Messages

1

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 09, 2022, 08:46:45 AM »

Welcome back, EG.

How does this Commonwealth Games thing operate, then? My understanding is that most sports are governed on an all-Ireland basis.  Do the Irish federations for the likes of Cricket, Hockey, and Track-and-Field set up a special division for the CG so they can field an NI team?

Not sure about the exact process, but all-Ireland sports can choose to permit/accommodate an NI team for the CG if they choose. It's kinda easier for individual sports than team sports, since you dont want to discriminate or deny chances to the former (individuals), while the latter (teams) are maybe more sensitive because of the "representative" side of things.

Probably the most prominent sports for NI are Boxing and Bowls. For Boxing, the Ulster (9 county) Branch of the IABA is delegated the task of preparing and managing the team and tbf, they seem to embrace it completely. Dunno much about Bowls, mind, but I have a feeling it's more popular in NI than ROI? Either way, I suspect there's NI Sports Council funding in play, which may influence the governing bodies? While for the competitors themselves, it's an opportunity to compete at a decent level for those who may not be good enough to make the Olympics. Also a couple of weeks in the sun! (Last time was in Oz, next time Canada and even Brum enjoyed good weather this time).

However some other sports are much more tricky. There is no good reason imo why Rugby couldn't enter a 7's team made up of NI players, but I suspect the IRFU would explode before they allowed that.

Similarly with Hockey, NI provides more than its share of players for Ireland - and occasionally a few Olympians for the GB team - so there's no (imo good) reason why you couldn't have an NI team, but I guess it's sensitive? Ditto Cricket.

Meanwhile Netball is not administered on an all-Ireland basis, so Team NI gets an entry there.

As for Track and Field, essentially they're individuals, a mix of f-t pro, semi-pro and amateur (near enough) and organised by NI Athletics, so although there's no prize money involved, athletes really should be allowed to compete if they choose*.

On which last point I doubt any have ever declined to take part, for even if it's not near the standard of the Olympics or Worlds, it's a reasonable level and a good opportunity for them to enjoy a multi-sports Games, with all that brings for training, competition and exposure etc.

That's if you don't mind attracting a "skelp" from Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on this forum if you're from a Nationalist vackground... 



* - Unless they're allowing their flat to be used for dealing in drugs, that is! 

Who was dealing drugs? Was that an athlete?

A runner Leon Reid.

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/other-sport/athletics/northern-ireland-sprinter-banned-commonwealth-24472108

There must be a rule forbidding anyone who's serving a sentence, suspended or otherwise from competing.

Rightly so. Mind that story now

2

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 09, 2022, 08:20:48 AM »

Meanwhile, if your argument is that no self-respecting Nationalist should be seen anywhere near an event featuring the NI flag, does that mean that you're not bothered about Unionists declining to participate in GAA events because of the presence of Tricolours and the Soldiers Song there?

Not bothered at all. I'm all for a new neutral flag.

And anthem?

You know, something like (ahem) Danny Boy? 

I'm talking about in a united Ireland

So to be clear, what are your preferences for flag and anthem (a ) under the present dispensation, and (b ) in a united Ireland?

I've not really thought it through in detail . But all the current flags cause issues . Anthems as well. I have big issues with Ní flag and I'm sure Unionists have similar issue with tricolour

3

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 09, 2022, 08:18:27 AM »

Welcome back, EG.

How does this Commonwealth Games thing operate, then? My understanding is that most sports are governed on an all-Ireland basis.  Do the Irish federations for the likes of Cricket, Hockey, and Track-and-Field set up a special division for the CG so they can field an NI team?

Not sure about the exact process, but all-Ireland sports can choose to permit/accommodate an NI team for the CG if they choose. It's kinda easier for individual sports than team sports, since you dont want to discriminate or deny chances to the former (individuals), while the latter (teams) are maybe more sensitive because of the "representative" side of things.

Probably the most prominent sports for NI are Boxing and Bowls. For Boxing, the Ulster (9 county) Branch of the IABA is delegated the task of preparing and managing the team and tbf, they seem to embrace it completely. Dunno much about Bowls, mind, but I have a feeling it's more popular in NI than ROI? Either way, I suspect there's NI Sports Council funding in play, which may influence the governing bodies? While for the competitors themselves, it's an opportunity to compete at a decent level for those who may not be good enough to make the Olympics. Also a couple of weeks in the sun! (Last time was in Oz, next time Canada and even Brum enjoyed good weather this time).

However some other sports are much more tricky. There is no good reason imo why Rugby couldn't enter a 7's team made up of NI players, but I suspect the IRFU would explode before they allowed that.

