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Longford GAA thread

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Replying To Spinx:  "
Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "I remember in late 1990's there being young hurling teams (Under 11 or 12) in Slashers, Wolfe Tones, Clonguish, Killoe, Shannon Gaels, Ballymahon, Cashel and Stonepark, all involved in competition. There had been a revival in the schools around that time and the Senior hurling championship had 4 clubs then (Clonguish Gaels, Ballymahon Gaels, Slashers Gaels and Wolfe Tones). That was 25 years ago!!! We have regressed in hurling development terms since then, and that generation-long regression (despite the amazing work of a committed core within the county) is precisely why the county manager can't now attract enough players from clubs in Longford. That will not improve unless a massive investment is made in hurling in Longford. Those who are doing their best to keep hurling alive in Longford deserve our utmost respect and admiration. But the overarching problem persists and we shouldn't shy away from talking about it. I'm surprised national media didn't pick up on the managers quote because it is very revealing about the gulf that exists in hurling today."
There was no hurling team in Killoe in the late 90s as ourselves and a few of the Killoe boys played with Clonguish. Abbeylara had an under 12 team one of the years around 94."
100% there was a young hurling team in Killoe at that time. Took part in U11 competition with the other clubs I mentioned above that year. In December 1997 the secretary of the Hurling Board Sean Stakelum published a detailed report titled 'Longford Hurling Looks to the Future' in which he listed clubs involved in Under 11 competition in Longford that year, including Killoe. In fact in August 1997 Killoe won an U10 Hurling Blitz organised by the county board (had 16 teams in it, some from out of county). I remember it because it was held at Emmet Park and I was at it. At the time the county hurling coach was coming to the school in Killoe weekly. There was also a schools indoor hurling championship held in Newtown in mid 1997 which included Melview, Abbeylara, Newtownforbes, Mostrim, St. Michaels, Stonepark, Drumlish, Mullinalaghta, Fermoyle, Killoe, Lanesboro, Ballinalee, Ardagh, St. Emers, Clondra/Killashee, Dromard and Colmcille. So it was a very active period for hurling at that age group. Feel free to check the newspaper archives. It won't let me link, otherwise I would.

LongfordgaaAbú (Longford) - Posts: 471 - 11/02/2023 17:44:39    2457837

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Coaching is always going to be the biggest issue with hurling taking off. The only way it would take off is if GAA HQ took a long term view and put a number of paid hurling coaches in the county who would essentially work with all the underage teams in a few strategically chosen clubs.

Starting off, the obvious would be Mostrim, Clonguish and Slashers. Ballymahon had a team and maybe that would be an area as they'd also have the population or maybe Ballymahon/Kenagh. Maybe Granard and Lanesborough. 6 would be double the current clubs but there'd have to be patience as it would take a long time for it to produce adult teams.

Mull93 (Longford) - Posts: 119 - 11/02/2023 18:09:47    2457840

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Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "
Replying To Spinx:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "I remember in late 1990's there being young hurling teams (Under 11 or 12) in Slashers, Wolfe Tones, Clonguish, Killoe, Shannon Gaels, Ballymahon, Cashel and Stonepark, all involved in competition. There had been a revival in the schools around that time and the Senior hurling championship had 4 clubs then (Clonguish Gaels, Ballymahon Gaels, Slashers Gaels and Wolfe Tones). That was 25 years ago!!! We have regressed in hurling development terms since then, and that generation-long regression (despite the amazing work of a committed core within the county) is precisely why the county manager can't now attract enough players from clubs in Longford. That will not improve unless a massive investment is made in hurling in Longford. Those who are doing their best to keep hurling alive in Longford deserve our utmost respect and admiration. But the overarching problem persists and we shouldn't shy away from talking about it. I'm surprised national media didn't pick up on the managers quote because it is very revealing about the gulf that exists in hurling today."
There was no hurling team in Killoe in the late 90s as ourselves and a few of the Killoe boys played with Clonguish. Abbeylara had an under 12 team one of the years around 94."
100% there was a young hurling team in Killoe at that time. Took part in U11 competition with the other clubs I mentioned above that year. In December 1997 the secretary of the Hurling Board Sean Stakelum published a detailed report titled 'Longford Hurling Looks to the Future' in which he listed clubs involved in Under 11 competition in Longford that year, including Killoe. In fact in August 1997 Killoe won an U10 Hurling Blitz organised by the county board (had 16 teams in it, some from out of county). I remember it because it was held at Emmet Park and I was at it. At the time the county hurling coach was coming to the school in Killoe weekly. There was also a schools indoor hurling championship held in Newtown in mid 1997 which included Melview, Abbeylara, Newtownforbes, Mostrim, St. Michaels, Stonepark, Drumlish, Mullinalaghta, Fermoyle, Killoe, Lanesboro, Ballinalee, Ardagh, St. Emers, Clondra/Killashee, Dromard and Colmcille. So it was a very active period for hurling at that age group. Feel free to check the newspaper archives. It won't let me link, otherwise I would."]Schools hurling team, yes. But a hurling team organised by Emmet Og....I would think not.

