The new experimental disciplinary rules that were in use in this year’s league narrowly failed to get the necessary two-thirds majority at congress last Saturday.
As a result it’s back to last year’s rules and punishments for this year’s championship, but judging by the fact that 64 per cent of the delegates that voted were in favour of change, it’s most likely they will be back on the agenda in 12 months time.
I was astonished to read on Sunday’s papers that 21 delegates didn't cast a vote. This controversial move was certainly strange and one that probably annoyed the top table considering they fell just eight votes short. To me it now looks inevitable that they will be introduced in some shape or form at next year’s congress. I always felt they would have to be tinkered with a bit more before they would be passed, Mind you, I didn't expect the voting to be as close this time around. I'd also expect that referees would be far less tolerant than they were in years gone by. The clinical fouling like the pulling of a jersey or body-checking that has crept into our games — football in particular - will be more severely punished. The black card will be seen a lot less in this coming championship. I don't think anyone would crib if the referees took severe actions as long as they are consistent in their actions across all provinces. As usual the first few championship games will set the trend for the remainder of the year. One thing is for sure someone will see the red card in the first few games for repeat clinical fouling. Players can have no complaints if it does happen as they have been well warned.
Elsewhere on the day Westmeath's motion to allow the Christy Ring cup winners automatic passage to the following year’s Liam McCarthy championship got the necessary votes for change. This incentive is sure to spice up the competition. Look at this year’s Division Two league. Carlow were good enough to beat Antrim but not deemed good enough to play for the Bob O'Keeffe cup like their northern opponents. This motion would be seen in a very favourable light by all teams striving to make progress. My idea of introducing the 'sin bin' for minor indiscretions doesn't seem to be in the GAA plans at present. The head of games, Pat Daly has already confirmed they won't be part of the new improved list of experimental rules for next year. Pity I thought they worked quite well in rugby. He reckons that referees in lower level games wouldn't be able to cope. Surely it would be just a case of getting used to them like the top referees. I think he is under-estimating the referees of Ireland.
Kilkenny v Dublin
There was a very relaxed mood in Nowlan Park last Sunday for Kilkenny's clash with Dublin, with nothing at stake like the rest of the Division One games, Patrons could sit back and soak up the glorious sun and enjoy the best both teams had to offer.
Kilkenny fans were as interested to see how Dublin had progressed under Anthony Daly's tutoring, as the performance Kilkenny would dish out. Eoin Larkin spoiled the day for the metropolitans with a late goal, much to the annoyance of a large bunch of Dublin underage teams that attended Nowlan Park after playing juvenile games around the county. Kilkenny weren't in top gear on Sunday. You could sense from an early stage that Dublin were far more fired up for this game, as underdogs tend to be.
Daly's tactics of playing an extra man in the halfback line worked a treat early on. It caught the Kilkenny defence by surprise and it took them some time to cope with it... As they say too much time is worse than no time at all. It's hard to weigh up this encounter, as there was very little cut or thrust to it, Kilkenny will be happy with the win and the re-emergence of Cha Fitzpatrick after illness was a bonus on the day.
For me the pick of the Cats on Sunday were Brian Hogan, Eoin Larkin and Richie Hogan. Despite Dublin losing on the day you could see that progress is steadily being made. They definitely have the talent to progress well in the Leinster championship. It will be all about confidence on the day. They have performed well in the League in previous years, only to flop when the championship comes around - though I think this is the best team and manager they've had for some time.
Club action for weekend ahead
Inter-county hurling takes a back seat this weekend as club action dominates the stage. Teams in all grades have been diligently training away over the last month or two in preparation for this opening round of league games.
The usual stories are coming out about who is injured or in some cases about who has or hasn't retired. This codology is an annual ritual. If you were to listen to some lads, certain clubs wouldn't be able to field a team at all. The champions, Ballyhale Shamrocks under new management of Michael Fennelly, James McGarry and Brendan Mason will once again be the team to stop in the senior grade. They, like the Kilkenny team have raised the bar to a new level and its up to the rest of us to try to catch them.
Obviously some teams are better equipped than others to give it a lash. The one hope every team will have for the year is an injury- free campaign. The weather seems to have taken a turn for the better so there is no excuse not to get out and support your colours.
