By:
Conor Martin
Kerry’s Caoimhe Evans says the impact of the new tackle rule implemented in Ladies’ Gaelic football has been felt immediately.
Saturday’s fiery Division 1 opener against Dublin in Clondalkin gave an early snapshot of how the change is reshaping the game, with physicality turned up a notch as inter-county action returned with a bang, as the Kingdom beat the Dubs by six points.
Evans was forced off midway through the second half but is expected to be available for Kerry’s clash with Waterford in Tralee on Bank Holiday Monday.
New rule introduced to the ladies’ game is a step in the right direction
The revised rule, which permits contact with the body rather than limiting defenders to the ball alone, is one that Evans believes players will need time to adapt to. Still, she sees it as a step in the right direction.
The Keel woman says contests are now more direct and decisive, with defenders clearer on what is allowed and attackers needing to be sharper under pressure. While it raises the physical demands on players, Evans feels it restores balance to the tackle and rewards good timing and commitment.
She also noted that consistency from officials will be key as the season develops, but believes the rule has the potential to improve the flow and intensity of the game.
After just one round, Evans says the message is clear: the game has changed, and players will have to change with it.
Caoimhe Evans – ‘Ladies’ Gaelic football will become more physical’
Speaking to the Irish Examiner, she said: “I think the ladies’ football game is going to become a lot more physical. And we’ve seen that on Saturday. I said to one of the girls, I was actually surprised at how physical the game was.
“Obviously, one of the new rules now is that when the player has the ball and has it secured, you are allowed to tackle now, whereas previously you were only allowed to tackle when she was about to take a play, so when the ball was out on show.
“So, obviously, that’s going to increase the physicality of the game. But we’ll adjust to it, and while it mightn’t be our game, we’re more about moving the ball fast, running off the shoulder.
“We’ll have to adjust to it and we’ll have to get up to scratch with and we’ll have to get more physical like Dublin now, for example.”
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