Four minutes from hell should fire change

WHOEVER posted that four-minute horror clip from last weekend’s Derry championship match between Slaughtneil and Magherafelt did our game a great service.

True, the reaction by some is to point out that there were great games of football played as well last weekend, not least in Kerry where Kerins O’Rahilly’s came from nine down to beat Dr Croke’s on a hurling (3-18 to 2-16) scoreline.

But let’s not kid ourselves we will see a lot more Slaughtneil Magherafelt and a lot less Kerins O’Rahilly’s Dr Croke’s when the stakes are stacked high next year.

And that is why the committee charged with reviewing playing rules should be bold in their proposals which, after all, will only be introduced initially on a trial basis.

The game needs help and that help can only be achieved through changes in the rule book.

If you are not convinced, then may I respectfully suggest you sit back and watch that four-minute clip.

And if you can’t find it, don’t worry the chances are that it will be coming to a pitch near you very soon...