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Topics - AZOffaly

#1
General discussion / GAABoard Jobs Market
May 24, 2018, 04:09:15 PM
No, not about the Dubs again, just wondering if we have any Senior Java Developers on the board who fancy getting out of the Dublin rat race? We're looking for 2 in the Mid West area, Front End experience would be a bonus, particulary Angular. If you've been thinking about relocation maybe this might suit..... PM me if interested.
#2
Sure why not?

I'm really looking forward to this. In the grand scheme of things it matters not a jot, but to these 4 teams it matters a lot. No TV, no fanfare, but hopefully a decent crowd for what should be two competitive games in Portlaoise. Offaly have been inconsistent in the league, but staying up was a fillip. John Evans is below in Wickow, and with Stephen Wallace in Offaly, this is a battle of two Kerry managers as well. Hopefully it stays dry and is a good start to the Leinster championship. Tickets are bought and I'm raring to go.

A sideshow has developed in Offaly around Cian Johnson, a club man of my own. He's a very promising footballer, but he's only a child still. Doing the leaving cert this year. The Offaly County Board have brought in a local 'addendum' to the National Rule that no senior championship panelist can play U20 football. They have extended it to saying that anyone eligible for U20 *must* play U20. So Cian is being forced out of the panel for the Wicklow game, and possibly (if they win) the next round of the championship v Dublin. He's not happy with that at all, but I think I support the County Board on this. The first game for Offaly in the U20 is the day after the Dublin date, so my point is he'll either be available for the next game, or he'll be in the middle of a decent run with the Offaly U20s. I don't think the rule means that he cannot step up if/when the U20s are beaten.

#3
General discussion / Nicest Towns in Ireland
April 18, 2018, 09:09:04 AM
As a counterpoint to that negative and depressing thread about shitholes, how about we nominate the nicest towns in Ireland?  I think we have far more nice towns than shitholes.

I'll open the betting with a couple off the top of my head.

Adare, County Limerick. A lovely small town, loads of character. Beautiful golf course as well.
Kinsale, County Cork. A bigger town, but still has small town feel with the tight streets and colourful shops. Perched on the inlet with all the small sailing and fishing  boats that brings.
Kenmare, County Kerry. More along the lines of Adare, but a beautiful scenic town with a lot of colour and life.
Dunmore East, County Waterford. Another seaside town/village. A lovely cove.
Birr, County Offaly. Another bigger town, but one that's really vibrant and has loads of interesting and historical buildings.
Carlingford, County Louth. The north eastern version of a smaller Kinsale.
Westport, County Mayo. A really nice bigger town, with the river running through it and good pubs and restaurants.
Kinvara, County Galway. Another seaside/coastal town or village that is very good at taking advantage of it's location.



#4
General discussion / Ryle Nugent leaves RTE
February 26, 2018, 01:00:02 PM
I've always had an irrational dislike of Ryle Nugent, probably unfairly so. He's leaving his post as head of RTE Sport. RTE Sport has seen a fairly dramatic change in recent years losing a lot of the Rugby that Nugent obviously loves. TV3 doing the 6 nations must melt his head. I hope the next guy/girl in is  bit of an innovator.

Easytiger, are you applying ? :)

Ryle Nugent announces departure from RTÉ

RTÉ Group Head of Sport, Ryle Nugent, today announced that he is to leave RTÉ on 1st June after 24 years with the broadcaster.

Ryle Nugent said, "After eight years as Group Head of RTÉ Sport, I've decided that it's time for me to move on to take up new challenges. The last eight years as Group Head have been a genuine privilege and the most rewarding of my career, but as we head into what would be my ninth season at the helm, ninth GAA Championships and third World Cup, I feel its time to hand the baton on".

Jim Jennings, Director of Content said, "Ryle has made an enormous contribution to RTÉ both in front of and behind the scenes, particularly in the last eight years as Group Head of RTÉ Sport. The fact that RTÉ has maintained such a significant portfolio of sports rights is a tribute to Ryle and all of the team in RTÉ Sport who are dedicated to bringing our national teams and national games to Irish audiences. We will continue on that mission, but today is about marking Ryle's contribution. I wish Ryle the very best in all that does and thank him for his commitment and the significant contribution he has made".

The RTÉ Group Head of Sport position will be advertised within RTÉ in the coming days.
#5
GAA Discussion / County GAA Crests.
January 19, 2018, 02:23:06 PM
A comment on the jerseys thread made me think about county crests. What's the meaning of yours, and what elements are in there?