Spinx (Longford) - Posts: 1236 - 11/02/2023 18:32:36    2457846

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Replying To Spinx:  "
Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "[quote=Spinx:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "I remember in late 1990's there being young hurling teams (Under 11 or 12) in Slashers, Wolfe Tones, Clonguish, Killoe, Shannon Gaels, Ballymahon, Cashel and Stonepark, all involved in competition. There had been a revival in the schools around that time and the Senior hurling championship had 4 clubs then (Clonguish Gaels, Ballymahon Gaels, Slashers Gaels and Wolfe Tones). That was 25 years ago!!! We have regressed in hurling development terms since then, and that generation-long regression (despite the amazing work of a committed core within the county) is precisely why the county manager can't now attract enough players from clubs in Longford. That will not improve unless a massive investment is made in hurling in Longford. Those who are doing their best to keep hurling alive in Longford deserve our utmost respect and admiration. But the overarching problem persists and we shouldn't shy away from talking about it. I'm surprised national media didn't pick up on the managers quote because it is very revealing about the gulf that exists in hurling today."
There was no hurling team in Killoe in the late 90s as ourselves and a few of the Killoe boys played with Clonguish. Abbeylara had an under 12 team one of the years around 94."
100% there was a young hurling team in Killoe at that time. Took part in U11 competition with the other clubs I mentioned above that year. In December 1997 the secretary of the Hurling Board Sean Stakelum published a detailed report titled 'Longford Hurling Looks to the Future' in which he listed clubs involved in Under 11 competition in Longford that year, including Killoe. In fact in August 1997 Killoe won an U10 Hurling Blitz organised by the county board (had 16 teams in it, some from out of county). I remember it because it was held at Emmet Park and I was at it. At the time the county hurling coach was coming to the school in Killoe weekly. There was also a schools indoor hurling championship held in Newtown in mid 1997 which included Melview, Abbeylara, Newtownforbes, Mostrim, St. Michaels, Stonepark, Drumlish, Mullinalaghta, Fermoyle, Killoe, Lanesboro, Ballinalee, Ardagh, St. Emers, Clondra/Killashee, Dromard and Colmcille. So it was a very active period for hurling at that age group. Feel free to check the newspaper archives. It won't let me link, otherwise I would."]Schools hurling team, yes. But a hurling team organised by Emmet Og....I would think not."]The U11 was organised by the club. Prompted by activity going on in the school at the time.

LongfordgaaAbú (Longford) - Posts: 471 - 11/02/2023 19:51:55    2457857

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Replying To Mull93:  "Coaching is always going to be the biggest issue with hurling taking off. The only way it would take off is if GAA HQ took a long term view and put a number of paid hurling coaches in the county who would essentially work with all the underage teams in a few strategically chosen clubs.

Starting off, the obvious would be Mostrim, Clonguish and Slashers. Ballymahon had a team and maybe that would be an area as they'd also have the population or maybe Ballymahon/Kenagh. Maybe Granard and Lanesborough. 6 would be double the current clubs but there'd have to be patience as it would take a long time for it to produce adult teams."
Absolutely, dedicated coaches funded by HQ and sent out to work with schools and clubs to expand the game is the only way the needle moves. It won't happen otherwise.

LongfordgaaAbú (Longford) - Posts: 471 - 11/02/2023 19:58:25    2457859

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Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "Absolutely, dedicated coaches funded by HQ and sent out to work with schools and clubs to expand the game is the only way the needle moves. It won't happen otherwise."
It should be incentivised too with additional funding &/or grants for startup for clubs.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 11/02/2023 20:48:20    2457869

