Regulations being flouted left, right and centre

A Twitter follower — Franny Quinn — made contact yesterday about the lack of players wearing gumshields in Sunday’s All-Ireland final.

Having looked at some photographs and video footage from the game, he was spot on.

Look at Kieran Donaghy’s smile after scoring his goal and it’s clear to see he is not wearing any mouthguard. Other snaps show the likes of Anthony Maher and Rory Kavanagh without them.

Adherence to the rule has by and large been impressive but the effectiveness of it has to be queried when on football’s biggest day there are some not doing what they have been told to do.

At the same time, when the sideline regulations have been flouted left, right and centre throughout the summer is it any wonder players are chancing their arm? The GAA have stressed referees are not out to police the wearing of gumshields. However, they have been instructed not to let players participate unless or until they have one. But when it’s so obvious that some aren’t why isn’t something being done about it?