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How Do We Take Hurling On From Here

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Replying To legendzxix:  ""It is now rare to see a true 50:50 ball played in"
It is a challenge for hurling rule makers. Football is gaining from positive rule changes that encourage contests."
The only rule change that has increased 50/50 balls is the new kickout rule.
The Elephant in the room for Football is still rearward handpassing to retain possession for long periods of time, and the FRC did nothing to tackle it.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 18701 - 07/03/2026 11:28:15    2660400

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "Ah come on. I am going to guess that you are from the football side of galway. You cant be that much of a dinosaur as to think hurling was better in the 90s. Granted, we loved it in the 90s but we knew no better. It was the game as we knew it. It is so much better now. The skill, strength and pace of the players and game is excellent. As for the scoring that is exceptional. Why anyone would want to reduce the scoring is beyond me. Its brilliant to see the quality of point scoring on display. Each generation pushes it on to a higher level. Ive heard comments about 2 much scoring before and its always from football lads.
That said, modern hurling is not without its problems. The ones highlighted aren't the big ones though. There is just as much over carrying and throwing in football as in hurling. Most short handpasses in football( under 3 or 4 metres) are throws. You cant get away with longer ones though as you cant legally project the ball further from the hand without a clear striking action so its much easier to referee.( that and it being a 2 handed action). The new rules have made it better to watch but its still boring for large passages of play as teams keep ball outside the arc.
Imo refs do a decent job on the handpass/throw issue in hurling. Its impossible to tell for sure on the short ones and they generally let that go. The longer ones though are penalised more often than not. Its pretty much impossible to handpass , legally, a sliotar 7/8m+ without a clear separation and strike. That gets refereed.
The big issue is the rucks and the grabbing and uses of the spare arm. This tends to exasperate the complaints of over carrying as the ball carrier has to break free of that first. If the ref blew every time it happens we would have no game.
The ruck is the real eyesore for me. Its not an easy fix. There is a premium on possession now and players will dig in to get it in hand. We have to find a way to reintroduce ground hurling. That would eliminate the ruck somewhat. The word didnt exist in the game in the 90s. Perhaps if we borrowed from football and introduced a 2 pointer in hurling for a ground stroke that goes over the bar it might help. I would include a sideline cut in that. They are few and far between now in this possession game.
The other football rules I would adapt are the solo and go free and the keeper not being allowed to receive the packet back rule.
On the other side I would change the black card and penalty rule. I would give the ref a choice. He decides if its a clear goal scoring opportunity. If he thinks it is he awards a penalty and a yellow card. If he's not sure he awards a black card and a free. Its a double penalisation atm which is too high a price. Refs , who aren't sure, dont enforce it as a result. I think soccer changed their professional foul rule for a similar reason."
Probably would qualify for the dinosaur category alright but hurling was a passion for me throughout most of my life but that's changed for me in the past 6 or 7 years (not connected with Galway's lack of success during the period btw). I would strongly disagree with you that "referees are doing a decent job on the handpass/throw issue" (not that I blame the referees particularly for this... rather it's the media pundits coming on criticising referees for penalising players for throws when a SLOW MOTION REPLAY may show that a slight separation between ball and hand and the slightest of striking actions occurred. Referees are human and so are inclined to act cautiously, letting dodgy passes go in preference to having their technical "mistakes" called out on national tv. It goes way beyond that of course as most of the throws not being penalised are happening when the referee is unsighted or doesnt have a clear view of the play as is inevitable in a game where it is impossible for a referee to keep tabs on the actions on a small ball in a fast moving game.
If you are excited by high point scoring matches where up to half the scores can come from frees (which is another reason why the thowing epidemic is allowed to go unpunished as if they were whistled consistently as well there would be 60 or 70 frees per game and a massive outcry would ensue) more luck to you , but it's not for me.
Btw I agree with you on the rucks and arm over the shoulder issue...another thing that needs addressing.


