After what we witnessed today and the horrible year we've had where do we go from here?
We now find ourselves in Div3 next season and more than likely playing without some of our more experienced players due to retirements, injuries, etc.
What do we do now, how do we stop the rot ??
We can't do much when we have a CB in place who have made so many bad decisions and mistakes. Quirke will be the scapegoat here, but our problems have been obvious for many many years. Portlaoise got fat winning county titles and eventually shit their togs. They weren't developing and the rest of the clubs lost interest altogether. Knowing exactly how to fix everything would take a serious job of work, but for me, the CB need to piss off and let other people have a go. They have failed miserably. That's the starting point for me. No doubt about it.
Anyone have the review points from the last review? Interesting to see what actions have been completed. We seem to have these conversations every year but action is badly needed. Some points below that i believe we need to target
1) Schools football
When Knockbeg are going well, Laois minors go well. We badly need another Laois school(s) in the A championship. Maybe we should look at entering a Laois schools team. We need competitive underage teams year in year out to produce players to go on to senior football.
2) Games Development officers
For me this is a priority. We badly need more in the clubs and the schools. Portlaoise should have 1 or 2 given their population. Port/Mountmellick/Graigue should also have 1 and then clubs need to come together to get one which i believe is happening but needs to speed up.
3) Portlaoise
For me they've taken their eye off the ball. They had a serious run in the senior championship and one that we mightn't see again. When Portlaoise are going well, this filters down to Laois. They've produced some serious players for Laois over the years and will continue to do so but the well has run dry at the minute. Laois need a strong Portlaoise at all levels. They should be entering 2 teams in underage competitions given their population. Did moving the grounds out of the town impact them?
4) Football strongholds
It's a worry that there was only 1 Stradbally player on the team yesterday, none from Joes/Mountmellick/Ballyroan. Stradbally Parish Gaels used to be very competitive underage, had some great battles with Portlaoise when they had Quigley, Begley etc on it and we badly need them at the top table again. I'm just using them as an example because they are a great club, produce great players and would like to see them thriving again.
What are the playing numbers like at the clubs in the county? Laois has seen a big increase in population over the last 10 years. Are clubs seeing a similar increase?
5) Senior championship
No need for 16 teams. 12 is more than enough and then have 2 groups of 6. Having fewer teams will make the championship more competitive and will lead to a better standard of football. This will also lead to better teams playing intermediate and a better championship there too. I would also like to see area teams come together to give lads a chance to play senior championship.
I think we will be Div 4 next year and could well spend a few seasons yo-yo'ing between the two divisions.
There is very little talent coming through and we won't have any marque players. On the bright side we will be competitive in the Tailteann Cup.
It is surely not rocket science, player development is key. Laois had some great development squads under Sean Dempsey, surely he could be encouraged back. Some Laois clubs have been doing well at developing underage players, the likes of Roseanallis and Barrowhouse have come on a tonne over the last decade or so. All clubs should be given any resources need to help do the same so we can have plenty of players playing the game at juvenile level which will help feed development squads.
When Laois were going well at underage in 90s & early noughties the likes of Sean Dempsey had serious development squads and a culture was fostered which for a short term led to a constant conveyor belt of talented players. It seemed once the physicality of the Ulster teams came along we started to look for bigger physical players in development squads and smaller players may have fell through the net. But we need a plan in place to get this conveyor belt moving again, the fact that we have so many players in their 30s still as the mains players in the team clearly shows it has stalled badly.
Quirke has stood down.
First item on the agenda is now a new senior football manager - Quirke has stepped down which is good in that a new manager should be in place to watch the local club football championships.
I hope they go inside the county to replace Quirke. A period of transition coming with expectation lads will step away so important to bring through younger lads
John Sugrue please and give him what ever he asks for
I would agree with trying to get John Sugrue back as manager if he would take it as I know he was involved with the Kerry minors so might not be available.
Regardless of who we get the Co. Board have really got to accept blame for the whole situation we find ourselves in at the moment and do something about it.
I'm sure the sponsors involved are not happy either so maybe they will put some pressure on the board to get the finger out.
Some great suggestions above especially regarding underage setups. We have to get them right as they are the future of football in our county.
Nothing against Corbett but would love the new manager to get Graham Brody back into the squad. I think he's a huge loss.
No rush with a new Coach. No rush at all in fact. We're not going anywhere too soon, so any planning done now will need to be for the long term. We need to allow other voices to be heard and people with a different approach to be let into the room. The CB need to do what's best for Laois GAA and not themselves. The Brennan incident was the perfect time to put egos aside and focus on what was working well. Instead, they blew it, and we lost a good man when I'd personally rather have 1 Eddie Brennan for the whole lot of them. The same with Sugrue. That is why we need to slow down and have a proper discussion around the subject. Everything we have done up to now hasn't worked. Clearly.
If you are going to criticise the County Board for not reappointing Eddie Brennan, they must be credited with appointing him in the first place. If they appointed him in the first place they must know what they are doing. Maybe the fingers are being pointed in the wrong direction. Likewise with Sugrue. Both walked. Counties have to work within their financial constraints and can't issue bank cheques for expenditure on preparing county teams. There isn't a bottomless pit of money. Counties all over are in dire financial straits due to Covid and there is going to be no sanctioning of expenditure than cannot be afforded. And rightly so.
There has to be a radical rethink of the inter county scene. It cannot continue to be such an unjust playing field.
If it continues as is and as it is being pushed we will arrive at a Super 8s scenario very quickly and small counties will never get a look in and forgotten about. Death of the intercounty scene as we know it.
Have we a laois man up to standard to put a bit of pride and commitment into the blue and white Jersey?
Quote from: Give and Go on July 05, 2021, 06:16:46 PM
If you are going to criticise the County Board for not reappointing Eddie Brennan, they must be credited with appointing him in the first place. If they appointed him in the first place they must know what they are doing. Maybe the fingers are being pointed in the wrong direction. Likewise with Sugrue. Both walked. Counties have to work within their financial constraints and can't issue bank cheques for expenditure on preparing county teams. There isn't a bottomless pit of money. Counties all over are in dire financial straits due to Covid and there is going to be no sanctioning of expenditure than cannot be afforded. And rightly so.
There has to be a radical rethink of the inter county scene. It cannot continue to be such an unjust playing field.
If it continues as is and as it is being pushed we will arrive at a Super 8s scenario very quickly and small counties will never get a look in and forgotten about. Death of the intercounty scene as we know it.
Agree wholeheartedly with the second part of that. The first part not so much. These lads were exceptional candidates. It wouldn't be too hard for anyone to select and approach them. Unfortunately, it's very obvious they were sold a pup, and neither wanted all that much. They saw through our CB.
Quote from: High Fielder on July 05, 2021, 05:45:30 PM
No rush with a new Coach. No rush at all in fact. We're not going anywhere too soon, so any planning done now will need to be for the long term. We need to allow other voices to be heard and people with a different approach to be let into the room. The CB need to do what's best for Laois GAA and not themselves. The Brennan incident was the perfect time to put egos aside and focus on what was working well. Instead, they blew it, and we lost a good man when I'd personally rather have 1 Eddie Brennan for the whole lot of them. The same with Sugrue. That is why we need to slow down and have a proper discussion around the subject. Everything we have done up to now hasn't worked. Clearly.
I would agree with this. A real conversation is needed now, not just a change of manager.
I honestly don't know if the county board is the essential problem or not but I think we can say for sure that they are not very receptive to new ideas, even from the mangers that they, themselves have hired. If the county is going to be competitive, there simply has to be an openness to new ways of doing things.
What is the standard we should expect from a manager inside the county?
Quote from: High Fielder on July 05, 2021, 05:45:30 PM
No rush with a new Coach. No rush at all in fact. We're not going anywhere too soon, so any planning done now will need to be for the long term.
In one sense I agree on this but I do also think that it is imperative that the next manager is in place by the the time the local championships start. Whoever it is needs to see every potential player in the most natural environment which is with their club.
For fairly obvious reasons, the next appointment will be a local one. Any Coach worth their salt will know the scene well. Also, and I mean this with all due respect, but there aren't many surprises out there. We know what we have and largely speaking, they will be the same names on everyone's list. The point of focus needs to shift to the future if we want to turn the ship around
The last thing we need now is another journeyman manager who is in for a short term gig.
The new manager really has to rip up the current panel and start from scratch, see as much championship action at all levels as physically possible and back to the days of having trial matches involving everybody and anybody and see where the panel sits after that.
In an ideal world Sugrue would come back on board ,be given free reign to mould a team and vision for Laois football over the next few years from the ground up, I would certainly trust him with Laois footballs short to medium term future.
All of the clubs will have to start taking responsibility for this mess too. we have got to make it very clear to our delegates what way we want things to go at county level and really put pressure on the top table to change things around and very soon.
If a meeting could be arranged between a couple of representatives from each club and discuss what needs to be done at both club and county level to improve the overall situation it would be a great start. The reps could then bring back some ideas to their clubs and instruct their county board delegates to bring them to the next board meeting and demand change. These ideas would be coming from all the clubs through agreement and would have to be listened to.
For too long now one club would come up with a progressive change for the better but would be shouted down by the other clubs who have their own agenda therefore taking any pressure off the Co Board top table to carry out any changes. The clubs themselves are facilitating the board to carry on with the status quo and we end up back at square on doing nothing. All this is very frustrating to club delegates and they very soon lose any interest in bringing ideas forward.
This also applies to Laois
https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/kevin-mcstay-i-was-surprised-by-roscommon-s-defensive-set-up-1.4612125
Roscommon have had two championship games in two years and lost both. What does that do for the best group the county has produced since 1990? There is no new wave coming up behind them because the underage development has not been at a level to allow for that.
So it becomes a predictable shuffle. A team goes forward for a few years and then slips back dramatically.
I don't see things changing when the pandemic has passed because by then morale will be shot. Roscommon made a huge effort to make it to that next level but they are back at square one now.
I am not sure that crowds will come back in the numbers we take for granted. Why go to watch Leitrim or Sligo or Roscommon get pulverized by Galway and Mayo over the next few years? These teams and counties are lost: they are out of solutions.
If the GAA doesn't step in then we will have two or three counties dominating and the vast majority in retreat. Many counties will look at the cost of participation in terms of finance and time and figure it is not worth it.
The top teams are like a runaway train. Galway and maybe one or two others might catch it. But don't pretend that makes an All-Ireland championship.
An excellent summation Junior. These are the issues that hold us back. It's been happening for years and too many are cosy and resistant to change. There are too many people with influence whose only qualification is brown nosing. I want the Rigneys, Cheddars Brennan's and Sugrues of this world driving us forward.
Quote from: High Fielder on July 06, 2021, 11:38:37 AM
An excellent summation Junior. These are the issues that hold us back. It's been happening for years and too many are cosy and resistant to change. There are too many people with influence whose only qualification is brown nosing. I want the Rigneys, Cheddars Brennan's and Sugrues of this world driving us forward.
Thanks High Fielder, but lets not just talk about it. We all know what goes on at board meetings, most of them are held just because they have to have so many in the year to do the local stuff. Its at the AGM that we have to have more influence and we must do it through our delegates.
If we can get delegates from several clubs to go there in agreement to a few genuine proposals then we can really garner change and get things done. It really is up to the clubs now and how much we really want changes or are we like the Co Board, happy to just keep talking about it and in reality sit back and do nothing.
The youth of our clubs and Laois in general are depending on us so lets not let them down. You might want want the Rigneys, Cheddars Brennan's and Sugrues of this world driving us forward but I would rather see our clubs driving us forward. If that happens then the rest will take care of itself.
In the meantime, here are a few possibilities for the role of new Laois football manager:
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/07/06/16-potential-internal-candidates-for-the-vacant-laois-football-managers-job/
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on July 06, 2021, 12:54:23 PM
In the meantime, here are a few possibilities for the role of new Laois football manager:
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/07/06/16-potential-internal-candidates-for-the-vacant-laois-football-managers-job/
Sugrue did a very solid job with Laois, in my opinion. Back to back promotions and reached a Leinster final in the first year. I wouldn't mind if we went back to him.
Laois need to focus entirely on their Division 3 campaign next year. Falling down to Division 4 would be a disaster. At the end of the day, championship doesn't really matter when your not competing in Division 1 regularly. No matter how many games you win, you'll eventually face the Dubs and they'll hammer anyone in Leinster. Hard for lads to motivate themselves for that.
i agree totally he is well equipped to do the job again but you are facing into a few years of getting a new 3 to replace timmons a new 6 to replace begly 8 for o loughlin a new 9 for lilis and a new 14 to replace donie,,all of the above along with the captain he picked that year stephan attride,,all of the above are simply too old and they were the main lads a couple of years ago,,its a daunting job but one i think if he wanted with a good backroom team he could do well again,,were a div 4 team in my opinion at the minute
Laois are not a Division 4 team. They are Division 3. If we are relegated next year then we are Div 4, but let's not jump the gun.
It doesn't matter what we are now. It's what we want to be that matters. Even the Flourbags tend to bowl us over routinely, and nobody fears them. We are under prepared and not fit enough for the fight in most grades. Let this generation prove us wrong if they can, but let's not flush money away flogging the dead horse. Let's focus on the future and doing things differently
You put your building blocks in from the ground up. Underage needs to be the priority and increasing both the numbers, competitiveness and coaching at underage needs to be our focus. To do this we need to really invest in GDOs and supporting clubs in coaching and developing players. It is evident that traditional powerhouse clubs like St. Joseph's, Stradbally, Graigue and Portlaoise are capable of producing far, far more than they currently are. Portlaoise should be fielding three teams minimum at each level with the population at its disposal. Towns of a similar size in other counties would have multiple clubs all capable of fielding A and B teams at the different age groups. We need to invest heavily and support these clubs in upping their standards at underage. In doing this, it will raise the standards our our county underage teams and ultimately feed into our senior team. In order to improve, players need to be regularly playing games at a high standard. If we can get 7/8 highly competitive teams facing one another regularly at u13, u15 and minor it is going to have a positive knock on effect. If you look at the minor championship last year in Laois, outside of Ballyroan-Abbey-a lot of teams playing the 'A' championship were way off the required standard to be considered a truly competitive 'A' standard team.
I feel that our anger at the county board has let some of the players off the hook for what was an abysmal showing in the second half. The county board or the manager is not the fault when players don't have the fight in them when things are going against them on the field. Too often, over the last decade when Laois teams have come under pressure in championship football they have folded. I'm now questioning is it something in our mentality. Antrim 2015 when threw away an eight point lead, Kildare 2017 where Kildare forwards were kicking points for fun in the second half, Clare dismantling us in a qualifier in Portlaoise and Meath 2019 when we failed to put up any real challenge in a Leinster semi final are games that quickly come to mind. I can accept losing but it is the manner in how we lose certain games that is very disheartening. Quirke did as well as he could with the hand that he was dealt is my opinion on things. We have plenty of players in the county who are capable of playing division 3/4 football. We lack those 5/6 marquee players that every mid rank team with aspirations of playing at a higher level need to drive things forward and make the difference on the field. In fairness to Westmeath in the likes of Heslin and Ger Egan they have those players who can inspire, step up and drive the team forward.
It seems that the next senior football manager will be from within Laois. If Sugrue doesn't want to go back, it's hard to see any outstanding candidate. Plenty of potentially good managers but we could find ourselves with another inter county rookie manager.
Of course, the prospect of one the many journeymen inter county managers isn't too appealing either. What's Luke Dempsey at these days? ;D
I would hate to see talk of a new Coach taking over the conversation. It's not that important. We don't have the players at the moment to be thinking big or investing in a name. The CB will be desperate to try and prove themselves, but they shouldn't be allowed to derail the bigger issues. There are many of them, and a new Coach is low priority stuff imo
Annus horribilis continues with a shockingly poor performance by our minor footballers against Louth.
All this crap about rookie managers,,,, what in yere eyes makes a super inter county manager ???? Dublin have won the last 6 all Ireland's in a row and countless leinsters so in our province who is a proven manager? Some eejits here too,,, go inside who has a small bit of passion and a bit of drive for half the money we are paying this so called not so rookie managers a fortune to do absolutely nothing more than what your rookie manager might do and he learns the trade ,,, rookie manager statement is laughable,john sugru just go and get him if his interested if not there are plenty of passionate lads in our own county that can do the same job,, get them fit playing to a plan and I still that Laois passion that only a Laois man can give ,, or sure give it to another journey man who will do the same as before him and take our€€€€€€€€€€€€€€s
Quote from: town1980 on July 10, 2021, 04:15:57 PM
in our province who is a proven manager?
Jack O'Connor
Mickey Harte
John Maughan
Andy McEntee
All proven managers. Stop spouting shite.
And I mentioned Sugrue you idiot. Sugrue is a proven inter county manager.
And how red there respective county's doing you plonker.????
Mickey hate Louth how much and so on etc lost first round my point being a local man can achieve the same result as that for less money but you don't understand then meaning of what I'm saying eejit
Quote from: town1980 on July 11, 2021, 12:10:31 AM
Mickey hate Louth how much and so on etc lost first round my point being a local man can achieve the same result as that for less money but you don't understand then meaning of what I'm saying eejit
Cop on. You said "rookie manager statement is laughable". What does that mean? If Sugrue doesn't get the job for a second stint, we are going to wind up with a rookie inter county manager. That's not rocket science.
Would love Sugrue back but if not him, hopefully a couple of good Laois men will get the pride back into the jersey. But it's going to be a huge task and a huge step up for whoever gets it.
There not going to give it to just anyone I think we have enough local choices to do the job,, inter county would be easier than club because of the numbers you get consistently training you need the right person who will command the respect of the players and be very ruthless too,,,John is num 1 for me after that there is a few around I think Also involved with clubs that could do the job
In fairness to town, his point is worth taking on board. We got zero bang for our buck from Quirke, but a lot of us didn't want him anyway. Sugrue was putting foundations in place, and rather stupidly, our CB couldn't share the vision or do the extra leg work to back him. We ended up back at square one, probably with a demoralised panel and a rookie coach. At that point, and town is right here, it wouldn't have mattered if we brought in Granny Flanagan from Mountrath. We were hitting the reset button with an ageing and demoralised panel. The CB tried to cover their own arses by getting a name, and it didn't work. No surprise there. Money wasted and no reason why we couldn't have gone local.
The CB need to stop scrambling for answers and assess what's in front of them. Right now, we are uncompetitive in all grades and both codes. Serious investment and thought is needed to galvanise our underage structures, and probably a lot of help from Croke Park. If that can't be worked on, we're throwing good money after bad, and seriously wasting our time. Whatever about that, throwing money away on mercenary coaches just can't be tolerated, and in that sense, I agree with town1980
Quote from: High Fielder on July 11, 2021, 09:28:12 AM
In fairness to town, his point is worth taking on board. We got zero bang for our buck from Quirke, but a lot of us didn't want him anyway. Sugrue was putting foundations in place, and rather stupidly, our CB couldn't share the vision or do the extra leg work to back him. We ended up back at square one, probably with a demoralised panel and a rookie coach. At that point, and town is right here, it wouldn't have mattered if we brought in Granny Flanagan from Mountrath. We were hitting the reset button with an ageing and demoralised panel. The CB tried to cover their own arses by getting a name, and it didn't work. No surprise there. Money wasted and no reason why we couldn't have gone local.
The CB need to stop scrambling for answers and assess what's in front of them. Right now, we are uncompetitive in all grades and both codes. Serious investment and thought is needed to galvanise our underage structures, and probably a lot of help from Croke Park. If that can't be worked on, we're throwing good money after bad, and seriously wasting our time. Whatever about that, throwing money away on mercenary coaches just can't be tolerated, and in that sense, I agree with town1980
That's what I said at the top of this page. "Of course, the prospect of one the many journeymen inter county managers isn't too appealing". Then he goes off on a rant about rookie managers. Ultimately all managers are rookie inter county managers to begin with. There's not wrong with a first time manager but there are inherent risks. Sugrue is the stand out candidate really.
I hate saying this, but realistically, he'd be mad to go anywhere near it. There really is very little juice in the Senior job
SCFC what is this big risk your on about we employed a man who couldn't get them fit or know set plan on how he wanted the game to be played,,, this time around we employ someone local who has a vision of the way he wants the game to be played and that is done at an interview process,,SCFC I won't be putting you forward to interview any potential candidate ;) :)
Quote from: town1980 on July 11, 2021, 03:55:14 PM
SCFC what is this big risk your on about we employed a man who couldn't get them fit or know set plan on how he wanted the game to be played,,, this time around we employ someone local who has a vision of the way he wants the game to be played and that is done at an interview process,,SCFC I won't be putting you forward to interview any potential candidate ;) :)
Stop misquoting me. I didn't say "big risk". I said "There's not(hing) wrong with a first time manager but there are inherent risks."
If you don't understand that appointing a first time inter county manager contains an element of risk, I honestly can't help you!
Had a conversation with someone over the weekend about the state of Laois football and particularly the manner of the defeat to Westmeath.
Are we as well off going down the route of having 15 to 20 athletes who can run for 70 minutes. That's the way football is being played. Fair enough you also need lads who can kick ball but at the moment we have no marquee players coming through, no star forwards. Donie is at the back end of his career and Evan O'Carroll has lived up to his potential.
The point being made was get the most dedicated, athletic but not necessarily the most talented footballers together and get a manager who can work them into a system.
The second half collapse against Westmeath and also Down in the relegation play off is worrying. Was it fitness or is it a mental issue? or a bit of both.
At the moment we are a 35 minute team and have looked clueless in the second half of most games when the intensity increases.
What I am seeing from a number of previous threads is that , we need a local manager who can inspire a lot of lads over 28 years of age , as there is no youth system in place for the last 15 years so the best option is trot out the same lads for the next 4 -5 years in the hope that other counties, also become equally as bad and therefore we might survive in Division 3. If we then get relegated sure the only way is up and the fortunes of Laois Football will be saved as any new manager will be able to quote from that wise old sage d-ream things can only get better.
The county now has an underutlised COE but is probably that way due to the ability to open as a result of COVID, this should alter or change in the next few months and every time you drive past it in the future it should be full with underage development or regional squads at all age levels where you have a proper strength and conditioning regime. The problem with a lot of this is the dependence on volunteers and parents and GDA's to ring fence the time to allow this and also support the local clubs.
If you look at any minor or under 20's squad against other counties in Leinster or beyond, the physical strength and fitness of other counties far exceeds that of Laois and this has to be addressed.
I don't believe that after having Minors in the last 3 semi finals and also challenging at under 20 level that there is no talent coming through, what I would see is a disconnect between clubs and county with the underutilisation of existing players on the squad and the over reliance of players in the later part of their career. How could you could commit to the County with all the sacrifice that it entails and then see someone be picked ahead as a result of legacy. That's not the players fault but management.
A vision has to be given by any future management team on how realistically they can steady the ship and introduce younger players into the squad , they should review some of the previous radical plans on structural reform to the senior and intermediate championships and team/Club amalgimations. The CB should admit the previous failings and have an open and transparent forum where clubs or any member of the public can submit their constructive thoughts in a non-judgemental fashion.
SCFC we took risks toms o flattery ,, Liam learns ,,Mike quirke etc the list goes on your sometimes clueless in what you want me personally you employ and yes it is a paying job a local man who has a vision on the way he thinks the game should be played,,,, fitness game pan team moral all the above is mandatory again I would not have you on the committee you don't think outside the box oblivious your the man
Quote from: town1980 on July 13, 2021, 12:30:13 AM
SCFC we took risks toms o flattery ,, Liam learns ,,Mike quirke etc the list goes on your sometimes clueless in what you want me personally you employ and yes it is a paying job a local man who has a vision on the way he thinks the game should be played,,,, fitness game pan team moral all the above is mandatory again I would not have you on the committee you don't think outside the box oblivious your the man
Did you post that after a few pints?
Not having a go or anything.... I'm trying my best here to work out what you're saying as I'm sure you have a valid point or two in there somewhere but it looks like one of those newspaper competitions where you have to rearrange the words to form a sentence.
Quote from: town1980 on July 13, 2021, 12:30:13 AM
SCFC we took risks toms o flattery ,, Liam learns ,,Mike quirke etc the list goes on your sometimes clueless in what you want me personally you employ and yes it is a paying job a local man who has a vision on the way he thinks the game should be played,,,, fitness game pan team moral all the above is mandatory again I would not have you on the committee you don't think outside the box oblivious your the man
For the love of Jaysus, would you try to write in something resembling English?
Lads, this is a serious situation we find ourselves in. While we have had some very good suggestions and very intelligent chats regarding the position we find ourselves in it is now decending into a "Hogan Stand" type of forum where insults and mud slinging take over and real conversation goes out the window.
Say what you feel without insulting people and you will get genuine responses back but childish behaviour like we've seen in the last few posts will get you nowhere and no-one will respect your views.
We all want the same thing for Laois so please keep it civil lads...
Just reading on Laois Today that our Football Chairman resigned because he wasn't on the Committee to review our Football performance in the last few years. Am I missing something here? He's the Chairman FFS. Can he not just invite himself? I'm probably missing something and pardon the ignorance if I am. I want someone to tell me we're not running the biggest joke shop in Ireland in our CB offices.
I agree with you totally high fielder wtf is going on there ,,,looks totally like a decision to oust Laurence Phelan he was definitely left in no other position but resign but who in there right gets to do it this way??? Politics of Laois Gaa is laughable
As Chairman wouldn't you think he has to be on that committee.
Agree with you both. This is getting ridiculous. We're a f**king shambles. Eddie Brennan was bang on the money and both he and Sugrue are better off a million miles away from our CB.
I see Ger Slevin and Fergal Byron on the committee and rightly so but they should be joined by our football chairman i don't agree with former players opinions myself as our opinion is as valid as anyone's as paying members of Laois Gaa,also fergal was a selector on the u21 team a position he probably should not be in if he is a development officer how can he criticise when Wicklow beat our u21 s and we performed poorly ? Again I think we are a laughing stock and the politics of Gaa hasn't gone away either the best of luck to any manager who wants this job it looks like you are going to have a lot of opinions in the boardroom to deal with before you even start to gather a team ,,, Laurence
Phelan is the man the should head the review he is our chairman that was voted in by the clubs any other decisions should be invalid and be made public as to why he is being treated this way
This is why genuine sporting people don't get involved. These wannabe politicians are having mini power struggles while we're in the midst of one of the darkest periods ever in Laois GAA. So the next time some smart arse says instead of mouthing off, why don't you run for the CB, remind them of days like this.
We are fucked as long as this sort of scutter is more important to them than fixing our actual problems. We are fucked as long as delegates sit and nod and want to be part of the golden circle. There is no possibility of getting in there and making a difference because it's political and full of cronyism. For the sake of Laois GAA they should all resign. The whole bloody lot of them. What matters to us, the games, are being totally neglected. Let their legacy be the COE and now kindly f**k off. As a Laois Gael I am fed up listening to this sort of crap when we clearly have bigger issues.
Quote from: SCFC on July 17, 2021, 11:48:26 AM
Quote from: town1980 on July 16, 2021, 11:10:18 PM
I see Ger Slevin and Fergal Byron on the committee and rightly so but they should be joined by our football chairman i don't agree with former players opinions myself as our opinion is as valid as anyone's as paying members of Laois Gaa,also fergal was a selector on the u21 team a position he probably should not be in if he is a development officer how can he criticise when Wicklow beat our u21 s and we performed poorly ? Again I think we are a laughing stock and the politics of Gaa hasn't gone away either the best of luck to any manager who wants this job it looks like you are going to have a lot of opinions in the boardroom to deal with before you even start to gather a team ,,, Laurence
Phelan is the man the should head the review he is our chairman that was voted in by the clubs any other decisions should be invalid and be made public as to why he is being treated this way
So Laurence Phelan should be on the review committee but Byron shouldn't be a selector with a county team. Good to see you're consistent in talking shite anyway.
Laurence Phelan in the few dealings I had with him at County Board level impressed me no end.
Any well run County Board in any other county would have a number of Laurence Phelans on it,
Capable self made men,who have the interests of their county first and foremost and have the skill set and determination to drive change.
That said,if we are going to have a review,lets bring in well qualified outside people from other counties to do the review.
The idea that lads would be reviewing and critiquing themselves is laughable and a complete waste of time.
Article on Laois Today about CB meetings. Absolute joke shop. Poor turnouts, meetings held in camera and asking lads to look for a coach when they wouldn't go near it themselves. How many lads have taken the Laois job and never been mapped again? At least have the decency to tell the interviewees that you wouldn't take on the job yourself and the CB won't back you. And to delegates voted in by clubs who don't attend or won't turn on their computer (probably don't know how) you should be f**king ashamed of yourselves. Have you seen the state of Laois GAA ffs?
Again I agree with you totally high fielder and climad,, why is there know review into Laurence Phelan stepping down??
Quote from: High Fielder on August 02, 2021, 07:51:38 AM
Article on Laois Today about CB meetings. Absolute joke shop. Poor turnouts, meetings held in camera and asking lads to look for a coach when they wouldn't go near it themselves. How many lads have taken the Laois job and never been mapped again? At least have the decency to tell the interviewees that you wouldn't take on the job yourself and the CB won't back you. And to delegates voted in by clubs who don't attend or won't turn on their computer (probably don't know how) you should be f**king ashamed of yourselves. Have you seen the state of Laois GAA ffs?
never mind delegates not turning up
anywhere between a quarter to a third of the top table wouldn't be turning up to the monthly meetings in pre covid times
Anyone that would have any hope for Laois Football couldn't but be concerned at what's going on in the "powerhouses" at juvenile level.
Portlaoise should a team at both codes and in every level at every age grade
u13 A
beaten recently by Park 5-11 to 2-04,there a distinct possible that they may lose to the harps and not make an A semifinal
u13 C
Their second team has 1 win from 4
u15A
0 Wins from 3,bottom of their group
Mountmellick 12-15 to 0-03
Josephs 12-15 to 2-08
u15B
O wins from 3 games bottom of their group
Stradbally Parish Gaels
No team at U13 A,instead in U13 B
No second team in C,their second team is in the D/Development league
U15 B
1 win from 3
Portarlington
have conceded all their games in the Minor A before the championship started last friday night
All worth knowing and thanks Clonad for pointing it out. An embarrassing mess that nobody wants to talk about or touch. Sitting over there and clapping themselves on the back for the C of E. We need to properly get into Portlaoise and actively promote GAA and raise the standards as best we can. It's very obvious that the whole thing is being neglected
Quote from: High Fielder on August 02, 2021, 03:41:21 PM
All worth knowing and thanks Clonad for pointing it out. An embarrassing mess that nobody wants to talk about or touch. Sitting over there and clapping themselves on the back for the C of E. We need to properly get into Portlaoise and actively promote GAA and raise the standards as best we can. It's very obvious that the whole thing is being neglected
I don't want anyone thinking for a minute I've singled out these 3 Clubs, the lads that are playing or their mentors with some hidden agenda,High Fielder.
I want these clubs strong and vibrant and producing footballers for the minor setup and upwards.
I get no great pleasure from pointing it out either.
The clubs need help and direction and drive from those that sit at the top table and those paid to do a job.
In Portarlington it's sad to see that we couldn't field a minor team which a town of our size should have no problem it's not all bad over here we have good numbers at other levels and will compete with most teams. I see mouthmellick are now joined up with all there surrounding small clubs which is no good. When I see this happening I feel it's parents and mangers trying to we medals for there kids and themselves and not the club.portlaoise is growing every year and it needed a second football club ten years ago.all 3 clubs have one thing in common they are competing with a lot more sports kids have greater choice.yes I believe the county board should do more to promote the game in the towns because at the end of the day that's where your population is.
We all only want what's best. It's very obvious we're falling well short of that requirement. The Senior job should be at the bottom rung on the ladder in terms of our priorities just now. Our CB are box tickers and I'm sick of them. Hearing that they and delegates don't even attend meetings is a sickener. There's very little good going on in Laois GAA and our standards are pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. Someone needs to take responsibility for that or else they're just freeloaders, getting in to matches for free. Anyone can do that
Quote from: Portbush on August 02, 2021, 04:09:22 PM
In Portarlington it's sad to see that we couldn't field a minor team which a town of our size should have no problem it's not all bad over here we have good numbers at other levels and will compete with most teams. I see mouthmellick are now joined up with all there surrounding small clubs which is no good. When I see this happening I feel it's parents and mangers trying to we medals for there kids and themselves and not the club.portlaoise is growing every year and it needed a second football club ten years ago.all 3 clubs have one thing in common they are competing with a lot more sports kids have greater choice.yes I believe the county board should do more to promote the game in the towns because at the end of the day that's where your population is.
100% Portlaoise should have at least two GAA clubs minimum if they want to get more young players interested in the sport. I'd imagine having the training pitch out in Rathleague isn't exactly ideal for every young lad's parents. I'd say there could be more than 8 different soccer clubs in Portlaoise so no reason just to have the single GAA club.
Realistically there should be 3 clubs in Portlaoise, make a deal with Portlaoise college and base a Juvenile one in Knockmay a place with a big population that has never been tapped into for players for various reasons, start at u9/10, if you wanted to be very ambitious the county board could do simular with a pitch in the COE, given the amount of children in Portlaoise school the percentage playing gaa is deplorable and I am taking into account other sports/distractions too that come with being in a big town like Portlaoise
It sounds like the games are in terminal decline in this county. Look at Offaly though. They seem to have turned things around. Amazing what a bit of leadership and new blood can achieve. Where will our leadership come from?
You're right Chrimtain. Leadership is what is needed here. A bit of innovative thinking. If you want to be a county board official, there has to be something you believe you can achieve. You don't just do it because it's your turn or it looks good on the CV. In my opinion, this is one of the darkest periods ever in Laois GAA, and all I hear is the usual shite. New manager, local Championship starting next weekend etc etc. These lads go month to month and year to year doing the same things over and over. Now is the time to actually do something about the state of our games.
Unfortunately though, we will probably have the same old faces in place for some time because no body is willing to step up and take on the 'top table jobs.
I'm no fan of the Co Board, but how many here complaining and saying something has to ba done have actually tried to change it, all you need to do is go to your clubs and get nominated. Or contact Mike Henchy and say you'd like to get involved at underage development I know for a fact they're struggling to get people for teams . It's easy to run down lads who are actually in there doing their best but when you have to offer up your time every week for meetings or training or courses then it's not so easy. Saying that this is the worst time ever is rubbish cos I can remember the 70s and 80s and we were no great shakes either. Compare to Offaly we were div 2 football and they were div 3 so we swopped and in hurling we are div 1 and Mccarthy cup where they were promoted from div 2 and hurling in christy ring which is third tier so put thing into perspective a bit. Things are not great but blaming people who are at least trying to sort stuff out is lazy and clichéd....... The free pass and Co coat thing wouldn't cost €100 but the time volunteered by various people would cost many times that
I'd say plenty would go in. Not with them, because let's face it, it's a bit cosy in its current format. It has always been so in Laois. I heard of one CB member complaining of the amount of hours that were required in the role. Oddly enough, he's still there.
