Demise of ‘fly keeper’ greatly exaggerated

AT the best of times, GAA punditry tends to be a reactionary business, which was evident in the rush by some last weekend to nail the role of ‘fly keeper’ as redundant after Rory Beggan experienced a difficult afternoon in Inniskeen.

Apart from having a rare off-day, Beggan’s expanded role did not work because his team were forced to chase the game against the wind, taking the kind of risks that would not be the norm.

To be honest, I would have had more of an issue with how Donegal employed Shaun Patton when, with the wind against Kerry and hopelessly behind, they used their goalkeeper to recycle the ball backwards in an exhibition of risk-averse football.

But the reason that the ‘fly keeper’ is not some kind of fad is that it has become the most effective way to allow teams to press high on the opposition kickout, by providing a screen against the over-the-top kick.

That alone should be welcomed as it will enable more ball to be contested off the kicking tee, which is something that no one should complain about.