Shane McGrath calls for Maor Foirne to return and makes radical suggestion

For more than five years, the Maor Foirnes have been outlawed in hurling, with Dublin selector Gregory Kennedy earning a four-week suspension after boldly stepping onto the pitch to intercept a TJ Reid free.

Writing for RTÉ, Tipperary icon Shane McGrath called for the return of the maor foirne to hurling. He went further, proposing that goalkeepers be equipped with NFL-style helmet microphones to sharpen their connection with the sideline during the heat of battle.

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“If this isn’t possible and officials are worried that someone might cause trouble on the field, which clearly won’t happen, then let the goalkeepers wear microphones so they can get instructions as they play the quarterback role for their team.”

“The game has never been faster, never played by stronger or faster athletes, so with all that in mind, of course, there are going to be changing variables throughout the game.”

“Getting a message in has probably never been more important than it is nowadays.”

The National Football League (NFL) has used a similar rule for several years. In American football, the quarterback’s helmet has a microphone to receive coaching messages. Only the quarterback on offence and one designated defensive player can use this technology.

Introducing this innovation to hurling could be a game-changer for goalkeepers, particularly as puck-outs now play a pivotal role in elite matches. There is a growing appetite within the sport for more strategic input from the sideline.

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