Latest news with #McGeeney
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Oisín O'Neill: Kieran McGeeney's issue not with rules but constant tweaks
Kieran McGeeney's regular criticism of the FRC rule changes relates not to the rules themselves but the fact that they're constantly changing, according to Oisín O'Neill. This week saw the contentious 50m penalty for impeding a kickout mark buried before the commencement of the All-Ireland SFC knockout phase. This, despite earlier assurances in the wake of the league that the rules were set in stone for the rest of 2025, at least. Central Council voted - by 39 votes to one - to remove the 50m mark and replace with an on-the-spot free. On Saturday, it was confirmed that the FRC had proposed the abolition of the 50m penalty with immediate effect. Following his side's narrow defeat to Galway in Kingspan Breffni that evening, McGeeney lashed out at the decision to enact changes at a relatively late stage in the championship. "Some teams tell them to do something, I'd love that direct line," McGeeney said after the game. "Whoever has that direct line into Jim (Gavin) and Eamonn (Fitzmaurice), I would love that." Following the Cork-Kerry game in Round 2 of the group stage, both managers had criticised the 50m mark, with Jack O'Connor labelling it "ridiculous" and saying it was "going to have to be tidied up." While McGeeney has a reputation for being hostile to the FRC changes, O'Neill insists it's just the constant tweaking which was proving a headache for managers and players. "I think Kieran's biggest issue with them is they constantly change. We played half the league and they changed them," O'Neill said, at the launch of the All-Ireland SFC knockout stage. "They're talking about another change this week. There's four rounds of the championship left! "I think Kieran has no issue with the rules. It's more just that they're continuously changing. "As players, that's frustrating because you're working on one thing one week and then it might change." After five rounds of the league, the FRC introduced a major tweak, with teams now obliged to keep four players in their own half at all times to prevent the roaming goalkeeper functioning as an extra man in attack. "We probably had to tweak a few things that we've been working on and change certain things that we were trying to work on," O'Neill said. "Such as the mark, you know, you had to hold your hands up after going up and now you're being told you've five steps or whatever." As to whether he agreed with the kickout mark, O'Neill said it was fine as long as referees allowed players to compete for the ball. "I think if it's refereed in the spirit that the rules intended, you have to allow a little bit of leeway like for players to compete for the ball, but I think it's a reflection of how well coached you are. "And we were punished severely by it at the weekend, and it's something that we wouldn't be happy with." Follow a live blog on the All-Ireland Football Championship on Saturday and Sunday on and the RTÉ News app. Listen to updates on Saturday Sport and Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1. Watch highlights on The Saturday Game at 9.15pm and The Sunday Game from 9.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player.
The 42
3 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
'They do an incredible job' - GAA President defends fixture makers after McGuinness criticism
GAA PRESIDENT JARLATH Burns has defended recent decisions around fixture-making in the All-Ireland senior championship. The Central Competitions Control Committee were under fire on Sunday from a vexed Donegal manager Jim McGuinness, who was annoyed that their final fixture in the group series against Mayo was set for Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon. 'We think it was very unfair to bring us here,' stated McGuinness, after their final round group game. 'It was the equivalent of bringing Mayo to Omagh and we also put in an email to the CCCC to say we couldn't get a hotel in the area so we had to stay in Athlone. We had to go beyond the venue to come to play in the venue. 'So it was the equivalent of Mayo going to play us in Omagh and staying in Derry and I don't believe that would happen. I think that would only happen because it's us. Disappointed in that.' Burns, speaking today in Croke Park at today's All-Ireland SFC launch, made a point of recounting when he and Games Administration Manager Bernard Smith were in the car on their way back from making the preliminary quarter-final draw on Monday morning, Advertisement 'He took seven phone calls from counties asking for clarification on this, asking for a favour there, asking that they could play at a particular time, something that would have been on in their county, and I think every one of those requests was met. 'And whenever fixtures are being made, there are so, so many things that they have to take into consideration, particularly with regard to neutral venues. 'I think they do an incredible job. I think they are amazing people and I just thought that it was important to put on record my appreciation and thanks for the work that they do in very complex circumstances.' Jarlath Burns at today's All-Ireland football championship launch. Sam Barnes / SPORTSFILE Sam Barnes / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE Meanwhile, Armagh player Oisín O'Neill has added his voice to the debate around the practice of changing the playing rules in mid-season. On Saturday, the Football Review Committee proposed a rule alteration around the kickout mark, that any obstruction would not be punished with a 50-metre advancement of the ball. That met with disapproval from McGeeney after his side lost by a point to Galway on Sunday. 'Listen, honestly, they just seem to be able to do what they want,' said McGeeney. 