Mackin and O'Leary excited for new rules in Ladies Football

As the Lidl Ladies National Football League gets underway, players are excited about the new rules introduced to the game.

From the drama of the two-pointer to the open games of having three players at the other end of the pitch at all times, the men's game was transformed by the rule changes in 2025.

While ladies' football was usually seen as more attacking, last season saw more defensive set-ups, which contributed to lower-scoring games and frustration for attackers.

For the first three rounds of the league, new rules are being introduced, including two-pointers from outside the 40-metre mark, and the solo and go option from free-kicks.

Free kicks will also be brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline.

One of the players who could benefit the most from the new rules is Armagh's Aimee Mackin, who is looking forward to the extra space in the forward line.

"Think the solo and go will be good. It will quicken things up, and the three-up will be exciting as a forward, not having to defend. I think that is our biggest job to defend as a forward, so I think that will be exciting.

"I actually think from watching the men’s game, your head has been in that mindset, watching them, because you have to keep an eye on their games.

"For us, the three-up rule and breaching that will be the most important thing, especially if you are a tenacious tackler and getting close to the halfway line, keep in the back of your head that you have to stay up here."

Another creative player who will be rubbing her hands together is Kerry's Danielle O'Leary.

The Kerry forward says the rules will suit Kerry's fast style of football, but admits they will take some getting used to.

"I'm not going to lie, it's kind of been hard to