National Forum

GAA Strategic Plan

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Replying To AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do.

the creeler (Cavan) - Posts: 512 - 30/04/2021 12:00:23    2339491

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Replying To tonguey:  "
Replying To AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?

AfricanGael (UK) - Posts: 1947 - 30/04/2021 12:26:18    2339494

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Replying To Mayonman:  "The GAA's biggest strength is also its biggest weakness. Parochialism. With changing demographics clubs will have to swallow hard, amalgamate in certain areas and new clubs in others.

Also as another poster said the focus of spending should be on games promotion and not building stands and I/C teams. There should be a schedule of coaching in every school in every county by the GDO. Every school should know the schedule for the school term. Educating club volunteers to a minimum level of coaching is also crucial. the more people with a decent level of knowledge the easier it is to promote the games.

Even in big counties like my own there is a very distinct hurling area and football area.

Hurling is dying and needs serious attention. Don't let watching the top counties fool anyone. The gap to the next level is huge. Getting into national schools, spend money on hurleys, helmets, balls and coaching of 6, 7, 8, 9 year olds in every national school. Is this happening in Carlow, Louth, West Galway etc"
Good post.

I think the county system can also hurt the association at times.

With the change in the inter county calendar being implemented, it could become much easier to arrange cross county championships.

You'd see in hurling it could be a huge help for the games to be organised where Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon play in combined competitions. Get more clubs in the mix, maybe allows stronger teams to develop.

In football I wouldn't be against voluntary merging of counties to run better competitions and even maybe have a combined team compete in the inter-county championship. It shouldn't be forced but if Offaly and Laois say were prepared to amalgamate I wouldn't have a problem with that.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4237 - 30/04/2021 13:03:51    2339497

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Replying To AfricanGael:  "
Replying To tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would.

the creeler (Cavan) - Posts: 512 - 30/04/2021 13:09:13    2339498

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Replying To tonguey:  "
Replying To AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]That's interesting actually that you would rather a divided Ireland than making any concessions regarding the naming of certain GAA grounds, the flag or the anthem. I believe you would be in the minority if a national poll were carried out. Surely the prospect of a united Ireland is worth much more than that.

AfricanGael (UK) - Posts: 1947 - 30/04/2021 13:41:41    2339502

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Replying To tonguey:  "
Replying To AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]So let me get things straight. You would be unwilling to give even the slightest concession on what are (lets be honest) arbitrary symbols, in the event of a United Ireland? You do know a United Ireland is not just the Republic with 6 more counties, right? You'll be creating a new country with new symbols, constitution, governance and so on. Otherwise we would just do to the Unionists what they did to the Nationalists when NI was formed in forming a state that's not for the others. And that hardly worked out very well, did it? I really hope people do not listen to the likes of you, as that small mindedness is the way a United Ireland will fail. You need to be inclusive, and conciliatory in creating a new state that is for all, not just for you and the flag you won't contemplate changing

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2402 - 30/04/2021 13:56:26    2339505

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Replying To Loughduff Lad:  "
Replying To tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]So let me get things straight. You would be unwilling to give even the slightest concession on what are (lets be honest) arbitrary symbols, in the event of a United Ireland? You do know a United Ireland is not just the Republic with 6 more counties, right? You'll be creating a new country with new symbols, constitution, governance and so on. Otherwise we would just do to the Unionists what they did to the Nationalists when NI was formed in forming a state that's not for the others. And that hardly worked out very well, did it? I really hope people do not listen to the likes of you, as that small mindedness is the way a United Ireland will fail. You need to be inclusive, and conciliatory in creating a new state that is for all, not just for you and the flag you won't contemplate changing"]Why would we need to change the flag?? Read up on the meaning of it- it symbolises Catholic religion and Protestant religion. hence the green and the orange and the white is for peace between them. So why would you need to change that?? Some people just don't seem to know what they are talking about and jump on every bandwagon that is rolling.