'Some teams tell them to do something, I'd love that direct line. Whoever has that direct line into Jim (Gavin) and Eamonn (Fitzmaurice), I would love that.' Speaking to the press at the football launch, O'Neill stated, 'I think Kieran's biggest issue with them is that they constantly change, you know. Half the league and then they changed and now they're talking about another change this week. Like, there's four rounds of championship left. 'He has no issue. It's more just that they keep continuously changing and as players, that's frustrating because your coach is working on one thing one week and then it might change. 'But look, whatever it is, whatever it is it is and we'd be ready for the quarter-final in two weeks to do a massive rethink on what we're doing on some certain aspects.' He added, 'We probably had to tweak a few things that we've been working on and change certain things that we were trying to work on. Such as the mark, you know, you had to hold your hands up after going up and now you're being told you've five steps or whatever. 'I think if it's refereed in the spirit that the rules intended, you have to allow a little bit of leeway like for players to compete for the ball, but I think it's a reflection of how well coached you are. And we were punished severely by it at the weekend, and it's something that we wouldn't be happy with.' *** Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
This time, Galway come out the good side of stone-cold classic
All-Ireland SFC: Galway 2-22 Armagh 0-27 In the end, the margin was a point. Having lost a game by one and drawn their second, Galway secured a significant one-point triumph over an already qualified Armagh in Kingspan Breffni. This was the third stone-cold classic in a row for Pádraic Joyce's side. They were eight points down at the turnaround having had one Matthew Tierney penalty saved and another from Robert Finnerty flash over the bar. By the time Shane Walsh nailed a final free after the hooter, they were already safe. A win still meant something, a sign that they are still capable of going all the way. 'We were confident enough anyway,' said captain Seán Kelly. 'We have had two games where we drew and lost by a point. So it's not like we're a bad team overnight or anything. There was always going to be tough games. Every game we play now, it's going to be a point or two in the difference. Hopefully we can give the fans an easier result the next day for the hearts.' Despite their first defeat in the championship since the 2023 loss to Tyrone, the All-Ireland champions still emerged from Saturday night with serious credit. They raced into a 0-15 to 0-7 half-time lead thanks to four two-pointers, with Ethan Rafferty, Niall Grimley, and Darragh McMullan all finding their range from play. Rafferty was immense, saving one penalty and denying Matthew Thompson from point-blank range in the second half. He finished with seven points, including a point that stemmed from a kickout he caught himself. Paddy Burns was taken off early due to a booking picked up for the second penalty concession. They rested some key men while getting valuable minutes into others. 'We still have the likes of Ben (Crealey), Rory (Grugan), and Oisín (O'Neill) are big misses,' said McGeeney. On the other hand, Damien Comer's late withdrawal from the matchday panel was an enormous blow for their opponents. McGeeney said they had a few players who 'probably weren't just right'. 'I think the people who came on today, Grimley hasn't played much all year, just come back after a few injuries, he was very good. So was Joe McElroy, loads of running, Cian McConville was excellent for us as well so there is no complaints that way, just a few mistakes that cost us very dearly.' Galway's bench made their mark too. 2024 Footballer of the Year Paul Conroy did not start but came in to score, win a two-point free and produce the last opportunity for Walsh. Tierney came back on having been brought off early and was immense in the clutch. Cathal Sweeney hit a point with his first possession and created a goal for club-mate Finnerty. A strong start to the second half was marked with a John Maher goal but Armagh refused to yield, as is their trademark. Having fallen behind for the first time with 15 minutes left, they reeled off five consecutive scores as their deep runners surged with Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns, and Ross McQuillan racing in. A two-week break will be well received now. They continue to grow stronger. It fell to Man of the Match Walsh to deliver his ninth score, having hit six from play, as they advance to the preliminary quarter-finals next weekend. 'It is about a full 26 panel,' said Kelly. 'Whatever five/six get on, it is about making an impact and finishing the game strong, and thankfully, that's what we did there for a positive result and we push on now. 'When we get to Monday, we will do our analysis on that game, look forward to the next opposition. We were here last year, we had that experience playing weekend in, weekend out, so we can really kind of lean on that.' Scorers for Galway: S Walsh 0-9 (1 tpf, 1f); R Finnerty 1-4 (0-1 pen); J Maher 1-0; P Cooke 0-3 (1 tp); C McDaid 0-2; C D'Arcy, M Tierney, C Sweeney, P Conroy 0-1 each. Scorers for Armagh: E Rafferty 0-7 (2 tpf, 1tp); R McQuillan, N Grimley, (1 tp), C McConville 0-3 each; D McMullan 0-2; R O'Neill, J Burns, P McGrane, S Campbell, S McPartlan, C Turbitt, A Murnin, J Duffy, T Kelly 0-1 each. GALWAY: C Flaherty; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, J Glynn; D McHugh, S Kelly, L Silke; P Cooke, J Maher; C McDaid, R Finnerty, C D'Arcy; M Tierney, S Walsh, M Thompson. Subs: P Conroy for Tierney (33); D O'Flaherty for Silke (half-time); C Hernon for Fitzgerald (46 — Inj); C Sweeney for McHugh (54); M Tierney for Cooke (59); J Heaney for McDaid (68). ARMAGH: E Rafferty; P Burns, B McCambridge, P McGrane; R McQuillan, T Kelly, J Óg Burns; J Duffy, N Grimley; D McMullan, R O'Neill, J McElroy; C McConville, A Murnin, C Turbitt. Subs: T McCormack for McCambridge (20 – Inj); G McCabe for Burns (half-time); S Campbell for Duffy (54); C Mackin for Grimley (59); O Conaty for McMullan (63); S McPartlan for McConville (65-Inj). Referee: N Mooney (Cavan).
