Overheard In The Stands

St. Josephs v Graiguecullen in Round 2A in O’Moore Park last Sunday proved: as the clock hit 15 minutes and the game was still scoreless.

It begs the question yet again, the one problem that the new gaelic football rules in 2025 didnt solve: Should a new rule be brought before gaa congress to limit handpassing? I’ve heard supporters say yes, please.

A supporter commented on a game i shall not name and team i shall not identify: “They play keep-ball, not football.” The reaction from those who overheard this, was loud laughter and complete agreement.

Asking teams: Should a new rule be brought before gaa congress to limit handpassing?

But for some teams: it’s not that simple.

The introduction of the new rules has undoubtedly changed certain aspects of Gaelic football, particularly with the introduction of the two-point kick and the greater emphasis on attacking opportunities. However, the new rules have not necessarily resulted in every team adopting a more attacking style.

Some of the traditional defensive and possession-based principles remain highly effective. Teams can still patiently move the ball from side to side, retain possession and wait for an opening before eventually creating an opportunity for a two-point attempt. When executed well, this can be an extremely effective way of controlling a game and getting a result.

The two-point kick has arguably added another layer to this approach. Having players capable of converting from distance means that a team does not necessarily need to create the same volume of scoring opportunities as before. A patient build-up can eventually result in a two-point score, making the possession worthwhile.

And that brings us to an interesting debate around the direction of the game.

Should the GAA consider introducing further restrictions on handpassing in the future?

It would undoubtedly be controversial. Handpassing is such an established part of Gaelic football that any attempt to restrict it further would generate plenty of discussion. From a tactical perspective, there is also a perfectly legitimate argument that teams should be allowed to play to their strengths and use the rules available to them in whatever way gives them the best chance of winning.

At the same time, there is a growing conversation around the spectator experience. Supporters naturally want to see teams attack, take players on, kick the ball, create chances and put pressure on opposition defences. When possession becomes prolonged and play moves laterally for extended periods, it can sometimes take away from the excitement and spontaneity that makes Gaelic football so appealing.

That does not necessarily make possession football bad football. In fact, there is considerable skill involved in retaining the ball, moving an opposition defence and eventually finding the right opportunity. It can be tactically intelligent and incredibly difficult for an opposing team to stop.

The question is whether the balance between tactical efficiency and entertainment is right.

The new rules have shown that changing the scoring system or introducing new incentives does not automatically change how teams approach games. Teams will always adapt to whatever gives them the best chance of success. If a particular style produces wins, there is little reason for a team to abandon it simply because supporters might prefer a more open game.

Perhaps that is where the wider debate around handpassing comes in.

Rather than targeting any particular style or team, the question for the GAA is whether the rules should continue to evolve to encourage more attacking and direct football. Would restricting the amount of handpassing make games more open? Would it encourage more kicking and running? Or would it simply create a different set of tactical problems for teams and coaches to solve? Another challenge for referee’s and their officials who already have enough on their plate is a vital consideration too.

There is no straightforward answer, and any proposed change would undoubtedly divide opinion.

Ultimately, football is a results business. Teams are judged on winning championships, progressing through competitions and putting themselves in the best possible position to succeed. If a particular approach delivers those results, then it is entirely understandable that teams will continue to use it.

But there is another side to the game too. Gaelic football is a spectator sport, and the enjoyment of supporters matters. The ideal is perhaps finding a balance where tactical discipline and defensive organisation can coexist with the attacking, direct and exciting football that supporters want to see.

Two years into the new rules, that balance remains an interesting discussion, and the debate around handpassing is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.