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Carlow GAA thread

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Replying To Overthebar53:  "Give them a small bit of credit. They outscored Joseph's 1-13 to 2-4 from the 40 minute. That's 14 scores to 6. Fairly dominant I'd say. St mullins were unlucky, missed a lot of chances. Can't comment on the clonmore game as I didn't see it. Unlike some posters. Ahem."
Didn't mean it to come across that way. It's still not a great sign that 2 from 3 fell at the first hurdle and the 3rd were brought to extra time.

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 24/10/2023 10:10:36    2509982

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "I'd differ slightly on this. I don't disagree with smaller championships but I'd have a larger intermediate as I think the more tested a team is there the better for senior.

I'd remove 2nd teams from all championships and instead have second teams in a reserve championship. The only exception would be for junior c which is social anyway so teams could play a 3rd team there. I think having second teams playing intermediate or junior does nothing for football in the rest of the county."
What's the point in having a larger intermediate if our junior champions aren't making any impact in club championships, even with small divisions?

Plus if you have 10 teams in intermediate, but split them into two groups of five, you'll have four games - i.e one fewer than a six team group, which offers five matches.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 24/10/2023 10:54:04    2509998

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Replying To CARPS:  "What's the point in having a larger intermediate if our junior champions aren't making any impact in club championships, even with small divisions?

Plus if you have 10 teams in intermediate, but split them into two groups of five, you'll have four games - i.e one fewer than a six team group, which offers five matches."
You get a larger league too, 9 league games + knockout then 4 group games + knockout. Why would we be worried about how our junior winners do in leinster, what we want is a better senior intermediate grade with no second teams.
I think you would have to work the senior league home+ away to create a viable competition.

To be honest there is no evidence tinkering around with the championships has any impact at all. A 6 team senior championship may become too elite where nothing coming up can compete with it. Since we reduced to 8 teams has any promoted team stayed up? Think bagenalstown might have come up just before it. Maybe a bigger senior would work better for us. It's tough to survive in your maiden year

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 24/10/2023 11:13:03    2510010

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "You get a larger league too, 9 league games + knockout then 4 group games + knockout. Why would we be worried about how our junior winners do in leinster, what we want is a better senior intermediate grade with no second teams.
I think you would have to work the senior league home+ away to create a viable competition.

To be honest there is no evidence tinkering around with the championships has any impact at all. A 6 team senior championship may become too elite where nothing coming up can compete with it. Since we reduced to 8 teams has any promoted team stayed up? Think bagenalstown might have come up just before it. Maybe a bigger senior would work better for us. It's tough to survive in your maiden year"
How our champions do in Leinster gives an idea of the strength of our grades, obviously. That's why it's important.

We have ONE second team in intermediate. And that's from the club which swallows up the whole town. It would actually be weird if they didn't have an intermediate team, given their huge pick. It's strange that they don't have a Junior A team too given their advantages.

The reason teams can't stay up is because they are not good enough. Last year's Junior champions won the intermediate this year. They didn't need a few years in the IFC to acclimatize. It helps explain why IFC teams can't hack it in senior. There seems to be big gap between SFC and IFC, but not as much from IFC to JFC.

ps. there is a case to be made for having divisional teams. What about six senior clubs and then two divisional sides? North Carlow and South Carlow? Would give all elite players a chance to play senior club football.

There's a case to me made for it to be done in hurling too, with the best players from non senior clubs. Currently CTHC, Palatine, Burren and Kildavin.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 24/10/2023 12:32:10    2510029

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "Didn't mean it to come across that way. It's still not a great sign that 2 from 3 fell at the first hurdle and the 3rd were brought to extra time."
I'd say it's not bad going. Laois are a bigger and more populous county than us and we beat their senior champions. St. Mullins got beaten by 3 points, no disgrace in that for an almost exclusive hurling club. The other county are football only for all intents.

Overthebar53 (Carlow) - Posts: 295 - 25/10/2023 00:53:35    2510154

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Replying To CARPS:  "How our champions do in Leinster gives an idea of the strength of our grades, obviously. That's why it's important.

We have ONE second team in intermediate. And that's from the club which swallows up the whole town. It would actually be weird if they didn't have an intermediate team, given their huge pick. It's strange that they don't have a Junior A team too given their advantages.

The reason teams can't stay up is because they are not good enough. Last year's Junior champions won the intermediate this year. They didn't need a few years in the IFC to acclimatize. It helps explain why IFC teams can't hack it in senior. There seems to be big gap between SFC and IFC, but not as much from IFC to JFC.

ps. there is a case to be made for having divisional teams. What about six senior clubs and then two divisional sides? North Carlow and South Carlow? Would give all elite players a chance to play senior club football.

There's a case to me made for it to be done in hurling too, with the best players from non senior clubs. Currently CTHC, Palatine, Burren and Kildavin."
Not really as with 6 team grades or even 8 team grades we are getting a false Impression. We have a very low number of clubs compared to other counties you would imagine this would make our clubs stronger. Definitely a coaching issue in the county.

