The referee at the All-Ireland women's football final on October 4th will evidently have to learn a new hand signal. For the first time there will be a countdown clock at Croke Park. Situated at the Canal End, it will count down 30 minutes of each half in the game.

Quite simple really. It means both the players and spectators will know how much time is left - and given the recent controversy in the Clare hurling match against Offaly, the referee too. A signal will be made by the referee to a timekeeper on the sideline for any stoppages, a move which will also put an end to the guessing game of injury time.