I see we have a restructure of the leagues and despite the county board saying they would make two senior team divisions based on who finished at Senior level in 2015 they have thrown O'Depmsey's and Timahoe in at the expense of Clonaslee and Ballyfin..
Div 1 A
Graiguecullen
Portarlington
The Heath
Arles/Killeen
Stradbally
Arles Kilcruise
St Joseph's
Portlaoise
Div 1 B
O'Dempseys
Crettyard
Emo
Ballylinan
Mountmellick
Ballyroan Abbey
Timahoe
Killeshin
I think teams play home and away...not 100% sure....
Suppose it's taken on league positions from last year but seems a bit unfair if you are senior you don't get Senior games in the league as such..
2A
Balyfin
The Rock
Clonaslee
St Joseph's B
Portlaoise B
Annanough
2B
The Heath B
Rosenallis
O'Dempseys B
Park Ratheniska
Courtwood
Graiguecullen B
3A
Spink
Stradbally B
Portarlington B
Portlaoise C
Barrowhouse
Kilcavan
3B
Killeshin B
Timahoe B
St Fintan's
Ballylinan B
Ballyroan Abbey B
Div 4
Ballyfin B
Mountmellick B
Kilcotton
Emo B
Arles/Killeen B
Arles Kilcruise B
O'Dempseys C
The Rock B
Ballyroan Abbey B
DIV 5
Courtwood B
Clonaslee St Manmans B
Barrowhouse GAA B
Camross
Crettyard B
Timahoe B
Annanough B
Park Ratheniska B
Rosenallis B
Camross
(Camross in twice must be a mistake could be Rathdowney Errill ??)
The new restructure looks fair enough to me I'm sure Clonaslee and Ballyfin might be a bit peeved but O'Dempseys and Timahoe finished top of Division 2 last year and Both Ballyfin and Clonaslee struggle early in the leagues because of their participation in high level Hurling being in Division 1A
14 league games is a lot for the Div one teams when you consider the Senior Hurling teams only play 7????
Rumours about that Ballyfin will not be participating in the league....Understandable when playing in the 3rd tier and hoping to go in prepared to a senior championship
Quote from: Laoischat on February 19, 2016, 09:38:57 AM
Rumours about that Ballyfin will not be participating in the league....Understandable when playing in the 3rd tier and hoping to go in prepared to a senior championship
It hardly bodes well for them long term. They're not magically going to go up the divisional ranks on the basis that they're 'senior'. Would be better off taking the games and if they're good enough, they'll be prepared to meet senior football challenge.
I highly doubt county board would allow it anyways!
Hope the rumours about Ballyfin aren't true can't understand it ..They always struggle early in the year so 3rd tier teams would have suited
Heard the same thing about Ballyfin. one of the most illogical things iv ever heard. If they pull out they will be relegated for the following year. seems like a rash decision. Your in the league your in for a reason.
As far as I know from talking to people in Ballyfin, they plan on arranging a number of practice matches outside the county with clubs they reckon are at a better level and in turn better prepare them for championship.
Their second team will remain in Division 4
Quote from: Laoischat on February 22, 2016, 01:53:04 PM
As far as I know from talking to people in Ballyfin, they plan on arranging a number of practice matches outside the county with clubs they reckon are at a better level and in turn better prepare them for championship.
Their second team will remain in Division 4
Strange idea. It would cause all kinds of problems with relegation and promotion for others. If they dont fulfill their Div 3 games they should automatically drop a division as a punishment but because they already have a team in that lower division they would be saved from the drop. What ramifications would that bring on other clubs....its boggles the mind
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 22, 2016, 02:44:18 PM
Quote from: Laoischat on February 22, 2016, 01:53:04 PM
As far as I know from talking to people in Ballyfin, they plan on arranging a number of practice matches outside the county with clubs they reckon are at a better level and in turn better prepare them for championship.
Their second team will remain in Division 4
Strange idea. It would cause all kinds of problems with relegation and promotion for others. If they dont fulfill their Div 3 games they should automatically drop a division as a punishment but because they already have a team in that lower division they would be saved from the drop. What ramifications would that bring on other clubs....its boggles the mind
It's strange and silly I think...Why not play the ten matches and then arrange a few friendlies as well...
I know Portlaoise done it a few years ago think 2010 ...
Practice games are alright but id imagine it would be hard to drive interest from players with no set games in the pipeline. Its a pity because they have a nice young team and playing against junior A teams will hardly aid their development.
The leagues are up on the website now. Clonaslee and Ballyfin are in 2A so relegation would be down to division 2B rather than 4 id imagine.
Quote from: Laoischat on February 22, 2016, 01:53:04 PM
As far as I know from talking to people in Ballyfin, they plan on arranging a number of practice matches outside the county with clubs they reckon are at a better level and in turn better prepare them for championship.
Their second team will remain in Division 4
Would I be correct in stating that technically such challenge games can only proceed with permission of the County Committee?
Portlaoise hurlers did it about 5/6 years ago and it didn't go down well at County Board level!
I am presuming this is connected to the fact that Ballyfin Gaels would not be eligible to compete in the league. They must be trying to prepare for championship with the Slieve Bloom players as opposed to trying to blend them in after the league!
Who from slieve bloom would they have that would be useful for senior football. Benconroy os the only one i can think of offhand though he's injured at moment?
Quote from: Helix on February 22, 2016, 09:18:58 PM
Who from slieve bloom would they have that would be useful for senior football. Benconroy os the only one i can think of offhand though he's injured at moment?
Maybe Thomas Delaney?
Quote from: Helix on February 22, 2016, 09:18:58 PM
Who from slieve bloom would they have that would be useful for senior football. Benconroy os the only one i can think of offhand though he's injured at moment?
The group teams only apply for the SFC/SHC/SHCA, so Ben Conroy being injured right now won't matter too much.
Struggling to get my head around this one? Ballyfin are only going to play practice matches between now and the first championship game? This is only going to end up in one place!
Have Ballyfin not got a similar arrangement with Mountmellick to play Senior A hurling? Their hurlers are playing in the league though I think...
Quote from: Uisce on February 24, 2016, 01:53:30 PM
Struggling to get my head around this one? Ballyfin are only going to play practice matches between now and the first championship game? This is only going to end up in one place!
I'm afraid So!!!!
Quote from: Uisce on February 24, 2016, 01:53:30 PM
Struggling to get my head around this one? Ballyfin are only going to play practice matches between now and the first championship game? This is only going to end up in one place!
It's different anyway.
Quote from: Uisce on February 24, 2016, 01:53:30 PM
Struggling to get my head around this one? Ballyfin are only going to play practice matches between now and the first championship game? This is only going to end up in one place!
Simple as....give more then one walkover and you get relegated to the lower division.....great for the other clubs though.....playing football for survival and only one gets relegated
So I hear Ballyfin have pulled out!!
This is confirmed, had a players meeting last weekend and had a full debate, got everyone behind the idea.
From what I have heard they have 12 games arranged, between now and championship time, home and away fixtures.
Quote from: Laoischat on March 03, 2016, 08:39:05 AM
This is confirmed, had a players meeting last weekend and had a full debate, got everyone behind the idea.
From what I have heard they have 12 games arranged, between now and championship time, home and away fixtures.
Its strange to say the least...Will lads put the same effort in these games I'm not so sure!What distances do they have to travel for them?
Anybody heard County championship draws tonight. Laois Gaa twitter surprisingly not putting draws up.
Killeen vs Port
The Heath vs Portlaoise
Clonaslee vs Stradbally
Emo vs Crettyard Gaels
Killeshin vs Arles Kilcruise
St. Joes vs Ballyfin Gaels
Graigue vs Ballylinan
Ballyroan vs MM
The standout tie for the first round has to be the clash of The Heath vs Portlaoise.Wouldn't be surprised if town were over turned as the Heath will see this as a much bigger game.
Killeen and Port another interesting tie. Be nice to see will a young Port side ever deliver a decent championship run but Kingstons will be too much.
Both Strad and Clonaslee will be happy with this draw. Loser likely to be in relegation.
Emo and Crettyard will be another tight game. Interesting to see if Emo can go again after being 10 mins from a massive shock last year.
Killeshin and Kilcruise should be a tight affair. Go either way.
Ballyfin and Josephs square off again after a mass brawl last year. Can see one of the top 2 reffing this.
Graigue and Ballylinan, can only see a win for Graigue but said that about O'Dempseys and ballylinan last year. ;)
Ballyroan and MM. Evenly matched young teams.
Quote from: Laoischat on March 03, 2016, 08:39:05 AM
This is confirmed, had a players meeting last weekend and had a full debate, got everyone behind the idea.
