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Non-Gaa Forum - 2 Like(s)
Replying To cavanman47: "I didn't want to use specific place names in my argument, but seeing as you have chosen to name Tallaght and Ballymun, let's run with those.
Ballymun is connected to Dublin city centre via frequent bus services, and is a 45 minute walk (11 minute cycle) to DCU.
Tallaght is connected to the city centre by bus and Luas and has it's own University (or at least part of a university).
The 'system' you claim is under-serving the people of these areas is surely the same system that built the universities and infrastructure mentioned above??" Ive been following this conversation closely.
As someone who spent 10 years working with the people in an area of Dublin comically and socially very similar to the areas that are being referenced and working closely in and with the schools and services in that area( both primary and secondary) i think I have a working knowledge of the challenges faced.
It is my experience that many are lost in primary school. As they go through the years they engage less and less both in terms of attendance and engagement when they are there. Some only attend to be fed. Thats the sad reality.
Most of these kids are disruptive when there and are one by the end of 2nd year in secondary school. They never stood a chance unfortunately.
Then there are the kids thst get a small bit more support from home. However they are heavily influenced by the first batch of kids. They hang around with them outside school and many of them are similarly difficult in school. They tend to follow them out the door after the junior cert/ TY.
The kids that make it to senior cycle were generally identified by the teachers/system in first year and probably primary school as being the ones to make it. Even then they are vulnerable to the influence of the community they come from. They see their former classmates in designer gear and passengers in flashy cars with plenty of money in the pocket. Sime will fall for the life and some for the product that finances the life.
The ones that avoid all that get the reward of the daunting prospect that is the CAO and grant application process. Bare in mind that these kids have no role models/ culture to look up to follow in this regard. Their parents are either on social welfare or in low paid jobs. Their peers are all of the kids lost along the way. They enter a university like UCD or Trinity or Maynooth and everyone around them looks and sounds different and feel like they belong.
The ones that make it do so against all the odds . They deserve great credit for that.
Tadhg2020 (National) - 12/04/2026 14:24:32
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Westmeath Hurling thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To preddan: "great comeback for minor team, great win, well done all" Very strong wind but we had no luck in first half creating three goal chances but between bad luck and good defending didn't convert any.
In the second half we were completely dominant outscoring Offaly in Birr by 14 points. But what was even better was the battling qualities shown. It wont be easy playing so many games one after the other especially with ao many dual players but this team can compete.
II hold my hand up, I questioned why so few of the county finalists werent playing but everyone who played today were excellent.
jobber (National) - 11/04/2026 16:47:46
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Galway Hurling thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To galway19: "Pretty harmless u20 game in Kildare, at least no injuries and plenty of lads got game time that weren't on the 24 last week. Won by 13 in the end. Could probably do with getting Conor Gilligan, Colm Burke and Cullen Killeen on the field for the Kilkenny game on Wednesday week. Rabbitte, Niland and Sean Murphy weren't involved today at all. Murphy out a few weeks with injury." Yeah it was a pretty tedious watch, just a game to get out of the way really, win and no injuries. Not really a day to be handing out flowers though Campbell and Burke stood out among a sea of average, though in defence of the others they only needed to be at their average due to the gulf in quality.
Watched WX v KK and KK were mediocre, WX were much better for long stages and it's telling that KK couldn't hang onto a 4 point lead after netting on 57 mins. O'Donovan is a certain starter on April 22 as he has pace they are sorely lacking upfront.
I would fancy us without Niland and Rabbitte next day out: with them it's difficult to make a case for Kilkenny based on their current form as they just look so ordinary
Stool Pigeon (National) - 12/04/2026 11:19:49
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Leitrim GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Good 1st half for Leitrim Seniors Half-time Sligo 0-7 Leitrim 2-7
Gaa_lover (National) - 12/04/2026 15:38:32
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Westmeath Hurling thread - 1 Like(s)
Leinster council have made a total mess of this years minor championship. Yesterday was a huge game as ourselves and Offaly faced the situation that the loser was out of the Leinster MHC after playing 2 matches whilst the winner is guaranteed three more. On their site they have Kerry beating us 2-20 to 3-16 when we actually won 3-26 to 2-10.
So according to their own website Kerry should have played Offaly yesterday. Unbelievable!!!