Similarly with Hockey, NI provides more than its share of players for Ireland - and occasionally a few Olympians for the GB team - so there's no (imo good) reason why you couldn't have an NI team, but I guess it's sensitive? Ditto Cricket.

Meanwhile Netball is not administered on an all-Ireland basis, so Team NI gets an entry there.

As for Track and Field, essentially they're individuals, a mix of f-t pro, semi-pro and amateur (near enough) and organised by NI Athletics, so although there's no prize money involved, athletes really should be allowed to compete if they choose*.

On which last point I doubt any have ever declined to take part, for even if it's not near the standard of the Olympics or Worlds, it's a reasonable level and a good opportunity for them to enjoy a multi-sports Games, with all that brings for training, competition and exposure etc.

That's if you don't mind attracting a "skelp" from Fear Bun Na Sceilpe on this forum if you're from a Nationalist vackground... 



* - Unless they're allowing their flat to be used for dealing in drugs, that is! 

Who was dealing drugs? Was that an athlete?

4

GAA Discussion / Re: East Belfast GAA

« on: August 08, 2022, 05:16:58 PM »

The GAA should give this club millions, purchase them a ground and let them grow

Why??
Surely their neighbours Bredagh would be equally as deserving of financial backing to secure their own club grounds. East Belfast are no more inclusive than any other gaa club.

For the same reason they backwd the likes of Cuala. Big untapped catchment area and important symbolism

Naw can't agree. We have the biggest untapped area for hurling in Ireland and they won't give us a penny. They should not be getting any preferential treatment over lads who have ploughed lonely furrows for 30-40 years.

Is that not an advantage in a way?

A big city with only one hurling club.

Should be flying it.

Only an advantage of you can get a full-time coach into schools. That was our proposal. Tumble weed from Ulster Council

What's Hinphey doing?

He's out in county, good lad though

As in rural county Derry?

No one with a remit in the city GDO wise or whatever they call themselves?

Yeah outside city. Nobody employed to look at city. Massive potential

5

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 04:17:04 PM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

As I said before you'll never understand the effort that these athletes go to, and for you to be all political about it is a bit childish

Again you seem hung up on flegs and politics and bringing sport into it to suit your argument or position.

Sport is sport, this championship is a big deal in the sporting calendar ... You said there are loads of competitions? Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth... There are various competitions but they don't have the collective atmosphere of a 'Games' 

There is no championships that are held really on a personal level, its about representation, the same competitors in gymnastics will be representing Ireland in November at the World championships

You will be up at Windsor park next

And most welcome Milltown would be.

Meanwhile, if your argument is that no self-respecting Nationalist should be seen anywhere near an event featuring the NI flag, does that mean that you're not bothered about Unionists declining to participate in GAA events because of the presence of Tricolours and the Soldiers Song there?

Not bothered at all. I'm all for a new neutral flag.

And anthem?

You know, something like (ahem) Danny Boy? 

I'm talking about in a united Ireland

6

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 04:02:59 PM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

As I said before you'll never understand the effort that these athletes go to, and for you to be all political about it is a bit childish

Again you seem hung up on flegs and politics and bringing sport into it to suit your argument or position.

Sport is sport, this championship is a big deal in the sporting calendar ... You said there are loads of competitions? Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth... There are various competitions but they don't have the collective atmosphere of a 'Games' 

There is no championships that are held really on a personal level, its about representation, the same competitors in gymnastics will be representing Ireland in November at the World championships

You will be up at Windsor park next

the castle catholics in the north have been bought and sold many times

this is no different 

Yep , embarrassing

7

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 04:01:00 PM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

As I said before you'll never understand the effort that these athletes go to, and for you to be all political about it is a bit childish

Again you seem hung up on flegs and politics and bringing sport into it to suit your argument or position.

Sport is sport, this championship is a big deal in the sporting calendar ... You said there are loads of competitions? Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth... There are various competitions but they don't have the collective atmosphere of a 'Games' 

There is no championships that are held really on a personal level, its about representation, the same competitors in gymnastics will be representing Ireland in November at the World championships

You will be up at Windsor park next

And most welcome Milltown would be.

Meanwhile, if your argument is that no self-respecting Nationalist should be seen anywhere near an event featuring the NI flag, does that mean that you're not bothered about Unionists declining to participate in GAA events because of the presence of Tricolours and the Soldiers Song there?

Not bothered at all. I'm all for a new neutral flag.

8

GAA Discussion / Re: East Belfast GAA

« on: August 08, 2022, 03:00:05 PM »

The GAA should give this club millions, purchase them a ground and let them grow

Why??
Surely their neighbours Bredagh would be equally as deserving of financial backing to secure their own club grounds. East Belfast are no more inclusive than any other gaa club.

