The sweeper keeper is back.
For large periods of Monaghan’s Allianz League victory over Kerry at the weekend, it looked like the Farney army had an extra man in Inniskeen.
That’s because they had. In practice anyway.
Their netminder Rory Beggan deserted his nets at every opportunity he saw fit. He’d offer himself up for a struggling defender, he’d take the initiative and burst out the field past a few Kerry men.
For such a big, strong man, he’s well able to run, too and some of his kick-passing into Monaghan’s attackers was so inviting and so dangerous. His impact played a huge role in Malachy O’Rourke’s side’s two point victory.
Beggan’s adventurous role came up for discussion on Monday’s GAA Hour Football Show and the lads were all impressed with Monaghan’s willingness to take a risk and to stick to their plans under pressure.
Cian Ward feels that it’s only a matter of time before more teams latch onto the idea of getting more use out of their ‘keepers, in a fly-keeping capacity.
“It’s going to happen sooner rather than later, it’s just going to take some more brave managers, like Malachy O’Rourke to bring it on and that’s the use of Rory Beggan yesterday. Rory Beggan was effectively used, like in Ice Hockey where they pull the ‘keeper out, he played out the field,” began Ward.
“He was always an outlet when they were on the ball, whenever they were under pressure in their own defence, Beggan would drift across to the far wing so that if they were pinned in on one side, Beggan would be there totally unmarked on his own for them to switch it.”
It makes sense. What’s the point in having a goalkeeper rooted to the spot, twiddling his thumbs when his back men are under pressure trying to clear their lines. Get out and give him a hand.
“Corofin did it quite well at the weekend too, but the ball-playing goalkeeper, it’s something we’ve spoken about before, it’s going to become far more prevalent because it just makes so much sense,” added Ward.
“There’s no different rule for the goalkeeper, he’s the same as every other outfield player, so it’s completely pointless to have him standing in the goals the whole time. A waste of time.
“Beggan was excellent, he was playing the ball into the full forward line under no pressure.”
The GAA Hour Show host Colm Parkinson has watched his native Laois deploy similar tactics to good effect with their number one Graham Briody.
“Laois use their goalie, Graham Brody – this fella is a lunatic in goals, like he comes out past half way, but he’s totally comfortable. It’s like playing with an extra man,” he said.
Not only were Monaghan clever in that regard, but also in the use of their kick-outs. Cian Ward picked out a new tactic whereby the Ulster side create acres of space for one of their players to attack, and then Rory Beggan drills a low kick-out into their chest.
“Monaghan are very clever, even in terms of what they do with their kick-outs. How many times did we see it yesterday that their whole half back line drives in towards the goalkeeper, and you’ve a lad running from the far wing into space, and Beggan pops it there, they have all of these strategies, when they get it right, they’re hard to beat.
“Sometimes a wing forward comes into the space, which is left by your two midfielders who’ve pulled to the other side. Basically, if you’re on the run and you’re in front, you’re away then into space.
O’Rourke and his men don’t miss out on much.
Monaghan close to Division One safety for another year. Fourth smallest population in the country. 25 players on panel based in Dublin. They're a credit, and an example to others.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) February 18, 2018
You can listen to the Monaghan love-in, some Sigerson Cup drama and much more from Monday’s GAA Hour Show podcast.
