Messages

Very good idea.

[i dont think it will]

Club football really is a mess when you have games being played that mean so little that players dont bother to turn up to.  Its not long ago that we had the farce of no relegation for a year or two in the league.

It's all building to this big plan which i hope will work but i dont think it will, amagalamations might work if two clubs are involved but when you go over that all it will just lead to in fighting and clubs trying to get their own men on the field.

I would like to know what the lads here  who are currently playing think of it and what their relations are like with neighbouring clubs who they may have to join with?

That ''no relegation'' idea was laughable....

I don't think it will work either. The general consensus seems to be that although there are some major issues with the whole set up, beneath it all the players are not good enough. And if this is the case then why would people think that amalgamation nonsense would change anything. Players will not  be ''reborn'' with a new, amalgamated club, they will still be the same lads playing.

And all this talk of ''playing at a higher level''. Talk is cheap. Anyone who has been involved with the minor or underage set-up recently will see that amalgamations are not really the way forward at all. The minor championship this year has been a poorer standard than 3, 2 or even 1 year ago.

The problem (In my opinion) has more to do with the poor standard of coaching from grass roots up. An example relevant to me was that I was asked to train and manage our u12's two years ago despite the fact I had never been involved with managing such a young age group before (And there's a big difference between u12 and u16/minor let me tell you). Now this is not a big deal by any means but it shows how volunteers are numbered and the majority involved are parents of players etc.

If a higher standard of coaching could be created then this, I feel, would do a lot more for us in the future. Of course this would be too sensible and the fact that it would take time and effort to both overcome problems (availability/willingness of coaches) and to see the results means it will probably not happen for a long time.

Instead, let's just relegate half of division 1, slap a few neighbouring clubs together and hope for the best.

Bananas

Yes, my mistake! Don't think they will have enough to get past Cootehill but it could go either way.

As I was saying on Hoganstand I can't believe the scoreline of the recent Kingscourt league game. 2-17 to 0-01 is some win. They look like strong favourites for the senior championship.

I dont mind tomsmith he is a obvious wum .

Anyway bananas, has anyone caught you're eye during the championship, i have been at feck all games myself this year.

Yeah that's true! Been to a lot of games this year, particularly Intermediate and Senior, and despite the standard being shocking there have been a few great individual performances I think. A few that who weren't (I don't think but correct me if I'm wrong) involved in the county set up against Donegal and caught my eye were:

Oisin O'Connell (Castlerahan) - Good playmaker and scorer, best player I've seen this summer.

Cian Mackey (Castlerahan) - Never seemed to do much at intercounty level but has been impressive all year for Castlerahan, even though he's slightly small for midfield. Good man to win breaking ball.

Kevin ''Chops'' McConnell (Belturbet) - Terrier at CHB and a nightmare for any number 11 to come up against. Some say he may be too small height-wise for intercounty but that's debatable.

Mark Teevan - (Belturbet) - Had a disaster of a game in the quarter final but has been playing great stuff up until then and has the makings of a good footballer.

PP Galligan - (Mullahoran) Definitely Mullahoran's standout player at centre field. Big lad who can catch ball and distributes well.

Hard to judge Kingscourt and Killygarry players as I don't think the games I've seen them play in this year were a fair representation. But 4 players who impressed me before were Alan Wakely and Alan Clarke (Kingscourt) and Ross Sheridan and Donal Thomas (Killygarry)

A few others were:
John McCutcheon (Cootehill)
Niall Madden (Gowna)
Mark Cunningham (Swanlinbar)
Darragh McGovern (Kildallon)
Sean McCormack (Ballyhaise)
Niall McKiernan (Lacken)
Keith Fannin (Drumgoon)

I'm not saying these should be intercounty players by any means but they have been impressive when I've seen them more than once. Other players I've seen are either involved with the county team or I haven't seen them enough to give a fair opinion.

Not that my opinion matters really 

These w**kers hate the hoganstand but they cant take their eyes off it for news. Their bollox wouldnt get printed there so the " seanie hater "myles would be banned long ago. He use to be there ... the p***k!
I see Seanie is just 3 steps away from the celtic cross.............Word is he will be back playing with the gaels soon......if that move rags mylesthe"seanie hater" well im all for it!
So bananas post away with your crap about who dissapoints you and who doesnt,
The Oliver Plunkett Cup Will still be around the Rossa come late Sept.
Pop in and have a look if your passing..........Maybe those Gaels players who have dissapointed you might be there to welcome you!

I wonder where our good friend RichieJ had gone to , this is a part of his last post here.

Poor fellow got it all wrong 

Nice bump Tommy!!!

Hahahaha I might tip into the rossa for a look in a few weeks and see what's there to behold! 