Offaly's is a variation on the County Crest. It shows the Lion Rampant, which symbolises the Ui Failbhe, the Laiginian people after whom the County is named. e cross upheld by the lion is reproduced from the Book of Durrow now in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin. The triangle at the bottom is intended to represent the bogland of the county with a sprig of Andromeda polifolia as an appropriate county flower.
Obviously the Football and Hurley's Crossed represent the GAA games on the GAA Crest.




#6
AIB are at it again, with another behind the scenes documentary mini episode thing. A 4 part look inside Roscommon's camp in 2017. Should be good if they are allowed good access...
https://www.facebook.com/AIBGAA/videos/10156550535322814/
#7
GAA Discussion / Paraic Duffy to Stand Down
October 11, 2017, 01:51:42 PM
http://gaeliclife.com/2017/10/paraic-duffy-stand-director-general/

My thoughts on Paraic is he seems to be a strong, clever man, but was too focused on the revenue generation and bottom line implications of the Business, with a capital B, of the GAA. We need the GAA ran well, to provide money to reinvest to keep the games strong all over the country. At times I felt the games were seen as a vehicle to provide more money. More money was the aim, rather than the games themselves.
#8
Don't worry, I'm not coming down all Tony, but I thought this was a nice interview. Fr. Stapleton is cousin of Paddy Stapleton (nicknamed Saint I believe!!) who used to play for Tipp, and he himself (Vincent) is on the Borrisoleigh panel for Sunday's County Final versus Sars. I thought he came across very well in the interview. The church could do with making lads like this the face of priesthood in Ireland.

https://www.facebook.com/offtheball/videos/10159459179045441/
#9
GAA Discussion / Niall McNamee Retires
August 29, 2017, 04:34:07 PM
Obviously overshadowed by Sean Cavanagh's announcement, Niall McNamee has just announced his retirement 2 minutes ago. My Da was selector with Paul O'Kelly when they gave Niall his debut in Portlaoise in 2003, aged just 17. He turned into, in my opinion, one of the best forwards in the country at a time when Offaly couldn't keep the ball kicked into him. He could win 50 50 ball, high and low. He could score and he could work. Recent years have seen him affected by injury, but he's a good lad, and is doing a lot of work for gambling addiction as well. Best of luck to him in his retirement, and thanks a million to him for all the hard yards he put in with Offaly.


"niallmc14Only seems like yesterday that I made my debut. It's been a huge honour to represent and captain my county. The time has now come to step away. I want to say a huge thank you to all of my team mates that I've been lucky to take the field with down through the years. Thank you to all the managers who showed faith in me. I've been extremely lucky to fulfil a lot of my childhood dreams and it is truly with a heavy heart that I call it a day. A massive thank you to all the faithful supporters for your support throughout the years both on and off the field. Finally a big thank you to my parents, brothers and sister and my girlfriend for always being there in the good days and the not so good days. I couldn't have done it without you all. @gaelicplayers thank you also for the huge part you guys have played in supporting my off field career. I'm really looking forward to supporting the boys next year and beyond and I pray that the glory days return to Offaly in the not too distant future 💚💭💛"
#10
GAA Discussion / Eir Classic GAA
August 10, 2017, 11:09:42 PM
Anyone watching these? Brilliant stuff. I taped them all so far I think. Just watched the First half of Antrim Offaly in 1989. How did we lose that game? Maybe allowing Cloot go nuts had something to do with it.

Dublin Galway 83 is there. Leitrim Mayo 94, Clare Kerry 92, Meath Down 91. It's great to watch them.
#11
General discussion / Sad News re Coastguard
March 14, 2017, 02:47:32 PM
Sad news coming out of Mayo this morning. Coast Guard helicopter went down with 4 crew. 1, the captain, was pulled out of the water but died in hospital. The remaining 3 crewmembers are missing. They are such brave, brave people and have the height of my respect for what they do. Please God there'll be a happy outcome for the other three, but it doesn't look good.

http://www.newstalk.com/Coast-Guard-captain-dies-after-being-recovered-from-water
#12
General discussion / TV Providers. Vodafone v Sky
February 11, 2017, 02:34:40 PM
LAds, interested in if anyone here has used Vodafone for their bundled package, including Vodafone TV? I'm spending a pile a month on Sky TV, and BT Sport on top of that. I have my home phone/broadband with Vodafone.

Now Vodafone are trying to get me to take their bundled Phone/Broadband/TV bundle. I'm have a 100mbps line with them, and am getting about 60mbps on Wi Fi. If I take it with them, even after the introductory period, I'd be saving about 40-50 euro a month.

All sound good, however I'm worried about 2 things.

1 - Is the TV signal reliable. It would do my nut in if it buffers or drops.
2 - Are other devices, users of internet affected because of the load of the TV coming in on the same line. Obviously there'd be contention, but I'm not sure if normal web browsing or streaming of say Netflix on a tablet would be compromised?

