Masters Bate as Croke Park Pulls Out
Talking Balls Comments
Like a sort of sporting viagra, Masters football has given many’s the lad a new lease of life. The fellas once again have the opportunity to stand proud to attention before the action begins as the national anthem plays. They may no longer be able to offer the width and penetration they once promised, but their increased experience means they can conserve themselves and perform to level that delivers more satisfying results.
Now the CCCC has suspended the competition, hoping to integrate it into a new social and recreational games model which is being rolled out by a new division of the association, headed by Pat Daly.
Social and recreational Gaelic games was piloted last month — the rules are modified to make it non-contact, allow a clean pick and just two plays of the ball before release. It is envisaged that the scheme will interest those who want to play a less competitive brand of hurling and football.
The Powers That Be were apparently concerned that Masters football had become too competitive. Never mind the fact that these are consenting adults, perfectly happy to get it on with other like-minded people.
Last year we watched the great Henry Downey in action for the Derry over forties. Nothing had changed, maybe there was a yard of two off the original pace but he was still able to ghost across the pitch effortlessly taking up the right positions, covering danger and breaking forward distributing the ball or kicking great scores.
Can these guys not just be allowed to get on with it without interference from Croke Park. Like, there are still over forties playing club football in some places and its is precisely because of their experience, dedication and enthusiasm for the hard battle that they are still there!
