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GAA Discussion => Local GAA Discussion => Laois => Topic started by: The Monument Road on December 02, 2016, 01:18:10 PM

Title: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on December 02, 2016, 01:18:10 PM
Lots of club general meetings over the coming weeks. Was wondering is their any news/rumours regarding Gaels amalgamations for the coming year(football). I hear Kileen aproached Timahoe to join with them. Joe's /Barrowhouse is back on the agenda again.Cretty/Spink/Ballinakill is also being talked about. On the management front i hear P Clancy is with Graigue and Higgins is with Ballyroan although Kileshin are also interested in him. I also hear that Martin Murphy is gone from Stradbally(silly season talk IMO).
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 02, 2016, 03:44:57 PM
Joes/Barrowhouse should happen. The contribution from Barrowhouse would probably be small enough, so I'm sure Josephs are wondering if it would be worthwhile when you factor in a name change too. In many ways it wouldn't, but it does at least have method in its thinking because they play underage together.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on December 02, 2016, 04:20:21 PM
Fergal Byron not with Courtwood next year I hear. Eddie Kinsella's name mentioned to take over
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 06, 2016, 10:13:11 PM
Heard alot of these in the last few days, in football joesphs/barrowhouse together with the kingstons going back to barrowhouse, killen/timahoe going together, mountmellick/emo, cretty and spink back in with each other, in the hurling slieve bloom would prefer to go with castletown than ballinakill, ballyfin and mountmellick back together, colt and trumera going with each other, ballypickas and timahoe joining together and going to play with shanahoe as a gales team, im aware that many of these are probably nonsense just wondering if anyone else had heard of more
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 06, 2016, 11:27:40 PM
Barrowhouse & Josephs I have heard.  Timahoe Heath thats all so far I have heard and I think Timahoe and Heath are looking seriously at it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 10:53:07 AM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 06, 2016, 10:13:11 PM
Heard alot of these in the last few days, in football joesphs/barrowhouse together with the kingstons going back to barrowhouse, killen/timahoe going together, mountmellick/emo, cretty and spink back in with each other, in the hurling slieve bloom would prefer to go with castletown than ballinakill, ballyfin and mountmellick back together, colt and trumera going with each other, ballypickas and timahoe joining together and going to play with shanahoe as a gales team, im aware that many of these are probably nonsense just wondering if anyone else had heard of more

Sat here in work with a timahoe lad, its talk and difficult as the hurling/football divide is coming to a head, and heard that colt are reluctant to join with trumera as everyone else who joined with them ran a mile, apparently they wouldn't train in Kyle and play guys that don't train although that was only talk from a castletown man, could be fairytales
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 11:28:32 AM
Sat here in work with a timahoe lad, its talk and difficult as the hurling/football divide is coming to a head, and heard that colt are reluctant to join with trumera as everyone else who joined with them ran a mile, apparently they wouldn't train in Kyle and play guys that don't train although that was only talk from a castletown man, could be fairytales
[/quote]

I was told by one of the colt selectors from last year that it was happening, i suppose the differences between trumera/kyle and the colt/trumera partnership are that colt is the senior partner and trumera wont be able to dictate terms like they did with kyle, essentially the shoe is on the other foot, also the fact they are neighbouring clubs and play together at underage should work favourbly for them, dont suppose the castlefown man mentioned a gales team with slieve bloom.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 12:02:18 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 11:28:32 AM
Sat here in work with a timahoe lad, its talk and difficult as the hurling/football divide is coming to a head, and heard that colt are reluctant to join with trumera as everyone else who joined with them ran a mile, apparently they wouldn't train in Kyle and play guys that don't train although that was only talk from a castletown man, could be fairytales

I was told by one of the colt selectors from last year that it was happening, i suppose the differences between trumera/kyle and the colt/trumera partnership are that colt is the senior partner and trumera wont be able to dictate terms like they did with kyle, essentially the shoe is on the other foot, also the fact they are neighbouring clubs and play together at underage should work favourbly for them, dont suppose the castlefown man mentioned a gales team with slieve bloom.

That sounds more like it anyway, geographically it makes sense, and yeah he said ballinakill even offered to put slieve bloom crest on jerseys, but the players aka ben Conroy would rather hurl with castletown ad he hurled all the way up along with the same lads his age, either way he wants senior club hurling
[/quote]
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on December 07, 2016, 12:42:48 PM
I would think the chances of colt-trumera or castletown-slieve bloom linking up are the same as portlaoise-clonad linking up, slim or nil... too much bad blood between the clubs or individuals within the clubs.

the only real hurling case to resolved will be what if anything happens with timahoe hurlers.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 07, 2016, 12:54:44 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on December 07, 2016, 12:42:48 PM
I would think the chances of colt-trumera or castletown-slieve bloom linking up are the same as portlaoise-clonad linking up, slim or nil... too much bad blood between the clubs or individuals within the clubs.

the only real hurling case to resolved will be what if anything happens with timahoe hurlers.
+1. There hasn't been a word of truth spoken on this entire subject. Laughable stuff being posted.

Have Timahoe held an AGM yet?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 01:12:43 PM
In fairness i think its far more likely for a colt/trumera and castletown/slieve bloom gales than portlaoise/clonad. From what i was told there are around 7 lads in timahoe who want to hurl with ballypickas (believe alot of the players are quite friendly with each other) and that ballypickas are quite receptive to this happening so it is basically coming down to the timahoe committee, don like i said in the first post alot of this could be bullshit, im just relaying what ive heard
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 01:19:00 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 07, 2016, 12:54:44 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on December 07, 2016, 12:42:48 PM
I would think the chances of colt-trumera or castletown-slieve bloom linking up are the same as portlaoise-clonad linking up, slim or nil... too much bad blood between the clubs or individuals within the clubs.

the only real hurling case to resolved will be what if anything happens with timahoe hurlers.
+1. There hasn't been a word of truth spoken on this entire subject. Laughable stuff being posted.

Have Timahoe held an AGM yet?
I'm not claiming its fact, as I stated it was just what I heard
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 07, 2016, 05:34:31 PM
Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on December 07, 2016, 12:42:48 PM
I would think the chances of colt-trumera or castletown-slieve bloom linking up are the same as portlaoise-clonad linking up, slim or nil... too much bad blood between the clubs or individuals within the clubs.

the only real hurling case to resolved will be what if anything happens with timahoe hurlers.

Come out from under that rock will you.
I assume you are not privy to the inner workings of Colt, Trumera, Castletown, Slieve Bloom and all other hurling clubs in Laois.

Also, I don't see Timahoe hurlers as more "in-demand" than those from any of the clubs above.
IMO- the splitting of a club into hurling and football factions is a dangerous road to be going down!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 07, 2016, 05:50:05 PM
This is a thread that keeps on giving....

Lads with axes to grind and agendas to push posing baseless rumours as fact or "hearsay".

I know of one timahoe hurler who on reading this said he didnt realise they were in such demand.

let the bidding commence........



Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 07:25:34 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 07, 2016, 05:50:05 PM
This is a thread that keeps on giving....

Lads with axes to grind and agendas to push posing baseless rumours as fact or "hearsay".

I know of one timahoe hurler who on reading this said he didnt realise they were in such demand.

let the bidding commence........

Pub talk lol if a club has the numbers they shouldn't be let join by the county board in my opinion and transfers are given out too easily, trumera,Kyle,slieve bloom,colt can only stay going so long on the hurling front, I haven't a clue about football clubs and couldn't name the Laois starting 15 without Google
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 09:17:11 PM
Colt and slieve bloom have numbers and a juvenile system so cant see how they can be compared with kyle and trumera which in fairness are tiny areas, especially trumera
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on December 07, 2016, 09:35:31 PM
Colt, Shanahoe, Clonad and part of Trumera are all in the same Parish. why they dont all join together is beyond me. Probably too much bad blood between them all. But they are struggling for numbers on their own, they should look into a amalgamation. it worked for Rathdowney Erill, Borriss Kilcotten, Clough Ballacolla and the Harps (Culahill and Durrow) who were a competitive senior team for years.

Ballypicass and Ballinakill you'd think could join too as some of them would play together for spink football plus geographically there are side by side, let timahooe come in with them too.

i would be in favour for gaels and or amalgamations as there is too many small clubs in laois where the population isnt high, it would have to make for a stronger standard.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: Ballygowen on December 07, 2016, 09:35:31 PM
Colt, Shanahoe, Clonad and part of Trumera are all in the same Parish. why they dont all join together is beyond me. Probably too much bad blood between them all. But they are struggling for numbers on their own, they should look into a amalgamation. it worked for Rathdowney Erill, Borriss Kilcotten, Clough Ballacolla and the Harps (Culahill and Durrow) who were a competitive senior team for years.

Ballypicass and Ballinakill you'd think could join too as some of them would play together for spink football plus geographically there are side by side, let timahooe come in with them too.

i would be in favour for gaels and or amalgamations as there is too many small clubs in laois where the population isnt high, it would have to make for a stronger standard.

All very good points, and you are right in hindsight regarding Kyle and trumera with no underage, Kyle young lads can play with camross,roscrea or b/k and in a couple of cases the players have choose to stay with those clubs altogether,e.g arien Delaney,Darren Gilmartin, Conor Quinlan is going this year and trumera have had a phenomenal run in the last 10-12 years with players representing county and winning their respective championships when stuck for numbers, clonad,trumera,colt would be good for all clubs involved but one would argue the"giving away identity" argument, does Chris Murray still hurl?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 10:16:42 PM
Quote from: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: Ballygowen on December 07, 2016, 09:35:31 PM
Colt, Shanahoe, Clonad and part of Trumera are all in the same Parish. why they dont all join together is beyond me. Probably too much bad blood between them all. But they are struggling for numbers on their own, they should look into a amalgamation. it worked for Rathdowney Erill, Borriss Kilcotten, Clough Ballacolla and the Harps (Culahill and Durrow) who were a competitive senior team for years.

Ballypicass and Ballinakill you'd think could join too as some of them would play together for spink football plus geographically there are side by side, let timahooe come in with them too.

i would be in favour for gaels and or amalgamations as there is too many small clubs in laois where the population isnt high, it would have to make for a stronger standard.

All very good points, and you are right in hindsight regarding Kyle and trumera with no underage, Kyle young lads can play with camross,roscrea or b/k and in a couple of cases the players have choose to stay with those clubs altogether,e.g arien Delaney,Darren Gilmartin, Conor Quinlan is going this year and trumera have had a phenomenal run in the last 10-12 years with players representing county and winning their respective championships when stuck for numbers, clonad,trumera,colt would be good for all clubs involved but one would argue the"giving away identity" argument, does Chris Murray still hurl?

I dont actually see having small clubs as a problem as long as they have an outlet available to them to play at a higher level, quinlan and gilmartin are proof that there is talent at smaller clubs, unfortunately bar you play for a senior club these players are flat out ignored, would ben conroy have played for laois if he hadnt played senior? Highly unlikely. Even this year we saw how the gales link up between ballyfin and mountmellick showed how good donnacha harnett is and there  are more like him, MJ Lalor and Robbie Foyle spring to mind. Unfortunately any promising young hurler feels necessary to go play for a senior club to be recognised at county level, as for your question about chris murray yes he still plays
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 08, 2016, 08:24:51 AM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 07, 2016, 10:16:42 PM
Quote from: tcrilly on December 07, 2016, 09:43:00 PM
Quote from: Ballygowen on December 07, 2016, 09:35:31 PM
Colt, Shanahoe, Clonad and part of Trumera are all in the same Parish. why they dont all join together is beyond me. Probably too much bad blood between them all. But they are struggling for numbers on their own, they should look into a amalgamation. it worked for Rathdowney Erill, Borriss Kilcotten, Clough Ballacolla and the Harps (Culahill and Durrow) who were a competitive senior team for years.

Ballypicass and Ballinakill you'd think could join too as some of them would play together for spink football plus geographically there are side by side, let timahooe come in with them too.

i would be in favour for gaels and or amalgamations as there is too many small clubs in laois where the population isnt high, it would have to make for a stronger standard.

