FAI...June 2024 Friendlies v Hungary and Portugal

[Captain Scarlet]

So the Obafemi move looks like it's on. You kinda forget he is only 22 and he if he brings them up and keeps the head down he will be a Premier League striker next year.

[shark]

So the Obafemi move looks like it's on. You kinda forget he is only 22 and he if he brings them up and keeps the head down he will be a Premier League striker next year.

Pretty sure they are as good as up already.

[Captain Scarlet]

True. So he will be going into a winning unit playing a decent style. It'd be great to see him banging in a few before Ireland play.

[seafoid]

The last year for which non-Covid accounts for the FAI were available was 2019.
Turnover was €42m

Page 19
https://www.fai.ie/sites/default/files/atoms/files/2019%20Financial%20Accounts.pdf

GAA turnover was €73.9 m
https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0211/1114542-gaa-announce-record-revenue-of-73-9-million-for-2019/

IRFU turnover was €85m
https://www.irishrugby.ie/2020/10/23/irfu-annual-report-for-2019-20-season/

The main difference is infrastructure. The GAA has modernised most of its portfolio.   So has the IRFU.
It's like Monopoly. If you invest in the grounds you can increase the rent and even put a hotel on them. This process can be continued indefinitely. But you need capital to start the process.

Both the IRFU and the GAA have a certain amount of financial momentum because they own property of a higher standard.
The FAI is more like a spailpin.  I don't think this is sustainable but I don't think the FAI is capable of changing things on its own either. This is also a class issue.

https://www.rte.ie/video/id/4305/

The main difference is difference. The GAA run all  it's competitions in owned stadiums. The IRFU run 4 professional teams. The FAI don't

Also the GAA and IRFU have more regular moneyspinning games. The FAI doesn't get juicy home games every year.

[Itchy]

Obafemi got his move to Burnley, he'd want to start producing now.

[seafoid]

Matt Doherty is off to Atletico Madrid. He doesn't fit into Conte's system.

[imtommygunn]

Obafemi got his move to Burnley, he'd want to start producing now.

https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/11095/12476234/transfer-centre-live-all-the-latest-deals-moves-and-rumours-from-the-january-transfer-window?postid=5336464#liveblog-body

[laoislad]

Anthony Stokes in bother again today.

[seafoid]

https://twitter.com/atletienglish/status/1620708537008635907

[Baile Brigín 2]

Liam Brady documentary tonight. That story already being replayed on socials.

[seafoid]

https://www.rte.ie/culture/2023/0209/1355743-how-liam-brady-became-an-international-soccer-legend/

[From the Bunker]

You have to love our Chippy.

[Baile Brigín 2]

Fantastic show but the ending was odd.

[seafoid]

This is a really interesting discussion especially from 15 minutes on

Vinny Perth on the League of Ireland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWtx38n46HM

[Baile Brigín 2]

This is a really interesting discussion especially from 15 minutes on

Vinny Perth on the League of Ireland

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWtx38n46HM

Rovers are cat B and have all the things he listed, chefs, full time coaches and whatnot, so he isn't correct that nobody does it. But has he says himself, comparison with England is facile. I understand the Brits are looking at Irish grass roots.they are notoriously poor on coaching education and badges outside the pro game.

When all is said and done, the LoI produced Keane, McGrath, Moran, Whelan, Coleman, Bazunu, McClean', Beglin, Hoolihan, Doyle, Long, Zefi and so on. So I think he is being a bit contrary.

Meanwhile the Indo reports the LoI is due to have over a million paying punters this season. Something intersting is happening crowdwise