LGFA rule changes a welcome development but room for improvement - Maureen O’Donnell 

Maureen O’Donnell says the new trial LGFA playing rules will help bring ladies Gaelic football back up to pace. 

The former Donegal star explains that much of the negative practice that had previously found its way into men’s football had also subsequently spilt into the ladies game. 

And she hopes further tweaks and amendments can be made as there are some areas she feels needed to be addressed that haven’t been looked at by the review committee. 

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Six of the 12 changes mirror the GAA Football Review Committee’s rule enhancements in the men’s game.

They are the kickout mark, the two-point scoring arc, the requirement to keep three players in the opposition half at all times, the solo and go, and frees being brought forward for tactical fouling or dissent from the sideline. Short restarts within the 40-metre arc will still be allowed, however.

The six other rule changes look specifically at current LGFA rules, including those related to the tackle, with the overall aim of ensuring that the playing rules of the game are fair, consistent, inclusive, and reflective of the modern development of the sport.

“Overall, it’s a very positive move,” O’Donnell told DonegalLive. “I think the LGFA will trial these over the next few months. It’s very important to acknowledge that it wasn’t a rushed process. 

“It was a really broad committee with the likes of Michael Naughton, a former president, Caroline O’Hanlon, Armagh, those people have huge experience in the game. 

“There were people involved also that are really dedicated to player welfare so a lot of boxes have been ticked. Players and referees will also give feedback, I’m sure. 

“It’s a welcome change too as I feel over the last few years ladies football has become very defensive. In many ways, it mirrored the old men’s game. 

“There was a time when ladies football was the better spectacle to watch but the new changes employed by the GAA last season flipped that once more. 

“So the LGFA have looked to be proactive and it’s exciting. It will really help the flow of the game”. 

The playing rule enhancements will now be trialled during the 2026 Lidl Ladies National Football League season and Higher Education Colleges competitions. 

And a Special Congress will take place following the trial period to determine which of the 12 rule changes will then be implemented on a permanent basis.

“We still need to address the area of physicality and this is an issue where there has been a lot of inconsistency,” O’Donnell explained. 

“I still think we have work to do in terms of defining the tackle. The new rules still leave it vague, where the interpretation is at the discretion of the referee. 

“That will again lead to inconsistencies. The ‘charge’ rule was in and very controversial; it will now allow an opposing player to put their hands out to protect themselves. 

“I really don’t know how that will be officiated. A bigger or more physical player will be looking to propel the attacking player back. But will that be viewed as a push by some? 

“A player’s size, strength and conditioning could work against them. ‘Controlled contact’, again, that will be open to interpretation”. 

She added: “Men’s football, the rules are very defined. There is physical contact and it should be the exact same for the woman’s game. That all needs to be teased out and be clearly defined. 

“That’s the only negativity I have around these. I was a little surprised they left out the advanced mark. 

“I think it should be brought into the ladies' game. It would help the flow and it would help one-to-one battles, defensively and bring back the kick pass. 

“The reward would encourage kicking and so I was a little surprised it was left out. 

“But overall, this is a really good step forward. And like the men’s game, I’m sure there will be tweaks and amendments along the way from the feedback they get”.