All very good points, and you are right in hindsight regarding Kyle and trumera with no underage, Kyle young lads can play with camross,roscrea or b/k and in a couple of cases the players have choose to stay with those clubs altogether,e.g arien Delaney,Darren Gilmartin, Conor Quinlan is going this year and trumera have had a phenomenal run in the last 10-12 years with players representing county and winning their respective championships when stuck for numbers, clonad,trumera,colt would be good for all clubs involved but one would argue the"giving away identity" argument, does Chris Murray still hurl?

I dont actually see having small clubs as a problem as long as they have an outlet available to them to play at a higher level, quinlan and gilmartin are proof that there is talent at smaller clubs, unfortunately bar you play for a senior club these players are flat out ignored, would ben conroy have played for laois if he hadnt played senior? Highly unlikely. Even this year we saw how the gales link up between ballyfin and mountmellick showed how good donnacha harnett is and there  are more like him, MJ Lalor and Robbie Foyle spring to mind. Unfortunately any promising young hurler feels necessary to go play for a senior club to be recognised at county level, as for your question about chris murray yes he still plays

Yeah the foyles are good hurlers in timahoe and Dylan lawlor of trumeta is one to watch
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on December 08, 2016, 09:03:24 AM
Yeah they are good hurlers in the grade they are playing, but in order for them to excel it's important for the like of those hurlers to be hurling at a higher standard. But in some cases they won't get the chance as their club isn't good enough to play at higher standards, hence why I would be in favour of Gaels or amalgamation teams. Gives them young lads a better chance.

Tcrilly you're right in that some clubs won't want to lose the identity of their club which stops them from joining with others.

With the club amalgamations mentioned do any of you think they could play in the senior championship straight away and be competitive? Personally I don't think so, they would have to play in senior B championship first. I wouldn't think in their first year they would be good enough for senior champs.!!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 08, 2016, 10:07:33 AM
Quote from: Ballygowen on December 08, 2016, 09:03:24 AM
Yeah they are good hurlers in the grade they are playing, but in order for them to excel it's important for the like of those hurlers to be hurling at a higher standard. But in some cases they won't get the chance as their club isn't good enough to play at higher standards, hence why I would be in favour of Gaels or amalgamation teams. Gives them young lads a better chance.

Tcrilly you're right in that some clubs won't want to lose the identity of their club which stops them from joining with others.

With the club amalgamations mentioned do any of you think they could play in the senior championship straight away and be competitive? Personally I don't think so, they would have to play in senior B championship first. I wouldn't think in their first year they would be good enough for senior champs.!!
Yeah I agree, I play for roscrea but live in Laois, we wouldn't win the Laois championship or come close, I agree with amalgamations and gaels for smaller clubs with poor numbers but not for clubs with 2 teams That have the numbers
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 08, 2016, 11:17:09 AM
The parish rule should apply to these amalgamations. Nothing outside, because in truth it's just messy. We should be looking to put something long term in place, not just prostituting players and clubs to the highest bidder. If you play for a Junior or Intermediate club, and there's a Senior club in your Parish, you should have access to that level. If there is no Senior Club in the Parish, then the remaining clubs should be allowed to enter a Gaels team at Senior level. Clubs joining together from across the Parish divide is a short term and glory hunting solution that does nothing for the future, because there probably won't be a future. The Laois County Board need to step up here. I am sick reading about these potential short term marriages of convenience. Keep it simple and pass a very simple rule that ensures every lad has access to Senior grade.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 08, 2016, 11:32:41 AM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 08, 2016, 11:17:09 AM
The parish rule should apply to these amalgamations. Nothing outside, because in truth it's just messy. We should be looking to put something long term in place, not just prostituting players and clubs to the highest bidder. If you play for a Junior or Intermediate club, and there's a Senior club in your Parish, you should have access to that level. If there is no Senior Club in the Parish, then the remaining clubs should be allowed to enter a Gaels team at Senior level. Clubs joining together from across the Parish divide is a short term and glory hunting solution that does nothing for the future, because there probably won't be a future. The Laois County Board need to step up here. I am sick reading about these potential short term marriages of convenience. Keep it simple and pass a very simple rule that ensures every lad has access to Senior grade.

First pint is on me, couldn't disagree with one word
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 08, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
Playing god here lads and i fully expect to be torn apart and told why this couldnt work,but my overiding aim is to expose as many lads as possible that want to play hurling at the highest level in the county while also broadening the hurling base available to the Inter County set up.

14 Teams

Roinn 1

Borris Kilcotton Kyle
Camross
Rathdowney Erril
Abbeyleix
Clough Ballacolla
Portlaoise
The Harps

Roinn 2
Shanahoe/Colt/Clonad/Trumera (Raheen Parish Gaels)
Castletown/Slieve Bloom
Ballyfin
Clonaslee
Mountrath
Rosenallis
Ballinakill/Ballypickas/Park/Timahoe

All non fully amalgamated outfits would have the option of fielding their own club teams in the intermediate.



Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: HURLING1 on December 08, 2016, 06:00:57 PM
If Laois  are serious about improving the county team every  young player needs access to Senior Hurling.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 08, 2016, 07:53:55 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 08, 2016, 11:17:09 AM
The parish rule should apply to these amalgamations. Nothing outside, because in truth it's just messy. We should be looking to put something long term in place, not just prostituting players and clubs to the highest bidder. If you play for a Junior or Intermediate club, and there's a Senior club in your Parish, you should have access to that level. If there is no Senior Club in the Parish, then the remaining clubs should be allowed to enter a Gaels team at Senior level. Clubs joining together from across the Parish divide is a short term and glory hunting solution that does nothing for the future, because there probably won't be a future. The Laois County Board need to step up here. I am sick reading about these potential short term marriages of convenience. Keep it simple and pass a very simple rule that ensures every lad has access to Senior grade.

100%. In Hurling there is no future for Ballyfin Gaels etc. Like there was no future for Tinnahinch.

Borris Kilcotton, Rathdowney Errill have worked. As would St Fintan's Raheen and Castletown Slieve Bloom, Mountrath Trumera etc. They are logical and workable arrangements that make sense.
County Board have their hands tied to some degree by the Official Guide. But I think they could be alot more proactive and edge clubs towards the Parish Club scenario.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 08, 2016, 07:55:44 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 08, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
Playing god here lads and i fully expect to be torn apart and told why this couldnt work,but my overiding aim is to expose as many lads as possible that want to play hurling at the highest level in the county while also broadening the hurling base available to the Inter County set up.

14 Teams

Roinn 1

Borris Kilcotton Kyle
Camross
Rathdowney Erril
Abbeyleix
Clough Ballacolla
Portlaoise
The Harps

Roinn 2
Shanahoe/Colt/Clonad/Trumera (Raheen Parish Gaels)
Castletown/Slieve Bloom
Ballyfin
Clonaslee
Mountrath
Rosenallis
Ballinakill/Ballypickas/Park/Timahoe

All non fully amalgamated outfits would have the option of fielding their own club teams in the intermediate.

Interesting. Just wondering how Portlaoise and The Harps (relegated this year) get into Roinn 1 ahead of Ballinakill (semi this year) and Castletown SB (promoted this year)?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on December 08, 2016, 07:59:12 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 08, 2016, 04:55:49 PM
Playing god here lads and i fully expect to be torn apart and told why this couldnt work,but my overiding aim is to expose as many lads as possible that want to play hurling at the highest level in the county while also broadening the hurling base available to the Inter County set up.

14 Teams

Roinn 1

Borris Kilcotton Kyle
Camross
Rathdowney Erril
Abbeyleix
Clough Ballacolla
Portlaoise
The Harps

Roinn 2
Shanahoe/Colt/Clonad/Trumera (Raheen Parish Gaels)
Castletown/Slieve Bloom
Ballyfin
Clonaslee
Mountrath
Rosenallis
Ballinakill/Ballypickas/Park/Timahoe

All non fully amalgamated outfits would have the option of fielding their own club teams in the intermediate.

I've seen worse ideas. That's not a bad template at all. I presume Ballyfin would have Mountmellick on board?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on December 08, 2016, 08:59:08 PM
I too have seen worse ideas, i get what you're saying  Keyser Söze in regards to Balinakill. with all the amalgamations listed below they may have big areas but the population in them areas would be very low. theres probably more people in on of the housing estates in Abbeyliex than there would be in all of Trumera!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 08, 2016, 09:24:31 PM
Just a stab at it lads,done on the back of an envelope

Apologies to Mountrath for omitting them ,Ballyfin would  be an option for them

As regards the make up of the 2 Roinns,I've no doubt cases could be made for a few teams to be moved up or down.

My aim wasn't to disrespect or insult anyone,just a bit of daydreaming on my part.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 13, 2016, 10:00:21 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 08, 2016, 09:24:31 PM
Just a stab at it lads,done on the back of an envelope

Apologies to Mountrath for omitting them ,Ballyfin would  be an option for them

As regards the make up of the 2 Roinns,I've no doubt cases could be made for a few teams to be moved up or down.

My aim wasn't to disrespect or insult anyone,just a bit of daydreaming on my part.

Same as myself, hurling mad we are for a small hurling county :)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Uisce on December 14, 2016, 10:46:24 AM
The Heath and Timahoe amalgamation seems to be almost done. That will be a very strong senior team if they can work together. Heard a another Gaels is almost done too, ( a strange combination in terms of geography!! ) Most lads who want senior football will get exposure now anyway.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 11:11:33 AM
Quote from: Uisce on December 14, 2016, 10:46:24 AM
The Heath and Timahoe amalgamation seems to be almost done. That will be a very strong senior team if they can work together. Heard a another Gaels is almost done too, ( a strange combination in terms of geography!! ) Most lads who want senior football will get exposure now anyway.
How does something like this actually work can someone explain? I mean with regards to where they train and play, who manages, what happens the extra players that wouldn't make the new panel etc
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 14, 2016, 11:26:48 AM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 11:11:33 AM
Quote from: Uisce on December 14, 2016, 10:46:24 AM
The Heath and Timahoe amalgamation seems to be almost done. That will be a very strong senior team if they can work together. Heard a another Gaels is almost done too, ( a strange combination in terms of geography!! ) Most lads who want senior football will get exposure now anyway.
How does something like this actually work can someone explain? I mean with regards to where they train and play, who manages, what happens the extra players that wouldn't make the new panel etc
Picture it as an entirely new club, that only the elite players will have access to. I don't mean that in a snobby way, but its best that everyone view it thusly and that way both clubs can continue to perform and slipstream with the new entity. Neither club should expect immediate success, but inevitably they will and generally thats why these fall flat on their arses.

I still don't see this making it by one of the clubs EGM's.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 14, 2016, 11:46:49 AM
Whats wrong with Timahoe & the Heath joining up,  I would prefer clubs geographically better located but this makes our club championship harder and everyone up's their game accordingly.  Player get the opportunity to play at the highest level while maintaining links to their old club this is good for everyone.  How good would Josephs be if they join Barrowhouse.  It is all dependent on your aspirations as a club,  both clubs into the future will struggle for numbers why not join together form a stronger unit and see where that takes you.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on December 14, 2016, 11:48:47 AM
Mountmellick and Emo ? Mountmellick have put up a big news announcement coming soon on their Facebook/Twitter page
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 14, 2016, 12:00:51 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on December 14, 2016, 11:46:49 AM
Whats wrong with Timahoe & the Heath joining up,  I would prefer clubs geographically better located but this makes our club championship harder and everyone up's their game accordingly.  Player get the opportunity to play at the highest level while maintaining links to their old club this is good for everyone.  How good would Josephs be if they join Barrowhouse.  It is all dependent on your aspirations as a club,  both clubs into the future will struggle for numbers why not join together form a stronger unit and see where that takes you.
Timahoe were a senior outfit only a year or two ago. Its not like Donal Miller in Annanough where he was blackguarded by the system. I doubt we're exposing a huge amount of players in Timahoe to Senior ball that haven't already had it, or wouldn't have it again if they got their shit together.

