READ ALSO:\u00a0Stefan Campbell Makes Honest Admission On Donaghy\u2019s Kerry Switch<\/a><\/p>\n GAA rule questioned after Division 3 final<\/p>\n Down trailed Wexford by three points with ten minutes to go in this game, although they would manage to level affairs with four minutes left to play after reeling off three successive scores.<\/p>\n What followed were some fairly farcical scenes, as Down handpassed the ball around the middle third for the final three minutes in an attempt to hold the ball for the final shot of the game. That attempt would eventually go wide.<\/p>\n Sc\u00f3r Deiridh@officialdowngaa<\/a> 0-17 (17)@OfficialWexGAA<\/a> 0-17 (17)<\/p>\n Bh\u00ed seans gl\u00f3rmhar ag an D\u00fan ag deireadh an chluiche ach n\u00edor thapaigh siad \u00e9 \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n We are heading to extra time for the 2nd time today!<\/p>\n BEO\/LIVE AR @TG4TV<\/a> \ud83d\udcfa@AllianzIreland<\/a> #AllianzLeagues<\/a> #GAABeo<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/eDqwjd5Q5T<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Sp\u00f3rt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The hooter was rule was changed by the GAA ahead of this season, returning to something closer to the original interpretation of the law. The game now ends once the hooter sounds, moving away from the previous method of ending the contest the next time the ball went dead.<\/p>\n \n Recommended\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n On this occasion, Down held the ball for over three minutes to ensure that Wexford were not given another attempt at goal.<\/p>\n It led to some serious questions about the rule, one which has been heavily debated since its introduction in 2025.<\/p>\n That play is a perfect example of how a genuinely brilliant moment in the All-Ireland final somehow led to a completely over-the-top hooter rule change. It’s also extremely funny.<\/p>\n \u2014 Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t blame Down for crucifying the clock at end of normal time. Sam Maguire Cup football on the line. But it\u2019s such an unedifying conclusion to a game. #GAA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The hooter is awful for the game but it’s not the real issue<\/p>\n It’s too easy to hold onto the ball in Gaelic football. <\/p>\n The handpass has completely taken over the game to levels never seen before<\/p>\n Most games are literally games of throw the ball around and kick a score<\/p>\n \u2014 Smaller Fish (@SmallerFishGAA) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Ah sure, we knew the change in the hooter rule was an absolute balls. A blind man could have seen all this coming like.<\/p>\n \u2014 Podge McG (@PGNWTLOI1D) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n As improved as the game of Gaelic Football is, there is a problem with teams killing the clock between from minutes 30-35 in each half. It’s dull https:\/\/t.co\/zid5QYQlcs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Shane Brophy (@BrophShane) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n If ever there was a need to get rid of the hooter it’s seeing the end to the 2 finals here… Literally basketball pedestrian possession without a shotclock. Leave it at added time and take the certainty of an end out. Bring back the added time #gaa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Loaf of Bread GAA Podcast (@LoafPod) March 28, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Kerry’s famous score at the end of the first half in last year’s All-Ireland final was seemingly the catalyst to change this GAA rule once again, with Jack O’Connor’s side holding the ball for a long period after the hooter sounded before getting another point via David Clifford.<\/p>\n The new interpretation hardly seems to have made that much difference. Teams are often incredibly tactical in the closing moments of games, something that can serious affect the spectacle on display.<\/p>\n While more tinkering with the rules will be questioned, this is one that the GAA may look at once again in the near future.<\/p>\n SEE ALSO:\u00a0Lee Keegan Sums Up Huge Fall Of Dublin With Leinster Championship Take<\/a><\/p>\n
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