Anyone using this, or have experience of it?

Cheers
#13
Hurling Discussion / Tipp's trip to the glens.
January 30, 2017, 02:39:10 PM
Apparently a very successful weekend, and thoroughly enjoyed by the Tipp lads. They played a match in memory of Fr. Alec Reid in Saint Johns, and attended a few functions organised by the Antrim GAA lads. They seemed very taken by the whole weekend. Anyone here at the game, or any of the events?

bubbles o dwyer ‏@johnodwyer14  20h20 hours ago
More
Great weekend had @AontroimGAA in honour of Fr Alec Reid.. thanks for having us

cathal barrett ‏@cbarrett2107  19h19 hours ago
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Great to meet @GerryAdamsSF last night and a educational weekend in Belfast with @AontroimGAA

James Barry ‏@jamesbarry90  20h20 hours ago
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Massive thanks to @AontroimGAA for the fantastic hospitality over the weekend @GortnaMonaCLG  👍

#14
GAA Discussion / Westmeath Hurlers - Fair Play
December 12, 2016, 04:23:37 PM
Don't know if this was mentioned before, but fair play to the Westmeath Senior and Under 21 Hurlers, who are trying to draw attention to the plight of the homeless in Ireland, and Dublin in particular, this Christmas. They're giving up a post match meal from 2017 to donate 100 dinners to the homeless around Grafton Street at 8.30pm tonight. Fair play to them, and I think it would be great if other counties followed suit.

The GAA is all about friends and family, and looking after each other, so maybe this could become a 'thing'.

Well done Adrian Moran and all involved.

http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/hurling/westmeath-hurlers-are-making-a-stunning-gesture-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity-35283738.html
#15
Similar to the football on the main page.

Louth - Saint Fechin's are county champions, defeating Knockbridge in the final.
Meath - Semi Final Stage: Kiltale V Kildalkey;   Killyon V Trim
Dublin - Semi Final Stage: Lucan Sarsfields, O'Tooles, Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes make up the last 4.
Wicklow - Bray Emmetts will play Carnew Emmetts in the County Final. Robert would be proud.
Wexford - Oulart-The-Ballagh will play Cloughbawn in the County Final.
Carlow - Saint Mullins will play the winner of the semi final replay between Mount Leinster Rangers and Erin's Own
Kilkenny - Into the Quarter Finals. St Martins v Rower Inistioge; Ballyhale Shamrocks v Mullinavat; O'Loughlin Gaels v James Stephens; Dicksboro v Clara
Kildare - Celbridge are the county champions, defeating Naas in the final.
Laois - County Final time as Borris In Ossory/Kilcotton will play Rathdowney/Errill
Offaly - County Final will see a renewal of an old rivalry, as Birr take on Saint Rynaghs.
Westmeath - In the semi finals as Clonkill play Castletown Geogheghan, and Raharney face Lough Lene Gaels
Longford - Wolfe Tones are County Champions with a win over Clonguish in the final.

Waterford - Just finishing off the quarter finals. In the Semis already are Passage and Dungarvan. Mount Sion and De La Salle drew after extra time and must replay, while Abbeyside v Ballygunner was refixed after a floodlight failure.
Cork - County Final next Sunday will feature Erin's Own versus Glen Rovers
Kerry - Kilmoyley are County Champions, after defeating Ballyduff in the final after a replay.
Tipperary - Semi Final Stages. Killenaule will play Kildangan, while Clonoulty Rossmore will do battle with Thurles Sarsfields.
Limerick - Patrickswell are in the final, awaiting the winners of the Adare versus Ballybrown semi final.
Clare - The County Final will see Ballyea playing Clonlara.

Galway - The County Final will feature Gort versus Saint Thomas'
Mayo - This appears to be a 4 team competition, round robin, and at the end the top two play a final. If so, it looks to be Toureen versus Ballyhaunis.
Sligo - Calry/Saint Josephs are in the final, awaiting the result of the replay between Naomh Eoin and Coolera/Strandhill
Roscommon - County Final will see Oran playing Four Roads
Leitrim - Very hard to find out! There is a semi final this weekend Carrick Hurling Club v Cluainin Iomaint, but I have no idea who awaits in the final.