Barrowhouse is a different situation and better befits the benefits of a Junior club forming a gaels with a Senior one. Albeit its a big step for Barrowhouse because they could easily be swallowed whole by Josephs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 14, 2016, 12:03:28 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 14, 2016, 11:48:47 AM
Mountmellick and Emo ? Mountmellick have put up a big news announcement coming soon on their Facebook/Twitter page
With a Today FM logo?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Uisce on December 14, 2016, 12:13:51 PM
I would imagine that the Timahoe lads main focus will still be on getting promotion from intermediate, which will probably be the biggest issue in this amalgamation. Intermediate and Senior championship is usually on the same weekend, will the CB be sympathetic on this front and change fixtures based on this?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 14, 2016, 12:32:08 PM
No go for Josephs Barrowhouse. Josephs voted it down again. It appears to be an aggressive environment out there at the moment and standing still could probably mean being left behind.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
So say Timahoe and The Heath do join, they'll play as a Gaels team in the Senior Championship. Timahoe will still have their team in the Intermediate and The Heaths non-selected players will have to make do with playing in the Junior. Then next year if Timahoe happened to win the Intermediate the amalgamation would break up and The Heath would have to go calling on the lads that they didn't want to come back and play Senior again - is this right?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 14, 2016, 12:59:50 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
So say Timahoe and The Heath do join, they'll play as a Gaels team in the Senior Championship. Timahoe will still have their team in the Intermediate and The Heaths non-selected players will have to make do with playing in the Junior. Then next year if Timahoe happened to win the Intermediate the amalgamation would break up and The Heath would have to go calling on the lads that they didn't want to come back and play Senior again - is this right?
As every captain says, the subs are as important as the players. So they are.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on December 14, 2016, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 14, 2016, 12:32:08 PM
No go for Josephs Barrowhouse. Josephs voted it down again. It appears to be an aggressive environment out there at the moment and standing still could probably mean being left behind.
Opens the door for Kileen/Barrowhouse Gaels. Mind you quite a few in Barrowhouse would prefer tha as some of them are very much against the Josephs Gaels. I can also understand Josephs view point as they are doing massive work with their juveiles and in reality the Gaels proposal was to accomodate one player......it seems some Barrowhouse players would rather the Kileen option
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 14, 2016, 02:10:44 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
So say Timahoe and The Heath do join, they'll play as a Gaels team in the Senior Championship. Timahoe will still have their team in the Intermediate and The Heaths non-selected players will have to make do with playing in the Junior. Then next year if Timahoe happened to win the Intermediate the amalgamation would break up and The Heath would have to go calling on the lads that they didn't want to come back and play Senior again - is this right?

The Agreement will be only a year in duration?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 02:19:54 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 14, 2016, 02:10:44 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
So say Timahoe and The Heath do join, they'll play as a Gaels team in the Senior Championship. Timahoe will still have their team in the Intermediate and The Heaths non-selected players will have to make do with playing in the Junior. Then next year if Timahoe happened to win the Intermediate the amalgamation would break up and The Heath would have to go calling on the lads that they didn't want to come back and play Senior again - is this right?

The Agreement will be only a year in duration?
No I mean if Timahoe win Intermediate and go back Senior does it end then or what happens?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 14, 2016, 02:28:26 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 02:19:54 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 14, 2016, 02:10:44 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 14, 2016, 12:47:46 PM
So say Timahoe and The Heath do join, they'll play as a Gaels team in the Senior Championship. Timahoe will still have their team in the Intermediate and The Heaths non-selected players will have to make do with playing in the Junior. Then next year if Timahoe happened to win the Intermediate the amalgamation would break up and The Heath would have to go calling on the lads that they didn't want to come back and play Senior again - is this right?

The Agreement will be only a year in duration?
No I mean if Timahoe win Intermediate and go back Senior does it end then or what happens?

im sure that contingency would be addressed in their agreement.

also does it have to be passed by a 2/3 majority at each clubs EGM?.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 14, 2016, 03:08:02 PM
If you want a serious Laois Senior Championship then let's see how this goes.  If it does not work I am sure we can revert back to type.  I think it's going to be brilliant no standing still for anyone, we will all have to up our game and to be honest we have but I think we are going have to find another gear.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on December 14, 2016, 03:51:14 PM
Timahoe and the Heath together doesn't make any sort of Sense to me......
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on December 14, 2016, 04:17:21 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on December 14, 2016, 01:36:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 14, 2016, 12:32:08 PM
No go for Josephs Barrowhouse. Josephs voted it down again. It appears to be an aggressive environment out there at the moment and standing still could probably mean being left behind.
Opens the door for Kileen/Barrowhouse Gaels. Mind you quite a few in Barrowhouse would prefer tha as some of them are very much against the Josephs Gaels. I can also understand Josephs view point as they are doing massive work with their juveiles and in reality the Gaels proposal was to accomodate one player......it seems some Barrowhouse players would rather the Kileen option

Have they short memories in Barrowhouse?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on December 14, 2016, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 14, 2016, 11:48:47 AM
Mountmellick and Emo ? Mountmellick have put up a big news announcement coming soon on their Facebook/Twitter page

Hardly John O Loughlin coming back to Mountmellick? If it is it's a serious boost for them.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 14, 2016, 05:45:36 PM
Quote from: Helix on December 14, 2016, 05:33:10 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 14, 2016, 11:48:47 AM
Mountmellick and Emo ? Mountmellick have put up a big news announcement coming soon on their Facebook/Twitter page

Hardly John O Loughlin coming back to Mountmellick? If it is it's a serious boost for them.
A recent post on Instagram would suggest so
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois fan on December 15, 2016, 03:46:32 PM
Timahoe and the Heath seems strange to me,the Heath won the league this year and because of a near relegation experience they now decide they need to join.While joes voted down joining up with barrow house it looks like they are going to poach their best player which will surely destroy this small club.To me all these amalgamations are a quick fix with no long term benefit ,maybe clubs should follow the stradbally mould and just put in a big effort next year
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on December 15, 2016, 04:18:27 PM
The Heath are losing a serious amount of players that are heading abroad apparently
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on December 15, 2016, 04:29:06 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on December 15, 2016, 04:18:27 PM
The Heath are losing a serious amount of players that are heading abroad apparently

Knee jerk reaction to lads going abroad. At least 4 gone off it so I believe. Can't see timahoe thing happening. Emo would be a better option of a gaels route if ever a gaels were to happen.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 15, 2016, 05:00:25 PM
Quote from: Laois fan on December 15, 2016, 03:46:32 PM
Timahoe and the Heath seems strange to me,the Heath won the league this year and because of a near relegation experience they now decide they need to join.While joes voted down joining up with barrow house it looks like they are going to poach their best player which will surely destroy this small club.To me all these amalgamations are a quick fix with no long term benefit ,maybe clubs should follow the stradbally mould and just put in a big effort next year

it's a crazy system which tells a lad at 21 that he must walk away from the set up he grew up playing in and go back to his Junior/Intermediate club. There may not be anywhere near the level of training that he knew at underage and so he loses out. Maybe the answer to all this is a draft system for players outside of Senior grade. It would probably work easier than amalgamating clubs for short periods of time
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on December 15, 2016, 06:21:51 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 15, 2016, 05:00:25 PM
Quote from: Laois fan on December 15, 2016, 03:46:32 PM
Timahoe and the Heath seems strange to me,the Heath won the league this year and because of a near relegation experience they now decide they need to join.While joes voted down joining up with barrow house it looks like they are going to poach their best player which will surely destroy this small club.To me all these amalgamations are a quick fix with no long term benefit ,maybe clubs should follow the stradbally mould and just put in a big effort next year

it's a crazy system which tells a lad at 21 that he must walk away from the set up he grew up playing in and go back to his Junior/Intermediate club. There may not be anywhere near the level of training that he knew at underage and so he loses out. Maybe the answer to all this is a draft system for players outside of Senior grade. It would probably work easier than amalgamating clubs for short periods of time

So if you're a Senior club there should be draft system of best non senior players ?
This is a ridiculous idea. Clubs aren't clubs anymore if this is the case. I've said it many times but senior clubs should not be allowed form a gaels team. However if a group of intermediate/Junior clubs got together preferably in the same region. Examples in other counties would be South Kerry, West Kerry , Kenmare district etc. Clubs who are Senior on merit shouldn't need "gaels" players.  It is a farce in my opinion. However if the county board was truly bothered by  the plight of the "intermediate/junior" footballer then they would be setting up regional teams . I'd suggest two (seeing as we are a small county). Set up district boards to run these teams , possibly run district competitions as well. Sadly I know the county board will not do this but one can dream. The benefits I believe will vastly outweigh the initial struggle to get it off the ground.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 15, 2016, 07:17:00 PM
A draft based on an existing relationship. Parish or underage amalgamation being two examples. Not just a draft to the highest bidder. As mentioned above, it appears as if Barrowhouse are about to lose their biggest asset - again. We have to find ways of keeping lads in their home club, but at the same time giving them access to Senior football/hurling. If the draft is underpinned by an existing relationship, then we can avoid unnecessary and damaging transfers.

I think we need to look beyond amalgamations that won't last pissing time. They assume, wrongly in my opinion, that all players in both clubs will be in favour of joining up. This should be about an individual's decision to play or not play Senior, and where he wants to, we need to facilitate that as best we can
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on December 15, 2016, 09:51:42 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 15, 2016, 07:17:00 PM
A draft based on an existing relationship. Parish or underage amalgamation being two examples. Not just a draft to the highest bidder. As mentioned above, it appears as if Barrowhouse are about to lose their biggest asset - again. We have to find ways of keeping lads in their home club, but at the same time giving them access to Senior football/hurling. If the draft is underpinned by an existing relationship, then we can avoid unnecessary and damaging transfers.

I think we need to look beyond amalgamations that won't last pissing time. They assume, wrongly in my opinion, that all players in both clubs will be in favour of joining up. This should be about an individual's decision to play or not play Senior, and where he wants to, we need to facilitate that as best we can

If this transfer does go through the Josephs / Barrowhouse underage  partnership could be resigned to to the history books. I think the stumbling block for the gaels/draft situation is the barring from Leinster championship if a team can win a championship. Josephs would believe (rightly or wrongly) that they would be at least on a par with stradbally and could therefore win a championship and do well in Leinster.  By taking on one possibly more from Barrowhouse they jeopardise this.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 16, 2016, 01:47:38 AM
Surely the county board shouldnt allow a transfer of a barrowhouse player to josephs to happen, they literely just turned down the oppurtunity to have the player play for them
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: From the Terrace on December 16, 2016, 09:43:49 AM
agree this transfer is a disgrace & should be turned down, presume this is daly. Josephs are pulling a dirty one there.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 16, 2016, 10:08:32 AM
Dirty probably isn't the right word. Cute may be a better description.  It's not necessary in any case. He has played there all his young life and he should be allowed to play on, and still represent Barrowhouse. It has happened before, looks like happening again and will become more of an issue in the future.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 16, 2016, 10:21:34 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on December 15, 2016, 09:51:42 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 15, 2016, 07:17:00 PM
A draft based on an existing relationship. Parish or underage amalgamation being two examples. Not just a draft to the highest bidder. As mentioned above, it appears as if Barrowhouse are about to lose their biggest asset - again. We have to find ways of keeping lads in their home club, but at the same time giving them access to Senior football/hurling. If the draft is underpinned by an existing relationship, then we can avoid unnecessary and damaging transfers.

I think we need to look beyond amalgamations that won't last pissing time. They assume, wrongly in my opinion, that all players in both clubs will be in favour of joining up. This should be about an individual's decision to play or not play Senior, and where he wants to, we need to facilitate that as best we can

If this transfer does go through the Josephs / Barrowhouse underage  partnership could be resigned to to the history books. I think the stumbling block for the gaels/draft situation is the barring from Leinster championship if a team can win a championship. Josephs would believe (rightly or wrongly) that they would be at least on a par with stradbally and could therefore win a championship and do well in Leinster.  By taking on one possibly more from Barrowhouse they jeopardise this.

