"It's just a lot more freedom, especially for forwards"
June 24, 2026
Kerry's Gearoid White is tackled by Turlough Muldoon of Tyrone ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Kerry U20 star Gearoid White says the game today under the FRC rules is “very enjoyable compared to the way it was”.
White was this week announced as the 2026 Dalata Hotel Group GAA U20 Footballer of the Year and was also selected on the 2026 Dalata Hotel Group All-Ireland U20 Football Team of the Year as well as Player of the Province for Munster.
His 0-5 contribution helped the Kingdom to defeat Tyrone by 0-21 to 1-10 in last month’s All-Ireland U20FC final at Croke Park and, speaking to GAA.ie this week, White spoke of the “freedom” attackers like him have these days.
“It's very enjoyable, very enjoyable compared to the way it was,” he stated.
“It's just a lot more freedom, especially for forwards, they get to go at their man and one-on-one battles is a big thing.
“There's a lot more one-on-one play. If you can get around your man there is a bit of open space and someone has to come to you and you can pop it or you can go all the way through.
“I think the game is definitely breaking the first tackle now, as before you used to have a blanket defence, and you'd beat one, and another one would come in, and another one.”
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