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International Rules

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Replying To FullOfPorter:  "Not sure why it wasn't allowed through but see how this goes. Was only making the point that the Aussies are not only using the GAA/LGFA to get players but there's a good chance they will use us to grow their game here. There's also a danger it helps push the GAA towards professionalism in a bid to keep players. The GAA should not entertain resurrecting the compromise rules series under any terms. It's a pretty poor spectacle anyway and there is nothing to be gained from a GAA perspective."
Its an awful game and the womens version is even worse from what ive seen on tg4 before they show club games in Autumn and Winter.

Mickey Harte called all this years ago. GAA ought to be promoting gaelic football not boosting this dogs dinner and certainly not facilitating "recruitment."

Would be pity if Kobe opens up new wave.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4531 - 05/08/2026 10:18:10    2688705

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Its an awful game and the womens version is even worse from what ive seen on tg4 before they show club games in Autumn and Winter.

Mickey Harte called all this years ago. GAA ought to be promoting gaelic football not boosting this dogs dinner and certainly not facilitating "recruitment."

Would be pity if Kobe opens up new wave."
There have been no Internationals for 9 or 10 years yet the AFL continue to recruit.
And will !

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 818 - 05/08/2026 11:19:48    2688709

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Its an awful game and the womens version is even worse from what ive seen on tg4 before they show club games in Autumn and Winter.

Mickey Harte called all this years ago. GAA ought to be promoting gaelic football not boosting this dogs dinner and certainly not facilitating "recruitment."

Would be pity if Kobe opens up new wave."
A terrible watch. And I don't know if it was accidental but having the Irish v Aussie women's on the same weekend as the LGFA All Ireland finals I thought was scandalous and poor judgement on behalf of the Irish girls to take part on that particular weekend.

Kobe is about to give their game a platform they never had before in Ireland, if he's a success there will be a lot tuning in to see how he gets on. You could have a two pronged effect of more people following it as fans and more young lads wanting to emulate him and play. It could turn out that AFL becomes the biggest threat to maintaining the GAA as an amateur organisation.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 567 - 05/08/2026 11:49:10    2688710

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It's a dire game, but I don't blame any of the guys or girls for taking the opportunity. With the money on offer and the chance to become a professional athlete, it's an opportunity that most people would take if it were presented to them.

That said, I'd be very much against our players going over to play it. I have no interest in following Kobe's career there, just as I had none with Mullin. I won't be making any effort to watch them or support the teams they're playing for but best of luck to them all the same.

Dmoa95 (UK) - Posts: 18 - 05/08/2026 12:40:04    2688713

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Replying To FullOfPorter:  "A terrible watch. And I don't know if it was accidental but having the Irish v Aussie women's on the same weekend as the LGFA All Ireland finals I thought was scandalous and poor judgement on behalf of the Irish girls to take part on that particular weekend.

Kobe is about to give their game a platform they never had before in Ireland, if he's a success there will be a lot tuning in to see how he gets on. You could have a two pronged effect of more people following it as fans and more young lads wanting to emulate him and play. It could turn out that AFL becomes the biggest threat to maintaining the GAA as an amateur organisation."
Would it be 0.001% of Gaelic football prayers go to AFL Clubs?
Stop panicking!

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 818 - 05/08/2026 12:52:18    2688714

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AFL is a poor watch in comparison to new rules Gaelic Football but the Aussies are happy enough with it and market it professionally. Kobe's played a few months of senior intercounty football. Slight build in comparison to AFL players, needs a lot of S&C and developing skills, if there are any, because he's 18. Could be a couple of years before he gets regular games with St. Kilda. Regardless the AFL and AFLW aren't gonna go around Ireland getting more players than previously after a Kobe effect. They'll pick the best prospects. No more than soccer, rugby,NFL taking GAA players you can't stand in the way of a player wanting to try professional sport. If there's no club or county contract broken the signing team has no legal reason to pay compensation to club or county. Something the GAA should look into. Maybe get a bit more publicity for the GAA abroad to if a player moves to another sport rather than bemoan the fact. Plenty of publicity worldwide after the football final but not coming from GAA marketing.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8685 - 05/08/2026 13:10:52    2688716

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Replying To Seanfan:  "There have been no Internationals for 9 or 10 years yet the AFL continue to recruit.
And will !"
No need then to facilitate their campaign by staging farcical "compromise rules."