A simple bye law would change all that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on December 16, 2016, 03:23:02 PM
Quote from: From the Terrace on December 16, 2016, 09:43:49 AM
agree this transfer is a disgrace & should be turned down, presume this is daly. Josephs are pulling a dirty one there.

This stinks..... >:(
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: From the Terrace on December 16, 2016, 04:07:17 PM
an opinion everyone is entitled to one.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 16, 2016, 09:59:04 PM
Timahoe Egm called for next Monday night
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 16, 2016, 10:36:20 PM
Timahoe having to stomach the prospect of tossing both their football and hurling teams in the space of a month. Strange times.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: town1980 on December 17, 2016, 09:52:05 AM
A farce really joining teams that aren't parish related Timahoe should take a look at themselves ,, they have always produced great footballers but looks like the club is in a right mess,,there players officials and all associated with the club should take a hard look at themselves,,, if u join you join with your Parish if not leave it be
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 17, 2016, 10:32:52 AM
Timahoe asked a few clubs would they be interested they said no the Heath said maybe, nothing disgraceful in that.   Timahoe not giving up their Football & Junior C Hurling is hardly the end of the world.  We are having to give up Junior C Football as lads are not interested in traipsing all over Laois on a Wednesday night.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 17, 2016, 10:42:19 AM
Quote from: Unlaoised on December 16, 2016, 03:23:02 PM
Quote from: From the Terrace on December 16, 2016, 09:43:49 AM
agree this transfer is a disgrace & should be turned down, presume this is daly. Josephs are pulling a dirty one there.

This stinks..... >:(

It's not pretty, that's for sure. Josephs rejected the amalgamation at their AGM, but Barrowhouse approved it. Now if Barrowhouse are happy to let him play, and come back to them to play Intermediate, you can only assume that Josephs don't fancy changing their name, which is odd because they have won so much at underage with the Josephs/Barrowhouse banner. So it appears as if Josephs are sitting back and forcing the lad's hand, which doesn't seem fair on the lad himself. Talk about not competing in Leinster is pie in the sky in my opinion.

My argument is that where there is an existing relationship (parish or underage amalgamation), the rite of passage should be automatic for Junior and Intermediate players. There is too much upheaval patching together teams from across the divide when it could be as simple as Brendan Quigley walking down the road to play with Stradbally or Timahoe joining with Annanough. Above all, the CB need to protect the individual that actually wants to better himself, rather than singling him out and/or subjecting him to potential abuse
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 17, 2016, 05:19:48 PM
We are having to give up Junior C Football as lads are not interested in traipsing all over Laois on a Wednesday night.
[/quote

I know that thiz doesnt have much to do with gales teams but i feel that the way the county board restructured the leagues have been an absolute disaster really, and is damaging alot of club due to so many matches been forfeited,especially when you get past 1a and 1b. Why they couldnt just follow the hurling structure ill never know, there was 58 teams in the leagues last year, have 6 divisions of 8 teams with the 7th (junior c) division been split into two groups of 5 based on geography because as abu said lads playing junior c dont want be travelling to the far side of the county to play junior c, and have every team play each other once in proper competitive games (maybe allow division 1 teams keep home and away if they wish) because asking 2nd and 3rd teams to play 10/12 games is unrealistic. Its proven to be fairly succesful in yhe hurling so i think it could be in the football too
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 17, 2016, 06:01:00 PM
I don't know what you mean by successful: Division 5A in the hurling last year, there were more walk-overs than matches played. A farce, if you ask me.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 17, 2016, 10:47:03 PM
Well if you look  at Division 3a in football stradbally and portlaoise pulled out before it began, spink only played when the ballinakill lads wanted a break from the hurling and even then they only had a scrap team, port not much better, leaving barrowhouse and kilcavan (2 intermediate teams) with only proper matches against each other. And if you look at 5a in the hurling majority of walkovers were by teams who pulled out from the start. In general throughout all leagues there was less walkovers and more competitive matches in the hurling than the football
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 18, 2016, 08:36:03 AM
Following a meeting in coppers last night The Heath have pulled out of the deal. Something about a vodka and Coke not being paid for.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 09:27:15 AM
This transfer of a player from B/House to St Josephs will not happen or may not even reach the request stage. For a start the player does not live in the St Josephs catchment area (Ballyadams Parish). I believe he actually lives in the catchment area of Kileen,Ballylinan or Arles and plays with B House because of long held family connections.I also believe the transfer is being persued by the player himself and not by the St Josephs club.
The only way i could see it happening is because of previous precedent(s). i.e the Kingstons transfers to Kileen and other transfers from Park/Rath to stradbally. I do know that the transfers of the Kingstons was objected to and placed on the record (reasons for the transfers being allowed set a precedent).The main reason for those transfers going through was proof of place of resident. Interesting times ahead fro the CCC
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 18, 2016, 09:52:30 AM
A false address is all that's needed Monument. The Kingstons still live in Barrowhouse. Everyone knows that. Their papers over in the County Board might say otherwise, but they live in Barrowhouse. Up to what point do you fight a transfer when a lad has his head elsewhere?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on December 18, 2016, 11:18:01 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 09:27:15 AM
This transfer of a player from B/House to St Josephs will not happen or may not even reach the request stage. For a start the player does not live in the St Josephs catchment area (Ballyadams Parish). I believe he actually lives in the catchment area of Kileen,Ballylinan or Arles and plays with B House because of long held family connections.I also believe the transfer is being persued by the player himself and not by the St Josephs club.
The only way i could see it happening is because of previous precedent(s). i.e the Kingstons transfers to Kileen and other transfers from Park/Rath to stradbally. I do know that the transfers of the Kingstons was objected to and placed on the record (reasons for the transfers being allowed set a precedent).The main reason for those transfers going through was proof of place of resident. Interesting times ahead fro the CCC

Factually incorrect. The player lives in the Athy parish and therefore in the Barrowhouse catchment area.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 05:33:04 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on December 18, 2016, 11:18:01 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 09:27:15 AM
This transfer of a player from B/House to St Josephs will not happen or may not even reach the request stage. For a start the player does not live in the St Josephs catchment area (Ballyadams Parish). I believe he actually lives in the catchment area of Kileen,Ballylinan or Arles and plays with B House because of long held family connections.I also believe the transfer is being persued by the player himself and not by the St Josephs club.
The only way i could see it happening is because of previous precedent(s). i.e the Kingstons transfers to Kileen and other transfers from Park/Rath to stradbally. I do know that the transfers of the Kingstons was objected to and placed on the record (reasons for the transfers being allowed set a precedent).The main reason for those transfers going through was proof of place of resident. Interesting times ahead fro the CCC

Factually incorrect. The player lives in the Athy parish and therefore in the Barrowhouse catchment area.
Forgive me on that one so but i thought i knew the geography of the  area and i thought the residence was in the Arles parish. Here is a good one though, at least 4 or 5 present Barrowhouse players actually live the the parish of Ballyadams but for historical reasons St Josephs never claim them....
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on December 18, 2016, 08:11:52 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 18, 2016, 09:52:30 AM
A false address is all that's needed Monument. The Kingstons still live in Barrowhouse. Everyone knows that. Their papers over in the County Board might say otherwise, but they live in Barrowhouse. Up to what point do you fight a transfer when a lad has his head elsewhere?
Unfortunately you are correct on that one. All County Board want is a fig leaf to allow a transfer. The Kingston transfers were plain wrong and in many ways have undermined the credibility of the whole system.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on December 18, 2016, 09:33:40 PM
I wonder if the fact that a prominant official from Killeen is no longer there that transfers similar to the Kingstons will not get the same support in the future. He was very prominant in Laois GAA.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 10:04:45 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on December 18, 2016, 08:11:52 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 18, 2016, 09:52:30 AM
A false address is all that's needed Monument. The Kingstons still live in Barrowhouse. Everyone knows that. Their papers over in the County Board might say otherwise, but they live in Barrowhouse. Up to what point do you fight a transfer when a lad has his head elsewhere?
Unfortunately you are correct on that one. All County Board want is a fig leaf to allow a transfer. The Kingston transfers were plain wrong and in many ways have undermined the credibility of the whole system.
Those transfers were very wrong but a precedent has been set. Could this new transfer be allowed because of that precedent i dont know but it creates a very big problem for the CCC. If it is refused it may go to a higher forum such as the DRA and they have a legal imput. Legal science sometimes uses precedents. Its B/House who are the biggest losers as St josephs will still be intact one way or the other.The player looking for the transfer is in no mans land now. If he gets it fine but if not it will be very awkward on him to continue to play for B/House.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 18, 2016, 11:06:18 PM
Just wondering what lads think the CB should be doing?
If I apply for a transfer to Abbeyleix and I go to the transfer meeting armed with a phone bill and a bank statement with an address in Abbeyleix, what steps do ye think the CB should take from there?
Are we talking private detectives?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 18, 2016, 11:58:16 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 18, 2016, 11:06:18 PM
Just wondering what lads think the CB should be doing?
If I apply for a transfer to Abbeyleix and I go to the transfer meeting armed with a phone bill and a bank statement with an address in Abbeyleix, what steps do ye think the CB should take from there?
Are we talking private detectives?

Like what camross did for darren gilmartin lol
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on December 19, 2016, 01:17:11 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 05:33:04 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on December 18, 2016, 11:18:01 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on December 18, 2016, 09:27:15 AM
This transfer of a player from B/House to St Josephs will not happen or may not even reach the request stage. For a start the player does not live in the St Josephs catchment area (Ballyadams Parish). I believe he actually lives in the catchment area of Kileen,Ballylinan or Arles and plays with B House because of long held family connections.I also believe the transfer is being persued by the player himself and not by the St Josephs club.
The only way i could see it happening is because of previous precedent(s). i.e the Kingstons transfers to Kileen and other transfers from Park/Rath to stradbally. I do know that the transfers of the Kingstons was objected to and placed on the record (reasons for the transfers being allowed set a precedent).The main reason for those transfers going through was proof of place of resident. Interesting times ahead fro the CCC

Factually incorrect. The player lives in the Athy parish and therefore in the Barrowhouse catchment area.
Forgive me on that one so but i thought i knew the geography of the  area and i thought the residence was in the Arles parish. Here is a good one though, at least 4 or 5 present Barrowhouse players actually live the the parish of Ballyadams but for historical reasons St Josephs never claim them....

Definitely not in the Arles Parish. Close but not in it. I believe Barrowhouse had to draw up their catchment area many years ago  due to them being mostly a corner of the parish of Athy with a small portion being in the Ballyadams parish. As a result this portion of the Ballyadams parish falls into Barrowhouse's catchment area. It's a pity that Josephs wouldn't extend the policy you have been talking about and for historical reasons not entertain the transfer.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 19, 2016, 07:02:52 AM
Catchment area cant cover 2 parishes if there's one thing that the ranting of tom cahill established down through the years it was that
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois fan on December 19, 2016, 09:33:37 AM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 17, 2016, 10:47:03 PM
Well if you look  at Division 3a in football stradbally and portlaoise pulled out before it began, spink only played when the ballinakill lads wanted a break from the hurling and even then they only had a scrap team, port not much better, leaving barrowhouse and kilcavan (2 intermediate teams) with only proper matches against each other. And if you look at 5a in the hurling majority of walkovers were by teams who pulled out from the start. In general throughout all leagues there was less walkovers and more competitive matches in the hurling than the football
. In fairness port only conceded one game ,beat barrow house at home and just lost out on promotion
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 19, 2016, 11:44:48 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 18, 2016, 11:06:18 PM
Just wondering what lads think the CB should be doing?
If I apply for a transfer to Abbeyleix and I go to the transfer meeting armed with a phone bill and a bank statement with an address in Abbeyleix, what steps do ye think the CB should take from there?
Are we talking private detectives?