Go ahead with a united Ireland and see how well that works out. You really think no matter which way the vote goes the other side will accept the result?

Can you not see that it will only create major problems down the line and it will lead to violence again. Unionists won't want to be part of a united Ireland and if you think otherwise you are deluded.

the creeler (Cavan) - Posts: 512 - 30/04/2021 14:11:05    2339508

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Replying To tonguey:  "
Replying To Loughduff Lad:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]So let me get things straight. You would be unwilling to give even the slightest concession on what are (lets be honest) arbitrary symbols, in the event of a United Ireland? You do know a United Ireland is not just the Republic with 6 more counties, right? You'll be creating a new country with new symbols, constitution, governance and so on. Otherwise we would just do to the Unionists what they did to the Nationalists when NI was formed in forming a state that's not for the others. And that hardly worked out very well, did it? I really hope people do not listen to the likes of you, as that small mindedness is the way a United Ireland will fail. You need to be inclusive, and conciliatory in creating a new state that is for all, not just for you and the flag you won't contemplate changing"]Why would we need to change the flag?? Read up on the meaning of it- it symbolises Catholic religion and Protestant religion. hence the green and the orange and the white is for peace between them. So why would you need to change that?? Some people just don't seem to know what they are talking about and jump on every bandwagon that is rolling.

Go ahead with a united Ireland and see how well that works out. You really think no matter which way the vote goes the other side will accept the result?

Can you not see that it will only create major problems down the line and it will lead to violence again. Unionists won't want to be part of a united Ireland and if you think otherwise you are deluded."]__________________________________________________________________________

Honestly pal, if you think the flag is acceptable, then I don't know what to say. I fully know what it symbolises, but it has never been acceptable to PUL people in the North, especially the way Republicans and such use it in the North. I don't understand how you think it would be acceptable. It has gone way beyond what is was meant to be. Is the Union Flag acceptable to you? Sure it has the saltire of St. Patrick in it... Do you get what I mean now? Neither is acceptable to either side, so use neither.

And I know they won't want to have one, but if it happens they will be in one. Hence why you make preparations and don't create a state that is a cold house for them. Especially on things easily changed. Like jeez, flags and anthems are easy to change, that's not even the hard stuff that will need to be discussed. We can do better than they did to our northern brethren after partition. Don't repeat those mistakes

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2402 - 30/04/2021 14:37:55    2339511

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Replying To Loughduff Lad:  "
Replying To tonguey:  "[quote=Loughduff Lad:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]So let me get things straight. You would be unwilling to give even the slightest concession on what are (lets be honest) arbitrary symbols, in the event of a United Ireland? You do know a United Ireland is not just the Republic with 6 more counties, right? You'll be creating a new country with new symbols, constitution, governance and so on. Otherwise we would just do to the Unionists what they did to the Nationalists when NI was formed in forming a state that's not for the others. And that hardly worked out very well, did it? I really hope people do not listen to the likes of you, as that small mindedness is the way a United Ireland will fail. You need to be inclusive, and conciliatory in creating a new state that is for all, not just for you and the flag you won't contemplate changing"]Why would we need to change the flag?? Read up on the meaning of it- it symbolises Catholic religion and Protestant religion. hence the green and the orange and the white is for peace between them. So why would you need to change that?? Some people just don't seem to know what they are talking about and jump on every bandwagon that is rolling.

Go ahead with a united Ireland and see how well that works out. You really think no matter which way the vote goes the other side will accept the result?

Can you not see that it will only create major problems down the line and it will lead to violence again. Unionists won't want to be part of a united Ireland and if you think otherwise you are deluded."]__________________________________________________________________________

Honestly pal, if you think the flag is acceptable, then I don't know what to say. I fully know what it symbolises, but it has never been acceptable to PUL people in the North, especially the way Republicans and such use it in the North. I don't understand how you think it would be acceptable. It has gone way beyond what is was meant to be. Is the Union Flag acceptable to you? Sure it has the saltire of St. Patrick in it... Do you get what I mean now? Neither is acceptable to either side, so use neither.

