Keher and Mulcahy clash on Nash

Kilkenny legend Eddie Keher has expressed concerns over possible health and safety issues arising from Anthony Nash’s style of free taking.

The Cork goalkeeper has been praised and criticised for his technique, of lifting the ball a considerable distance before striking, which came to national prominence in last year’s dramatic All-Ireland finals against Clare.

A motion to address the matter was withdrawn on the Friday evening of GAA Congress.

Keher, speaking at a History of Hurling seminar in Killarney, described Nash’s method as “a fabulous skill” but fears opponents could be injured if struck by a sliotar at close range. “It is nothing against Cork or Anthony Nash. It’s a fabulous skill, I think it’s terrific what he does. I could not have done it, because he throws it very much ahead and then has to take off and be under it when it drops. That is terrific timing. But those who say it (striking the ball at close range) is the same as a player being one on one with a keeper, it is not, because I never saw a forward run in and aim a sliotar straight at the keeper.

“I think there is a danger there, because nowadays the sliotar travels much faster than in the past, the ball is travelling at a ferocious speed. It is something that needs to be looked at. Other players can do it (and my fear is) if someone gets injured from it, there will be questions asked.

“My final point on it is whether it is legal or not? The rule states that opposing players have to be 20 yards from the ball, when it’s being struck. The conservative estimate is that they are only 14 yards from the ball at most (when Nash strikes). I worry that it will come back to haunt us, in a game we all love.”

However former All-Ireland winning Cork captain Tomás Mulcahy defended the Kanturk keeper and says there are more serious worries.

“I think people were harsh on Anthony Nash. If there are health and safety issues, it has to be addressed but there are inter-county players, taking bars off the front of their helmets, which is far more dangerous and nothing is being said about it. It’s a skill that has to be practised a lot and I see nothing wrong with.”