Quote from: Jd on August 03, 2021, 11:31:07 AM
I'm no fan of the Co Board, but how many here complaining and saying something has to ba done have actually tried to change it, all you need to do is go to your clubs and get nominated. Or contact Mike Henchy and say you'd like to get involved at underage development I know for a fact they're struggling to get people for teams . It's easy to run down lads who are actually in there doing their best but when you have to offer up your time every week for meetings or training or courses then it's not so easy. Saying that this is the worst time ever is rubbish cos I can remember the 70s and 80s and we were no great shakes either. Compare to Offaly we were div 2 football and they were div 3 so we swopped and in hurling we are div 1 and Mccarthy cup where they were promoted from div 2 and hurling in christy ring which is third tier so put thing into perspective a bit. Things are not great but blaming people who are at least trying to sort stuff out is lazy and clichéd....... The free pass and Co coat thing wouldn't cost €100 but the time volunteered by various people would cost many times that
One person going in there to change anything wouldn't last 6 months. That's not how we do things around here lol . Try not to be so naive. As for the free pass and jacket, you need to ask yourself why any man (or woman - not enough of those by the way) would want to dedicate so many hours to such a helpless cause. There is after all only so much you can say on a public forum
I think its informative to look at how Duignan brought about change to a stagnant situation in Offaly
Not only did he run for the chair but he had a cabinet of like minded people also in place to run for the various positions on the top table at the same convention.
As HF already pointed out, you'd be gobbled up here, if any one person was make the top table.
Its interesting to see the transformation in Offaly since Duignan and his team got into position
debt on Tullamore cleared
debt on faithful fields cleared with them now planning for an all weather pitch to the tune of €1m
a covid fundraiser which generated hundred of thousands and was split between the CB and the clubs
Coporate sponsors on board including the likes of Shane Lowry
5 GDA'S in Place
12 Club GPO'S to be in place by autumn this year,some are already in the likes of Edenderry and Tullamore,but you have smaller clubs sharing them as well
and this is before you come to the massive upturn in fortunes in both codes at underage Intercounty level
you also see the placement of key men that know what they are doing in the under age setups.
There's also been some innovations in the club juvenile competitions with them introducing a league for dual clubs in both hurling and football which facilitates clubs trying to serve both codes.
All this in a county which has a smaller population than ours, which has a similar dual code split and has 8 fewer clubs.
if it can be done in Offaly
why cant it be done here?
Agreed. Good things going on in Offaly. Trying something different and thinking on their feet. We accept our fate too easily. We don't address what we feel is unchangeable. We absolutely must address the lack of numbers we're getting from Portlaoise, and if that means a split of sorts, even at underage level, then that is what we must do. I don't want to see the Portlaoise club split up, but maybe we need a schools based approach to the underage teams. Or area. I don't know. But something which allows us to get as many youngsters playing as possible. Some of the stuff going on at underage is unforgivable; the beatings, the lack of numbers and so on. And nothing being done to address it. Just letting it slide. Hoping that next year will be different. A poisonous mindset that has brought us to the point we're at now, where our standard is way below average. These things don't change by themselves. We too need a Duignan type figure and similarly minded people to get out there and bring about change. Not just lose a manager get a manager, publish fixtures and gloss over the beatings. There has to be more to it than that
A few figures.
Laois total population is around 85K.
Portlaoise total population is around 22K i.e. 25%.
Now, Portlaoise has a non Irish national population of around 25% so if you say 16K for Portlaoise, it's still close on 20% of the total population of the county. (By the way, non Irish national kids can and should be very good at hurling and football given the chance too but I know there's probably a cultural preference for other sports)
You have Clonad and The Heath maybe picking up a few kids from the town. But it's not enough. Portlaoise needs a second juvenile club. It was done very successfully in Ennis where the new club started with 10 year olds and under and they now have an extra adult club in the town. Athlone too (but that was more as the result of a split in the club).
I know Portlaoise wouldn't be happy about this but it's simply not good enough that hundreds of kids are either not playing gaelic games at all or are falling through the cracks at a young age.
Can anyone from Portlaoise on here advise on how their underage is going. Have numbers gone down since the move out of the town? Would they be open to a new club starting up in the town?
On a side note, have any clubs appointed GDOs?
Quote from: clonadmad on August 03, 2021, 12:22:18 PM
I think its informative to look at how Duignan brought about change to a stagnant situation in Offaly
Not only did he run for the chair but he had a cabinet of like minded people also in place to run for the various positions on the top table at the same convention.
As HF already pointed out, you'd be gobbled up here, if any one person was make the top table.
Its interesting to see the transformation in Offaly since Duignan and his team got into position
debt on Tullamore cleared
debt on faithful fields cleared with them now planning for an all weather pitch to the tune of €1m
a covid fundraiser which generated hundred of thousands and was split between the CB and the clubs
Coporate sponsors on board including the likes of Shane Lowry
5 GDA'S in Place
12 Club GPO'S to be in place by autumn this year,some are already in the likes of Edenderry and Tullamore,but you have smaller clubs sharing them as well
and this is before you come to the massive upturn in fortunes in both codes at underage Intercounty level
you also see the placement of key men that know what they are doing in the under age setups.
There's also been some innovations in the club juvenile competitions with them introducing a league for dual clubs in both hurling and football which facilitates clubs trying to serve both codes.
All this in a county which has a smaller population than ours, which has a similar dual code split and has 8 fewer clubs.
if it can be done in Offaly
why cant it be done here?
Great post. We have people in the county who could have the same impact as Duignan but, as you say, it would require the installation of a whole new team of people that shares a vision. With the best will in the world, you can't expect people who are there for years to have the energy and creativity to keep pushing it forward.
All the more reason to stand aside? These lads tell a coach it's time to move along, but if the only way to remove CB officers in Laois is to get the nodding dogs to move against them, then I have a feeling we'll be having this discussion for a long time. How many hangers on get the auld parking spot, free entry and programme? I want to see the whole thing smashed up and give people something to invest in; a project that we can genuinely row in behind. Seems to me it's all gotten a little bit cosy, and it has coincided with one of the worst ever periods in our history. Change is needed and I don't mean our Senior Manager
The template as to how to effect change at the top table is in place already
It's been done already in offaly
An approach is made to a laois person with the standing of a Duignan
You then build a cabinet around this person with people with the necessary skill set for that particular position
And you then present them as a complete package for election at convention
I've sat in a number of conventions and the number of contests for positions you can nearly always count on the fingers never mind the thumb of one hand
You get these people in
And you drive change from the top
There must be a manager in place as it has all gone very quiet and our big games are comming up this weekend ??????
We have 16 senior clubs in laois probably 8 underage teams playing A football and that's the supply chain for most of these clubs bar a few. That's a major problem but that's been the way for a good number of years and nothing done about it.I agree with a lot off the things said here so if we can see it are they just ignoring it.who would let mouthmellick join with 4 other teams 1 yes but that's a joke.
Who in Laois would have the same standing as Duignan in Offaly? Cheddar, Chris Conway, Michael Dempsey? Who else?
Critchley or Dempsey if you were looking for someone who would be seen as non biased towards either code because I could imagine some football people being unhappy with cheddar, ideally you would have all 3 involved though
I agree with ballyroan abbey there the only candidates
I don't think Offaly football has been discriminated against by having a perceived hurling man such as Duignan in as county board chairman
If we have football or hurling clubs thinking straight away that men such as cheddar Plunkett would discriminate against one code over another and they in the role of county board chairman.
Then we are in an even bigger hole than I thought we already are in
But fair enough
Dempsey as Cb chairman
Critchley as hurling board chairman/hurling development/head of hurling whatever you want to call it
With Conway as his football equivalent
And you build your "cabinet" from there
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on August 04, 2021, 09:04:24 PM
Critchley or Dempsey if you were looking for someone who would be seen as non biased towards either code because I could imagine some football people being unhappy with cheddar, ideally you would have all 3 involved though
The exact same standing would be someone like Niall Rigney, not Cheddar, Critchley etc.
Chris Conway would have zero interest in getting involved with administration at county level.
Quote from: The PRO on August 05, 2021, 04:38:04 PM
Chris Conway would have zero interest in getting involved with administration at county level.
We will scrub your name from the list then,Chris
Quote from: clonadmad on August 05, 2021, 04:49:23 PM
Quote from: The PRO on August 05, 2021, 04:38:04 PM
Chris Conway would have zero interest in getting involved with administration at county level.
We will scrub your name from the list then,Chris
:D
Any names in the running for our Senior Manager?
We all need a good kick up the h*le in order to create an appetite for change. The forum and local papers in effect act in the same manner as the CB in expressing opinions dabbling with ideas and different computations about the next manager or a manager and what hero will ride in on a white horse and save Laois Football. Ultimately the manager will not make a significant impact unless there is radical change from juvenile all the way up to senior level at all clubs. If they had changed the captain on the Titanic as it was heading for the ice berg the result would be the same. i see a lot of fine names being bandied about as possible game changers but then, that might not go down well with one code etc. Surely both codes should be aggressive enough to stand up for their own sport in the best interest of pride and ambition.
Any county which has one team winning a number of championships in a row creates a problem and should have been seized upon years ago, the same chatter about Dublin winning too much lets split them up , so in Portlaoise its lets have another club or maybe two. So its look at them, its unfair instead of trying to reach the standard that they achieved in order to win lets drag everyone down to the same level to make it fair. Other clubs are catching up and teh move out of t eh Town has not helped Portlaoise but teh writing has been on teh wall for teh club championship scene now for a number of years
Have a look at the way Offaly beat Dublin in the under 20's, it shouldnt have happend but it did why. Believe, agressive football, executed plan, fitness, good decision making process, outstanding individual performences, determination and trust between players. See article with interview with Under 20 manager as a blue print in how to foster a good included environment from under 16 up to senior. https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-40349624.html
The game has moved on througout the country and at all levels from under 16 up to senior we play containment football, play on the break and get the ball as quick as you can up to 2/3 marquee forwards who currently on average have a poor success rate. When is the last tie at county level have you seen a corner back making a shooting run on the shoulder of another half back or midfielder , why just in case they get caught out. The senior team would be better to enter a one hop one solo go games championship. There are talented players but doing the same stuff year in year out must be demoralising for some of these talented players who wither don't reflect their ability in a laois jersey or are not allowed too. Currently the only team I see with a number of players playing of each others shoulder is Portarlington and I see that at every level of their juveline teams coming up , even though they may be struggling this year with numbers at Minor level..
1. Scrap the current senior championship for a trial period of 2-3 years. Its a numbers game and so amalgimations do work, see it in Juvenile championships over the last 10 year's . It does create a problem for smaller clubs and then clubs want to be downgraded to the B Division championships but the greater the numbers at training and at squad level should create an improved team. A lot of senior teams have no real chance of winning the senior championship and want to avoid relegation but if there is a new format it should improve the standard. Shared facilities coaching and higher quality players has to improve standard. Its a numbers game.
2. rewrite the go games at juvenile level, maybe 3 hops 2 solos. I get the idea of trying to dumb down everyone to the same level and some sports physicologist probably got paid big bucks for it but other sports don't do 1 dribble or 1 pass. There must be a better way to reward skill and not punish it. Maybe alternative feet with the solo etc.
3. GDA overload everywhere, clubs ,schools primary and post primary
4. Increase squad sizes on emerging talent programmes and have GDA's promote and improve standard at all other clubs for players who don't make the emerging talent programmes.
5. greater senior player involvement at juvenile football from under 12 up . come on lads you got a lot of jersey's and gear over the last 20 years try and give it back to the county
6. Have a football tsar or panel of 3-4 accountable with clear set out goals and plans in improving football at all levels. take a espionage trip to somwehere where they have the answers. CB should look after the admin side and arrange the finance but be part of the solution as opposed to being perceived as the problem. Its still an amateur game.
7. Centre of excellence is there , use it and allow clubs use gym facilities etc, I am sure the clubs have paid something towards it.
8. Football manager should be able to manage the expectations of a pretty downtrodden gaa community and be able to show significant youth injections into the squad. Dont parachute it a big name for 2-3 years to pay for their pension.
Anyway rant over, good luck to all in the decision making process
We cannot compare portlaoise to dublin.you compare portlaoise to newbridge similar populations to Kilkenny city which portlaoise if it keeps growing at the rate it is will soon pass it in population.all have 2 or more senior teams which all have players or had that played with county. has to be a lot of young people in portlaoise that never see a football field. Portlaoise doesn't want competition for young players in there town which is only natural. But this is up to the county board if you have to start at underage level out biggest town has to be one of our biggest providers
No chance of a second club in Portlaoise. That conversation needs to stop. Some members of the Portlaoise club would tell you that it's hard enough getting players for all the different teams - make what you want of that. And as for the CB making an effort to address the obvious problems in Portlaoise, you can forget that too. I'd say most of them are happy that Portlaoise are no longer dominating, because let's face it, that would be the only way their own clubs could be competitive. Ah sure it'll all fall into place one day. One harvest every 40 years or so and we'll be grand.
Graigue v port predictions????
Quote from: town1980 on August 12, 2021, 10:37:15 PM
Graigue v port predictions????
This thread is to discuss the future of Laois football, go here to discuss the 2020 county final please
http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=29590.150 (http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?topic=29590.150)
Need to get Mick Dempsey or Noel Roe involved in executive role. Go with Padraic Clancy or Joe Higgins as manager..I.heard Billy O'Loughlin and Peter O'Leary have put their names forward for senior job. I know OLoughlin involved with couple teams. Who has O'Leary managed? Quite the expert on GAA on The Twitter.
Noel Roe? That's a name out of the blue?
Has he been involved somewhere else?
Quote from: hoynevalley on August 13, 2021, 11:12:42 PM
Need to get Mick Dempsey or Noel Roe involved in executive role. Go with Padraic Clancy or Joe Higgins as manager..I.heard Billy O'Loughlin and Peter O'Leary have put their names forward for senior job. I know OLoughlin involved with couple teams. Who has O'Leary managed? Quite the expert on GAA on The Twitter.
We're fucked
Im sure he meant pat roe and i agree he trained wexford and carlow qnd it would be great to see him involved ,,i totally belive a young manager is needed these lads being mentioned are actually not young lads anymore either a good figure head for our lads to follow,a good clear out on all SNC and start afresh ,,plenty of good lads locally some here think you need loads of experience nope you need to be able to have brilliant people skills and a brain to read situations and garber the laois people and clubs together like JS did and micko did JS with good men with him
Quote from: town1980 on August 15, 2021, 12:03:32 PM
Im sure he meant pat roe and i agree he trained wexford and carlow qnd it would be great to see him involved ,,i totally belive a young manager is needed these lads being mentioned are actually not young lads anymore either a good figure head for our lads to follow,a good clear out on all SNC and start afresh ,,plenty of good lads locally some here think you need loads of experience nope you need to be able to have brilliant people skills and a brain to read situations and garber the laois people and clubs together like JS did and micko did JS with good men with him
Apologies Pat Roe
I see Davy Burke has stepped down as Wicklow manager. Has a good CV.
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on August 19, 2021, 05:59:28 PM
I see Davy Burke has stepped down as Wicklow manager. Has a good CV.
yeah he seems like a good manager..Rumours say county board are going with someone close to home ... Time will tell I suppose
Who have you heard PortlaoiseKid?
I'd say the more important jobs will be the minor and u20. We need to stay competitive, bring through competitive teams with players full of pace and power. You look at Mayo and they aren't the best or most skillful players but are incredible athletes. They have a good pathway for underage teams that includes a senior development panel so ensures players get proper S&C
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 20, 2021, 11:36:42 AM
Who have you heard PortlaoiseKid?
I'd say the more important jobs will be the minor and u20. We need to stay competitive, bring through competitive teams with players full of pace and power. You look at Mayo and they aren't the best or most skillful players but are incredible athletes. They have a good pathway for underage teams that includes a senior development panel so ensures players get proper S&C
I certainly dont know who is getting it but seems all the stories around point to a manager close to home...
Quote from: portlaoisekid on August 20, 2021, 12:57:42 PM
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 20, 2021, 11:36:42 AM
Who have you heard PortlaoiseKid?
I'd say the more important jobs will be the minor and u20. We need to stay competitive, bring through competitive teams with players full of pace and power. You look at Mayo and they aren't the best or most skillful players but are incredible athletes. They have a good pathway for underage teams that includes a senior development panel so ensures players get proper S&C
I certainly dont know who is getting it but seems all the stories around point to a manager close to home...
On a different topic PK, do you think that the town of Portlaoise needs a second club or do you think Portlaoise GFC are taking full advantage of the big population in the town?
Quote from: Chrimtain on August 20, 2021, 01:28:55 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on August 20, 2021, 12:57:42 PM
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 20, 2021, 11:36:42 AM
Who have you heard PortlaoiseKid?
I'd say the more important jobs will be the minor and u20. We need to stay competitive, bring through competitive teams with players full of pace and power. You look at Mayo and they aren't the best or most skillful players but are incredible athletes. They have a good pathway for underage teams that includes a senior development panel so ensures players get proper S&C
I certainly dont know who is getting it but seems all the stories around point to a manager close to home...
On a different topic PK, do you think that the town of Portlaoise needs a second club or do you think Portlaoise GFC are taking full advantage of the big population in the town?
It all depends what a second club in town means. I believe there is no appetite in town for a second club if that means splitting our club in two,the notion of splitting our club is horrific to me as a Portlaoise club man.If a second club wants to form (just like Kilminchy a few years back ) then absolutely work away IMO, but to split our club would be wrong and would solve nothing from a Laois point of view. Portlaoise do quite well with players and if a player is good enough and wants to put in the effort they will 100% get their chance to play senior. I cant name one player who didn't get their chance to prove themselves at senior if they were good enough and willing to put the effort in to be a senior player.
To answer your second question we are doing the best we can and that literally is all we can do ATM with the resources at hand.It is a battle though to get kids to play but we do fairly well in that regard.
When I think of a second club in the town of Portlaoise, I certainly do not think of splitting the current club. That, in my opinion would be counter productive both to the club and to tje GAA in Laois. No, what I mean is support being given to the birth of an entirely new club that might grow in a newish part of the town e.g. Kilminchy. Perhaps this club might start as a juvenile club initially and, eventually, become a club that supports juveniles and adult teams.
Quote from: Chrimtain on August 20, 2021, 09:12:24 PM
When I think of a second club in the town of Portlaoise, I certainly do not think of splitting the current club. That, in my opinion would be counter productive both to the club and to tje GAA in Laois. No, what I mean is support being given to the birth of an entirely new club that might grow in a newish part of the town e.g. Kilminchy. Perhaps this club might start as a juvenile club initially and, eventually, become a club that supports juveniles and adult teams.
well IMO that's up to the area , and more power to them if they can set up a club and get it going , as we speak
we already see club's on the outskirts of town trying to get kids from the periphery of town to play for them, be interesting to see how that goes as a test case for the next couple of years .
No reason why we can't get the problem fixed within Portlaoise GAA. It just needs a lot of financing, good planning and hard work. We have none of that right now, and we get a very poor return from Portlaoise. They get a poor return from themselves too. The facilities and structures should be in place (in a town of that size) to accommodate whoever wants a jersey, and if that means B and C teams, then fine.
Truth is we're afraid of making Portlaoise a monster, so we ignore the issue and go year to year wondering what might be. Unfortunately, for every year that passes, both Portlaoise and Laois are declining. Numbers alone will mean Portlaoise will have plenty of good days, but nowhere near as many as they should. The facilities are poor for obvious reasons, and you really would want to go there as a kid, rather than allow yourself to be encouraged. If there is a failure in some parts to want to represent what is essentially a wonderful and proud club, then what the hell chance is there of a second club being formed? What would be the motivation?
This is a CB issue. If they want what's best for Laois, they need to make Portlaoise a priority. They need to park their own blub bias and actively collaborate with Portlaoise to improve matters. Portlaoise don't have the financial resources or manpower to fix this, but they have what Laois wants and that's numbers. A Portlaoise GAA regeneration would be very helpful to the Laois cause, and if that forces amalgamations elsewhere, then that's what we must do. There are far too many clubs anyway, some of which are wasting their time as stand alone entities. Another problem for another day.....
A more immediate alternative might be to allow and encourage schools based in Portlaoise to compete in our underage championships at appropriate levels. Without knowing for sure, I can only imagine that some schools have more numbers at their disposal than most clubs. These are just some ideas. Hopefully there are many more. The net point is this. We can't afford to ignore what's not happening now in Portlaoise
Interesting to listen to the All Ireland Hurling finals post match analysis. It is bring said that the GAA in the county was once in turmoil. A lot of credit is bring given to Joe McKenna who came in and took the thing by the scruff of the neck and provided organisation and leadership. Does Laois GAA have such a man or men who can do a similar job?
Quote from: High Fielder on August 22, 2021, 08:59:45 AM
No reason why we can't get the problem fixed within Portlaoise GAA. It just needs a lot of financing, good planning and hard work. We have none of that right now, and we get a very poor return from Portlaoise. They get a poor return from themselves too. The facilities and structures should be in place (in a town of that size) to accommodate whoever wants a jersey, and if that means B and C teams, then fine.
Truth is we're afraid of making Portlaoise a monster, so we ignore the issue and go year to year wondering what might be. Unfortunately, for every year that passes, both Portlaoise and Laois are declining. Numbers alone will mean Portlaoise will have plenty of good days, but nowhere near as many as they should. The facilities are poor for obvious reasons, and you really would want to go there as a kid, rather than allow yourself to be encouraged. If there is a failure in some parts to want to represent what is essentially a wonderful and proud club, then what the hell chance is there of a second club being formed? What would be the motivation?
This is a CB issue. If they want what's best for Laois, they need to make Portlaoise a priority. They need to park their own blub bias and actively collaborate with Portlaoise to improve matters. Portlaoise don't have the financial resources or manpower to fix this, but they have what Laois wants and that's numbers. A Portlaoise GAA regeneration would be very helpful to the Laois cause, and if that forces amalgamations elsewhere, then that's what we must do. There are far too many clubs anyway, some of which are wasting their time as stand alone entities. Another problem for another day.....
good post but remember one thing , the CB use Portlaoise as an excuse for failure and always have , it's their get out excuse. . E.g. The CB are losing their sh1ite over Port being this example of progress of Laois football , when in reality it's nothing to do with Laois GAA but moreso how good Port are and their hard work ... Any improvement in Laois football is definitely In spite of Laois county board efforts and that's their preferred game of football , just imagine for a second what our hurlers have to go through ...
What is the story on a Laois manager we are some joke seemingly Martin Murphy , eoin Kearns, billy sheehan and john sugru that's the 4 being interviewed
Quote from: portlaoisekid on August 22, 2021, 09:38:49 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on August 22, 2021, 08:59:45 AM
No reason why we can't get the problem fixed within Portlaoise GAA. It just needs a lot of financing, good planning and hard work. We have none of that right now, and we get a very poor return from Portlaoise. They get a poor return from themselves too. The facilities and structures should be in place (in a town of that size) to accommodate whoever wants a jersey, and if that means B and C teams, then fine.
Truth is we're afraid of making Portlaoise a monster, so we ignore the issue and go year to year wondering what might be. Unfortunately, for every year that passes, both Portlaoise and Laois are declining. Numbers alone will mean Portlaoise will have plenty of good days, but nowhere near as many as they should. The facilities are poor for obvious reasons, and you really would want to go there as a kid, rather than allow yourself to be encouraged. If there is a failure in some parts to want to represent what is essentially a wonderful and proud club, then what the hell chance is there of a second club being formed? What would be the motivation?
This is a CB issue. If they want what's best for Laois, they need to make Portlaoise a priority. They need to park their own blub bias and actively collaborate with Portlaoise to improve matters. Portlaoise don't have the financial resources or manpower to fix this, but they have what Laois wants and that's numbers. A Portlaoise GAA regeneration would be very helpful to the Laois cause, and if that forces amalgamations elsewhere, then that's what we must do. There are far too many clubs anyway, some of which are wasting their time as stand alone entities. Another problem for another day.....
good post but remember one thing , the CB use Portlaoise as an excuse for failure and always have , it's their get out excuse. . E.g. The CB are losing their sh1ite over Port being this example of progress of Laois football , when in reality it's nothing to do with Laois GAA but moreso how good Port are and their hard work ... Any improvement in Laois football is definitely In spite of Laois county board efforts and that's their preferred game of football , just imagine for a second what our hurlers have to go through ...
With all due respect to Port, they won a really poor Championship. They should win the next one too because it's a two horse race at best. If the Leinster Club was up and running, I don't think they'd figure, but I'd love to be proven wrong on that one.
The real state of our football can be measured in the rest of the clubs. There are a lot of grim stories out there, and even some senior clubs whose only ambition is to stay Senior. The two Arles clubs have been warned for years that they are on the road to nowhere, but seem happy enough to keep going. This despite allowing their juvenilles to be part of an amalgamation that their older members would frown upon. You couldn't make that shit up. It's just backward and embarrassing, and sure look, it's going where you'd expect it to go. They're not alone by any means. A number of clubs need to take a long hard look at what they're doing. For the sake of Laois football, the CB need to talk with them.
Quote from: town1980 on August 22, 2021, 10:31:58 PM
What is the story on a Laois manager we are some joke seemingly Martin Murphy , eoin Kearns, billy sheehan and john sugru that's the 4 being interviewed
You've answered your own question. If it's one of those four, they already know the scene, so no rush.
The debate around championship restructuring in Laois is an important one, but I wouldn't hold my breath on something being done to address the systemic problems that have been staring us in the face for years now.
The truth is that there is zero appetite for change. People are happy with the championship being s***. Clubs like Killeen and The Heath, who haven't produced anything in years, retain their senior tag every year thanks to a s*** championship. Why would they want to change that?
Quote from: Countyminor on August 23, 2021, 06:35:33 PM
The debate around championship restructuring in Laois is an important one, but I wouldn't hold my breath on something being done to address the systemic problems that have been staring us in the face for years now.
The truth is that there is zero appetite for change. People are happy with the championship being s***. Clubs like Killeen and The Heath, who haven't produced anything in years, retain their senior tag every year thanks to a s*** championship. Why would they want to change that?
It would give clubs like the Heath a good kick up the arse were it reduced to 12. Plenty of clubs senior by name at this stage in the county.
It worked relatively well in the hurling in Laois when it was reduced from 12 to 8 teams. A 12 team senior football championship is the way to go. They reduced number of senior football teams in Kerry in recent times if I'm not mistaken.
Quote from: portlaoisekid on August 20, 2021, 04:03:28 PM
Quote from: Chrimtain on August 20, 2021, 01:28:55 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on August 20, 2021, 12:57:42 PM
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 20, 2021, 11:36:42 AM
Who have you heard PortlaoiseKid?
I'd say the more important jobs will be the minor and u20. We need to stay competitive, bring through competitive teams with players full of pace and power. You look at Mayo and they aren't the best or most skillful players but are incredible athletes. They have a good pathway for underage teams that includes a senior development panel so ensures players get proper S&C
I certainly dont know who is getting it but seems all the stories around point to a manager close to home...
On a different topic PK, do you think that the town of Portlaoise needs a second club or do you think Portlaoise GFC are taking full advantage of the big population in the town?
It all depends what a second club in town means. I believe there is no appetite in town for a second club if that means splitting our club in two,the notion of splitting our club is horrific to me as a Portlaoise club man.If a second club wants to form (just like Kilminchy a few years back ) then absolutely work away IMO, but to split our club would be wrong and would solve nothing from a Laois point of view. Portlaoise do quite well with players and if a player is good enough and wants to put in the effort they will 100% get their chance to play senior. I cant name one player who didn't get their chance to prove themselves at senior if they were good enough and willing to put the effort in to be a senior player.
To answer your second question we are doing the best we can and that literally is all we can do ATM with the resources at hand.It is a battle though to get kids to play but we do fairly well in that regard.
I meant to get back to you on this PK, it seems from what you are saying that there doesnt seem to be huge numbers as regards kids coming to the club? Is that the case?
I've been living away from the county for a good few years but generally what is the uptake of kids from primary schools for clubs around the county?
I live near a rural club and there is a massive connection with the local primary school. They have training sessions (well if you can call them that!) for junior infants, senior infants all the way up to 6th class. And most of these sessions have 90% of those kids in primary school at them, its a fantastic effort that literally sees no potential player go to waste. At the younger ages its nearly just a big run around session with not a whole lot of ball work but it gets that love and enjoyment of being in the club instilled in them at a really young age.
It obviously takes loads of work, and there are a large number of volunteers but the rewards to the club are now bearing fruit as their underage teams are one of the best in the county.
I personally think Portlaoise struggle numbers wise. I see the same faces all the time, and they are the real heroes in that club. I've seen some of their Intermediate and Junior teams playing without a coach, and at juvenile level, they are hardly lifting up trees. The club needs support at every conceivable level in my opinion
Quote from: High Fielder on August 24, 2021, 12:40:50 PM
I personally think Portlaoise struggle numbers wise. I see the same faces all the time, and they are the real heroes in that club. I've seen some of their Intermediate and Junior teams playing without a coach, and at juvenile level, they are hardly lifting up trees. The club needs support at every conceivable level in my opinion
I think mentors are an issue in Portlaoise not player numbers,
they don't have enough of them as HF said and id agree with him there,
it seems to be the same few faces there the whole time.
it also seems that they sent back nearly half their ticket allocation for the premier intermediate hurling final last friday, shocking if that's true.
Theres no point in talking about putting a second club into the town when you cant get enough people to act as juvenile mentors for the existing club.
Clonad,Park and the Heath probably have a case to answer too and should be more proactively going into the town and recruiting also.
Duignan doing the business in Offaly
https://m.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/michael-duignan-visit-convinced-me-offaly-opportunity-was-too-good-to-pass-up-40816698.html?fbclid=IwAR0MOnmgR-ZTflVRf4WxElT4-qrdWTyuolR51Rtkj5wv-HhsJwP2p2ATx8o
I can think of more attractive opertunities
Quote from: town1980 on September 05, 2021, 03:52:28 PM
I can think of more attractive opertunities
Please share your ideas??
Taken from Facebook page.
CLG Laois
·
The Laois GAA Strategy and Action Plan (2018 – 2020) is currently under review and as part of this process, the appointed review committee now request the views of your club / sub-committee in relation to:
Progress to date in achieving the stated objectives of the 2018-2020 Action Plan; &
Any comments/observations/recommendations that your club/sub-committee feel should be taken into consideration by the review committee when updating the current action plan.
All comments/observations/recommendations can be submitted directly to the email address Laoisgaastrategicreview2021@gmail.com for inclusion to the review committee.
Some points to note:
Details of your submission will be held in the strictest confidence;
If your club/subcommittee have no observations to note then please make a submission stating same (we will include a schedule in the updated Action Plan of all clubs/subcommittees that provided feedback as part of this review);
Please submit your comments/observations under the headings:
Coaching;
Competitions;
Organisational Structures;
Infrastructure Facilities;
Engaging with other organisations;
Funding / Sponsorship;
Urbanisation, Rural De-Population & Community Integration;
To access the Laois GAA Strategy and Action Plan (2018 – 2020) click the link below:
https://laoisgaa.ie/.../Laois-GAA-Strategic-and-Action...
All submissions should be made to the email address (Laoisgaastrategicreview2021@gmail.com) on or before midnight on Monday the 20th of September 2021.
https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaa/664803/sunday-game-pundit-embroiled-in-escalating-dispute-over-major-midlands-gaa-venue.html
I know people in Tullamore are highly pissed off over this and are prepared to dig in on it. All the money Offaly GAA have coming in but for some reason they are trying to screw the Tullamore club.
Its a messy situation. The GAA club own OCP and are within their rights to rent it as they see fit. OCB want a rent drop but have really got zero bargaining power as there is no other facility in county capable of hosting games so they must rent it. Tullamore GAA are driving a hard bargain on it but Im not sure what OCB were hoping for. A rent drop as a show of good faith to new regime? If that was the aim it all should have played out behind closed doors. Nobody budging now.
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on September 16, 2021, 02:12:27 PM
Its a messy situation. The GAA club own OCP and are within their rights to rent it as they see fit. OCB want a rent drop but have really got zero bargaining power as there is no other facility in county capable of hosting games so they must rent it. Tullamore GAA are driving a hard bargain on it but Im not sure what OCB were hoping for. A rent drop as a show of good faith to new regime? If that was the aim it all should have played out behind closed doors. Nobody budging now.
Never knew Tullamore Gaa owned OCP. Is there many other counties in same boat bar Croke Park?
And can anyone here tell me wtf this has got to do with the future of Laois Gaa.???follow Offaly gaa there sorry on nights reading this crap
Again some clueless people on here
Quote from: town1980 on September 17, 2021, 01:08:17 AM
And can anyone here tell me wtf this has got to do with the future of Laois Gaa.???follow Offaly gaa there sorry on nights reading this crap
Fair enough apologies. It's just amazing to see for all this hype that Offaly are going places that something this obscure gets reported and a stand off you wouldn't expect to happen happens.
Anyways back to Laois Football related future and see the Laois Strategy and Action plan doing the rounds for review. Will be interesting to see if any changes
Some clubs taking up GDA in shared capacity for 2022 a positive. Will be interesting to see what future holds be it increase in number/quality of coaching of players.
Senior Championship numbers: Was mooted years ago exploring reducing 16 teams to 12. Like turkeys voting for Christmas but will it ever happen?
Quote from: Helix. on September 17, 2021, 08:43:46 AM
Senior Championship numbers: Was mooted years ago exploring reducing 16 teams to 12. Like turkeys voting for Christmas but will it ever happen?
We say this a lot but is it true?
Some of the most progressive clubs at senior now have had to come up through the ranks in recent years. Surely contesting and winning finals is more appealing to 18-23 year-olds than near-constant relegation worries and the odd 'good year' where you make a semi-final?
Quote from: Robbo on September 17, 2021, 09:46:47 AM
Quote from: Helix. on September 17, 2021, 08:43:46 AM
Senior Championship numbers: Was mooted years ago exploring reducing 16 teams to 12. Like turkeys voting for Christmas but will it ever happen?
We say this a lot but is it true?
Some of the most progressive clubs at senior now have had to come up through the ranks in recent years. Surely contesting and winning finals is more appealing to 18-23 year-olds than near-constant relegation worries and the odd 'good year' where you make a semi-final?
I was actually thinking this recently. I would have been an advocate of reducing the number of teams in the SFC previously but to be fair the last number of winners of the intermediate have done well at senior. The last three winners are Clonaslee, Rosenallis and Courtwood and they are all assured of senior football next year.
