GAA to blame for more aggressive hurling

Must we wait for a tragedy?

Many watched with horror recently as a Galway player was stretchered off unconscious in the match against Kilkenny. Yet, there was scarcely a comment by sports writers as to the blame for what could have been a fatal incident.

Was the Galway player at fault? Perhaps. Or was the Kilkenny player the cause? Perhaps.

The GAA is to blame. It was an accident waiting to happen. This aggression has been allowed to become part of hurling. The motto is, on the one hand, ‘get the ball into your hand and charge’.

On the other hand, the motto is ‘stop him at all costs, preferably without seeming to foul’. This is a dangerous scenario and needs to be examined.

The helmet adds to the danger. It can be regarded not only as a protection, but also as a weapon. What is the solution to the problem?

One time, there was a solution, a rule that said ’a player may not hold the ball longer than is necessary to puck it away, and it must not be carried, except on the hurley’.

That ruled out the aggressive charging. This rule seems to have been gradually airbrushed out to accommodate modern hurling.

It exists no more.

Force has replaced skill. But if we wish to avoid a tragedy and return to the skilful game, we should quickly replace that rule. Do not say we were not warned that a tragedy could happen. It will, inevitably.

James Neville

Abbeyfeale

Co Limerick