Mick O’Dwyer laments decline of the kick-pass

Kerry legend Mick O’Dwyer has expressed concern over the direction Gaelic football is taking.

O’Dwyer was responding to Mick O’Connell’s criticism of Gaelic football with the Kerry legend suggesting “there’s no concept of what was Gaelic football, I think it has been diluted down by the introduction of the handpass”.

O’Dwyer, while accepting managers must move with the times, laments the decline of the kick-pass in favour of the handpass.

“The one thing about the game is that it is evolving all the time,” said the eight-time All-Ireland-winning manager. “New methods are filtering into the game. Donegal brought the defensive structure and that won them an All-Ireland. A lot of teams have since copied it. I think the foot should be used more than is the case presently. Gaelic football is becoming like basketball, like soccer.

“That is the way the game is going. I think the people are still enjoying it, though. The crowds at games are still very strong.

I think you have to go with the times, but I still would like to see players kick the ball more.” Added two-time Cork All-Ireland-winning manager Billy Morgan: “The game is not as attractive as it once was. That said, the drawn Munster final was an excellent match.”