Two rules the Aussies got right

WATCHING the international series U-17 game between Ireland and Australia in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday, one contrast in styles really caught the eye.

This was the ease with which the visitors swept the ball off the ground, and the speed this injected into the game. And once more it begged the question why don't we have that same facility in gaelic football?

Apart from hurling, name me another field-game where the ball can be handled, but a clean pick-up off the ground isn't allowed. Maybe there is one, but I can't think of it.