The game has often been described as "unwatchable and boring" by hardcore fans in the modern era. Tactics like blanket defences and slow build-ups have entered the game, with many unhappy about how the game has changed.
Pat Spillane, for example, said in his column for the Sunday World, “I fear we have seen signs of Gaelic football’s version of the apocalypse this summer.”
O'Donovan is of the same opinion, although not as extreme. He believes that the current game is a pale shadow of what it once was.
"I’ve been disappointed with the football this year—the championship but especially the league," he said.
"The kick pass over 35 to 40 yards is diminishing all the time; teams are still getting 15 behind the ball, and, to be honest, putting 15 behind the ball doesn’t take much coaching, does it?
"You’re left then to try to break down the opposition team and wait for moments of magic from special players."
"The supporters are disappointed with the overall fare from the championship too.
"For the public right across the country, it is expensive to go to matches all the time. Then it gets very repetitive to see matches and see teams putting 15 behind the ball, with catching and kicking not as prominent anymore."
Dublin , Ireland, February 24, 2024: Cillian Burke of Kerry is surrounded by Dublin players, from left: Theo Clancy, John Small, Seán MacMahon and Peadar O O'Cofaigh Byrne, during the Allianz Football League Division 1 match between Dublin and Kerry at Croke Park in Dublin. (Photo By Ray McManus/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The GAA is well aware of this problem, and as a result, former Dublin manager Jim Gavin has been tasked with analysing the current state of Gaelic football and possibly changing the rules to make the game more entertaining.
Some of the potential changes include awarding four points for a goal instead of three, 1v1 for all throw-ins, moving the penalty for dissent from 13 metres to 30 or 50 metres, and other notable changes.
O'Donovan has backed the proposals put forward by Gavin and his team. The Kerry great also admits it's important that the game people know and love gets its identity back for good.
"So, I would go along with Jim Gavin’s group and their proposals. There is a problem with Gaelic football. Jim has a onerous task to improve it, and it is important we address everything he says and get our identity back. Compared to hurling, football is a hard sport to watch. You watch the ball go over and back for five or 10 minutes and wait for those moments of magic," he added.
See More: Ambrose O'Donovan, GAA
