Calls for the GAA to introduce greater use of video technology have intensified following a series of controversial decisions during Kerry's All-Ireland SFC semi-final victory over Dublin at Croke Park.
The reigning champions secured a 2-18 to 0-20 win to book their place in the All-Ireland final against Mayo, but several key officiating decisions have dominated discussion in the aftermath of the game.
Questions were raised over both of Kerry's goals. The first came from a first-half penalty awarded after Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne was adjudged to have fouled Joe O'Connor. David Clifford eventually converted after his initial spot-kick was saved, although many observers felt the penalty decision was harsh.
The second flashpoint arrived after the break when Dylan Geaney's dropping effort was flicked to the net by Seán O'Brien. Television replays appeared to show O'Brien inside the small square before the ball arrived, prompting renewed debate about the enforcement of the square-ball rule.
There was further controversy when Dublin substitute Ross McGarry's effort appeared to cross the goal line after taking a deflection before bouncing back into play, with no goal awarded.
The incidents have reignited discussion over whether Gaelic games should adopt additional technology to assist match officials in crucial moments.
Speaking on RTÉ's The Sunday Game, former Mayo footballer Cora Staunton pointed to the score-assist system already used in ladies' football, where officials can quickly review scoring decisions.
Staunton said a similar system could be adapted for men's football, arguing that decisive moments in championship matches deserve the benefit of technology.
Current Armagh forward Rory Grugan agreed, noting the enormous commitment players invest throughout the season and saying teams deserve the fairest possible outcome. While acknowledging the wider debate surrounding VAR in other sports, he suggested a limited review system for major decisions could provide a practical solution without overly disrupting games.
Former Dublin captain Ciarán Whelan also backed the introduction of goal-line technology. He highlighted what he sees as an inconsistency in the current system, with Hawk-Eye available to determine whether a point has been scored but no equivalent technology to establish whether the ball has crossed the goal line.
Whelan stopped short of calling for a full VAR system covering every foul, saying that would interrupt the flow of matches, but argued there is a strong case for technology to be used for specific incidents such as goals and square-ball decisions.
He also suggested the GAA should consider appointing experienced referees as umpires for the latter stages of the championship, believing the biggest matches require the most experienced officials in every key position.
The debate over technology in Gaelic games is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, with Sunday's high-profile semi-final providing fresh momentum for those advocating changes to assist referees in making match-defining decisions.
Source: Comments made by Cora Staunton, Rory Grugan and Ciarán Whelan on RTÉ's The Sunday Game.