Yes, but maybe that shows how weak some of the teams are in senior. I don't think it's a ringing endorsement.
Definately should be reduced in my opinion.
Quote from: redsetanta on September 17, 2021, 04:00:02 PM
Yes, but maybe that shows how weak some of the teams are in senior. I don't think it's a ringing endorsement.
Definately should be reduced in my opinion.
Hence my point why it should be reduced. How it comes about being changed remains to be seen.
It should definitely be reduced to 12, if not 8 teams. Too many clubs can just win a single match against poor opposition and be happy enough to keep calling themselves Senior for another year. Stradbally are a good example of this. They won Senior in 2016, then seemed to take a few years off before deciding to give it a proper go again.
That said, fair play to Clonaslee on their win last night. Corbet should be given a chance to play out the field for the Seniors as he is very composed on the ball and can kick frees all day. That would give someone like Byron or even Brody if he's interested a chance to play in goals.
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on September 17, 2021, 04:20:51 PM
It should definitely be reduced to 12, if not 8 teams. Too many clubs can just win a single match against poor opposition and be happy enough to keep calling themselves Senior for another year. Stradbally are a good example of this. They won Senior in 2016, then seemed to take a few years off before deciding to give it a proper go again.
That said, fair play to Clonaslee on their win last night. Corbet should be given a chance to play out the field for the Seniors as he is very composed on the ball and can kick frees all day. That would give someone like Byron or even Brody if he's interested a chance to play in goals.
Brody shouldn't be let near a Laois senior panel if we have any decency about us
Quote from: Laoiseabu on September 17, 2021, 05:37:28 PM
Quote from: Silkyskillssunshinee on September 17, 2021, 04:20:51 PM
It should definitely be reduced to 12, if not 8 teams. Too many clubs can just win a single match against poor opposition and be happy enough to keep calling themselves Senior for another year. Stradbally are a good example of this. They won Senior in 2016, then seemed to take a few years off before deciding to give it a proper go again.
That said, fair play to Clonaslee on their win last night. Corbet should be given a chance to play out the field for the Seniors as he is very composed on the ball and can kick frees all day. That would give someone like Byron or even Brody if he's interested a chance to play in goals.
Brody shouldn't be let near a Laois senior panel if we have any decency about us
Are you for real? What has the lad done to warrant that sort of statement?
Would a championship of 12 or 10 teams split into two groups be able to work? And then repeat it at intermediate level.
Interesting move from Meath and a great idea https://www.the42.ie/barry-horgan-meath-gaa-5559222-Sep2021/
Some great football in the U15 Feile football this weekend.
St Joseph's won the A with a seriously impressive team. Ballyfin won the B with a few good footballers from mountrath forming a Gaels.
That Joe's team would have given a National Feile a right go.
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on September 27, 2021, 10:44:44 PM
Interesting move from Meath and a great idea https://www.the42.ie/barry-horgan-meath-gaa-5559222-Sep2021/
Excellent idea alright . Meath getting there house in order big time, regardless of peoples views on McAntee. Stability and progressing. A clear pathway in place .
Meanwhile we are still stuck in 1980s mode .
Quote from: Robbo on September 27, 2021, 10:55:42 PM
Some great football in the U15 Feile football this weekend.
St Joseph's won the A with a seriously impressive team. Ballyfin won the B with a few good footballers from mountrath forming a Gaels.
That Joe's team would have given a National Feile a right go.
Josephs u15s even more impressive this year than last year.
I cant see the feile competition being of much relevance any more unfortunately given the way its been completely neutered at national level.
It'll surely become a series of one-day regional competitions? Maybe the winners come together; maybe not.
The days of young lads staying in random people's homes will ahrdly return.
It's a pity in a way but we live in a different world now.
Bective Stud, is a sugar daddy. That we simply don't have
Quote from: Robbo on September 28, 2021, 10:09:37 AM
It'll surely become a series of one-day regional competitions? Maybe the winners come together; maybe not.
The days of young lads staying in random people's homes will ahrdly return.
It's a pity in a way but we live in a different world now.
The gutting of the feile competition was in place before covid struck.
so much for juvenile welfare as well with u15's being expected to play 5 games in 2 days.
They could have easily spread the games out over a month and played full 25 min a side games.
You had a situation last weekend where there were teams playing in hurling county final's on the saturday and then expected to play feile on the sunday and monday.
I know of a situation in one county where half the football teams and a third of the hurling teams didnt even bother entering it.
They had championship ongoing and the teams mainly rural were unwilling to take the risk of losing players to injury in the feile.
I agree this isn't an issue with covid.
It's a Child Safety nightmare. Surprised it lasted as long as it did.
Never coming back.
Pity but I get it.
Any update on our new senior fball manager yet?
Heard Billy Sheehan's name mentioned . Not sure how true it is .
Quote from: Spiritof86 on September 28, 2021, 10:42:01 AM
Heard Billy Sheehan's name mentioned . Not sure how true it is .
I've heard his name doing the rounds too ,varying reports around but one that Chris Conway will be manager and Billy coach seems to be popular....now how true it is I genuinely dont know.
Sure Chris is still kicking ball with Arles.
Quote from: redsetanta on September 29, 2021, 04:27:57 PM
Sure Chris is still kicking ball with Arles.
Don't think the fact he's playing junior with Arles this year is relevant to him not been involved with the Laois set up next year .
Good win for Graigue in the minor football.
Think they'll pull a few seniors from that crop in time.
Don't like to mention individuals when talking about youths.
A nice mix of size and skill; plenty of power and kicked a few nice points.
Graigue have a solid Senior team but can lack a few real scoring forwards IMO in the big matches. Feel like there were a few lads on the pitch who could contribute immediately from that perspective next year. Also the goalkeeper was excellent, made some super saves in the first half.
The Lowry lad in midfield looked like the best player on the Na Fianna Og side, few lovely scores and looks a powerful figure for his age.
Quote from: Robbo on September 29, 2021, 10:43:32 PM
Good win for Graigue in the minor football.
Think they'll pull a few seniors from that crop in time.
Don't like to mention individuals when talking about youths.
A nice mix of size and skill; plenty of power and kicked a few nice points.
Great win for Graiguecullen, here's a preview and a report on the game from Laois Today:
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/09/29/previewing-tonights-minor-a-football-final-which-is-an-all-south-laois-affair/
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/09/29/powerful-second-half-powers-graiguecullen-to-latest-minor-football-success/
i dont think billly or chris are going to get any of our supporters excited if there is no viable option inside the county i think we may look outside again
Davy Burke perhaps if he doesn't get Kildare job . Tom Cribben looks favourite for that .
Don't live in Laois anymore but when I go home the biggest problem I see is apathy, not many people care , Dublin have ruined Leinster football for most other counties and there is a hopelessness that we have no chance of competing with them in the same competition and even if we make a Leinster final it's a great display to keep the beating under 10 points .
Also we've been in the all Ireland competition for 140years and haven't won it so unfortunately the chances of winning it today in a way more professional era is pretty much zero.
The weaker countries need the format to change or football will be finished in 20 counties soon .
Is there any charismatic character in the county who can drum up some enthusiasm in the county like Duignan has done in Offaly?
Quote from: Gmac on September 30, 2021, 07:26:32 PM
Don’t live in Laois anymore but when I go home the biggest problem I see is apathy, not many people care , Dublin have ruined Leinster football for most other counties and there is a hopelessness that we have no chance of competing with them in the same competition and even if we make a Leinster final it’s a great display to keep the beating under 10 points .
Also we’ve been in the all Ireland competition for 140years and haven’t won it so unfortunately the chances of winning it today in a way more professional era is pretty much zero.
The weaker countries need the format to change or football will be finished in 20 counties soon .
Is there any charismatic character in the county who can drum up some enthusiasm in the county like Duignan has done in Offaly?
There are counties who have overcome the hopelesness and are moving on - Kildare, Meath and Offaly.
Quote from: Gmac on September 30, 2021, 07:26:32 PM
Is there any charismatic character in the county who can drum up some enthusiasm in the county like Duignan has done in Offaly?
I don't have the time unfortunately 😂
Quote from: Smellyball on October 01, 2021, 10:19:40 AM
Quote from: Gmac on September 30, 2021, 07:26:32 PM
Is there any charismatic character in the county who can drum up some enthusiasm in the county like Duignan has done in Offaly?
I'm pretty sure there is someone in Laois with similar attributes .
Glen Ryan appointed Kildare manager. Could we see Davy Burke taking over Laois? Rated highly by all accounts.
Any word on a minor manager? Love to see Chris Conway get that if he was interested, a very important role. We need to bring through competitive underage teams full of athletic skillful players
Brilliant local appointment in Kildare I hate them but a passionate manager and 3 brilliant servants of Kildare gaa also I predict them going v v well
Can laois not do the same 3 men that love there County.
By all accounts not one Laois man put their name forward which is regrettable to say the least. So any over critical potential options that give out if an outside man takes the mantle will carry no weight going forward.
On another note I hope the county board listen to the players and go with option B.
An interesting first post Tier 2. In your opinion, having already told us what not to criticise, why do you think there would be no internal candidates? I mean that seems inconceivable does it not? Do you mean to tell me there isn't a man or woman who doesn't want this job?
Quote from: High Fielder on October 02, 2021, 02:19:27 PM
An interesting first post Tier 2. In your opinion, having already told us what not to criticise, why do you think there would be no internal candidates? I mean that seems inconceivable does it not? Do you mean to tell me there isn't a man or woman who doesn't want this job?
Long time watching from the sideline but as we know hurlers on the Ditch eventually need to say something or continue to grumble to themselves and slowly go mad with their own thoughts
Only 2 thoughts on why no internal candidates would apply jump to mind.
1. They have the same knowledge we all share on the short comings of the current state of Football and are not prepared to put up with the usual obstacles for now until there is a changing of the guard in the upper inner sanctum.
2. A self imposed notion of to good not to be begged and how dare I have to actually put up my hand.
I'd genuinely rather see a candidate whom stepped forward than the leftovers from another counties selection process.
Lets wait in hope for a genuinely interested candidate
I'll go a third option. The CB have proven themselves to previous candidates to be impossible to work with. Promise much and deliver nothing. I'm afraid to say that genuinely interested = how much will you pay me as far as we're concerned
Quote from: Tier2 on October 02, 2021, 01:24:39 PM
By all accounts not one Laois man put their name forward which is regrettable to say the least. So any over critical potential options that give out if an outside man takes the mantle will carry no weight going forward.
On another note I hope the county board listen to the players and go with option B.
I beg to differ Tier 2 . There have been a couple of Laois men that have put there name forward . The outside option will always be there but to say no Laois man has put there name forward is slightly puzzling. Whether the County Board are interested is another subject .
Quote from: High Fielder on October 02, 2021, 02:42:46 PM
I'll go a third option. The CB have proven themselves to previous candidates to be impossible to work with. Promise much and deliver nothing. I'm afraid to say that genuinely interested = how much will you pay me as far as we're concerned
Also a very good possible criteria which would off put a native stepping up.
This point enforcing my point 1 in a more direct way
Well said.
Quote from: Spiritof86 on October 02, 2021, 02:48:53 PM
Quote from: Tier2 on October 02, 2021, 01:24:39 PM
By all accounts not one Laois man put their name forward which is regrettable to say the least. So any over critical potential options that give out if an outside man takes the mantle will carry no weight going forward.
On another note I hope the county board listen to the players and go with option B.
I beg to differ Tier 2 . There have been a couple of Laois men that have put there name forward . The outside option will always be there but to say no Laois man has put there name forward is slightly puzzling. Whether the County Board are interested is another subject .
It's good to debate these facts and when other information becomes available such as there in fact is Laois candidates you change stance.
I hope this information of Laois candidates is true and commend anyone willing to put the hand up.
Have you any idea which Laois candidates are in the running?
I see the leinster express had an article on this review which was recently done and with the CB since August according to them.
Proposals make sense and well warranted but will this sit next to the last review done on the same shelf with little to no implementation.
Has there been a director of football even appointed since the last departed?
Quote from: Tier2 on October 04, 2021, 02:47:24 PM
I see the leinster express had an article on this review which was recently done and with the CB since August according to them.
Proposals make sense and well warranted but will this sit next to the last review done on the same shelf with little to no implementation.
Has there been a director of football even appointed since the last departed?
And here are the review groups findings, makes very interesting reading..https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaa/673127/laois-gaelic-football-gripped-by-apathy-finds-review-group-which-sets-out-revival-road-map.html
Very interesting read and, I think, very welcome. It points out that lack of leadership is a major factor.That point has been made repeatedly on this forum.
I have no agenda against any of the people who 'run' Laois GAA, however, under their leadership, an apathy has developed which is killing the games in the county. These people must step aside and allow progressive people take over the reins so that the review committee's recommendations are implemented.
This report must not be allowed to gather dust on some shelf in OMP.
Right and where are the progressive people and Money because that's what they really need.
This is why these plans tend to sit on shelves. The motions are either unrealistic or unsubstantive. The Divisional Competition should never be looked at as a vehicle to improve competitiveness. The reality here is that we have too many Senior clubs, particularly in certain areas, and it is completely diluting quality. Some of them joined together wouldn't be competitive, so apart just makes them relegation fodder. Clubs either need to join (which they should) or at the very least have access to Intermediate and Junior players who want to play Senior football. I would prefer the first option, because I'd rather bite the bullet than go on as we are, which is killing us. It's never going to happen though, so we are left looking at a Divisional competition which in no way aids development of a player. It is no more than X Factor for Laois GAA, and like the X factor, it will quickly go down the tubes.
A lot of the other motions seem vague and idealistic. They will cost a small fortune to implement and we don't have many revenue streams. Setting up sub committees to investigate the structures in clubs ties in very closely with as they put it "putting personal agendas aside". These personal agendas have annexed clubs, allowed players to be stolen from smaller clubs and created the apathy they seem eager to eradicate. They seem to dilly dally around the idea of greater leadership (which I agree we definitely need) yet they don't seem to want to go to the well and say what we have is not good enough. Remember a lot of these people are influential enough to say to their delegates I want you to propose or not propose a certain thing. How long have we put up in Laois with inadequate leadership? Is the last weekend not a very good example. Not one man or woman given a suspension in a mass brawl. What does that create if it doesn't create apathy?
There is so much more that needs to be said and hasn't even been touched on in this report or previous ones. As stakeholders in Laois GAA, we are being cheated by those whose task it is to make things better. They either need to change their ways and outlook or else just clear off. We can't improve while we have a mindset in place that is counter productive to fairness and progression.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 05, 2021, 08:18:52 AM
This is why these plans tend to sit on shelves. The motions are either unrealistic or unsubstantive. The Divisional Competition should never be looked at as a vehicle to improve competitiveness. The reality here is that we have too many Senior clubs, particularly in certain areas, and it is completely diluting quality. Some of them joined together wouldn't be competitive, so apart just makes them relegation fodder. Clubs either need to join (which they should) or at the very least have access to Intermediate and Junior players who want to play Senior football. I would prefer the first option, because I'd rather bite the bullet than go on as we are, which is killing us. It's never going to happen though, so we are left looking at a Divisional competition which in no way aids development of a player. It is no more than X Factor for Laois GAA, and like the X factor, it will quickly go down the tubes.
A lot of the other motions seem vague and idealistic. They will cost a small fortune to implement and we don't have many revenue streams. Setting up sub committees to investigate the structures in clubs ties in very closely with as they put it "putting personal agendas aside". These personal agendas have annexed clubs, allowed players to be stolen from smaller clubs and created the apathy they seem eager to eradicate. They seem to dilly dally around the idea of greater leadership (which I agree we definitely need) yet they don't seem to want to go to the well and say what we have is not good enough. Remember a lot of these people are influential enough to say to their delegates I want you to propose or not propose a certain thing. How long have we put up in Laois with inadequate leadership? Is the last weekend not a very good example. Not one man or woman given a suspension in a mass brawl. What does that create if it doesn't create apathy?
There is so much more that needs to be said and hasn't even been touched on in this report or previous ones. As stakeholders in Laois GAA, we are being cheated by those whose task it is to make things better. They either need to change their ways and outlook or else just clear off. We can't improve while we have a mindset in place that is counter productive to fairness and progression.
Extremely well conveyed
Apathy is the perfect word if this review has dug up anything its the perfect word to describe current leadership.
Lets hope some see the writing on the wall and step away and not play musical chairs.
I'm my opinion there has to be a cap on the combined time any one holds a position/positions.
4 years would be a fair measure.
If you cant implement change in this time you need to pass it to a another candidate.
New energy and drive
This is probably the most in-depth critical analysis of where Laois football is in a long time . As the lads have all stated above the most important thing now is what happens next . How much of this information will actually be taken on board and a coherent plan established !?
I presume all of it is taken on board, it's aspirational and despite everybody knowing it's the right thing to do. It has very little chance of being implemented to any degree. Even take the most obvious one the recalibrating of the club championship which does not need money, this would take a minor miracle to get ratified.
Laois county board out shopping for a new studier book shelf to put this on.
To go with the 2 recent strategic reports plus the famed but seldom seen Cheddar Hurling Development report.
Pardon the cynicism but when you seen some of the easy wins which were cost neutral in the other reports gathering dust.
I wouldn't be too hopeful of this going anywhere fast either.
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/10/06/laois-gaa-hope-to-have-new-senior-football-manager-in-place-prior-to-sfc-quarter-finals/?fbclid=IwAR13T8GHseb9H_eLA984-TslhEkZOzQ8305wy-L9uP5qHU8PjkeJC4QEaW0
No offence to either of them but Flanagan and Evans not the names we need to be hearing .
We are in dire straits not for the first time but this time looks particularly bad. Whoever gets the job has little or no chance of success and will struggle to attract players in. Things are about to get worse, I take no pleasure in saying this but Laois Football is possibly in one of its worst ever positions. I like alot of lads on the County Board but they have presided over this and it's probably time to go. On the field performances is where it's at and we are not at it.
Billy Sheehan is the frontrunner for this job. He won't prove as expensive to bring in as other options either. No harm in trying a young, ambitious and hungry for success manager. I have no interest in seeing a journeyman intercounty manager get the gig-Cribbin, Flanagan etc. are not progressive appointments.
A left of field appointment if looking for a young and ambitious manager could be Killian FitzPatrick at Ballyfin. Incredible consistently over the last three/four years competing with and beating clubs that they would not be expected to beat in championship football. Are a very well organised side who play a nice brand of football.
I don't think Billy Sheehan would be a good appointment, a review in it's very name is a look at the past. We have not looked forward once, It's not always the easiest path. We have not asked ourselves what do we want, how can it be done and is it realistic ? My own opinion for long before it became fashionable much like a player pathway we must create a coach pathway. This is why Mark Bates, Mike Quirke & Billy Sheehan are of little or no interest to us. I am sure they are perfectly nice people but we keep ending up asking the question why no Laois Coaches simply because we overlook them all the time. Killian Fitzpatrick applied to be Laois Minor Manager at the same time Mark Bates did, Killian is still working away in Laois. Mark Bates was a disaster, (Well Flagged) but was deemed a better appointment, Mark is long gone. We always seem to bring our personal grudges to the party . We in Laois have constantly screwed over our own (said this two years ago) to appoint people from outside with similar or lesser qualities.
It constantly amazes me that ex-players in Tyrone are always involved with the County Set-Ups but in Laois the players are constantly opting out.
Hardly a great comparison is it? Tyrone have history and pedigree. We just don't. And because we're constantly at such a low ebb, we don't believe anybody internally could make a difference. I accept your point about Fitzpatrick though. He at least has shown the ability to improve and sustain performance. Perhaps now is the time for him to be given the Minor role. The Seniors has gamble or journeyman written all over it unfortunately. Burke could have been an option because he has a point to prove
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Quote from: clonadmad on October 06, 2021, 05:26:44 PM
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Jaysus it's demoralising to hear stories like that 😔
Quote from: clonadmad on October 06, 2021, 05:26:44 PM
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Thats deeply disturbing if true (not saying it isn't I wouldn't be shocked)
Where was the level he was shot down
CB or GDA?
Clonadmad is usually spot on and it's absolutely demoralising to hear that . You can actually see in it in the stands and grounds around the county . The attendance in OMP at the weekend was lower that I've seen in a while given what was at stake .
I was in at u16 Divisional training and matches and the first night everything was laid on with programmes printed proper jerseys warmup areas etc. There was almost 90 lads named. The first match was 15 on 15 with both having subs and the second match had one team toggled and the manager of the second looking at around 10 lads out of 23 or 24 lads and trying to cobble a team together. This group of players have S+C twice a week and football training once a week with matches every second Monday. However I heard last Monday that the first group had only 12 or 13 lads training and group 2 around 20. So out of 90 possible players for next year's minors around 30 odd turned up for training and a path to a Co panel. The U16 hurling was pulled altogether due to low interest. Now I'm not here to defend the Co board but you can hardly blame them for the apathy of players and clubs towards sending lads in for a Co team
Quote from: clonadmad on October 06, 2021, 05:26:44 PM
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Deflated after reading that.
Obviously the proposal was rejected because it'd shine a light on how things are currently being run.
And I'm saying that as someone who thinks we are doing a bit better with our dev panels at the minute.
I have seen panels put together where some lads weren't expected to trial. They were automatic selections fair enough, but setting them apart created a terrible atmosphere. Worse than that, I have seen a CB member's son involved and the lad wouldn't be the fifth relation of a decent footballer. We're a filthy little county for politics and cronyism and most right thinking people don't want to go near it. Look around for God's sake. From attendances to participation and funding, the whole machine is grinding to a halt. We need to call a spade a spade and call out the embarrassment that Laois GAA has become. It is not there for a small group of people to hand out passes and make themselves look like great fellas. It belongs to us all and affects us all. It needs to be run properly and not like the amateur set up it has become
Quote from: Spiritof86 on October 06, 2021, 05:33:44 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on October 06, 2021, 05:26:44 PM
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Jaysus it's demoralising to hear stories like that 😔
And only you heard of this on the grapevine and shared it, most of us here would not have been aware of this. Again, the county board not challenged on this and to present their justifications for shooting this approach now. Sounded very logical what was being proposed. Look at improvements in Offaly last 3/4 years at underage level in both hurling and football. Doing the right things at the level is the only thing that's going to revive Laois GAA. If younger players are treated properly, respected and provided with a professional set up they are going to buy into it, commit and hopefully develop as footballers. You reap what you sow.
On a side note I hope the Tailteann Cup does go ahead next year. I think playing in a competition where Laois could go well in and pick up a number of championship wins in the summer might help with re-establishing an interest with intercounty football in the county. Nothing beats success-would be nice for younger supporters going to Croker for a potential Tailteann Cup quarter or semi final with a realistic chance of winning these game. It could be the starting point needed to regain an interest with the wider Laois public in Laois GAA football.
I was in at u16 Divisional training and matches and the first night everything was laid on with programmes printed proper jerseys warmup areas etc. There was almost 90 lads named. The first match was 15 on 15 with both having subs and the second match had one team toggled and the manager of the second looking at around 10 lads out of 23 or 24 lads and trying to cobble a team together. This group of players have S+C twice a week and football training once a week with matches every second Monday. However I heard last Monday that the first group had only 12 or 13 lads training and group 2 around 20. So out of 90 possible players for next year's minors around 30 odd turned up for training and a path to a Co panel. The U16 hurling was pulled altogether due to low interest. Now I'm not here to defend the Co board but you can hardly blame them for the apathy of players and clubs towards sending lads in for a Co team
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Just in response to the above, I was also at the divisional training, but note that the first night the numbers were significantly higher which is a result of clubs sending in high numbers which also includes players who would not be in a position to play at the required level from observation. I understand that, and some clubs only send in between 6-8 , some clubs 1 or 2 (even from the stronger clubs), there are other clubs who send in 10 plus from average to good. Of the 90 named about 70- turned up from observation. The first game had subs and the second game had the bare minimum but it was till 15 a side. Its hard for anyone organising this if chosen players decide not to play or turn up so no reflection on the organisers.
Again from observation this week , there were two times allotted for the training, the earlier one had 12/13 lads training but also had 4/5 lads carrying injuries or not togged out. The later time may have suited a larger percentage than the earlier times with schools and commutes etc. Maybe they are dividing out the teams from team a and team b. Maybe some lads were not called back from the initial night. There are also some lads to return from Injury who were on the Minors last year and will be entitled to play this year.
So from having a go at the set up lets break it down.
(1) an initial group of 90 players had the option to try out for s&c training and divisional matches 70 turned up.
(2) There has been weekly s&c training mid week and at the weekend in heywood and omp
(3) They have secured a sponsor of enva for the divisional championships set up.
(4) I counted 6 coaches at the last training session and talking to some of the players they found it a tough focused training session.
(5) Its October and its a long way off Minor championships, but understand that this is were the building blocks start.
(6) There are more players to return who will be in the mix for the Minor set up
(7) Under 15's who will turn 16 next year will also be added into the mix
(8) No Minor manager or coaches have been picked to facilitate a minor squad.
So the random number of 30 which has been suggested will be the core of the minors is way off , but hey its low hanging fruit and it an easy reply to show the county board set up. maybe armed with a bit of knowledge we can all make informed decisions,Or we can set up a divisional begrudgers team with hurlers on the ditches versus were fecked. I am sure we may get a greater attendance than some of the county championship matches.
.
Thanks for that. Best of luck with the year ahead.
Quote from: Oblivious on October 07, 2021, 01:21:12 PM
I was in at u16 Divisional training and matches and the first night everything was laid on with programmes printed proper jerseys warmup areas etc. There was almost 90 lads named. The first match was 15 on 15 with both having subs and the second match had one team toggled and the manager of the second looking at around 10 lads out of 23 or 24 lads and trying to cobble a team together. This group of players have S+C twice a week and football training once a week with matches every second Monday. However I heard last Monday that the first group had only 12 or 13 lads training and group 2 around 20. So out of 90 possible players for next year's minors around 30 odd turned up for training and a path to a Co panel. The U16 hurling was pulled altogether due to low interest. Now I'm not here to defend the Co board but you can hardly blame them for the apathy of players and clubs towards sending lads in for a Co team
Report to moderator Logged
Just in response to the above, I was also at the divisional training, but note that the first night the numbers were significantly higher which is a result of clubs sending in high numbers which also includes players who would not be in a position to play at the required level from observation. I understand that, and some clubs only send in between 6-8 , some clubs 1 or 2 (even from the stronger clubs), there are other clubs who send in 10 plus from average to good. Of the 90 named about 70- turned up from observation. The first game had subs and the second game had the bare minimum but it was till 15 a side. Its hard for anyone organising this if chosen players decide not to play or turn up so no reflection on the organisers.
Again from observation this week , there were two times allotted for the training, the earlier one had 12/13 lads training but also had 4/5 lads carrying injuries or not togged out. The later time may have suited a larger percentage than the earlier times with schools and commutes etc. Maybe they are dividing out the teams from team a and team b. Maybe some lads were not called back from the initial night. There are also some lads to return from Injury who were on the Minors last year and will be entitled to play this year.
So from having a go at the set up lets break it down.
(1) an initial group of 90 players had the option to try out for s&c training and divisional matches 70 turned up.
(2) There has been weekly s&c training mid week and at the weekend in heywood and omp
(3) They have secured a sponsor of enva for the divisional championships set up.
(4) I counted 6 coaches at the last training session and talking to some of the players they found it a tough focused training session.
(5) Its October and its a long way off Minor championships, but understand that this is were the building blocks start.
(6) There are more players to return who will be in the mix for the Minor set up
(7) Under 15's who will turn 16 next year will also be added into the mix
(8) No Minor manager or coaches have been picked to facilitate a minor squad.
So the random number of 30 which has been suggested will be the core of the minors is way off , but hey its low hanging fruit and it an easy reply to show the county board set up. maybe armed with a bit of knowledge we can all make informed decisions,Or we can set up a divisional begrudgers team with hurlers on the ditches versus were fecked. I am sure we may get a greater attendance than some of the county championship matches.
.
You were going along quite nicely until you made that final point. The veil slipped then, and you tripped yourself up. It obviously irks you that so many are critical and so many stay away. To be frank and honest, I'd rather be a hurler on the ditch than a nodding dog relying on my free parking and entry. I suspect you are either one such beneficiary or perhaps even a member of the CB. Even if you're not, keep going as you are. Everything is going so well.
considering 1027 post i can confirm no free passes, no free entry and not member of county board.
Ditch hurling has served the county so well for so long, but hey its good to talk
any idea on new manager any words on the street?
Quote from: Oblivious on October 07, 2021, 04:26:01 PM
considering 1027 post i can confirm no free passes, no free entry and not member of county board.
Ditch hurling has served the county so well for so long, but hey its good to talk
You've talked me round. I'll become a delegate. Oops already did that. Couldn't stand the bullshit politics and cronyism and walked away. Tried my hand on an underage panel as a selector and was stupid enough to ask why X and Y weren't expected to trial. That didn't go down well. Not quite a hurler on the ditch, because I also give a lot of time and money to Laois GAA, but I guess your shite smells more aromatic than mine. Your friends are doing a great job. Keep up the good work
I wasn't a critical of Co board at all i was making the point that the setups are actually very good at underage and it's up to the players to commit. I understand that these panels are open ended and that they're struggling to get some players who are on their radar to commit. As for the poster who talks about parking and passes I certainly wouldn't begrudge a fella who is giving up 3 or four hours three days a week a place to park and a free pass to matches, some of which he may be attending to see players he's interested in, would you?? Tis easy to shout and roar on the sidelines but maybe tip in and try to change it yourself
And the manager is :-X :-X :-X
Certainly nothing to do with me
Billy Sheehan set to be appointed .
Quote from: Spiritof86 on October 08, 2021, 01:46:58 PM
Billy Sheehan set to be appointed .
I wish Billy the best of luck but it's a bit of an uninspiring appointment to me. It'll be a very tough first year for him either way as he will have to try integrate a lot of new young lads into the starting team very quickly. If we're not careful, we could very easily slide all the way back into Division 4 after all the solid work Sugrue did.
Better than I was expecting.
Young and ambitious trumps journeyman.
There'll be the usual negativity on here but we need a manager. He ticks a certain amount of boxes.
Hopefully he has a decent team with him including a couple of Laois men who could have an eye on the role down the line.
Best case scenario is that he sees us as a stepping-stone to a bigger job. Gives us 2/3 good years and moves on.
It'd be great if some of the likes of Killian Fitz, Conway, Kearns, Rory Stapleton and Clancy were part of the set-up. (The split season means they could still have club jobs after.)
We have plenty of cracks within Laois GAA. Don't think this appointment should concern anyone too much; we have bigger issues that will be there regardless of who is manager.
Best of luck to Billy.
Good luck to him. If he brings the energy and enthusiasm he displayed as a player with Laois, then he may do well.
Laois love a Kerry manager
Brutal appointment, and the slide continues. Wanting the Job is not a qualification for the Job.
Quote from: clonadmad on October 06, 2021, 05:26:44 PM
The successful counties promote from within and would never even consider bringing in an outsider
Secondly their managers don't get parachuted into the big job
They have a body of coaching work often done from u14 upwards and it's a progression,be successful at 14,get moved up to 15 and so on.
There's a mentors pathway in place in these counties with ex players heavily involved.
I know of a man who was asked to take a u14 divisional team here,in the past month
He went away and came back with a proposal
They were going to train as a club team twice a week,central to the clubs location so they wouldn't be trucking in and out from the CoE
Had a 6 man back room team assembled to include 3 coaches,an athletic development person a physio and a stats video person
He was in the process of getting gear for them as he has access to funds and was looking to feed them afterwards so that they could get home to study etc after training.
Everything he suggested was shot down
One by one
He didn't have a son on this particular team,he was doing it to improve standards as that's his approach in his professional life.
Do you know why this was shot down?
My guess is that one region couldn't have it if all regions couldn't have it.
i said it a few weeks back he was in for it it will be great to hear the reviews choice and the people that were interviewed for it ,i will reserve judgement myself until i see the commitment given to him from the players ,from what i hear my own club players that were with the county are not happy not that they are setting the world alight either,best of luck billy
I read a few articles billy whote for the papers and
he come across as a good student of the game
he's young and enthusiastic so lets see where he
bring us, wishing him well
god he will need it.
He's definitely the best choice out of the interested parties. Knows the club scene inside out and might ruffle a few feathers and more . As someone said earlier we have bigger issues at stake presently .
Interesting to see his back room staff . Best of luck to him .
He won't bring us anywhere but it doesn't matter as they continue to dig. How would he know the club scene ? His already been involved in two disasters Cork & Offaly third time a charm. Ross might never retire with this lark
Best of luck to Billy I don't know much about him apart from seeing him play for Laois where he was very committed. A lot of people on this page know feck all about him either but still run him down. Are we not sick of the journey men who get there big money for there time and have no long term interest in laois what so ever only what they can get out of it
I'm just saying regarding the club scene I've seen him at numerous games league and championship this year and also prior to Covid .
I would think his time coaching with Cork was definitely a learning curve .
Listen the problem is not Billy Sheehan coaching the Laois senior football team . It's a lot deeper than that as everyone is aware. Let's see what happens and give the man a chance . Not many Laois men put there hand up seemingly and he's a better and more progressive option than likes of Flanagan and Evans .
Munnelly been touted as one of coaches apparently
I think Billy would fit the description of the word journey man as what else is he a player with multiple clubs & counties. He has also coached in multiple counties with little or no success. Last I seen him was roaring up towards O Moore Park for some Kerry Club. Wonder what his Laois Club thinks of this seeing as they didn't nominate him.
Is he doing it for free ?
Who was the last manager to do anything for free?
I believe he's been impertinent Laois Man 😁
If Ross is still involved I think Billy's tenure is gonna be short he has to cut all ties and start from scratch,,this is not a local appointment he has not been in Laois for years again I hope we get an explanation from the committee that picked him and who went for the job as transparency is needed or else unfortunately it could be one year and gone ,, it hasn't been a welcoming one so it's an uphill battle for him if he doesn't connect in that dressing room straight away I feel it could be awful but that's not for now
It seems the Skies o'er Ballyroan are falling down after this news :-\
It's a good test for Sheehan. He was a fairly divisive individual as a player, so it will be interesting to see how he brings it all together. Good luck to him. We all hope he's a roaring success because let's face it, we rarely have much to get excited about. He certainly won't lack for commitment because he never did; just the type of person he is.
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on October 09, 2021, 10:13:04 AM
It seems the Skies o'er Ballyroan are falling down after this news :-\
I think that's pretty clear 😂😁
Hopefully Proposal B will be passed at congress - would give the new manager plenty of games next year to blood new players.
Survival in Division 3 would be our modest ambition for 2022 and hopefully a good run in the Tailteann Cup.
Target for year 2 would then be promotion to Division 2.