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Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "
Replying To Spinx:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "[quote=Spinx:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "I remember in late 1990's there being young hurling teams (Under 11 or 12) in Slashers, Wolfe Tones, Clonguish, Killoe, Shannon Gaels, Ballymahon, Cashel and Stonepark, all involved in competition. There had been a revival in the schools around that time and the Senior hurling championship had 4 clubs then (Clonguish Gaels, Ballymahon Gaels, Slashers Gaels and Wolfe Tones). That was 25 years ago!!! We have regressed in hurling development terms since then, and that generation-long regression (despite the amazing work of a committed core within the county) is precisely why the county manager can't now attract enough players from clubs in Longford. That will not improve unless a massive investment is made in hurling in Longford. Those who are doing their best to keep hurling alive in Longford deserve our utmost respect and admiration. But the overarching problem persists and we shouldn't shy away from talking about it. I'm surprised national media didn't pick up on the managers quote because it is very revealing about the gulf that exists in hurling today."
There was no hurling team in Killoe in the late 90s as ourselves and a few of the Killoe boys played with Clonguish. Abbeylara had an under 12 team one of the years around 94."
100% there was a young hurling team in Killoe at that time. Took part in U11 competition with the other clubs I mentioned above that year. In December 1997 the secretary of the Hurling Board Sean Stakelum published a detailed report titled 'Longford Hurling Looks to the Future' in which he listed clubs involved in Under 11 competition in Longford that year, including Killoe. In fact in August 1997 Killoe won an U10 Hurling Blitz organised by the county board (had 16 teams in it, some from out of county). I remember it because it was held at Emmet Park and I was at it. At the time the county hurling coach was coming to the school in Killoe weekly. There was also a schools indoor hurling championship held in Newtown in mid 1997 which included Melview, Abbeylara, Newtownforbes, Mostrim, St. Michaels, Stonepark, Drumlish, Mullinalaghta, Fermoyle, Killoe, Lanesboro, Ballinalee, Ardagh, St. Emers, Clondra/Killashee, Dromard and Colmcille. So it was a very active period for hurling at that age group. Feel free to check the newspaper archives. It won't let me link, otherwise I would."]Schools hurling team, yes. But a hurling team organised by Emmet Og....I would think not."]The U11 was organised by the club. Prompted by activity going on in the school at the time."]I remember 10/12 years ago Killoe fielding for U14 hurling. Betty Fox & John Earley were running it, I think.

There have always been hurlers from Killoe who have been scattered to the other 3 clubs so potentially could be fielding by themselves.

keeper7 (Longford) - Posts: 4088 - 11/02/2023 21:03:58    2457873

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Anyone at the Longford Under 20 game the other night?

What was the team and how who played well?

Mull93 (Longford) - Posts: 119 - 12/02/2023 10:36:18    2457893

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Replying To Spinx:  "
Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "[quote=Spinx:  "[quote=LongfordgaaAbú:  "I remember in late 1990's there being young hurling teams (Under 11 or 12) in Slashers, Wolfe Tones, Clonguish, Killoe, Shannon Gaels, Ballymahon, Cashel and Stonepark, all involved in competition. There had been a revival in the schools around that time and the Senior hurling championship had 4 clubs then (Clonguish Gaels, Ballymahon Gaels, Slashers Gaels and Wolfe Tones). That was 25 years ago!!! We have regressed in hurling development terms since then, and that generation-long regression (despite the amazing work of a committed core within the county) is precisely why the county manager can't now attract enough players from clubs in Longford. That will not improve unless a massive investment is made in hurling in Longford. Those who are doing their best to keep hurling alive in Longford deserve our utmost respect and admiration. But the overarching problem persists and we shouldn't shy away from talking about it. I'm surprised national media didn't pick up on the managers quote because it is very revealing about the gulf that exists in hurling today."
There was no hurling team in Killoe in the late 90s as ourselves and a few of the Killoe boys played with Clonguish. Abbeylara had an under 12 team one of the years around 94."
100% there was a young hurling team in Killoe at that time. Took part in U11 competition with the other clubs I mentioned above that year. In December 1997 the secretary of the Hurling Board Sean Stakelum published a detailed report titled 'Longford Hurling Looks to the Future' in which he listed clubs involved in Under 11 competition in Longford that year, including Killoe. In fact in August 1997 Killoe won an U10 Hurling Blitz organised by the county board (had 16 teams in it, some from out of county). I remember it because it was held at Emmet Park and I was at it. At the time the county hurling coach was coming to the school in Killoe weekly. There was also a schools indoor hurling championship held in Newtown in mid 1997 which included Melview, Abbeylara, Newtownforbes, Mostrim, St. Michaels, Stonepark, Drumlish, Mullinalaghta, Fermoyle, Killoe, Lanesboro, Ballinalee, Ardagh, St. Emers, Clondra/Killashee, Dromard and Colmcille. So it was a very active period for hurling at that age group. Feel free to check the newspaper archives. It won't let me link, otherwise I would."]Schools hurling team, yes. But a hurling team organised by Emmet Og....I would think not."]Don't contradict stats guy Spinx! He's right on this I can remember a push back then, Killoe also attempted a camogie club about 15 years ago but fell through unfortunately

liosbreac6265 (Longford) - Posts: 212 - 12/02/2023 10:58:42    2457896

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Replying To Mull93:  "Anyone at the Longford Under 20 game the other night?