Fermanagh - Looks like no championship :( Lisbellaw represented Fermanagh in the USHC but were beaten in the quarter final.
Antrim - Loughgiel Shamrocks are County Champions, beating Ruairi Óg Cushendall in the County Final.
Tyrone - Eire Óg Carrickmore are County Champions, beating Eoghan Ruadh, Dungannon in the County Final
Derry - Slaughtneil are County Champions, beating Banagher in the final.
Armagh - Middletown are County Champions, and beat Cuchulainns in the final
Down - Ballygalget are County Champions, beating Ballycran in the final
Monaghan - Iniskeen Grattans are County Champions, beating Monaghan Harps in the Final
Cavan - Mullahoran are County Champions, beating Cootehill in the final
Donegal - Sean MacCumhaills are the County Champions, beating Burt in the final
#16
Well, now that all the inter county action is done, it's time to get our bearings on the comings and goings all around the country

Louth - Sean O'Mahony's are champions, beat Ardee St. Mary's 1-11 to 1-9
Meath - Skryne are into the Semi Finals, Senchelstown/Donaghmore-Ashbourne; Dunboyne/Simonstown Gaels; Na Fianna/Gaeil Colmcille will join them.
Dublin - Early enough days as you'd expect. Down to last 16.
Wexford - County Final stage - Gusserane O'Rahilly's versus Glyn-Barntown.
Wicklow - Final next Sunday - St. Patrick's v Baltinglass
Carlow - Final stage - Palatine versus Rathvilly
Kilkenny - Railyard won the championship back around January :) 3 in a row for them.
Kildare - Final will be Moorfield versus Newbridge Sarsfields
Laois - Final will be Portlaoise (going for 10 in a row) versus Stradbally
Offaly - Final will be Rhode versus Ferbane !!!!!!!
Westmeath - At Quarter/Semi Final Stage. Saint Lomans are in the semis. Athlone and Mullingar Shamrocks need to replay their quarter final tie. Killucan will now play Saint Lomas, while Tyrellspass await Shamrocks/Athlone.
Longford - Final on 16th October between Abbeylara and Mullinalaghta St Columba's.

Kerry -  At semi final stage. Dr. Crokes will play Dingle and Rathmore will play Kenmare District
Cork - At the Final stage. Ballincollig will play Carberry Rangers
Tipperary - Almost at the quarter final stage. Clonmel will play Arravale Rovers; Kilsheelan will play Ballyporeen; Loughmore Castleiney will play either Galtee Rovers or Cahir; Moyle Rovers will play Aherlow or Drom/Inch
Waterford - A lost cause. Still appear to be in their group stages.
Clare - At the final stage. Cratloe will play Kilmurry Ibrickane
Limerick - County Final will be between Monaleen and Dromcollagher Broadford

Galway - At semi final stage Corofin v Mountbellew-Moylough and Cortoon-Shamrocks v Salthill-Knocknacarra
Mayo - Still in the group stages
Roscommon - Final between Padraig Pearses and Saint Brigids.
Leitrim - Final will be between Manorhamilton and Aughawillan
Sligo - Tourlestrane are county champions after beating St. Mary's 1-14 to 1-7.

Donegal - County Final will be between Kilcar and Glenswilly
Monaghan - Scotstown are county champions after beating Clontibret 2-13 to 1-12
Cavan - Final between Ramor United and Castlerahan
Derry - Final will be between Slaughneil and Loup
Armagh - There'll be a new champion as Cross were dethroned by Cullyhana, who now play Maghery in the final
Down - Kilcoo are county champions after beating Clonduff in the county final
Fermanagh - Derrygonnelly are champions again after beating Erne Gaels 0-11 to 1-07
Antrim - Lamh Dearg will play Saint Galls in the semi final, winners to play Cargin in the final.
Tyrone - Coalisland will play Killyclogher in the County Final
#17
Anyone heading to this? Can't wait for it.
#18
GAA Discussion / Fundraising
August 23, 2016, 01:36:17 PM
I know there was a topic on this already, but I can't find it so apologies.

Anyhow, we are trying to do the fundraiser where the pitch is marked off into squares, and a ball is dropped from a helicopter/cow shite in the field whatever. So far so good.  I know some people have run it whereby they print off all the square references in scratch card format, and you buy a scratch card to reveal 'your' square.

We want to try and extend it to our diaspora, and therefore host it online from our club web page. Has anyone done anything like that before, and if so did ye write bespoke software, or did ye use some sort of off the shelf app customised?

Basically we'd like to show a picture of the pitch, and allow people to pay online, while at the same time allowing for the physical scratch cards to be sold in shops etc. Any ideas?

#19


(The back story is the actor who plays Chewbacca visited a national school in Ballyferriter after coming off the set of the new Star Wars filming in Ceann Sibéal. )
#20
Just interested in people's views on this. Have we, at a stroke, removed the championship with the best, most enjoyable, games, (i.e. the U21 Football), or do people prefer another age/grade/code as a competition.

I'm not asking which competition has the highest standard, necessarily, but rather which is the most enjoyable/interesting.