I'd be in favor of regional teams in the sfc, personally anything less than 8 isn't viable for me.

Clonmore were unlucky to go junior, they were in a quarter final with a minute to go and conceded a goal which relegated them as there was no relaxation final, so it's no great surprise that they did back to back promotions.

I'd remove 2nd teams from regular championships to try spread players around, I think its a more natural way of spreading the talent around, you could also see some new clubs being formed as only first teams get real competitive football

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 25/10/2023 10:43:04    2510184

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "Not really as with 6 team grades or even 8 team grades we are getting a false Impression. We have a very low number of clubs compared to other counties you would imagine this would make our clubs stronger. Definitely a coaching issue in the county.

I'd be in favor of regional teams in the sfc, personally anything less than 8 isn't viable for me.

Clonmore were unlucky to go junior, they were in a quarter final with a minute to go and conceded a goal which relegated them as there was no relaxation final, so it's no great surprise that they did back to back promotions.

I'd remove 2nd teams from regular championships to try spread players around, I think its a more natural way of spreading the talent around, you could also see some new clubs being formed as only first teams get real competitive football"
The danger of removing 2nd teams from regular championships is that guys playing with the likes of Eire Og might just go off and play soccer instead (or nothing). They might not want to join the Blues or Asca (they could have already left them as juveniles in a hunt for medals), or some "pub team" type club that only plays at adult level.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 25/10/2023 12:41:26    2510223

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Great to see 7 players represented from the county on the Joe McDonagh team of the year. Well done to all and the entire team.

Unusedsub (Carlow) - Posts: 95 - 25/10/2023 14:01:02    2510240

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Replying To CARPS:  "The danger of removing 2nd teams from regular championships is that guys playing with the likes of Eire Og might just go off and play soccer instead (or nothing). They might not want to join the Blues or Asca (they could have already left them as juveniles in a hunt for medals), or some "pub team" type club that only plays at adult level."
I think If lads are medal hunters then a junior or intermediate would be a better one that a reserve championship medal. I'd say our lack of an u18 grade has done more to fill the soccer ranks than anything else we could do. Clubs could still have 3 teams but only one could be in our championships. I'd rather have an adult club with no juveniles than a juvenile club with no adults, something will have to change football is in bad shape, you are right in a lot you say about carlow town, but I think participation in general in the town is the biggest single issue. I think if that improves then all the local clubs will get a benefit.

I don't have figures but if we look at age groups by year 05 who would be 18 maybe 16-18 footballers of that age in town 06 who would be 17 I don't think there is much more than 20 footballers in the town, 07 probably around the same as 05. 08 again is poor. Now the question is where are they all, what age do the drop off and how do we stop the drop off, a quick look at 2010 would tell me asca o hanrahans and eire og all field so there is probably up to 40 playing, is that enough? Can we work on that. I think carlow gaa has to take a serious look at the town in general. What schools offer the most players to clubs and which ones the least. We are definitely not maximising the potential of the town

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 25/10/2023 15:03:10    2510261

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "I think If lads are medal hunters then a junior or intermediate would be a better one that a reserve championship medal. I'd say our lack of an u18 grade has done more to fill the soccer ranks than anything else we could do. Clubs could still have 3 teams but only one could be in our championships. I'd rather have an adult club with no juveniles than a juvenile club with no adults, something will have to change football is in bad shape, you are right in a lot you say about carlow town, but I think participation in general in the town is the biggest single issue. I think if that improves then all the local clubs will get a benefit.

I don't have figures but if we look at age groups by year 05 who would be 18 maybe 16-18 footballers of that age in town 06 who would be 17 I don't think there is much more than 20 footballers in the town, 07 probably around the same as 05. 08 again is poor. Now the question is where are they all, what age do the drop off and how do we stop the drop off, a quick look at 2010 would tell me asca o hanrahans and eire og all field so there is probably up to 40 playing, is that enough? Can we work on that. I think carlow gaa has to take a serious look at the town in general. What schools offer the most players to clubs and which ones the least. We are definitely not maximising the potential of the town"
Agree on grades. I don't see why we could not have u19 and u21 grades tbh. So what if inter-county is under 20? The u19 could serve a trial tournament for the following years Carlow u20 side.

It would keep more lads involved, especially in the larger clubs.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 25/10/2023 19:25:30    2510327

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Replying To CARPS:  "Agree on grades. I don't see why we could not have u19 and u21 grades tbh. So what if inter-county is under 20? The u19 could serve a trial tournament for the following years Carlow u20 side.

It would keep more lads involved, especially in the larger clubs."
We are a small county we could easily run 19s or go back to evens many 17 year olds are just not ready for adult football

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 26/10/2023 12:28:05    2510421

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Well done to Ross Dunphy on making the tailteann cup team of the year.

