Royal abdication by Jack O'Connor appears to be temporarily halted due to new rules benefiting the blue-blooded family.
The 2025 Gaelic football season has seen a significant shake-up, with the Football Review Committee (FRC) introducing a series of rule changes aimed at enhancing the pace and excitement of the game. These changes, introduced for the 2025 season, have substantially altered how the game is played, and feedback from players, coaches, and the general public has been overwhelmingly positive.
The FRC's changes include the introduction of a two-point scoring arc 40 meters from goal, a rule requiring players to remain in the opposition half, and a ban on back passes to goalkeepers. The two-point rule allows players to score two points for a kick from beyond this arc instead of the traditional single point, adding a new strategic element to scoring. The "no backpass" rule aims to encourage more attacking play by preventing defensive teams from simply retreating and slowing the game down.
These changes have been described as revolutionary and have been widely seen as enhancing the pace and excitement of the game. Feedback from players and coaches participating in trial matches, such as the sandbox game featuring Round Tower of Clondalkin and Fingallians of Swords, was very positive. The "no backpass" rule, in particular, was praised for encouraging more attacking football and reducing defensive stalling tactics.
Looking ahead to the 2025 All-Ireland championship, these rule changes have already impacted gameplay by promoting faster, more offensive styles. Further changes are still being tested, such as a potential four-point goal for longer-range goals and the strict enforcement that teams cannot return to their own half once they have crossed the halfway line, which are under consideration for adoption in the 2026 season.
However, not everyone is in agreement with the FRC's changes. Former FRC member Malachy O'Rourke has become less enamored of the new kick-out regulations, and Kieran McGeeney, a consistent critic, has expressed dissatisfaction with the "lump-it-out-there" kick-out rules, deeming them random and lowbrow.
One team eagerly embracing the new rules is Kerry, who made full use of two-pointers in the All-Ireland quarter-final, semi-final, and final, scoring five two-pointers each in the quarter-final and semi-final. Despite a delay in their quest for their 40th All-Ireland title, with the gap between their 30th title in 1986 and the upcoming championship expected to be at least 40 years, Kerry's determination to secure another title is clear.
As the 2025 All-Ireland championship progresses, it remains to be seen whether the FRC will continue to fine-tune the rules or make any significant changes. The FRC has already planned new sandbox games for further fine-tuning, and a comprehensive report for the GAA Congress in early September 2025 is expected, which will likely inform any final decisions on continuing or modifying these rule changes.
The Football Review Committee's (FRC) rule changes for Gaelic football, such as the two-point scoring arc and the ban on back passes, have introduced a new strategic element and encouraged more attacking play. Kerry, a competing team, has effectively utilized the two-point scoring system in their quest for another All-Ireland title.
