Dunne questions need for further football rule changes

The new rule proposals could see the fisted point being banned ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Former Offaly forward Nigel Dunne believes the GAA should resist making further major changes to Gaelic football, questioning whether supporters have any real appetite for another overhaul of the rules.

A fresh batch of proposals, including a three-handpass limit, a ban on fisted points, four points for a goal, a backcourt rule and changes to kick-outs, are set to be trialled in Ryan Cup games over the coming months.

However, speaking on the RTE GAA podcast this week, Dunne said he feels the changes introduced in 2024 should be given more time to bed in, particularly with the quality of recent championship football.

“In isolation they're fine and I don’t disagree with them but the problem is why change now?

“Why not let us enjoy what we’ve enjoyed and bask in it for a little bit longer. I don’t think people want to even hear talk about rule changes. At the moment, we have a good product so just give us a few years to enjoy it.”

The Shamrocks clubman added: “Is there appetite for change? I really don’t think so. “We spent a year in the build up to the last rule change, I just think people will get bored if we push that narrative again, that’s my honest opinion.

“If we were to put up on screen here the 2024 All Ireland and the 2026 All Ireland, people would think watching it that they’re totally different sports, so what we have now is a really, really good product. I’d just say let it settle in.”