Topics

Meath fuming over Carr remarks
13 October 2009


The Meath county board is to send a letter of complaint to RTE regarding a remark made by former Down footballer and manager Ross Carr about Martin O'Connell on the Sunday Game's All-Ireland final show.

As part of the GAA's 125 celebrations, the studio audience on the night of the All-Ireland football final was made up of prominent managers, administrators, players and ex-players who reminisced about their personal experiences and involvement in the GAA.

Carr and O'Connell, who marked each other in the 1991 All-Ireland final which Down won by two points, were both members of the audience. Carr joked that: "Martin is a butcher by trade and he was good at it at half back too", and while the comment drew a smile from the Team of the Millennium member, Meath delegates didn't see the funny side of it at their recent county board meeting in Trim.

"It bothered me what was said about Martin O'Connell who is a role model for every footballer in Meath, Leinster and Ireland," said an outraged Dunderry delegate Tommy Nally.

Meath chairman Barney Allen said: "I was also taken aback at what was said."

Dunsany's Richard Harrihill proposed that the county board write to the Head of Sport in RTE to make their feelings known.

"Hopefully, in time, they will then address it," he added.

Prodigy play in Donard Park Newcastle tonight - 15,000 expected, is anyone going to this, personally think it is a timebomb for the town as pubs wont be able to cater for people after the event finishes at 11pm and this could result in alot of people drinking on the streets.

What is next?
Is the Utility Regulator on a brown envelope?

['what did tony win today']

Maybe a 'what did tony win today' thread should be started to honour this man.
Driving to work this morning when tuned to Downtown Radio and low and behold Tony Fearon is on air to claim two tickets to Neil Young.
He even had time to tell everyone that Tottenham had a very poor end of season (we are well used to hearing that Tony) but couldnt resist the dig at them beating Arsenal B team in the Carling Cup - fair play to you Tony!!
This guy must enter every competition going.

[Why touch something that is working imoIs Catronia Ruane to be taken seriously - all she can say is "I am the education minister and I will change the future" - reminds me of Stan Staunton...]

 
Ruane will outline schools plan 

The issue of the 11-Plus has proved controversial
Northern Ireland's education minister is due to speak to the assembly's education committee about her plans for primary school transfer.

It follows a contentious meeting of the executive during which three separate proposals for progress were rejected.

First Minister Ian Paisley said Caitríona Ruane's plans to reform academic selection could not go ahead without DUP and executive support.

Thursday's executive meeting ended without a full discussion of the plans.

Ms Ruane told the executive there were parties "who were anti-change in relation to education".

"It is disappointing that colleagues who claimed that they wanted a discussion on the proposals didn't even engage.

"What happened today was an attempt to frustrate change. I will not be frustrated and I am not demoralised."


Caitríona Ruane is to speak to the NI Assembly

However, the first minister said her education proposals were not the basis for a way forward.

Mr Paisley said: "The education minister can make any suggestion she wants to. However, it will not come into force until she has the support of the DUP and the endorsement of the executive.

"This is now a matter for the executive to deliberate and to decide upon. "

The minister's proposals have been criticised by grammar schools who said their acceptance of them would be "like turkeys voting for Christmas". But Frank Bunting of teachers' union, INTO, said the plan was a sensible and pragmatic roadmap out of the impasse.

Last December, Ms Ruane announced the transfer test, commonly known as the 11-plus, would come to an end in 2008.

Ms Ruane is to propose a form of testing to continue for three years, but there will be a limit on the number of pupils grammar schools can take on that basis.

A proposal to extend testing at age 11 would need legislation passed and the minister has warned of an "unregulated future", where schools run their own entrance tests.

It is believed the minister could commission new tests which encompass broader educational areas than the current transfer test.

These tests would be developed and marked by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment, continuing for about three more years.

Why touch something that is working imo
Is Catronia Ruane to be taken seriously - all she can say is "I am the education minister and I will change the future"  - reminds me of Stan Staunton...

A very good letter by Tony Fearon in todays Irish News - this should be sent to all involved in this stadia business - I for one wouldnt want to attend a GAA match in East Belfast.
Perhaps if someone could post this letter or Tony could paste it everyone will see his point....

I was in the Victoria Square Shopping Centre today and think it will really improve the city in all aspects - any thoughts?

Anyone know the Ryanair Password to get a free flight when booking one online? - ie buy one get one free

Any one see the show last night on BBC1 about Stevie Morrow and his role in managing FC Dallas - he came across very well and seems to be making a good job of it in MLS.
Really refreshing to see a manager willing to go off and learn his trade compared to the line of inexperienced and over-rated managers we see every year in England, no doubt a future job looms for Stevie in the English Premiership.
He also spoke of making visits to Arsene Wenger and Pat Rice annually to learn new ideas - so he definately  is on to a good thing!

Who would you prefer in your team?

And about time too!!
This shows the Gaa to still be a amatuer outfit regarding there own members.
He wont be on the Bryansford Panel on Saturday though.

Call this justice?
Fury as man tarred and feathered
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

By Noel McAdam

The UDA was today blamed for the savage tarring and feathering of a Belfast man in an attack reminiscent of the darkest days of the Troubles.


Nationalists and unionists said the grim incident at Taughmonagh in Belfast was provocative given Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie's threat to withdraw funding from UDA-linked projects.

As this dramatic picture shows, the victim, in his mid-30s was tied to a lamppost before tar and then feathers were poured over his head. The public humiliation happened on Sunday night at Finwood Park.

The Ulster Political Research Group (UPRG) denied it was a UDA punishment attack however SDLP MLA Alban Maginness said: "It is quite clear that it was an element of the UDA which was responsible for this. These things are not done spontaneously by the community. It would seem to be a very provocative act."



DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson appealed to the UDA to "desist from this kind of activity" and cooperate with legitimate law enforcement agencies. The Lagan Valley MP said he did not believe the incident should lead to Ms Ritchie changing the terms which had been laid down to the UDA.

"We do want to see serious progress being made by that organisation. It is totally unacceptable that people should take the law into their own hands. "

Alliance leader David Ford said: "Whatever denials are issued, I think most people will find it hard to believe that the UDA was not involved in this horrific crime. The Minister will obviously have to take into serious account incidents such as this in addressing funding to UDA-linked projects."

Colin Halliday, of the UPRG, which provides political analysis to the UDA, said: "It was not a UDA punishment attack. The community demanded something be done."

A DSD spokesman said the Minister had made clear she would be monitoring the level of UDA activity with the police and the Independent Monitoring Commission. A police spokesman said when they arrived on Sunday night there was no-one there - and no-one has come forward since.

Usual sub standard show as in previous years!
Mark Sidebottom must be the worst commentator ever - I thought Joe Cole played for Chelsea, but after Martin Cole replaced John Clarke on his first touch he duly informed us that Joe Cole was on  the ball!!!
McHugh must think he still has cavan blood in him.

Any comments?

Yes folks, its true he is in the Hatfield with his old minder Terry Clinton..