New code not a ‘football agenda’, insists rules chief O’Neill

RULES Revision Committee chairman Liam O’Neill last night insisted the GAA’s experimental disciplinary rules are ‘not a football agenda being imposed on hurling’.

O’Neill spoke at a presentation he made on the new rules to delegates at last night’s Cork County Board meeting ahead of GAA Congress in Cork on Saturday April 18, where delegates will debate on whether to permanently introduce the new disciplinary rules.

“This is not a football agenda being imposed on hurling,” stated O’Neill. “We know people are saying that there’s nothing wrong with hurling and that we’re trying to change hurling. We’re not trying to do that, we think hurling is a wonderful game and we just want to make it better. The new rules in hurling will ensure that the skilful player is better protected and doesn’t run the risk of bad fouls.”