Evans embracing new level of physicality in ladies football

Kerry's Caoimhe Evans and Brian Ó Beaglaoich launching the Lidl Comórtas Peile Páidí Ó Sé 2026 at Dooneen Pier in Feohanagh, West Kerry.

Kerry footballer Caoimhe Evans says the new tackle rule has had an instant physical impact on the game.

The Kingdom overcame Dublin in Saturday’s hard-hitting Division 1 opener in Clondalkin. The Keel woman came off in the 47th minute but should be fit to face Waterford in Tralee on Bank Holiday Monday.

The new tackle rule, which allows contact to the body and not just the ball, is one Evans admits players will have to get used to but she welcomes.

“I think the ladies football game is going to become a lot more physical. And we've seen that on Saturday. I said to one of the girls, I was actually surprised at how physical the game was.

“Obviously, one of the new rules now is that when the player has the ball and has it secured, you are allowed to tackle now, whereas previously you were only allowed to tackle when she was about to take a play, so when the ball was out on show.

“So, obviously that's going to increase the physicality of the game. But we'll adjust to it and while it mightn’t be our game, we're more about moving the ball fast, running off the shoulder, we'll have to adjust to it and we'll have to get up to scratch with and we'll have to get more physical like Dublin now, for example.” 

As a whole, Evans is embracing the changes several of which are taken from the men’s game last year. 

“The three up and three down rule is really positive because I suppose in the last couple of years, the game kind of got maybe a bit slower and maybe a bit more defensive, which is fine.

“The solo and go as well, it just improves the pace of the game and especially for the middle eight players, it's going to be a game changer, to be honest.” 

As the home team on Monday, Evans doesn’t see much of an issue for Kerry playing on the bank holiday but understands it could be difficult for Waterford. 

“We played on Bank Holiday Monday last year as well so it's no different to last year and we'll take it in our stride.

“Obviously, it's not ideal. It might be tough for Waterford as well, an away game to come to us on a Bank Holiday Monday when they might have college girls and trying make it to college the following day.”