I see Richie has vanished from the Hoganstand forums as well. I'm sure he'll be back next year under a different alias. Up there with tomsmith as the two biggest jokers going 

Surprised by the Gaels result. They hadn't been playing that well but I thought they'd have had enough to see off Killygarry today. Didn't make it into the game due to work commitments, could somebody shed some light on what happened after the full time whistle? Any red cards shown?

No surprise to see the other 3 ease their way into the semi's. It's Kingscourt's to lose now and the winner will surely come from that semi final. The same could be said for the Lacken vs Crosserlough semi final.

Amalgamations in some cases DO work and have worked for some clubs. St Joes and Redbridge being prime examples. It is far too early to say about some other 'experiments'. You say that you have never heard of so many young lads quitting football. What club are you involved in or what clubs are you referring to? I agree that it is getting harder and harder to keep lads committed these days but that is for a number of reasons and not solely amalgamations. The standard of coaching being a prime example.
I agree that the club scene is in a very poor state in Cavan at the moment but we have been doing the same things in Cavan for as long as I can remember and they haven't improved anything so maybe its time we tried something different? I think thats where the Board are coming from also. Not having a Division 3 was obviously a big mistake and there will be repercussions over it I'd imagine.
Amalgamations is encouraging elitism which will not please everybody but it really is up to clubs to decide which road they want to go down. Compete on their own and maybe take a hiding or amalgamate and try and be competitive. That might be a simplistic view but it rings true in a lot of clubs.

Fair enough St.Joes have been competitive in recent years, despite winning nothing, the amalgamation of Redbridge on the other hand has obviously not been a success seeing as they felt the need to add another team to the setup (Belturbet) . I'd rather not say what club I am involved in but I can say that my club has been involved in amalgamations in recent years and it has caused several players to be denied the chance to develop and has led to many quitting football altogether. This is the case among several clubs around the county and any other honest trainers/managers will tell you that.

I agree that the standard of coaching is poor at the minute and measures do need to be taken to improve this but sadly it is an amateur sport and the majority of coaches are only involved because they have a son or relative on the team, but who can blame them. There are very few coaches around that are doing it solely for their love of the game and to those that are, kudos to them. Also it appears that there are more and more senior players getting involved with coaching underage teams within clubs which is great to see.

Some of the amalgamations that have been slapped together for minor this year as just plain silly though and I have been to minor championship games for the last several years and there has been no sign whatsoever of this ''elitism'' this year in my opinion. In fact I would argue that the standard this year has been poorer, especially at division 1 level, than recent years.

No harm in trying something new I suppose, but how long will this continue to go on for before clubs begin to see the repercussions at senior and senior reserve level.

Killygarry had agreed to join with Denn for the Championship but Cavan Gaels then got in contact with Killygarry and they joined with them instead..

Seems like bad sportsmanship on Killygarry's half if they had previously agreed to join with Denn, a team which they joined with in recent years if I'm not mistaken. If this is the case then I'm glad to see nothing come of the Gaels/Killygarry amalgamation.

In my opinion the Gaels would have been better off and more competitive on their own and the same can be said for several other teams who amalgamated simply because it appears to be the ''trend'' at this time.

Was sorry to see Templeport take a hiding. I had hoped to see them do well and all credit to them for not amalgamating when they didn't need to. It should stand to them next year when O Raghallaigh Gaels and Cavan Gaels are weak and them (Templeport) and Ramor should compete in a competitive race for Division 1 silverware.

The same can probably be said for most of the teams that amalgamated solely for the championship. These nonsensical amalgamations shouldn't be going on and isn't going to help anybody in the long run. Never have I heard of so many young players quitting football in such a short space of time as has happened this summer.

As for that shambles of a result in Division 2 well I think that speaks for itself. The responsibility for that shambles of a result falls solely on the shoulders of the County Minor Board. Denn were also annihilated in the opening round fixture and Mullahoran would've most likely been beaten by a lot more than 8 points had they have faced a stronger team.

People say that because we won a few Ulster titles at underage level in the past few years that things are on the up. I can't remember a time when things were worse within the club setup - both at minor, junior and senior level. Resignations need to be announced and a serious review of the current structure is in dire need. 

[he hasn't played a really good game in a couple of years]

Why does he think he is worthy of a place on the Cavan team, he hasn't played a really good game in a couple of years. I don't like saying that as I genuinely thought he was destined for great things. Maybe he needs a break to get his head right but he could have played for a couple of more weeks with ballyhaise and then took his break. I'd say his team mates feel let down, I hope they all up their games to compensate.

That's very harsh in my opinion. I get to a lot of games and seen him play 4 times last year and in each game he stood out as the best player on the pitch. I think Cullivan's style of play attracts criticism from others but having spoken to a few that play alongside him they don't have a bad word to say about the man. He also left himself open to abuse when he got sent off against Donegal last year but again, this isn't enough to label a player on.

