Raharney propose hurling changes

A number of motions from the Raharney hurling club on proposed changes to hurling were ruled out of order at the Westmeath GAA County Convention.

Chairman, Frank Mescall, explained that under Rule .38d: “Any motions to do with playing rules come on the year divisible by five. Therefore the next year they are down for discussion is 2030 - you will need to have them in for convection 2028.”

He acknowledged Raharney had put significant work into the motions, but they could not go forward to GAA Congress.

Brendan Shaw said the purpose of the motions are to align hurling and football. “There is a divergence now,” he remarked. He felt that for dual players, they now have to play under different rules in football and hurling. For example, a player is now penalised 50 metres for dissent in football, but not in hurling.

“This is an exceptional case; these motions should be considered,” said Mr Shaw.

The chairman explained that he did not have the same powers as the GAA President regarding rule changes. He felt that hurling and football should be aligned as much as possible but explained that the motions are “going nowhere”.

Mr Shaw said from a referee’s perspective, he has a lot to consider now when refereeing hurling and football games.