I make no apologies for caring, maybe too much. I don't particularly like any other sports bar GAA, I come from Laois, I support Laois and I don't get the option of chopping from county to county. The problem for me is watching the slow decline, Billy is not the cause but it's just another step along the way. In my opinion Laois have a fair way to fall yet but more and more it seems likely we are destined to stand along side Carlow & Wicklow. If this pisses me off, I apologise but I have been saying it for years. I could even take a bad Senior appointment, if the Underage was being supported but it's not. Our County is being ran like a bad club, but we will have another review to highlight this in a couple of years.
It looks that way to me too. No need for the apologies. You're spot on imo
No need for an apology. I know i admire your passion but you'd swear from some of the comments here and in Social Media that Billy Sheehan never kicked a football in his life.
He was a divisive character on the pitch but nobody ever failted his effort. As someone said earlier in this thread, if his players give his heart and energy; he'll do OK. Players seem warm to the appointment too from what I've heard.
It's an opportunity for Sheehan. Would he have been my first choice? No. But there wasn't a queue of lads knocking down the door for the job.
I think we should park the negativity around this particular appointment and focus on the bigger concerns. Because we have bigger issues than Sheehan.....because even a management team of Jim Gavin, Martin McGuinness and Alex Ferguson wouldn't solve them.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on October 09, 2021, 11:10:47 AM
I make no apologies for caring, maybe too much. I don't particularly like any other sports bar GAA, I come from Laois, I support Laois and I don't get the option of chopping from county to county. The problem for me is watching the slow decline, Billy is not the cause but it's just another step along the way. In my opinion Laois have a fair way to fall yet but more and more it seems likely we are destined to stand along side Carlow & Wicklow. If this pisses me off, I apologise but I have been saying it for years. I could even take a bad Senior appointment, if the Underage was being supported but it's not. Our County is being ran like a bad club, but we will have another review to highlight this in a couple of years.
Totally understand where your coming from and agree with a lot of your points . As I stated earlier the problem is not the appointment Sheehan and at the very least lad should be given a chance.
The problem in Laois is a lot deeper and it made no matter who we appointed the main issues still remain.
Very surprised if Proposal B doesn't pass at congress and would definitely be advantageous for counties like Laois .
I'm not sure why Sheehan deserves a chance. He hasn't done enough for me, and BA was right, wanting a job is not a good qualification for getting it. That said, he's the name going forward because let's face, that's where we are.
Who in your opinion that wanted the job deserved the job ? Davy Burke would have been my first choice and he was approached but wanted nothing to do with it . Sheehan represented Laois for 10 years with pride even if he wasn't the most orthodox of players.
This is a where Laois are at the moment.. clearly the interest was not there .
The reason Sheehan even became a contender is because of our current plight. No offence to the lad, but he was nowhere near the top of anyone's list. He has a chance now to show he was worthy of getting the call, and good luck to him.
Many reasons why the interest isn't there. Many. But make no mistake. The CB are not well got and it's more than an industry secret now. Brennan said it openly but others lost faith after being let down. It would be foolish for anyone to think that a new Coach can turn the ship around. There is a lot wrong in Laois GAA and I blame the CB for a lot of it
I'm not actually disagreeing with you High Fielder. All your points in my opinion are spot on .
Sheehan has got the gig . I just think we need to reserve judgment on his managerial abilities and let him get on with it . Much more progressive than Pat Flanagan or John Evans etc . Let's see what he offers and I'll be the first to hold my hands up if things don't go to plan . He's not going to the turn the ship around but he might ruffle them enough to shake things up .
Nothing would make me happier because I always liked him. Sometimes he was more Laois than most of the lads born and bred here. We were always known as a tough nut to crack even when we were shite. Nowadays we're a soft touch and Sheehan was never that. I don't begrudge him the role and of course I hope it works out.
High fielder I agree with a lot you say but saying he was more Laois than most I totally disagree with he was born and bred in Tralee he has never ever lived in Laois he coached ballyroan I think in the middle of a campaign he has never being down here at all since he left the county set up and emo struggled to get him to play and in the end he wouldn't play even when they were going well so he is not more Laois micko took a punt on him and he made the most of it the same way Denis gastric did a trial down here but he actually had family ,,he does not know our club scene how could he .? He will be judged on how he his tactics are and most of all wins,, is there any truth in the rumour that the clubs are going to vote against this recommendation ??
If only the world knew that all the oracle's of football reside in the Laois GAA forum, there would never be a mistake made.
For people to post in here that Sheehans appointment is doomed to failure is ridiculous.
He probably wouldn't have been my first choice but I don't claim to to foresee the future and know it won't end well.
Perhaps part of the problem in Laois is all the whingeing and moaning that goes on in the background. An appointment has been made, if the county got behind the team the chances of success may improve.
For those claiming this is an awful appointment - out of interest, who was the last manager you were happy with when they were announced?
I'm still wondering who Denis Gastric is. Only kidding town. I know who you meant. I know what you mean but you picked me up wrong. I liked his fire. We used to have plenty of that. We have none now.
Honestly, I couldn't care less who gets the job. We haven't got the players, and that worries me more. We're a Division 3 team who could easily go to 4 again.
I person was happy with John sugruu and eddie Brennan both who were recent managers but the county chairman though otherwise
Quote from: town1980 on October 10, 2021, 12:14:07 AM
I person was happy with John sugruu and eddie Brennan both who were recent managers but the county chairman though otherwise
True. Kinda surprised when I look back through your posts. You have been extremely bitter towards most people but posted numerous times about being willing to give Sugrue time.
You weren't overly complimentary of the first few games he was in charge..... then you stopped posting for 6 months so dunno how you rated his first championship campaign.
Quote from: Smellyball on October 09, 2021, 07:44:30 PM
If only the world knew that all the oracle's of football reside in the Laois GAA forum, there would never be a mistake made.
For people to post in here that Sheehans appointment is doomed to failure is ridiculous.
He probably wouldn't have been my first choice but I don't claim to to foresee the future and know it won't end well.
Perhaps part of the problem in Laois is all the whingeing and moaning that goes on in the background. An appointment has been made, if the county got behind the team the chances of success may improve.
For those claiming this is an awful appointment - out of interest, who was the last manager you were happy with when they were announced?
Happy to oracle it, complete shit show but the definition of madness is to repeat the same thing and expect different results. We can do better, Jesus they have dragged us to a point where we think we deserve it.
The problem though is how do you measure his success/failure?
Look through the history of this board for the last 5 years, it has been a constant barrage of criticism of the CB, every other manager (except Sugrue), criticism that Laois are miles behind in S&C compared to other counties, no talent coming through(except for a few kind words for U20 team that reached Leinster final and got hammered).
Listening to posts here Laois are minimum 10 years away from success if the work needs to start at U14, so how exactly does Sheehan succeed?
Firstly it's what Sheehan represents, basically the short - term win attitude that Laois GAA are constantly at. What can Sheehan do ? Very little and probably will be a disaster but because nobody else wants him, he is willing to gamble with Laois. I guessed Burke won' touch it because what had he to gain, expectations are too high and reality is far worse. For Sheehan to be a success I presume it's promotion to division 2 or remaining in Division 3. That means the retention of players who need to go, this has been going on in a roundabout way for years. Say Timmons and Ross to name two, need to go and their replacements edged in however because they are the best in the immediate term we will keep going with them. But already they are not good enough (because of age) thus we must sink further.
S & C is a snake oil game, you never hear top Soccer Teams or Rugby Teams talk of S &C because it's a basic requirement, it's like fitness you must have it. All it guarantees you is that your players are fit to take the field it won't win you anything. Coaching wins games look at Tyrone and Mayo and the ball skills of the Defenders taking scores. This is where the best counties are going they are improving the skills of their top players. Everyone knows how hard it is to score off the outside of the boot. Tyrone are doing it at will, this means to me that they must be doing monumental work on skills.
In Laois as far as I have witnessed the coaching is so far behind, Players don't even realise that they have to work off the Ball. This is even going on at Senior where players stop dead once they lose the ball if anyone wants to witness what top level players do without the Ball watch Mo Salah unbelivable work off the ball and ready to go immediately. I think theirs a clip of Paul Mannion at it on YouTube.
I have never subscribed to the we don't have the talent maybe not to win the All-Ireland but every so often we should be capable of winning a Leinster Underage. But the underage improvement must come with a culture shift. Back in the day the minors won and they got the girls. I know this sounds stupid but nowadays we do nothing and I doubt the girls even know who the Minors are :) You know if we are to be successful the players need to get a certain amount of recognition and kudos which makes them drive on even harder. We need to get back been successful to make children & their parents need to be part of Laois GAA. Leinster Rugby have done this when for years Munster had the jump on them.
An excellent post BA. I would question whether the talent is there with our Seniors, but I'd be equally sceptical about our level of coaching. One is married to the other, so I agree with you, our focus needs to be on improving the culture at underage
Excellent post Ballyroanabu
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on October 10, 2021, 10:01:03 AM
S & C is a snake oil game, you never hear top Soccer Teams or Rugby Teams talk of S &C
No, you never hear strength and conditioning mentioned in rugby circles. Holy Jaysus...
More like you hear GAA Teams talking about S & C Coaches with a Rugby Background. .
Chris Conway going in with Sheehan as coach . Can only seen that as a positive move .
And Beano, to be honest I would be abit wary of the whole thing. Quite an inexperienced management going to a team with a lot of problems and there is an expectation of improvement. I would of thought Chris had better opportunities to join Laois Coaching setup. I would think friendship is ruling the head here. I want Laois involvement but this is a tough assignment. I still don't see the plan basically a couple of big names thrown into a set up with huge underlying difficulties and hope for the best.
Good to hear .
If Chris Conway and Beano are involved, as far as I'm concerned, that's a good thing. Good luck to them.
I'd like to see them bringing in young guys like Gary Saunders, Frank Flanagan, Eoin Dunne, Niall Dunne, Ronan Coffey, Padraig Kirwan, just to mention a few.
I understand that performing well in the local championship doesn't mean that they can do well at inter County level, but it's a start.
Foe me, success next year would be staying in Div 3 and
seeing new young faces holding down places in the team.
Hopefully the GAA will base the championship around the league which would guarantee a set number of games for each county. This would be a big boost for the likes of Laois.
i think it is a good thing that we have a recognised name but a bad thing regarding experience both chris and beano have ,,i doubt both lads have been at most club matchs over the last few years but what i do know is passion wise that will be instilled in the group ,,system of play etc is where they will be judged wins and losses is where they will be judged so we just have to stop giving out and lets see how they get on anything will be better than last years sh__e
Have the draws been made for the U20 championship?
I think it's the best management set up that we could have hoped for . If lads can't play for Chris , beano or billy then we may forget it . While not brushing over the apparent problems in Laois gaa I do still think we have the makings of a competitive senior team . We have beaten , Kildare (twice) , Meath , Westmeath (twice) in u20 football in recent years . No reason with a bit of coaching that we can't compete with these teams .
Quote from: beano on October 11, 2021, 05:56:02 PM
I think it's the best management set up that we could have hoped for . If lads can't play for Chris , beano or billy then we may forget it . While not brushing over the apparent problems in Laois gaa.....
I agree with this part of your quote completely.
I still think we're a long way off Meath or Kildare but we should have enough to be best of the rest in Leinster. Or at least be in the reckoning.
No reason we couldn't compete for the Tailteann Cup.
It could give Laois football a great boost. As I think the Joe Mcdonagh did for the hurlers...however fleeting it may have been....
Looks like the PR machine is in top gear. No offence to anyone here, but I would have been underwhelmed if someone had proposed that team in the first place. I'm still underwhelmed.
The above said, I realise where we are as a county and options are limited. In all likelihood it's theirs now so good luck to them, but let's not heap any expectation on them. Like their predecessors have found out, there are many obstacles to jump before you even get a panel of dedicated Laois players in front of you.
Let's be honest this management has a fair few holes in it, sounds better than it is and currently I'd have Laois 6th in Leinster hovering above Louth, Longford, Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny but behind Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Westmeath & Offaly. I would think more likely to drop down than to go up.
Quote from: beano on October 11, 2021, 05:56:02 PM
If lads can't play for Chris , beano or billy then we may forget it .
I think this is overly simplistic for the modern game. Of course lads will respect those ppl for what they did as players. They will give them every chance. However they are now managing the team. If they dont have to required communication, organisational, coaching skills etc. their currency will lose value very quickly. Then the team will fail and not because 'lads wouldnt play for Chris, Beano or Billy'.
totally agree Speculative effort all the key points are in that statement
As this thread is "The Future for Laois Football" Anyone any word or know what's going on with the Laois minor setup? Has anyone been mentioned or does anyone know of anyone that went for it, seems there taking their time announcing the management team?
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 12, 2021, 11:21:27 AM
As this thread is "The Future for Laois Football" Anyone any word or know what's going on with the Laois minor setup? Has anyone been mentioned or does anyone know of anyone that went for it, seems there taking their time announcing the management team?
Gordon Lawlor (Mountmellick/Kilcavan) had this group since under 13 or 14 but I don't know if he is available.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on October 11, 2021, 10:15:04 PM
Let's be honest this management has a fair few holes in it, sounds better than it is and currently I'd have Laois 6th in Leinster hovering above Louth, Longford, Wicklow, Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny but behind Dublin, Meath, Kildare, Westmeath & Offaly. I would think more likely to drop down than to go up.
I would have to agree with that assessment of where Laois are currently in the Leinster pecking order, the new management setup has a lot of work to do given the fact that most of our better players are on the way out so new players need to cut their teeth at inter county level. There will be pressure on straightaway as all the teams in Div 3 are basically at the same level as Laois so we should really be challenging for promotion. I wish them well.
I never liked Sheehan's style of play although he always has that Tyrone 2006 game to endear him to me a bit!
His biggest task is to get all of the best players in to the panel, something that hasn't always happened. I'd love to see Sean Moore on the panel. I also think it would be important to keep Begley and Timmons involved as they are excellent lads to have in the dressing room.
I'm pretty sure Sean Moore will be called into the panel and be given the opportunity . Conflicting stories regarding the involvement of the older lads . I suppose we will have to see what happens but wouldn't be overly surprised if a few lads stepped aside .
i could be pretty sure it will be the same outcome brilliant club player but intercounty he has been tried and tested not up to it
Getting sick listening to this scutter. Leave the lad alone. He's better than any forward in Portlaoise. What benefit is it to you or anyone to keep rattling this off every time his name is mentioned. If that's your opinion fine, but it doesn't need repeating ad nauseam.
If Sean Moore isn't good enough, Laois are not good enough, because he consistently outscores some lads who have never done anything with Laois.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 14, 2021, 06:18:30 PM
Getting sick listening to this scutter. Leave the lad alone. He's better than any forward in Portlaoise. What benefit is it to you or anyone to keep rattling this off every time his name is mentioned. If that's your opinion fine, but it doesn't need repeating ad nauseam.
If Sean Moore isn't good enough, Laois are not good enough, because he consistently outscores some lads who have never done anything with Laois.
100%.
And he has an attitude that management and fellow panelists will really appreciate.
If Proposal B passes next week and we have 7 games next Summer in Division 3 on hard ground; he could be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Sheehan needs to persist with Moore. He's one of the only lads who consistently scores, and Laois need that. The alternatives are no better, and in fact, do not deserve a place ahead of Moore in my opinion. None of them, maybe Kingston aside, have proven themselves at county level. We don't have choices here
So I'm talking scutter? I said he is a brilliant club footballer but he is not an inter county footballer I stand by that , what age is he ? John surgu thought the same sob did Mike quirke so what are you on about high fielder get sick if you want it's all about facts he is not an inter county player no more than ten other good club footballers take your club hat off crusty 🥸😎
And Robby I could comment on your post but my reports are totally different than what you say from the inside line 😜
Quote from: town1980 on October 14, 2021, 10:58:19 PM
So I'm talking scutter? I said he is a brilliant club footballer but he is not an inter county footballer I stand by that , what age is he ? John surgu thought the same sob did Mike quirke so what are you on about high fielder get sick if you want it's all about facts he is not an inter county player no more than ten other good club footballers take your club hat off crusty 🥸😎
At least you weren't stupid enough to tell me who is better than him. Maybe there's hope for you after all
Quote from: town1980 on October 14, 2021, 11:00:12 PM
And Robby I could comment on your post but my reports are totally different than what you say from the inside line 😜
I could comment.....
But I will anyway. ::)
Your "reports" are a load of shite but then you know that yourself. We all do.
theres a big differance in club football and a county footballer which in the laois the senior championship is very average as we all know ,,if he is 24/25 he has been tried and tested by previous managers ,,,im not saying i dont rate him of course i do but as a serious club player i dont think he is up to intercounty again only my opinion and previous managers obviously didnt think what i said is a load of scutter :)
It's scutter because you know there are no better alternatives. Therefore, if Sean Moore is not good enough, neither is anyone else. Yet every time his name is mentioned, it seems fashionable to say nah, not up to it. But here's the rub, neither is anyone else. So in the absence of anyone better to score as much as he does he either a) deserves his chance or b) left the f**k alone by stooks like you who even slate their own clubmen.
lad get a cuppa coffee there im definetly not slating the chap jesus far from it if stating i dont think he is up to inter county and has been tried before by seperate matters irks you well im sorry its a gaa forum and again its only my OPINION so calm down :D,, let billy obviously bring him in if he makes it ill be delighted but again i dont think he will thats all,when he picks his championship team sure this lil argument will be answered ,now go enjoy your day i hope it gets better for you :o
Go on then. Give your full forward line for Laois. At least show us who's going to kick us out of Division 3. You with all your opinions should at least be able to show us that
This craic of lads being good club footballers but not being inter county amuses me.Do we really think we have a ready made panel of inter county lads in this county and we can disregard good club footballers?
Laois have to pick the best players we have in the county regardless of whether they are inter county standard or not . For a county like Laois its always about the mgt team making the team better than the sum of it parts as we dont have a panel full of inter county standard footballers, thats not slating anyone but its just fact that some lads we will have to play are not top class inter county footballers but they are the best we have to pick from.
Sean Moore is without doubt deserving of a place on the panel, he is different to anything else we have. Maybe not for winter football but as someone said earlier the hard ground of summer will be great for him.
I stand to be corrected on this but I think Sean Moore is far from "tried and tested" for Laois. If I'm not wrong he got 2 or 3 O Byrne cup matches 3 or 4 years ago and that was it. At that time, I thought it was reasonable to allow the lad to develop but he definitely deserves a proper chance at this stage.
ah sure ill go with,Evan o carroll ,mark barry and colm murphy but again no management now plays 15 on 15 ,if donie kingston is fit training well you would still have him there also,,i think yee are making out i dont like him as a footballer thats further from the truth and yes there is a hell of a differance between a good club footballer and an inter county player ,the county player does it for both sides he dominates a club championship then he goes along and consistantly makes the inter county scene whilst putting in good performances so there is a hell of a differance and them 4 lads ive mentioned all have on there day done that ,,what im saying is previous management some of them didnt even have the fella on the panels even ,am i wrong ???if he comes along this year and does make the first team i will be thrilled but i just dont think it will happen thats all
I won't get caught in the same trap as you, approving or disapproving of players. Suffice to say, if we had ANY players better than Sean Moore, we wouldn't be in Division 3. There's a clean slate there now and nobody has done enough up to now to have an automatic pick. Please avoid singling out players for your meaningless disapproval. It really only highlights your ignorance rather than their shortcomings
Right lads, time for this to stop.
Next poster that mentions Sean Moore before the county panel is named or quoting a newspaper or such reasonable source will get a warning.
It's hard enough keeping the inter-County feuds in line, I'm not sure I'm up to track the rights and wrongs of opinions from posters within the same county.
So drop it...ok?
Define the term "not upto inter county football" especially when you're a county like Laois who are currently devoid of top talent?
Can we say these guys are inter county class if we played Wicklow tomorrow and beat them by 10 points or do we simply just look at what Dublin, Tyrone, Kerry, Mayo etc produce and say "ah none of our lads are upto it" ?
Personally speaking, you could probably look to the likes of Lillis, O'Loughlin, Begley, Kingston and Timmons (plus a few more) when speaking about the the rest of the panel, you would say most are good to very good club footballers who you could probably replace fairly comfortably on a Laois panel with relative ease, but bringing in Player "A" and not selecting Player "B" isn't going to be the winning or losing of an All Ireland Final in our situation is it?
At the same time if we were only going to pick players who we feel could offer something to a counties set up that was much stronger than our own, we wouldn't be able to field a team I'd imagine. So perspective is needed!
The real issue is that there needs to be a huge cull amongst the Laois senior set up, its time for the older heads to step aside and fill the panel with young players and if we end up in Division 4 so be it? Sometimes you need to take a few steps back for the long term betterment and development of a team in the hope of long term success.
We all know as of right now, the most important thing for Laois is to focus on our underage teams, getting them competitive again and challenging for top honors in Leinster first and then beyond. We see it allover the country, club teams shelling out 10k/20k per year on a manager yet underage teams struggle for basic training equipment. This blatant short-termism with no plan is a recipe for disaster and we've ben neglecting our underage structure for years!
I would say the same thing about the Laois senior football team right now, let them enter a transition period and so what we spend another few years in the doldrums, but if we pooled most of our resources into coaching structures, underage teams, development officers etc who's to say we won't become the next Monaghan or Roscommon in time?
No bother and there was no offence meant on my behalf at all best of luck to new management team
Quote from: GAABoardMod5 on October 15, 2021, 07:18:47 PM
Right lads, time for this to stop.
Next poster that mentions Sean Moore before the county panel is named or quoting a newspaper or such reasonable source will get a warning.
It's hard enough keeping the inter-County feuds in line, I'm not sure I'm up to track the rights and wrongs of opinions from posters within the same county.
So drop it...ok?
No argument from me
He wasn't exactly been slandered?
Strange intervention!
Jesus the mods would be busy If that is the standard for intervention
Wasn't much quality for the new manager who was in the stand today. Worryingly some of the possibles don't seem to be progressing and a few of the older players look way off form.
Quote from: on the hop on October 18, 2021, 12:24:42 AM
Wasn't much quality for the new manager who was in the stand today. Worryingly some of the possibles don't seem to be progressing and a few of the older players look way off form.
Yeah, you'd have to agree. Diarmuid Whelan only came into it in the second half. O'Flynn did well defensively but couldn't get forward enough. Barry did well but he doesn't play to this level enough.
Didn't see any potential new players really.
Quote from: Ballybrittas Boy on October 18, 2021, 11:51:42 AM
Quote from: on the hop on October 18, 2021, 12:24:42 AM
Wasn't much quality for the new manager who was in the stand today. Worryingly some of the possibles don't seem to be progressing and a few of the older players look way off form.
Yeah, you'd have to agree. Diarmuid Whelan only came into it in the second half. O'Flynn did well defensively but couldn't get forward enough. Barry did well but he doesn't play to this level enough.
Didn't see any potential new players really.
I thought Aaron Carroll done well for Ballyroan in on Kinsella. He's been at those divisional trial games before and didn't look out of his depth.
Shaun Fitzpatrick is a real prospect. Set up the second goal really well. He's U-20 again next season I think but is definitely one to look at after that. Davin McEvoy is another young lad who's very athletic and has a big left boot on him.
Maybe the beginning of the change we are all looking for but I doubt it...
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/10/18/laois-gaa-chairman-not-seeking-re-election-ahead-of-county-convention/
Yeah I wouldn't be holding my breath regarding a change Junior unfortunately 🤦♂️
So who is in line to be new Chairman? Hardly Tim Clear😭
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on October 18, 2021, 07:43:11 PM
Maybe the beginning of the change we are all looking for but I doubt it...
Unless he goes and takes half of the current musical chair brigade it'll be awhile before we see a turn of direction.
While there is maybe 6 of the current executive doing positive work you can't outrun apathy it's like mud you'll eventually fade.
New blood contesting on many positions is the only way
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/10/18/laois-gaa-chairman-not-seeking-re-election-ahead-of-county-convention/
Looks like they did a right job on him. Not even taking a softer seat. Gone completely.
Quote from: Tier2 on October 18, 2021, 10:39:22 PM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on October 18, 2021, 07:43:11 PM
Maybe the beginning of the change we are all looking for but I doubt it...
Unless he goes and takes half of the current musical chair brigade it'll be awhile before we see a turn of direction.
While there is maybe 6 of the current executive doing positive work you can't outrun apathy it's like mud you'll eventually fade.
New blood contesting on many positions is the only way
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/10/18/laois-gaa-chairman-not-seeking-re-election-ahead-of-county-convention/
6?
That's being extremely generous
Quote from: clonadmad on October 18, 2021, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: Tier2 on October 18, 2021, 10:39:22 PM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on October 18, 2021, 07:43:11 PM
Maybe the beginning of the change we are all looking for but I doubt it...
Unless he goes and takes half of the current musical chair brigade it'll be awhile before we see a turn of direction.
While there is maybe 6 of the current executive doing positive work you can't outrun apathy it's like mud you'll eventually fade.
New blood contesting on many positions is the only way
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2021/10/18/laois-gaa-chairman-not-seeking-re-election-ahead-of-county-convention/
6?
That's being extremely generous
[/quote
Probably right to be fair saying 6 more like 4.
What is a bug bearer is the way you can hold a position for 5 years if you couldn't do musical chairs that would be beneficial but the fact you can hop into another vacancy for a further 5 and do this unlimited times is a breeding ground for cronyism I'd reduce this to 4 years max possibly 3.
I'd put a cap of 8 years accumulated in any positions to be the maximum any person could serve on the executive in any position
Hopefully the hurling side of the county run a number of candidates in an organised supportive campaign to put the pressure on the status quo.
I wouldn't be in the habit of naming a person but the current vice chair going to the actual chair would be a non progressive development
Conor Gorman the new minor manager according to Laois Today. Interesting appointment he has done a good job in Clonaslee.
Wasn't in the 4 names I heard were nominated for job but maybe my info was wrong
Quote from: Target Man on October 25, 2021, 11:07:02 AM
Conor Gorman the new minor manager according to Laois Today. Interesting appointment he has done a good job in Clonaslee.
Wasn't in the 4 names I heard were nominated for job but maybe my info was wrong
Who were the 4 names mentioned or nominated?
I think it's an excellent appointment.
Everything I've heard about him is really positive. Donie Brennan wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but he's a good coach. Probably leaves a gap for the Laois Ladies manager position. Killian Fitzpatrick or James Kelly maybe.
I heard there were only 3 nominations; John Strong was one and I'm unsure on the third. Strong still involved with Emo probably affected his chances.
I agree has done a super job with his own club young ambitious fits perfectly best of luck Conor
Great appointment, Great to see a new man get his foot under the table, Wonder who his backroom team is? hoping this can be the start of something good, He has the intercounty experience won an All Ireland in the minor so ticks all the boxes.
A very promising group of players. Have done well under Gordon Lalor from under 14 to under 16. It's a pity Gordon couldn't stay with them next year but hopefully Conor will bring a freshness to the group.
How have this group been coming up,? Probably haven't done much in the last year and a half, Any word on minor backroom team heard donie brennan isn't involved.
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 26, 2021, 09:48:18 AM
Great appointment, Great to see a new man get his foot under the table, Wonder who his backroom team is? hoping this can be the start of something good, He has the intercounty experience won an All Ireland in the minor so ticks all the boxes.
Agreed . Exactly what we need . A fresh face with fresh ideas . Best of luck to him .
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 26, 2021, 09:48:18 AM
Great appointment, Great to see a new man get his foot under the table, Wonder who his backroom team is? hoping this can be the start of something good, He has the intercounty experience won an All Ireland in the minor so ticks all the boxes.
Good to see a Clonaslee man ticking boxes rather than throwing them.
No need to be smart there was box's thrown in this year's championship and a deafening silence is all I can say
Quote from: Smellyball on October 27, 2021, 02:45:39 PM
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 26, 2021, 09:48:18 AM
Great appointment, Great to see a new man get his foot under the table, Wonder who his backroom team is? hoping this can be the start of something good, He has the intercounty experience won an All Ireland in the minor so ticks all the boxes.
Good to see a Clonaslee man ticking boxes rather than throwing them.
:D :D :D
Heard on the laois today podcast, That Paddy Dunne from Rosenallis is gone in as coach for the laois minors with Conor Gorman, the man is after havinga great few years with Rosenallis good to see him taking the next step up into Intercounty coaching. So that's Donie Brennan and Paddy Dunne that's a strong Minor management in my eyes and all in there mid/late 30s. Looking forward to see what they can do now.
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 28, 2021, 06:12:18 PM
Heard on the laois today podcast, That Paddy Dunne from Rosenallis is gone in as coach for the laois minors with Conor Gorman, the man is after havinga great few years with Rosenallis good to see him taking the next step up into Intercounty coaching. So that's Donie Brennan and Paddy Dunne that's a strong Minor management in my eyes and all in there mid/late 30s. Looking forward to see what they can do now.
If true great to see young coaches who have shown ability at club level like Paddy and Conor involved with our county teams.
Donie has also shown promise as a coach, it might be tough juggle this job with his Laois Ladies role though
We should be taking a leaf out of Clare GAA's book and adopting their root and branch overhaul of their structues..........
https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/clare-gaa-may-move-quickly-to-implement-blueprint-for-radical-revamp-41011818.html
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 28, 2021, 06:12:18 PM
Heard on the laois today podcast, That Paddy Dunne from Rosenallis is gone in as coach for the laois minors with Conor Gorman, the man is after havinga great few years with Rosenallis good to see him taking the next step up into Intercounty coaching. So that's Donie Brennan and Paddy Dunne that's a strong Minor management in my eyes and all in there mid/late 30s. Looking forward to see what they can do now.
I've heard Donie is not involved.
Seems Sheehan has been working hard putting a panel together. Met a lot of the established players 1 on 1 to discuss plans for the year. Wide net case with a lot of young players been asked to come in.
Quote from: Robbo on November 06, 2021, 06:53:56 AM
Seems Sheehan has been working hard putting a panel together. Met a lot of the established players 1 on 1 to discuss plans for the year. Wide net case with a lot of young players been asked to come in.
Have heard that too. Have heard that quite a few players have turned down the chance to join.
Quote from: The PRO on November 06, 2021, 08:17:14 AM
Quote from: Robbo on November 06, 2021, 06:53:56 AM
Seems Sheehan has been working hard putting a panel together. Met a lot of the established players 1 on 1 to discuss plans for the year. Wide net case with a lot of young players been asked to come in.
Have heard that too. Have heard that quite a few players have turned down the chance to join.
This is continually our biggest problem in both codes. The manager will always get the blame for performances and results but most of the time he is not dealing from a full deck.
Quote from: Zooming around on November 06, 2021, 09:23:10 AM
Quote from: The PRO on November 06, 2021, 08:17:14 AM
Quote from: Robbo on November 06, 2021, 06:53:56 AM
Seems Sheehan has been working hard putting a panel together. Met a lot of the established players 1 on 1 to discuss plans for the year. Wide net case with a lot of young players been asked to come in.
Have heard that too. Have heard that quite a few players have turned down the chance to join.
This is continually our biggest problem in both codes. The manager will always get the blame for performances and results but most of the time he is not dealing from a full deck.
I couldn't agree more. Every year, in both codes, lads opt out. Fair enough, I get that it's an amateur sport and a lads choice, but I honestly can't remember the last time we had all players committed to the county senior team.
I can't say I blame lads for not committing. Billy might be full of enthusiasm, but why would players feel the same? Intercounty participation is a thankless endeavour for players in Laois and our likes, and let's face it, Billy alone won't entice everyone. Something has to happen for lads to want to commit to intercounty. You either have to be successful, which we're not, or you need to draft in the best possible coaching team to motivate players. I don't think we achieved that either. This is our predicament....
With all the talk regarding Portlaoise and the fall out from yesterdays Final over on the senior football thread
I decided to have a look at the last 10 years of Juvenile A football results
now bear in mind that results at Juvenile don't guarantee success at Senior but given the fact that Portlaoise has close on a third of the Laois population within its Parish
Something shortly will have to be done to arrest the decline from a Laois perspective.
2012 - 2021
1 Minor A title won in 2012,nothing since
Portarlington have 2,so have Graiguecullen and Ballyroan
In the 10 years
there has been 33 Juvenile A football Titles up for grabs (17/15/13 from 2018-2021,12/14/16/18 from 2012-2017 with no u12 played in 12 or 13)
Portlaoise have won a grand total of 5 of them,
by comparison, Ballyroan have won 9 (1 as a Gaels combo at u12 in 2015)
2 of these were won in 2012
which means they won a total of 3 titles in 30 available Juvenile A football titles in 9 years.
I've seen numerous posts on this board about how Laois needs Portlaoise to be doing well, can't say I agree at all.
The period of dominance they had in SFC did nobody any good. People talk about how the rest of the teams in Leinster feel they are wasting their time trying to compete with Dublin, so how would this be any different? Especially given Laois teams haven't exactly been packed full of Portlaoise players for the last decade.
The stats posted above are (in my opinion) a good thing, it shows strength is distributed around the county rather than just in one town.
No other reasonably successful county have had any club recently with such a period of dominace as Portlaoise - Corofin , Dr Crokes and Nemo have had good spells but nothing like what happened in this county.
Enjoy looking to the future and seeing names like Portarlington and maybe Ballyroan, Graigcullen or Ballyfin etched on the cup
Crossmaglen? We can't just ignore Portlaoise and hope for the best. A third of our population resides there. If there are issues in the club, it's in everyone's interest to investigate them
Quote from: High Fielder on November 15, 2021, 09:25:05 PM
Crossmaglen? We can't just ignore Portlaoise and hope for the best. A third of our population resides there. If there are issues in the club, it's in everyone's interest to investigate them
OK fair enough, but armagh haven't won an all ireland for 20 years, or a provincial for 15.
I'm not saying ignore them, I just reckon 1 dominant force in a competition does no favours to the rest of the field.
I've no doubt part of the reason players in laois don't commit to the county is cos they know they'll never win a trophy competing against Dublin.
Would you bother your hole committing to a semi-pro setup when you know your team will be slated when you inevitably receive a 15+ point hammering...? I wouldn't be bothered.
Even reading through the last few years posts on this board, there is a huge amount of negativity towards our county team.
The vast majority of posts since Sheehans appointment have been negative, many even categorically stating he is the wrong choice and is doomed to failure, why bother being part of it.
Stupid question probable, but how big is Portlaoise parish. Basically are any of the other clubs nearby also pulling from this 1/3 of the population?
Something should be done with portlaoise, but it's not the only issue in the county. The standard needs to be improved in a lot of clubs. How many of our senior teams would stay senior in other counties, like Kildare or westmeath. Comparable counties.
Quote from: Smellyball on November 15, 2021, 10:59:54 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on November 15, 2021, 09:25:05 PM
Crossmaglen? We can't just ignore Portlaoise and hope for the best. A third of our population resides there. If there are issues in the club, it's in everyone's interest to investigate them
OK fair enough, but armagh haven't won an all ireland for 20 years, or a provincial for 15.