Ironically I am one of those Galway hurling fans who disliked gaelic football so much that I would only go to see the hurling when there would be a double header in Pearse Stadium! The wheel has nearly gone full circle for me. I never thought the day would come when I'd say this, but since gaelic football faced up to and addressed its problems, from an entertainment point of view I think it is the superior game today and more often a better watch.

PoolSturgeon (Galway) - Posts: 2117 - 07/03/2026 13:16:45    2660418

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"The microwave hurling championship gets a little chance to breathe..."
National hurling league isn't linked to championship. Does hurling need pre-league provincial competitions.. Hurling could do it's own thing and start the national league in early January, allowing the hurling championship to be potentially every second weekend.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9519 - 08/03/2026 02:55:29    2660488

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Replying To PoolSturgeon:  "Probably would qualify for the dinosaur category alright but hurling was a passion for me throughout most of my life but that's changed for me in the past 6 or 7 years (not connected with Galway's lack of success during the period btw). I would strongly disagree with you that "referees are doing a decent job on the handpass/throw issue" (not that I blame the referees particularly for this... rather it's the media pundits coming on criticising referees for penalising players for throws when a SLOW MOTION REPLAY may show that a slight separation between ball and hand and the slightest of striking actions occurred. Referees are human and so are inclined to act cautiously, letting dodgy passes go in preference to having their technical "mistakes" called out on national tv. It goes way beyond that of course as most of the throws not being penalised are happening when the referee is unsighted or doesnt have a clear view of the play as is inevitable in a game where it is impossible for a referee to keep tabs on the actions on a small ball in a fast moving game.
If you are excited by high point scoring matches where up to half the scores can come from frees (which is another reason why the thowing epidemic is allowed to go unpunished as if they were whistled consistently as well there would be 60 or 70 frees per game and a massive outcry would ensue) more luck to you , but it's not for me.
Btw I agree with you on the rucks and arm over the shoulder issue...another thing that needs addressing.


Ironically I am one of those Galway hurling fans who disliked gaelic football so much that I would only go to see the hurling when there would be a double header in Pearse Stadium! The wheel has nearly gone full circle for me. I never thought the day would come when I'd say this, but since gaelic football faced up to and addressed its problems, from an entertainment point of view I think it is the superior game today and more often a better watch."
Let me be sure that I am understanding you.
You want referees to be brave and blow legitimate handpasses for frees in the hope that they are proven right on replay rather than be cautious and try to make sure they get it right as is the current position? Let's be clear , the slightest separation and striking action is a legitimate handpass and is not a free. If I read your comment you also want them to give frees for alleged throws that they dont see? How can any referee do that for any infringement?
You criticise high scoring matches, it appears, because half of the scores are from frees. You admit that you area bit of a dinosaur but conveniently forget that the scoring percentage from frees in the much lower scoring 90s was way higher than half. In fact teams carried free takers then such was their importance.
The game has never been better as a spectacle. Yes it has its problems. The ruck being the main one in my opinion. However, it is faster more physical, more skillful , higher scoring and has more spectacular scores from play than ever before even at the lower levels. Galway scored 35 points last night with 20 plus from play. I waa at the Limerick v Cork game last night. 19k there a good game for the time of year, sensibly refereed( im not stacks biggest fan either), great scores, championship level intensity and physicality at times. Whats not to like. The public aren't mugs. They only pay for what they want to see. The crowds in Division 1A , Munster championship and even harty Cup show that they value what they arecseeinf on the pitch in top end hurling atm.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 09:57:01    2660496

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Replying To legendzxix:  ""It is now rare to see a true 50:50 ball played in"
It is a challenge for hurling rule makers. Football is gaining from positive rule changes that encourage contests."
Why were never told to play a 50/50 ball in. That was always actively discouraged. That would be stupid. You were always told to play the ball in front of the attacker and into space. We spent hours playing backs and forwards etc practicing it. The issue was not enough thought and time was given to the ball player. Hes now encouraged to hold onto the ball and wait until the right ball is on. That might sound easy or easier but it isnt. It means that the ball player/defender must be a much better athlete and hurler than he used to be. He must be composed and comfortable on the ball. The receiver must also be bigger, stronger and faster with a much better frist touch than before. He must be quicker mentally and more accurate at full tilt than ever before. The pass in may be more precise but its also travelling at up to twice the speed and often into more traffic. Some of the skill on display last night was a sight to behold. It will only get better as the next generation seek to out do this one.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 10:09:14    2660497