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Kieran McGeeney: 'Some teams tell them to do something, I'd love that direct line'
Despite the fact that their spot in the quarter-final was already secure, Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney had cause to be unhappy on Saturday with a defeat and the latest rules update. On Saturday, it was confirmed that the Football Review Committee has proposed a rule adjustment to remove the 50-metre penalty for a foul on a player who catches a kick-out mark. Central Council will now vote on the proposal. If it is passed, the amendment will be operational for next weekend's All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals and the Tailteann Cup semi-finals. 'Listen, honestly, they just seem to be able to do what they want,' said McGeeney after his side lost out by a point against Galway in Kingspan Breffni. 'Some teams tell them to do something, I'd love that direct line. Whoever has that direct line into Jim (Gavin) and Eamonn (Fitzmaurice), I would love that.' When asked if it could clean up some 'greyness' around the rule, the All-Ireland winning manager was unconvinced. 'That is what the GAA is. Everything is a foul. Everything isn't a foul. You just swing with the punches and do what you can.' Armagh took off defender Paddy Burns due to a fear he would be sent off after picking up a booking. They conceded two first-half penalties, but Ethan Rafferty saved the first and the second went over the bar. 'In this game, again because people didn't like it, if you get a man sent off, you can't really exist. Keep everybody up and not back, something like that. It is difficult. It depends. As I say, if you get a direct line you seem to be able to change them.' It is Armagh's first championship defeat in normal time since the 2023 group stages fixture against Tyrone. On their performance, McGeeney was frustrated they were unable to hold on to an eight-point half-time lead. 'I suppose we would be disappointed we gave away the ball so much. They upped the aggression stakes and the frees seemed to fall their way then. We just got caught doing silly stuff. It was annoying. We got ourselves back into a good position again, gave it away. A wee bit annoyed with the free at the end. Loads to work on.'
