Stop the 2020 committee meddling with the great game of hurling
In my opinion they would be far better employed if they concentrated their efforts on improving the quality of inter-county referees — a number of refereeing decisions last year were appalling. They should also have a look at the unworkable fixtures system of the GAA. It should not be necessary to have to play a county final on St Stephens day.
The 2020 committee last week proposed one v one penalties. Liam Dunne, the Wexford Manager, calls this proposal “a joke”, and I fear that there are many who would agree with him. I see at least two problems with the one v one penalty. It would encourage “diving” and what about a referee who incorrectly awards a penalty and a handy goal ensues?
At least three penalties were incorrectly awarded last year in Croke Park. One was clearly a “dive” which could have been seen in Artane while the other two penalties were awarded for fouls committed outside the penalty area.
I see too that the 2020 committee has recommended the establishment of a ‘Director of Hurling’. I fully agree with this proposal and the Director’s priority should be to revive hurling in areas where the standard has decreased. I wonder why McEnaney takes exception to the groups call for a national hurling refereering body? Is he afraid that he will lose power?
The use of cards is another joke in hurling. In the recent past I have seen bones broken in Croke Park even though the referee at the time had pockets of cards but failed to use them.
I will end on what I think is ridiculous: It is reported that at least one member of this 2020 committee says that hurlers should be allowed carry the ball for at least six steps. I have seen goals scored and allowed in Croke Park by hurlers who had carried the ball at least ten steps. If they were allowed to carry the ball for six steps, they would likely take the ball home.
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