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Non-Gaa Forum - 4 Like(s)
Replying To zinny: "As of July 2024, there were around 370,000 individuals in Ireland who had played rugby in some form in the past year. Among these were approximately 90,000 players registered by the Irish Rugby Football Union, of whom 75,000 were male. Meanwhile, roughly 280,000 individuals took part in sessions held by community rugby officers between May 2023 and May 2024.
The only number I can find for boxing is 18K members. Its hard to find data on boxing participation.
Anyone who thinks that rugby hasn't got challanges in expansion outside its hinterlands is in dreamland but equally to say that it has not become more popular is also wrong. There are plenty of kids and adults in Ireland who need more sport. A kid they should play as many sports available to them and then let them find their path and keep them at it. Even within the GAA we cannot seem to accept that concept and some GAA people will only want their kids to play one or the other for no other reason than just pure stubbornness." It's a tactic of the diehards who see every other sport as a threat to them. They should be focusing on enhancing their own product instead of running down other sports. It's draconian to expect that people should only play one sport. Forcing people people never works. In the short term maybe, but in the long term people pushback. The new rules in football have improved the product. That was a GAA problem that had nothing to do with other sports. It wasn't rugby or soccers fault that football was horrible to watch. It was a GAA problem and theirs to fix. In my experience Rugby just gets on with it and couldn't care less what other sports are doing. Give people a choice of sports and they'll figure it out themselves. Brow beating them into playing GAA won't work.
ThePowerhouse (National) - 24/02/2026 09:19:13
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Galway Football thread - 3 Like(s)
Replying To S1234: "LOL we are not loosing the run of ourselves. What are you on about ? Funny your giving out aboyt Mayo ones on a Galway thread..... it's outsiders building us up as per usual .
Also kobe is a star and everyones knows it
It's more like you lot the Rossies who are loosing the run of yoursevles like talking aboyt a possible AI this year I mean really when ye have not won a championship match in croker since 1982 ......." Yer completely losing the run of yerselves. There were seven pages in the Western People today all about Kobe McDonald. Seven pages in the local paper.....that's nuts.
TanCanRan (National) - 24/02/2026 16:51:31
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Non-Gaa Forum - 3 Like(s)
Replying To TheFlaker: "You still try and claim you had a point by mentioning them. I know all about why they were set up but they failed. That's the point. And here you are still arguing. Even your points to the Athlone poster. Rugby is miles behind GAA, soccer and athletics and that isn't going to change. That was my point. Are you seriously going to try and say I am wrong?
I have 2 kids in primary school currently playing sports. And another one starting shortly. The nearest rugby club is an hour away. There are 4 GAA clubs in a 10 mile radius. and 4 soccer clubs. There are also 2 athletics clubs in that same small area. 3 Boxing clubs. The rugby clubs don't even have girls mini teams. They try and fail. There are more people boxing than playing rugby. Boys and girls. So please tell me about the numbers playing rugby and how they haven't dropped off." you love to post up so called facts and never back them up. more boxing than rugby? Show me the proof. have you ever linked proof to anything on this site. as you are never wrong and never actually back anything up with proof bar saying you are right and everyone else is wrong.
KillingFields (National) - 23/02/2026 19:57:10
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Westmeath Football thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To coffey: "It's the 23rd of February , we've had a weekend of fixtures that we're decimated with the weather, who actually cares about the results from the weekend . Crispsandwich99" From where does this "who cares" attitude come I wonder? The County Board should care to publish results on time or by the next day, it is one of the main duties of a PRO. Most counties would promote their All County Leagues, share fixtures and results on social media, again a very basic job, but above all else get a sponsor on board. I am sure there would be plenty of businesses in the County delighted to get on board and support the All County Leagues, have their name beside fixtures and results, give them prominent pitch hoardings, front and centre at Cup presentations etc. But it's not like we need the money!!
iarmhiabu (National) - 24/02/2026 10:17:47
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Non-Gaa Forum - 2 Like(s)
When the powers that be opened up Croke Park to other sports like Soccer, Rugby, Boxing, AFL etc, that gave us the right to participate in whatever sport we like without question, therefore we should embrace all sports without fear or contradiction and enjoy them all, there is plenty of room for all sports in this great little sporting country of ours, without doubt.
supersub15 (National) - 24/02/2026 10:36:02
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Sunday Game - 1 Like(s)
Replying To TobeaRossie: "Not to mention the analysis is almost always flawed too. Mark Dowd was called Mark O'Rourke last week I think it was. This week they said Daire Cregg's goal brought us right back into the game, despite it putting us a point up! Best one at the moment in TG4 highlights on a Monday evening, no rubbish analysis either. Haven't seen the GAA Go highlights show yet, wonder what That's like." Tg4 is far better product for a fraction of Rte's budget,no Experts talking complete nonsense,constantly getting names wrong...