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Shane Walsh the hero as Galway rise from the dead to stun Armagh and save summer
COMETH THE hour, cometh Shane Walsh. 2 Shane Walsh starred for Galway in a classic clash on Saturday evening 2 Galway scored a last-gasp winner to beat the reigning All-Ireland champions The Tribes came back from the dead to stun Kieran McGeeney's men in Cavan - and rallied to steal third spot in the group of death despite missing TWO first half penalties. Second half goals from the superb John Maher and Rob Finnerty set them alight as McGeeney's men wilted coming the stretch - before Walsh's dramatic winning free after the hooter sealed it. Maher was sublime and led the charge, while Sean Fitzgerald had a game for the ages and totally nullified Armagh hitman Andrew Murnin. But Galway were hanging by a thread at the break. A disastrous opening half saw Matthew Tierney and Finnerty both miss from the spot as the Orchard ran riot. read more on gaa Armagh were already through to the last eight, but approached the game otherwise. Ethan Rafferty lorded Breffni with three two-pointers as Ross McQuillan won his epic battle with Sean Kelly and scored 0-3. Niall Grimley grabbed his shot with both hands in the middle and scored 0-3 to give boss McGeeney plenty to think about for the next fortnight. Most read in GAA Football They led 0-15 to 0-7 at the break, and 0-13 of that came from play. If Armagh dominating was bad, missing two penalties was worse as Tierney's first effort was saved by Rafferty and Rob Finnerty blazed his kick over the bar. GAA fans 'loved seeing and hearing' the late Micheal O Muircheartaigh as he features in RTE documentary Hell for Leather The magnificent Rafferty set the tone with their first two-pointer in the third minute as McGeeney's men cut through the Galway defence time and time again, as Jaly Óg Burns made huge inroads off both flanks and runners from deep finished the job. He laid one on a plate for Rían O'Neill to stretch their lead despite being well marshalled by Cillian McDaid before Peter McGrane quickly followed suit. Galway were at sixes and sevens, but were handed a lifeline when Burns fouled Finnerty - but Raferty denied Tierney and Maher fired wide from the rebound. But Walsh got into the game from here and never left it. He fired over a pair of beauties off each foot after Peter Cooke's whopping two-pointer, but the Armagh train was in top gear. They kicked 0-5 on the bounce in a ruthless second quarter as the superb Grimley nailed a two-pointer before Turbitt, Ross McQuillan and Cian McConville turned the screw. Peter Cooke boomed over Galway's only orange flag of the half but Darragh McMullan hit back with an even better one at the other end to make it 0-11 to 0-4. Walsh was fouled by Burns for penalty number two, but Finnerty overcooked it and it flew over the bar. The game looked over when Rafferty's two point free pushed Armagh nine in front, but the Tribes were far from done - and fired 2-15 in a storming second half to win the game. Maher's goal set them on their way when he palmed home after a sweeping move from Finnerty and Dylan McHugh. Paul Conroy was thrown into the fray and made his mark with a super score and a different Galway emerged. They took the lead thanks to another 0-4 without reply when Walsh nailed a two-point free and Finnerty and McDaid made it 1-16 to 0-17. Armagh were on the ropes gasping for air, but hit back with 0-5 on the bounce to rouse their massive support as Ross McQuillan, Rafferty, Tiernan Kelly and Jarly Óg did the business. But when the chips were down, the Connacht champs never blinked. Cathal Sweeney nailed a score and won the resulting kick-out to play Finnerty in, and he slotted into the bottom corner. The scores kept coming. Walsh, Tierney, and Céin D'Arcy raised more flags before Stefen Campbell gave Armagh badly needed life and scored, before Rafferty sailed over his third orange flag to level it again. Walsh and Shane McParlan swapped points as the hooter sounded, before Conroy was fouled by Tomás McCormack and the Kilmacud Crokes clubman held his nerve to win the game. Armagh went all out to eliminate one of the big threats in their bid for back to back - but boss McGeeney hailed their resolve despite letting the Tribes rise and edge it. He said: 'It was a cracking game, just unfortunate that we made a couple of silly mistakes but it's par for the course and luckily it didn't cost us today. so you're not going to be too disappointed but we still have a lot to work on. 'I suppose we were disappointed that we gave the ball away so much. They upped their aggression stakes and the frees seemed to fall their way then and we just got caught doing silly stuff. 'We got ourselves back into a good position again and gave it away and probably a wee bit of an eye in with the free at the end, but as I said, we have loads to work on.' Galway 2-22 Armagh 0-27 ARMAGH: E Rafferty 0-7, 2tpf, 1tp; P Burns, B McCambridge, P McGrane 0-1; R McQuillan 0-3, T Kelly 0-1, J Óg Burns 0-1; J Duffy 0-1, N Grimley 0-2tp; D McMullan 0-2tp, R O'Neill 0-1, J McElroy; C McConville 0-3, A Murnin 0-1, C Turbitt 0-1. Subs: T McCormack for McCambridge 20mins; G McCabe for P Burns HT, S Campbell 0-1 for Duffy 54, C Mackin for Grimley 59, O Conaty for McMullan 63, S McPartlan 0-1 for McConville (blood) 65 GALWAY: C Flaherty; J McGrath, S Fitzgerald, J Glynn; D McHugh, S Kelly, L Silke; P Cooke 0-3, 1tp, J Maher 1-0; C McDaid 0-2, R Finnerty 1-4, 0-1pen, C Darcy 0-2; M Tierney 0-1, S Walsh 0-9, 1tpf, 1f, M Thompson. Subs: P Conroy 0-1 for Tierney 33mins; D O'Flaherty for Silke HT, C Hernon for Fitzgerald 47 (blood), C Sweeney 0-1 for McHugh 54, Tierney for Cooke 59, J Heaney for McDaid REFEREE: N Mooney (Cavan)