From what I have heard they have 12 games arranged, between now and championship time, home and away fixtures.
Strange. Good luck to them with that approach. In a way they're right, the league can be shite. But a challenge game can be as bad depending on a lot of variables.
Quote from: SCFC on March 05, 2016, 10:39:40 AM
Quote from: Laoischat on March 03, 2016, 08:39:05 AM
This is confirmed, had a players meeting last weekend and had a full debate, got everyone behind the idea.
From what I have heard they have 12 games arranged, between now and championship time, home and away fixtures.
Strange. Good luck to them with that approach. In a way they're right, the league can be shite. But a challenge game can be as bad depending on a lot of variables.
Could/Would the county board refuse them permission to play challenge games?
Simply Ballyfin should not be allowed do this, okay they get away with this year. Presumably they are relegated so what happens next year. If things are that bad for football in Ballyfin then their only option is an amalgamation. The Rock, Kilcavan would benefit from an amalgamation even if it's only to go senior. The county board cannot simply sanction their practice games while allowing them to be relegated another division in the league. I would be very much in favor of a reduced championship with a more competitive intermediate championship. I for one would not be afraid of more amalgamation the Crettyard/Spink idea while not geographically correct is a step in the right direction.
I see Rosenallis had a big win over The Heath in Div 2. Started very early this year and played in a tournament down in Kerry. They'll surely give the junior a good shot this year?
ACFL Div 1 1A
Result
10/03/2016 19:30
Graiguecullen 3-11
Arles/Killeen 0-6
Fixtures:
12/03/2016
17:00 Portlaoise v Arles Kilcruise
13/03/2016
12:00 Portarlington v The Heath
16:00 St Joseph's v Stradbally
ACFL Div 1 1B
12/03/2016
17:00 Killeshin v Ballyroan Abbey
17:00 Timahoe v Mountmellick
13/03/2016
12:00 Ballylinan v O'Dempseys
12:00 Crettyard v Emo
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on March 12, 2016, 12:14:56 AM
ACFL Div 1 1A
Result
10/03/2016 19:30
Graiguecullen 3-11
Arles/Killeen 0-6
I hear this match was a bit on the rough side ....4 straight reds......2 each.
Didn't hear that Monument, who got the red's??
Results:
ACFL Div 1 1B - 12/03/2016
Portlaoise 2-11
Arles Kilcruise 4-15
ACFL Div 1 1B
Killeshin 1-13
Ballyroan Abbey 1-16
ACFL Div 2 2A
05/03/2016
Annanough v Ballyfin - Conceded by Ballyfin
The Heath beat Port by 4 pts yesterday.
20/03/2016
Div 1 A
Arles Kilcruise 0-11
St Joseph's 2-9
The Heath 0-11
Portlaoise 2-6
Graiguecullen v Portarlington - *Conceded by Portarlington*
Div 1 B
Mountmellick 3-5
Ballylinan 1-12
O'Dempseys 1-22
Killeshin 1-7
Ballyroan Abbey 1-7
Crettyard 0-10
Division 2 results.
Annanough 0-8 The Rock 0-8
Heath 2-7 Courtwood 1-9
Portlaoise bt Joseph's
Rosenallis 2-4 Park Ratheniska 1-7
Stradbally 4-11 Portlaoise 5-9
O Dempseys beat us by 2 entertaining game
Crettyard 0-10 Timahoe 0-04
Ballylinan 0-14 Emo 0-11
The Heath 1-15
Graiguecullen 1-08
Port lost again last night to Killeen. Five straight losses.
13/04/2016
Portarlington 0-13
Arles/Killeen 2-10
09/04/2016
Portarlington 0-10
Stradbally 4-12
St Joseph's 1-11
Graiguecullen 0-7
The Heath 4-12
Arles Kilcruise 1-7
06/04/2016
Portlaoise 2-10
Arles/Killeen 2-6
01/04/2016
Arles Kilcruise 1-7
Portarlington 0-6
Stradbally 1-13
Arles/Killeen 0-7
I think Ballyfin will regret their call on the league!!!
Just heard Graiguecullen beat the Kilkenny Co Senior team by 12 points in a challenge tonight, 3-11 to 0-8.
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on April 14, 2016, 11:36:08 PM
Just heard Graiguecullen beat the Kilkenny Co Senior team by 12 points in a challenge tonight, 3-11 to 0-8.
Says a lot about the state of Kilkenny football after the Graiguecullens result against Arles last night
Stradbally brought back down to Earth against the Heath after two good wins against Port and Kileen . I think it ended up 3-14 to 0-12 . Goal fest in Kellyville very open match , Portlaoise took there goal chances while Joes will regret a few late decisions
17/04/2016
Graiguecullen: 0-12
Arles Kilcruise: 4-7
St Joseph's: 3-5
Portlaoise: 5-5
Stradbally: 0-11
The Heath: 3-14
13/04/2016
Portarlington: 0-13
Arles/Killeen: 2-10
The Town v Joes was a game of poor poor quality but Portlaoise were missing so many its hard to judge them...
Joe's could be the surprise package this year they have some fine players it just didn't click for them but conditions were terrible for football with the wind!
Heard ClOnaslee v Annanough was an absolute bloodbath in Division 2. Five sent off and game eventually abandoned by Brendan McCann.
28/04/2016
Graiguecullen 1-11 vs 0-10 Stradbally
24/04/2016
Arles Kilcruise 1-13 vs 3-17 Stradbally
Portarlington 1-5 vs 5-9 St Joseph's
Portlaoise 2-14 vs 1-12 Graiguecullen
The Heath 2-10 vs 1-6 Arles/Killeen
17/04/2016
Graiguecullen 0-12 vs 4-7 Arles Kilcruise
St Joseph's 3-5 vs 5-5 Portlaoise GAA
Stradbally 0-11 vs 3-14 The Heath
22/04/2016
Emo 2-15 vs 0-17 O'Dempseys
17/04/2016
Ballyroan Abbey 3-15 vs 4-11 Emo
Killeshin 0-10 vs 0-16 Timahoe
O'Dempseys 1-4 vs 0-15 Mountmellick
St Josephs 1 : 10
The Heath 0 : 10
Halfway through the league and here are the tables so far.
Div.1A
(http://i68.tinypic.com/14uwbog.jpg)
Div.1B
(http://i63.tinypic.com/2vuf0c2.jpg)
Portlaoise/Portlaoise Gaa. Is it really that hard administer this? Its an issue in several tables down through the leagues, very annoying. I'm easily frustrated perhaps ;)
Heard ClOnaslee v Annanough was an absolute bloodbath in Division 2. Five sent off and game eventually abandoned by Brendan McCann.
Blood Bath It Was NOT. Five Sent Off There Was NOT Need to get your facts right SCFC
Quote from: Mock on May 04, 2016, 04:44:35 PM
Heard ClOnaslee v Annanough was an absolute bloodbath in Division 2. Five sent off and game eventually abandoned by Brendan McCann.
Blood Bath It Was NOT. Five Sent Off There Was NOT Need to get your facts right SCFC
What was the full time score then Mock? ;) only three sendings off reported now I'm hearing!
Quote from: Uisce on May 04, 2016, 11:13:51 AM
Portlaoise/Portlaoise Gaa. Is it really that hard administer this? Its an issue in several tables down through the leagues, very annoying. I'm easily frustrated perhaps ;)
Me too... Was there two Portlaoise teams in there from the start seeing as how Portlaoise have played one game and Portlaoise Gaa have played 6 games...
Is this new league format a pre-cursor for a similar style championship set up similar to the hurling??
We wonder why GAA is struggling in the county, we cannot even organise games for clubs at this stage. I am from Kilcavan, a small rural club where the gaa pitch is the main landmark in the area. They have an intermediate team who are competing in Division 3A, according to the league table they have played 5 games but in actual fact they have only played 2. Although it has to be said midweek fixtures suit nobody really in this day and age considering the amount of people who are based in Dublin for work and education.
Kilcavan have started preparing underage teams in recent years as they have more people in the area (previously the youngsters competed with Mountmellick underage teams) as they try an build the club and create an interest in the sport for kids in the community, there are soccer and rugby clubs not a million miles away so the work been done is vital. Youngsters also need a team to follow and with the adult team getting 2 league games thus far does not reflect well on the league. The county board need to get all the clubs together and trash out what is need to give teams good competitive games. In the same league are Barrowhouse, a club along similar lines to Kilcavan who also have to put up with these walkovers.
Have to feel some sympathy for Kilcavan and Barrowhouse who are first teams who no doubt are preparing properly for the championship. Most of the other teams are not pushed at what happens as it is either their 2nd or 3rd team. It's a farce but it is hard to know what to do to address the issue other than fining clubs for non participation. If you want to look up another farce have a peep at the Laois Minor B hurling league for the current year.
