Former Kerry and Munster chairman Sean Walsh has called for the 'rugby tackle' to be permitted in Gaelic football.

Walsh's call comes after Tyrone's Sean Cavanagh was pilloried by TV pundit Joe Brolly for taking down Monaghan's Conor McManus as he bore down on goal during last Saturday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park.

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Walsh - who has long been in favour of introducing the Aussie Rules-style challenge to Gaelic football - said: "What I found in my two years as (tour) manager of the International Rules team was the tackle was tidied up. It stopped players bringing the ball into the tackle because they knew they would lose it if they didn't use it.

"It opened up the play completely and the ball moved faster. In training, players adapted to it and got into the habit of using the ball instead of holding onto it for long periods.

"That sort of tackle would increase the amount of kicking and reduce solo runs because players don't want to be caught and either lose the play or concede a free." Tweet

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