Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney is hoping to hear a lot less "egos" commenting on the GAA's rule enhancements while also confirming that Rian O'Neill's involvement with the Orchard squad this season is in doubt.
His side were beaten by ten points by Kerry at a sold out Austin Stack Park on Saturday evening, trailing by 13 points at the halfway mark, and afterwards he refused to blame the rules for the loss. He also took aim at those who have hit out at county managers commenting on the changes.
"We're playing in fits and starts, but that's not good enough come championship. There's definitely improvement and you're hoping to get players back, but it's still disappointing," McGeeney told RTÉ Sport of the Kerry loss.
O'Neill was one of the more notable names missing from the Armagh squad in Tralee, and McGeeney admitted that he may not be involved in 2025 at all.
The Crossmaglen man had taken some time away from McGeeney's squad at the start of the campaign but returned just ahead of their Round 5 win over Dublin. It appears the situation has changed again.
Returning to the rules, the Armagh All-Ireland winning player and manager expressed his frustration and said he is now reserving his thoughts on the FRC rules because of how they are perceived.
"To be honest, you just have to stop talking about it because you have whingers telling us we're whining.
"You ask me my opinion and if I say something, then you're not allowed it, because they're right and we're wrong.
"I'd just rather get on with the football. That's what I really love to see and leave the egos to the side and just let us do what we're supposed to do."
The one rule change that McGeeney does value is the 'tap and go', which has really sped up play.
"The 'tap and go' has been brilliant. I think it's stopped the tactical fouling in the middle of the park," he explained.
Meanwhile, as discussions about the Antrim-Armagh Ulster fixture continues to rumble on, with the Saffron squad threatening not to field if the game is not moved from Newry to Corrigan Park, McGeeney wasn't getting too involved in the debate.
"It doesn't really matter. It's up to them where they want to play it.
"They say the rules are in place to look for that. Honestly, all you're looking for is grass and less whistling and away we go."
Kerry's Joe O'Connor was named the man of the match after helping his team to victory against Armagh. He reflected on the game with @damien_omeara #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/8rL1rwE5OC
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 15, 2025
Kerry may be getting to grips with the new format quicker than the Orchardmen. After losing by one point to Dublin in the third round after being 12 points up, Jack O'Connor's men made no mistake this time round when presented with a significant advantage.
"We're really happy with the first half. I think we were 13 up at half time," O'Connor told RTÉ Sport.
"I thought we slowed it down too much in the second half. I don't think it suits us when we play slow like that. So, a few things to learn, but overall, I'm delighted with the result."
O'Connor says he isn't "moaning" about the new rules and thinks it's a better game than it was at the start of the league because his side are getting high points from their kicking game.
"I'm not one of the managers who was mourning about the rules at all. I think the game is definitely better. I mean, I think we kicked 2-21 tonight, which is a great score.
"I think 11v11 is going to make a better game out of it. You know, the whole idea was to speed up the game. And I think bringing up the goalkeeper or the extra player was actually slowing down the game.
"Overall, it's a much better product. Crowds seem to be enjoying it and it's a better game to coach as well."