If any player feels he needs to get a break from the game and clear his head then they are dead right. Nobody is contracted to play. And it would probably suit Ballyhaise better as a team to know he isn't going to be playing then to have to be hoping he lands at each game and what not.

Lads
Theres more to the story than what some of ye may know or think but its not something that has a place on a public forum.

Well said. And I'm sure you know him better than most on here.

Doubtful about Ramor's ability to beat Drumgoon however! They looked truly shocking against Castlerahan. And I'd have my money on Gowna beating Cuchulainns as well. Haven't seen Ballinagh this year either but if they are in any way as good as last year they should overcome this Drumalee team in my opinion. Should be very tight in the 3 games though, the last 2 in particular!

http://hoganstand.com/Cavan/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=174593

Cavan Gaels excuse for minor amalgamation. Reads like a load of bollix to me. How many excuses does her give?

Lads on holidays
Other sports
Amalgamated team won last yr.
Trying to bring lads on.

Which one is it?

County board need to put some rules in place for amalgamations or there will soon be only 2 teams in the championship.

I agree that things have gotten out of hand this year and 80% of the teams amalgamated for this championship are amalgamating because they are chasing glory and not because they are short of numbers. However, I'm of the opinion that if Kingscourt are allowed amalgamate last year then the Gaels should not be treated any differently and should be allowed to amalgamate this year. The excuses given are silly though. Why didn't he just call a spade a spade and say that they're amalgamating because they wouldn't be strong enough to win it on their own. Sad, but true (and is the case with most of the amalgamated teams).

Disappointing to think about the countless number of players that will quit football because of these new and unnecessary amalgamations.

I'm only slagging ya! If any of the players are reading they will no doubt use it as motivation to improve for the next game. A bit of criticism never did anybody any harm!! As long as it's not personal abuse.....
You mentioned Ray Cullivan. I have heard that he is taking a break from football. Will no doubt be a huge loss to Ballyhaise. They definitely could have done with somebody like him Thursday evening.

Its a pity you weren't as shite on the Wednesday of the week before!!!!! 
As for Cullivan, well we have all heard the saying, if you can't say nothing good about something, say nothing at all.
So its a big No comment from me about the situation.

Now now BH Man, disappointing maybe but shite, never!! 
I'm not trying to justify what Ray is doing. If it was my club I know what my reaction would be to a lad taking a break during championship. But I suppose it's an amateur sport and nobody can force a lad to play if his head isn't right.

Ahh I know ya are yeah  .. Agree with the personal abuse comment too, no need for it in an amateur sport. Yeah he will be a massive loss, can't really see them going the distance without him especially with the likes of Lacken and Crosserlough looking strong. They should still make it through the group though.

Well put BHM. Do you think he might make a return this season at all, even in the later stages of the championship? (''No comment'' again if you wish )

Welcome Bananas. Informative first post and it's great to have somebody who has an interest in the club scene and has the time to attend. Keep it up!
And I hope you have gotten over the disappointment of the above players performances. To disappoint paying spectators is the last thing any club player wants to do and I hope all the above players will endeavour to improve their performances tenfold to avoid any further disappointments.

Maybe disappointed wasn't a good word to use! I do feel a like a bit of a pr*** bad mouthing players when they put in so much effort and all that but you have to admit it's very hard to discuss a game with someone without criticising anyone?

Bananas you don't need to give your analysis on the Denn game theres a good fella.

Lest we forget.

GAA Football All Ireland Junior Championship Semi-Final – Kerry v Cavan on Saturday August 11th at 3:30pm in MacDonagh Park Nenagh.

Haahaha, I think everybody who heard about the game will have the gist of what happened 

Gowna v Mullahoran was really quite shocking. Is this the calibre of the teams that are going to dethrone the Gaels? Awful stuff...

Wow!! its a pity that Declan Meehan and McClarey dissapointed you... I must tell mickey you were dissapointed... He will be upset.
Great analysis of the game though, i can see where your contribution to this forum will be of some benefit for the assholes who dont live in Cavan.
At least you will know what time the games are on and that in itself can take pages here for mylestheslasher and his merry band of "yes nodding dogs"!!
My advice to you is dont go against mylestheslasher or you will have everyone inclucding" mr tommy agreeable smith coming in to back up mylesthe seanie hater!!
These w**kers hate the hoganstand but they cant take their eyes off it for news. Their bollox wouldnt get printed there so the " seanie hater "myles would be banned long ago. He use to be there ... the p***k!
I see Seanie is just 3 steps away from the celtic cross.............Word is he will be back playing with the gaels soon......if that move rags mylesthe"seanie hater" well im all for it!
So bananas post away with your crap about who dissapoints you and who doesnt,
The Oliver Plunkett Cup Will still be around the Rossa come late Sept.
Pop in and have a look if your passing..........Maybe those Gaels players who have dissapointed you might be there to welcome you!
In the meantime keep your valueable imformation comming............and il be back next May when Sir Terry sends the soldiers out for battle in year 2 of the 4 year plan....
They say Sam is heading for Cavan in 2017!!
Well thats the plan anyway!!
I hope Antrim or Fermanagh or London dont spoil the party!!!