They could and should introduce a bye law that gives lads in this situation au automatic right to play senior football. Not just with anyone; only with their Senior partner at juvenile level, or, with the Parish Senior club. Think of the doors that would open up. For instance, I think it's inevitable that one of the Arles sides will be relegated in the next few years, but with such a rule, their players could play with Ballylinan. Lads in Timahoe or Annanough could play for Stradbally and so on. They would be doing no more than what they already do at underage; a natural and logical progression
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 19, 2016, 04:43:40 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 19, 2016, 11:44:48 AM

They could and should introduce a bye law that gives lads in this situation au automatic right to play senior football. Not just with anyone; only with their Senior partner at juvenile level, or, with the Parish Senior club. Think of the doors that would open up. For instance, I think it's inevitable that one of the Arles sides will be relegated in the next few years, but with such a rule, their players could play with Ballylinan. Lads in Timahoe or Annanough could play for Stradbally and so on. They would be doing no more than what they already do at underage; a natural and logical progression

Byelaws can't contravene the Official Guide. We have problems with that sort of thing in the past!

Laois cannot just decide that it is ok for a Timahoe player to line out with Stradbally at Senior and Timahoe at junior.

And that's not what I'm asking here!

Quote from: tcrilly on December 18, 2016, 11:58:16 PM
Like what camross did for darren gilmartin lol

It does look like that is what happened. But how do you stop that?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 19, 2016, 05:53:37 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 19, 2016, 04:43:40 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 19, 2016, 11:44:48 AM

They could and should introduce a bye law that gives lads in this situation au automatic right to play senior football. Not just with anyone; only with their Senior partner at juvenile level, or, with the Parish Senior club. Think of the doors that would open up. For instance, I think it's inevitable that one of the Arles sides will be relegated in the next few years, but with such a rule, their players could play with Ballylinan. Lads in Timahoe or Annanough could play for Stradbally and so on. They would be doing no more than what they already do at underage; a natural and logical progression

Byelaws can't contravene the Official Guide. We have problems with that sort of thing in the past!

Laois cannot just decide that it is ok for a Timahoe player to line out with Stradbally at Senior and Timahoe at junior.

And that's not what I'm asking here!

Quote from: tcrilly on December 18, 2016, 11:58:16 PM
Like what camross did for darren gilmartin lol

It does look like that is what happened. But how do you stop that?

I see your point and you're right. However, surely it's cleaner and more pragmatic than pie in the sky amalgamations that will have no longevity, or worse still, "illegal" transfers that cause bad blood. Maybe instead of targeting the bye law, it is the rule book itself that needs updating. I can't see any negative aspect to it
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 25, 2016, 09:10:12 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 19, 2016, 04:43:40 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 19, 2016, 11:44:48 AM

They could and should introduce a bye law that gives lads in this situation au automatic right to play senior football. Not just with anyone; only with their Senior partner at juvenile level, or, with the Parish Senior club. Think of the doors that would open up. For instance, I think it's inevitable that one of the Arles sides will be relegated in the next few years, but with such a rule, their players could play with Ballylinan. Lads in Timahoe or Annanough could play for Stradbally and so on. They would be doing no more than what they already do at underage; a natural and logical progression

Byelaws can't contravene the Official Guide. We have problems with that sort of thing in the past!

Laois cannot just decide that it is ok for a Timahoe player to line out with Stradbally at Senior and Timahoe at junior.

And that's not what I'm asking here!

Quote from: tcrilly on December 18, 2016, 11:58:16 PM
Like what camross did for darren gilmartin lol

It does look like that is what happened. But how do you stop that?

Literally not possible to stop off the top of my head as once the paperwork is gone through its old news to everyone involved, Joey Coogan had similar difficulty getting a transfer from Trumera to Mountrath years ago as too as Trumera would not sanction the transfer, but he eventually returned to Trumera, Small clubs face troubling times as can be seen with all these gaels and failed amalgamations...happy christmas by the way
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 01:47:02 PM
Heard leigh bergin was looking to go to ballacolla and kevin bergin from clonad to colt (which ironically because he lives in clonad he is in raheen parish which is colts area and not clonads), also 2 lads from colt coming to play football with us this year
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on December 27, 2016, 02:55:59 PM
Hu are the two Colt guys ? Out of curiosity
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 03:30:31 PM
Any updates on the Timahoe/Heath amalgamation?

The Timahoe EGM too place the week before Christmas,I believe a vote was deferred.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 04:03:03 PM
Right so we have had

Clonad/Colt/Shanahoe Juvenile
The Heath/Emo
The Heath/Timahoe
Timahoe/Ballypickas
Emo/Mountmellick
Slieve Bloom/Ballinakill
Slieve Bloom/Castletown

I've probably missed a few too.
Have any of these happened or look like happening?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on December 27, 2016, 04:13:54 PM
St Joseph's / barrow house               Kileen/barrow house              Courtwood/Emo.            Odempseys/ Annanough
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 04:52:34 PM
Shanahoe/ballypickas is done for gales apparently,timahoe deals in both codes shot down by committee, josephs/barrowhouse was rejected by josephs, they are the ones ive heard anyway, im assuming with the exception of ballinakill and slieve margy all other gales teams areremaining from last year
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 06:57:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 04:03:03 PM
Right so we have had

Clonad/Colt/Shanahoe Juvenile
The Heath/Emo
The Heath/Timahoe
Timahoe/Ballypickas
Emo/Mountmellick
Slieve Bloom/Ballinakill
Slieve Bloom/Castletown

I've probably missed a few too.
Have any of these happened or look like happening?

Colt/trumera was another high stool story as was kyle/knock with kyle to hurl in tipp which didnt happen but was discussed at meetigs on both sides



Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 08:00:51 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

I would say that whichever club was moving would have to disband. The other club would then have to change their name to incorporate the other club. The players would then need to get intercounty transfers from the disbanded club to the newly renamed club!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: HURLING1 on December 27, 2016, 08:02:32 PM
Kyle/Knock  actually  won a laois senior title is 1951 or 52, so were  together before.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 08:04:30 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 04:52:34 PM
Shanahoe/ballypickas is done for gales apparently

I have a problem with this. If this is true,
Ballypickas will play on their own in JHC, with Shanahoe in SHC A, with St Fintan's in U14 & U16, with Abbeyleix in Minor & U21.
This all getting too messy for my liking.

Same with mooted arrangements like Ballinakill & Slieve Bloom and Na Fianna underage which at some age extends to Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Emo, Courtwood & Clonaslee.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 08:28:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

Carrig/Riverstown
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 27, 2016, 09:04:16 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 08:28:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

Carrig/Riverstown

Moneygall? A cross border club in Tipp/Offaly.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:07:52 PM
Quote from: SCFC on December 27, 2016, 09:04:16 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 08:28:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

Carrig/Riverstown

Moneygall? A cross border club in Tipp/Offaly.

Moneygall's Grounds are in Tipperary
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:12:13 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:07:52 PM
Quote from: SCFC on December 27, 2016, 09:04:16 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 08:28:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

Carrig/Riverstown

Moneygall? A cross border club in Tipp/Offaly.

Moneygall's Grounds are in Tipperary,as is a fair amount of the parish
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.

Carrig at one time played in Tipp
Riverstown played in Offaly and then with Lorrha,before going back into Offaly and amalgamating with carrig who are situated in Tipperary

Moneygall played in Offaly then amalgamated with Toome and finally split and then went out  on their own in Tipp.

So they are valid examples
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:33:32 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.

Carrig at one time played in Tipp
Riverstown played in Offaly and then with Lorrha,before going back into Offaly and amalgamating with carrig who are situated in Tipperary

Moneygall played in Offaly then amalgamated with Toome and finally split and then went out  on their own in Tipp.

So they are valid examples

Firstly, I asked a question.

Secondly, Moneygall moving from Tipp to Offaly and back is different to Knock or Kyle moving one way or the other. There is a much bigger crossover with the two counties in Moneygall. Is the present Moneygall club a result of two clubs(one Offaly and one Tipperary) who at some stage amalgamated and decided to play in Tipperary? No, I didn't think so.

Finally, as I said, there is no way for it to happen without at least one of the clubs disbanding  ::)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 10:04:50 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 08:04:30 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 04:52:34 PM
Shanahoe/ballypickas is done for gales apparently

I have a problem with this. If this is true,
Ballypickas will play on their own in JHC, with Shanahoe in SHC A, with St Fintan's in U14 & U16, with Abbeyleix in Minor & U21.
This all getting too messy for my liking.

Think they are basically going all in with fintans and cutting ties with abbeyleix, in which case there is a link as shanahoe also play with fintans, and both are on the outskirts of abbeyleix, whereas ballinakill and slieve bloom there is no link/arguement, basically being done to benefit conroy playing senior and ballinakill needing another forward to win a championship
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 10:12:53 PM

Fair enough if they are going all in with Fintan's I suppose.
I wonder how they chose Shanahoe over Colt?!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 10:16:19 PM
Shanahoe approached them
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 10:17:14 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:33:32 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.

Carrig at one time played in Tipp
Riverstown played in Offaly and then with Lorrha,before going back into Offaly and amalgamating with carrig who are situated in Tipperary

Moneygall played in Offaly then amalgamated with Toome and finally split and then went out  on their own in Tipp.

So they are valid examples

Firstly, I asked a question.

Secondly, Moneygall moving from Tipp to Offaly and back is different to Knock or Kyle moving one way or the other. There is a much bigger crossover with the two counties in Moneygall. Is the present Moneygall club a result of two clubs(one Offaly and one Tipperary) who at some stage amalgamated and decided to play in Tipperary? No, I didn't think so.

Finally, as I said, there is no way for it to happen without at least one of the clubs disbanding  ::)

The original question to which I answered was if a cross county amalgamation had taken place.

It has and it is possible
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 10:23:01 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 08:00:51 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

I would say that whichever club was moving would have to disband. The other club would then have to change their name to incorporate the other club. The players would then need to get intercounty transfers from the disbanded club to the newly renamed club!

Apparently it came really close last year and i would of thought the same as yourself keyser but according to the knock secretary i spoke to he said it was fairly straight forward and the tipp county board said they could use kyle pitch for home games as knock didnt have their own field, when they won a senior in 52 there was a stricter parish rule at the time and the knock guys living in tipp had to play with kyle. As for moneygall as someone else mentioned i never realised that they played in offaly before but never researched their history, all i knew was moneygall has both offaly and tipp borders
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 10:31:55 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

The biggest impact they could hope for is being a good junior a team as kyle were never too bad but never had enough "good" hurlers, remember playing against them about 15 years ago and we were all thinking how gearoid walsh was wasting his talent there
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on December 27, 2016, 10:48:51 PM
Few Annanough footballers of high enough ability looking to step up senior in a gaels format for the 2017 senior championship. Reliable source
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 10:51:18 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 10:17:14 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:33:32 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.

Carrig at one time played in Tipp
Riverstown played in Offaly and then with Lorrha,before going back into Offaly and amalgamating with carrig who are situated in Tipperary

Moneygall played in Offaly then amalgamated with Toome and finally split and then went out  on their own in Tipp.

So they are valid examples

Firstly, I asked a question.

Secondly, Moneygall moving from Tipp to Offaly and back is different to Knock or Kyle moving one way or the other. There is a much bigger crossover with the two counties in Moneygall. Is the present Moneygall club a result of two clubs(one Offaly and one Tipperary) who at some stage amalgamated and decided to play in Tipperary? No, I didn't think so.

Finally, as I said, there is no way for it to happen without at least one of the clubs disbanding  ::)

The original question to which I answered was if a cross county amalgamation had taken place.

It has and it is possible

As i said (but I'll repeat for the special cases among us!), that was a question! Nobody said it was impossible to start with. What Moneygall did is not a relevant example. Entirely different thing.

How is your juvenile realignment coming on?!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 10:59:52 PM
Quote from: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 10:31:55 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

The biggest impact they could hope for is being a good junior a team as kyle were never too bad but never had enough "good" hurlers, remember playing against them about 15 years ago and we were all thinking how gearoid walsh was wasting his talent there

I wasnt thinking senior challengers, but stable inter team a ratheniska clonad type, again i know very little about knock team
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 11:09:27 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 10:59:52 PM
Quote from: tcrilly on December 27, 2016, 10:31:55 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on December 27, 2016, 07:42:49 PM
Kyle/knock was going on for a few years now, came close a few years ago apparently but they were going to hurl in laois because they reckoned they would make a bigger impact, wonder is a cross county amalgamation been done or even possible?

