Pat Spillane calls for GAA hooter rule reversal after Mayo victory

Former Kerry footballer Pat Spillane is calling for the GAA to restore the 2025 hooter rule following Mayo’s All-Ireland final victory over Kerry. Spillane argues that the current rule, which ends the match immediately upon the hooter sounding, has removed late-game drama from Gaelic football.

During the final, Tommy Conroy scored a point to put Mayo three points ahead, and Kerry regained possession from the subsequent kick-out. However, the hooter sounded shortly after, ending the match with a score of 1-20 to 1-17. Under the previous 2025 regulations, play would have continued until the ball went dead, potentially allowing Kerry one final attacking passage to attempt a goal.

Spillane suggests that the rule change, implemented for 2026, prevents decisive final moments and influences tactical decision-making. He noted that if players knew play would continue, they might opt for more aggressive goal-seeking maneuvers rather than taking points.