“I don’t think we are in a good place.”
Tyrone legend Peter Canavan has explained how “meaningful changes” to Gaelic football could be about to happen in the coming months.
A lot of criticism has been thrown at the game in recent years following some really dire and dull matches, and so far, apart from a few moments of brilliance and drama, the games in the provincial championship haven’t been brilliant.
Peter Canavan feels forced to do something that used to “irk” him as a player
The possession-based approach which most teams take is a key reason behind the low-scoring affairs, and speaking after last weekend’s Ulster clash between Trillick and Crossmaglen, Canavan has expressed his concerns for the game.
“I don’t think we are in a good place. When I was a player, it used to irk me when I was listening to commentators and they were saying ‘football back in the day was a lot better,” he said.
“I’m not one to be making rash statements but I think if we don’t act now… we’ve had so many poor games at county level and at club level.
“Back in the 70s and 80s, you had a lot of poor games, but it was down to maybe poor skill level, you had corner-backs who all they could do was mark and get the ball and get rid of it.
“Now, the skill level of players has never been better. The quality of football when it is played right is absolutely brilliant, but such is the state of play that coaches now can play in a way to make the game really unattractive, if they choose to do that.”
Peter Canavan on why “meaningful” changes to Gaelic football could happen very soon
Peter Canavan and Ethan Rafferty discuss use of goalkeeper in modern Gaelic football, with Armagh's marauding netminder making case his is a more positive contribution than some 'sweeper keepers'
🏐Watch full discussion on health of Gaelic football: https://t.co/yqM3x71USJ pic.twitter.com/jdzB1mEP4U
— RTÉ GAA (@RTEgaa) November 15, 2023
Cavan also revealed that a select group of people have been tasked with analysing the current state of the game, and coming up with ideas to help improve in it.
“I know there was a think-tank appointed a few months back, brilliant people on it, Colm O’Rourke, Kevin McStay, Enda McGinley, Michael Murphy, really good people in the game who know the game inside out.
“So I think they are going to collate a lot of information and bring it forward on the back of that I would like to think that there’s going to be some meaningful rule changes in the months to come.”
Related links:
- “I couldn’t believe how easy they won it” Peter Canavan surprised by Cross capitulation
- Tyrone legend compares Canavan brothers to one of Brazil’s greatest entertainers
- Canavan family denied scoring feat as Errigal Ciaran win Tyrone quarter final
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