The biggest impact they could hope for is being a good junior a team as kyle were never too bad but never had enough "good" hurlers, remember playing against them about 15 years ago and we were all thinking how gearoid walsh was wasting his talent there

I wasnt thinking senior challengers, but stable inter team a ratheniska clonad type, again i know very little about knock team

Yeah i understand, in small rural parishs the main thing should be securing the hurling clubs at whatever level because its sure gettig harder to compete at their own respective levels, rosenallis have bounced back great and with a young team
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: HURLING1 on December 28, 2016, 06:19:21 AM
Knock always have had a good few very serious hurlers such as John Carroll and his brother's and the Flynns.  They allow them hurl senior with Roscrea without a row in the club and  most of them return to Knock  at the end of their Senior Hurling.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: tcrilly on December 28, 2016, 08:00:56 AM
Quote from: HURLING1 on December 28, 2016, 06:19:21 AM
Knock always have had a good few very serious hurlers such as John Carroll and his brother's and the Flynns.  They allow them hurl senior with Roscrea without a row in the club and  most of them return to Knock  at the end of their Senior Hurling.
Yeah they have a bloody huge catchment area and never stop anyone going to or from the club which is decent
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:30:45 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 10:51:18 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 10:17:14 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:33:32 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 27, 2016, 09:17:58 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 27, 2016, 09:10:27 PM
Did Carrig and Riverstown once play separately in two different counties?
If not, it is not the same thing. Moneygall certainly isnt.

AFAIK there is no way for Kyle and Knock to link up without at least one of the clubs being disbanded.

Carrig at one time played in Tipp
Riverstown played in Offaly and then with Lorrha,before going back into Offaly and amalgamating with carrig who are situated in Tipperary

Moneygall played in Offaly then amalgamated with Toome and finally split and then went out  on their own in Tipp.

So they are valid examples

Firstly, I asked a question.

Secondly, Moneygall moving from Tipp to Offaly and back is different to Knock or Kyle moving one way or the other. There is a much bigger crossover with the two counties in Moneygall. Is the present Moneygall club a result of two clubs(one Offaly and one Tipperary) who at some stage amalgamated and decided to play in Tipperary? No, I didn't think so.

Finally, as I said, there is no way for it to happen without at least one of the clubs disbanding  ::)

The original question to which I answered was if a cross county amalgamation had taken place.

It has and it is possible

As i said (but I'll repeat for the special cases among us!), that was a question! Nobody said it was impossible to start with. What Moneygall did is not a relevant example. Entirely different thing.

How is your juvenile realignment coming on?!

It's coming along very well  Keyser,you might lay off the insults,your not the only one around here with hurling knowledge.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 28, 2016, 11:33:32 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:30:45 AM

It's coming along very well  Keyser,you might lay off the insults,your not the only one around here with hurling knowledge.

Don't remember making that claim, but thanks for the compliment.

Good to hear, I look forward to all of those Colt, Shanahoe (and presumably Ballypickas) men going to battle in Clonad jerseys!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:50:19 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 28, 2016, 11:33:32 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:30:45 AM

It's coming along very well  Keyser,you might lay off the insults,your not the only one around here with hurling knowledge.

Don't remember making that claim, but thanks for the compliment.

Good to hear, I look forward to all of those Colt, Shanahoe (and presumably Ballypickas) men going to battle in Clonad jerseys!

Yeah that "compliment" went right over your head Keyser,special case indeed.


"presumably Ballypickas" ?

You keep presuming there,son

"men" its a juvenile amalgamation,do keep up....

looking forward to seeing all Clond/Fintans gaels juvenile hurlers on the one team in 2017.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 28, 2016, 12:04:15 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:50:19 AM

"presumably Ballypickas" ?

You keep presuming there,son

"men" its a juvenile amalgamation,do keep up....

looking forward to seeing all Clond/Fintans gaels juvenile hurlers on the one team in 2017.

You say St Fintan's Gaels- Colt and Shanahoe are just St Fintan's - so is it Trumera or Ballypickas you are also planning to get into the sash?

Quote from: clonadmad on December 28, 2016, 11:50:19 AM
looking forward to seeing all Clond/Fintans gaels juvenile hurlers on the one team in 2017.

That is some climb down  ;)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 28, 2016, 04:42:46 PM
Includes Ballypickas. There may be an isolated player or two from Trumera at some age groups, but certainly not all.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 03:42:44 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 28, 2016, 04:42:46 PM
Includes Ballypickas. There may be an isolated player or two from Trumera at some age groups, but certainly not all.

So you could have Na Fianna playing Clonad St Fintan's Gaels
Potentially Mountmellick/Ballyfin/Clonaslee/Courtwood/Emo v Colt/Shanahoe/Clonad/Trumera/Ballypickas?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 29, 2016, 04:32:53 PM
Potentially.
However, as you well know, some of the clubs you mention are not hurling clubs at all (Emo, Courtwood), and others are very small rural clubs struggling for numbers at adult level, never mind at juvenile level. It would be preferable if all these could field on their own at underage, but the reality is they can't. Not one of them. So, probably better joining up, and giving lads access to top level (Division 1) hurling, than allowing them to struggle away as smaller amalgamations in Divisions 2 or 3. Probably better, I say, as I realise some fringe players will drift away. But that'd happen anyway.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 29, 2016, 04:32:53 PM
Potentially.
However, as you well know, some of the clubs you mention are not hurling clubs at all (Emo, Courtwood), and others are very small rural clubs struggling for numbers at adult level, never mind at juvenile level. It would be preferable if all these could field on their own at underage, but the reality is they can't. Not one of them. So, probably better joining up, and giving lads access to top level (Division 1) hurling, than allowing them to struggle away as smaller amalgamations in Divisions 2 or 3. Probably better, I say, as I realise some fringe players will drift away. But that'd happen anyway.

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect. But that excuse cannot be used anymore.

A bit of effort and organisation and there is no reason that Mountmellick and Ballyfin couldn't each field a team on their own.

Primary School Enrollment numbers back this up;

Ballyfin -129 , Barnashrone- 29 (158)
Mountmellick- 272
The Rock- 107
Clonaslee- 59 Castlecuffe- 39 (98)
Emo- 128
That comes to a total of 763 boys or an average of 95 per class. Underage grades generally cater for two classes. That's about 190 kids. We get one hurling team out of that.

Compare these figures to
Camross- 69 Kilanure- 19 (88)
Borris- 58 Kiladooly- 57 (115)
Castletown- 75 Paddock- 37 Rushall- 20  (132)
Ballacolla-12 Clough- 62 (74)
Rosenallis- 46 Derrylamogue- 56 (102)
Shanahoe- 38 Raheen- 52 (90) + Trumera- 20 (110)


The above figures are boys only.
That means in Ballyfin parish for example there are about 20 boys in every year.
Thats 40 u8s, 40 u10s, 40 u12s, 40 u14s and 40 u16s.
No club achieves 100% uptake. Surely 50% is possible. Thats 20. And that is before you include "playing up" with for example u12s playing u14 also.

I am not against clubs trying to expose their players to A grade hurling. I am also not against players from football clubs being accomodated by clubs to play hurling. But there has to be some control over. We cannot afford the wastage involved in fielding some of these heavily amalgamated juvenile clubs.
But I have argued this before- Laois cannot afford for one juvenile hurling club to be catering for a primary school population of 763 boys.

You can say that there isn't a strong tradition of hurling in Mountmellick.
7 and 8 year olds don't care about tradition. They will play anything.
Mountmellick have produced some excellent underage teams in the past when they had interested and hardworking people like Gerry O Flaherty putting teams together.

Na Fianna is covering for a lazy approach to underage development.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 29, 2016, 06:30:53 PM
Yes, I accept Ballyfin and Mountmellick SHOULD be fielding on their own, and I know they have a lot of subs, so there will be lads falling away. But, as I say, this will happen anyway. In a way, though, I agree - this doesn't reflect that well on the clubs involved.
However, you can't dismiss the importance of tradition. Seven and eight year olds might play anything, but in the end it's the parents who encourage, coax, and carry them to matches. If they're wishy-washy about it, then the child will probably be, too. Also, Mountmellick is primarily football, and I presume the better lads will be filtered into playing football first. So, culture in a club, and tradition ARE important.
As for the Clonad/ St. Fintan's thing: Trumera and Ballypickas have very few players; Clonad cannot field on their own w/out Ratheniska, and St. Fintan's are struggling at the younger age groups. That's the unfortunate reality. What's the problem?

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 07:01:17 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 29, 2016, 06:30:53 PM
What's the problem?

You ask, what's the problem?

I didn't once say there was a single problem with Clonad, St Fintan's, Ballypickas or Trumera being involved in any sort of amalgamation.
I think it is messy, but I don't object, and haven't. If the original post implied this, well then I correct myself here.

Also I didn't say tradition wasn't important, I said it doesn't stop kids from participating when presented with opportunities to do so. Those opportunities should come from proactive intervention by those with a vested interest- i.e. Laois GAA and their local GAA Club. You mention that Mountmellick has a tradition of football, yet they cannot manage to draw underage football teams on their own from those numbers.
Therefore, IMO, it is not tradition or a tradition of football that is stopping them from fielding their own underage teams, rather it's a culture of inactivity and taking the handy way out.
Similarly Ballyfin have history here. Various allegiances with Castletown, Slieve Bloom, or both were previously in existence.

Some smaller clubs are forced into creatively operating from year to year in order to maintain a juvenile presence, that is fine. But where there is evidence that numbers exist to allow them compete on their own, it shouldn't be accepted as the long term solution, by either club or county board. That doesn't apply to the likes of Trumera, Ballypickas, Kyle etc.
St Fintan's in fairness have always tried to do things the right way. Clonad also appear to have good people involved and certainly do their bit to promote hurling.

Na Fianna started as Mountmellick and Ballyfin. It has spread since, taking in more clubs. Clonaslee a few years ago. I hear that Camross are going with them at some grade/grades next year.
Conveniently expanding arrangements like Na Fianna inevitably claim some success (eg Minor Hurling Final 2014), keep the stronger players and their parent's happy, get decent representation on county panels and will often be held up as an example of "doing things right" and an argument for "mass amalgamations".
The bottom line is that huge numbers are being totally uncatered for. I would imagine that no other club in the county, bar Portlaoise, has such a low level of participation. There is the world of difference between players falling off as they get older, for all of the age old reasons, and those players not been catered for in the first place.

It is lazy, short sighted and self serving for those who drive it.

We are a small county and cannot afford that level of wastage, that's the problem.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 29, 2016, 07:10:35 PM
Well said Keyser
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on December 29, 2016, 07:31:07 PM
Good point and very well made Keyser.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on December 29, 2016, 08:43:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 03:42:44 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 28, 2016, 04:42:46 PM
Includes Ballypickas. There may be an isolated player or two from Trumera at some age groups, but certainly not all.

So you could have Na Fianna playing Clonad St Fintan's Gaels
Potentially Mountmellick/Ballyfin/Clonaslee/Courtwood/Emo v Colt/Shanahoe/Clonad/Trumera/Ballypickas?
I'm not going to dispute the thrust of your argument. But it's a bit disingenuous to give Courtwood equal billing with the other clubs in Na Fianna. I think either one or two players hurled this year from our club. One under 14 and possibly one minor.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 08:47:39 PM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on December 29, 2016, 08:43:43 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 03:42:44 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 28, 2016, 04:42:46 PM
Includes Ballypickas. There may be an isolated player or two from Trumera at some age groups, but certainly not all.

So you could have Na Fianna playing Clonad St Fintan's Gaels
Potentially Mountmellick/Ballyfin/Clonaslee/Courtwood/Emo v Colt/Shanahoe/Clonad/Trumera/Ballypickas?
I'm not going to dispute the thrust of your argument. But it's a bit disingenuous to give Courtwood equal billing with the other clubs in Na Fianna. I think either one or two players hurled this year from our club. One under 14 and possibly one minor.

