Kieran McGeeney singles out new GAA rule for special criticism

Roscommon secured an impressive 3-18 to 0-24 win after a dominant first half display. Playing with a strong breeze, the hosts built a commanding 2-14 to 0-8 lead by the interval. Armagh improved after the break and pushed hard in the closing stages, but the damage had already been done.

The opening period proved costly for the Orchard County. Roscommon controlled Armagh’s kick outs and dictated the tempo, while the visitors struggled to cope with conditions. The pattern reversed somewhat in the second half, yet it was not enough to complete the comeback.

Speaking to Off The Ball after the match, McGeeney suggested that the current restart rules are changing the nature of the game, and not always for the better.

“It's just that 50/50 game that everybody wants.

There's no skill in it, it's just pure piggery. Get in and get it like, that's just what it turns into. It depends what way the momentum is going, it's hard to shift that momentum when it's going against you.

Listen, people find it exciting so I can't see it changing...

You can see teams that weren't competing a couple of years ago are now sitting in the top five or six teams because of sheer size in the middle.

It's going back to the old days, it's kick and hope. It's exciting I suppose”

His comments highlight an ongoing debate within Gaelic football. Many supporters enjoy the physical contests in midfield, but others believe the rule has reduced control and technical play.

Armagh now turn their focus to another major challenge as unbeaten Donegal visit the Athletic Grounds. With league points becoming increasingly important, McGeeney’s side will be eager to respond and avoid being pulled deeper into a relegation battle.