That's very unfair on Kilcavan and Barrowhouse. They need to start banning clubs teams from the competition if they concede too many games. Re-structure the leagues so that the smaller clubs get the games they are supposed to. That's a joke the amount of games conceded.
We (Courtwood) played a Division 2 game last night, 4 weeks and 4 days after our previous game! Appalling scheduling this year. The leagues are a joke.
One solution would be to have only first teams playing each other as happens in Kildare.
Let the second and third teams play each other in "reserve" leagues.
Can I ask what was the problem with the leagues before?
It seems to me that the problems are in the c'ship structures but they hadn't the liathroidi to tackle them so decided to mess up the league instead.
The problem is second teams very few clubs can do it but we nearly all have them. I know from our own experience that their is no rhyme or reason to the way things work out with them. Last year we were very competitive got promoted in both leagues this year we are a million miles off. Simple factors have changed maybe costing both teams 4-5 players making getting teams together a huge job. On our own front Division 1A & 1B seem to be very competitive and run smoothly enough. But I am still not over Ballyfin yet who I feel should be trying to get promoted but decided not to play any games which is madness.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on May 08, 2016, 09:07:27 PM
The problem is second teams very few clubs can do it but we nearly all have them. I know from our own experience that their is no rhyme or reason to the way things work out with them. Last year we were very competitive got promoted in both leagues this year we are a million miles off. Simple factors have changed maybe costing both teams 4-5 players making getting teams together a huge job. On our own front Division 1A & 1B seem to be very competitive and run smoothly enough. But I am still not over Ballyfin yet who I feel should be trying to get promoted but decided not to play any games which is madness.
Ballyfin decision was/is disgraceful and shortsighted.
Also I think the change from over 16 to over 17 to play adult grades is having a negative once off effect. The totally unnecessary change meant that no club in the country gained a single new player from their juvenile ranks in 2016. 3/4 players would make a big difference to the strength of many second and third teams.
But in reality it's a 1 year issue from next year the supply chain will be normalised.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on May 09, 2016, 09:49:16 PM
But in reality it's a 1 year issue from next year the supply chain will be normalised.
Yes, and in reality it has having a negative affect this year. That is all I said.
ACFL Div1 1A
15/05/2016
Arles/Killeen 1-9
Stradbally 2-13
Portlaoise 0-12
The Heath 2-15
St Joseph's 1-16
Arles Kilcruise 1-5
ACFL Div1 1B
16/05/2016
Emo 2-19
Crettyard 0-8
15/05/2016
Ballyroan Abbey 3-11
Killeshin 3-8
Mountmellick 2-18
Timahoe 1-8
St Josephs have a decent young team there and were motoring well, certainly better than what I saw last year in the championship. Kilcruise are down on numbers with injuries and lads missing as well as being minus the county lads. They are playing their goalie out field at the moment and have a couple of lads in there only because they are short. Age profile is becoming an issue for them now when you consider there won't be many more years left in Padge and Chris Conway.
Kilcruise will be in trouble when the Conways and Ross retire which can't be too far away now, maybe they should be reconsidering the split with Killeen and join up again. It might be their only hope of survival as a senior team.
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on May 17, 2016, 11:04:02 PM
Kilcruise will be in trouble when the Conways and Ross retire which can't be too far away now, maybe they should be reconsidering the split with Killeen and join up again. It might be their only hope of survival as a senior team.
So should most of the county. Portlaoise is laughing at the rest of us, with our bitter divisions over some pig or a fence knocked down by someone's grandad in 1932. 28 parishes. 16 senior football clubs, 40-something clubs.
http://www.irishtimes.com/ancestor/browse/counties/rcmaps/laoisrc.htm
You take from Rosenallis down to Durrow are all hurling/junior football areas. That means we've 16 senior clubs in about 11/12 "senior football" parishes.
Reduce the amount of clubs, reduce the size of the SFC, replace the CB. Get some forward-thinking individuals who can
change where this county is going, rather than just tag along for the ride. The CB should be leading, not following.
This needs a huge sea-change in how Laois GAA is structured but all the small-mindedness of people who care more about their patch of grass than the bigger picture of the health of Laois GAA is killing us.
In hurling areas, there should be no junior clubs and the same for football. Consolidate the whole lot of them. Junior hurling clubs should come from the football part of the county and vice versa.
Goodluck going into the likes of ,kyle, trumera, slieve bloom, ballypickas, kilcavan, barrowhouse, cortwood and telling them they need to fold for the greater good of the county, ill look out for you in the obituaries.
The county board brought in a rule that alllowed lads from these clubs a chance of playing senior so what harm are junior clubs doing
As regards championship make the football into 8s like the hurling and relegate the teams out of senior who dont makke q/f, regardless of pristige or size, unlike stradbally and joesphs in 2014
What's gone wrong with Crettyard? Thats a bad beating.
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 18, 2016, 02:31:37 PM
Goodluck going into the likes of ,kyle, trumera, slieve bloom, ballypickas, kilcavan, barrowhouse, cortwood and telling them they need to fold for the greater good of the county, ill look out for you in the obituaries.
The county board brought in a rule that alllowed lads from these clubs a chance of playing senior so what harm are junior clubs doing
As regards championship make the football into 8s like the hurling and relegate the teams out of senior who dont makke q/f, regardless of pristige or size, unlike stradbally and joesphs in 2014
Change is never easy. It's not my job to tell anyone anything - the CB should be leading this change,
Key word is "allowed".
Caveat: if the club let them.
Too much resistance from the smaller clubs. 10-in-a-row is coming and no-one's going to stop Portlaoise with this b.s.
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on May 19, 2016, 01:02:58 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 18, 2016, 02:31:37 PM
Goodluck going into the likes of ,kyle, trumera, slieve bloom, ballypickas, kilcavan, barrowhouse, cortwood and telling them they need to fold for the greater good of the county, ill look out for you in the obituaries.
The county board brought in a rule that alllowed lads from these clubs a chance of playing senior so what harm are junior clubs doing
As regards championship make the football into 8s like the hurling and relegate the teams out of senior who dont makke q/f, regardless of pristige or size, unlike stradbally and joesphs in 2014
Change is never easy. It's not my job to tell anyone anything - the CB should be leading this change,
Key word is "allowed".
Caveat: if the club let them.
Too much resistance from the smaller clubs. 10-in-a-row is coming and no-one's going to stop Portlaoise with this b.s.
im assuming your from a big club as am i or not affiliated with one at all, the reality is that people take great pride in playing for their area, take ben conroy for example, was willing to give up senior hurling as possibly even an inter county carrer because he would rather win a junior with slieve bloom than a senior with castletown. i know that football basically died for a decade in abbeyleix after we joined in 06, you ask any person from ballyroan who do they play for they will never mention abbey its like a dirty word
A rule has been put in place that allows lads from any club in the county to play senior while allowing them to also play for their own community at junior, so really what benefit do amalgamations really bring?
The only amalgamations i would like to see would be ones of hurling clubs joining to form football clubs like st fintains and visa versa like slieve margy
Funny. I heard different about Ben.
Ballyroan is fine. Apart from Ballypickas pulling some players in from your parish, the parish is united. It's different for other parishes. Arles, Mountmellick and Portarlington are three who, if they copped on, would be far stronger. The days of pride of the parish are dying and if clubs continue on with this, they might fold before they make the right decision.
You're right about hurling clubs combining for football and vice-versa for the football clubs, but unless we strengthen the club scene as a whole, we're at nothing.
Having Portlaoise winning 9, 10, 11, 15 in a row will do nothing for the rest of Laois. There is a definite feel that Portlaoise now want to recruit and what young lad wouldn't want to win something, possible everything the whole way up?
There should be no parish in the county not offering senior hurling and senior football to any player who wants it, whether by virtue of being there themselves, or through amalgamations/isolated players etc. The answer is NOT to have so many senior clubs that there's no bite to the championship at all. At the moment, Laois SFC is where 16 teams play 27 or so matches and Portlaoise win in the end.
The county needs a strategy and I don't think the current CB are good enough to provide it. I don't know how they screwed up the SFC so badly in 2014? but they should have stepped down for the debacle. And what was the solution? No relegation. Save Joes or Strad or Arles from relegation and everyone's happy.
This ruling that players from junior/intermediate clubs can play with senior clubs is fine, but the problem is that the junior club had to agree with it. Turkeys voting for Christmas. Change the rule so the player can go, if asked, or if he wants to.
