Hurling league observations: Swarm tackles, free-taking woes and the need for reform

Swarm tackling, free-taking struggles and fading one-on-ones fuel debate as early hurling league trends raise uncomfortable questions

Limerick hurling manager John Kiely was disappointed with his side's "sharpness" against Waterford, and that they were "outfought" at times. Pic: Ray McManus/Sportsfile

This week Tyrone posted footage online of Pierce Mullin’s goal on their way to a comfortable Division 3 victory over Louth. It was the sort of clip that neatly summed up much of modern hurling.

Mullin, a talented Errigal Ciarán dual player who is the Tyrone U20 hurling captain, hit the net twice in Darver. In the circulating video, full-forward Kiefer Morgan is in possession and immediately surrounded by a red wall. Four defenders swarm him. He bulldozes through the scrum as multiple arms fail to trap his hurley. Mullin arrives off the shoulder and the ball is released in his direction. His first-time strike is pure.