It is seriously worrying the lack of interest Leinster have in the their own MHC. No wonder Munster is dominating.
jobber (National) - 12/04/2026 13:52:09
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Trumps Conflict - What Influence Will It Have On The GAA - 1 Like(s)
Well that Iran talks have broken down as predicted. The clown show at the White House means this fuel cost crisis is going to continue for the foreseeable.
yew_tree (National) - 12/04/2026 12:45:47
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Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To combo: "Tomo Culhane is currently in Australia, playing Aussie rules with AFL Pathway Opportunities, trying to get a contract, he has given up on the place kicker in NFL route. If it doesnt work out he could be back next year for Galway" And, him coming back will improve things how?
StopTheLights (National) - 12/04/2026 12:29:26
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Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland? - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Pope_Benedict: "You're belittling u21 wins and u21 competition, and then go on to belittle players who didn't win u21s. Make up your mind like a good lad.
The correlation between u21 and senior success is quite high imo. Clare Limerick Tipp Cork have dominated the grade for 14 seasons, and have the beat senior sides our of it for the last 8 years. Galway's 4 senior wins 1980-2017 were preceded by u21 wins in '72, '78, '83, '86, 2007 and 2011.
Most of Wexford's senior intercounty success was post 2nd world war, but before the introduction of underage intercounty competition in the sixties, which perhaps is jaundicing your view there about the value of intercounty minor and u21 grades as underage talent pipelines for senior success." I have reached and passed pension age age and though I remember nothing of it, was brought by Galway hurling fanatic parents to the Wexford Galway final in 1955.
Wexford were in no final between their victory in 1910 and 1951 whereas Galway who were in five finals during the twenties were in no final during the thirties or forties.
Galway were in three finals during the fifties wining none, Wexford in six between '51 and '62 winning three.
In the context of the Benedict/Viking debate … genuine Galway hurling supporters supported Wexford in all those finals bar '55, delighted that the big three were being challenged and enthused by the Rackards and that great Wexford team/s.
Though Galway got direct entry to the semi-finals and indeed straight to the 1958 final and won none of the three and taking into account the more serious impact on emigration on Galway hurling, they were not as far off as seems to be assumed 70 years later.
Galway lost to Cork in 1953 … 3-3 v 0-8 ie eight scores v six and the shameful dirty assault on Micky Burke by the greatest hurler of all time.
Galway lost the 1955 final by eight points to Wexford … much the same as the six points which Cork lost by to the same Wexford team in 1956. So we were not so bad and indeed won an Oireachtas final earlier … JoeSalmon and Jimmy Duggan were wonderful hurlers.
Re the importance of minors … I'm not sure how many of the Wexford other than John Quigley played on the Wexford teams which lost the finals of 1970, '76 and '77 to Cork but I'd venture there was a contribution- I do accept that a victory in the the U21 was more signicant as an indicator of a good future senior tea
Re Galway, the Coiste Iomana set a target in 1961 to win a minor all-Ireland by 1970 and the attention paid to under age players by PJ Callanan and Norman Farragher began to pay dividends … in 1966 Galway minors drew with Waterford and won the replay, beat Tipperary in the semi-final and were beaten by Cork 6-7 v 2-8 in the Munster final …many of the Cork minors went on to win senior all Irelands in 1970 and after… John Connolly, Frank Canning and Padraig Fahy were stars on that Galway team. Emigration was still a big problem in the West of Ireland and we lost Frank Canning and the Abbeyknockmoy Connollys to London and they came back to beat us in 1973. Galway went on to win the 1972 u21 but IMHO without the emphasis on the minors - we didn't win but got to the 1970 final - the success of the 1970/1980s would have been delayed.
Blackcoatsoffthefield (National) - 12/04/2026 12:26:20
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Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland? - 1 Like(s)
Right can we go back to the present day lads. The historic stuff while at times very interesting at the moment it's gone completely out of hand.
I agree the title if the post is designed to stir. But look at the moment Limerick have shown a nice bit of consistency. However, while Gillane is always a top forward I do think if he's marked well we don't have other lads stepping up. O'Connor and O'brien have been way too quiet for my liking when they tempo has been raised. Also there are question marks about the fitness levels near the end of the older but one in a lifetime brigade. I definitely would like to see a midfield of o donovan and English and shove up lynch to the forwards. Yes same old same old but these boys have done 4 in a row, they aren't average players you can shove off to one side.