Another well-written, constructive post richiej. It's because of people like you that many neutrals dislike the gaels and like to see them losing. Speaking of ''assholes who dont live in Cavan'' doesn't it say on Hoganstand that your county is UK? Ironic...

Hopefully you'll be gone from this site by the next time I log on.


Agree Rodney Trotter. Both had a great game and although Ramor were poor they still had a job to do and done it excellently. Couldn't understand why they were dropped myself either!

Thanks mylestheslasher, Will be at the majority of them as I've little else to be!    I think it's hard to tell from one championship game but having seen them 3 times in the league I think they will be capable of beating anyone on their day, gaels included. (Although I don't think Mackey would be suited to playing midfield against a big Gaels 8 and 9). Gowna vs Mullahoran today will be interesting but I have my doubts as to whether either can mount a serious challenge. Kingscourt should beat Denn too and I don't think much can be learned from that game, will try to get in for it anyway though!

[Gaels vs Lavey:]

Hello to all, new to the thread and hope I can contribute in some way. Often read the comments here as most posters seem to be more open-minded and mature in comparison to those on Hoganstand and then I decided I'd register.

I see RichieJ has extended the audience to which he spouts nonsense to so as soon as I set up my ignore list (if there is one) I should be good to go!

Been to 5 of the club championship games so far this week and haven't really been impressed at all. Some of the football has been shocking. This was my rundown on events (apologies if it's too lengthy) :

Gaels vs Lavey:
The Gaels looked disjointed against Lavey but never had to take it up a notch because they looked comfortable throughout even though they never led by much at any stage. Lavey looked like exactly what they are, a young, inexperienced team but there is a lot of players to work with there.

Players who impressed me : Gaels - Martin Dunne and Mickey Lyng (sub) .. Lavey - Darren Smith, Shane Tierney and Joey Jordan

Players who disappointed me : Gaels - Conor McClarey and Declan Meehan .. Lavey - Karl Duke

Ballyhaise vs Butlersbridge
Only got in for the second half of the Butlersbridge vs Ballyhaise game so hard to comment but from the sounds of things I didn't miss much. Ballyhaise looked unsure of themselves in the second half but managed to rack up a nice tally in the end despite having a man sent off and the team looking short of ideas at times. Does anybody know is Ray Cullivan on holidays or injured? Could be a game winner for Ballyhaise in a close game.

Players who impressed me: Butlersbridge - No.21 at full forward caused problems (Unsure of name... Keith Gumley?)
Ballyhaise - Stephen Smith and Shane McKiernan

Players who disappointed me: N/A

Castlerahan vs Ramor :
Castlerahan ran riot against a shocking (albeit inexperienced) Ramor team. Ramor looked clueless as to what each player's job was and they didn't know what to do when they got the ball. Anton Reilly and James McEnroe are two huge losses though. Castlerahan looked very good and took their foot off the gas for the last few minutes.

Players who impressed me: Castlerahan - Oisin O'Connell (Kicked about 1-08), Cian Mackey, Enda O'Connell
Ramor - Aaron Farrelly (One good save, solid kickouts) and Simon Cadden

Players who disappointed me: Castlerahan - N/A
Ramor - Jack Brady, Damien Barkey, Ado Cole

Cootehill vs Drung: A tightly contested game that I would not describe as exciting by any means. Cootehill sealed the game with a well taken goal by Enda Hessin and Drung never looked like coming back. Joshua Hayes injured/away?

Players who impressed me: Cootehill- Enda Hessin, John McCutcheon (My motm)
Drung- Killian Monahan

Players who disappointed me: Cootehill- N/A
Drung - Barry Watters, Michael McEntee, Paddy McEntee

Belturbet vs Drumalee
An important game by all accounts but Belturbet's efficient target man tactics proved the difference in my opinion. Ollie Donohoes proved a handful on the edge of the square and Bleturbet are the first team that I have seen use the new square ball rule to great effect. He was indirectly involved in both goals as a high ball in on the square caused chaos frequently. Beltrubet's inaccuracy in front of goal may cost them against a stronger side though.

Players who impressed me: Belturbet - Mark Teevan, Johnny Klusche, Kevin McConnell
Drumalee - Mickey Brennan (Solid free taker), Damien Donohoe (Worked hard, some great passes)

Players who disappointed me: Belturbet - N/A. (Jayo and Bud got a nice goal each but will need to do more against a stronger team.)

Drumalee - Jimmy Fallon, Kevin Donohoe.


That's just my take on things. Would love to hear the opinions of others regarding the club championship and less talk about Seanie J and co!