Kick the hand-pass habit, says Kerry legend

GAELIC football is in danger of becoming a bastardised version of basketball and needs an urgent and radical overhaul, according to former Kerry great Donie O’Sullivan.

A veteran of five All-Ireland finals, O’Sullivan lifted the Sam Maguire as captain in 1970 and was an All Star in 1971 and 1972. Famed for his ability to kick the ball prodigious distances - Micheal O’Hehir said he had a kick that turned defence into attack - the retired teacher believes that too much hand-passing and solo running is destroying the game.

“I am a bit saddened and worried by the absence of kicking, particularly from the defence,” O’Sullivan said yesterday.