Ambrose O'Donovan: Football needs reform - and soon

Ambrose O'Donovan was Kerry captain in the landmark season of 1984, the GAA’s centenary year, and he has welcomed another potential milestone with the proposals under consideration by Jim Gavin’s Football Review Committee.

The FRC recently presented a series of proposed trialled rules to Central Council following a comprehensive public survey and months of research and data collection.

Two points for a 'point' from the new 40-metre arc and four points for a goal are the marquee proposals and Kerry legend O’Donovan says change needs to come – and soon.

"I’ve been disappointed with the football this year, the championship but especially the league," he said.

"The kick pass over 35 to 40 yards is diminishing all the time, teams are still getting 15 behind the ball and to be honest, putting 15 behind the ball doesn’t take much coaching, does it?

"You’re left then to try to break down the opposition team and wait for moments of magic from special players."

"The supporters are disappointed with the overall fare from the championship too," he added.

"For the public right across the country, it is expensive to go to matches all the time. Then it gets very repetitive to see matches and see teams putting 15 behind the ball with catching and kicking not as prominent anymore.

"So, I would go along with Jim Gavin’s group and their proposals. There is a problem with Gaelic football, Jim has an onerous task to improve it and it is important we address everything he says and get an identity back. Comparable to hurling, football is a hard watch. You watch the ball go over and back for five or 10 minutes and wait for those moments of magic.

"I do believe Dublin are great for football, they have played football every way and I can watch Dublin."

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