In the aftermath of the recent league finals, much of the post-match discussion was dominated by the impact of a new GAA rule at Croke Park.

The hooter rule was changed ahead of the 2026 season, reverting back to something close to the original interpretation of the rule. Games now end essentially end the second the hooter sounds, unless the ball is in flight or a team is waiting to take a dead ball.

It means that teams are easily able to wind down the clock ahead of the hooter, something Down did on a couple of occasions in the Division 3 decider.

While many have put the GAA rule change down to the point Kerry scored in last year’s All-Ireland final, some feel that the role of Donegal in that passage of play has been overlooked.

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Pat Spillane Blames Donegal For GAA Rule

Kerry would keep the ball for over two minutes before David Clifford’s brilliant two-pointer at the end of the first half in last year’s final, with it being suggested that the change in the hooter rule was introduced as a result.

Writing in the Irish Independent, suggested that Donegal’s role in that passage of play was more down to Donegal’s unwillingness to take a risk in defence than anything else.

It’s a joke and was brought in because of the two-minute lead-up to David Clifford’s spectacular two-pointer before half-time in last year’s All-Ireland final.

The change in the rule was a complete over-reaction to that score.

What is conveniently forgotten about in that passage of play is that Donegal were so programmed to stay in their deep defensive structure that they allowed Kerry to pass the ball around at will.

It wasn’t the rule’s fault, it was down to how Donegal set up. What we’ve been left with is far worse.

It is perhaps harsh to suggest that Donegal played a decisive role in that particular rule change, but it does seem clear that the current law being used by the GAA is not fit for purpose.

There will be an opportunity to change it later this summer, although it remains to be seen if that will be the case.

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