Hurling changed a few years back and we have clubs going from finalists to relegation finals from year to year. It's dog-eat-dog and if you're not prepped, you're fecked.
Football? A bloated obese fatarse competition, where the real challenge is to avoid Portlaoise and get as far as you can in the competition, before you meet Portlaoise and go out.
Reduce the amount of teams in the SFC, reduce the amount of clubs in Laois.
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 19, 2016, 04:27:21 PM
im assuming your from a big club as am i or not affiliated with one at all, the reality is that people take great pride in playing for their area, take ben conroy for example, was willing to give up senior hurling as possibly even an inter county carrer because he would rather win a junior with slieve bloom than a senior with castletown.
You are very out of the loop and wide of the mark there!
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 19, 2016, 04:27:21 PM
A rule has been put in place that allows lads from any club in the county to play senior while allowing them to also play for their own community at junior, so really what benefit do amalgamations really bring?
As forward thinking as that rule is, there's an obvious problem!
For example you have Mountmellick Gaels in the SFC. Here Castletown players can play football as part of Mountmellick Gaels in the championship only.
Mountmellick, however, have to name 17 Senior players.
Supposing, come championship time that 5 Castletown players make the Mountmellick team. That means that 7 Mountmellick players don't. They can't play on any of Mountmellick's lower teams because they are named Senior.
Meanwhile the 5 Castletown players can play away at Senior with Mountmellick, while also playing Junior C with Castletown.
While that might not be an issue in this case, it would be an issue in other mooted arrangements.
In this instance Mountmellick would rely on the 17 named Senior players for the ACFL campaign, but wouldn't necessarily need them for the SFC. When it comes to grading players the following year who here would be willing to be graded Senior if you were one the peripheral members of the 17, with no prospect of meaningful championship action?
It's a flaw and it is one that the bigger of the clubs in these arrangements might not be willing to accommodate long term.
Mountmellick Gaels is Mountmellick plus Brendan Reddin. Because Castletown put in a junior team, Mountmellick had to go down the route. No one else is coming from Castletown as far as I know, But the point is well made. A proper area amalgamation involving a Senior club will not be a runner in the long run if 17 players have to be named.
Quote from: Downtheroad on May 19, 2016, 11:14:18 PM
Mountmellick Gaels is Mountmellick plus Brendan Reddin. Because Castletown put in a junior team, Mountmellick had to go down the route. No one else is coming from Castletown as far as I know, But the point is well made. A proper area amalgamation involving a Senior club will not be a runner in the long run if 17 players have to be named.
I agree regarding the first point. It was the only functioning example I could think of.
I understand why 17 players should be named. I also understand that it will be a major stumbling block. Not in that instance, but in any proper instance.
Quote from: Keyser Söze on May 19, 2016, 11:47:04 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on May 19, 2016, 11:14:18 PM
Mountmellick Gaels is Mountmellick plus Brendan Reddin. Because Castletown put in a junior team, Mountmellick had to go down the route. No one else is coming from Castletown as far as I know, But the point is well made. A proper area amalgamation involving a Senior club will not be a runner in the long run if 17 players have to be named.
I agree regarding the first point. It was the only functioning example I could think of.
I understand why 17 players should be named. I also understand that it will be a major stumbling block. Not in that instance, but in any proper instance.
I understand this in a lot of cases 3 or 4 of the lads named mightnt even be in the country or retired. Realistically smaller clubs dont want to join up with senior teams in their parish, alot of the time its the players that want the club kept, any that want to go usually get their way, kingstons to killen from barrowhouse and gilmartin to camross being good examples. Basically what im saying is that you cant force these clubs to join, i know somebody said that the arles clubs need to cop on but it could be easily argued that that rivalry drove them to heights they mightnt have reached otherwise.
Amalgamations are very hit and miss i feel, the first year we joined we were relegated, the harps joined 30 years ago and still havnt won a senior, castletown/slieve bloom lasted 4 years and one of the reasons it ended was over a row about jerseys, on the other hand the likes of rathdowney/errill has been a massive success. Im not saying amalgamations are bad but they are something that all sides want
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 20, 2016, 01:39:50 AM
Im not saying amalgamations are bad but they are something that all sides want
But if its "something that all sides want" then where's the problem. It is something that's going to happen to a lot of clubs if only to survive.
What's the point of having a club and depending on 20 members to make up a senior panel, it just can't work.
Quote from: Keyser Söze on May 19, 2016, 11:47:04 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on May 19, 2016, 11:14:18 PM
Mountmellick Gaels is Mountmellick plus Brendan Reddin. Because Castletown put in a junior team, Mountmellick had to go down the route. No one else is coming from Castletown as far as I know, But the point is well made. A proper area amalgamation involving a Senior club will not be a runner in the long run if 17 players have to be named.
I agree regarding the first point. It was the only functioning example I could think of.
I understand why 17 players should be named. I also understand that it will be a major stumbling block. Not in that instance, but in any proper instance.
In Year1, maybe. Surely the other club's players could be named in the 17, if they intend to join up again the following year?
But if its "something that all sides want" then where's the problem. It is something that's going to happen to a lot of clubs if only to survive.
What's the point of having a club and depending on 20 members to make up a senior panel, it just can't work.
[/quote]
sorry was meant to say all sides have to want it
Take trumera, last year, 18 players won intermediate last year, tiny area, fact is they'd rather struggle with the 18 or 19 because they represent the area where there from, same with barrowhouse winning junior last year, you take the clubs out of these areas the numbers playing from these areas would decline majorly
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on May 20, 2016, 03:54:24 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on May 19, 2016, 11:47:04 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on May 19, 2016, 11:14:18 PM
Mountmellick Gaels is Mountmellick plus Brendan Reddin. Because Castletown put in a junior team, Mountmellick had to go down the route. No one else is coming from Castletown as far as I know, But the point is well made. A proper area amalgamation involving a Senior club will not be a runner in the long run if 17 players have to be named.
I agree regarding the first point. It was the only functioning example I could think of.
I understand why 17 players should be named. I also understand that it will be a major stumbling block. Not in that instance, but in any proper instance.
In Year1, maybe. Surely the other club's players could be named in the 17, if they intend to join up again the following year?
It is my understanding that the primary club will have to name 17, in Year 1, 2, 3......and so on.
Fixtures
ACFL Div 1 1A
22/05/2016
19:00: Arles Kilcruise v Portlaoise
19:00: Graiguecullen v Arles/Killeen
19:00: Stradbally v St. Joseph's
19:00: The Heath v Portarlington
25/05/2016
19:45: Portarlington v Graiguecullen
27/05/2016
19:30: Portlaoise v Stradbally
ACFL Div 1 1B
22/05/2016
19:00: Ballylinan v Mountmellick
19:00: Killeshin v O'Dempseys
25/05/2016
19:45: Mountmellick v Crettyard
26/05/2016
19:45: Ballylinan v Killeshin
27/05/2016
19:30: Timahoe v Crettyard
28/05/2016
19:30: Mountmellick v Killeshin
Quote from: Keyser Söze on May 20, 2016, 10:27:03 PM
It is my understanding that the primary club will have to name 17, in Year 1, 2, 3......and so on.
Well, that rule should change. If they want the "Gaels" teams to work, they need to facilitate them. Change the rule. Allow teams who have played 'outsiders' in this year's championship to name a 17 including some outsiders, if they are genuine.
Else, name a league 17 and a championship 17 including the other clubs' players.
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on May 21, 2016, 12:50:12 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on May 20, 2016, 10:27:03 PM
It is my understanding that the primary club will have to name 17, in Year 1, 2, 3......and so on.
Well, that rule should change. If they want the "Gaels" teams to work, they need to facilitate them. Change the rule. Allow teams who have played 'outsiders' in this year's championship to name a 17 including some outsiders, if they are genuine.
Else, name a league 17 and a championship 17 including the other clubs' players.
I disagree.
Amalgamations are the way forward. Not temporary little arrangements.
I disagree.
Amalgamations are the way forward. Not temporary little arrangements.
[/quot
Just as a matter of interest what clubs do you think should amalgamate
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on May 21, 2016, 04:59:46 PM
I disagree.
Amalgamations are the way forward. Not temporary little arrangements.
[/quot
Just as a matter of interest what clubs do you think should amalgamate
I believe that any club is entitled to stand alone as a Junior/Intermediate Club.
I also believe that Senior Clubs are foolish in accommodating those from Junior/Intermediate Clubs in playing Senior at the expense of their own players.
I don't think Senior Clubs should be involved in group teams for the reasons above. If Junior and Intermediate Clubs wish to come together to form a Senior Group team then so be it.