What was the team and how who played well?"
See team here... link
Good performance. Terrific work rate.

LongfordgaaAbú (Longford) - Posts: 471 - 12/02/2023 13:06:46    2457911

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Replying To LongfordgaaAbú:  "See team here... link
Good performance. Terrific work rate."
Missed the game, any standouts that impressed? Lots of younger guys back in the mix to put pressure on too and no expectations from this team. Not a bad way to be approaching championship.

honda15 (Longford) - Posts: 94 - 14/02/2023 12:42:11    2458250

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Do we think the County Board will release a master fixture list before the summer?
Even dates of when league fixtures will be on would be a start.
It's worse this county is getting.

Spinx (Longford) - Posts: 1236 - 16/02/2023 15:50:37    2458553

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Replying To Spinx:  "Do we think the County Board will release a master fixture list before the summer?
Even dates of when league fixtures will be on would be a start.
It's worse this county is getting."
I'm not aware of another county that don't know at least when their leagues are going to start. Its a crazy situation. How can it be that hard to at least say to clubs this is the start date for the leagues. It gives clubs a date to work towards. Many of us would like to book holidays or at least know when there is a possibility that we could go on holidays. Its no wonder so many fella's lose interest in the game. Is this sort of thing never called out at County Board meetings?

Mull93 (Longford) - Posts: 119 - 16/02/2023 20:29:39    2458591

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Replying To Mull93:  "I'm not aware of another county that don't know at least when their leagues are going to start. Its a crazy situation. How can it be that hard to at least say to clubs this is the start date for the leagues. It gives clubs a date to work towards. Many of us would like to book holidays or at least know when there is a possibility that we could go on holidays. Its no wonder so many fella's lose interest in the game. Is this sort of thing never called out at County Board meetings?"
I agree, but in terms of us being an outlier, are the 2023 club fixtures published yet in Leitrim or Cavan or Roscommon? Westmeaths seem to be out and on the web, but not seen anything published for our other neighbours beyond a few development league and a couple of other fixtures. Four wrongs won't make a right, but we don't appear to be alone if that is any consolation (which it won't be). Either way, should be out by now.

LongfordgaaAbú (Longford) - Posts: 471 - 17/02/2023 16:44:33    2458718

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Anyone in Breiffne today? Itll be difficult to retain Div 3 Status after today's result.

Inatfullforward (Longford) - Posts: 93 - 19/02/2023 15:58:50    2459035

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Replying To Inatfullforward:  "Anyone in Breiffne today? Itll be difficult to retain Div 3 Status after today's result."
It was even worse then westmeath.

slasher9 (Longford) - Posts: 233 - 19/02/2023 16:12:25    2459041

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I think they knew going to Breffni that they couldn't match Cavan and basically threw the towel in with the team selection hoping it's gives them the edge going into the last

williesboy (Leitrim) - Posts: 341 - 19/02/2023 16:42:04    2459060

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Worrying for Longford - hard to see whats going wrong.

honda15 (Longford) - Posts: 94 - 20/02/2023 08:49:33    2459261

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very poor yesterday. things are not looking good! again i have said it before we are going backwards with regards to development of younger players! we will now struggle to win a div 3 game this year, our only hope is matching Antrim and Offaly and beating Tipp! but it looks like div 4 for Longford and rightly so. we are -37 after 3 games!

Garmin (Longford) - Posts: 87 - 20/02/2023 09:40:34    2459273

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Replying To Garmin:  "very poor yesterday. things are not looking good! again i have said it before we are going backwards with regards to development of younger players! we will now struggle to win a div 3 game this year, our only hope is matching Antrim and Offaly and beating Tipp! but it looks like div 4 for Longford and rightly so. we are -37 after 3 games!"
Thats the main problem you just highlighted. The underage systems in Longford are not good enough. The development squads in other counties are proper development squads focusing on physical development from u14s right up and its taken seriously. There is not enough emphasis on this in Longford and its showing big time as other counties are going further and further ahead.

honda15 (Longford) - Posts: 94 - 20/02/2023 10:04:16    2459281

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