I honestly cannot name the 3 to come out of munster. Clare and waterford are a bit unknown but both don't fear anybody and can do serious damage to the other 3. Tired of Tipp with their rubbish no one is talking about us or giving us a chance rubbish. Yes donal og's comments were a bit harsh but they are over the top trying to create a false narrative.
I think leinster will be interesting this year and what would be fantastic is if there was a new winner there. Galway or Dublin are best placed to do that.
Mads (National) - 12/04/2026 12:23:33
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Leitrim GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Good luck to Leitrim lads today, not expecting much but hoping for a competitive performance at least. We need a full 70 minutes today or it will be a tough day
JimmyNail (National) - 12/04/2026 12:02:28
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Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland? - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Pope_Benedict: "It's not a 'Leinster standard' really since 1999. It was 'the KK std'. That was the standard required to avoid elimination v the cats." If Kilkenny had of been playing in Munster in the noughties they wouldve won most of the Munster Championships in that decade. It was an exceptionally good team.
Viking66 (National) - 12/04/2026 10:57:00
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Wicklow GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Albundy19: "Good luck to the seniors in the first round no bother to them to win this match, the young minors obviously are very talented and will learn from the slow second half performance as the great Hugh Kenny won't be happy with that close finish. As I said before the 20s we're doomed to fail no trials and to many players from junior clubs." We've a good chance today - there's little between the teams, and we'll be eager to put things right after the league. I doubt the team starting is as announced.
Minors have tests to come, recent years wicklow always win that group so next two rounds will show what they are like.
As for the u20s I said at the Kildare game, a few U20s were missing that I thought would start. Agree not much senior club experience there when you look at other county teams. Looking at the squad, there's also talented players missing from in the starting team with some not in the panel, others not in the match panel. They either Didn't commit, selected or perhaps injured. A poster said one was dropped for playing school game? Not sure what going on there.
StrandedinWW (National) - 12/04/2026 09:01:09
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Non-Gaa Forum - 1 Like(s)
Some children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and dont get this encouragement at home. And certainly dont get it from their peer group.As a country it seems we just conveniently forget these lads, and that's not equality of opportunity as far as I see it.
I get your point about lack of encouragement at home and from peers, but at Secondary schools, they have dedicated teachers that talk to each class and also talk to students individually about what they want to do after school and what paths are available. This isn't only for 3rd level education, its career guidance, where depending on what they student is interested in, they provide the guidance on how to pursure that, even if its an apprenticeship or working in bar.
As regards what the state can do, more money needs to be spent on parent education in disadvantaged areas, and contacts with youth and social workers pointing out the different life choices that can be made. Im 100% certain that most of the people in those areas are entirely unaware of the grants you speak of.
I won't disagree, I have no doubt based on what you are saying, that career guidance teachers in some areas are either not covering all students or the ball is being dropped by those schools. That's a major failure, because making young students aware of the different paths and options available to them should be a priority. You raise a good point about making parent aware, that is something that needs to be considered, because my own parents had no idea and never encouraged 3rd level, because they feared they couldn't afford it for me until I presented the options to them.
You will also save a fortune in other types of social services to do with rehabilitation, from crime and drug and alcohol misuse, law and order expenses, court expenses, and prison expenses.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 19177 - 11/04/2026 18:05:08
I don't fully agree, I know a people who had the same opportunities as me, who made a choices to either leave school before or after Leaving Cert and not pursue any further education despite the options and funding available. That was personal choice, not lack of equality.
Commodore (National) - 11/04/2026 22:21:50
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Does Anyone See Past Limerick Winning The Hurling All Ireland? - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Doylerwex: "You're not wrong there. The same amount of championship silverware as Galway in that period. Just not the big one for us sadly.
I am pleased that you joined our championship and managed to increase your standards to the level of Leinster counties to get Joe his medal though. Fair play." It's not a 'Leinster standard' really since 1999. It was 'the KK std'. That was the standard required to avoid elimination v the cats.
Pope_Benedict (National) - 11/04/2026 21:36:54
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Non-Gaa Forum - 1 Like(s)
Two Irish men showing the world how to play golf. Go on Shane and Rory.