To answer the question you asked, I don't have anybody in particular in mind, but I think Clubs that play together at Juvenile Level should seriously consider why they then divide resources at Adult level.
Castletown and Slieve Bloom would be the most obvious.
And contrary to what you stated earlier, they never actually amalgamated. Had they done so they would still be playing together. The arrangement they had was so loose that all it was ever going to take to end it was Castletown deciding to enter their football team or Slieve Bloom their own hurling team. This is what came to pass.
On the other hand, It is very difficult to disband a club, amalgamated or otherwise.
On that point, don't Rathdowney and Errill put in their own football teams?
Rathdowney and Errill GAA are separate clubs - football clubs. Rathdowney/Errill is a single hurling club - not technically an amalgamation. It was felt that allowing the 2 football clubs to combine would not be fair to the other clubs ;)
Weekend Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
22/05/2016
Arles Kilcruise 0-13
Portlaoise 2-11
Graiguecullen 2-7
Arles/Killeen 1-11
Stradbally 0-8
St Joseph's 1-16
ACFL Div 1 1B
22/05/2016
Ballylinan 2-12
Mountmellick 1-11
Killeshin 2-17
O'Dempseys 1-11
19/05/2016
Crettyard 2-8
Ballyroan Abbey 2-13
Timahoe 5-8
Emo 1-12
16/05/2016
Emo 2-19
Crettyard 0-8
I was looking at the Division 1B table which shows a very competitive league. Even at this stage , most teams could either top division or be relegated. If anything, this reflects the benefit of 8 teams which reduces dead rubber games. As regards Division 1A, what is going on with Portarlington?
Quote from: Downtheroad on May 26, 2016, 01:54:46 PM
I was looking at the Division 1B table which shows a very competitive league. Even at this stage , most teams could either top division or be relegated. If anything, this reflects the benefit of 8 teams which reduces dead rubber games. As regards Division 1A, what is going on with Portarlington?
Change of management already out there this year may be a significant element to that!
i see Phil OReilly has left port and gone back across the bridge to train gracefield. whats going on in port only 4 lads turning up for training ,
Thought Brian Lonergan was Port's boss? Seems to be going bad in Port at the moment.
Weekend Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
Portarlington v Arles Kilcruise - Conceded by Portarlington
St Joseph's 3-10
Arles/Killeen 3-11
The Heath 3-11
Graiguecullen 1-9
Portlaoise 3-7
Stradbally 2-16
ACFL Div 1 1B
Emo 1-22
Ballylinan 1-13
Mountmellick 1-7
Killeshin 1-15
Timahoe 0-6
Crettyard 1-10
O'Dempseys 1-17
Ballyroan Abbey 1-13
Another walkover last night in Division 3A which has turned into a farce. I imagine we will have a few walkovers in all leagues with the Euros as most clubs will be down players over the next fortnight.
Quote from: Downtheroad on June 09, 2016, 11:00:46 PM
Another walkover last night in Division 3A which has turned into a farce. I imagine we will have a few walkovers in all leagues with the Euros as most clubs will be down players over the next fortnight.
Kilcavan have played 4 matches to date in this league and have received 4 (possibly 5) walkovers already at this point. I know some may same it's only division 3 but its a reflection of the health of Laois club football is at the moment
Annanough will be in Division 1 next year. That's a good achievement for a fairly small club.
A few ex players have taken charge in Port; David Murphy, Noel Coss, Darren Bracken and Brendan McCann. If the players pull together, Port won't be too bad at all.
Good to hear Port seem to be sorting themselves out. They're a great club and Laois would be at a loss without them.
Ballyfin's experiment seems to be back firing according to reports. Lost to Stradbally, lost to Rochesfotbridge, lost to Timahoe, and lost to Mullingar. Have yet to have Sean Moore, Ben Conroy, James Finn amongst others playing. James Moore shattered a joint in his finger, and will be out for the season. Ciaran Duff who was centre back last year has gone travelling to the States, and with quite a few key players doing leaving cert they are really struggling until June.
Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
09/06/2016
Arles/Killeen 2-10
Portlaoise 2-10
Arles Kilcruise 1-6
The Heath 1-14
Graiguecullen 1-19
St Joseph's 1-12
Stradbally
Portarlington -- Conceded by Portarlington
29/05/2016
Portarlington
Arles Kilcruise -- Conceded by Portarlington
St Joseph's 3-10
Arles/Killeen 3-11
The Heath 3-11
Graiguecullen 1-9
27/05/2016
Portlaoise 3-7
Stradbally 2-16
ACFL Div 1 1B
09/06/2016
Ballylinan 1-20
Timahoe 2-14
Ballyroan 0-19
Mountmellick 2-9
Killeshin 0-18
Emo 0-08
05/06/2016
Crettyard 0-4
Ballylinan 2-7
03/06/2016
Crettyard 6-12
O'Dempseys 0-8
Quote from: Laoischat on June 10, 2016, 10:40:20 AM
Ballyfin's experiment seems to be back firing according to reports. Lost to Stradbally, lost to Rochesfotbridge, lost to Timahoe, and lost to Mullingar. Have yet to have Sean Moore, Ben Conroy, James Finn amongst others playing. James Moore shattered a joint in his finger, and will be out for the season. Ciaran Duff who was centre back last year has gone travelling to the States, and with quite a few key players doing leaving cert they are really struggling until June.
Pity to hear that. Might get their act together for championship but think Joes will have too much for them. Have been playing well enough at the top level of league.
Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
16/06/2016
Arles Kilcruise 2-7
Graiguecullen 1-11
Portarlington v Arles/Killeen Conceded by Portarlington
Portlaoise 0-6
St Joseph's 1-11
The Heath 2-17
Stradbally 2-4
ACFL Div 1 1B
16/06/2016
Ballylinan 2-9
Crettyard 0-12
Emo 1-15
Ballyroan Abbey 1-12
Mountmellick 1-18
O'Dempseys 2-8
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on June 09, 2016, 11:51:49 PM
Annanough will be in Division 1 next year. That's a good achievement for a fairly small club.
A few ex players have taken charge in Port; David Murphy, Noel Coss, Darren Bracken and Brendan McCann. If the players pull together, Port won't be too bad at all.
It's Annanough v Park Rath in one of the div 2 semis.
Portlaoise v Rosenallis or Courtwood or Graigue in the other.
Killeen v Mountmellick or Kilcotton in Division 4 final.
Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
23/06/2016
Arles/Killeen 0-7
The Heath 1-16
Graiguecullen 5-9
Portlaoise 2-4
Stradbally 3-13
Arles Kilcruise 2-7
St Joseph's v Portarlington -- Conceded by Portarlington
ACFL Div 1 1B
23/06/2016
Ballyroan Abbey 1-20
Timahoe 0-9
Crettyard 2-5
Mountmellick 1-11
Killeshin 1-13
Ballylinan 2-9
Division 2 semis were finalised last night - Annanough will play Park Ratheniska and Portlaoise v Courtwood.
Mountmellick v Killeen in the Division 4 final.
Crettyard v Courtwood or Clonaslee in the Division 5 final.
Last Night's Results
ACFL Div 1 1A
30/06/2016
Arles Kilcruise 1-11
Arles/Killeen 0-8
Stradbally 0-9
Graiguecullen 1-7
The Heath 1-13
St Joseph's 1-08
Portarlington v Portlaoise. Conceded by Portarlington
ACFL Div 1 1B
30/06/2016
Ballylinan 2-8
Ballyroan Abbey 1-9
Emo 3-5
Mountmellick 0-14
Killeshin 0-11
Crettyard 2-9
Timahoe v O'Dempseys. Conceded by Timahoe
Kilcavan win the Division 3 title beating Barrowhouse 4-8 to 2-8 in the final today.
Kilcavan only played 5 of their 10 games, (others were walkovers), and when they get to the final its not even in O'moore Park, not that Kilcavan or Barrowhouse would have cared but seems like the county board sometimes do not care much for the smaller rural clubs, bit like the way GAA treat Laois.
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 04, 2016, 12:49:08 PM
Kilcavan only played 5 of their 10 games, (others were walkovers), and when they get to the final its not even in O'moore Park, not that Kilcavan or Barrowhouse would have cared but seems like the county board sometimes do not care much for the smaller rural clubs, bit like the way GAA treat Laois.
In fairness to the Co board, practically no league finals in any division get played in O'Moore Park.
Quote from: Downtheroad on July 04, 2016, 09:24:34 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 04, 2016, 12:49:08 PM
Kilcavan only played 5 of their 10 games, (others were walkovers), and when they get to the final its not even in O'moore Park, not that Kilcavan or Barrowhouse would have cared but seems like the county board sometimes do not care much for the smaller rural clubs, bit like the way GAA treat Laois.