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4531 - 05/08/2026 14:11:12    2688725

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Replying To Seanfan:  "Would it be 0.001% of Gaelic football prayers go to AFL Clubs?
Stop panicking!"
Of county players on the women's side it's a lot more than that, and generally the most talented ones at that.
To argue that it's not impacting some county teams significantly would be disingenuous.
The Mayo ladies for example have at least 5 of their best players in the AFLW. They'd make an enormous difference to the Mayo team if they were playing for their county.
At the same time, I have no issue whatsoever with the players who have decided to go over. It's a great opportunity for many of them.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2991 - 05/08/2026 15:28:46    2688734

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Replying To WanPintWin:  "Of county players on the women's side it's a lot more than that, and generally the most talented ones at that.
To argue that it's not impacting some county teams significantly would be disingenuous.
The Mayo ladies for example have at least 5 of their best players in the AFLW. They'd make an enormous difference to the Mayo team if they were playing for their county.
At the same time, I have no issue whatsoever with the players who have decided to go over. It's a great opportunity for many of them."
Mayo have seven players from their women's team in the WAFL.

I'm sure the men's team would also be in a much better position if they were retaining Kobe (18) and had Oisín Mullin (25). Those are two generational players who a defence and forward line could be built around for the next five to seven years.

Kerry have lost some massive players as well, which would definitely increase their chances of winning more All-Irelands.

Dmoa95 (UK) - Posts: 18 - 05/08/2026 16:01:27    2688740

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "No need then to facilitate their campaign by staging farcical "compromise rules.""
International Rules hasn't been played since 2017.
They don't recruit older players anyway.

Seanfan (Roscommon) - Posts: 818 - 05/08/2026 16:40:09    2688745

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Replying To Dmoa95:  "Mayo have seven players from their women's team in the WAFL.

I'm sure the men's team would also be in a much better position if they were retaining Kobe (18) and had Oisín Mullin (25). Those are two generational players who a defence and forward line could be built around for the next five to seven years.

Kerry have lost some massive players as well, which would definitely increase their chances of winning more All-Irelands."
Exactly, I said at least, as they had 5 representatives on the Irish WAFL team which played last weekend. 7 of their best players is a huge number. There aren't many (if any) counties which could remain competitive losing that number.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2991 - 05/08/2026 18:04:14    2688748

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Replying To Dmoa95:  "Mayo have seven players from their women's team in the WAFL.

I'm sure the men's team would also be in a much better position if they were retaining Kobe (18) and had Oisín Mullin (25). Those are two generational players who a defence and forward line could be built around for the next five to seven years.

Kerry have lost some massive players as well, which would definitely increase their chances of winning more All-Irelands."
Being selfish yes we in Kerry have been hit bigtine by Aussies.
Mark O Connor,Cillian Burke,Rob Monaghan anc Ben Murphy.

Mark and Cillian would be nailed on starters on the Kerry senior team and Rob Monaghan would be on panel.Ben Murphy was swiped last year and would have been on the under 20 team this year.Ben Murphy was one of the brightest prospects in a while .Football and speed to burn and a good fielder.
Now we might be losing Evan Boyle who gave an exhibition midfield in the All Ireland under 20 final.

Mayo have lost Oisin and Kobe and Tyrone have been affected too.
Dublin could be in bother too as strong rumours about young Raftree the Dublin minor who is one of their best prospects in years.He is too young yet but could be lured next year.Tough times for gaa.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4240 - 05/08/2026 19:21:07    2688757

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In 2017, we had three scoring varieties - goal, over & behind - for 6, 3 & 1 pts, respectively.

With the new GAA arc, what are we facing?

Maybe 6 & 1 could stay, but does the "over" need a long & short split to 4 & 2?