At the same time I wouldn't underestimate the impact an "extra" player or two, particularly those up to the age, can make to a juvenile team.
The point is the availability of players like this heightens this amalgamations ability to be even lazier about player development.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 10:25:01 AM
You can quote all the school numbers you want Keyser ,the reality is based on what comes through the local clubs gates and then those who prefer or want to play hurling.

There must be over 200 boys in each national school class.in Portlaoise parish schools,would 30% be playing any form of Gaelic games?.

I know from talking to teachers,it's a lot lower than that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 30, 2016, 10:30:49 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 10:25:01 AM
There must be over 200 boys in each national school class.in Portlaoise parish schools,would 30% be playing any form of Gaelic games?.
Whose fault is that?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 11:01:55 AM
Don

Im sure it doesnt take a genius to work that one out.Another GDA is badly needed to even get the kids interested in playing Gaelic Games,the days of expecting Teachers to do it are long gone.

The smaller rural clubs always seem to make better use of their juvenile numbers,to paraphrase the Marines "no man is left behind"

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 30, 2016, 11:14:51 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 11:01:55 AM
Don

Im sure it doesnt take a genius to work that one out.Another GDA is badly needed to even get the kids interested in playing Gaelic Games,the days of expecting Teachers to do it are long gone.

The smaller rural clubs always seem to make better use of their juvenile numbers,to paraphrase the Marines "no man is left behind"
Can the clubs themselves not go into the schools?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 30, 2016, 02:34:37 PM
Hi

You have to pay for a GDO to go into School's not every club wants to do this.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 30, 2016, 02:46:40 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on December 30, 2016, 02:34:37 PM
Hi

You have to pay for a GDO to go into School's not every club wants to do this.
Jackpot. We have a winner. If you don't sow, you won't reap.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on December 30, 2016, 05:49:41 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 30, 2016, 11:14:51 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 11:01:55 AM
Don

Im sure it doesnt take a genius to work that one out.Another GDA is badly needed to even get the kids interested in playing Gaelic Games,the days of expecting Teachers to do it are long gone.

The smaller rural clubs always seem to make better use of their juvenile numbers,to paraphrase the Marines "no man is left behind"
Can the clubs themselves not go into the schools?

Some schools are not that keen on clubs coming in. A teacher friend of mine once said she was running an educational establishment and not a sport academy.  She has a point.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 30, 2016, 07:02:40 PM
She has a point, but with obesity and mental health at the forefront of our health problems, sports have a huge part to play.   The benefit of sports aside from actually been good at it  are enormous.  There are plenty of examples of schools where education and sport flourish.   To be honest I am not worried what sport goes on but I actually think organized sport should be at least an hour a day in all schools. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 30, 2016, 07:43:01 PM
She sounds like a ****
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on December 31, 2016, 07:31:51 AM
Let's be very honest here as well the couple of development officers in the county well for football anyway are pretty dismal at there jobs hopfully colm begley will be worth his salt and it's not just yet another wink wink job for the boys. It's also a fact that the 2 previous coaches haven't completed the level 2 standard in coaching. One is disorganised I witnessed this at under 14 county games and the other has more interest in getting an odd picture on twitter to justify his yearly wage ill leave ye decide which one is which.
If you don't expect high standards things will remain backward and stagnant 5 years max in these development rolls before getting fresh and interested people in
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on December 31, 2016, 10:51:09 AM
Sticking to the topic the heath gaels becoming more likely for 2017. Timahoe voted for it the other night. Didn't believe the rumour in the beginning but becoming all the more likely. Ball in Heath's court now.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 31, 2016, 08:19:14 PM
Quote from: O moore parklife on December 31, 2016, 07:31:51 AM
It's also a fact that the 2 previous coaches haven't completed the level 2 standard in coaching.

If the above is true it's a disgrace.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 01, 2017, 04:02:52 AM
Clonadmad not everything posted here is an attack on you or your club. Please take note.

I did mention that Portlaoise has the lowest/one of the lowest participation rates in the county. Rightly or wrongly they don't need everyone.
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 07:01:17 PM

The bottom line is that huge numbers are being totally uncatered for. I would imagine that no other club in the county, bar Portlaoise, has such a low level of participation. There is the world of difference between players falling off as they get older, for all of the age old reasons, and those players not been catered for in the first place.


I didn't knock the effort of clubs like Clonad and Shanahoe to keep a juvenile set up running, and being "creative" when the numbers are tight.

What I clearly stated was that clubs who HAVE NUMBERS should not be facilitated in taking the handy way out and amalgamating.
I will not accept that Mountmellick and Ballyfin don't have the numbers.

And yes, I can and will quote primary school numbers. Is there a better indicator of your target audience than the number of boys attending primary school in your parish? I don't know of another.

Quote from: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 11:01:55 AM
The smaller rural clubs always seem to make better use of their juvenile numbers,to paraphrase the Marines "no man is left behind"
Agreed. But it doesn't excuse the larger clubs inactivity.

Quote from: Downtheroad on December 30, 2016, 05:49:41 PM
Some schools are not that keen on clubs coming in. A teacher friend of mine once said she was running an educational establishment and not a sport academy.  She has a point.
No doubt there will be some teachers against everything (as with all professions), but I would be confident in saying that very few (if any) Principals would block the local GAA club sending in qualified, vetted and suitable people to coach in the school.

Quote from: clonadmad on December 30, 2016, 10:25:01 AM
You can quote all the school numbers you want Keyser ,the reality is based on what comes through the local clubs gates and then those who prefer or want to play hurling.
Ultimately it does come down to this. But each club needs to examine what THEY are doing to get them in the gate between the ages of 6 & 10. There is no magic solution that allows Camross and Clough Ballacolla to produce teams with tight numbers.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 01, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
So what Juvenile clubs need to up their game Keyser,given that you have the breakdown on national school numbers?

Ballyfin and Mountmellick, you have already mentioned,who else?

Portlaoise?
Mountrath?
Portarlington?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 01, 2017, 12:43:42 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 01, 2017, 12:33:40 PM
So what Juvenile clubs need to up their game Keyser,given that you have the breakdown on national school numbers?

Ballyfin and Mountmellick, you have already mentioned,who else?

Portlaoise?
Mountrath?
Portarlington?

Those figures are not mine. They are freely available here (http://www.education.ie/en/Find-a-School/School-Search-Results/?level=Primary&geo=Laois&ethos=-1&lang=-1&gender=-1)

As I said, each club needs to examine for themselves whether they are doing enough. Some do stand out, however, where numbers point overwhelmingly in one direction or the other.

I would have said Mountrath, but the school numbers there are surprisingly low.
I didn't post figures for Portarlington. Also have no idea about their juvenile set up. Haven't a clue!
Portlaoise needs more than one club. Hard to see that happening. Until they have competition for those numbers they will never maximise what's available. Right or wrong.

On second thoughts, I'll expand a bit further.
I think the numbers show that the following clubs are doing very well based on the numbers available to them;
Camross,
Clough Ballacolla,
Castletown Slieve Bloom,
Borris Kilcotton,
I didn't bother looking up anymore. I was merely trying to make comparisons.
I haven't knowledge to comment on juvenile football clubs.

And yourself? Do you agree with the idea of a sprawling Na Fianna?
Do you not think Mountmellick and Ballyfin have the numbers to compete on their own?
Do you not think primary school numbers are relevant?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 01, 2017, 12:49:03 PM
Having just looked up Portarlington the numbers are very odd.
One school with 723 pupils, but with a breakdown of 159 boys and 564 girls. Jaysus that's most unusually uneven!
The only other school showing up is a Church of Ireland school with less than 100!

Is there a selective breeding programme in Port or what's going on?!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 01, 2017, 01:34:34 PM
Very interesting discussion, here is my worth! I'm a primary school teacher outside Laois and to say that any teacher would refuse a GAA club coming in is plainly wrong, yes you'll get exceptions but most will take in an outside coach. There is also a direction link between coaches coming into schools and recruitment into clubs ! To say otherwise shows a complete lack of understanding of how to run a modern Gaa club and maybe it's the reason why clubs are struggling if that's what officers in the clubs are thinking. Take dublin for example, two clubs Castleknock and cuala both very successful now abd with large memberships, both were in non traditional areas however with full time coaches going into local schools they built up large juvenile sections and hence why they are successful, there's no reason why "urban" clubs/town in Laois cannot do the same such as mountrath, Mountmellick , durrow cannot do the same. The era of expecting kids just to turn up is long gone, you need to be willing to fight to get them to join your club.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 01, 2017, 01:35:59 PM
On the Portarlington boys numbers , the boys school is in county Offaly and the school figures quote are for schools in Laois that end got boys after senior infants.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 01, 2017, 03:45:27 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 01, 2017, 12:49:03 PM
Having just looked up Portarlington the numbers are very odd.
One school with 723 pupils, but with a breakdown of 159 boys and 564 girls. Jaysus that's most unusually uneven!
The only other school showing up is a Church of Ireland school with less than 100!

Is there a selective breeding programme in Port or what's going on?!
The boys from first to sixth class go to school in Offaly.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 01, 2017, 04:24:56 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 01, 2017, 12:49:03 PM
Having just looked up Portarlington the numbers are very odd.
One school with 723 pupils, but with a breakdown of 159 boys and 564 girls. Jaysus that's most unusually uneven!
The only other school showing up is a Church of Ireland school with less than 100!

Is there a selective breeding programme in Port or what's going on?!
The main Boys school in Port is located in Offaly. I think there are some mixed classes in the Laois School for boys up to 1st or 2nd class.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 01, 2017, 04:51:17 PM
Quote from: beano on January 01, 2017, 01:34:34 PM
Very interesting discussion, here is my worth! I'm a primary school teacher outside Laois and to say that any teacher would refuse a GAA club coming in is plainly wrong, yes you'll get exceptions but most will take in an outside coach. There is also a direction link between coaches coming into schools and recruitment into clubs ! To say otherwise shows a complete lack of understanding of how to run a modern Gaa club and maybe it's the reason why clubs are struggling if that's what officers in the clubs are thinking. Take dublin for example, two clubs Castleknock and cuala both very successful now abd with large memberships, both were in non traditional areas however with full time coaches going into local schools they built up large juvenile sections and hence why they are successful, there's no reason why "urban" clubs/town in Laois cannot do the same such as mountrath, Mountmellick , durrow cannot do the same. The era of expecting kids just to turn up is long gone, you need to be willing to fight to get them to join your club.

It's hard to compare what is happening in affluent middle class suburbs and fairly depressed Laois towns. The places you mentioned have catchment area greater than half of Laois. Serious money has been pumped in with full time coaches. No club in Laois has that  type of resources available. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 02, 2017, 01:09:12 AM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 01, 2017, 04:51:17 PM
Quote from: beano on January 01, 2017, 01:34:34 PM
Very interesting discussion, here is my worth! I'm a primary school teacher outside Laois and to say that any teacher would refuse a GAA club coming in is plainly wrong, yes you'll get exceptions but most will take in an outside coach. There is also a direction link between coaches coming into schools and recruitment into clubs ! To say otherwise shows a complete lack of understanding of how to run a modern Gaa club and maybe it's the reason why clubs are struggling if that's what officers in the clubs are thinking. Take dublin for example, two clubs Castleknock and cuala both very successful now abd with large memberships, both were in non traditional areas however with full time coaches going into local schools they built up large juvenile sections and hence why they are successful, there's no reason why "urban" clubs/town in Laois cannot do the same such as mountrath, Mountmellick , durrow cannot do the same. The era of expecting kids just to turn up is long gone, you need to be willing to fight to get them to join your club.

It's hard to compare what is happening in affluent middle class suburbs and fairly depressed Laois towns. The places you mentioned have catchment area greater than half of Laois. Serious money has been pumped in with full time coaches. No club in Laois has that  type of resources available.