In fairness to the Co board, practically no league finals in any division get played in O'Moore Park.
I can imagine its not easy but its in microcosm of what is eating away at the GAA, O'Moore Park is needed for inter county games, the club teams who sell the tickets to pay for the bloody thing should be greatful to play in any filed out the road. Barrowhouse and Kilcavan are clubs with small communities who are trying to build for the future and they are not regulars when it comes to county finals or league finals so when they do get there the least they deserve is to have it at the county grounds. Its not the end of the world and I am sure people and players from both clubs were delighted to be competing for silverware so could not care where it was played but our county board should be looking at this and trying to help promote the game.
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 05, 2016, 08:21:48 AM
Quote from: Downtheroad on July 04, 2016, 09:24:34 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 04, 2016, 12:49:08 PM
Kilcavan only played 5 of their 10 games, (others were walkovers), and when they get to the final its not even in O'moore Park, not that Kilcavan or Barrowhouse would have cared but seems like the county board sometimes do not care much for the smaller rural clubs, bit like the way GAA treat Laois.
In fairness to the Co board, practically no league finals in any division get played in O'Moore Park.
I can imagine its not easy but its in microcosm of what is eating away at the GAA, O'Moore Park is needed for inter county games, the club teams who sell the tickets to pay for the bloody thing should be greatful to play in any filed out the road. Barrowhouse and Kilcavan are clubs with small communities who are trying to build for the future and they are not regulars when it comes to county finals or league finals so when they do get there the least they deserve is to have it at the county grounds. Its not the end of the world and I am sure people and players from both clubs were delighted to be competing for silverware so could not care where it was played but our county board should be looking at this and trying to help promote the game.
I see what you are saying. But then these two clubs are unlikely to bring huge crowds to a league final.
We give out about all of our main championship games taking place in OMP with small crowds and no atmosphere. There are plenty of good pitches around the county now.
On the hurling side of the county I love to see games in the likes of Rathdowney, Colt, Mountrath, Abbeyleix, Ballacolla and Durrow. Even Shanahoe although the pitch and dressing rooms aren't great. There can be great atmospheres at these games, less hassle with parking etc.
Also the collection of money and stewarding is all done voluntarily and organised by the club.
The club makes a few pound from the gate and are given the chance to show off their facilities. These games usually attract a decent local crowd too.
I agree with league finals being played around the county. More championship games should be too.
Quote from: Downtheroad on July 04, 2016, 09:24:34 PM
In fairness to the Co board, practically no league finals in any division get played in O'Moore Park.
The Division 3 final was in O'Moore Park last year. It would have been better in a club ground, there was almost no atmosphere at it.
Killeen won Division 4 final beat Mountmellick in final. Clonalsee v Cretty in Division 5 final.
Quick Question: could anyone explain why the league semi-finals at the weekend consisted of the top 2 teams from division 1A (Div 1) and the top 2 teams from division 1B (Div 2). Seems crazy especially when both division 1B teams got beaten well.
Quote from: Saint75 on July 11, 2016, 10:43:11 AM
Quick Question: could anyone explain why the league semi-finals at the weekend consisted of the top 2 teams from division 1A (Div 1) and the top 2 teams from division 1B (Div 2). Seems crazy especially when both division 1B teams got beaten well.
Cant explain but its a solid joke. Two teams get relegated and they could win Div 1 leage next year.Laois GAA solution to a percieved problem with not enough games for clubs.
I tossed on which game i'd attend on friday evening and the Josephs/O Dempseys game flipped up. The game itself was a stinker and how ODs have fallen so low beats me.The nearly beat(should have) Portlaoise in a championship semi a couple of years ago. I Know they were missing a few and i'm told Josephs were also missing 7or 8 but they were no more then a good junior team. Totally unfit, no desire or passion. Josephs won pulling up but the Heath in the final will be different animal
Quote from: The Monument Road on July 11, 2016, 12:59:33 PMhow ODs have fallen so low beats me.
Here's a symptom of it anyway. This is U14B. B, not A.
08-07-2016 18:30 SPINK 7 - 33 VS 0 - 0 O'DEMPSEYS SPINK COMMUNITY FIELD ANTHONY STAPLETON
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on July 11, 2016, 02:03:38 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on July 11, 2016, 12:59:33 PMhow ODs have fallen so low beats me.
Here's a symptom of it anyway. This is U14B. B, not A.
08-07-2016 18:30 SPINK 7 - 33 VS 0 - 0 O'DEMPSEYS SPINK COMMUNITY FIELD ANTHONY STAPLETON
I take it this was a hurling game with Anthony Stapleton refereeing?
It has to be a football result. Od's don't have hurling teams
Quote from: SCFC on July 11, 2016, 10:26:28 PM
It has to be a football result. Od's don't have hurling teams
It's a football result alright. O'Ds are in big trouble as regards Senior in the long run. They just don't have the talent coming through. Mind you they are not the only one. Have a look at the Rock's underage results at under 12 and 14 over the past number of years.
Quote from: Downtheroad on July 11, 2016, 11:47:24 PM
Quote from: SCFC on July 11, 2016, 10:26:28 PM
It has to be a football result. Od's don't have hurling teams
It's a football result alright. O'Ds are in big trouble as regards Senior in the long run. They just don't have the talent coming through. Mind you they are not the only one. Have a look at the Rock's underage results at under 12 and 14 over the past number of years.
Seems its more then the clubs named who may be in trouble. Some senior clubs dont or cannot enter juvenile teams into competitions. due to lack of players. Both Arles teams are in real trouble with juvenile numbers which could and probably will put a question mark over their future existance. The parish amalgamation in that area is 99% Ballylinan sourced. A few clubs such as Kileshin, Graigue,Josephs/Barrowhouse, Stradbally Parish GLs,Ballyroan are trying their best at coaching youngsters and they still struggle when it comes to senior competitions. Its very noticable the amount of less traditional football areas who are putting in huge effort at underage football and winning results are beginning to feed through in u12/u14 grades
Is there a National School still in Arles?
It takes ages to bring Juveniles through our first decent crop comes through at minor this year. I would also like to state I think we are one of the traditional football heartlands in Laois. We always seem to have a team regardeless of the decade. Last team to win Laois Senior Championship bar Portalaoise. Last team in Laois to be in Leinster Club Final bar Portlaoise. I think we have won alot more than most. We may not be consistent.
QuoteSeems its more then the clubs named who may be in trouble. Some senior clubs dont or cannot enter juvenile teams into competitions. due to lack of players. Both Arles teams are in real trouble with juvenile numbers which could and probably will put a question mark over their future existance. The parish amalgamation in that area is 99% Ballylinan sourced. A few clubs such as Kileshin, Graigue,Josephs/Barrowhouse, Stradbally Parish GLs,Ballyroan are trying their best at coaching youngsters and they still struggle when it comes to senior competitions. Its very noticable the amount of less traditional football areas who are putting in huge effort at underage football and winning results are beginning to feed through in u12/u14 grades
The problems of the clubs listed above is that they are amalgamating at juvenile level and not at adult level. Clubs can't reasonably expect to compete at senior level when they might only have four or five players playing minor every year on an amalgamated team. Stradbally Parish Gaels are a case in point, you have three strong, traditional football clubs all pulling out of one juvenile setup, and it doesn't seem to be doing any of them any good at adult level. Stradbally could have been relegated the last two years, and Timahoe and Annanough are stuck in the intermediate. It's hard to see that improving for any of them in the next few years. Emo and Courtwood, Killeshin and Crettyard and all the other amalgamated sides will eventually have to look at joining up at senior level. What will drive it is the players, as happened in Borris-Kilcotton. If they are successful at juvenile level, they will want that to continue at adult level.
You've just explained the whole problem in a nutshell steven segal. You are 100% spot on. Small minded club men will be the death of football in this county. What's going on in Laois is a microcosm of what's happening in the country. Numbers dictate. Portlaoise have the numbers and the rest don't. Dublin have them and the rest don't. The more you have the better chance you have of being consistently competitive. Otherwise you are hoping to be lucky every now and then. Basic stuff.
Cork and Kerry have had divisional teams for years to address this and have high quality club scenes as a result. Amalgamations work if you ignore the old dinosaurs who have too much influence on club committees and county boards. The players normally have different views. It has certainly made our club championship much better in hurling in a very short space of time. The challenge is to get it right from the start as you can't be changing your amalgamations every few years when population dynamics change. Unfortunately in Laois, I think we need to be a division 4 team with Portlaoise winning their 15th title in a row before anyone does anything meaningful. 8 competitive senior football teams is enough in Laois.