And I know they won't want to have one, but if it happens they will be in one. Hence why you make preparations and don't create a state that is a cold house for them. Especially on things easily changed. Like jeez, flags and anthems are easy to change, that's not even the hard stuff that will need to be discussed. We can do better than they did to our northern brethren after partition. Don't repeat those mistakes"]Oh stop it presently

the creeler (Cavan) - Posts: 512 - 30/04/2021 14:48:12    2339513

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It's a very worrying time for the GAA.

the_creeler (Leitrim) - Posts: 119 - 30/04/2021 14:58:45    2339515

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@toungey right the reply system is a joke and you can't read it, so replying like this.

Stop what? You honestly don't believe that in earnest, do you? You wouldn't accept a Union Flag, so why would they accept a tricolour? You cannot be this naïve on the subject

Loughduff Lad (Cavan) - Posts: 2402 - 30/04/2021 15:08:59    2339517

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Replying To tonguey:  "
Replying To Loughduff Lad:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "[quote=tonguey:  "[quote=AfricanGael:  "A "New Ireland" will mean a new identity of sorts, otherwise there's absolutely no point in having a united country but a divided people. Surely no real republican would put his love of a sporting organization before the love of his country. You mentioned religions, but it has nothing to do with religion, it's all about identity. The Irish abandoning their "traditions and cultures" is nothing new, all you have to do is look back at the "Celtic Tiger" era to see that."
Not everyone abandoned "traditions and cultures" during Celtic Tiger era. Some may have but some did not.

I agree we need people to be united in a "new Ireland" whatever that means. But that should not come at a cost to losing Irish "traditions and cultures."

As I have said several times on these pages I would welcome other people to the GAA with open arms but I do not wish to see us lose our identity either just as some tribes where you are, would not like to lose their identity either. If they wish to join, they may do so, but we keep our traditions and cultures intact. It is the very least we can do."
What is the the Irish identify though ? Surely until everyone speaks their native tongue as their first language we have no business talking about "Irish identity". Maybe go down to places like Connemara where they speak Irish as their first language, aren't they the only true Irish when it comes to identity. Would you really abandon any prospect of Irish unity if it meant changing the flag, the national anthem, changing the names of any GAA grounds for example?"]Yes I would."]So let me get things straight. You would be unwilling to give even the slightest concession on what are (lets be honest) arbitrary symbols, in the event of a United Ireland? You do know a United Ireland is not just the Republic with 6 more counties, right? You'll be creating a new country with new symbols, constitution, governance and so on. Otherwise we would just do to the Unionists what they did to the Nationalists when NI was formed in forming a state that's not for the others. And that hardly worked out very well, did it? I really hope people do not listen to the likes of you, as that small mindedness is the way a United Ireland will fail. You need to be inclusive, and conciliatory in creating a new state that is for all, not just for you and the flag you won't contemplate changing"]Why would we need to change the flag?? Read up on the meaning of it- it symbolises Catholic religion and Protestant religion. hence the green and the orange and the white is for peace between them. So why would you need to change that?? Some people just don't seem to know what they are talking about and jump on every bandwagon that is rolling.

Go ahead with a united Ireland and see how well that works out. You really think no matter which way the vote goes the other side will accept the result?