I'm not saying ignore them, I just reckon 1 dominant force in a competition does no favours to the rest of the field.
I've no doubt part of the reason players in laois don't commit to the county is cos they know they'll never win a trophy competing against Dublin.
Would you bother your hole committing to a semi-pro setup when you know your team will be slated when you inevitably receive a 15+ point hammering...? I wouldn't be bothered.
Even reading through the last few years posts on this board, there is a huge amount of negativity towards our county team.
The vast majority of posts since Sheehans appointment have been negative, many even categorically stating he is the wrong choice and is doomed to failure, why bother being part of it.
Billy wouldn't have been anyone's first choice. He has it now and best of luck to him. The good thing for him is the lack of expectation.
As for Portlaoise, it is obvious that there is a lot wrong. The attrition rates from Juvenile to Adult cannot be ignored. The lack of funding is also a big issue. Their Intermediate and Junior teams are basically a mix and match of who's available or who fancies it on the day, and I'm not even sure at times if they have coaching in place for these teams. I could be wrong on that, but it certainly gives the impression it's a fairly loose arrangement. I don't like offending the genuine Portlaoise lads on here, but to my eye, there is a lot of work to be done in that club
Quote from: The PRO on August 03, 2021, 02:22:18 PM
A few figures.
Laois total population is around 85K.
Portlaoise total population is around 22K i.e. 25%.
Now, Portlaoise has a non Irish national population of around 25% so if you say 16K for Portlaoise, it's still close on 20% of the total population of the county. (By the way, non Irish national kids can and should be very good at hurling and football given the chance too but I know there's probably a cultural preference for other sports)
You have Clonad and The Heath maybe picking up a few kids from the town. But it's not enough. Portlaoise needs a second juvenile club. It was done very successfully in Ennis where the new club started with 10 year olds and under and they now have an extra adult club in the town. Athlone too (but that was more as the result of a split in the club).
I know Portlaoise wouldn't be happy about this but it's simply not good enough that hundreds of kids are either not playing gaelic games at all or are falling through the cracks at a young age.
I posted this back in August. Around a quarter of the population of Laois are in Portlaoise.
I also have to correct something. The second club in the town of Athlone, Garrycastle, was not created directly as a result of a split in the Athlone club. The split happened a few years after a group of interested people set up Garrycastle. I just think it's a real pity that a huge number of kids in our largest town are never given the chance to play hurling or football.
Quote from: smcder on November 16, 2021, 12:22:04 AM
Stupid question probable, but how big is Portlaoise parish. Basically are any of the other clubs nearby also pulling from this 1/3 of the population?
Something should be done with portlaoise, but it's not the only issue in the county. The standard needs to be improved in a lot of clubs. How many of our senior teams would stay senior in other counties, like Kildare or westmeath. Comparable counties.
I agree with you but there's no appetite for change. I laughed when I read some posters saying Park would struggle in Senior. Not sure why they would or should. There are some truly awful teams in Senior being propped up by a system that lends itself to teams clinging on by their fingertips.
Should be interesting to see who's going to be our new County board Chairman.
PJ kelly of timahoe i was told last night
Quote from: Laois man on November 17, 2021, 02:36:43 PM
Should be interesting to see who's going to be our new County board Chairman.
Who are the nominees?
Im presuming Kieran Leavy will throw his hat In again
PJ Kelly has it apparently. Leavy and Tom Cleere were nominated.
PJ Kelly,Tom Clear and Kieran Leavy are the 3 nominations
Winner to be decided following a vote at convention on the 6th of December
Did i not just say who was going to get it???? PJ KELLY
Quote from: town1980 on November 18, 2021, 04:05:49 PM
Did i not just say who was going to get it???? PJ KELLY
So you know the result of the club vote already at convention ?
Fair play to you
Who finished second?
U20 "B" Semi-final Wednesday night Na Fianna Og against Rosenallis, for the future of Laois football how the hell can that team be allowed entry into a B competition against the likes of Rosenallis, Killeshin, Ballylinan, O'Dempseys, The Heath proper clubs doing it on there own, I don't mind two clubs possibly joined up and competing in the B competition BUT 4 CLUBS ABSOLUTE JOKE... That team would surely challenge for the A never mind the B and what good is it for them to be winning that competition absolutely none. They only played the u17 A Minor final from 2020 a couple of months ago and put it up to Graiguecullen so play an A minor final and then compete and they will walk that u20 B Competition. County Board or whoever allows this to happen are an absolute joke.
Quote from: Tintin84 on November 19, 2021, 09:43:33 AM
U20 "B" Semi-final Wednesday night Na Fianna Og against Rosenallis, for the future of Laois football how the hell can that team be allowed entry into a B competition against the likes of Rosenallis, Killeshin, Ballylinan, O'Dempseys, The Heath proper clubs doing it on there own, I don't mind two clubs possibly joined up and competing in the B competition BUT 4 CLUBS ABSOLUTE JOKE... That team would surely challenge for the A never mind the B and what good is it for them to be winning that competition absolutely none. They only played the u17 A Minor final from 2020 a couple of months ago and put it up to Graiguecullen so play an A minor final and then compete and they will walk that u20 B Competition. County Board or whoever allows this to happen are an absolute joke.
I kinda thought that meself.
To be fair, they have been in the B for a few years now and not exactly won anything yet. It's an amalgamation that seems to be working well for the 4 clubs involved and it would be good if they stuck together and start competing in A competitions going forward.
The whole amalgamations thing (on the football side anyway) seems to have settled down after a few years of chopping and changing. The Rock seem to permanently gone away from the Emo Courtwood set up. Park Ratheniska have settled down well with Spink. Killeshin, The Heath, Rosenallis and Ballylinan seem to be happy enough to work away on their own.
Should be a rule that you can't enter into a B competition unless your a stand alone team. Why not run a 11 or 13 aside B competition for clubs with low numbers. Mrath had no U20 team this year and there players got no hurling and 3 years ago they won a minor A with Cbolla not much Development there for those lads.
Laois is some spot for amalgamations and bed hopping and it's all allowed by the county board
That's where the ultimate blame lies
This time of year in Laois it is better than transfer deadline day on sky sports with harry redknapp hanging out the window of his Range Rover
The latest is that
Spink have walked out on park and approached crettyard who have now left na Fianna
In 2022 it will be crettyard spink at u13/15 and wait for it
Park Ratheniska spink crettyard at u17 and u20 next year
Trumera were supposed to be in bed with Ballacolla in the u20 A hurling but at the last minute took a shine to the Parish Gaels and are now in the B with us and we we should be by rights hurling in the A
We meet Park on Saturday on the u20 and it appears that Ballinakill are in the process of striking a deal for their St.Joseph's hurlers and bringing them to ballinakill along with the crettyard and spink dual players
All this leaves 10/12 lads from mountrath with no u20 as they were to go in with Ballacolla,only for Trumera who got there before them and then left
So they are high and dry
And the county board facilitates all this !!!!!
Quote from: Laois man on November 19, 2021, 10:33:19 AM
Should be a rule that you can't enter into a B competition unless your a stand alone team. Why not run a 11 or 13 aside B competition for clubs with low numbers. Mrath had no U20 team this year and there players got no hurling and 3 years ago they won a minor A with Cbolla not much Development there for those lads.
I'm blue in the face from saying it
Run juvenile and u20 Competition grades based on numbers
No amalgamations
So you have 15/13/11 even 9 a side competitions
And you don't call it ABCD in case some clubs are worried about the stigma of playing in D
Call each grade after a former great
And the bigger clubs put in second or third or even fourth teams
A club has 30 u15's
15 plus 3 subs go to the A competition
Second team goes to the D
Which is 9 a side plus 3 subs
Everyone is getting game time
Wearing the club jersey
Getting trained by club men in the club grounds
And there's no more bed hopping
Quote from: clonadmad on November 19, 2021, 11:43:42 AM
Trumera were supposed to be in bed with Ballacolla in the u20 A hurling but at the last minute took a shine to the Parish Gaels and are now in the B with us and we we should be by rights hurling in the A
We meet Park on Saturday on the u20 and it appears that Ballinakill are in the process of striking a deal for their St.Joseph's hurlers and bringing them to ballinakill along with the crettyard and spink dual players
All this leaves 10/12 lads from mountrath with no u20 as they were to go in with Ballacolla,only for Trumera who got there before them and then left
So they are high and dry
And the county board facilitates all this !!!!!
Surely all that stuff has to be done at the start of the year, not a week or two before the games?
I know that in the football a lad from Castletown wanted to play with a team in the under 20 A football as an isolated player and he and they were told that it was too late.
Quote from: SCFC on November 19, 2021, 12:26:40 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 19, 2021, 11:43:42 AM
Trumera were supposed to be in bed with Ballacolla in the u20 A hurling but at the last minute took a shine to the Parish Gaels and are now in the B with us and we we should be by rights hurling in the A
We meet Park on Saturday on the u20 and it appears that Ballinakill are in the process of striking a deal for their St.Joseph's hurlers and bringing them to ballinakill along with the crettyard and spink dual players
All this leaves 10/12 lads from mountrath with no u20 as they were to go in with Ballacolla,only for Trumera who got there before them and then left
So they are high and dry
And the county board facilitates all this !!!!!
Surely all that stuff has to be done at the start of the year, not a week or two before the games?
I know that in the football a lad from Castletown wanted to play with a team in the under 20 A football as an isolated player and he and they were told that it was too late.
In relation to the u20 hurling and football,you can bed hop before it starts as a club
An isolated player would have to have his application to play as an isolated player with a specific club in before 30th of January to the county board even for an u20 competition starting in November of that year
What Castletown could have done was amalgamate with that club at u20 A football for 2021 to accommodate that player and he could have played
I was told Trumrea never planned to go with Cbolla in the U20🤔Would all these join ups not gave to be in place at the start of the year?
Quote from: clonadmad on November 19, 2021, 11:49:37 AM
Quote from: Laois man on November 19, 2021, 10:33:19 AM
Should be a rule that you can't enter into a B competition unless your a stand alone team. Why not run a 11 or 13 aside B competition for clubs with low numbers. Mrath had no U20 team this year and there players got no hurling and 3 years ago they won a minor A with Cbolla not much Development there for those lads.
I'm blue in the face from saying it
Run juvenile and u20 Competition grades based on numbers
No amalgamations
So you have 15/13/11 even 9 a side competitions
And you don't call it ABCD in case some clubs are worried about the stigma of playing in D
Call each grade after a former great
And the bigger clubs put in second or third or even fourth teams
A club has 30 u15's
15 plus 3 subs go to the A competition
Second team goes to the D
Which is 9 a side plus 3 subs
Everyone is getting game time
Wearing the club jersey
Getting trained by club men in the club grounds
And there's no more bed hopping
Hard to argue with that. One thing I would say though is that some very small clubs would not have 9 players on their own for a two or even three year age bracket. Particular in the under 17/19/20 age groups where a lot of lads have dropped off.
Another problem then is players from the small clubs are discriminated against in that they are denied the opportunity to play a high grade football during their development years due to the small numbers available in their club. That then translates to county teams when they hope to transition from 9 a side games at a low level to full games at a higher standard. Having said that there is definitely a strong case for a single club competition as suggested to run alongside what's already in place
My solution to this might be convoluted- The A competition comprises of the bigger standalone clubs and 5/6 established, set in stone, defined area teams e.g. like Na Fianna Og. Therefore, clubs can't hop from one amalgamation to the next. You are either part of your area team or you are not.
Therefore your better players from smaller clubs are still exposed to high level 15 v 15 football and the strength of the competition is improved which important for player development.
We should then have very defined B and C competition.
The B competition can only be entered by stand alone clubs not quiet at the top tier e.g. the Killeshins, Rosenallis' etc. No area teams allowed play in B competition.
Finally, the C competition is played at reduced numbers e.g. 11 aside to accommodate the smaller clubs to field teams individually and also to encourage the larger clubs to field second teams. Therefore, as many players as possible are afforded the opportunity to play football. Those smaller club players are eligible to play in A competition with area team and in C competition with their own club.
My own criticism of the likes of Na Fianna Og is that each club in that amalgamation (especially at minor level) would be capable of fielding/finding 11 players to play. Therefore, you have approximately 40 plus players trying to make it onto one starting team. Only the best three or four from each club will stay playing in this scenario and the rest will ultimately be lost to playing football. My own view is that each club should be pushed to develop and maximise the numbers playing football at juvenile level and compete where possible as a standalone club. My providing the smaller clubs with an opportunity to play a reduced numbers competition it will allow clubs maintain their identity and also maximise the number of players that will filter through to playing adult football. For a number of smaller clubs in Laois they are starting to struggle to field one team let alone a second team.
Quote from: maccer on November 19, 2021, 01:47:47 PM
Another problem then is players from the small clubs are discriminated against in that they are denied the opportunity to play a high grade football during their development years due to the small numbers available in their club. That then translates to county teams when they hope to transition from 9 a side games at a low level to full games at a higher standard. Having said that there is definitely a strong case for a single club competition as suggested to run alongside what's already in place
The way around the small clubs playing at 9 a side is to get them into the development squad system at u14 and it's run properly
Loughmore Casteleiny play most if not of their juvenile in Tipp at C and even D at times due to their numbers
It's hasn't done them any harm in either grade
What goes on in laois goes on in no other county and wouldn't be tolerated by any other county board either
You need the stronger lads in the county playing against in each constantly to rise standards. Area teams are required for this to happen in a county our size with the number of clubs we have. Lads below that level could develop at their own pace with their club as suggested by Laois Rising above perhaps. The 7 a side competition just finishing up has been well received and may be the start of something new
Would parish rule solve a lot of this joining up shit.? Also underage some clubs do very little work so how are you going to have numbers at minor if there don't come through U11/13 and 15.
Quote from: Laois man on November 19, 2021, 03:23:18 PM
Would parish rule solve a lot of this joining up shit.? Also underage some clubs do very little work so how are you going to have numbers at minor if there don't come through U11/13 and 15.
Parish Rule would clean it up considerably
It might also force the clubs who couldnt be arsed developing juveniles to get their act together knowing they cant bed hop any more
There is a "parish rule" in place already. Players (8, 9, 10 year olds starting out) have to play for a club in their parish with exceptions for school and parentage.
Ballypickas have a huge issue with it as their players traditionally come from more than one parish.
There is players age 7 and 8 playing outside there parish where I live so parish rule my hole😂
Jays some dung here about the future of Laois football
Good interview with Peter O Neill on Laois today. He mentioned over 20 clubs have signed up for the games promotion officers with 8 coming on board before end of the next year. Anyone know what clubs have signed up?
Pj Kelly
Quote from: town1980 on November 21, 2021, 01:07:19 AM
Jays some dung here about the future of Laois football
I'm we would all love to hear your thoughts as to how things can be improved
Key figures (2020 figures in brackets)
Total Income – €1,188,153 (€922,995)
Total Expenditure – €683,021 (€933,588)
Surplus/Deficit – €505,132 (-€10,594)
Gate Receipts – €240,943 (€146,003)
Commercial Income – €192,630 (€146,882)
Fundraising – €152,722 (€117,582)
Income from Associated bodies – €293,989 (€182,063)
Coaching and Games Development Income – €145,078 (€69,576)
County Teams Expenses – €419,399 (€511,942)
Admin Expenses – €116,668 (€155,040)
Coaching and Games Development Expenses – €14,854 (€105,422)
Live Streaming Income – €35,884 (€70,580)
Well done the Laois County Board for running a half a million euro surplus for 11 months of the year
And all the giving out ye all do about them!!!
Well done.
Quote from: clonadmad on December 02, 2021, 06:22:47 PM
Key figures (2020 figures in brackets)
Total Income – €1,188,153 (€922,995)
Total Expenditure – €683,021 (€933,588)
Surplus/Deficit – €505,132 (-€10,594)
Gate Receipts – €240,943 (€146,003)
Commercial Income – €192,630 (€146,882)
Fundraising – €152,722 (€117,582)
Income from Associated bodies – €293,989 (€182,063)
Coaching and Games Development Income – €145,078 (€69,576)
County Teams Expenses – €419,399 (€511,942)
Admin Expenses – €116,668 (€155,040)
Coaching and Games Development Expenses – €14,854 (€105,422)
Live Streaming Income – €35,884 (€70,580)
Well done the Laois County Board for running a half a million euro surplus for 11 months of the year
And all the giving out ye all do about them!!!
https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/703177/dramatic-turn-around-in-fortunes-as-offaly-gaa-shows-197-969-profit.html
Take your pick. I know which bus I'd rather be on
Quote from: High Fielder on December 03, 2021, 07:48:45 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 02, 2021, 06:22:47 PM
Key figures (2020 figures in brackets)
Total Income – €1,188,153 (€922,995)
Total Expenditure – €683,021 (€933,588)
Surplus/Deficit – €505,132 (-€10,594)
Gate Receipts – €240,943 (€146,003)
Commercial Income – €192,630 (€146,882)
Fundraising – €152,722 (€117,582)
Income from Associated bodies – €293,989 (€182,063)
Coaching and Games Development Income – €145,078 (€69,576)
County Teams Expenses – €419,399 (€511,942)
Admin Expenses – €116,668 (€155,040)
Coaching and Games Development Expenses – €14,854 (€105,422)
Live Streaming Income – €35,884 (€70,580)
Well done the Laois County Board for running a half a million euro surplus for 11 months of the year
And all the giving out ye all do about them!!!
https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/703177/dramatic-turn-around-in-fortunes-as-offaly-gaa-shows-197-969-profit.html
Take your pick. I know which bus I'd rather be on
"Shur we can't compete with Offaly"
Even though they have a smaller population than Laois and 8 fewer clubs
We're wasting our time I'm afraid. This CB will never bring us to where we need to be.
The benefits of having your counties teams all knocked out of their respective championships early I guess. Saved the county a fortune.
On a serious note-making that amount of profit is a sign that the county board are not investing enough in the development of GAA within the county. Obviously you do not run into debt but equally you should not be sitting on a large wad of money that could be invested wisely to help improve standards within the county.
Is anyone else surprised at the fact that the Coaching and Games Development Expenses was only €14,854. Surely that figure should be x10 that or am I wrong in thinking that?
You're not wrong. I actually couldn't even guess what the strategy is at this stage. I suppose to them it's an achievement of sorts.
Quote from: Laois Rising on December 03, 2021, 10:51:41 AM
The benefits of having your counties teams all knocked out of their respective championships early I guess. Saved the county a fortune.
On a serious note-making that amount of profit is a sign that the county board are not investing enough in the development of GAA within the county. Obviously you do not run into debt but equally you should not be sitting on a large wad of money that could be invested wisely to help improve standards within the county.
Is anyone else surprised at the fact that the Coaching and Games Development Expenses was only €14,854. Surely that figure should be x10 that or am I wrong in thinking that?
I think the budget for that in Offaly over the same 11 month period was over €110k
This wouldn't include GDA wages etc
Niall Handy mentioned in his recent report that he expects a number of retirements from the senior intercounty team . Could anyone shed some light on who these players could be ?
If you're at Convention watch how many of our top brass will sit there with a big broad smile at the financial surplus thinking they are doing a great job. When Clare won the All Ireland in 2013 they were just under a million in debt because of the investment it took to win. Tipp spent close to €1m on their senior hurling team alone in 2019 and guess what... they won. People in those, and most other counties couldn't give a shit about surpluses. Trophies are the only currency.
Quote from: Zooming around on December 03, 2021, 02:13:02 PM
If you're at Convention watch how many of our top brass will sit there with a big broad smile at the financial surplus thinking they are doing a great job. When Clare won the All Ireland in 2013 they were just under a million in debt because of the investment it took to win. Tipp spent close to €1m on their senior hurling team alone in 2019 and guess what... they won. People in those, and most other counties couldn't give a shit about surpluses. Trophies are the only currency.
Tipp in 2019 spent €1.77m and that figure just covers what the county board spent, not money put into the county teams and support staff wages/expertise by the likes of our Sponsor and supporters as well
And It was worth every nickel
be it the All Ireland win in 19 or we winning a Munster football title on the Centenary of Bloody Sunday.
Players deserve the very best whether they are representing Tipp at u14 or Senior
There will be none as billy is too friendly with the older bunch but his hands are tied with lads not committing but Niall handy saying he can't believe billy is still not called a Laois man am I right he said that.?
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 03, 2021, 01:47:01 PM
Niall Handy mentioned in his recent report that he expects a number of retirements from the senior intercounty team . Could anyone shed some light on who these players could be ?
I believe neither Mark Timmons or Colm Begley are back. I know Ross Munnelly is going to be a part of the panel again. Donie Kingston is getting married this week so mightn't be back until later. JOL, Lillis, Dillon all still involved.
New lads asked in that I've heard of include Dylan Doyle, Joey Shelley, Dylan Kavanagh, Rob Tyrrell, Cathal Doyle, Cormac Murphy, Collins Ugochukwu and Danny Bolger. I'm sure there are more new lads but those are the ones I've heard.
Obviously there will be some Portarlington players to come in.
Are some of the Portarlington lads going travelling next year? There is speculation that Colm Murphy, Ronan Coffey and Robbie Piggott may be.
Although he is very young, Cathal Bennett is showing that he would be a very welcome addition to a Laois panel.
Brian Daly and James Kelly of Josephs are both going to be involved.
I'd imagine one or two Park Ratheniska lads might get the call and maybe one or two of the Portlaoise and Ballyroan Abbey under 20's? Damon Larkin springs to mind.
Some of the names mentioned there are very young and you'd wonder how they would get on at Senior inter county level. The last thing you want is a very young lad getting scarred, packing it in and not being around at all when he's 24/25/26/27 (the age when he would actually be physically able for it).
Quote from: Zooming around on December 07, 2021, 01:49:29 PM
Some of the names mentioned there are very young and you'd wonder how they would get on at Senior inter county level. The last thing you want is a very young lad getting scarred, packing it in and not being around at all when he's 24/25/26/27 (the age when he would actually be physically able for it).
I think thats where the huge problem lies, we dont have the core group at mid twenties to drive the team forward.... Billy has no choice to go with youth...
I think the core mid 20s are turning down the opportunity to play under Billy en masse.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on December 07, 2021, 03:02:48 PM
I think the core mid 20s are turning down the opportunity to play under Billy en masse.
The best of the mid 20's aged lads are in with Laois. Trevor Collins, Eoin Buggie, Paddy O'Sullivan, Brian Byrne, Colm Murphy, Brian Daly, Eoin Lowry, Dicey Reilly, all 25 or 26. Evan O'Carroll, Paul Kingston, Alan Farrell a little bit older.
It seems to be a few good players aged 21, 22 who are not taking up the chance to play.
Quote from: The PRO on December 17, 2021, 10:05:07 AM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on December 07, 2021, 03:02:48 PM
I think the core mid 20s are turning down the opportunity to play under Billy en masse.
The best of the mid 20's aged lads are in with Laois. Trevor Collins, Eoin Buggie, Paddy O'Sullivan, Brian Byrne, Colm Murphy, Brian Daly, Eoin Lowry, Dicey Reilly, all 25 or 26. Evan O'Carroll, Paul Kingston, Alan Farrell a little bit older.
It seems to be a few good players aged 21, 22 who are not taking up the chance to play.
I'm not so sure about Colm Murphy. I think he might be travelling next year.
He is doing all of it himself could be a rookie mistake time will tell hopefully he gets a bite luck on his side
Quote from: The PRO on December 07, 2021, 11:16:04 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 03, 2021, 01:47:01 PM
Niall Handy mentioned in his recent report that he expects a number of retirements from the senior intercounty team . Could anyone shed some light on who these players could be ?
I believe neither Mark Timmons or Colm Begley are back. I know Ross Munnelly is going to be a part of the panel again. Donie Kingston is getting married this week so mightn't be back until later. JOL, Lillis, Dillon all still involved.
New lads asked in that I've heard of include Dylan Doyle, Joey Shelley, Dylan Kavanagh, Rob Tyrrell, Cathal Doyle, Cormac Murphy, Collins Ugochukwu and Danny Bolger. I'm sure there are more new lads but those are the ones I've heard.
Obviously there will be some Portarlington players to come in.
James Finn is another to add to that list. Very good player on his day.
Will Sean Moore from ballyfin be on the panel this year ? He's probably the best forward we have in Laois and he never is on the panel anybody know why ? He played one game I seen him alright come on against Meath in the o'byrne cup near the end in stradbally a few years back.
Quote from: Brandon on December 23, 2021, 12:38:58 AM
Will Sean Moore from ballyfin be on the panel this year ? He's probably the best forward we have in Laois and he never is on the panel anybody know why ? He played one game I seen him alright come on against Meath in the o'byrne cup near the end in stradbally a few years back.
I don't think he is part of the panel training at the moment. You'd have to assume he was asked and for whatever reasons doesn't want to be involved.
Quote from: The PRO on December 23, 2021, 01:07:24 PM
Quote from: Brandon on December 23, 2021, 12:38:58 AM
Will Sean Moore from ballyfin be on the panel this year ? He's probably the best forward we have in Laois and he never is on the panel anybody know why ? He played one game I seen him alright come on against Meath in the o'byrne cup near the end in stradbally a few years back.
I don't think he is part of the panel training at the moment. You'd have to assume he was asked and for whatever reasons doesn't want to be involved.
I'm going to correct myself here as I heard over the Christmas that Sean is part of the training panel.
Opinions on the new format in football being potentially introduced?
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/01/04/laois-senior-football-championship-could-revert-to-group-format-for-next-season-as-proposal-in-place-to-reduce-to-12-teams-by-2024/
I was a fan of the four groups of 4 that was in place years ago, eliminates the "tough draw" scenario, for example Ballyfin were in relegation this year after losing closely to both the county finalists.
Also think the number 16 fits well as a structure, better than 12 that is being proposed. Will that consist of 2 groups of 6, or 4 groups of 3?
U-20 development league starting next month :
John Kerins Cup: Laois, Kildare, Meath and Dublin
Liam O'Connor Cup: Wicklow, Offaly, Limerick and Clare
Philly McGuinness Cup: Armagh, Cavan, Westmeath, Monaghan, Fermanagh, Leitrim, Longford and Sligo
Leo Murphy Cup: Derry, Donegal, Mayo, Roscommon, Antrim, Down, Louth and Tyrone
Andrew Corden Cup: Tipperary, Waterford, Carlow and Wexford
No change to senior next year.
Same format. groups of 4 idea rejected.
No decision on redusing numbers down from 16 either
One change that might happen from 2023 is seeding previous tears quarter-finalists in the first round.
I think that's a huge mistake in my opinion.
There are 16 Senior teams in name only operating in Laois at the moment, I would say at a push you would have 10 maybe 11 competitive sides and the other 5 or 6 are Intermediate standard at best.
Our long term focus should be on the implementation of a Senior Championship like they have in Kerry where small rural clubs amalgamate to form sides capable of competing at the highest level but also allow them to keep their identity and play in Intermediate/Junior Championships solo.
Shorten the league calendar, give teams 5/6 maximum and have two Championship's at senior level. One without amalgamations and another with, keep the same format for Intermediate and Junior etc.
It would stop all of this nonsense whereby club players start training in January to play Championship games in August.
Quote from: Robbo on January 25, 2022, 07:48:59 AM
No change to senior next year.
Same format. groups of 4 idea rejected.
No decision on redusing numbers down from 16 either
One change that might happen from 2023 is seeding previous tears quarter-finalists in the first round.
A bit like turkeys voting for Christmas. The seeding element proposed looked a bit shady. Would be great to have a 12 team format like Kerry.
Great news on Laoistoday that the number of GPOs is to double with the new recruits in place this month. I know Portlaoise and Port are going to avail of this which is great news for the urban population, what other clubs will be getting them?
Laois juvenile amalgamations 2022
Under 13 Football -
o Ballyfin (Mountrath, Slieve Bloom & 1 Castletown player )
o Ballyroan Abbey (plus 1 Clough Ballacolla player)
o Colt & Shanahoe (plus 3 Trumera players)
o Kilcavan & The Rock
o Na Fianna Og (Arles Kilcruise, Arles Killeen, Barrowhouse)
o Spink & Crettyard
o St Pauls (Courtwood & Emo)
o Stradbally Parish Gaels (Annanough, Stradbally, Timahoe)
Under 15 Football -
o Ballyfin Gaels (Mountrath, Slieve Bloom & 3 Castletown players )
o Ballyroan Abbey Gaels (Colt, Shanahoe, plus 2 Clough Ballacolla players, plus 2 Trumera players)
o Crettyard & Spink
o Mountmellick Parish Gaels (Clonaslee St Manmans, Kilcavan, Mountmellick & The Rock)
o Na Fianna Og (Arles Kilcruise, Arles Killeen & Barrowhouse,)
o St Pauls (Courtwood & Emo)
o Stradbally Parish Gaels (Annanough, Stradbally, Timahoe)
Under 17 Football –
o Ballyfin Gaels (Mountrath & Slieve Bloom)
o Ballyroan Abbey Gaels (Colt, Shanahoe & Clough Ballacolla)
o Mountmellick Parish Gaels (Clonaslee St Manmans, Kilcavan, Mountmellick, The Rock)
o Na Fianna Og (Arles Kilcruise, Arles Killeen & Barrowhouse)
o Crettyard & Spink
o St Pauls (Courtwood & Emo)
o Stradbally Parish Gaels (Annanough, Stradbally, Timahoe)
What has happened that Crettyard are no longer in with Na Fianna Og. Thought things were going well there with good success at minor and U20 last year.
Quote from: Laois Rising on March 09, 2022, 11:15:45 AM
What has happened that Crettyard are no longer in with Na Fianna Og. Thought things were going well there with good success at minor and U20 last year.
Don't know where Crettyard going with Spink leaves Park Ratheniska who seemed to have a good set up at under 15, 17.
Ballyroan Abbey gaels have an amalgamation of 6 clubs at one level...... From one of the most dominant underage setups of recent times.I'm a bit surprised it was allowed but I suppose the young people needs some option for football.
Spink were in an amalgamation with park for the past 3/4 years and it seemed to be working well for both clubs,they won an u13A last year and it worked well at 15 and 17 and u20 also
For reasons best known to themselves spink went to Crettyard who won an u13 c last year on their own and Crettyard were part of the na Fianna amalgamation who were beaten in the minor A final,won the u20b with a very young team and were competitive at u15 also in 2021
So there's 2 stable long term amalgamations broken up
Ballyroan Gaels at u15 will have 40 plus young lads on that panel alone
If lads want to figure out where the problems in laois football will be in 2025-2030
Here's a good starting point
Slightly off topic but strange that there's no Ballyroan player on the minor panel? They've been cleaning up at underage level, just surprised to see no one on it
A lads 6 clubs together with a senior club in one grade. Where would you see it.
We are tight on numbers at that age, for some reason. As are Colt, the plan is to enter two teams at A & B. BallyroanAbbey at U13 we're B they got knocked out at quarter final stage. We were entering A, Colt came with a proposal I think the other clubs are with them barring Clough Ballacolla. So we are now A & B with around 33 players total.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on March 09, 2022, 08:11:16 PM
We are tight on numbers at that age, for some reason. As are Colt, the plan is to enter two teams at A & B. BallyroanAbbey at U13 we're B they got knocked out at quarter final stage. We were entering A, Colt came with a proposal I think the other clubs are with them barring Clough Ballacolla. So we are now A & B with around 33 players total.
How many Ballyroan players have ye eligible for u15?
I think 16
Sure they have enough for a team so.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on March 09, 2022, 09:12:45 PM
I think 16
I heard a figure of 18/19 but I'll bow to your better information
Colt shanahoe have 19/20 and in fairness they did approach ye
Plus the 4 named chaps in that document
Gives a ball park figure of around 40 u15's in one amalgamation
At the end of the day,it's not the clubs fault if they can pull a stroke good luck to them,it's short sighted but some prioritise a cup at u15 over player development or retention and that's their call
It's the County Board and in particular Coiste Na Nog that's asleep at the wheel in letting this go on
Quote from: Laois man on March 09, 2022, 09:33:10 PM
Sure they have enough for a team so.
During Summer Holidays doubtful, always a few away or sick. I would be very surprised if we won U15 , also not sure on Colts numbers they may be including U13's who won't be playing in Ballyroan as we tend to stick to age groups.
What you have got is 2 B teams currently who will struggle for numbers. What's going to happen is you now have an A & a B team. Everyone still plays
With regards to Ballyroan not having a County minor I've heard that one chap in particular who was on the starting team last year was pursued through several channels but declined to go in.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on March 10, 2022, 10:12:09 AM
What you have got is 2 B teams currently who will struggle for numbers. What's going to happen is you now have an A & a B team. Everyone still plays
Both colt shanahoe and Ballyroan had the numbers for one squad each
What the county board should have done was send the Ballacolla lads to Ballyroan to pad out yere 15's and the Trumera lads go to colt Shanahoe and that would get them over the 20 man mark for a viable squad as well
I'm not having a pop at Ballyroan here at all,In fairness to them they run their juvenile club very well and colt Shanahoe did approach them with this proposal
It's the county board that should be proactive and aren't
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on March 10, 2022, 09:29:59 AM
Quote from: Laois man on March 09, 2022, 09:33:10 PM
Sure they have enough for a team so.
During Summer Holidays doubtful, always a few away or sick. I would be very surprised if we won U15 , also not sure on Colts numbers they may be including U13's who won't be playing in Ballyroan as we tend to stick to age groups.
Every club suffers with injuries and lads on holidays during the summer,what these amalgamations are doing is making it hard on individual clubs who rely on 14 and even 13 year olds to field a team coming up against a team of 15 year olds
Two Laois under 14 football development teams were well beaten by Offaly at the weekend. No reasons to be optimistic for the the future, as of yet.
Quote from: Chrimtain on April 11, 2022, 10:12:01 AM
Two Laois under 14 football development teams were well beaten by Offaly at the weekend. No reasons to be optimistic for the the future, as of yet.
A bit of context needed there
Offaly have their u14's whittled down to 40 players
Laois haven't
They put out 6 teams
4 on the day v Meath
2 v Offaly
And the Laois u'15 squad hammered Offaly a couple of weeks ago and play them again in the next couple of weeks.
U20 Team to play kildare tomorrow.
Conor Brown (Portlaoise);
Ben Reddin (Portlaoise), Eamonn Delaney (Stradbally), Ben Dempsey (Portlaoise);
Sean Greene (Emo), Simon Fingleton (Park-Ratheniska), Conor Heffernan (Killeshin);
Ciaran Burke (Crettyard), Kevin Swayne (Portlaoise);
Rioghan Murphy (Portarlington), Davin McEvoy (Ballyroan-Abbey), Shaun Fitzpatrick (Ballyroan-Abbey);
Paddy Hosey (Emo), Darragh Carolan (Stradbally), Colin Dunne (Arles-Killeen)
Tough ask against kildare at this age group. It's a good team though. If full-back line and keeper play we'll then could trouble them at the other end.
