McDermott slams bosses

GAELIC games rules analyst Gerry McDermott has criticised inter-county football managers for claiming there is no clear definition of the tackle.

Writing in yesterday’s Leinster final match programme, McDermott says bosses such as Jack O’Connor, Conor Counihan and Kieran McGeeney are wrong to claim the constitution of the tackle is uncertain.

Referring to a comment the Kerry manager O’Connor made about the absence of a defined tackle ‘thieving the game’, McDermott wrote: “Jack seems to be unaware that the tackle has been defined since 1991 and forms an integral part of the playing rules. He also should know that the referees must apply the rules as stated and do not have the authority to ignore the rules in the Official Guide.