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Shift toward negative energy

COMMON sense never loses currency -- hence the following from former Dublin player-manager Tony Hanahoe on his reflections on modern-day football.

"The game is taking an adverse turn as far as I'm concerned if we are moving towards a negative defensive Italian soccer-style game. I still think there is a huge amount to be gained from the long accurate ball that is effective and gives you a higher percentage of opportunities to score than this laborious handpassing."

Quite right. However, for as long as the abominable handpass remains an uncontrolled weapon in Gaelic football, the balance will continue to shift toward negativity. And please don't blame Donegal for all the problems.

They're all at it now to some degree. Yes, even Dublin and Kerry.

Irish Independent