Quote from: Chrimtain on April 11, 2022, 10:12:01 AM
Two Laois under 14 football development teams were well beaten by Offaly at the weekend. No reasons to be optimistic for the the future, as of yet.
And therein lies the problem, being results focused at under 14 level is absolutely ridiculous.
Development, Development, Development is all that should matter.
You can get hammered in a game and still pick out a number of positives if you're not blinded by the scoreline.
Quote from: Pugwash on April 13, 2022, 03:59:08 PM
Quote from: Chrimtain on April 11, 2022, 10:12:01 AM
Two Laois under 14 football development teams were well beaten by Offaly at the weekend. No reasons to be optimistic for the the future, as of yet.
And therein lies the problem, being results focused at under 14 level is absolutely ridiculous.
Development, Development, Development is all that should matter.
You can get hammered in a game and still pick out a number of positives if you're not blinded by the scoreline.
Fair point!!
Looking forward to seeing the u20s tonight . Tonight is about getting a result against more than decent opposition . Thought 15 quid a ticket was a little much for tonight though .
Quote from: Spiritof86 on April 14, 2022, 02:04:30 PM
Looking forward to seeing the u20s tonight . Tonight is about getting a result against more than decent opposition . Thought 15 quid a ticket was a little much for tonight though .
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/04/14/laois-the-underdogs-as-leinster-u-20-football-campaign-to-begin-in-hawkfield/
I know its only Div3 football but there is something seriously wrong in Portlaoise
Result from Wed 13th
ACFL Division 3B Round 2
Graiguecullen 9-18
Portlaoise 0-5
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on April 14, 2022, 05:00:03 PM
I know its only Div3 football but there is something seriously wrong in Portlaoise
Result from Wed 13th
ACFL Division 3B Round 2
Graiguecullen 9-18
Portlaoise 0-5
Graigue second team against Portlaoise third team? Or both third teams?
Quote from: The PRO on April 14, 2022, 05:21:44 PM
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on April 14, 2022, 05:00:03 PM
I know its only Div3 football but there is something seriously wrong in Portlaoise
Result from Wed 13th
ACFL Division 3B Round 2
Graiguecullen 9-18
Portlaoise 0-5
Graigue second team against Portlaoise third team? Or both third teams?
Graiguecullen's second team. To be fair, I hear they are fairly strong with a good few from their winning Minor team last year playing with the second team. Should give the Junior championship a good go.
Hard luck to the U20s last night in an excitin game.
We could have snatched it at end. Fine margins.
Just think we were a little to easy to play against. kildare got a couple of scores where they carried the ball from deep and nobody laid a glove on them.
Dublin got a shock last night bit came through against westmeath. Offaly had a big win. Looks a competitive championship.
Wouldn't have a huge interest in football. Rarely comment on it etc.
But.
When you see what Westmeath did, how they celebrated it, and the positivity surrounding it all, wouldn't that have been a huge win for Laois!
By all accounts could have got over Westmeath.
Most certainly could have beaten Westmeath. We were the better team for most of that game but lacked the finish unfortunately.
Should give us a bit of a lift for next year, we're not that far off being a decent team.
We should set the winning of the Tailteann Cup as a short term ambition for Laois footballers. I expect the prestige of the competition to only grow as the years go by.
Totally agree, It's a competition that we can realistically win. Much better than the Leinster Championship for counties like us.
Promotion from Div4 and a real go at this is certainly what we should be aiming for this year. Win that and it would be a great boost to attack the Leinster the following year.
I think winning a Tailteann Cup in two year's time might be more realistic ambition. Sweep the carpet of many of the older players and really commit to blooding the younger players from our last 3/4 u20 squads and developing a new core squad not burdened by a legacy of sub-par performances and disappointing losses. Division 4 really gives the younger players an opportunity to develop as intercounty footballers and with a guaranteed minimum of three Tailteann Cup games next year that provides a minimum of 11 competitive league and championship games to progress a new Laois team. If managed properly, you should have a team backboned by the likes of O'Flynn, Greene, O'Sullivan, Heffernan, Kelly etc. These lads will be hitting their prime come 2024. By then, I would like to think we will see a physically strong Laois team that will be able to compete and match the intensity of most intercounty sides.
I know a lot of people were critical of Michael Quirke in the aftermath of his final game in charge and what he said about the players at his disposal then. He was probably right in many respects. We need to bring into the team young players with the necessary speed and physical attributes as well as potential to compete at intercounty level in it's modern guise. That's Billy's challenge for 2023.
Quote from: Junior Ex Laoistalk on April 14, 2022, 05:00:03 PM
I know its only Div3 football but there is something seriously wrong in Portlaoise
Result from Wed 13th
ACFL Division 3B Round 2
Graiguecullen 9-18
Portlaoise 0-5
Their Minors conceded against Joseph's last night
A big lack of interest in the club.
I see we have to pay laois today now to follow our sports.
Absolutely see no problem with that . They provide a stellar comprehensive service and for 7€ a month it's extremely reasonable.
Agree good coverage of our local games.
Is that you Stephen and Alan? ;)
😂😂
Quote from: Laois man on July 13, 2022, 12:15:49 AM
I see we have to pay laois today now to follow our sports.
You can folly your sport without them. If 7euro a month stops you follying sport you prob weren't follying it much anyway
Quote from: georgedoylesrightleg on July 13, 2022, 03:03:38 PM
Quote from: Laois man on July 13, 2022, 12:15:49 AM
I see we have to pay laois today now to follow our sports.
You can folly your sport without them. If 7euro a month stops you follying sport you prob weren't follying it much anyway
It would show a lack of sense not to
It's a pity Laois GAA Social Media channels are non existent
Quote from: Batman!!! on July 16, 2022, 04:26:41 PM
It's a pity Laois GAA Social Media channels are non existent
Laoistoday provides a great service and if we want Laois GAA to be covered properly,it has to be a premium service.The advertising model doesn't work particularly in a small county like laois. It's a service that can't be provided for free in the long term. I have signed up for a number of Subscription media and I will derive greater value out of Laoistoday than any of the others.
Hope I'm wrong but I can't envisage a huge take up in subscribers. A lot of people would be casual enough readers of match reports, interviews etc. The biggest problem I'd foresee would be that "hurling people" wouldn't be hugely interested in much to with football and vice versa.
As someone else said, the county board website and social media accounts are very badly run. We deserve a bit better than that.
Times are tough if a fella cant spare 7euro a month.
Quote from: georgedoylesrightleg on July 19, 2022, 08:51:59 AM
Times are tough if a fella cant spare 7euro a month.
Its not a charitable donation,people have to see value in it.
I hope they get tonnes of subscribers and they do well but I think there are a large cohort of casual readers who dont see the value in it and can live without Laois Today in their lives.
This casual readership will naturally hit up the Leinster or Nationalist online for whatever they want sport wise, even though their offerings online are a poor effort.
Agree with PK here. I genuinely feel the big payday for the lads would be to franchise what they have in other counties. There's no doubt they have a good thing going. Unfortunately, there's not enough going on in Laois for me to pay for the service. I honestly couldn't care less about anything other than results and throw in times of games. They'd go mad for it I'd imagine in many counties that are just more successful than ours. But good luck to them all the same
Even though I have no interest in the club football season - and not much in the county football either tbh - I have happily signed up as I think the content is worth it. I have always had Laois Today as my go to source and I wouldn't begrudge €7 a month. Whether people will pay for it during the off season will be interesting.
I suppose it'll be up to Laois Today in the off season to promote there coverage with an alternative angle to maintain subscriptions. They had Arien Delaney recently to preview the hurling championship and it added a different perspective. Surprised they didn't bring in anyone in to preview the Football championship.
I've subscribed. Wooly's podcast is the only other sports content I pay for.
Bit pricey when you think that the Irish Indo is €4 a month, Irish Examiner is €5 a month. Can see why a more casual sports follower wouldn't cough up.
Big win for josephs in the minor tonight. Lovely team and loads of them still underage next year. Very likely they'll do 2 in a row. Hard look to SPG. I had a feeling they might have snuck it before the game but just didnt have the same strength across the whole team I felt.
HON THE SAINTS 💙💛💙💛💙💛
I was at both minor football finals. SPG were damn unlucky. I'd heard Joseph's were strong favourites but it didn't look like that for the hour. That said, they showed a lot of character to dig in for the win. And, as was said, a lot of their better players are minor again next year so they should be there or thereabouts again.
The B final was good. Looked to me like St Paul's would have been at least semi-finalists in the A. O'Dempseys were very young. One of their clubman was telling me this year's under 15 team is their good crop.
Was over at the U15 semi final between Na Fianna Og and Mountmellick Parish Gaels over the weekend which Na Fianna Og won by 9 points.
It was my first time at Mountmellick GAA grounds and they have a good set up there with a great clubhouse, second pitch, ball wall etc.
How a town the size of that cannot field their own team is a puzzle to me. They're obviously doing great work there but the lack of underage players should be of huge concern for Laois GAA. They have the schools and the population to be fielding teams.
From talking to people over there it seems that soccer is a huge draw for lads with the pitch right in the middle of the town whereas the Gaa is out a bit. The Rock also pull a fair few from town too so when you consider that Portlaoise dont have two clubs then I suppose its understandable that they might struggle a bit
Quote from: redsetanta on October 10, 2022, 05:02:13 PM
Was over at the U15 semi final between Na Fianna Og and Mountmellick Parish Gaels over the weekend which Na Fianna Og won by 9 points.
It was my first time at Mountmellick GAA grounds and they have a good set up there with a great clubhouse, second pitch, ball wall etc.
How a town the size of that cannot field their own team is a puzzle to me. They're obviously doing great work there but the lack of underage players should be of huge concern for Laois GAA. They have the schools and the population to be fielding teams.
greater concern is theres bout 7-8 clubs involved in that final. numbers gone to shite that bad in all them clubs?
Portlaoise won the U15 A final by 3 points yesterday. Final score 2-05 to 0-08.
Portlaoise probably deserved the win however they got a fortutitous second goal to give them a 6 point lead at half time having played with the wind.
Na Fianna Og outscored them in the second half but having got within a point of Portlaoise couldn't get an equaliser. It always looked like they'd need a goal and their efforts in the second half to get so close took their tole and they ran out of gas.
Some decent players on view on both sides.
Quote from: redsetanta on October 27, 2022, 12:37:05 PM
Portlaoise won the U15 A final by 3 points yesterday. Final score 2-05 to 0-08.
Portlaoise probably deserved the win however they got a fortutitous second goal to give them a 6 point lead at half time having played with the wind.
Na Fianna Og outscored them in the second half but having got within a point of Portlaoise couldn't get an equaliser. It always looked like they'd need a goal and their efforts in the second half to get so close took their tole and they ran out of gas.
Some decent players on view on both sides.
Portlaoise continuing on with their u13A win from 2 years ago
The key difference was the power of the portlaoise lads with most of their squad all up to the age at u15 whereas na Fianna had a fair few u14s in their team
It makes a big difference in this grade
Yeh, I would agree with you, and the size difference was notable with some of the match ups. Much smaller crop of young fella's to pick from for Na Fianna even though it's 3 clubs.
They gave it a right go in fairness to them.
I read yesterday there's only 2 Laois lads playing Sigerson this year, Byron and Galvin. Bad return considering the number from other counties like Offaly playing. Sigerson is a very high standard and you'd hope more of our lads would get exposure to it. We need to keep improving our underage teams and hope the increase in GPO will lead to this
Are there many in college not playing Butch? You'd expect if they were, they'd be involved
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on December 03, 2022, 09:07:53 PM
I read yesterday there's only 2 Laois lads playing Sigerson this year, Byron and Galvin. Bad return considering the number from other counties like Offaly playing. Sigerson is a very high standard and you'd hope more of our lads would get exposure to it. We need to keep improving our underage teams and hope the increase in GPO will lead to this
Both Laois lads with Carlow and O'Flynn from Courtwood with NUIG.
Louth have 5 lads involved
Waterford 3
Fermanagh3
Limerick 3
Leitrim 5
Carlow 7
Offaly 6
Rioghan murphy probably would be but hes on a basketball scholarship with UL so isn't allowed play football
Laois football not in good condition. As long as we persist with 16 "senior" teams, we're only kidding ourselves.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating and we see it in Sigerson Cup squads now. Hardly any Laois footballers in a vastly expanded competition.
Our clubs are barely winning a round in Leinster competitions any more. Did Wexford reset their championships? Suddenly, they're in Leinster finals now?!?
As long as we continue with this deluded horsesh!te, we'll never improve. We need to go to all eights all the way down to whatever level of Junior we have to. If it needs to be tweaked in a few years, then do it, but for God's sakes, it needs to be fixed now.
It would make our Intermediate and Junior grades more competitive, and it makes no sense to have 16 senior and 8 intermediate teams; particularly when the standard is so bad. I doubt it would help to increase the overall standard though, because we're clearly not competing, and unable to compete (physically, financially, operationally, skilfully etc etc) with other counties. We're miles behind.
While I'd love agree with a reduction in senior numbers i have to disagree with some other points. With regards to sigerson there are at least 4 lads currently in on the senior panel of college age who would be good enough for sigerson but have opted for trades or jobs. Perhaps theres more its just what lads are choosing. The physical point is debatable as the squad is very well balanced size wise and theres an S+C pathway in place now for players who have been identified from underage squads with potential for senior . Financially the Co is good and from what I have seen theyre not being tight with teams. Senior footballers and hurlers have everything they could possibly need. Dont forget that the COE is a massive bonus to have too. Its going to take a bit of time but the current administration is still in its first year and already big changes are happening. Just my opinion. Things not great but not as bad as some think either. Realistically we're probably a mid tier county in football and upper to mid tier hurling county with a good team coming through every few years
An optimistic post JD and we need a bit of that. I probably disagree with pretty much everything you wrote, but I hope you're proved right
How many clubs have GPO now? Are more planned in 2023 does anyone know?
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on December 05, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
How many clubs have GPO now? Are more planned in 2023 does anyone know?
Any club that put in for a GPO or partial GPO access got one,I can't remember the exact number of clubs but it's around 10
The other 37/38 clubs in the county either don't have the financial wherewithal,prioritise paying senior managers over juvenile development or think their juvenile coach's and structures are up to scratch.
All money needs to be removed from the Dubs now. I see their money is being cut and C**tello is already out crying the poor mouth.
They've been financially doped for 19 years now and their money should be removed in total and distributed amongst the 10 smallest counties. This could be used to offer a deeper discount to those 10 counties, allowing clubs easier access to GPOs.
The gap between the top & bottom has to be closer than it is.
Re Laois football, if we were sending our 9th team into Leinster intermediate instead of our 17th and our 17th into the Junior, instead of our 25th (or lower).....we'd start making waves in those competitions.
Tom Hargreaves appointment is a very good and important one. Does anyone know if he will have an input into all teams in both codes?
Quote from: clonadmad on December 05, 2022, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on December 05, 2022, 02:37:57 PM
How many clubs have GPO now? Are more planned in 2023 does anyone know?
Any club that put in for a GPO or partial GPO access got one,I can't remember the exact number of clubs but it's around 10
The other 37/38 clubs in the county either don't have the financial wherewithal,prioritise paying senior managers over juvenile development or think their juvenile coach's and structures are up to scratch.
casteltowm def applied and im nearly sure ballacolla and ballinakill had applied too. Think abbeleux too actually, maybe with colt.
Im nearly sure it was said at a meting or maybe here that more hurling clubs had applied than football.
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2022/12/05/the-elected-laois-county-board-for-2023-confirmed-following-annual-convention/
Musical Chairs 2023
few open positions there for a lad who wanted to make a diffrence.
No making a difference in there. Closed shop.
no closed shop. no one for coaching officer. get your club to put yuou forward. be the diffrence.
No Coaching Officer. No female representation. No real changes in personnel. You'd have to worry about a set up like that in this day and age. Fair play for coming out and defending that. I expected you would though.
no one defnding it. just wonderin why you wont help. get in there. make a diffrnece.
Are you involved yourself?
i'm out of the country. i'd love to help out if i could. great chnce there for someone thuogh.
You're doing your bit. You always come out to defend them, which in itself is admirable. I couldn't be anywhere near them tbh. I think they're rotten to the core
you see what you want to see. i dont defend them. we need new blood. not lads screeming online. get involved. oterwise your no better
Laois GAA 2022. No women. No Coaching Officer. No change. Embarrassing
we are laois gaa
Pardon my ignorance but what does a coaching officer do?
Quote from: High Fielder on December 06, 2022, 09:38:22 AM
Are you involved yourself?
He has moved on to bigger and better things!
Quote from: Giovanni on December 06, 2022, 10:57:14 AM
Pardon my ignorance but what does a coaching officer do?
Well, Fergal Byron was the coaching officer before and I have seen him do f##k all. So anyone that wanted it could possibly do it.
Quote from: Tintin84 on December 07, 2022, 08:47:25 AM
Quote from: Giovanni on December 06, 2022, 10:57:14 AM
Pardon my ignorance but what does a coaching officer do?
Well, Fergal Byron was the coaching officer before and I have seen him do f##k all. So anyone that wanted it could possibly do it.
Maybe I'm being unfair but id be of a similar mind to you, What i saw of him in the position, he contributed very little in public or in meetings.
Martin Byrne as Treasurer on the other hand has been exceptional these past 13 years, fully across his brief, articulate and a very capable officer.
One thing alone would tell you how brilliant he was at his job, the Centre of excellence came in at 2% over budget from start to finish, compare and contrast with nearly every other build of consequence in this country, Paschal McEvoy has big shoes to fill.
Coaching Officer, Development Officer and PRO currently have no one to take them on,3 Vacant and Vital positions, which actually involve hard work and leadership.
Still at least we had an election for lads to go to Congress.
Quote from: clonadmad on December 07, 2022, 11:14:16 AM
Coaching Officer, Development Officer and PRO currently have no one to take them on,3 Vacant and Vital positions, which actually involve hard work and leadership.
Still at least we had an election for lads to go to Congress.
never taught of it like that but when its spelt out you can see how self-serving this all is.
End of an era Ross retiring. What a player! Some great memories he gave us over the years.
It would be great to see him involved with the underage teams.
Well done Ross,owes county nothing be great see him with underage teams,what a great example of a county player
Has the minor panel been finalised yet?
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on February 02, 2023, 05:56:05 PM
Has the minor panel been finalised yet?
I believe it has. They had to.make one or two changes to what they had originally chosen.
Any word on what they are like SCFC?
Quote from: SCFC on February 02, 2023, 06:32:07 PM
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on February 02, 2023, 05:56:05 PM
Has the minor panel been finalised yet?
I believe it has. They had to.make one or two changes to what they had originally chosen.
They had brought up 15 odd u16's to have a look at and a good few of them then had let back down to their own age grade
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on February 02, 2023, 07:04:30 PM
Any word on what they are like SCFC?
No idea but one of the better lads eligible from last year, Emerson, is not involved which is a pity.
Jason coffy was doing the s&c for the minors i think. Worrying if he has gone and nobody comes in immediately.
Jason Coffey still with the minors. Took the warmup yesterday. I think he may be staying on board with them
Minors have a game? What are they like?
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on February 05, 2023, 04:36:26 PM
Minors have a game? What are they like?
Beat Wicklow comfortably. Playing Armagh next week. No idea what they're like as I haven't seen them yet.
Look like a nice team. Seem to have a few decent forwards Dineen at fullback looks like a serious prospect
The club championship changing?
Quote from: Jd on February 05, 2023, 02:05:18 PM
Jason Coffey still with the minors. Took the warmup yesterday. I think he may be staying on board with them
He will have a demanding work load in his new position and it a good spin on the motorway from Portlaoise
Fair play to him if he decides to stay on
Anyone have the u20 panel that's travelling to Cork this weekend?
Big changes coming to football championships in Laois as 'B' grade introduced in Senior and Intermediate
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2023/02/08/big-changes-coming-to-football-championships-in-laois-as-b-grade-introduced-in-senior-and-intermediate
From Laois Today...
"The structures of the football championships have long been a talking point in Laois for many years.
While most people agree with the schedule and the dates of the competition, the structure of each has come under the spotlight on several occasions.
There are several strategic reviews that have called for a reduction in the amount of Senior teams in the county.
And while that figure still remains at 16, a change to introduce a 'B' grade in 2023 has been introduced.
Up to now, all of the teams were drawn out randomly into eight ties for Round 1.
The winners of these progressed to the Winner's Section for Round 2 and were now unable to be relegated.
The losers went in the Qualifiers Section for Round 2 where the victors progressed to Round 3 and the defeated four sides contested relegation semi finals.
The change now, however, will mean that any team that fails to reach the quarter finals will now go into 'B' quarter finals.
Previously, winning one game would be enough to ensure you avoided relegation peril.
However, now, a team could win in Round 1 but lose in Round 2 and 3. That would send them into a B quarter final.
If they lose that game, they are into a relegation semi final. So now, in order to avoid relegation, teams are going to have to win two matches.
The 'B' competition will be played alongside the Senior championship and a trophy will be handed out at the end.
The same structure is being introduced into the Intermediate football championship.
Here, the four teams that do not reach the semi finals will go into 'B' semi finals.
The winners of the 'B' semi finals will contest the final while the losers will play the relegation final.
The Junior 'A' football championship will consist of 12 teams this year and these are split into three groups – with the winner and runner up progressing to the quarter finals.
The four 'second' teams are going into the same group – St Joseph's, The Heath, Portarlington and Graiguecullen – with the remaining eight teams drawn into the other two groups.
In this championship, the group winners will progress directly to the semi-finals while the group runners-up will go into a preliminary quarter-final and quarter-final to determine the fourth semi-finalist.
The Junior 'B' is slightly more complicated as there are 13 teams due to take part.
These are to be split into three groups – one of five teams and the other two containing four.
Errill, Kilcotton, Rathdowney and Slieve Bloom are going to be placed in one of the four team groups with the remaining nine teams drawn in the other two.
The winner of three of the groups will advance straight to the semi finals while the runner up in two of the groups will playoff for the same place.
A record 25 teams have entered the Junior 'C' championship and they will be drawn into six groups – one of these will contain five teams and the others will contain four.
Borris-In-Ossory, Mountrath, Shanahoe and Colt will be placed in one of the four teams groups with the remaining 21 teams split between the rest.
The winner of the group with five teams will progress to the semi finals while the runner up here will join the winners of the other five groups in quarter finals.
The first of these competitions will kick off in late June and run until October."
4 team groups at Junior C.... Fine in theory.... But
Although change was needed in the football I think the changes to the football cship are more on the level of painting the sitting room and buying a new foot stool rather than the proper restructuring/rebuilding that is actually needed.
What exactly are the advantages? It has been put forward that a team needs to win more matches to avoid relegation. However as far as I can see it just moves the crucial game to the B cship rather than the proper first round. You can still just win one game and avoid relegation as far as I can see. What's the point?
So they have taken a sh1t SFC format and made it sh1tter... well done.
Why are there 2 clubs in Arles ?
U-20s seem to have done well in Cork
https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41069384.html
Quote from: seafoid on February 17, 2023, 07:10:28 PM
Why are there 2 clubs in Arles ?
How long have you got? Short version, there was a split/breakaway over a field (no Americans involved) and/or certain families don't get on. One club won.a senior championship and the other didn't, which ensured the chances of getting back together disintegrated. It makes sense to the people involved...
:if both clubs had off being together they had some team. Down the line can they stay going with small numbers?
Only a matter time before there is an amalgamation over there . Diminishing numbers and a willingness to compete at senior level will ensue that . Killeen's luck will run out eventually and Kilcruise reliance on a couple of aging players will make it hard for them to get out of intermediate.
Anyone at the u20 match? Rossies always strong at underage level so another encouraging result
nair a post about u20s and they 2 games into cship, if they were losin we'd hear all bout it. mixed good with bad last night but theyre a good bunch and i'd have good hopes for lot of htem.
Missed the first 15 mins . Longford came back strong end of first half and again after half time . In fairness to our lads they stuck at it and rattled off 4-5 points in a row . Like the look of a good few of them . That Costello lad is baller and Fingleton at Centre back is very decent footballer.
Meath next week will be interesting. Think it's in OMP again !?
Anyone have any idea what the minor footballers are like this year ? I seen the panel named last night
Obviously Billy's not gone yet but it's hard to see how he could be kept on for a third year.
Just saw where David Power stepped down as Tipp manager and I'd say we could do a lot worse than him if we were looking for a new manager.
In Tipp, his hands were always tied by the sheer dominance of hurling in the county. Even then he did a really fine job including that famous Munster title three years ago.
We're as well off keeping it in-house at the moment,
There isn't much point in spending money on an outside manager to keep hings ticking over.
Quote from: SCFC on June 07, 2023, 03:04:31 PM
Obviously Billy's not gone yet but it's hard to see how he could be kept on for a third year.
Just saw where David Power stepped down as Tipp manager and I'd say we could do a lot worse than him if we were looking for a new manager.
In Tipp, his hands were always tied by the sheer dominance of hurling in the county. Even then he did a really fine job including that famous Munster title three years ago.
Power had lads with minor all irelands medals won in 2011,another set of minors beaten in the 2016 minor final,a team beaten by Tyrone in an u21 All Ireland and senior players beaten in 2 all ireland football semifinals by Mayo in 5 years to work with
Plus provincial winners in 2020
We don't have that level of players plus Tipp would have a bigger pick of footballers than what we have
Even allowing for the fall off in Tipperary's fortunes due to retirements etc it would be a hard sell to entice him up from Clonmel given the state we are in at the minute
Quote from: clonadmad on June 08, 2023, 03:59:57 PM
Quote from: SCFC on June 07, 2023, 03:04:31 PM
Obviously Billy's not gone yet but it's hard to see how he could be kept on for a third year.
Just saw where David Power stepped down as Tipp manager and I'd say we could do a lot worse than him if we were looking for a new manager.
In Tipp, his hands were always tied by the sheer dominance of hurling in the county. Even then he did a really fine job including that famous Munster title three years ago.
Power had lads with minor all irelands medals won in 2011,another set of minors beaten in the 2016 minor final,a team beaten by Tyrone in an u21 All Ireland and senior players beaten in 2 all ireland football semifinals by Mayo in 5 years to work with
Plus provincial winners in 2020
We don't have that level yet of players plus Tipp would have a bigger pick of footballers than what we have
Even allowing for the fall off in Tipperary's fortunes due to retirements etc it would be a hard sell to entice him up from Clonmel given the state we are in at the minute
Yep, Laois need an upcoming person who wants to make a name for themselves given our low rating currently. Its not a prefect task picking someone like that as Im sure Billy would have ticked a lot of boxes in that regard for example.
What was so impressive about that Tipperary All-ireland winning minor team was the calibre of the Dublin side that they defeated in the final. That Dublin minor team comprised of players such as Robbie McDaid, Lowndes, Small, McCaffrey, Costello, Kilkenny, Mannion, Davy Byrne and Niall Scully who have been all key figures for Dublin over the last decade. Power was the manger of that team as well and worked on development squads prior to this bringing these players along.
Laois could do with someone of his ilk coming in and working to get the underage structures right and bring players through to senior. I cannot see any stand out internal candidates to take on the Laois senior job- perhaps Kinsella but while his record is good its not exceptional either. If Billy can pull a result at the weekend and put in a decent showing in a Tailteann Cup quarter final I wouldn't be surprised if he was to get one more year in the job. The argument could be made that he has had to deal with a high turnover or players and that he has blooded several new players and it will take another year to see the benefits of this bear fruit.
Thanks Billy
Quote from: Laois Rising on June 08, 2023, 04:57:54 PM
What was so impressive about that Tipperary All-ireland winning minor team was the calibre of the Dublin side that they defeated in the final. That Dublin minor team comprised of players such as Robbie McDaid, Lowndes, Small, McCaffrey, Costello, Kilkenny, Mannion, Davy Byrne and Niall Scully who have been all key figures for Dublin over the last decade. Power was the manger of that team as well and worked on development squads prior to this bringing these players along.
Laois could do with someone of his ilk coming in and working to get the underage structures right and bring players through to senior. I cannot see any stand out internal candidates to take on the Laois senior job- perhaps Kinsella but while his record is good its not exceptional either. If Billy can pull a result at the weekend and put in a decent showing in a Tailteann Cup quarter final I wouldn't be surprised if he was to get one more year in the job. The argument could be made that he has had to deal with a high turnover or players and that he has blooded several new players and it will take another year to see the benefits of this bear fruit.
Quote from: Laois Rising on June 08, 2023, 04:57:54 PM
What was so impressive about that Tipperary All-ireland winning minor team was the calibre of the Dublin side that they defeated in the final. That Dublin minor team comprised of players such as Robbie McDaid, Lowndes, Small, McCaffrey, Costello, Kilkenny, Mannion, Davy Byrne and Niall Scully who have been all key figures for Dublin over the last decade. Power was the manger of that team as well and worked on development squads prior to this bringing these players along.
Laois could do with someone of his ilk coming in and working to get the underage structures right and bring players through to senior. I cannot see any stand out internal candidates to take on the Laois senior job- perhaps Kinsella but while his record is good its not exceptional either. If Billy can pull a result at the weekend and put in a decent showing in a Tailteann Cup quarter final I wouldn't be surprised if he was to get one more year in the job. The argument could be made that he has had to deal with a high turnover or players and that he has blooded several new players and it will take another year to see the benefits of this bear fruit.
There is no argument to be made
Quote from: Batman!!! on June 08, 2023, 10:43:37 PM
Thanks Billy
Quote from: Laois Rising on June 08, 2023, 04:57:54 PM
What was so impressive about that Tipperary All-ireland winning minor team was the calibre of the Dublin side that they defeated in the final. That Dublin minor team comprised of players such as Robbie McDaid, Lowndes, Small, McCaffrey, Costello, Kilkenny, Mannion, Davy Byrne and Niall Scully who have been all key figures for Dublin over the last decade. Power was the manger of that team as well and worked on development squads prior to this bringing these players along.
Laois could do with someone of his ilk coming in and working to get the underage structures right and bring players through to senior. I cannot see any stand out internal candidates to take on the Laois senior job- perhaps Kinsella but while his record is good its not exceptional either. If Billy can pull a result at the weekend and put in a decent showing in a Tailteann Cup quarter final I wouldn't be surprised if he was to get one more year in the job. The argument could be made that he has had to deal with a high turnover or players and that he has blooded several new players and it will take another year to see the benefits of this bear fruit.
Lol . Sheehans ship sailed a while ago . In fairness for a man working for next to nothing he gave it his all . He's just not an inter country manager .
Bottom line is it doesn't matter if Billy stays on or not nor does it matter who the next manager is. Until we get our house in order underage we are simply at nothing in both codes football and hurling. The co board have come out strongly against criticism in the past but they will do well to defend against the current state of our county teams.
Have we anyone to contest the chair as a new chairman down the line??
Quote from: Laois man on June 09, 2023, 10:50:07 PM
Have we anyone to contest the chair as a new chairman down the line??
billy?
Have we a Michael Duigan to take the chair?
Quote from: georgedoylesrightleg on June 09, 2023, 11:12:14 PM
Quote from: Laois man on June 09, 2023, 10:50:07 PM
Have we anyone to contest the chair as a new chairman down the line??
billy?
George Doyle's Left leg cause the Rights gone fairly wide
Quote from: Laois man on June 09, 2023, 11:36:08 PM
Have we a Michael Duigan to take the chair?
Well clearly we do not .
Quote from: Laois man on June 09, 2023, 11:36:08 PM
Have we a Michael Duigan to take the chair?
It's one thing looking for a figurehead like Duignan but 1 person on his own won't affect change
Duignan brought in a whole cabinet of well qualified in their fields highly motivated people with him
The likes of Carina Carroll is equally as important as a Duignan even if she wouldn't be anywhere as high profile
Between coaching,development,top table,administration,social media and fundraising Offaly have close on 100 people involved
Quote from: clonadmad on June 10, 2023, 12:00:18 PM
Quote from: Laois man on June 09, 2023, 11:36:08 PM
Have we a Michael Duigan to take the chair?
It's one thing looking for a figurehead like Duignan but 1 person on his own won't affect change
Duignan brought in a whole cabinet of well qualified in their fields highly motivated people with him
The likes of Carina Carroll is equally as important as a Duignan even if she wouldn't be anywhere as high profile
Between coaching,development,top table,administration,social media and fundraising Offaly have close on 100 people involved
Maybe, but we have to start with a leader. One step at a time. There must be someone in the county with the requisite leadership qualities.
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2023/06/30/laois-gaa-announce-details-of-the-o-mordha-og-football-program-for-2023/
Good to see this happening. Hopefully it is a big success.
Quote from: Chrimtain on June 30, 2023, 07:42:00 PM
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2023/06/30/laois-gaa-announce-details-of-the-o-mordha-og-football-program-for-2023/
Good to see this happening. Hopefully it is a big success.
I read the article. It's for 6 weeks.
What's the uptake on a scheme like this over the summer. I know in the article it states that there's loads of other things happening and training and matches with clubs and hurling and football etc.
Obviously no U11 football games that night but what's commitment level like?
Are these players then graded after the first couple of weeks?
Looking at the Setanta programme on Laois Today, it's something along these signs that Laois are going to have to be put in, even for the football I'd imagine that could be regionalised the first few years between North Mid and South Laois
The days of there being mass areas of no football and hurling can't be let continue there has be a platform for lads from these areas to play at a higher level
You see it with lads Like Rafter in Rathdowney, Tyrell and young Byrne in Camross, Mullaney in Castletown, the Comerfords in The Harps, that there are genuinely good footballers in hurling areas, are they county standard, I don't know probably not but could they play senior club, yes
On the club scene for immediate improvement splitting senior into 8 or 12 clubs and having 4 regional teams with them would reduce the amount of players playing senior while also allowing for a higher standard of player, and giving proper exposure to lads from bad current senior clubs, junior clubs and lads from hurling clubs
I also feel we got to 2 u20 finals in 19 and 20, where are these lads, how many went onto play senior?
Very few I'd say, like that 19 team had a 6"7 two footed full forward with decent pace, who became so uninterested in football that he now occasionally plays junior C football and took up hurling, how was that let happen
Jack Owens, very athletic wing forward loads of promise a lad who you could easily turn into prototype county wing back/forward, never pushed on, why?
