New GAA rules add intrigue as Thompson and Ó Baoill play their part for Ulster

Donegal pair, Ciaran Thompson and Daire Ó Baoill, played pivotal roles in Ulster's semi-final victory over Munster at Croke Park on Friday night, securing their place in the Allianz Interprovincial Football Series final.

The introduction of new rules, particularly the four-point value of a goal, added a new layer of excitement to the match. Munster, wearing blue, put up a strong fight, pushing Ulster to the final whistle, but it was the northern side that triumphed with a 0-23 to 2-11 scoreline.

Goalkeeper Niall Morgan was instrumental in Ulster’s success, contributing not just defensively but offensively. He registered a two-point long-range effort and made several crucial saves, showcasing his versatility.

Ó Baoill and Thompson made their presence felt early in the game, each scoring a point. Ó Baoill, playing at half-back, and Thompson, stationed at centre-half forward, both put in commendable performances that were crucial to Ulster’s overall display.

Despite not scoring a goal themselves, Ulster had to contend with Munster’s two goals, one each from Sean Walsh and Kerry’s Diarmuid O’Connor. The four-point reward for each goal kept the southerners in the contest until the dying moments.

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Munster, under John Cleary’s guidance, closed the gap to just two points following O’Connor’s goal. However, late points from Antrim’s Marc Jordan and Derry’s Niall Toner secured Ulster's win.

This victory means Ulster will return to Croke Park on Saturday evening to face Connacht in the final, while Munster and Leinster, who both fell short in their semi-finals, will battle it out in the shield final the following day.

While Ulster will be pleased with their hard-fought win, much of the focus remained on the new rules being trialled, as part of the Football Review Committee’s ongoing evaluation.

Interestingly, there were no advanced marks awarded during the game, and the solo-and-go rule wasn’t as prominent as some might have anticipated. However, the requirement for teams to keep at least three players in the opposing half at all times reduced congestion, creating more space on the field.

Morgan’s willingness to push forward was undeterred by the new restriction on backpasses to goalkeepers. After leaving his area, he could only receive the ball beyond the halfway line, which he did to great effect, scoring a two-point long-range effort in the first half.

His adventurous play also led to Jordan’s late point, further highlighting his attacking mindset.

Ulster maintained their lead throughout, going into half-time ahead by 0-14 to 1-6, though Munster never let them relax. O’Connor’s goal in the 56th minute brought Munster back into contention after he had earlier sent a rebound over the bar, missing a previous goal opportunity.

Another noteworthy aspect of the evening was the use of vanishing spray by referees Martin McNally and Barry Tiernan to mark the spot for free kicks.

In total, Ulster managed two long-range points from beyond the 40-metre line, courtesy of Morgan and Niall Grimley, while Munster could only register one from Killian Spillane

* Scoring key (4pt goal - 2pt score - 1pt score)

Ulster scorers: Niall Grimley 0-4 (0-1-2), Joe McElroy 0-2, Darren McCurry 0-2 (1f), Niall Morgan 0-2 (0-1-0), Mark Bradley 0-2, Daniel Guinness 0-1, Daire O Baoill 0-1, Ciaran Thompson 0-1, Rian O'Neill 0-1, Eoin McElholm 0-1, Odhran Murdock 0-1, Oisin O'Neill 0-1, Kieran McGeary 0-1 (1f), Pat Havern 0-1 (1f), Marc Jordan 0-1, Niall Toner 0-1 (1f).

Munster scorers: Diarmuid O'Connor 1-1 (1-0-1), Sean Walsh 1-0, Killian Spillane 0-4 (0-1-2), Chris Og Jones 0-2, Emmet McMahon 0-1, Darragh Brennan 0-1, Ian Maguire 0-1, Aaron Griffin 0-1.

Ulster: Niall Morgan; Diarmuid Baker, Eoin McEvoy, Paddy Burns; Daniel Guinness, Aidan Forker, Daire O Baoill; Niall Grimley, Odhran Murdock; Joe McElroy, Rian O'Neill, Ciaran Thompson; Oisin Conaty, Darren McCurry, Eoin McElholm.

Subs used: Oisin O'Neill, Jason Irwin, Mark Bradley, Gerry Smith, Ross McQuillan, Barry McBennett, Padraig Faulkner, Pat Havern, Niall Toner, Conn Kilpatrick, Kieran McGeary, Marc Jordan, Aidan Clarke.

Munster: Chris Kelly; Sean Meehan, Jimmy Feehan, Damien Burke; Alan Sweeney, Tommy Walsh, Mattie Taylor; Diarmuid O'Connor, Brian McNamara; James Naughton, Eoin Cleary, Emmet McMahon; Danny Neville, Chris Og Jones, Killian Spillane.

Subs used: Sean Walsh, Darragh Brennan Tipperary, Ian Maguire, Aaron Griffin, Maurice Shanley, Mark Stokes, Paul Walsh, Colm O'Callaghan, Caoimhin Walsh.

Referee: Barry Tiernan (Dublin).