Physical element vital to GAA games

A LETTER printed recently in your paper suggested that the game of Gaelic football was too robust to be enjoyed.

The writer suggested that the tackle and the solo run should be removed from the sport. Frankly, these ideas could not have come from a true GAA supporter. The tradition of the GAA is one that includes a distinct physical element to the game and that is in turn the essence of the GAA organisation.

The art of the effective tackle is one that must be mastered and perfected over years of training from underage level to inter-county.

This level of dedication allows players to fulfil their sporting potential in a completely unique sport. Watching a fast-paced game played in the right spirit allows us to appreciate the special sport this country has created that is solely ours and no one else’s.

The tackle and physical element to the game is extremely important and adds to the spectacle that the sport provides. The rules are not the problem within the game, the implementation of those rules by poor referees is the real issue.

So the suggestion to remove the tackle and solo run from the game is nothing short of ridiculous and blasphemy against true GAA followers.

Justin Kelly

Edenderry

Co Offaly