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Ex-Clare Manager Would Like GAA Rule 'Thrown In The Atlantic'

Picture credits: Sportsfile
PJ Browne
By PJ Browne
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Former Clare manager Colm Collins believes the offensive mark rule should be struck from the GAA rule book.

"That offensive mark, I'd have it thrown into the middle of the Atlantic - it's an awful rule," Collins told the Comhrá le Tomás podcast.

"It doesn't enhance the game. It makes the game worse. Instead of a fella coming down and offloading - a la the Bomber in his day giving it to a runner coming at 90 miles per hour - now they're standing up. The whole thing slows down while they try a kick at goal.

"The mark in midfield, I would be for that because I think too often really good fielders would go up, catch the ball and be crowded out when they come down.

"That offensive mark should go as quick as lightning - it's a terrible rule."

Collins, who is the father of Clare footballers Sean and Podge Collins, said the only new rule he would introduce to Gaelic football is one akin to the backcourt rule in basketball.

colm collins clare gaa rules

19 February 2022; Rory Grugan of Armagh claims a mark after catching the ball ahead of Conor Boyle of Monaghan during the Allianz GAA Football League Division 1 match between Armagh and Monaghan at Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

"The most annoying thing in football is the constant messing with silly rules that make no difference. There's a whole load of rubbish coming in about the kickout - oh God almighty," he said.

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"The only thing I would like to change is that one where if you take the ball past midfield, you cannot go back - you've got to use it. The result would be you have to use it. This kicking back 40 yards and recycling, it should eliminate that, and it would make a difference to the game.

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"Everybody that watches football probably has their own little things that they'd like to change to make it more attractive to watch. I'd watch football all day long and I can't understand anybody criticising the fare at all.

"From a football point of view, as pundits, we're very quick to criticise the game. The hurling fraternity are a lot more protective of their sport and are very slow to criticise anything that goes on there. A lot of the time, we're putting in the boot where there's no need to put in the boot."

colm collins clare gaa rules

9 April 2023; Clare manager Colm Collins celebrates with Keelan Sexton after their side's victory in the Munster GAA Football Senior Championship Quarter-Final match between Clare and Cork at Cusack Park in Ennis, Clare. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Collins, who stepped down as Clare manager in mid-June after 10 years in charge, said he believes he never criticised a referee during that time.

"There's absolutely no question that it's a tough job," he said.

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"You take your medicine and the wheel will turn. The next day, the decision might go your way.

"I think we could do better with grading of referees. You had a situation where Glenn Ryan said last week you had the top referee in the country doing the line for their game against Monaghan. That doesn't make any sense to me anyway.

"(David) Gough does far too few games for my liking. He's a decent referee and he should be getting more games."

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See Also: 48 Standout Names Playing GAA In America This Summer

 

 

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