Or, a total revamp - to 9, 6, 3 & 1 - is required to address unintended consequences?

omahant (USA) - Posts: 3506 - 05/08/2026 20:05:39    2688759

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Replying To FullOfPorter:  "A terrible watch. And I don't know if it was accidental but having the Irish v Aussie women's on the same weekend as the LGFA All Ireland finals I thought was scandalous and poor judgement on behalf of the Irish girls to take part on that particular weekend.

Kobe is about to give their game a platform they never had before in Ireland, if he's a success there will be a lot tuning in to see how he gets on. You could have a two pronged effect of more people following it as fans and more young lads wanting to emulate him and play. It could turn out that AFL becomes the biggest threat to maintaining the GAA as an amateur organisation."
More watching it than the Premier League, or the Heinèken Cup??. I prefer the NFL and NCAA Basketball myself with a little PGA thrown in. People need to get a grip on themselves.

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1190 - 05/08/2026 21:33:58    2688767

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Its an awful game and the womens version is even worse from what ive seen on tg4 before they show club games in Autumn and Winter.

Mickey Harte called all this years ago. GAA ought to be promoting gaelic football not boosting this dogs dinner and certainly not facilitating "recruitment."

Would be pity if Kobe opens up new wave."
Nonsense. Our GAA players deserve an International opportunity. I have yet to hear one playerwho played in the International Rules, criticize it.

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1190 - 05/08/2026 21:36:44    2688768

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Replying To Dmoa95:  "Mayo have seven players from their women's team in the WAFL.

I'm sure the men's team would also be in a much better position if they were retaining Kobe (18) and had Oisín Mullin (25). Those are two generational players who a defence and forward line could be built around for the next five to seven years.

Kerry have lost some massive players as well, which would definitely increase their chances of winning more All-Irelands."
Imagine how many All Irelands Monaghan would have won, if Jonathan Douglas, Mark Connolly and Aaron McCarey hadnt been lured across the water to play Association Football. Total nonsense being shared on this subject. What about all the priests that were lost to counties back in the days. Calm down lads. Emigration is an Irish thing whether it be for work or sport. Long may it continue.

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1190 - 05/08/2026 21:44:47    2688770

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Replying To FullOfPorter:  "A terrible watch. And I don't know if it was accidental but having the Irish v Aussie women's on the same weekend as the LGFA All Ireland finals I thought was scandalous and poor judgement on behalf of the Irish girls to take part on that particular weekend.

Kobe is about to give their game a platform they never had before in Ireland, if he's a success there will be a lot tuning in to see how he gets on. You could have a two pronged effect of more people following it as fans and more young lads wanting to emulate him and play. It could turn out that AFL becomes the biggest threat to maintaining the GAA as an amateur organisation."
There is a reality coming down the tracks for mens gaelic football.

The all Ireland semis and finals took in over €24m in gate reciepts. (83,000 x €100)
The current football product will attract bigger crowds in earlier especially if the competitiveness remains.

The other GAA sports - Hurling, lgfa, camogie, tailteann cup, will always be amateur as there is no market to sustain those sports at a professional level.

However, with the commitment needed from multiple counties to win Sam Maguire - there is a business case developing for having 10 semi professional football counties at a minimum (Dublin, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Tyrone, Donegal, Armagh, Kildare, Meath, Louth) as they would have the attendences to support it in a tailored competition.

Roscommon, Monaghan, Westmeath might have the teams now to joint them, but don't have the population to do it.
Cork , Limerick, Clare, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford would be involved in hurling which doesn't have enough general appeal to ever become a runner for a semi professional operation.

The day will come when the the top end of the gaelic football pyramid will produce enough talent that Aussie rules will take 20 or so a year. The only way to stop it is to have a paid opportunity at home. That is the inevitable conclusion

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 2015 - 06/08/2026 11:58:15    2688808

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "There is a reality coming down the tracks for mens gaelic football.

The all Ireland semis and finals took in over €24m in gate reciepts. (83,000 x €100)
The current football product will attract bigger crowds in earlier especially if the competitiveness remains.