Unusedsub (Carlow) - Posts: 95 - 26/10/2023 14:31:58    2510472

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Replying To Unusedsub:  "Well done to Ross Dunphy on making the tailteann cup team of the year."
Congratulations to Ross Dunphy making the Tailteann team. Great to be in there with no 11 on your back ! A lot of opposition vying for all positions.

carlowman (Carlow) - Posts: 1852 - 26/10/2023 18:47:02    2510532

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Replying To carlowman:  "Congratulations to Ross Dunphy making the Tailteann team. Great to be in there with no 11 on your back ! A lot of opposition vying for all positions."
Yeah well done to Ross. Great year by him. Mikey bambrick unlucky not to get in too.

Overthebar53 (Carlow) - Posts: 295 - 27/10/2023 23:28:46    2510705

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Marty Kavanagh received the Player of the Year award for the McDonagh Cup competition.
Marty has had an excellent year and deserved accolade for him.
Paddy Boland, Chris Nolan , James Doyle, Jack McCullagh , Diarmuis Byrne and Brian Tracey also made the McDonagh team which was great for the hurlers.

carlowman (Carlow) - Posts: 1852 - 28/10/2023 10:03:53    2510715

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Congratulations to the hurlers and marty kavanagh in particular for his poty award well deserved
Congratulations to Ross dunphy also a nice personal accolade for the standout footballer in Carlow this year

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 28/10/2023 10:29:56    2510716

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Replying To CARPS:  "Agree on grades. I don't see why we could not have u19 and u21 grades tbh. So what if inter-county is under 20? The u19 could serve a trial tournament for the following years Carlow u20 side.

It would keep more lads involved, especially in the larger clubs."
Just back to a previous post of yours regarding tralee Kerins o rahillys now join Austin stacks and John mitchels in intermediate in kerry, nagaeil the only tralee club left in senior after winning the relagation final, the pool we are drawing from is getting smaller particularly in urban areas 12% now non irish you can be sure in urban areas that's much bigger, the job of recruiting players will get harder and harder for clubs.

Barrowsider (Carlow) - Posts: 1672 - 28/10/2023 20:45:04    2510766

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "Just back to a previous post of yours regarding tralee Kerins o rahillys now join Austin stacks and John mitchels in intermediate in kerry, nagaeil the only tralee club left in senior after winning the relagation final, the pool we are drawing from is getting smaller particularly in urban areas 12% now non irish you can be sure in urban areas that's much bigger, the job of recruiting players will get harder and harder for clubs."
Oh boy, you really are a doomsayer. A pick of positivity wouldn't go astray occasionally.why don't you put yourself forward for election and try and implement some of your ideas instead of just constantly bemoaning the current state of affairs.

Overthebar53 (Carlow) - Posts: 295 - 28/10/2023 23:42:06    2510782

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Replying To Barrowsider:  "Just back to a previous post of yours regarding tralee Kerins o rahillys now join Austin stacks and John mitchels in intermediate in kerry, nagaeil the only tralee club left in senior after winning the relagation final, the pool we are drawing from is getting smaller particularly in urban areas 12% now non irish you can be sure in urban areas that's much bigger, the job of recruiting players will get harder and harder for clubs."
Yes, and that's a great thing. It means their football is super competitive. Which is why they have such great county teams. Unlike Carlow, were one club basically has a 50-50 chance of winning at every grade, every year.

As for your point, about urban areas, that's pure nonsense. As Kerry proves. Four of the eight senior clubs were from Killarney or Tralee, this year: Crokes, Na Gaeil, Spa and Kerins. As Fossa will almost certainly win the IFC, there will most likely also be four next year. Just three Killarney, one Tralee, rather than two each.

Combined the two towns have 40,000 people. Kerry, as a whole, has 156,000. Which means they provided 50% of the senior clubs, this year off 25% of the population. And will probably do the same next year. Even if Fossa lost to Milltown, it will still be 38%.

In Carlow, the town provides 12% of the senior clubs, off 43% of the population.

All you're doing here is proving my point.

Sport is all about rivalry. Tralee and Killarney have great rivalries (as does Kilkenny city, for example, in hurling). This fees into great county teams. Carlow town doesn't have any anymore. Because one club has sucked up the whole place.

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 29/10/2023 10:49:38    2510816

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also, Barrowsider, about the 12% of the town being "non-Irish."

I see in The Kerryman, this week, that the figure for *County* Kerry is 10%. We can assume that would be significantly higher in Tralee and Killarney.

Also, why do we assume that the kids of "non-Irish" won't play GAA? To give one example, Chiedozie Ogbene - born in Nigeria, and now a Premier League soccer player - was a star footballer (up to under-21) in Cork, with Nemo Rangers.

Perhaps GAA clubs just need to make more efforts to attract them?

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/kerry/news/non-irish-account-for-10-per-cent-of-kerry-population-cso-reveal/a448573798.html

CARPS (Carlow) - Posts: 742 - 29/10/2023 12:58:29    2510830

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