Can you not see that it will only create major problems down the line and it will lead to violence again. Unionists won't want to be part of a united Ireland and if you think otherwise you are deluded."]The green and orange in the flag don't symbolise Protestant or Catholic religions. The Green is a symbol of Irish nationalism and there have been some prominent Irish nationalists who were Protestant, though the majority were Catholics. The Orange, from the Unionist tradition, comes from William of Orange. The colours represent political rather than religious beliefs on the island if Ireland. Pope Francis doesn't hang a green flag over the Vatican and the Archbishop of Canterbury doesn't hang an orange flag outside Canterbury Cathedral.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7360 - 30/04/2021 15:22:34    2339523

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Football or hurling discussion please. Enough of this tiresome, ill-informed nonsense.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1064 - 30/04/2021 16:13:10    2339529

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Replying To Eddie the Exile:  "Football or hurling discussion please. Enough of this tiresome, ill-informed nonsense."
This could be an interesting thread on what the future looks like, instead it's turned into flags and symbols discussions. There are way more interesting problems for the association to grapple with right now.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4237 - 30/04/2021 17:35:18    2339535

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Replying To Whammo86:  "This could be an interesting thread on what the future looks like, instead it's turned into flags and symbols discussions. There are way more interesting problems for the association to grapple with right now."
Agree fully with you !
Ranting and raving about symbols is fine but as I posted the other day, far more pressing problems out there.
Hurling is in trouble in many counties even those which once were more competitive and there is quite a lot of work to be done to rectify that.
Outside of a few counties in Leinster Munster Galway Antrim and Down in parts, we really have problems.
Playing numbers at underage is slipping.
Good that Dublin has turned its demise around due to aggressive work within primary schools and clubs, Limerick City has also shown hope for the future but many towns around the rest of the country are struggling.
Football is strong enough even if Dublin currently is very strong, but their playing numbers are strong.
What to do about our rural clubs is a huge issue especially for under 14 up.

carlowman (Carlow) - Posts: 1821 - 01/05/2021 17:14:59    2339615

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Replying To carlowman:  "Agree fully with you !
Ranting and raving about symbols is fine but as I posted the other day, far more pressing problems out there.
Hurling is in trouble in many counties even those which once were more competitive and there is quite a lot of work to be done to rectify that.
Outside of a few counties in Leinster Munster Galway Antrim and Down in parts, we really have problems.
Playing numbers at underage is slipping.
Good that Dublin has turned its demise around due to aggressive work within primary schools and clubs, Limerick City has also shown hope for the future but many towns around the rest of the country are struggling.
Football is strong enough even if Dublin currently is very strong, but their playing numbers are strong.
What to do about our rural clubs is a huge issue especially for under 14 up."
It's really tough.

I think in hurling the cross county competitions could make for a large improvement.

It wasn't feasible before as trying to plan around the fixtures of a number of county teams was a big problem.

Could there be a North Leinster hurling championship? Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Louth combined. South Leinster hurling championship with Carlow, Offaly, Laois, Wicklow combined?

Maybe some stronger clubs develop with a better quality of senior competition available. Maybe they are better abled to provide coaching and juvenile development.

You'd look to West Ulster and North Connacht as potential other regions to have amalgamated hurling championships.

I think there has to be a focus on playing more club and school fixtures and more club and school coaching.

Another poster mentioned how the future is in coaching and game's development rather than capital/infrastructure projects and I couldn't agree more.

I feel for rural clubs but I think their cause is somewhat out of the hands of the GAA. The decline in rural Ireland feels much more to do with the Government than the GAA. I don't know how they respond to it.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4237 - 02/05/2021 15:23:43    2339698

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Replying To Whammo86:  "It's really tough.

I think in hurling the cross county competitions could make for a large improvement.

It wasn't feasible before as trying to plan around the fixtures of a number of county teams was a big problem.

Could there be a North Leinster hurling championship? Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Louth combined. South Leinster hurling championship with Carlow, Offaly, Laois, Wicklow combined?

Maybe some stronger clubs develop with a better quality of senior competition available. Maybe they are better abled to provide coaching and juvenile development.

You'd look to West Ulster and North Connacht as potential other regions to have amalgamated hurling championships.

I think there has to be a focus on playing more club and school fixtures and more club and school coaching.

Another poster mentioned how the future is in coaching and game's development rather than capital/infrastructure projects and I couldn't agree more.

