'We should be playing the same rules'

April 22, 2025

Wicklow manager Oisin McConville ahead of his side's Tailteann Cup opener against Fermanagh at Brewster Park ©INPHO

Oisín McConville has blasted the rule which sees Gaelic football’s new clock and hooter system only implemented in championship games that are being televised or live streamed.

The Wicklow manager was speaking after another hooter controversy overshadowed last Sunday’s Ulster SFC quarter-final between Donegal and Monaghan in Clones. Monaghan were trailing by two points when the final hooter sounded just as Ryan O’Toole was about to take a line ball. The hosts believed they were entitled to another play, but referee David Coldrick blew his final whistle.

It sparked much anger and confusion among the home supporters, but it was later clarified that the Meath official was right to blow it up when he did.

 "It's only in televised games, which is a nonsense," McConville pointed out on The GAA Social podcast.

"You're talking about the same competition and teams playing to different rules. We're in the Championship, we should be playing the same rules.

"We're talking about it for the club game, but if we can't get it right at the very top, it's very, very difficult."

The former Armagh star added: "The biggest problem with the hooter is for a lot of teams, it's very new, the teams down in the lower divisions.

"The other problem is how visible the clocks are in the stadiums, which is an essential part of using the hooter. I think we haven't nailed that. We've gone with a system and a rule change that we're not ready for."


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