Saynothing (National) - 11/04/2026 20:43:21
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Wexford Hurling Thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To ElGranSenor: "Draw probably a fair result in the U20 game
Thought O'Brien was quiet enough for most of the game but he showed his class late on with the goal and the assist
Carley did well enough, good ball-winner, Dempsey did a good job winning the ball too although needs to look for the pass rather than going for the score
Not much between us and Kilkenny, Dublin are probably around the same level as us, it's just that Galway are streets ahead of everyone in Leinster
Kildare game is knockout for us now, basically a Preliminary QF, lose that and we'd also have to play one or two games to qualify for Leinster next year, I think
We're 23 points behind KK on score difference so we'd need them to lose to Galway and for us to beat Kildare and for the combined winning margins to be greater than 23 points
That game falls behind the first two Leinster SHC games so Galway will probably be resting both Niland and Rabbitte, they still have a lot of depth and quality though" Galway have the best 19 year old hurler in Ireland, Aaron Niland and the supporting cast of Jason Rabbitte etc are top class too, all prominent with Galway senior team this year too.
Similar to Tipp last year with Darragh McCarthy, Sam O Farrell and Oisin O'Donoghue.
It makes a massive different to an un20 team to have senior county hurlers on it.
Hard to look past Galway for the un20 All Ireland.
Past hurler (National) - 11/04/2026 19:48:50
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Non-Gaa Forum - 1 Like(s)
#Commodore.
The threads getting messed up and getting confusing, so Ill start again.
I dont want exact equality of wealth. I want equality of opportunity. Im not as wealthy as I could be, but that was my choice. Im happy with the choices I made.
I realise the importance of education, and Ive made sure my children have gone to schools which reflect the importance I put on education. I've positively encouraged them to remain in school until they do their leaving certs. Ive told them that I dont mind if they go on to 3rd level education, get a job which provides job specific training and a career path, or do an apprenticeship. What Ive told them Im not doing is paying for their food while they lie on my sofa at the age of 25.
Some children come from disadvantaged backgrounds and dont get this encouragement at home. And certainly dont get it from their peer group.
As a country it seems we just conveniently forget these lads.
And thats not equality of opportunity as far as I see it.
As regards what the state can do, more money needs to be spent on parent education in disadvantaged areas, and contacts with youth and social workers pointing out the different life choices that can be made. Im 100% certain that most of the people in those areas are entirely unaware of the grants you speak of.
Maybe this obscuring of information is, as you say, motivated by a perceived need to be careful with taxpayers money. But thats a shortsighted and false economy. If you reduced the "cant work, wont work" section of society by 50% say for talks sake, you will save far more on DSP payments than the cost of 3rd level grants and increased numbers of social and youth workers. And thats before taking into account the increase in tax revenue from the 50% that will then be working. You will also save a fortune in other types of social services to do with rehabilitation, from crime and drug and alcohol misuse, law and order expenses, court expenses, and prison expenses.
Viking66 (National) - 11/04/2026 18:05:08
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Westmeath Football thread - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Dazzler30: "Whats the point in westmeath GAA at all if we've no amibition. Is everyone always going to be happy going through life as a westmeath fan with no major trophies its that lack of ambition that has led to only 1 leinster in 140 years but men ike kenny mckinley know what it takes to win major trophies and hes instilling that in this current excellent crop of players" We're a small county, small population and we're a dual county to boot. It's rather realistic I'm afraid to assume that it might be a while before a breakthrough. We've appeared in 5 Leinster Senior football finals and 1 Senior hurling final and won 1 from 6.
2 of those football finals were washouts too in 2015 and 16. Admittedly, we were up against arguably the greatest football team of all time, but that's it. The standard of Leinster football outside of Dublin was never lower than in the past 2 decades. No All Irelands were won by a Leinster team bar Dublin in that timeframe. Realistically, we were the best of the rest at that time.
It's a bit premature to say we're on the road to another Senior Leinster success just yet. The Mullingar CBS win was great. Hopefully it's a sign of a good underage team capable of doing something at minor or u-20 level. Hopefully they go on and do well and make a Leinster final and we'll see what happens then.
Ambition is great to have but everyone has ambitions of winning something. To make it really happen, we need a conveyor belt of talent coming through over a sustained period. Teams like Dublin have quality and quantity coming through the whole time. We haven't the numbers so making better quality out of what we have is the only thing we can do. The Centre of Excellence is the right idea. Then hopefully wins like Mullingar CBS's won't be just flashes in the pan.
RadioactiveTan (National) - 11/04/2026 17:52:00
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