I even see it with Diarmuid Whelan I think he played 5-10 minutes of senior championship against Westmeath in 21, a lad that seemed a sure fire senior
Laois have a decade of work to get right underage which a lot of people have pointed out, but there are a lot of immediate things that can be changed to bring quick improvements
Those lads I mentioned above maybe they're chance to be brought to a county level has passed now, but my point is how we're so those lads and more like them let slip away
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on July 03, 2023, 08:12:41 AM
Looking at the Setanta programme on Laois Today, it's something along these signs that Laois are going to have to be put in, even for the football I'd imagine that could be regionalised the first few years between North Mid and South Laois
The days of there being mass areas of no football and hurling can't be let continue there has be a platform for lads from these areas to play at a higher level
You see it with lads Like Rafter in Rathdowney, Tyrell and young Byrne in Camross, Mullaney in Castletown, the Comerfords in The Harps, that there are genuinely good footballers in hurling areas, are they county standard, I don't know probably not but could they play senior club, yes
On the club scene for immediate improvement splitting senior into 8 or 12 clubs and having 4 regional teams with them would reduce the amount of players playing senior while also allowing for a higher standard of player, and giving proper exposure to lads from bad current senior clubs, junior clubs and lads from hurling clubs
I also feel we got to 2 u20 finals in 19 and 20, where are these lads, how many went onto play senior?
Very few I'd say, like that 19 team had a 6"7 two footed full forward with decent pace, who became so uninterested in football that he now occasionally plays junior C football and took up hurling, how was that let happen
Jack Owens, very athletic wing forward loads of promise a lad who you could easily turn into prototype county wing back/forward, never pushed on, why?
I even see it with Diarmuid Whelan I think he played 5-10 minutes of senior championship against Westmeath in 21, a lad that seemed a sure fire senior
Laois have a decade of work to get right underage which a lot of people have pointed out, but there are a lot of immediate things that can be changed to bring quick improvements
Those lads I mentioned above maybe they're chance to be brought to a county level has passed now, but my point is how we're so those lads and more like them let slip away
Some great points there. I think a reduced senior football championship with a few regional teams would be brilliant. I'm not sure if we have the number of clubs for four regional teams though. I'd be more thinking three.
If you had a north west team covering from Clonaslee back to around Port, then a mid team covering from Ballybrittas down as far as Abbeyleix and then a south east team covering from Carlow border back up to Stradbally, then the lads from the different hurling clubs who you've mentioned could be allocated to one or more of the teams.
But the senior championship really needs to be reduced in numbers. Without being offensive or naming teams, too many of them are not really senior standard.
I think the leagues have worked very well in how they were restructured. Now, it's time to tackle the championship structures.
I get the argument regarding a regional team allowing some talented hurlers have the opportunity to play football at the highest club level. However, I'm not sure how willing some of the clubs would be to have their players playing football for a regional entity one week and then turn around and play championship hurling a week later and back to football again the week after that. You are risking injury, fatigue and perhaps missing out of key training sessions to play for a side that isn't to the betterment of your "club". I know in Tipperary the Loughmore-Castleiney players found playing championship football one week and hurling the next great and playing and winning championship games week on week really drove them on. However, in that example they are playing for their own club and playing and training together as a collective and could tweak things in training etc. to meet the needs of the players and the club.
You saw a few years ago Ciaran Burke who hurls with Harps also went playing championship football with Crettyard. Both teams went deep into their championship seasons and he broke down with injury due to overplaying. Crettyard lost the intermediate final that year and Burke would have been a big player for them. I think he played the final injured but you couldn't imagine the bigger hurling clubs in Laois risking similar situations occurring.
I personal wouldn't like to see a regional team from the predominantly hurling area in the senior football championship if they were fielding weakened teams that only act as canon fodder and serve no purpose to a restructured Laois football championship. Careful thought would have to go into the composition of the regional teams if we were to go down that route.
Well the regional teams would be made of more than just hurlers, you would be getting the best from intermediate and junior teams playing too, the whole idea would be you have everyone with an opportunity at playing senior, less number of players while improving the quality
Take someone like James Baldwin from Barrowhouse, probably not a county player but I'd argue he would be a very good senior club player, Simular with
You'd also have the add on of improving your intermediate and junior championships by reducing the senior
There are currently 16 clubs at senior
There are 13 clubs between intermediate and junior A clubs with their first teams
You shouldn't have a higher percentage chance of being a senior club than of not being one
If clubs want to remain senior it will force them to improve their underage systems, and put them under more pressure to ensure that the conveyer belt stays producing players
Player development is key but the county board could be smart with their resources, get the coaching in at school level with the aim to make our secondary school teams in particular competitive. Obviously all the kids go to school so you have bigger picks and standard than majority of clubs so coach them there. Those players will improved and go back to their clubs better players making Laois underage championships more competitive, this in turn improves players going into development squads where you cherry pick and prepare top players for inter county level. Its also vital to encourage players to go to 3rd level education where they will meet coaches and players at the level needed to compete at inter county level.
It is no surprise how successful Laois minors were given the strength of our school sides at the time. Ballyfin and Portlaoise CBS had very strong sides back then.
Completely agree about the schools with exception of Knockbeg there seems to be little to no emphasis on schools football in Laois
We need to have the CBS in Portlaoise and Portarlington either competitive in the A or winning B competitions, Heywood should be consistently in the B too
Clonaslee and Mountmellic have probably too small a pick but again this is where a combined Laois schools team for schools outside the A is needed to give lads an opportunity to play at the highest level
A lot of Laois GAA is currently centred around geography unfortunately
I'm hearing Leinster Council are possibly considering not allowing those county colleges teams to be entered next school year. But if it is allowed, it would be a good idea for Laois to pursue.
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on July 03, 2023, 05:41:55 PM
Completely agree about the schools with exception of Knockbeg there seems to be little to no emphasis on schools football in Laois
We need to have the CBS in Portlaoise and Portarlington either competitive in the A or winning B competitions, Heywood should be consistently in the B too
Clonaslee and Mountmellic have probably too small a pick but again this is where a combined Laois schools team for schools outside the A is needed to give lads an opportunity to play at the highest level
A lot of Laois GAA is currently centred around geography unfortunately
Even with smaller schools, get a good coaching sessions going. It all helps to develop a proper standard then development squads should be able to identify the top players and bring them to an even higher standard. Select ones that have whats required physically to develop into and inter county player. The modern game needs power which can be developed, stamina and speed. Speed for example can be improved a certain amount but most of it is natural, you either have those fast twitch fibres or you don't.
Laois should keep a database of players, keep stats on etc. When players drop off they might find ways of preventing this in the future.
From what I can see Laois basically left it to the clubs to sort out for a decade and only now are starting to do a bit, it's hard to know weather it's token gestures that will die off or if it's that Offaly who on top of being our neighbours and rivals are actually the closest thing to Laois in terms of clubs, playing numbers, split between hurling and football and they have cleaned themselves up big time, which in itself reflects badly on the Laois county board
Like us they had a 16 team senior football championship, they split it
Invested heavily in underage
Got in major sponsorship to fund these
Sorted out their schools to make them competitive and another player development pathway
The fact that they only scrambled a draw off us this year is proof they were way further down than we were, and that we still have room to drop if it isn't sorted ASAP
But they are also proof that the things being suggested are doable and doable quickly with the right people
Sheehan stepped down last night .
It was an inevitable outcome. On reflection, Billy took a job that no one else wanted. He didn't command an extortionate fee like some other outside managers might demand and treated the role like a full time job. He had a philosophy on how football should be played considering the players at our disposal and tried to incorporate that into the Laois team's style of playing. He had some successes-O'Byrne Cup finalists 2022 and championship wins over Wexford, Fermanagh and Limerick. His commitment could not be faulted or questioned.
Granted relegation from division 3 when there were sides weaker than us (on paper) in the division and failure again to gain promotion from division 4 was disappointing. Some horrendous championship performances to boot over the two years as well and his side line behaviour left a lot to be desired at times.
I know Billy will hold onto his ambitions to manage at intercounty level- perhaps take the learnings of the last two years and return to club level management for 2024 and beyond. Climb the ladder again so to speak.
On separate note- my previous post wasn't against regional sides. My argument was that they would have to be very carefully drawn. If you had one regional team made up of predominantly hurling first clubs you could see how that might run into trouble. If incorporating regional sides and want to improve championship you need all of the regional sides to be strong and have realistic ambitions of competing.
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on July 03, 2023, 05:41:55 PM
Completely agree about the schools with exception of Knockbeg there seems to be little to no emphasis on schools football in Laois
We need to have the CBS in Portlaoise and Portarlington either competitive in the A or winning B competitions, Heywood should be consistently in the B too
Clonaslee and Mountmellic have probably too small a pick but again this is where a combined Laois schools team for schools outside the A is needed to give lads an opportunity to play at the highest level
A lot of Laois GAA is currently centred around geography unfortunately
You're 100% right about the secondary schools.
However, from talking to guys I know who teach secondary, the biggest issue they have is getting cover for their classes from non- sports minded colleagues when they're trying to arrange games or training.
I know myself when I played at that level, not today or yesterday, training was either at lunchtime or after school finished for the day. And games were often on the weekends.
I have been in contact with my local school as I was unhappy with the way football teams were going. The biggest problem was getting players to be involved. They had some really good footballers and just could not get them to train or play. I saw it in teams being sent out and there were lads on it who were middling at best. This is in a 1200 pupil school too
Quote from: The PRO on July 04, 2023, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on July 03, 2023, 05:41:55 PM
Completely agree about the schools with exception of Knockbeg there seems to be little to no emphasis on schools football in Laois
We need to have the CBS in Portlaoise and Portarlington either competitive in the A or winning B competitions, Heywood should be consistently in the B too
Clonaslee and Mountmellic have probably too small a pick but again this is where a combined Laois schools team for schools outside the A is needed to give lads an opportunity to play at the highest level
A lot of Laois GAA is currently centred around geography unfortunately
You're 100% right about the secondary schools.
However, from talking to guys I know who teach secondary, the biggest issue they have is getting cover for their classes from non- sports minded colleagues when they're trying to arrange games or training.
I know myself when I played at that level, not today or yesterday, training was either at lunchtime or after school finished for the day. And games were often on the weekends.
You'd wonder how successful schools in other counties manage
Portlaoise CBS has close on 900 boys enrolled, is one of if not the biggest Second Level boys schools in the Country and GAA is on its knees in there.
You have academic years of 150 odd lads in there and 10% might play Schools GAA
Compare and Contrast with their female partner school on the same campus using the same facilities, they feature regularly in Leinster Finals and All Irelands across a number of Sports,Scoil Chriost Ri.
Maybe the secret could be the amount of training they put in, even during the summer months and other Holidays.
Scoil Chríost Rí go around to the local primary schools in June and do a training session with the 6th class girls to see what type of players are coming into them the following September. I think they even take a look at the 5th class kids too, to plan a year ahead. Great commitment in fairness to them, having Critchley involved obviously helps now that he's retired and can give even more time to it, but teaching staff in the school obviously buying in too. I don't think there's any real emphasis put on sport in the CBS, at least from an outsider looking in.
Quote from: steven seagal on July 05, 2023, 08:57:01 AM
Scoil Chríost Rí go around to the local primary schools in June and do a training session with the 6th class girls to see what type of players are coming into them the following September. I think they even take a look at the 5th class kids too, to plan a year ahead. Great commitment in fairness to them, having Critchley involved obviously helps now that he's retired and can give even more time to it, but teaching staff in the school obviously buying in too. I don't think there's any real emphasis put on sport in the CBS, at least from an outsider looking in.
I've a nephew going into Leaving Cert this year in the CBS
1 example from last year
Football training was sporadic and poor before last Christmas
After Christmas someone came up with the genius idea of having the senior and junior teams train together
So you had lads who were playing club senior football playing on the one pitch v some lads a year out of u13
The older lads were terrified of killing the younger lads and the younger lads were wary of getting in the way of the older lads with the result that a lot in both age groups walked away.
And the Hurling Training was an even bigger Joke.
In any county if you want to develop top level players you need 3 legs
Clubs that are coaching lads to the required level
Then the Schools which are a step up again
And then the development squad system
Pat Critchley summed it up perfectly in his book. When he went into Scoil Chriost Rí it didn't have a basketball tradition. He worked on establishing it and creating buy in from the pupils and the school. Built it up over the years and then over time you can look back and see that you have created a tradition and one that the school is proud of and wants to maintain.
CBS Portlaoise should be able to compete at the highest level of Leinster Schools Football with the pick available to them. The backbone of Laois minor teams should be passing through that school. Sadly that is not or no where near the case. You see Naas CBS with probably a similar size in pupils dominating the Leinster Schools the last number of years-no coincidence that Kildare are also competing impressively at minor and U21 level. It is all connected. Granted you need teachers who are willing to commit to giving up lunch times and organising after school training and coaching to ensure teams are run properly-if the school doesn't have those teachers willing to do so then it is not going to happen. Portlaoise CBS winning the South Leinster Colleges Senior Football League 'B' Shield this year in a nonsense final should not be the standard that that school is at. It is 17 years since a Laois side were in a Leinster Schools Final. In that time, schools or combined schools from Wicklow, Louth, Longford, Offaly, a number of stand alone Westmeath and Wexford schools have reached finals along with Kildare, Meath and Dublin schools. It is further example of how football in the county and proper coaching/investment in football has been slipping over a long period of time that has left us pretty much at the bottom of the pile.
Quote from: clonadmad on July 05, 2023, 10:11:56 AM
Quote from: steven seagal on July 05, 2023, 08:57:01 AM
Scoil Chríost Rí go around to the local primary schools in June and do a training session with the 6th class girls to see what type of players are coming into them the following September. I think they even take a look at the 5th class kids too, to plan a year ahead. Great commitment in fairness to them, having Critchley involved obviously helps now that he's retired and can give even more time to it, but teaching staff in the school obviously buying in too. I don't think there's any real emphasis put on sport in the CBS, at least from an outsider looking in.
I've a nephew going into Leaving Cert this year in the CBS
1 example from last year
Football training was sporadic and poor before last Christmas
After Christmas someone came up with the genius idea of having the senior and junior teams train together
So you had lads who were playing club senior football playing on the one pitch v some lads a year out of u13
The older lads were terrified of killing the younger lads and the younger lads were wary of getting in the way of the older lads with the result that a lot in both age groups walked away.
And the Hurling Training was an even bigger Joke.
In any county if you want to develop top level players you need 3 legs
Clubs that are coaching lads to the required level
Then the Schools which are a step up again
And then the development squad system
Yep, we need to work with schools, get coaches in there, promote the bloody game for crying out loud. Kids these days have a myriad of distractions and things to do, we cant expect the love of the game to do the job. The GAA should be sending in county players to give talks, good coaches to run training sessions etc. Create an interest and promote the games.
You do realise the GAA isn't automatically allowed in Schools, not every School wants them.
You need individuals within the schools to drive and establish connections with students . Portlaoise, Knockbeg, Ballyfin and Heywood were all huge conveyor belts for Laois teams back in the 90s and 2000s . Those college teams were all backed by hard core GAA driven individuals . It's starts with the school and the individuals in charge .
Someone alluded to the fact that not all schools want GAA and that's true . They obviously feel the need to prioritise different programs/agendas etc . The interest has to be there at the top for any progress to be made .
I recall when attending secondary school years ago making the football and hurling teams were always on your mind and competition was fierce . Different times I realise but what percentage of the 900 students in Portlaoise CBS have any real interest in playing GAA with there school ?
Portlaoise a very diverse town, I just don't think it's as straightforward as going into Schools. Knockbeg is a very different demographic.
I understand that .However I would argue Carlow town has an equally diverse community with a slightly larger population and since Knockbeg lost its boarding status the demographics have changed considerably.
Ultimately it's about getting the right people into these schools who are qualified and have the necessary resources and organisational skills .
Over the years Portlaoise CSB has had plenty of teachers with expertise, profile etc but sadly most of them were only interested in their own careers with club and county and beyond and they didn't give a f**k about getting involved in the school.
Quote from: thegreeenandgold on July 05, 2023, 12:45:12 PM
Portlaoise a very diverse town, I just don't think it's as straightforward as going into Schools. Knockbeg is a very different demographic.
Everywhere is diverse nowadays and we should be appealing to the diverse nowadays too which we aren't doing either in this county
Its not a question of sending in county players to promote the game once or twice a year
most if nearly all the lads in there wouldn't recognize them and its a handy way of saying we are doing something when we are doing nothing in reality
All the CBS have to do if they are bothered (and I really think they arent arsed) is to look across the campus at the girls school and see and then copy the hard daily work that the likes of Pat Critchley and John Scully amongst many others are doing
I know of one Clare Hurler who wanted to work in Portlaoise as a secondary teacher and in the months after winning the 2013 All Ireland was interviewed by the CBS
He didn't get job and it later transpired that the people interviewing didn't know that he was involved in the GAA
Hes been very successful since in both codes in another school outside of Laois
Should the county board not have a opened meeting with all clubs and have a serious discussion on where we are going and what's the plans for the future of hurling and football within the county. No point appointing new managers if the proper structures ain't in place. Most clubs now have a five or 10 years plan for improving facilities as well as a good juvenile structure being put in place. We are all laois people and would love to see our teams doing well and no better supporters when things are done right with a view of improving our teams.
This day 20 years ago most of us would have been nursing hangovers after our Leinster final win the day before.
Lads were celebrating for the best part of a week.
Think we'll be waiting 20 years for the next one if we're lucky.
What a few days it was though.
It was the best of times... I remember leaving the local at 8am Monday morning... actually, I don't remember 😂
Great memories and great times . A lot of it a blur . I Recall from the Top Square right down to Charlie Keegans and Humes been one big street party on the Monday . Unforgettable
Quote from: Spiritof86 on July 21, 2023, 03:51:20 PM
Great memories and great times . A lot of it a blur . I Recall from the Top Square right down to Charlie Keegans and Humes been one big street party on the Monday . Unforgettable
There was one lad in a blue and white car spent the whole day doing laps of the town blowing the horn.
Quote from: The Saint on July 21, 2023, 03:02:21 PM
It was the best of times... I remember leaving the local at 8am Monday morning... actually, I don't remember 😂
Not just the Leinster final, the entire summer. Thanks to Micko and the players for such good times. Offaly nearly burst the bubble early on but the Dublin game and the row in the tunnel really got the show on the road. 😂 I was in the upper Hogan for the Leinster final, running down that ramp from upper to lower hogan seemed to last forever lol just to get on the pitch and celebrate.
As you say we were right to celebrate it, might not see the likes again. Im not sure the provincial championships will last much longer.
Does Donie Brennan now become an option for the Laois County Board to consider as the next Senior Football boss following his ladies step down? Remarkable job done with the ladies
jaysus
Quote from: Batman!!! on July 25, 2023, 10:46:19 PM
Does Donie Brennan now become an option for the Laois County Board to consider as the next Senior Football boss following his ladies step down? Remarkable job done with the ladies
Are you delusional
Quote from: Batman!!! on July 25, 2023, 10:46:19 PM
Does Donie Brennan now become an option for the Laois County Board to consider as the next Senior Football boss following his ladies step down? Remarkable job done with the ladies
Shur throw your name in the Hat,Donie
What's the worst that can happen ?
Surely having managed men's football at some level is a prerequisite of the job?
Although, had Billy any prior experience?
I reckon Donie will go in with the lads minor team alongside Ger Slevin and John Connolly . They were over u16 setup this year and Ger has been nominated for next year's minor post
Great time to get the Laois job if you feel you could make a difference. When I saw he had stepped down it was the first thing I thought. He shouldn't even be a candidate but I doubt they can be bothered to go looking. So on that basis why not? It's where we're at sadly
What were the u16s like JD?
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on July 26, 2023, 05:37:49 PM
What were the u16s like JD?
I believe they're fairly good have a nice few starters and panelists from this year's minors going in. Results wise they struggled a bit without them players but with them back they're a good prospect. Ger has been with that group in the acadamy for the last few years so it's a natural progression. He will know every player of county standard by now and they were well trained RE diet and S+C. But with minors you never know I suppose
Would Anthony Cunningham be a shout for senior job given his CV? If he is willing to manage Port he would surely go for Laois job?
Probably not. He knows full well that his chances of doing anything with Laois are very slim. On the other hand, he can legitimately expect to win a Championship with Port at the very least. We have a few names mentioned on another thread that will probably be much better options than whoever we get for the Senior position. Another alarm bell
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 27, 2023, 02:52:33 PM
Would Anthony Cunningham be a shout for senior job given his CV? If he is willing to manage Port he would surely go for Laois job?
Was he not involved before??
Quote from: Zooming around on July 27, 2023, 05:24:29 PM
Quote from: Joeythelips on July 27, 2023, 02:52:33 PM
Would Anthony Cunningham be a shout for senior job given his CV? If he is willing to manage Port he would surely go for Laois job?
Was he not involved before??
He was involved with Laois as a coach when Mick Lillis managed them in 2016. Lillis thought highly of him at the time.
Quote from: Batman!!! on July 25, 2023, 10:46:19 PM
Does Donie Brennan now become an option for the Laois County Board to consider as the next Senior Football boss following his ladies step down? Remarkable job done with the ladies
I'm not so sure it can be classed as a remarkable job. With the number of clubs and strength of Ladies football within the county it was shocking that Laois were barely even competing at intermediate level for the number of years with a lot of our better players opting not to commit to the Laois set up.
In fairness he got many of those players back onboard and things progressed from there and it was a happy camp for the last couple of years he was over them. However, they are at a level now that they should be at and the test of his ability as a manager would have been to see of he could take them another step or two up the ladder and properly compete with the likes of Mayo, Cork or a Meath.
To hand him the job of Laois senior football manager off the back barely beating Wexford in an intermediate final and staying in senior championship by defeating a woeful Cavan side this year wouldn't be my call.
By virtue of recent appointments and redundancies (for want of a better word) our reputation is piss poor. Nobody wants this job and we're running out of people to blind side into taking it. They'd be better off just filling it with whoever wants it and moving on. It's obvious from other threads that the money would be better spent on our younger players
Laois should close the gates and let the cattle on to graze
I heard Steven Poachers name mentioned for the Senior Job. I didn't believe it, but he was spotted in Portlaoise on Saturday evening.
Quote from: GAAFan2003 on July 31, 2023, 03:49:20 PM
I heard Steven Poachers name mentioned for the Senior Job. I didn't believe it, but he was spotted in Portlaoise on Saturday evening.
Lol . Good one .
Poacher...surely a wind up?
Bad result for Portlaoise minors tonight, anyone on the ground tell us how the underage in the club is going? How are numbers?
What's poacher like? Was he with Carlow at one time?
its a wine up. poahcer is a stones.
Big numbers attending the O Módhra Óg programme again tonight. Around 140 kids in. Nice to see a few ex county players in coaching too. Small beginnings but the children are very enthusiastic about it
Quote from: Laois man on August 01, 2023, 10:33:37 AM
What's poacher like? Was he with Carlow at one time?
awful...
Poacher isn't the answer. Having said that I'd say the list of potential managers isn't a great one. 🤦🏻♂️
I see that Murphy has finished with Offaly. Would he be interested?
I'd jump at Murphy if he was interested. With a good back room team.
Would find it hard to see Murphy being interested tbh, I know he had success with Portarlington but long term the player profile in Offaly seems more attractive as does the background/ county board set up, plus Offaly being his own county would be a reason to manage them in itself so if he was leaving them he'd hardly move to Laois straight away
Sugrue is the obvious choice but to be honest I'd rather he was more over structures within the county, still I'd rather him involved in any way than not at all
Eddie Kinsella seems to be the name getting thrown around
Eddie Kinsella Jesus
Quote from: thegreeenandgold on August 02, 2023, 11:30:41 PM
Eddie Kinsella Jesus
What's the alternatives?
Lar Wall if you could convince him to come from Meath
Billy O'Loughlin has managed Longford (and relegated Laois) was over the u20s in 19 that made Leinster final
Ideally you'd want a Laois man but options are very thin on the ground from within
Zero options and zero expectations. It's actually a perfect job to get for a coach, if they believe they could do something with the players we have available. We weren't a million miles off getting promoted and the widely held view was that anyone would be better than Billy. I honestly don't believe we have anyone who deserves it, but good luck to anyone who puts their hat in the ring
Quote from: thegreeenandgold on August 02, 2023, 11:30:41 PM
Eddie Kinsella Jesus
Never heard of him.
Is he any relation of Gabriel Jesus that plays with Arsenal?
Quote from: Zooming around on August 03, 2023, 11:52:56 AM
Quote from: thegreeenandgold on August 02, 2023, 11:30:41 PM
Eddie Kinsella Jesus
Never heard of him.
Is he any relation of Gabriel Jesus that plays with Arsenal?
No, you're thinking of Christ Jesus, Gabriels uncle. Come to think of it that's really who we need now ...
I'd say we should go after all three of them... Jesus, Mary and Joseph.
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 04, 2023, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
This kind of negative, hopeless commentary must stop. With a good set up and the best 30/40 players fully committed to Laois football then we could progress to div 3 or maybe 2. People making doomsday statements only serves to make our county football team less attractive to management and players.
We know where we are. It's not good but it's definitely salvageable.
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on August 05, 2023, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 04, 2023, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
This kind of negative, hopeless commentary must stop. With a good set up and the best 30/40 players fully committed to Laois football then we could progress to div 3 or maybe 2. People making doomsday statements only serves to make our county football team less attractive to management and players.
We know where we are. It's not good but it's definitely salvageable.
I think you make a good point. I know I have contributed to it myself, but the constant, unrelenting negativity does no one any good.
.
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on August 05, 2023, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 04, 2023, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
This kind of negative, hopeless commentary must stop. With a good set up and the best 30/40 players fully committed to Laois football then we could progress to div 3 or maybe 2. People making doomsday statements only serves to make our county football team less attractive to management and players.
We know where we are. It's not good but it's definitely salvageable.
This kind of head in the sand, hope over expectation and plain ignorance towards the reality is what really has to stop. If I sit here and say my prayers, wish really hard and buy the chocolate bar with the gold ticket, Laois just might get into Division 2 and lose to Dublin by 10 points. Monaghan can do it. Maybe we can too. The initial poster was right. Our local Championship is rubbish
Less than 3 current Laois senior panel members stood out in round 1 of the championship. It's easy see how the county team is at such a low level
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on August 05, 2023, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 04, 2023, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
This kind of negative, hopeless commentary must stop. With a good set up and the best 30/40 players fully committed to Laois football then we could progress to div 3 or maybe 2. People making doomsday statements only serves to make our county football team less attractive to management and players.
We know where we are. It's not good but it's definitely salvageable.
Good post SpeculativeEffort - I couldn't agree more.
I can't understand why posters would come on here to pile on the doom and gloom - it's helps nobody.
We all know Laois GAA is in a bad place at the moment.
No Laois supporter should be termed delusional if he believes, as I do, that the following modest targets are achievable by our senior footballers :
- promotion to Division 3 in next 1-2 years
- promotion to Division 2 in following 2-3 years
- winning the Tailteann Cup within the next 5 years.
Obviously a huge effort would have to be made at underage to achieve some success at Minor and Under-20 level that might someday lead to Laois being competitive in the Sam Maguire championship.
What are you seeing that I'm not seeing? I just don't know where you're getting these players from. They don't exist at present
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on August 06, 2023, 09:49:09 AM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on August 05, 2023, 03:36:34 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on August 04, 2023, 07:44:52 PM
Quote from: bluespower on August 03, 2023, 09:49:42 PM
Donald Trump is the man that would make Laois great again. ;D
Judging by the standard of the senior championship matches last weekend not even God almighty can save us let alone Trump , Mary , Joseph , Jesus , Kinsella , Martin Murphy and whoever else's name gets linked to the managerial vacancy
This kind of negative, hopeless commentary must stop. With a good set up and the best 30/40 players fully committed to Laois football then we could progress to div 3 or maybe 2. People making doomsday statements only serves to make our county football team less attractive to management and players.
We know where we are. It's not good but it's definitely salvageable.
Good post SpeculativeEffort - I couldn't agree more.
I can't understand why posters would come on here to pile on the doom and gloom - it's helps nobody.
We all know Laois GAA is in a bad place at the moment.
sum lads luv misery
There was man on radio last week who was addicted to gambling. He said he got a bigger thrill out of the losses as they produced a greater emotional response than winning. He was addicted to misery.
It rings through on this forum. Its never as busy on here as when Laois are after having an embarrassing loss or a thumping.
We are in the cycle of being addicted to misery as a county.
Quote from: High Fielder on August 06, 2023, 03:30:36 PM
What are you seeing that I'm not seeing? I just don't know where you're getting these players from. They don't exist at present
Laois will compete in NFL Division 4 and the Tailteann Cup next year (I don't believe that anyone is suggesting we pull out as Kilkenny have done).
It can be expected that two thirds of this year's panel will make themselves available with at least half of these having more than one year's intercounty experience. Every year there are new faces, most of them having played minor and under-20 for the county.
It is a huge commitment for young lads to devote a huge amount of their time to play for a county with no prospects of success in the immediate future. The least that we as supporters can do is to encourage them. If there is a mood of negativity in their communities, clubs and social media there will be more than the normal number unwilling to commit.
Our Division 4 status is not a false reflection of our current ranking although we should have gained promotion this year. All of us who have been following Laois for many years know how far back we have fallen. Offaly have been in the doldrums for 20+ years but are now getting their house in order.
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on August 07, 2023, 02:05:35 PM
There was man on radio last week who was addicted to gambling. He said he got a bigger thrill out of the losses as they produced a greater emotional response than winning. He was addicted to misery.
It rings through on this forum. Its never as busy on here as when Laois are after having an embarrassing loss or a thumping.
We are in the cycle of being addicted to misery as a county.
I would say most people want nothing to do with it. Perhaps you'd prefer apathy and reduced attendances. Have you seen how empty the stands are? People are actively walking away from the misery. Would you rather we all sat there and said nothing? Hope for better next time? Load of sh1t quite frankly
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on August 07, 2023, 02:34:49 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on August 06, 2023, 03:30:36 PM
What are you seeing that I'm not seeing? I just don't know where you're getting these players from. They don't exist at present
Laois will compete in NFL Division 4 and the Tailteann Cup next year (I don't believe that anyone is suggesting we pull out as Kilkenny have done).
It can be expected that two thirds of this year's panel will make themselves available with at least half of these having more than one year's intercounty experience. Every year there are new faces, most of them having played minor and under-20 for the county.
It is a huge commitment for young lads to devote a huge amount of their time to play for a county with no prospects of success in the immediate future. The least that we as supporters can do is to encourage them. If there is a mood of negativity in their communities, clubs and social media there will be more than the normal number unwilling to commit.
Our Division 4 status is not a false reflection of our current ranking although we should have gained promotion this year. All of us who have been following Laois for many years know how far back we have fallen. Offaly have been in the doldrums for 20+ years but are now getting their house in order.
What is your net point here? It sounds like you know we're at an all time low but that we should encourage the players. Which is fair. In fairness, I don't see much criticism of the players on here, at least not individually. The standard is bad. There is no getting away from it
My point is simply that, as the old Chinese proverb says, it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.
Just out of curiosity - are any posters on here members of Laois Gaels ?
They have a website https://www.laoisgaels.com/ (https://www.laoisgaels.com/) and fairly active Facebook page.
Good luck lighting the candles. In fairness, it's probably a better policy than most of what comes out from our CB
Unfortunately the minor and U20 teams that have come through over the last few years have not contained those 2/3 special players that stand out head and shoulders over the rest of the team. These are the lads who will make a difference in improving a senior county team. Laois are producing plenty of decent underage players but these lads will not step up to improve a senior county team unfortunately.
Take our u20 this year. Very respectable showing in making a Leinster semi-final. However, outside of Shaun Fitzpatrick maybe I'm not too sure how many other players from that side will hugely improve the Laois team over the next few years. A lot of those players on a par with players from u20 sides of the last couple of years. We have an abundance of players who very capable of playing intercounty football (granted not at a high level). We just haven't seen those exceptional talents emerging from our underage teams since probably the days of the late 00s. Players that everyone in the county knew of as special talents from a very young age and excited to see progress to playing intercounty football.
I have definitely seen some green shoots with the standard of the minor championship and some of the performances on show in games. I also despair at the demise of Portlaoise as a force. For Portlaoise to be beaten in an underage game it should be as a result of a herculean effort on the part of the other team. They should not be canon fodder as they have proved in the games played this year.
I don't believe we need stand out players (although would be welcome) but we need lads who have the pace and power to compete, that's what we've been lacking especially around the middle.. We have scorers but work rate and pace it's what we lack. Hopefully with the right structures and a full S&C coach in place, the young lads might develop over time.
You're right re Portlaoise, I don't see them dominating any underageage group and you'd also expect to see 2 Portlaoise teams in every grade but sadly not the case. Anyone from Portlaoise here shed any light on how it's going?
Martin Murphy in the running for Laois job .
Quote from: Spiritof86 on August 15, 2023, 02:21:21 PM
Martin Murphy in the running for Laois job .
So good Offaly got rid of him :)
Paul Kelly is apparently strongly tipped to get it. Ex Naas and Thomas Davis manager. Don't know much else about him.
Wasn't he ousted before the county final? Did a good job though with both clubs.
Good appointments at minor and u20 level too, hopefully they get everyone on board
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 17, 2023, 12:30:12 PM
Wasn't he ousted before the county final?
Ousted or stepped down? Depends who you talk to really🙂
There was a story at the time about money and using another club's facilities which I can't fully remember!
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 17, 2023, 12:30:12 PM
Wasn't he ousted before the county final? Did a good job though with both clubs.
Good appointments at minor and u20 level too, hopefully they get everyone on board
Who are the minor and u-20 appointments?
Ger Slevin over the minors (believe he was with them all the way up) and Kieran Kelly ove the u20s.
What other names linked with the senior job?
Just get it done already before another Championship is over and the new coach has no idea what's available to them. Kite flying a name, particularly one as specific as Paul Kelly, obviously means someone knows something. Irrespective, nobody is holding their breath here. I can honestly say, based on the evidence in front of us, that this is well down our list of priorities
Seeing players in club championship football doesn't reveal a huge amount. A player can stand out at club level but you then you have to factor in the opposition and quality of marker on that player. Sure Laois today are doing a fine job of identifying players after each round of games in their team of the weeks!! I'd rather Laois take their time and get the best person available for the job than rush to have someone in by the quarter finals and make a poor appointment. While the hurlers season didn't quite go to plan in 2023 I think they made a good appointment in Maher and hopefully next year that prove that. It might take a little coaxing to get a manager of substance onboard but taking the time to do that is vital-Laois need someone of quality in there to get things forward moving for 2024. As Derry and Down have shown, with the right people you can turn things around quickly enough in the space of a few years.
If the story going around at time about why Naas and Paul Kelly parted ways are true I wouldnt like to see him as Laois manager.
