Tyrone's match-winning goalkeeper Niall Morgan admitted he was just relieved to be able to continue his roaming ways after the FRC adjusted the new rules ahead of this week’s round of National League games.
One of the complaints that arose from the initial incarnation of the rules was the perceived advantage teams had with the three-up, three-back edict which allowed the goalkeeper to provide an extra player in the attacking half for the team in possession of the ball.
This week’s rejig means teams must now keep four players in their own half when in possession – but one of those players does not necessarily need to be the goalkeeper.
Hence, the Niall Morgans, Ethan Raffertys and Rory Beggans of the world are free to indulge their sweeper-keeper instincts and add their considerable long-range point-kicking ability to their respective county’s attacking options.
"From my point of view, I was afraid that they were going to stop the keepers from coming out altogether," Morgan told RTÉ Sport after his side’s six-point win over Donegal.
"They’ve changed it. Today showed that the keepers can still be involved.
"It’s going at the right times, picking your moments. It gives the defenders the opportunity to get a break and if you do lose the ball you’ve got a sweeper there already.
"So it does work out in your favour at times. It’s a challenge, it’s different. Teams are still going to defend the arc, regardless of how many forwards you allow to come into the half."
Morgan finished the game with five points, four of which came from two-point frees while he also managed to nick a single score from play – which greatly amused the 2021 All-Ireland winner.
"It’s football, it’s enjoyable and I’m glad that I still have that opportunity to come out and challenge myself and push myself on," Morgan said.
"I had a wee laugh to myself on the way back [to the goals], it was enjoyable to get a score from play so early in the game – and without having to force it."
Tyrone's Niall Morgan has shown that, despite all the recent football rules changes, there's still room for a goalkeeper to take a central role for their county. #LeagueSunday #RTESport pic.twitter.com/f83kQbCcJR
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 16, 2025
