Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan claims he is excited about the new rule changes in Gaelic football and adds that the changes can have a positive impact on a game that many now describe as "boring."
Gaelic football will see several rule changes implemented when the new season starts. Jim Gavin's Football Review Committee aims to improve aspects of the much-maligned game in Ireland.
The changes include:
- 1 v 1 throw-in: A new proposal to start the game with a one-on-one throw-in.
- Kickouts: adjustments to how kickouts are performed.
- Goalkeeper backpass: limitations on when teams can pass the ball back to their goalkeeper.
- Scoring system: two points for a shot over the bar from outside the 40-meter arc, and four points for a goal.
- 3v3 structure: Teams must maintain at least three players in the opposition half at all times.
- Solo and go: A restart method after a foul, allowing players to continue soloing the ball.
- Advanced mark: Changes to the advanced mark rule.
- Fouls and dissent: New rules for punishing aggressive fouling and dissent.
- Officiating: Updates to how games are officiated.
- Tactical fouling: Stricter rules regarding tactical fouling and delaying an opponent’s play.
Yesterday, the GAA's new Allianz Football Inter-Provincial Series began, and fans have been given the chance to see the new rules in action.
Beggan, who isn't participating due to club commitments, admits he’s excited about the changes, believing they will make the game more exciting. He also understands why people struggle to connect with the sport nowadays.
"I'm excited about them," he told RTÉ Sport. "Yes, there's an impact on goalkeepers, but I’m excited that it's going to make the game a wee bit better as a spectacle.
Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan runs back to his goal (Photo By Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)"As a player, your main aim is to win the game. You don’t care how it looks. You want to play entertaining football, but sometimes you’re just not allowed to because of the way teams sit back.
"But when you're sitting in the stand or watching on TV, it’s a very hard game to watch, and you understand why people complain."
Beggan is also optimistic about the rules but is, like everyone else, waiting to see if the changes are for the better.
"I’ll reserve my judgement until then because I’ve read the rules, but I want to actually see them. I would have said yes if I’d been approached [to participate]. But I have better things to look forward to over the next 10 days, so I’ll be happy enough to watch it on the couch."
Beggan is a keeper who enjoys venturing outfield to assist Monaghan’s outfielders, though he admits he won’t be doing that as often now. Two of the rule changes particularly interest him, even if he won’t be as involved.
"I think my body will be happy. But I’m sure the management team will find ways around it," he added.
"I’m a big fan of the 3 v 3. Not too many people are; they don’t know how it will be policed, but if it’s done properly, I think it will make the game far more attractive. I think you’ll start to see out-and-out forwards come back into prominence.
"An 11 v 11 attack instead of 15 players attacking 14 defenders will create a lot more space and a lot more kicking. I’m looking forward to that aspect.
"As a goalkeeper, I’m a wee bit worried about high pressing because we can’t really be involved to help get out of that. But again, that’s going to make the game easier to watch because you can’t use your goalkeeper to get out of jail. But that’s next year’s problem for now."
Let's wait and see what happens
SATURDAY 19 OCT
Shield final, Croke Park, 5.30pm
Cup final, Croke Park, 7.30pm
