Hurling referees must apply the rules consistently

I sympathise greatly with Kilkenny’s Michael Rice on the horrific injury he suffered as a result of downright dangerous play in last Sunday’s All Ireland Hurling Semi-Final.

However, if you sow the wind you will reap the whirlwind, and Kilkenny have been sowing the wind over recent years.

Brian Cody’s and others’ advocation of the “manly game” have led to a palpable increase in undisciplined, rough and reckless play. This is contrary to the GAA rules, but referees have been increasingly conditioned to tolerate it.