Fkd12 (National) - 24/02/2026 12:08:57
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Dublin GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To brayballer: "We. need to stay in div 1 as a spell in div 2 could lead to Tailteann football." Ah would you come off it! Tailteann Cup I've heard it all now. There is not a hope in hell we ever end up in the bottom 16 teams in the league or fail to reach a Leinster Final. Our last spell in Div 2 didn't do us any harm did it??
TrueBlue35 (National) - 24/02/2026 16:42:05
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To letsgetgoing: "The match on Saturday night could have gone either way and I would not be one bit surprised if we meet again in the championship. If Galway and Roscommon both qualify for the Connacht final where will the match be played: The Hyde or Pearse Stadium?
Mayo supporters seem to be losing the run of themselves again after young Kobe McDonald got a couple of scores against an already beaten and demotivated Monaghan team at the weekend. They are now backed down to 7/1 for the All Ireland while Galway are 12/1 and Roscommon are 66/1. Mayo have probably to beat Roscommon and Galway to win Connacht and thereby get a better championship draw. Can't see that happening myself!" There's no distinction between Connacht champions and runners up in the new system for the championship draw, one you make a provincial final you're seeded and if you don't you're not.
otgarom (National) - 24/02/2026 16:01:00
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To letsgetgoing: "The match on Saturday night could have gone either way and I would not be one bit surprised if we meet again in the championship. If Galway and Roscommon both qualify for the Connacht final where will the match be played: The Hyde or Pearse Stadium?
Mayo supporters seem to be losing the run of themselves again after young Kobe McDonald got a couple of scores against an already beaten and demotivated Monaghan team at the weekend. They are now backed down to 7/1 for the All Ireland while Galway are 12/1 and Roscommon are 66/1. Mayo have probably to beat Roscommon and Galway to win Connacht and thereby get a better championship draw. Can't see that happening myself!" It would be in Hyde Park. Played in Pearse Stadium last year in Connacht semi final.
galwayman2 (National) - 24/02/2026 15:29:58
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To JimB1991: "The penny is finally dropping." That forwards aren't up to it? Scored 0-21 in terrible conditions so not the best of matches to be making that statement. Defensively is where Galway need the most work under these new rules, under the old rules is was solid Defensively that allowed Galway reach to recent All-Ireland finals first and foremost.
Gaa_lover (National) - 24/02/2026 15:22:05
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To letsgetgoing: "The match on Saturday night could have gone either way and I would not be one bit surprised if we meet again in the championship. If Galway and Roscommon both qualify for the Connacht final where will the match be played: The Hyde or Pearse Stadium?
Mayo supporters seem to be losing the run of themselves again after young Kobe McDonald got a couple of scores against an already beaten and demotivated Monaghan team at the weekend. They are now backed down to 7/1 for the All Ireland while Galway are 12/1 and Roscommon are 66/1. Mayo have probably to beat Roscommon and Galway to win Connacht and thereby get a better championship draw. Can't see that happening myself!" "Mayo supporters seem to be losing the run of themselves" - meanwhile you're already asking us where a Connacht Senior Football Championship Final between Galway and Roscommon will be played and telling us what price Roscommon are for the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.
Dmoa95 (National) - 24/02/2026 14:57:12
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To facethepuckout: "Seems to be a fact that in Galway / Mayo/ Roscommon derbies, the away team comes out on top most times. We seem to have more joy in Salthill/Tuam/Castlebar than the Hyde." The match on Saturday night could have gone either way and I would not be one bit surprised if we meet again in the championship. If Galway and Roscommon both qualify for the Connacht final where will the match be played: The Hyde or Pearse Stadium?
Mayo supporters seem to be losing the run of themselves again after young Kobe McDonald got a couple of scores against an already beaten and demotivated Monaghan team at the weekend. They are now backed down to 7/1 for the All Ireland while Galway are 12/1 and Roscommon are 66/1. Mayo have probably to beat Roscommon and Galway to win Connacht and thereby get a better championship draw. Can't see that happening myself!
letsgetgoing (National) - 24/02/2026 14:40:31
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To iarmhiabu: "Unfortunately, the kick you get from the All Bland County Leagues doesn't pack the same irresistible crunch and mouthwatering flavour as the Sweet Chilli Crispy Championship." Cheers, Iarmhiabu - after reading that I nearly had to go and demolish a 12-pack of Walkers. Intense stuff altogether and a brilliant use of the English language!
Fighting-Cocks69 (National) - 24/02/2026 13:28:14
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National Football League 2026 - 1 Like(s)
Replying To legendzxix: "Jimmy McGuinness got on his high horse complaining about provincial championships starting a week after the league finals, and rightly so. He was fully right.
