Danielle O’Leary believes ladies football did not require radical surgery unlike the men’s game but the Kerry All-Ireland winner is glad the sport is receiving a facelift. “Whenever you're playing Kerry, it's obvious enough you're trying to slow down that fast attack, trying to get bodies back to surround the likes of Siofra (O’Shea) and Rachel Dwyer,” said O’Leary. But I do think the new rules are going to suit us big time in trying to help us with that.”Frustration had been growing for O’Leary in recent years. Neither of O’Leary nor 2020 player of the year Mackin have played competitive games under the new rules. “It is a big, big year and I suppose whatever team utilises the rules the most will (benefit) at the end of the year.”

Source: Irish Examiner January 21, 2026 19:56 UTC