Tipperary's Aishling Moloney suggets possible rule changes to help Ladies football

BreakingNews.ie

8 hours ago

Tipperary forward Aishling Moloney has suggested the idea of possible changes to Ladies Football similar to those seen in the men's game this season.
After years of defensive football dominating the men's game, new rules that have freed up space across the pitch have led to high-scoring matches across the country.
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This season in Ladies Football, defences have been on top in a number of games, which contrasts with the attacking style seen in previous years.
Speaking to BreakingNews, the Tipperary forward says changes could be on the way to make the sport more exciting.
"I think the LGFA are going to have to look at bringing in a few rules like the men's to make the ladies' game more exciting again.
"For years, people were tuning into the ladies' game instead of the men's because of the exciting brand of football. But in recent times, it has gone a bit dull.
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"In terms of being a forward, it has changed; it's not like the usual role it was years ago. Trying to change up the forward line, playing different roles in the team – I'll be happy to contribute to that.
"When you used to get the ball years ago, it was one-on-one, but now it's different; you often have an entire team in front of you.
"You are never defending one-on-one, and a forward is never taking on a back one-on-one. You're beginning to lose the skills of the game.
"You see, when you actually go to take on defenders, or you're defending one-on-one, girls are beginning to lose the skills of how to do that, which is a pity.
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"It also means I have to change my way of playing as well. We have seen in the men's game this year how exciting and enjoyable it has been to watch."
One rule that Moloney would like to see introduced into the women's game is the advanced mark.
This allows a player who catches a kick from outside the 45-metre line cleanly inside the 20-metre line to claim a free kick. She says it would encourage quicker ball into the forward line.
"Maybe bring in the mark to start it off. It would encourage more kicking into the forward line and keep somebody up the pitch like the men have as well. It might encourage more fluidity in the game."
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Moloney's comments come at a very exciting time for Tipperary, who are still in contention in hurling, ladies football, and camogie.
For the footballers, victory over Donegal means they are now preparing for an All-Ireland quarter-final against Meath.
After years of battling against relegation, the Premier County can now look forward to a huge day against Meath.
Tipperary finished second in their group, behind Galway and ahead of Donegal.
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For Moloney, who has been crucial to Tipperary's progress over the years, finally getting out of the group stages has lifted the monkey off their back.
"When you have spent nine years losing games and battling relegation, the psychological effect then comes into the team. You begin to self-doubt, and there is a lack of confidence.
"Not only are you going out to win a game on footballing ability, but you also have that monkey on the back of your head telling you that you aren't good enough.
"I think for us, the confidence that came from beating Donegal and being in the All-Ireland quarter-finals has given us a big boost.
"These days don't come around too often, as we know. We have never been here before, and it may not come around again for another few years."