Jimmy McGuinness talked the talk. GAA HQ responded by creating a free weekend after the league finals. Jimmy McGuinness must now walk the walk and lead Donegal to the league final. Any pulling up of the handbrake will be hypocrisy of the highest order." Mmm … hypocrisy for conserving energy , minimising injuries etc…. Mustn't forget that Donegal had to play 11 gruelling championship matches last year, winning nine but were very flat by the time final came about. Your posts are usually very fair but calling an amateur a hypocrite for following their own plan isn't in that bracket.
Curlew66 (National) - 24/02/2026 13:23:32
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Donegal GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Personally I don't think it's that close between Patton and Mulreany. Patron is better at picking out players for shorter range kickouts and that's so important when the better teams put the squeeze on.
The thing that makes Conor O'Donnell such a weapon is how he is able to get shots off at full tilt. Most players if they make a break need to steady themselves or arc around on their preferred foot at the right angle to get a shot off. A lot of times that gives time for defensive cover to close off the chance. Conor doesn't, he's happy to take the shot on with either foot, often straight on, or having to 'shorten' his swing at awkward angles. And still manages to be fairly accurate.
benjyyy (National) - 24/02/2026 11:47:43
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
We are at a low ebb.
Two points in the second half .
Compare the approach of Westmeath when they had the wind.
Pressed up on the kickout, hunted Fermanagh when they had the ball and turned us over time and time again.
Didn't let us build from the back. Their goal came from this.
When Fermanagh had the wind, we retreated, didn't press up on them and they worked scores.
Let be honest as well, the two goals we scored were gifts from Westmeath. Poor defending.
The forward play is just non existent.
Our management look out of their depth.
And now the main trainer of the team is looking at a twelve week ban.
Is their any coaching done on defensive setup?
Do management understand the two point rule?
Especially against a team like Westmeath who have quite a few good two point kickers.
We face Down Saturday night and on current form it could be a very long night in Newry.
jimmy1 (National) - 24/02/2026 10:31:37
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Monaghan GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Bernardo: "Doubt he wants to take a step backwards" Maybe I could be wrong but just have the feeling the monaghan lads aren't all that excited by the mgmt team this year. GB is a good man but he sounds a bit resigned in interviews. I noticed he didn't do his usual post match one on Sunday id say the dressing room was shut for a good bit after the game not about the defeat but the manner of it total capitulation. Andy Moran seemed to be v popular with the players and hasn't really been replaced.
seanie08 (National) - 24/02/2026 10:29:32
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To BigSur: "If you are on Instagram, there's a new account called LakeCountyGAA which seems to be a private initiative (ie non county board) who is publishing club results very promptly - has obviously spotted a gap in the market." Fantastic news, and well done to the person behind LakeCountyGAA,
iarmhiabu (National) - 24/02/2026 10:20:19
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Non-Gaa Forum - 1 Like(s)
Replying To zinny: "As of July 2024, there were around 370,000 individuals in Ireland who had played rugby in some form in the past year. Among these were approximately 90,000 players registered by the Irish Rugby Football Union, of whom 75,000 were male. Meanwhile, roughly 280,000 individuals took part in sessions held by community rugby officers between May 2023 and May 2024.
The only number I can find for boxing is 18K members. Its hard to find data on boxing participation.
Anyone who thinks that rugby hasn't got challanges in expansion outside its hinterlands is in dreamland but equally to say that it has not become more popular is also wrong. There are plenty of kids and adults in Ireland who need more sport. A kid they should play as many sports available to them and then let them find their path and keep them at it. Even within the GAA we cannot seem to accept that concept and some GAA people will only want their kids to play one or the other for no other reason than just pure stubbornness." Firstly those numbers are impossible to breakdown. I have said multiple times now that outside of Dublin and a couple of other urban areas there are tiny numbers playing rugby. You are in Wexford. Breakdown the amount of clubs that you know from each sport. That's how you really tell. Boxing has been thrown into the mix purely based on what I see in Mayo, Sligo, Donegal. Take it out if you wish. Rugby miles behind GAA, Soccer and Athletics.
Also my kids are multi sports but the reality is when they hit teens rightly or wrongly it's very hard to keep it up because of the increase in training sessions from 1 day to 2. It's happening now as low as U10. If any teen makes a county underage squad then that's even worse. There are dinosaurs involved in every sport. Not just GAA. Soccer and GAA are always pushing against each other instead of trying to find workable solutions.
TheFlaker (National) - 24/02/2026 09:16:37
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Non-Gaa Forum - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Tadhg2020: "I know that but they have to leave their county to play the game. They dont have to leave their parish to play GF and largely dont to have to play soccer either. No community in the county thought it necessary or saw a demand to form a rugby club." Ok. I fail to see the issue. Evidently, lots of others don't see it as an issue either as all of the clubs mentioned are doing well at various levels. The whole parish thing is a moot point. It's irrelevant in rugby. It's a huge part of the GAA identity but there's no harm in broadening one's horizon beyond the parish pump.
ThePowerhouse (National) - 24/02/2026 09:06:44
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