I feel for rural clubs but I think their cause is somewhat out of the hands of the GAA. The decline in rural Ireland feels much more to do with the Government than the GAA. I don't know how they respond to it."
There are far too many clubs in rural Ireland and not enough in Dublin. They'd be better amalgamating than carrying on the way they are.

AfricanGael (UK) - Posts: 1947 - 02/05/2021 17:51:10    2339710

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Replying To AfricanGael:  "There are far too many clubs in rural Ireland and not enough in Dublin. They'd be better amalgamating than carrying on the way they are. "
I'd agree with that but it is easy for us to say with no connection to any of the specific clubs.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4237 - 03/05/2021 10:07:46    2339753

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Replying To AfricanGael:  "There are far too many clubs in rural Ireland and not enough in Dublin. They'd be better amalgamating than carrying on the way they are. "
Think Whammos idea is better. Regional club championships for counties with only a few senior standard club hurling teams would give these clubs more competitive games and might encourage lads who are dual players underage to give hurling more of a lash as adults. Amalgamating more and more clubs goes against what the GAA stands for in rural areas. Well around here anyway.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12034 - 03/05/2021 11:02:01    2339765

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Replying To Whammo86:  "It's really tough.

I think in hurling the cross county competitions could make for a large improvement.

It wasn't feasible before as trying to plan around the fixtures of a number of county teams was a big problem.

Could there be a North Leinster hurling championship? Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Louth combined. South Leinster hurling championship with Carlow, Offaly, Laois, Wicklow combined?

Maybe some stronger clubs develop with a better quality of senior competition available. Maybe they are better abled to provide coaching and juvenile development.

You'd look to West Ulster and North Connacht as potential other regions to have amalgamated hurling championships.

I think there has to be a focus on playing more club and school fixtures and more club and school coaching.

Another poster mentioned how the future is in coaching and game's development rather than capital/infrastructure projects and I couldn't agree more.

I feel for rural clubs but I think their cause is somewhat out of the hands of the GAA. The decline in rural Ireland feels much more to do with the Government than the GAA. I don't know how they respond to it."
In another post, I had proposed regional teams like those for an inter-regional AIC. With all counties playing in new amalgamated units, maybe it makes splitting Dublin more palatable. A plan to allocate Dub inner city and county clubs to the Leinster regions would need to be developed as part of the below.

How about 10 regional teams -

Uls 3 regions (3 counties in each)
West (WU) = Done, Derry, Tyr
South (SU) = Ferm, Cav, Mona
East (EU) = Ant, Arm, Down.

Muns 2 regions (3 counties in each)
West (WM) = Kerr, Clar, Lime
East (EM) = Cork, Tipp, Wat.

Conn 2 regions (3 counties in each, incl Lond)
North (NC) = Mayo, Slig, Leit
South (SC) = Galw, Rosc, Lond.

Lein 3 regions (with 3.3 or 4.3 counties in each, incl Dubs split in 3 to the 3 regions)
North (NL) 4.3 = Lou, Mea, Long, Wmea, NDub
Mid (ML) 3.3 = Kild, Off, Lao, MidDub
South (SL) 4.3 = Wick, Wex, Carl, Kilk, SDub.

I could see half of the 10 regions being competitive, in with a chance of winning - maybe, small number of competitive teams is best, like hurling.

Play season as a League Championship -
2 groups of 5 (draw at least 1 region from each Prov to each diversified group)
13-match regular season (twice v own group, once v other group)
Top 3 of 5 from each group to 6-team KO (group winners to AI SFs, crossover 2v3 QFs).

I'd expect final table ranking like this -
1 WU; 2 WM; 3 SU; 4 SC; 5 NC; 6 EM;
7 NL; 8 EU; 9 ML; 10 SL.

omahant (USA) - Posts: 2614 - 05/05/2021 06:06:21    2340032

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