For the same reason they backwd the likes of Cuala. Big untapped catchment area and important symbolism

Naw can't agree. We have the biggest untapped area for hurling in Ireland and they won't give us a penny. They should not be getting any preferential treatment over lads who have ploughed lonely furrows for 30-40 years.

Is that not an advantage in a way?

A big city with only one hurling club.

Should be flying it.

Only an advantage of you can get a full-time coach into schools. That was our proposal. Tumble weed from Ulster Council

What's Hinphey doing?

He's out in county, good lad though

9

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 01:40:08 PM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

As I said before you'll never understand the effort that these athletes go to, and for you to be all political about it is a bit childish

Again you seem hung up on flegs and politics and bringing sport into it to suit your argument or position.

Sport is sport, this championship is a big deal in the sporting calendar ... You said there are loads of competitions? Olympic, World, European and Commonwealth... There are various competitions but they don't have the collective atmosphere of a 'Games' 

There is no championships that are held really on a personal level, its about representation, the same competitors in gymnastics will be representing Ireland in November at the World championships

You will be up at Windsor park next

10

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 01:39:15 PM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

Are the Aussies, Canadians, Kenyans, Sri Lankas, etc etc also celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown, or is it just the Irish?

Yes.

11

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 09:59:19 AM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

Please just admit that's why you have this post?  You get annoyed because people give off about SDLP taking seats in London? They aint the same and not even close...

Deal with each issues for what it is, there is no crossover.. Sports people don't give a flying f**k, they are only there for the sport, that may be difficult for you to understand but it is...

Photo's of flegs must really get on peoples tits

It's absolutely 2 cheeks of the same arse, it's the most un Irish thing you can do, head off to a games celebrating servitude and slavery under the banner of the crown . There are loads of other competitions, this one is poor standard anyhow . As you said maybe a chance for people that aren't up to world standard to wrap a flag around them

12

General discussion / Re: Commonwealth Games

« on: August 08, 2022, 08:22:08 AM »

Honestly I'm astounded at the croppies on here, and a lot of lads who spend their time slagging off SDLP. Gobsmacked

13

GAA Discussion / Re: East Belfast GAA

« on: August 06, 2022, 09:01:58 PM »

The GAA should give this club millions, purchase them a ground and let them grow

Why??
Surely their neighbours Bredagh would be equally as deserving of financial backing to secure their own club grounds. East Belfast are no more inclusive than any other gaa club.

For the same reason they backwd the likes of Cuala. Big untapped catchment area and important symbolism

Naw can't agree. We have the biggest untapped area for hurling in Ireland and they won't give us a penny. They should not be getting any preferential treatment over lads who have ploughed lonely furrows for 30-40 years.

Is that not an advantage in a way?

A big city with only one hurling club.

Should be flying it.

Only an advantage of you can get a full-time coach into schools. That was our proposal. Tumble weed from Ulster Council

How do rural clubs run a gaa club?

Community.maxed out usually

14

GAA Discussion / Re: East Belfast GAA

« on: August 06, 2022, 07:07:40 PM »

The GAA should give this club millions, purchase them a ground and let them grow

Why??
Surely their neighbours Bredagh would be equally as deserving of financial backing to secure their own club grounds. East Belfast are no more inclusive than any other gaa club.

For the same reason they backwd the likes of Cuala. Big untapped catchment area and important symbolism

Naw can't agree. We have the biggest untapped area for hurling in Ireland and they won't give us a penny. They should not be getting any preferential treatment over lads who have ploughed lonely furrows for 30-40 years.

Is that not an advantage in a way?

A big city with only one hurling club.

Should be flying it.

Only an advantage of you can get a full-time coach into schools. That was our proposal. Tumble weed from Ulster Council

15

GAA Discussion / Re: East Belfast GAA

« on: August 06, 2022, 12:08:10 PM »

I'd love to see every club get finance or grant aid for their own facilities. But I don't see why East Belfast should be prioritised over the likes of Bredagh.

Like I said it’s more of a start grant rather than a constant flow of cash.. establishing a club requires money, to get that you need members, sponsorship, a pitch (be it own or council) the means to have kits and football hurls and the rest.

Couldn’t imagine it’s an easy undertaking.

Of course Bredagh aren’t on their own in East Belfast area, St Pauls Holywood but again they are more established.

Why anyone would be against Croke spending on new clubs is beyond me

I'm not but we have given them 3 strategic plans and zero back. Naw id resent it and others won't say it but it's not fair