Huge moment in All-Ireland final shows possible need for change to new rules
David Clifford’s two-point score just before half-time in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC final is destined to become an iconic moment.
Kerry knew that a score before the break would be huge for momentum, and they got more they hoped for with a seven-point lead as the sides went down the tunnel.
They showed outstanding patience, knowing the hooter was coming, and waited for just the right time to pounce against Donegal’s deep, zonal defence.
However, it did raise a point about the new hooter rule, which allows teams to play until the ball goes dead, taking the responsibility out of the referees hands.
On X, @GameSense asked whether teams will now hold on to possession, further and further away from the hooter.
As he points out, Kerry had possession at 33.20 on the clock, but will teams now hold the ball from as far back as the 30th minute?
And to prevent this from happening is a shot clock needed, like in basketball?
In a fascinating debate, others disagreed, pointing out that it was Donegal sitting back that forced Kerry to play conservatively and hold on to the ball.
One user wrote: “What Kerry do here is a legitimate strategy to attack against what they were facing, and required skill to do so (solving the problem the moment presents). A shot clock here would favour the defence, and encourage teams to sit back.”
Another added: “Having a shot clock would just mean defensive teams like that don’t have to try and go after the ball at all. The onus is on Donegal to push up and get the ball back. It was laughable that their own fans were even booing them for sitting back and letting kerry do what they did”.
While the score is brilliant, phases of play like this will quicken the calls for the introduction of a shot clock. Will we eventually see a team keep possession from the 30th min to the hooter? New rules = positive
But areas to improve also. https://t.co/7621aOreeS
This is the problem with the rulesThey restrict, into incentiviseReward a pressReward a turnoverThe shine is well and truly off the rules now. There is all sorts of problems with themWe are in the head in sand phase
Next phase is the FRC winds up and new people are out…
— Kevin Mulcahy (@movementcoachkm) July 29, 2025
Another crucial point brought up was that shot clocks would seriously increase the physical toll on players, with no time to slow play down and take a breather.
In basketball, for example, this works better on smaller court and with constant substitutions.
Jim Gavin recently confirmed that a couple of huge new rules will be trialled at a club game this week.
And he and the FRC will surely have their own thoughts on this moment from the All-Ireland final.
Sports Joe
