Dear Editor,
I recently came across Denis Walsh’s segment in Sport, dated September 23rd, “Hurling must aim for small, meaningful, wins to end inertia.” In it, he highlighted the assignments of the new Hurling Development Committee (HDC), appointed by GAA president Jarlath Burns. Their primary aim is to broaden the reach of hurling, while also providing a platform to deliberate possible alterations to the structure and rules of the sport.
Mr. Walsh’s piece detailed the HDC’s task of enhancing the popularity of hurling within local communities across our nation, by providing necessary supports and resources. However, he failed to address a critical loophole in the rules – players getting away unpunished for feigning a handpass by throwing the ball. According to the Hurling’s Technical Playing Rule 4.2(a), ball throwing is considered a foul. This issue can only be rectified by amending the rules.
Mr. Walsh appreciated the HDC for their rational approach towards the promotion of the sport, considering it a commendable beginning. However, I believe it would be a far better initiation if the HDC were to voice their support in favour of an immediate rule amendment to rid our national sport of the compounding issue of unlawful ball throwing.
Sincerely,
Conor O’Donovan,
(Former Tipperary All-Ireland champion 1989 and 1991),
Nenagh,
Co Tipperary.