Those dinosaurs you talk about have taken potential medals away from players in recent years. Players who might never win a county medal. It is disgraceful and I agree with you. Way too much football in this county for the size of pool we have. And what do we get? Matches being conceded left right and centre. Some of the lower leagues this year have been embarrassing. Cut it all and make it competitive. In time we'll get the players we need. Leave it as it is and we'll fall off the face of the earth.
Make the cut, but do it right and quick. No longdrawnout bs like before. Cut eight and be done with it. Design a series of playoffs, if needed to allow promotion and relegation.
If some team thinks they should be in the new intermediate set up, let them win their way up to it. Be brutal, because it's the only way to find our clubs' true levels.
They split the league this year based on standings so could easily be done with championship if the will was there. Do the same as the hurling and call it Senior A and Senior B if clubs don't like the idea of being intermediate.
B for bullcrap. Tell the grown men to grow up and that if you're in tier2, you're intermediate. The pussyfooting around the senior a/b in hurling is ridiculous. It's tier2, so it's intermediate.
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on July 13, 2016, 02:20:59 PM
B for bullcrap. Tell the grown men to grow up and that if you're in tier2, you're intermediate. The pussyfooting around the senior a/b in hurling is ridiculous. It's tier2, so it's intermediate.
Have to agree.Went to see a few Senior B hurling games last year and to be honest if it was Kilkenny, it would be junior A. Kerry has 8 senior football clubs together with 8 Divisional teams and it's a proper championship. The likes of Brian Sheehan is happy to play for his division and a lower grade for his club. I would hate to see any club folding but the best chance of all current clubs surviving is a twin track approach of having an area team for Senior and club playing at the appropriate grade. As a compromise, I suggest 10 club teams and 6 area teams to retain the current 16 team format which I have to say works well from a organisational point of view.
What would be the list of teams and amalgamations DTR?
Quote from: redsetanta on July 13, 2016, 03:21:35 PM
What would be the list of teams and amalgamations DTR?
A very good question and one that cannot be answered easily.The reason why I favour group teams is that it allows players from all clubs an opportunity to play at the highest level in the county. Logically, the 10 clubs that perform best in the Senior championship prior to the change over would make sense. That would mean the 8 quarter finalists under the current system and a playoff between the 4 losing 3rd round teams would get the other 2. The group teams will require criteria to be laid down but it would be desirable that every player from intermediate and junior clubs gets an opportunity to play senior. I imagine criteria can be based on geography or it might also be left to junior/inter clubs to get together to form senior teams of consequence.
However your question does raise the possibility that due to the culture that prevails in the county it is very possible that there isn't an appetite for 6 divisional/group teams and maybe the original plan of the Co Board to reduce the championship from 16 to 12 is a more realistic option. If this is to done, it should happen in one year and to hell with the consequences for individual clubs.
Unless leadership is given at Co Board level, I don't see any mood for change at grassroots level.
It's not enough. Clubs are giving places to really poor players and that has to stop. These players need to be filtered down the grades so that good players can play a good standard of football. There's a bigger picture here. These dinosaurs go to County Board meetings and give out stink about Lillis, O'Flaharta McNulty or whoever, and in the background they are pedalling this farce of a set up. Good players deserve better than this. League football is a shambles and allows lads to do nothing for months on end and give their all for a month or two. We don't even throw in an early round of the Championship. We are literally aiding and abetting mediocrity. Somebody needs to get a grip here
Take it your a "good footballer". Clubs are about far more than the team, while playing is important and for me the most important. There are many other factors why clubs are not interested in amalgamation go have a look around and see how many of a community's focal points are ran from a GAA club. People rightfully are worried about the impact an amalgamation has on their community apart from team performance. To be honest the divisional thing would work better if we were interested in it.
Clubs would still exist and be a focal point in a divisional set up. Are you suggesting clubs in Kerry have faded away with the arrival of divisional sides. Replace the league with a club championship. Have a meaningful prize for the winners eg represent laois in Leinster if a divisional side wins the main championship.
Think of county underage teams with players from intermediate/junior clubs. They get good coaching while with the county underage teams and probably while in 3rd level education. Eventually they will solely survive in their club environment. Level of coaching will probably drop in standard, exposure and competitive level will definitely drop so their chances of continuing to play for the county are poor. In a divisional set up that would change.
It's up to club delegates to bring it to the county board so it can be debated robustly. The main aim has to be the betterment of the county team which will mean more revenue which will ultimately benefit all clubs.
The senior team is the flagship so their success will filter down meaning more kids wanting to get involved whether by playing the game or attending matches.
The divisional team should happen, keeping the integrity of the local club and providing a higher standard of club football for players and supporters alike.
Any club members on this site should be pushing for change at club level. If that doesn't happen we may forget about it.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on July 14, 2016, 10:54:28 AM
Take it your a "good footballer". Clubs are about far more than the team, while playing is important and for me the most important. There are many other factors why clubs are not interested in amalgamation go have a look around and see how many of a community's focal points are ran from a GAA club. People rightfully are worried about the impact an amalgamation has on their community apart from team performance. To be honest the divisional thing would work better if we were interested in it.
You more than anyone have been bleating pissing and moaning about how bad Laois are and how badly they are doing. Nobody wants to see clubs fold but the better footballers have to be put together on the same field somehow, so that they have something to play for, and be part of something worthwhile. County footballers in Laois go back to their clubs and prop up lads who are half fit and don't take it seriously for the best part of the year. How do you honestly expect to improve standards going on like that? I mean I'm all for a good moan every now and then, but let's fix it rather than sit and hope for the best.
I said drop 8 teams, but if 6 were dropped with a North Laois and a South Laois divisional side to make up 12. The teams would play in 2 x 6 or 3 x 4 (twice?) over the summer.
It's time for a change. The CB have to lead this.
High Fielder I think that's a bit disrespectful to a lot of genuine dedicated club players around the county.
If we think a divisional format is going to solve the problems of the competitiveness of our county team I think you are wrong. We are a small county, any player who has the ability or potentially has the ability to play for Laois is being (or should be) picked up by our development squads. That is where the success of our county teams will be determined, not the club scene. Look at our relative success recently. The 2003 leinster winning team was backboned by the 96-98 minors. Without looking i'd be surprised if there was many on that panel that hadn't played underage for Laois. Likewise the minor teams from around 2003 backboned our senior team contesting a couple of quarter finals. The problem is we took our eye off the ball in player developement.
I'm calling it like it is. League football in this county is terrible and we play it for months. We then shoehorn our championship into 2 months max. What's that all about? It's not working as a system and with respect Timmy I don't care if you are right or I am. The debate needs to happen and we have to do something different to maximise whatever potential we have. What we're doing now is failing us and even supposed Laois people are happy to slag off what are still the best players in the county. It's more fashionable at the moment to sit at home and be an armchair critic rather than going and supporting these lads. A few lads on Twitter in particular seem to have it all sussed and don't seem to realise that some of their own club men are involved with Laois
I moan about the county team because we as county have made dreadful decisions over the last couple of years. I don't think their is anything wrong with the talent coming through but the problem lies in the way it's developed and used. I don't think we are going to win all Irelands but I do think somewhere between division 1 & 2 is where we should be. With regard to your proposed joining up perspective you are talking between 10-20 years to see the fruits of this so it's a long term decision. It will happen over time due to where population lives but it has to be a choice not something pushed on them by the county board. Players have some sort of lofty belief where they lie in a clubs planning to be honest I think if the GAA was all about the games it would have finished up years ago. It's a community organisation which happens to be sporting. In Ballyroan they help out with funerals, schools, summer camps & a million other things pretty much like every other GAA club so if amalgamations mean an end to this I can't see many going for it.
Ballyroan Abu what is your take on your club changing its name several years back?
Has that "arrangement" been of benefit?
Was there any resistance to doing so?
I agree that there are very players in Laois of intercounty standard that Cheddar or Lillis don't know about.
Divisional teams would bring as many problems as solutions. When do they train? Do the players train with their home clubs too? If yes are they over trained? If not are they neglecting their duties with one and the other.
I'd imagine trying to get nights when none of the home clubs are training or playing would be more difficult than you might imagine.
I'd be inclined to agree with the idea that Laois isn't really big enough to support this.
The upsurge in the amount of "Area" teams for championship in 2016 might be worth exploring for a few years.
I've said it before, if the clubs in this county who are currently in a long standing underage relationship joined up properly at adult level, that would be a very good start to making our teams more competitive.
I also agree with alot of what Ballyroan says; supplanting players from random clubs together and ignoring average players in your own club who may well progress with time is totally against what I would consider to be the ethos of the GAA.
