA has seen fit to allow the Liam Miller tribute match to be staged at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
It is the right thing to do and I am sure will be welcomed by the vast majority of GAA members and supporters everywhere.
As a curtain raiser to the proposed soccer match between Martin O’Neill’s team and Roy Keane’s selection, may I suggest the GAA stages a game based on the original 21-a-side teams? This would consist of two halves of 20 minutes.
Along with current players, GAA legends could be asked to participate – Brolly, O’Rourke, Earley, Spillane and others
There would be no hand passing – the receiver of the ball would have to actually kick the ball. Solo running would not be allowed, as I don’t think it was part of the original game.
Side posts as in Aussie Rules could be erected, as was the case in the original game.
Many respected commentators and former all-star players have commented on the fact the modern game is bedevilled with meaningless hand passing, which requires little skill and results in zero entertainment value.
All scoring attempts from free kicks should be taken from the ground and all sideline and 45s should be drop kicks.
This would introduce the spectators to some long-lost skills, which have for various reasons disappeared from the game, and perhaps inspire Congress to consider rule changes at the next opportunity.
Paul Connolly