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The likelihood of a rotating Taoiseach is always on the table when FF & FG are the main players to form the next government. The CC was no giveaway it was cunningly part of an overall plan. MM leader of the biggest party proposed VM for the CC job, at the same time he sidestepped S O'F in not a nice way at all. The political history books will show in the future that MM leader of FF helped to get the first woman over the line as CC of the Dail sittings, at the same time winning the possible support of the Indos, an opportunity was lost when MM said FF would not collate with SF. Their day is fast approaching. Nollaig Shonna Duith. Cuhullain (Kildare) - Posts: 292 - 22/12/2024 12:17:32 2584273 Link 1 |
It is ok to see the League of Ireland doing well. About time tbh. The Charlton/golden era was 25 years ago now. galwayford (Galway) - Posts: 2585 - 22/12/2024 12:46:20 2584275 Link 0 |
Utd with another terrible result…. Sir Jim Jim really taking the heat of the Glaziers…!!! ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3259 - 23/12/2024 08:32:16 2584318 Link 0 |
Connacht vs Munster is confirmed for MacHale Park DuhallowRed (Cork) - Posts: 304 - 23/12/2024 13:04:08 2584336 Link 0 |
Would that Charlton era have been as successful if the players born outside Ireland were excluded… players like John Aldridge, Ray Houghton, Tony Cascarino, Phil Babb, Terry Phelan, Andy Townsend, Jason McAteer, Mick McCarthy… Big Jack used to hunt for players who could qualify for Ireland on grandparents rule. So, League of Ireland hadn't much impact on those successful years.
Ryanteam (Cork) - Posts: 417 - 23/12/2024 15:35:52 2584351 Link 0 |
And would you think those years would have been as "successful" if more LOI players had been involved ?? Personally, I think , - no. Any of that were of a high enough standard would have been playing in England.
Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1325 - 23/12/2024 16:43:57 2584356 Link 0 |
Anyone following the DARTS at the Ally Pally? Some great matchups and upsets so far. I'm a Beast Fan myself. THE BEAST ABU! Trump2020 (Galway) - Posts: 2281 - 23/12/2024 19:55:42 2584366 Link 0 |
Killingfields,I'm thinking you might be best to answer a few things as regards international rugby and provinces..I have a healthy interest in rugby and in the 80s,90s attended ail every Saturday..I'm worried that Leinster rugby are going to be so dominant that the other 3 are only wasting their time..I think 2 players will start the 6 nations from the other 3 provinces,Tadgh beirne and Mack Hansen,even at this stage Crowley for me won't start and that is again down to how strong Leinster are in every department..I see one of the Byrne brothers gone to England for a few months..do you think this will happen with more of their players rather than throw their lot in with a rival province.does the fact they have so many centrally contracted players mean they can afford to bring in some huge international names?im asking because I don't know how the system works..I watched Munster and thought only 2 players really stood up to Leinster,I was disappointed and enjoyed ulster/Connacht more the following evening…I know this is a long winded question and I'm asking you because you might have a better idea of the workings of irfu.. CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2413 - 02/01/2025 18:55:02 2584388 Link 0 |
When did Leinster stop picking fancy dans, and when did the whole Munster by Grace of God thing die a comprehensive death?
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3911 - 03/01/2025 08:39:39 2584405 Link 0 |
Leinster got their act together about 20 years ago, both on and off the pitch. A massive amount of work and expertise went into their academy with a view to long term and consistant talent production. They have a great relationship with schools and clubs across provience, assisting with coaching and advice on an ongoing basis. They have moved ahead of other three mainly due to this long term planning. Success means 9/10 of their players are on central contracts which ease's the financial burden which in turn allows more investment. Prior to this season Leinster rarely went after star names for their allowed 3 Non Irish Qualified players. RG Snyman and Geordie Barrett services were acquired as much by luck as being headhunted. Irish team would benefit by more diverse selection, however talent is not there at other three, CC can not be divided for sake of it, players have to earn selection.. IRFU invest in all proviences, however, much depend's on the people who run the clubs to get best results.
seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2207 - 03/01/2025 19:55:45 2584474 Link 0 |
Leinster have put a lot of effort in a move away from D4 nonsence and have embraced the twelve county army model. The have developed a great relationship with, not only fee paying schools, but clubs and school teams across provience. Munster a bit like my own county took their eye off the ball in thinking good times were here to stay and let future take care of itself. There seems to be a divide between Limerick and the rest, especially Cork. Last thing Munster need is a bigger disconnect beteen club and fan's. In fairness they have been very unlucky with injuries and poor return from their NIQ players. Too many players, back room staff and managers seem happy to leave, these are questions that need to be addressed.
seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2207 - 03/01/2025 20:09:26 2584475 Link 0 |
Thanks for info lads and I agree Munster have left it slide in last 5/7 years..it's a shame because Ireland needs all provinces to be competitive..Munster have lost carbery,Frisch and Healy in the past 12 months bringing in for my mind players of a lesser quality..struggling with front row players and don't seem to be able to sign anyone of note..I do think some players down this side were unfairly treated..Nash played the 6 nations but only got time in 1 autumn international..if Mike Haley was playing in Leinster I do think he would have been capped,Coombs for me is another who I feel hasn't got any time..maybe I'm just being cranky and showing Munster bias.I think it looks bad for other provinces when players who are way down pecking order in Leinster are making Irish squads before players who are starting in other 3 teams.. CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2413 - 03/01/2025 20:51:53 2584477 Link 0 |
Luke Littler gave Mickey Van Gervin a good beating in the Darts. CorkLiamMcCarthy24 (Cork) - Posts: 66 - 03/01/2025 21:06:45 2584481 Link 0 |
That young Littler sure knows his darts. Just watched the final. He blew Van Gerwin completely out of the water. Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1325 - 03/01/2025 22:02:29 2584489 Link 0 |
Its just my opinion. Munster signed
seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2207 - 03/01/2025 22:08:55 2584490 Link 0 |
Munster's last big imports from SA were a disaster RG and Jenkins spent more time injured than playing, Damian DeA more or less went through the motions. High profile players will have viewed this and thought "Munster not worth the risk" I think they will find it difficult quality from abroad. As it stands they are only side with 4 NIQs. Players like Mike H and GC may look good in URC but international level is a few steps up. Neither had great games against Leinster, who were 8/9 of their best 23. Thomas Aherne will get a call up to Irish squad this Jan. Hopefully he takes his chance. Munster are trying to deflect blame to IRFU/Leinster but their problems lie closer to home. If more Munster players were to be selected who do you drop? seadog54 (Meath) - Posts: 2207 - 03/01/2025 22:32:16 2584492 Link 0 |
Oh look. Turns out that Barney the misinfomationer was right after all: https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2025/01/02/department-queries-high-levels-of-irish-exemptions-at-second-level-schools/ For those who do not subscribe to the Times, the story is about how exemptions from taking exams in Irish are mostly due to "students from abroad and pupils with additional needs." Which is common sense even for those with no specific knowledge of the education system. That would be me, rather than someone else, clearly. BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3275 - 04/01/2025 11:25:58 2584526 Link 0 |
There are many reasons for students seeking exemptions from learning Irish. A major player is the surge in numbers with dyslexia and other ia's which are difficult to pronounce. And I say this as someone with experience in school management.
Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1325 - 04/01/2025 11:55:24 2584533 Link 0 |
Blithely ignoring the fact that THE main numerical reason is the numbers of immigrants and children of immigrants in the education system! And i say this as someone who has read the reports. Try that perhaps? Did you even read the article? BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 3275 - 04/01/2025 12:18:40 2584541 Link 0 |
You are embarrassing yourself. I gave you a breakdown of numbers. I can give you another 5 or 6 schools as well if you want. And i can share multiple articles as well. You have said it's mostly due to students from abroad. It isn't. Of course immigrant students are exempt but the number of Irish born students with Irish parents being exempt has increased year on year. That's a fact. And now someone else is telling you the same thing. But you are right because you read an article. Bravo.
TheFlaker (Mayo) - Posts: 8208 - 04/01/2025 12:28:19 2584544 Link 0 |