KILKENNY’S TJ REID believes an 18-metre penalty would have been the best solution to the solve the dilemma that faced hurling’s power makers.
Before Christmas it was announced that the GAA were set to trial a rule in the 2015 pre-season competitions that would see a penalty taker face only one player – the goalkeeper – when striking a shot that could not see the ball advance past the 21-metre line.
Reid is Kilkenny’s designated penalty taker – he found the net twice in last May’s hurling league final – while he also stood on the line when the Cats conceded penalties against Tipperary in last September’s All-Ireland final.
The Ballyhale Shamrocks player is well placed to offer views on the subject and reckons a penalty taker striking from the 18-metre line while facing three players on the goal line would have been the best solution.
“If I was going to change the rule, I probably just would have brought it back to the normal way like when DJ Carey used to lift and strike, bring it in two yards and then strike with the three (on the line).
“A penalty is very exciting for the spectators, it is exciting to see Anthony Nash going up to take a penalty having three in goal. I just think they should have went back to the normal rule. On the 21, lift it there, go in two yards and strike. It would have made more sense.
“The penalty is in the forward’s advantage now. I haven’t tried it yet obviously. If a forward hits it bang on, the goalie has no chance unless the ball hits off him. It’ll be like soccer now – the goalie is going to have to pick his spot before you hit it. I’m not here to make the rules, I’m only told.”
Reid also revealed that he had previously taken penalties in the style of Anthony Nash before the Cork goalkeeper’s tactic came under the spotlight in recent years.
“I wouldn’t say I copied Nash. Even when I was taking them for minors and U21′s, that’s the way I was taking them anyway. It came natural to me.
“Once I saw Nash doing it and once I was on the frees I got the opportunity to do it. It was a few challenge games against Carlow IT where I started doing it and that’s where James McGarry and Brian Cody saw me taking penalties so after that they kept me on it.”
