Carlow goalkeeper Johnny Furey is bracing for significant changes to Gaelic football as the GAA prepares to roll out new rules following their approval at the recent Special Congress.
Speaking to KCLR at the launch of Carlow’s new jersey and MW Hire’s sponsorship of the county team, Furey shared his thoughts on how teams might adapt to the evolving game.
“You can’t mimic what’s going to happen in a game, at training—you can try so hard,” he said. “But you know it’s just going to be very interesting to see how other teams approach it. We’re already thinking of a few different little flaws at the minute. So it’s going to be very interesting to see how other teams set up, and it’s going to be who can adapt the quickest, I think.”
The New Rules Explained
The Football Rules Committee (FRC) has introduced several changes aimed at modernizing the game and encouraging a faster pace of play:
One v One Throw-In: Instead of multiple players contesting a throw-in, it will now involve just one player from each side.
Advanced Mark 2.0: A player catching a ball kicked from outside the 45-metre line in open play and cleanly inside the 20-metre line is awarded a mark.
Goalkeeper Restrictions: Goalkeepers can now only receive a pass on two occasions during a single phase of play.
Solo and Go: Players fouled in open play can opt to continue running by taking a solo instead of stopping play.
Three v Three Structure: Both teams must keep three players inside each half at all times, promoting more open play.
The Kick-Out: A new 40-metre arc rule requires the ball to travel beyond this line before the opposition can intercept it.
A New Scoring System: Points scored outside the 40-metre arc are worth 2 points, scores inside the 40-metre or 20-metre arcs are worth 1 point, scores from 45-set pieces are worth 2 points, and goals are now worth 4 points.
New Management for Carlow
In addition to the rule changes, Carlow are adapting to life under new manager Shane Curran. The former Roscommon star and All-Ireland-winning goalkeeper with St. Brigid’s has taken the reins from Niall Carew, bringing a fresh perspective and vast experience to the role.
The season ahead promises to be a fascinating one for Carlow, as both the team and their new manager look to navigate the unknowns of these game-changing rules.
Stay tuned to KCLR Sport for the latest updates on Carlow’s journey this season.