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Replying To PoolSturgeon:  "Probably would qualify for the dinosaur category alright but hurling was a passion for me throughout most of my life but that's changed for me in the past 6 or 7 years (not connected with Galway's lack of success during the period btw). I would strongly disagree with you that "referees are doing a decent job on the handpass/throw issue" (not that I blame the referees particularly for this... rather it's the media pundits coming on criticising referees for penalising players for throws when a SLOW MOTION REPLAY may show that a slight separation between ball and hand and the slightest of striking actions occurred. Referees are human and so are inclined to act cautiously, letting dodgy passes go in preference to having their technical "mistakes" called out on national tv. It goes way beyond that of course as most of the throws not being penalised are happening when the referee is unsighted or doesnt have a clear view of the play as is inevitable in a game where it is impossible for a referee to keep tabs on the actions on a small ball in a fast moving game.
If you are excited by high point scoring matches where up to half the scores can come from frees (which is another reason why the thowing epidemic is allowed to go unpunished as if they were whistled consistently as well there would be 60 or 70 frees per game and a massive outcry would ensue) more luck to you , but it's not for me.
Btw I agree with you on the rucks and arm over the shoulder issue...another thing that needs addressing.


Ironically I am one of those Galway hurling fans who disliked gaelic football so much that I would only go to see the hurling when there would be a double header in Pearse Stadium! The wheel has nearly gone full circle for me. I never thought the day would come when I'd say this, but since gaelic football faced up to and addressed its problems, from an entertainment point of view I think it is the superior game today and more often a better watch."
On the handpass, I dont have a problem with refs blowing for what they think are throws even if it is proven afterwards that they weren't. Mistakes will be made on a skill as precise as the handpass is currently being executed. Equally I acknowledge that not every player has worked as hard to perfect the skill and are guilty of throwing the ball. I dont think its all the time( as has been proven) but a poorly executed handpass is a throw and that is factual. However, I dont want referees blowing for frees when they are not sure. Thats where we differ. I also dont think its necessary to dramatically overhaul the rule or rules for that matter. We dont need more frees in the game.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 11:09:51    2660502

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Replying To legendzxix:  ""The microwave hurling championship gets a little chance to breathe..."
National hurling league isn't linked to championship. Does hurling need pre-league provincial competitions.. Hurling could do it's own thing and start the national league in early January, allowing the hurling championship to be potentially every second weekend."
In theory I agree with you. However Hurling in January is miserable for everyone involved. Players, refs and supporters alike. I wouldnt be for it in practical terms. I dont see a need for the preseason competition.
I would lean towards reducing it to 5 teams per division. That would be 4 league games , 2 home and 2 away thus freeing up 2 weekends. Top two to the final. That would mean 7 divisions by my maths with winner promoted and bottom relegated. Its short but fair and merit based
The split season means something has to give.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 11:16:44    2660504

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Replying To Tadhg2020:  "In theory I agree with you. However Hurling in January is miserable for everyone involved. Players, refs and supporters alike. I wouldnt be for it in practical terms. I dont see a need for the preseason competition.
I would lean towards reducing it to 5 teams per division. That would be 4 league games , 2 home and 2 away thus freeing up 2 weekends. Top two to the final. That would mean 7 divisions by my maths with winner promoted and bottom relegated. Its short but fair and merit based
The split season means something has to give."
I know the top county's don't care ,new york are fine cuming in ,been competitive, but Warwickshire and Lancashire need to go, Ive seen both, they d be poor club teams in sligo ,never mind at national level and the cost of them coming and teams going over ,its not worth it ,if ur going to reduce team make it 6 divisions

Timmy86 (Sligo) - Posts: 357 - 08/03/2026 17:54:36    2660545

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Why is there a div 1a and div 1b? makes no sense to me at all.