The other GAA sports - Hurling, lgfa, camogie, tailteann cup, will always be amateur as there is no market to sustain those sports at a professional level.

However, with the commitment needed from multiple counties to win Sam Maguire - there is a business case developing for having 10 semi professional football counties at a minimum (Dublin, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Tyrone, Donegal, Armagh, Kildare, Meath, Louth) as they would have the attendences to support it in a tailored competition.

Roscommon, Monaghan, Westmeath might have the teams now to joint them, but don't have the population to do it.
Cork , Limerick, Clare, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford would be involved in hurling which doesn't have enough general appeal to ever become a runner for a semi professional operation.

The day will come when the the top end of the gaelic football pyramid will produce enough talent that Aussie rules will take 20 or so a year. The only way to stop it is to have a paid opportunity at home. That is the inevitable conclusion"
It's far from an inevitable conclusion. You might want to take out the GAA annual report if you honestly think the GAA or the counties listed could sustain 10 semi-professional teams. How would Mayo pay for it for example, a county that is well known to be up their neck in debt, debt that Croke Park owns (lets call it what it is, a bailout) and to which is preventing capital investment in the overall game until it's paid off. Ye will be a long time paying off 25k a month and on very, very favourable terms may I add (https://www.the42.ie/mayo-gaa-finance-6715779-May2025/).

Creating an 'elite' faction to the GAA will certainly kill it off. All counties go professional or no professional, which to be clear, I would never be in agreement with in the first place.

And so what if 20 players a year head out to Australia, off they go. This idea that the GAA must over react to a minute proportion of their players heading to aus is laughable.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2330 - 06/08/2026 12:33:10    2688820

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Replying To ORIELMAN85:  "Nonsense. Our GAA players deserve an International opportunity. I have yet to hear one playerwho played in the International Rules, criticize it."
Of course they deserve an international opportunity but if the International rules is to ever make a comeback, the GAA are well within their rights to protect their own game and make player recruitment and other matters part of the discussion. As it stands, as we all know, there's no mechanism to compensate GAA clubs for producing players and there's no legal mechanism or requirement for it either. The Aussies could if they wanted to, agree a mechanism for that, a memorandum of understanding which acknowledges the GAA's unique standing in sport. In fairness, I'll hold my breath on that.

Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2330 - 06/08/2026 12:55:32    2688823

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Replying To tirawleybaron:  "There is a reality coming down the tracks for mens gaelic football.

The all Ireland semis and finals took in over €24m in gate reciepts. (83,000 x €100)
The current football product will attract bigger crowds in earlier especially if the competitiveness remains.

The other GAA sports - Hurling, lgfa, camogie, tailteann cup, will always be amateur as there is no market to sustain those sports at a professional level.

However, with the commitment needed from multiple counties to win Sam Maguire - there is a business case developing for having 10 semi professional football counties at a minimum (Dublin, Kerry, Galway, Mayo, Tyrone, Donegal, Armagh, Kildare, Meath, Louth) as they would have the attendences to support it in a tailored competition.

Roscommon, Monaghan, Westmeath might have the teams now to joint them, but don't have the population to do it.
Cork , Limerick, Clare, Waterford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Wexford would be involved in hurling which doesn't have enough general appeal to ever become a runner for a semi professional operation.

The day will come when the the top end of the gaelic football pyramid will produce enough talent that Aussie rules will take 20 or so a year. The only way to stop it is to have a paid opportunity at home. That is the inevitable conclusion"
That's it, 20 players might not be huge in the overall playing numbers but they will be some of the top talents and most likely from the top counties. As with your own county, having O Mullin and Kobe in a Mayo team could be the difference between winning another All Ireland or not. While some good players also go to rugby and soccer, for whatever reason, you generally don't hear of the top football prospects in a county going to them and are more likely to be younger and less established. The pressure to professionalise will grow and I think the GAA will lose something when/if that happens.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 567 - 06/08/2026 13:32:10    2688830

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