Dermot McArdle
Dermot McArdle is an inter-county footballer with Monaghan. The Castleblaney Faughs clubman is in his 13th campaign with the Farney County and he will be blogging for setanta.com throughout the 2009 season.
Dermot, 32, has been a key player for Monaghan during their recent resurgence under Seamus McEneaney. He has also enjoyed a hugely successful career with his club, picking up seven Monaghan SFC medals as well as All-Ireland juvenile honours.
Off the pitch, Dermot is the founder and driving force behind GaelicPerformance, an innovative initiative that has reshaped the way Gaelic football is coached in the country.
Having completed a Masters in computers in 2004, Dermot launched GaelicPerformance the following year and he has just released his first coaching DVD, 99 Animated Drills and Conditioning Games for Gaelic Football.
Doubts remain over GAA's new rules
I still have my reservations about the new rules!
Initially when I heard about them, I was very opposed to the new rules as I didn’t think there was much need for any major change. I think what the GAA are trying to do – which is to speed up the game and eliminate the professional foul element – is a good idea.
However, when a guy is gets sent off for a rash tackle when there is no real intent, then a big problem presents itself. I know from our own first NFL game against Fermanagh last Sunday week, Dessie Mone caught a guy around the neck, but there was no malice in the tackle. The guy ducked low and he got a yellow, which in my opinion is pretty tough.
If somebody is going through on goal and a player deliberately takes them down, you deserve a yellow card and to be sent off. The idea that the GAA have come up with is a good one, but I don’t know if the punishment fits the crime in every case.
Potential problems for referees.