Of the names I've seen linked so far Eoin Kearns and Brian Flanagan would be the best candidates imo
Quote from: Laois Rising on August 18, 2023, 11:39:47 AM
Seeing players in club championship football doesn't reveal a huge amount. A player can stand out at club level but you then you have to factor in the opposition and quality of marker on that player. Sure Laois today are doing a fine job of identifying players after each round of games in their team of the weeks!! I'd rather Laois take their time and get the best person available for the job than rush to have someone in by the quarter finals and make a poor appointment. While the hurlers season didn't quite go to plan in 2023 I think they made a good appointment in Maher and hopefully next year that prove that. It might take a little coaxing to get a manager of substance onboard but taking the time to do that is vital-Laois need someone of quality in there to get things forward moving for 2024. As Derry and Down have shown, with the right people you can turn things around quickly enough in the space of a few years.
So if an external coach comes in, it doesn't matter if he's never seen or heard of any of the players? Seriously? I would think whoever gets the job would need to be appointed ASAP, because the first thing he'll have to do is try to assemble a panel. From what I'm hearing, that's just the first mountain to be climbed. Any appointment we make is going to be a gamble, unless we throw a ball of money at someone. Unlikely. Best just get on with it
Flanagan is an interesting one . More than decent record with Kildare u-20s . re. In his three years in charge, Kildare U20s took home two Leinster Championships, as well as reaching two All-Ireland finals and winning one . Not sure what would entice him to been part of a long term Laois project though .
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on August 17, 2023, 03:23:47 PM
Ger Slevin over the minors (believe he was with them all the way up) and Kieran Kelly ove the u20s.
What other names linked with the senior job?
This is on the Official Laois page re U-20s and Minor teams for 2023
U20 Football: Kieran Kelly (Manager); Brian McCormack, Kieran Delaney, Billy Delaney (Selector / Coach);
Minor Football: Gerard Slevin (Manager); Adrian Slevin, Brian O'Sullivan, John Connolly, Mick Lenihan (Selectors); Donal Brennan (Coach); Fergal Byron (Goalkeeper Coach);
The process for the selection to fill the open positions of Minor Hurling Manager and Senior Football Manager is currently ongoing where an update will be provided in the coming weeks.
CLG Laois would like to thank all management teams for their work in 2023.
Further details will be provided on all management teams for the coming season via laoisgaa.ie after September County Committee.
Quote from: Batman!!! on August 16, 2023, 10:53:18 PM
Quote from: Spiritof86 on August 15, 2023, 02:21:21 PM
Martin Murphy in the running for Laois job .
Not true
Was invited for interview but seemingly turned the offer down .
That's my worry with him. Would he really leave a chance at another 20 all ireland to manage laois in division 4. Be great to get him I think. An outside face may be what we need. A fresh outlook
I hear Ger Brennan has put his hat in the ring for it too.
If we are going inside from the names mentioned I'd like Kearns. Been around a good set up before with sugrue and has done some good things at club level.
Congrats to the minor and 20 management's. Both look like good appointments with strong backroom teams.
Quote from: Spiritof86 on August 22, 2023, 08:49:05 AM
Flanagan is an interesting one . More than decent record with Kildare u-20s . re. In his three years in charge, Kildare U20s took home two Leinster Championships, as well as reaching two All-Ireland finals and winning one . Not sure what would entice him to been part of a long term Laois project though .
Kieran Kelly a very good appointment with the U20s . A future inter-county manager imo .
Still no county senior football manager named. Whoever it's going to be should be in place by now and watching the remainder of the championships. There's no substitute for seeing lads in the heat of championship action for their own clubs.
Appointment expected by end of week apparently.
Any name floating around?
Is it not Ger Brennan, Denis Bastick, Cotter and Ross ?
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on September 20, 2023, 09:01:52 PMIs it not Ger Brennan, Denis Bastick, Cotter and Ross ?
Looks that way alright .
Not Ger Brennan please.
Cotter that is over the Heath?
Quote from: Laois man on September 21, 2023, 06:32:51 PMCotter that is over the Heath?
Yep
To be honest I don't know about this management, personally feel it's hard to be worse than the last one.
Quote from: Spiritof86 on September 19, 2023, 11:02:50 AMAppointment expected by end of week apparently.
Don't think so. Interviews only completed on Friday and at least three being brought back for a second interview next week. We'll have someone by Christmas! :)
Why do chancers provide the precise make up of the senior football management team when interviews are still ongoing?
Ger Brennan strongly linked with the Louth vacancy too.
We'll probably wind up with Luke Dempsey!
Is Billy back in the running yet?
Like something that would happen
I see Lar Wall has been recruited by Davy Burke and Roscommon . Would have been a great addition to any Laois coaching role .
Kevin Fitzpatrick should be the next Laois manager with Mick Dempsey & Pat Critchley in his back room team.
Why go for the likes of Ger Brennan when you have someone who was twice the player and has put in the hard work at club level.
And has literally won nothing in 4years with his club. Zero progression, negative tactics and you want him managing Laois.
If you look at Portlaoise and the players he's got. They are improving despite this. They nearly beat port last year only for a last minute save. They're in a final this year and have improved as the year has progressed. Negative tactics? That's every football team in the country. Don't be naive. We're an average division 4 team. We can only attract unproven former players. Why not try one of our own?
Well it won't be Ger Brennan. Louth have snapped him up.
I think Wooly wrote that Louth were back training a month before Harte departed. Does anyone know if our lads are doing the same?
We don't have a manager so they're hardly back training.
I'd say you're right Saint. Looking like another desperation appointment and a rushed preparation for the new season. Truly hopeless
Quote from: High Fielder on October 03, 2023, 09:13:24 AMI'd say you're right Saint. Looking like another desperation appointment and a rushed preparation for the new season. Truly hopeless
A shambles. You'd have thought that, after the debacle against Down, the early appointment of a credible management team would be a priority. Not so. Any time will do. Useless >:( :( :o
You'd swear by this forum that the appointment of a county manager is an easy business. The county board could make a quick appointment as we know certain names who would be keen to take the job. However, are they of a calibre that will improve things at present. Their track records would suggest not.
Unfortunately, the Laois job is not overly enticing at this present time. Those working on selecting a manager I'm sure behind the scenes are liaising with potential candidates and trying to provide a package that will entice someone of calibre to give the job a crack. I would rather they take the time to find someone right than make a quick appointment simply to have it done.
I would also suggest that Mickey Harte making the surprise decision to step away from Louth may have inadvertently impacted on Laois' recruitment plan.
Thanks for pointing out the blaringly obvious Laois Rising. You'd think reading your post that they haven't made a dog's dinner of the last two appointments.
Were we really waiting that long on Ger Brennan? Unlikely. If so, thank God for Mickey Harte. Never liked Brennan
We all know Laois football is in a bad place and it's hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel right now.
High Fielder - any views on whether an inside or outside manager might be best option ? What goals do you think are achievable for our senior football team in the short term under a competent management team ?
Zero expectations whatsoever from my point of view. Something approaching functionality would do for me. It appears even that is too much to expect. Give it to whoever wants it at this stage. It's not like it could get any worse
Down to 4 candidates according to Laoistoday:
Arles-Killeen's Billy O'Loughlin, Courtwood's Eddie Kinsella, Former Laois player and current Laois Gaels Chairman, O'Dempsey's Leo Turley, and former Naas and Thomas Davis (Dublin) manager Paul Kelly.
Quote from: recyclebin on October 04, 2023, 01:29:17 PMDown to 4 candidates according to Laoistoday:
Arles-Killeen's Billy O'Loughlin, Courtwood's Eddie Kinsella, Former Laois player and current Laois Gaels Chairman, O'Dempsey's Leo Turley, and former Naas and Thomas Davis (Dublin) manager Paul Kelly.
Who'd be favourite there? Kinsella??
I heard it's down to two, Kinsella and O'Loughlin and O'Loughlin is expected to get the nod. For the life of me, I am not sure how O'Loughlin can get it he got ran out of Sarsfield in Kildare ran out of Longford, I suppose just goes to show how desperate the county board are. Lots of exits to from county from last year, Paddy O'Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Robbie Piggot all going travelling.
I've heard about Robbie Piggott , Colm Murphy and Paddy OSullivan going travelling . Any more names that are not committing?
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 04, 2023, 03:41:52 PMLots of exits to from county from last year, Paddy O'Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Robbie Piggot all going travelling.
Luke many GAA people in the county, these lads are just losing interest.
Quote from: Tintin84 on October 04, 2023, 03:41:52 PMI heard it's down to two, Kinsella and O'Loughlin and O'Loughlin is expected to get the nod. For the life of me, I am not sure how O'Loughlin can get it he got ran out of Sarsfield in Kildare ran out of Longford, I suppose just goes to show how desperate the county board are. Lots of exits to from county from last year, Paddy O'Sullivan, Colm Murphy, Robbie Piggot all going travelling.
In fairness, he did ok in Longford. I suppose overseeing a win against Laois got him some sort of leverage. I'm afraid to say it but beggars can't be choosers, and we're begging.
Trevor Collins is going travelling too. Presume Mark Timmons will step away. Not sure about Paul Kingston and Kieran Lillis. Rumours that Evan O'Carroll and Eoin Lowry aren't committing either. Its not an enviable job.
You know, if even half of the above posts are to be believed (about who's committing or not) then I'm going to ask the question... should we honestly consider withdrawing our Senior football team from the championship/league. And before anyone jumps down my neck.. I think A) it'd for once and for all expose the complete apathy that exists in the county at the minute, B) it'd give the county a clean start to channel a lot or all of the available funding into where its clearly needed, underage C) it'd make the GAA sit up and realise how f*cked the whole model is now.. the imbalance between the haves and have nots, the population disparity, the funding disparity, and so on. I honestly believe at some point in the next couple of years some county is going to take this drastic measure. Now, away ye go..let fly ;D
I agree 100 per cent. Unfortunately, that won't facilitate our CB officers in their quest for loftier positions. It's just a game. The players are pawns
Quote from: The Saint on October 05, 2023, 01:20:23 PMYou know, if even half of the above posts are to be believed (about who's committing or not) then I'm going to ask the question... should we honestly consider withdrawing our Senior football team from the championship/league. And before anyone jumps down my neck.. I think A) it'd for once and for all expose the complete apathy that exists in the county at the minute, B) it'd give the county a clean start to channel a lot or all of the available funding into where its clearly needed, underage C) it'd make the GAA sit up and realise how f*cked the whole model is now.. the imbalance between the haves and have nots, the population disparity, the funding disparity, and so on. I honestly believe at some point in the next couple of years some county is going to take this drastic measure. Now, away ye go..let fly ;D
Absolutely, I can't think of a better way to close the gap to the top counties than just not playing ::)
One way of stopping the gap widening though, which for us it is; every year now. A further player drain will bury us deeper and by the looks it, We're making do for our next coach. Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless
Quote from: Smellyball on October 05, 2023, 04:10:28 PMQuote from: The Saint on October 05, 2023, 01:20:23 PMYou know, if even half of the above posts are to be believed (about who's committing or not) then I'm going to ask the question... should we honestly consider withdrawing our Senior football team from the championship/league. And before anyone jumps down my neck.. I think A) it'd for once and for all expose the complete apathy that exists in the county at the minute, B) it'd give the county a clean start to channel a lot or all of the available funding into where its clearly needed, underage C) it'd make the GAA sit up and realise how f*cked the whole model is now.. the imbalance between the haves and have nots, the population disparity, the funding disparity, and so on. I honestly believe at some point in the next couple of years some county is going to take this drastic measure. Now, away ye go..let fly ;D
Absolutely, I can't think of a better way to close the gap to the top counties than just not playing ::)
Isn't this what the players are doing? They've had enough. The last +5 years have been held together by a handful of committed long term servants coupled with the continuous cycle of new young lads coming in, getting burnt, and leaving again. Its starting to look like that scene in the great WW2 film Enemy at the Gates where the poor Russians charge the German line and get mowed down, and then another few Russians charge and pick up the dropped guns and makes another few yards before getting mowed down again, and the cycle continues.
Yes but the Russians eventually won that battle.
The negativity regarding the Laois Senior Football team on this board saddens me. Yes, we are down in Division 4, hammered by Dublin in Leinster SFC and by Down in the Tailteann Cup. We have had one poster here asking should we consider withdrawing from championship and league !
Ciaran Fitzgerald famously said to his Ireland rugby teammates "where's your f*****g pride ?" and the same applies here. The Laois Senior football team are the flagship football team in the county. Down the years young lads would dream of emulating Curly Prendergast, Barney Maher, Joe Higgins and many more. Do we really want to consider going down the same road as Kilkenny ?
Of course our pool of talent seems very shallow at present and we've had no success at underage since 2007. The structure of club football in Laois has it's shortcomings that doesn't help either. On the other hand the split season and the increased number of games gives inter-county players the opportunities to develop that were lacking previously. Many will also have the experience of playing in high-quality 3rd level competitions. We all know too that a team can be better than the sum of it's parts – no county demonstrated this better than Offaly under the late Eugene McGee.
Laois supporters have a role to play too. If you are totally demoralised then it might be better to just walk away rather than contributing to the negative background noise. Of course lads will be hesitant to commit where there is such a mood of doom and gloom surrounding the Laois Senior Football team. Now is the time that the players and new manager need our support most. Remember Offaly supporters Croke Park sit down protest in 1998 and Kildare's Newbridge or Nowhere protest in 2018. We as Laois supporters should have taken the same stance and refused to play the Dubs in Nowlan Park Kilkenny back in 2016.
Laois Abú!
Our CB did nothing when Nowlan Park was foisted upon us. They've been doing very little since. Last I heard, they wouldn't even let the ladies play their final in OMP. If you're looking to fling arrows, try directing them at those whose role it is to make things better. They seek election and re-election after all
I can't accept that players won't commit because there's doom and gloom. More likely they don't want to be associated with a shit show.
As for walking away, that's just downright offensive. Every single one of us care about Laois football. We don't have to agree about everything, but we have every right to speak out when we see things we don't like. Far too much in this county is ignored or disregarded, and that has to change before any progress is made. Laois GAA is bigger than those elected to administrate it
Quote from: The Boy Wonder on October 14, 2023, 12:19:31 PMThe negativity regarding the Laois Senior Football team on this board saddens me. Yes, we are down in Division 4, hammered by Dublin in Leinster SFC and by Down in the Tailteann Cup. We have had one poster here asking should we consider withdrawing from championship and league !
Ciaran Fitzgerald famously said to his Ireland rugby teammates "where's your f*****g pride ?" and the same applies here. The Laois Senior football team are the flagship football team in the county. Down the years young lads would dream of emulating Curly Prendergast, Barney Maher, Joe Higgins and many more. Do we really want to consider going down the same road as Kilkenny ?
Of course our pool of talent seems very shallow at present and we've had no success at underage since 2007. The structure of club football in Laois has it's shortcomings that doesn't help either. On the other hand the split season and the increased number of games gives inter-county players the opportunities to develop that were lacking previously. Many will also have the experience of playing in high-quality 3rd level competitions. We all know too that a team can be better than the sum of it's parts – no county demonstrated this better than Offaly under the late Eugene McGee.
Laois supporters have a role to play too. If you are totally demoralised then it might be better to just walk away rather than contributing to the negative background noise. Of course lads will be hesitant to commit where there is such a mood of doom and gloom surrounding the Laois Senior Football team. Now is the time that the players and new manager need our support most. Remember Offaly supporters Croke Park sit down protest in 1998 and Kildare's Newbridge or Nowhere protest in 2018. We as Laois supporters should have taken the same stance and refused to play the Dubs in Nowlan Park Kilkenny back in 2016.
Laois Abú!
It's not my intention to offend you but this is just pure virtue signalling. Let's all get behind the team and be good little supporters and everything will be grand. For a proud dual county we're now an embarrassment on the football side. Players not committing, being outnumbered in support at every home game for the last 5 years, that debacle vs Down on national tv and so on. I've been to probably 90% of Laois matches in the last 50 years but enough is enough. I'll stand by my previous post... channel everything and anything we have into starting from scratch with underage, see where we could get to in 5/7 years. Take the emotion or whatever out of this and answer this question for me..,what county would you hand on heart say we'd definitely beat in next years Leinster championship? But maybe you're right.. the 250 of us that go to games should sit on the middle of the pitch in OMP next time we're losing and everything will sort itself out.
So it looks like it's Justin McNulty announcement shortly!!!
Between McNulty and Banty
https://www.rte.ie/sport/football/2023/1016/1411118-mcnulty-may-make-laois-return-as-tipp-line-up-keane/
McNulty linked with Laois return
(https://img.rasset.ie/0004b799-800.jpg)
Keep making the same mistakes, keep getting the same results. If you point out these errors you get told you're disloyal or an idiot. If you try to change things you are worn down by those who don't want change. Sorry I'm not optimistic , but I don't see Laois Hurling or Football going anywhere. If only a change of manager could sort it.
Sometimes I feel so pissed off about it all but I genuinely think at this stage nobody really wants change.
People want change, Not enough like minded people will give up their time to achieve it imo. As I've posted previously there needs to be 5-6 people go in & infiltrate the county board this has to include a couple of past players, people of stature in Laois gaa - a dempsey from Josephs, Niall Rigney for example.
Michael Dempsey's view on the future of Laois Football (https://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-games/gaelic-football/mick-dempsey-insists-laois-football-can-rise-again-as-justin-mcnulty-is-latest-to-be-linked-with-manager-role/a2087997763.html)
"I think there's a long way back but definitely, from my point of view, there is hope," insisted Dempsey, who managed Laois for two seasons (from 1996 to '98) and went on to enjoy unparalleled success during his 15 years alongside Brian Cody with the Kilkenny hurlers.
"Even if it means just getting 30 young players, combined with some of the other players who've been around.
"I mean, anything and everything is possible if the commitment [is there] and the environment is created for players and they have pride in wearing the jersey. We've seen it in so many other counties around the country," Dempsey expanded.
"We're not saying we're going to win an All-Ireland, but can Laois make progress? If everything is right and the players commit – and that's up to everybody to create that environment, where people are happy to be there and wear the Laois jersey. I definitely think Laois can make progress."
Yet wants no part of the set up. Odd that. Not that I hold it against him because I don't. But statements like that ring so hollow against the backdrop of what is unfolding in front of us. There are so many things that are possible, but how probable are they? I mean our best players are already walking away, and we have no manager.
If it is McNulty, good luck to him. I wasn't a fan first time round but the passage of time has since showed that he at least knew how football would be played at County level. I find intercounty football dead boring if I'm honest, and even worse when defensive systems are deployed by teams who do it badly. But look, good luck to whoever gets it at this stage. Even small steps won't be easy without some of your best players involved
Quote from: High Fielder on October 18, 2023, 06:46:06 AMI wasn't a fan first time round
People like you ran him out of the job, son. He was making serious progress. Was the football attractive? No, not particularily. Were we competitive? Yes. Teams like Laois have to make it ugly to be competitive. The likes of Sheehan going man on man tactics with Dublin earlier this year was madness.
I'm shocked that McNulty wants the job but fair play to him. Let's get back to being somewhat competitive and get out of Div 4. He's a likable manager, hopefully lads will be encouraged to join up with the panel.
I'm sure he will find a love for Laois if the price is right Tony.
Instead of wishing him luck with a difficult task, in typical Laois fashion, let's have a big argument over his appointment.
Great news for Laois football.
Justin McNulty is a massive appointment and I believe a 3 year term has been given.
With his leadership, we can get out of the doldrums. A return to division 2, a Tailteann cup title, a return to Sam Maguire football and a big scalp or two are achieveable goals during this 3 year term.
Watch this space. Best of luck to all involved.
Laois Abu.
Quote from: Chrimtain on October 19, 2023, 08:07:50 PMInstead of wishing him luck with a difficult task, in typical Laois fashion, let's have a big argument over his appointment.
Good luck to him. It's fairly obvious that he has a tough time ahead, and we would all want him to succeed. It's a bizarre appointment in many ways. He is after all an elected representative in another jurisdiction. I can't imagine his constituents would be impressed with him spending so much time down here
As good an appointment as we could have hoped for really.
Be interesting to see who is on his coaching ticket?? And also what players are travelling abroad, retiring or not making themselves available for selection??
Strange appointment alright considering his job. If reports are to believed both jobs are 50/60 hours a week jobs.
Hi I have no argument in Justin's appointment. Except my long held belief we should be trying to promote Laois based managers. But my question how exactly is Justin a massive appointment ? His previous spell in Laois I'd argue was 7 out of 10, he was very professional and there was a good culture in the squad. But even at time it was a style of football which at the top level was reaching its sell by date. So to move to now, how is Justin a massive appointment ? He to my knowledge hasn't been involved at top level GAA in quite sometime, Laois are going to lose quite a few this year. The conveyor belt coming through is poor. So to say a massive appointment ? His a gamble, As it seems for whatever reason the powers that be do not want to give it to Billy o Loughlin or Eddie Kinsella. They may be proved right the only positive is that we now have severally lowered expectations to a point where getting out of Div 4 is seen as a breakthrough.
Justin's appointment is a gamble and I hope it brings progress. We are getting a manager with a decent if not perfect track record. Of course he will be starting from the bottom this time.
I agree with BallyroanAbu that the style of football has changed radically since his last spell – a lot of us would agree with Pat Spillane that today's football is sh*#e. Much will depend on the quality of his backroom team. The Leinster SFC loss to Longford in 2012 was mainly down to team selection.
This appointment was raised on BBC NI programme The View last night – an SDLP colleague of Justin was on the panel and was asked by Mark Carruthers if Justin would have the time to commit to Laois. He couldn't give an answer.
Anyway, best of luck to Justin and the players for 2024.
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on October 20, 2023, 09:25:06 AMHi I have no argument in Justin's appointment. Except my long held belief we should be trying to promote Laois based managers. But my question how exactly is Justin a massive appointment ? His previous spell in Laois I'd argue was 7 out of 10, he was very professional and there was a good culture in the squad. But even at time it was a style of football which at the top level was reaching its sell by date. So to move to now, how is Justin a massive appointment ? He to my knowledge hasn't been involved at top level GAA in quite sometime, Laois are going to lose quite a few this year. The conveyor belt coming through is poor. So to say a massive appointment ? His a gamble, As it seems for whatever reason the powers that be do not want to give it to Billy o Loughlin or Eddie Kinsella. They may be proved right the only positive is that we now have severally lowered expectations to a point where getting out of Div 4 is seen as a breakthrough.
I would go along with this, development squads should be about developing players and coaches so Laois CB should have some long term plan to help develop potential coaches who may be potential future senior managers. To be fair they did give Sheehan a go of it.
McNulty is a decent appointment in terms of his recored with Laois and our current status but lets be honest here he has his work cut out for him. Its all well and good saying he got to AI quarter finals last time out and was a success but he did have players like Cahir Healy, John O'Loughlin, Brendan Quigley, Colm Begley, Ross Munnelly at his disposal. That squad is worlds apart from the one he will inherit now.
I guess his goals will be more realistic now also, promotion from Div 4 and Taitleann cup final should be achievable.
Tailteann cup final achievable? I would love to share your optimism. Sadly the panel next year will be weaker with the Port lads rumoured to be off travelling and not sure of Timmons/Lilis etc availability.
On top of that, not too many from the county championship put their hands up that we haven't seen before. Realistically it's going to be a very difficult job for McNulty and if he can get out of division 4, blood new players and be competitive, it will be a success.
The main challenge over the next few years is to be competitive at an underage level develop players with pace and power who can transition then to the senior panel. Schools should be targeted, could another Laois schools team compete in the A schools championship?
We aren't getting enough out of the population of Portlaoise and its the biggest problem for me. Can anyone in here from Portlaoise tell me how their underage setup is going? Great to see Stradbally Parish Gaels go well at an underage level and hopefully it continues.
Probably the best appointment we could get under the circumstances but huge job ahead to get us semi competitive in Leinster
Any update on players not committing? I know Pigott , OSullivan and Murphy from Port are all going to Australia. I heard Collins is going travelling too . Any update on retirements either ?
I can't help wondering whether Justin McNulty's return to Laois football will actually happen! Apparently he is coming under pressure from the SDLP leadership for his decision to get involved with Laois again.
According to Suzanne Breen of the Belfast Telegrsph, Fianna Fail's NI spokesman accuses the SDLP leadership of trying to "force out" MLA Justin McNulty from Stormont for taking a job as Laois football manager.
https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/fianna-fail-senator-struggling-to-understand-sdlp-trying-to-take-out-own-mla-over-gaa-role/a815453039.html
Let's face it, it's not a good look. I was surprised that he was open to the idea in the first place. Surely he saw the backlash coming against his party? Against himself? Against Stormont?
Quote from: High Fielder on October 27, 2023, 07:51:13 AMLet's face it, it's not a good look. I was surprised that he was open to the idea in the first place. Surely he saw the backlash coming against his party? Against himself? Against Stormont?
Sure it's just two hours up the road. If it was a player who was studying in Galway he'd be expected to go training every night too. Finish work at 5, in coe for 7:15 training at 7:30 back in car for 9 and back to Belfast for 11:30ish. Now obviously that's a very rough and optimistic timing but it's doable whilst maintaining his job.
You're missing the point completely. It's not about what's doable for him. The first time he can't attend a local meeting or meet with one of his constituents because he has training would be fatal. He's already done harm by accepting the role. It was obvious that he would anyway.
Has any names of a backroom team been mentioned yet or is this all still on Tender-hooks
Any mention of players retiring ?
Not too many glaring ones standing out in club Championship to come forward and make an impact at county level
I heard Ross Munnelly is in backroom team. A good appointment imo.
Quote from: High Fielder on October 27, 2023, 08:40:27 AMYou're missing the point completely. It's not about what's doable for him. The first time he can't attend a local meeting or meet with one of his constituents because he has training would be fatal. He's already done harm by accepting the role. It was obvious that he would anyway.
Completely missing the point is right. Being a politician isn't a 9-5 job & being a count manager may as well be a full time job in itself. Going to be a big ask to juggle both. Be an absolute $hitshow if he'd to step away
strange appointment
Quote from: Jd on October 27, 2023, 08:34:37 AMQuote from: High Fielder on October 27, 2023, 07:51:13 AMLet's face it, it's not a good look. I was surprised that he was open to the idea in the first place. Surely he saw the backlash coming against his party? Against himself? Against Stormont?
Sure it's just two hours up the road. If it was a player who was studying in Galway he'd be expected to go training every night too. Finish work at 5, in coe for 7:15 training at 7:30 back in car for 9 and back to Belfast for 11:30ish. Now obviously that's a very rough and optimistic timing but it's doable whilst maintaining his job.
A Senior InterCounty manager arriving to training 15 minutes before training & leaving again immediately afterwards.
Jaysus.
Quote from: Verbal on October 28, 2023, 11:22:06 AMQuote from: Jd on October 27, 2023, 08:34:37 AMQuote from: High Fielder on October 27, 2023, 07:51:13 AMLet's face it, it's not a good look. I was surprised that he was open to the idea in the first place. Surely he saw the backlash coming against his party? Against himself? Against Stormont?
Sure it's just two hours up the road. If it was a player who was studying in Galway he'd be expected to go training every night too. Finish work at 5, in coe for 7:15 training at 7:30 back in car for 9 and back to Belfast for 11:30ish. Now obviously that's a very rough and optimistic timing but it's doable whilst maintaining his job.
A Senior InterCounty manager arriving to training 15 minutes before training & leaving again immediately afterwards.
Jaysus.
OK would arrive at 6:30 for training at 7:30 till 9 and in the car at 10 be OK for you. The manager puts systems in place for a team. He'll have s+C and verious other coaches in place believe it or not he probably won't be putting out or collecting the balls and cones. I'm sure he'll spend a lot of time on the phone and doing meetings online with all his various coaches and selectors. Managers plan and others implement the plan.
Not surprisingly, it's causing a bit of a stink. Justin has put his party in a very awkward situation. Remove the whip and they're getting rid of an elected representative. The SDLP are not in a great place just now. Allow him to do both and it opens up a bigger can of worms with members, constituents and party policy. It's very likely that a compromise will be necessary for everyone to save face.
I'm still amazed that Laois GAA and McNulty himself saw no issues at all here. Harm already done in many ways and I hope he doesn't pay for that by losing his seat
Maybe he can do like the southern politicians the rarely attend the Dail except on Budget day after that they attend to their daily jobs or whatever pies their fingers are in
In fairness, didn't Peter Fitzpatrick double job with Louth footballers while also being a TD?
He did. Over 10 years ago. We know where the game has gone since, and if anything, it's a bigger commitment now.
I can't help feeling this wasn't a good move for McNulty. Unless he wants out of politics, he might have bought himself bother he didn't need or expect
Justin McNulty by all accounts is offering his time freely as a volunteer to Laois GAA . He is entitled to expenses which is covered by the county board. This is all within the GAA rules .
Strange appointment nevertheless but financially makes sense for CB .
Back room team will be interesting and seemingly where the costs will be the highest .
Again, not really the point. Let's take this week as an example. McNulty's Constituency office is in Newry, parts of which were under water yesterday. Local businesses will be calling on him, along with local residents and the many other local interest groups. Daisy Hill Hospital is down the road, and that is a big issue for McNulty. This man has more than enough on his plate. It's hard to fathom what he was thinking by taking the Laois job
He needs to say he's assisting Laois in an advisory capacity only. On a voluntary basis. If there is money to spare, and we need McNulty to mentor or advise, then fine, go with that. But for the sake of his political career, he needs to row back on his involvement with Laois; at least from a public perspective
Quote from: High Fielder on November 01, 2023, 12:59:19 PMAgain, not really the point. Let's take this week as an example. McNulty's Constituency office is in Newry, parts of which were under water yesterday. Local businesses will be calling on him, along with local residents and the many other local interest groups. Daisy Hill Hospital is down the road, and that is a big issue for McNulty. This man has more than enough on his plate. It's hard to fathom what he was thinking by taking the Laois job
He needs to say he's assisting Laois in an advisory capacity only. On a voluntary basis. If there is money to spare, and we need McNulty to mentor or advise, then fine, go with that. But for the sake of his political career, he needs to row back on his involvement with Laois; at least from a public perspective
Apologies HF . I wasn't addressing a singular point you had made . It was just a stand alone comment/observation.
In fairness I accept the point made, and I'm not doubting McNulty's or Laois' bona fides. It's just a bad look, and it's made all the worse by the current impasse in Stormont. You can see the criticism a mile off
I have to say, you're not giving the man much credit for being able to make good decisions about his own affairs, about which he presumably knows more about than you do!
Just my opinion. The appointment surprised me when I first heard about it. It seems it took a few by surprise
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/10/27/news/justin_mcnulty_s_antics_leave_sdlp_assembly_team_deeply_frustrated_says_party_source-3734345/
Maybe Justin is stepping back into inter-county management with an eye on possible future opportunities nearer home – his native Armagh in particular.
He is familiar with the scene in Laois and even though we're at a very low level currently he could made modest progress with us.
We don't know what his aspirations in the political field might be but his grá for the GAA is obvious.
Quote from: High Fielder on November 01, 2023, 03:55:35 PMJust my opinion. The appointment surprised me when I first heard about it. It seems it took a few by surprise
https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/10/27/news/justin_mcnulty_s_antics_leave_sdlp_assembly_team_deeply_frustrated_says_party_source-3734345/
Fair enough. But that article would give some credibility to the idea that Justin was not terribly happy with the SDLP in the first place. Neil Blaney's comments about Justin being "forced out" might suggest that the relationship there wasn't good before the Laois job ever came along. I don't know any of these details but I'm quite sure he's able to weigh his options up fairly sensibly.
He may well see his future outside of politics and the SDLP; that much is possible. Combining the two seems unrealistic though. The margin for error will be very small, and whatever about Laois, his political opponents won't spare the rod if he's found wanting
Any word on players committing for 2024
O'Byrne Cup Senior Football 2024
Wednesday, 3rd January 2024 – Round 1 Venue
Wexford v Wicklow Chadwicks Wexford Park
Carlow v Kildare Netwatch Cullen Park
Laois v Offaly Laois Hire O'Moore Park
Saturday, 6th January 2024 – Q-Finals Venue
Winners Wexford/Wicklow v Winners Carlow/Kildare Chadwicks Wexford Park/Echelon Park, Aughrim
Winners Laois/Offaly v Dublin Laois Hire O'Moore Park/Glenisk O'Connor Park
Meath v Louth Pairc Tailteann
Longford v Westmeath Glennon Bros Pearse Park, Longford
Has McNulty finalised his backroom team?
Any trials held yet? He's got a tough job with the Port lads unavailable, interested to hear of lads called in did everyone take up the option.
Does anyone know the provisional 2024 NFL division 4 fixtures for Laois?
Provisional fixtures for all counties were released back in October. Some counties fixtures can be found through Google but granted those teams are operating in the top 2 divisions.
Cheers
Quote from: County Man on November 21, 2023, 01:24:37 PMDoes anyone know the provisional 2024 NFL division 4 fixtures for Laois?
Provisional fixtures for all counties were released back in October. Some counties fixtures can be found through Google but granted those teams are operating in the top 2 divisions.
Cheers
Nothing official announced yet . Typically last week of November or first week of December before any Official announcement .
No such thing as provisional fixtures for divisions 3/4 ☺️
Any idea of who's in training with the seniors?
Quote from: Butch Cassidy on November 21, 2023, 08:29:04 PMAny idea of who's in training with the seniors?
Michael Dempsey and Rioghan Murphy were two new names I heard.
Former Limerick footballer Diarmuid Carroll and former Carlow player James Clarke have been added to the senior football management backroom team in coaching roles. Ross Munnelly also a selector .
Laois back in training next week .
Mark Timmons back for his 19th season with Laois . Some man !
Division 4 fixtures:
27 Jan (home) v Longford
3 Feb (away) v Wexford
17 Feb (home) v Carlow
25 Feb (away) v Tipperary
2 Mar (home) v London
16 Mar (home) v Leitrim
24 Mar (away) v Waterford
Excited for the new season under Justin McNulty. Division 4 promises to be competitive with teams likely to take points off each other. I feel that 10 points would see us promoted. Good to have both Longford and Leitrim at home.
The highlight of the Leinster championship for us will be the local derby with Offaly. Could very well be a double header with the hurlers due to face Offaly on the same weekend.
The Tailteann cup will give us a good few games in the months of May/June and hopefully we can get a good run in it.
I expect us to be defence minded in the coming season which should make us a tough nut to crack.
How'd the games go v IT Carlow and Limerick this week? What kind of starting 15 did we have out?
Quote from: GAAFan2003 on December 14, 2023, 09:28:31 AMHow'd the games go v IT Carlow and Limerick this week? What kind of starting 15 did we have out?
Didn't hear hwo the games went but that the team v Carlow IT was more experimental while the team v Limerick was more stacked. Didn't hear the actual line outs.
There can no excuses this year about players not been the opportunity to play for the County . A vast of amount of players with no inter County experience been given the chance at that moment .