The new black card rule has resulted in gaelic football overtaking hurling in the entertainment stakes, according to Joe Brolly.

Writing in his weekly column in Gaelic Life, the RTE pundit states there was no comparison between the club football and hurling finals on St Patrick's Day, describing Portumna's victory over Mount Leinster Rangers as 'mired in cynicism'.

"A game that was being submerged in a quicksand of cynicism and bad footballers is already being transformed.

"The St Patrick's Day club finals were a classic illustration of this. First up, the hurling final, a game that was mired in cynicism, deliberate pulling, tripping and negative play. It was woeful stuff and the neutrals around me were as bored as I was.

"Next up the football. Richie Feeney body-checked a St Vincent's man after a few minutes and was black carded. It was a terrible shame that such a fine warrior as Richie had to go, but as he tweeted himself later that night, "Let my team mates down big time".

"The game that followed was simply magnificent entertainment.

"Castlebar played with adventure and absolute determination. Vincent's played with adventure and a number 11 who gave a performance that will never be forgotten.

"Diarmuid Connolly has spent his short career being pulled down, body checked and spoiled. But opponents can't do that anymore.

"So on St Patrick's Day, the boy finally showed us what he has. Turns out he has everything, and then some more. He augmented his 2-5 from play (both feet and the fist) by catching two kick-outs and setting up 1-3.

"Everything that was great about football was on show as both teams gave it their all and were free to show their skills.

"A stat: Hurling final: No goals scored. Not a single goal chance created. Football final: 6 goals scored. 11 goal chances created."

Brolly concluded: "A golden era for football is upon us. The next time someone repeats the cliche that hurling is a better game that football. I will be ready for them. At last ..." Tweet

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