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Michael Darragh Macauley leads strong opposition to the 'mark'

It’s argued that the new ruling will only serve to slow the game down further.

THE GAA’S ATTEMPT to remedy an apparent “obsession with possession” has been hit with some strong opposition.

On Saturday, GAA chiefs voted to introduce the ‘mark’ into gaelic football.

Playing rules chairman Jarlath Burns, whose committee proposed the motion, stressed that the spectacle of the high catch was in danger of the skill becoming obsolete – like the dropkick.

Dublin midfielder Michael Darragh Macauley is the latest high profile name to speak out against the new ruling.

Tweet by @Michael D Macauley Michael D Macauley / Twitter Michael D Macauley / Twitter / Twitter

Aidan O’Shea and Eamon McGee voiced their concern at the introduction of the mark without a recent trial, while plenty of others argued it will only slow down the game further.

Carlow star Brendan Murphy, who spent two years playing Australian Rules with the Sydney Swans, said teams in the AFL often utilize the ‘mark’ as a time-wasting ploy.

Dick Clerkin, the longest serving gaelic footballer in the country, took a different view.

Interestingly, former midfielders Burns and Darragh O Se were part of the five man committee that pushed the mark through.

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11 Comments
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    Mute Fear Uisce
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    Feb 28th 2016, 3:03 PM

    That’s because he won’t be able to continue his usual pulling and dragging. I think it’s been long overdue.

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    Mute Gavin McCarthy
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    Feb 28th 2016, 3:02 PM

    Can’t really be used for time wasting when it can only be done from kickouts that go pass the 45 it’s not like the Aussie rules mark for any clear catch

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    Mute Kevin Keane
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    Feb 28th 2016, 3:54 PM

    He hasn’t got the skill of fielding. So why would he want it? So over rated

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    Mute Jack Ferriter
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    Feb 28th 2016, 4:04 PM

    Hes just an incredible athlete really doesnt have the most impressive skillset in fairness

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    Mute Jack Ferriter
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    Feb 28th 2016, 3:22 PM

    Imo anything that can promote and protect the core skills of the game is a positive it might also get rid of alot of the defensive tactics employed by teams nowadays

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    Mute DL_8_5
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    Feb 28th 2016, 5:21 PM

    Not surprised he opposes it, hasn’t hands to bless himself!

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    Mute Lorcan Quinlan
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    Feb 28th 2016, 6:30 PM

    3 all Ireland medals and a PoY Not bad for an atheist

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    Mute Dan Kuss
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    Feb 28th 2016, 2:51 PM

    He’s right

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    Mute The metropolitans
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    Feb 28th 2016, 4:36 PM

    The muck savages must be bored today with the comments towards mdmasad people

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    Mute Dave Meagher
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    Feb 28th 2016, 4:53 PM

    Assad??

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    Mute Jack Ferriter
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    Feb 28th 2016, 5:00 PM

    No sur didnt you comment

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