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3741 - 08/03/2026 20:13:46    2660564

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On brighter note, Kildare have established themselves as a coming force.

If they beat Wexford and Carlow beat Dublin they will be promoted.

Unlikely events but they will be a whole new factor in Leinster this year.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4055 - 08/03/2026 20:13:52    2660565

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "Why is there a div 1a and div 1b? makes no sense to me at all."
Because certain counties were offended 20 years ago at being relegated so they invented that subterfuge!
1a is second tier.

Its not impossible that the Cats might go down. Can't ever recall that. Have to beat Tipp and hope Waterford lose to Tipp. I think. TJ might get esrlier than expected run. They are .missing Lawlor badly.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4055 - 08/03/2026 20:29:41    2660572

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Because certain counties were offended 20 years ago at being relegated so they invented that subterfuge!
1a is second tier.

Its not impossible that the Cats might go down. Can't ever recall that. Have to beat Tipp and hope Waterford lose to Tipp. I think. TJ might get esrlier than expected run. They are .missing Lawlor badly."
Think you mean 1b is second tier? if not it makes even less sense!
Why couldn't they make the divisions bigger with more teams in each one?

Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 3741 - 08/03/2026 21:17:31    2660580

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "Think you mean 1b is second tier? if not it makes even less sense!
Why couldn't they make the divisions bigger with more teams in each one?"
Doh! Yes, 1B is second division.

I suppose the condensed season rules out enlargement. Think 1B is also good grade for up and coming teams like Kildare. Probably not done any of top three much harm either.

Laois seem to have gotten act together in lower grade two. They be strong challengers to regain senior championship status.

Id leave as is.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4055 - 08/03/2026 21:30:59    2660581

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Replying To Tirchonaill1:  "Think you mean 1b is second tier? if not it makes even less sense!
Why couldn't they make the divisions bigger with more teams in each one?"
Yes Division 1B is Division 2. Its politics really as Barney said.
There is no room in the calender to extend league to more than 8. 7 makes some sense in that it gives each team 3 home and 3 away games. In my opinion that's important and fair in a short form competition. However we need to free up weekends to maintain the quality and create more exposure/media time for the championship. That can only be created by shortening the league some way and eliminating the pre season competitions. Thats my opinion anyway.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 22:12:21    2660586

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Replying To Timmy86:  "I know the top county's don't care ,new york are fine cuming in ,been competitive, but Warwickshire and Lancashire need to go, Ive seen both, they d be poor club teams in sligo ,never mind at national level and the cost of them coming and teams going over ,its not worth it ,if ur going to reduce team make it 6 divisions"
I haven't seen them for a while. One of them, I think it was Warwickshire, were pretty competitive at their level a few years ago. I remember seeing them play Roscommon in Kiltoom a few years ago.

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 08/03/2026 22:14:16    2660587

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Replying To Timmy86:  "I know the top county's don't care ,new york are fine cuming in ,been competitive, but Warwickshire and Lancashire need to go, Ive seen both, they d be poor club teams in sligo ,never mind at national level and the cost of them coming and teams going over ,its not worth it ,if ur going to reduce team make it 6 divisions"
On a different note, I see there are a load of St Farnans players on the Sligo hurling team now. Are they a new hurling club/ break away club or what?

Tadhg2020 (Limerick) - Posts: 62 - 09/03/2026 00:19:33    2660594

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The current hurling league format has the ingredients to be a settled format for the long-term after many many years of chopping and changing. 2 up and 2 down is a refreshing change after many years of something of a glass ceiling, especially from the time where Division winners had to enter a promotion relegated playoff. Crazy times they were.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9519 - 09/03/2026 08:45:19    2660606

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