Kerry have done it for a while now. Seems to be working ok. If you're an average player with designs on bigger things, you can always step up.
We have to change how we do things in Laois. It's not working as it is. Too much bad football being played, too many games one sided or conceded and not enough quality players coming through. That's not a good formula for county success and the two are intertwined because we get our players from clubs.
BallyroanAbbey is a good thing for both Abbeyleix & Ballyroan, we have a serious juvenile structure to the point where we are now the strongest in the county. The pipeline is coming along it's a lot slower than people imagine. We have always had a relationship with Abbeyleix so that makes things easier. So we are 10 years joined up and this years minor is the first team that has played together all the way. BallyroanAbbey the name bothers some people others don't care. I suppose our biggest issue is with Ballypickas in hurling who we historically hurled with at junior but they are been hit hard as our juveniles are now turning out for Abbeyleix. If we can figure this out I think we can bring more people on board. Overall a good thing I would say both clubs have upped their game and hopefully this continues.
I admire Ballypickas greatly, but its time to do the sensible thing. When they won the U21 with Abbeyleix a few years ago, it should have been done then. Its inevitable. Its the right thing, hard and all as that is to say.
It is time. There are so many old clubs that no longer exist. Do people mourn the loss of Jamestown, Rapla, Boley? It's time to consolidate our clubs, for the good of the overall health of the GAA in Laois.
Agreed. Look at the situation from Crettyard to Graiguecullen. How many senior clubs in such a small area? Combined they could do something. Divided they are all moderate enough. They don't all have to join up, but the two Arles clubs in particular have really cut their noses off to spite their face. Egos denying lads the chance to win a medal. Pathetic.
I also agree that the relationship that ballyroan and abbeyleix have had has been hugely benificial to the clubs, I would actually be of the opinion that we should be one club under the one name (Abbeyleix/Ballyroan, St Lazariens,etc) one crest, one parish as that is kind of where it has been heading anyway, would also drive the final nail into Ballypickas too
From hurling end of things that would lead to the following;
Clonad-Shanahoe-Colt
Abbeyleix-Ballypickas or Ballinakill-Ballypickas
Mountrath-Trumera
Castletown-Slieve Bloom
Camross-Kyle or Borris-Kilcotton-Kyle
Rosenallis-Clonaslee
Hard to see some of these happening!
That Division 2 final result is scary. Portlaoise second string hammered Annanough by 20+ points. The gaps are huge.
Good win for The Heath in Division 1 final. Will they give Portlaoise a run for it in the first round of the championship?
Does anyone know when the 1st round of Senior Championship will be now with the minor quarter-final on 30th?
they are looking at going midweek of that week
Championship on 31st. Only 24hrs recovery for anyone involved. Clubs will have to look after there young players as the county board obviously don't care....
Quote from: Saint75 on July 19, 2016, 10:31:20 PM
Championship on 31st. Only 24hrs recovery for anyone involved. Clubs will have to look after there young players as the county board obviously don't care....
a few of them were out playing minor hurling last night and have adult club games this week.
Quote from: Saint75 on July 19, 2016, 10:31:20 PM
Championship on 31st. Only 24hrs recovery for anyone involved. Clubs will have to look after there young players as the county board obviously don't care....
That is a disgrace and is a much more serious Player Welfare issue than the bullshit surrounding the farce of having U16/U17/Minor competitions all overlapping.
To have Minor Preliminary Rounds on 26th/27th June was a solid disgrace.
Stradbally Parish Gaels & Sarsfields (in football) and Castletown Slieve Bloom & St Fintan's Gaels (in hurling) were all eliminated from the Minor Championships within 3/4 days of the Leaving Cert ending. That is not an adequate games programme for 16-18 years olds by any standards.
All so they can squeeze in an U17 competition, to run at the same time as the U16 competition.
Crazy.
I think we have more than anyone involved on the minor panel, we also have more playing hurling and football than most and we are happy to go ahead with Senior Championship on Sunday 31st July. What choice have the county board the minors win and they are holding games up till September. All our minors are ok with the decision. Not everyone is going to be happy they have little room to work with. This is why the minor grade is been abandoned and yet I think BallyroanAbbey was one of the few clubs looking for the minor to be abandoned as well as the age grade to be risen for Senior Adult Games within Laois.
All Ireland Semi Final is not until August 21st. They could play the games mid week or postpone for 1 week. Playing games 24hrs after an All Ireland quarter final is surely not the best option.
I think it's a non issue. I don't hear anyone complaining much in our club and I think we are the worst affected. U17 is now the most important grade they were actually squeezing in the minor & U16.
Typical ignorant attitude towards our young players.
Is this the standard reply when you don't like what's been said. The U17 grade is been brought in to alleviate the demands on young players as is the rise of age for adult players. Minor & U16 are on their way out thats national policy the night it was argued in Portlaoise about 3 clubs including Ballyroan were in favor of this been brought in. It's a tough first year but after that it will be fine. The county board accommodated the clubs by having a minor championship. Because no matter what you think the U18 is on the way out and that eases fixture congestion as well as the burden on younger players.
Ballyroan Abu,
I agree wholeheartedly that minor in Laois should have been changed to U17 for 2016. And I have been saying that since last Novemeber.
However, when the change didn't get through, slapping in these 3 competitions in the manner they have been brought in was not a idea with any foresight. Just because the clubs don't agree to a change, doesn't mean you can sulk and do what you like with competitions.
I don't agree with the age grade changing to having to be over 17 to play adult, I think that is totally unnecessary, but once that rule came in nationally, Laois will have to change to 11-13-15-17, for the sake of competitions within the county.
And I can't believe people are talking about "easing the burden" on younger players, considering how close to a Leinster Final and All Ireland Quarter Final our minor footballers are being asked to play knockout championship games with their clubs. As well as the proximity to the Leaving Cert with which both codes started.
Realistically how many 17 year olds get exploited in this day and age by their clubs?
But as I said, once the GAA got their way on this over 17 rule, Laois will just have to change their internal competition gradings.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on July 21, 2016, 08:29:33 AM
Is this the standard reply when you don't like what's been said. The U17 grade is been brought in to alleviate the demands on young players as is the rise of age for adult players. Minor & U16 are on their way out thats national policy the night it was argued in Portlaoise about 3 clubs including Ballyroan were in favor of this been brought in. It's a tough first year but after that it will be fine. The county board accommodated the clubs by having a minor championship. Because no matter what you think the U18 is on the way out and that eases fixture congestion as well as the burden on younger players.
I'm only talking about asking minors to play 24hrs after playing All Ireland quarter final.
I know that the league is off topic considering the championship season has begun but does portlaoise 2nd team go up to 1b after winning division 2 or are they required to stay in a lower division than their seniors?
I don't know but 1B is lower than 1A and I'd say they'll be going up. Guesswork only.
The problem would be, under the current structure of the league, Portlaoise's teams could end up playing each other in the semi-finals, so it's a good point BallyroanAbbey, there would be a case to be made for not promoting them.
I'm sure our county board have considered all of these permutations and are well on top of this matter, just like in 2014 with the senior championship...
Quote from: steven seagal on July 30, 2016, 09:32:50 AM
The problem would be, under the current structure of the league, Portlaoise's teams could end up playing each other in the semi-finals, so it's a good point BallyroanAbbey, there would be a case to be made for not promoting them.
I'm sure our county board have considered all of these permutations and are well on top of this matter, just like in 2014 with the senior championship...
Now now >:(
St Vincents or Brigids played two teams in the Dublin SFC a few years ago. The Dublin CB weren't going to let them up, but the club went or threatened to go to court. They played each other in round one the following year and there was war at it. Rows over the jerseys ensued and the B team came out raring. The first team won handy in an U12 scoreline 6-6 to 2-2 or something, but unless the CB has made a rule to block it, Portlaoise will be allowed up.
In fairness to LCB, the Rules & Regulations and Byelaws are quite clear and straightforward.
They fucked up with SFC a couple of years ago.
Regarding the recent DRA case, I still don't subscribe to the view that they were guilty of anything. They followed their own rules (as agreed by the clubs) and the rules were found to be "legal" by a Barrister. What more could they do?
Anyways, I can't find a recent copy, but here is a 2012 version. See Rule 5.
http://sportlomo-userupload.s3.amazonaws.com/uploaded/7069/Laois%20GAA%20-%20Rules%20and%20Regulations%202012.pdf
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on July 15, 2016, 10:34:19 AM
It is time. There are so many old clubs that no longer exist. Do people mourn the loss of Jamestown, Rapla, Boley? It's time to consolidate our clubs, for the good of the overall health of the GAA in Laois.
I can assure you out my way that some people still mourn the loss of Jamestown!! :)