27-07-2025
Historic All-Ireland final to showcase new rules
Today's All Ireland Final between Donegal and Kerry is a historic occasion - the first since the new playing rules were introduced.
The main rule changes include the awarding of two points for a score outside the arc, the solo and go for a player after a foul, and a new structure meaning teams must have three outfield players in each half.
The number of shots and scores are up by 20%, following the rule changes, according to data provided to RTÉ's This Week.
The average number of shots per game is now 60, compared to 49.9 in 2024 and total scores are also up from 30 in 2024 to 36.3 in 2025, according to Brian McClelland, a performance analyst and a statistician for RTÉ.
"When you add in the two-pointers from outside the arc, we find there is an average of five such scores per game," he said.
So, how have the new rules gone down with players, managers and referees?
At first - the new rules approved late last year- took time to win people over.
But former inter-county players such as eight times All-Ireland winner, Philly McMahon, believes they have worked well, and will continue to evolve.
"It would be very silly to say it has not been exciting. There are parts of the game that have evolved massively," he said.
Initial scepticism
However, McMahon, admits he had his doubts about the new rules.
"I must admit, I was something of a sceptic, at the beginning," he said.
"When I finished my playing career, I always had one eye on coaching and managing. I was building up philosophies and everything else, and then the new rules came in that change the mindset,"
"In time, managers and coaches will be more innovative. But, overall, the changes have been a great success," he added.
Referee David Gough from Co Meath has taken charge of two All-Ireland football finals.
"The big change for me is the silence on the pitch. In previous years, up to the introduction of the new rules by the Football Rules Committee, there would have been a lot of back chat and disagreement with players and questioning of decisions," he said.
"We do not have that now. As referees we have seen massive change, and we are now getting the time to be clear in our decision making without having to answer to a multitude of players."
Colm O'Rourke, is a two-time All-Ireland winner with Meath and a well know GAA pundit and columnist.
He said the new rules have transformed the game.
"These new rules have brought back entertainment, scores, individual quality, high fielding, and more and more people back to our game," he said.
But O'Rourke says there is scope for even more changes.
"There are too many shorthand-passes in the game. I'd also like to see a rule that you can't kick a ball back inside your own half, when you cross the half-way line."
But, all-in-all, everyone agrees the new rules have been good for the game - and sets up this year's All-Ireland final as an excellent showpiece.
Those who are fond of the new rules hope that there is no more of the so-called "puke" football of the past.