You have a point.
But on the other side you could argue that there are a hell of a lot fewer distractions in depressed Laois towns. Soccer is the only big rival, and the seasons don't cross over hugely.
It doesn't have to cost the club huge money IMO.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 02, 2017, 11:48:34 AM
It doesn't take that much money to hire a GAA coach , maybe cuala and Castleknock are bad examples but ballymun have a coach and St perigrenes in hartstown have one in an area where soccer is king and money are not plentiful , if they can do any club can do it. One thing that frustrates me about Laois Gaa in general is the excuses , "oh we can't do this " , it's the can do attitude that has different counties and clubs succesfull!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 02, 2017, 02:09:15 PM
Quote from: beano on January 02, 2017, 11:48:34 AM
It doesn't take that much money to hire a GAA coach , maybe cuala and Castleknock are bad examples but ballymun have a coach and St perigrenes in hartstown have one in an area where soccer is king and money are not plentiful , if they can do any club can do it. One thing that frustrates me about Laois Gaa in general is the excuses , "oh we can't do this " , it's the can do attitude that has different counties and clubs succesfull!

Its my understanding that the Dublin County Board fund half the overall cost of hiring in a full time club GDA.

It would be interesting to see the Laois County Board reaction if 2/3 clubs here banded together and did similar and then went looking for half the total cost.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 02, 2017, 05:38:02 PM
Yeh three clubs going together would be the Ideal scenario, given that a coaches wages are approx €30,000 it would body the three clubs 15,000 about €5,000 each club, but factor in extra membership they would generate plus a well organised club summer camp it would actually cost the club very little. The benefits are obvious !!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 02, 2017, 05:53:09 PM
Laois GAA do half fund a scheme where a club coach does a certain amount of hours in the primary school.
Its half paid for by the club & half by the county board. I think you are talking around about €3-4k per year. Half and Half.
Be interesting to first of all find out how many clubs are taking this option up before we talk about giving somebody a full time job out of it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 02, 2017, 06:06:45 PM
Yeh I'm aware of it but I think they only "coach" in schools , the full time coach would ontop of recruiting players would train mentors and run courses !!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 02, 2017, 08:03:59 PM
Quote from: beano on January 02, 2017, 06:06:45 PM
Yeh I'm aware of it but I think they only "coach" in schools , the full time coach would ontop of recruiting players would train mentors and run courses !!

Don't want to be pessimistic but for a county Laois' size I think this would basically just mean increasing the number of GDAs we have. I think we are a long way off a situation where the clubs of Laois are employing someone full time.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 03, 2017, 06:25:19 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 02, 2017, 05:53:09 PM
Laois GAA do half fund a scheme where a club coach does a certain amount of hours in the primary school.
Its half paid for by the club & half by the county board. I think you are talking around about €3-4k per year. Half and Half.
Be interesting to first of all find out how many clubs are taking this option up before we talk about giving somebody a full time job out of it.
Nailed it again Keyser, you're on fire my friend. Some fellas on here, want Laois GAA to take them by the hands and run their clubs for them. The successful clubs in Laois get off their holes and go get shit done, well the ones that don't transfer in other clubs talent that is.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 03, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
I agree thoroughly with the above , only so much the county board can do and if they put a structure in place its up to the clubs to follow through . A club  such as Park/Rath are a fine example and there are more like them but unfortunately there  clubs for various reasons in this county who are not half as innovative and can use excuses all day long .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 03:55:30 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 03, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
I agree thoroughly with the above , only so much the county board can do and if they put a structure in place its up to the clubs to follow through . A club  such as Park/Rath are a fine example and there are more like them but unfortunately there  clubs for various reasons in this county who are not half as innovative and can use excuses all day long .

Yes Park/Rath are the model alright. Lovely grounds but a Junior A football club with a poor Intermediate Hurling (3rd Tier) outfit complemented by been one of the worst  clubs for putting teams in the "B" at underage.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Is it true or another one of those rumours that does the rounds at this time of year.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 03, 2017, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 03, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
I agree thoroughly with the above , only so much the county board can do and if they put a structure in place its up to the clubs to follow through . A club  such as Park/Rath are a fine example and there are more like them but unfortunately there  clubs for various reasons in this county who are not half as innovative and can use excuses all day long .
I doubt even Park would hold themselves up as a model for anyone. They acted the shite for years with amalgamations, but to be fair they're rectifying that in both hurling and football now, but have a long way to go to be held up for anyone.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 03, 2017, 10:03:46 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 03, 2017, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 03, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
I agree thoroughly with the above , only so much the county board can do and if they put a structure in place its up to the clubs to follow through . A club  such as Park/Rath are a fine example and there are more like them but unfortunately there  clubs for various reasons in this county who are not half as innovative and can use excuses all day long .
I doubt even Park would hold themselves up as a model for anyone. They acted the shite for years with amalgamations, but to be fair they're rectifying that in both hurling and football now, but have a long way to go to be held up for anyone.

The vast majority of those involved in the juvenile section over there now are from outside the county,different mentality with a lot of them.

Whether they can walk the walk remains to be seen
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Is it true or another one of those rumours that does the rounds at this time of year.
100% true. All football teams are seperating and they are possibly staying together for under 14 or 12 hurling at most.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 03, 2017, 10:37:46 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 03, 2017, 10:03:46 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 03, 2017, 09:17:00 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 03, 2017, 11:42:20 AM
I agree thoroughly with the above , only so much the county board can do and if they put a structure in place its up to the clubs to follow through . A club  such as Park/Rath are a fine example and there are more like them but unfortunately there  clubs for various reasons in this county who are not half as innovative and can use excuses all day long .
I doubt even Park would hold themselves up as a model for anyone. They acted the shite for years with amalgamations, but to be fair they're rectifying that in both hurling and football now, but have a long way to go to be held up for anyone.

The vast majority of those involved in the juvenile section over there now are from outside the county,different mentality with a lot of them.

Whether they can walk the walk remains to be seen
There's no love lost it seems from your posts about them. I neither know nor care.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 01:23:46 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Is it true or another one of those rumours that does the rounds at this time of year.
100% true. All football teams are seperating and they are possibly staying together for under 14 or 12 hurling at most.

They hardly fielded last year at U16 and minor hurling. How can they feasibly separate 12 months?!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 01:28:16 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.

And just to be clear. My reasons for wanting this are very pure!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 04, 2017, 08:40:41 AM

I doubt even Park would hold themselves up as a model for anyone. They acted the shite for years with amalgamations, but to be fair they're rectifying that in both hurling and football now, but have a long way to go to be held up for anyone.
[/quote]

The vast majority of those involved in the juvenile section over there now are from outside the county,different mentality with a lot of them.

Whether they can walk the walk remains to be seen
[/quote]
There's no love lost it seems from your posts about them. I neither know nor care.


Ditto .Time to move on clonadman  ;)
[/quote]
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on January 04, 2017, 09:15:24 AM
Heard The Heath voted through the amalgamation with Timahoe last night but afterwards got word that there's now some problem with it from the Timahoe end?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 04, 2017, 11:44:27 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 01:23:46 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Is it true or another one of those rumours that does the rounds at this time of year.
100% true. All football teams are seperating and they are possibly staying together for under 14 or 12 hurling at most.

They hardly fielded last year at U16 and minor hurling. How can they feasibly separate 12 months?!
SCFC is at least part right if not 100%. The word is that Mountmellick pulled the plug at under 14 football level even though Ballyfin were keen to keep the thing going. It's the usual rubbish of parents worrying about their Johnny getting a game.  Don't know what the story is with hurling.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 04, 2017, 11:48:44 AM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 04, 2017, 11:44:27 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 01:23:46 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 10:25:01 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 03, 2017, 09:15:56 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 03, 2017, 08:00:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 29, 2016, 05:14:52 PM

I dispute this.
Mountmellick should be fielding on their own at this stage. Probably Ballyfin too.
I understand that they may have needed to join up as a short term solution to years of neglect.


I hear you're about to get your wish. The divorce between Ballyfin and Mountmellick is confirmed.
Is it true or another one of those rumours that does the rounds at this time of year.
100% true. All football teams are seperating and they are possibly staying together for under 14 or 12 hurling at most.

They hardly fielded last year at U16 and minor hurling. How can they feasibly separate 12 months?!
SCFC is at least part right if not 100%. The word is that Mountmellick pulled the plug at under 14 football level even though Ballyfin were keen to keep the thing going. It's the usual rubbish of parents worrying about their Johnny getting a game.  Don't know what the story is with hurling.
Is Johnny not entitled to get a game? Instead of being one of  15 subs sitting on a sideline?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 12:27:37 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on January 04, 2017, 09:15:24 AM
Heard The Heath voted through the amalgamation with Timahoe last night but afterwards got word that there's now some problem with it from the Timahoe end?

Heard there was an issue with lads who prefer hurling looking to leave, weather thats the issue with timahoe i dont know, but i couldnt imagine them being happy about the footballers being granted a gales team and the hurlers not
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 12:28:50 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 04, 2017, 11:48:44 AM
Is Johnny not entitled to get a game? Instead of being one of  15 subs sitting on a sideline?
[/quote]

Johnny should have got regular games from 6/7 years old. Did he?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 04, 2017, 12:51:27 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 12:28:50 PM

Johnny should have got regular games from 6/7 years old. Did he?
If he didn't, he's long gone by now.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 04, 2017, 01:01:42 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 12:27:37 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on January 04, 2017, 09:15:24 AM
Heard The Heath voted through the amalgamation with Timahoe last night but afterwards got word that there's now some problem with it from the Timahoe end?

Heard there was an issue with lads who prefer hurling looking to leave, weather thats the issue with timahoe i dont know, but i couldnt imagine them being happy about the footballers being granted a gales team and the hurlers not


Correct , unlikely now the amalgamation will happen before the deadline date for clubs  to register .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: border on January 04, 2017, 02:41:11 PM
Did anybody else hear about clonad looking to join with colt at adult level now as well as juvenile.I hear there is a lot of discontent with the idea in colt.has shanahoe and ballypickas definitely joined up or is it only pub talk.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 04, 2017, 02:52:58 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 04, 2017, 01:01:42 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 12:27:37 PM
Quote from: El Jefe on January 04, 2017, 09:15:24 AM
Heard The Heath voted through the amalgamation with Timahoe last night but afterwards got word that there's now some problem with it from the Timahoe end?

Heard there was an issue with lads who prefer hurling looking to leave, weather thats the issue with timahoe i dont know, but i couldnt imagine them being happy about the footballers being granted a gales team and the hurlers not

Correct , unlikely now the amalgamation will happen before the deadline date for clubs  to register .
Surely they can sort it over the next 2 weeks.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
Heard that clonad put in the application alright, could be a way of pleasing young bergin maybe, genuinely cant see colt allowing it happen, shanahoe and ballypickas is a done deal, they are going with one trainer for both clubs and training together by all accounts
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 07:39:15 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 04, 2017, 12:51:27 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 12:28:50 PM

Johnny should have got regular games from 6/7 years old. Did he?
If he didn't, he's long gone by now.
lol poor little johnny
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
Heard that clonad put in the application alright, could be a way of pleasing young bergin maybe, genuinely cant see colt allowing it happen, shanahoe and ballypickas is a done deal, they are going with one trainer for both clubs and training together by all accounts

Is this for the Senior A championship or will they field teams at junior a or b level also? Anybody hear anything on the castletown gaels or castletown/slieve bloom merger that was in talks?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 08:26:35 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
Heard that clonad put in the application alright, could be a way of pleasing young bergin maybe, genuinely cant see colt allowing it happen, shanahoe and ballypickas is a done deal, they are going with one trainer for both clubs and training together by all accounts

Is this for the Senior A championship or will they field teams at junior a or b level also? Anybody hear anything on the castletown gaels or castletown/slieve bloom merger that was in talks?

Welcome back T. Crilly!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 08:54:22 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 08:26:35 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
Heard that clonad put in the application alright, could be a way of pleasing young bergin maybe, genuinely cant see colt allowing it happen, shanahoe and ballypickas is a done deal, they are going with one trainer for both clubs and training together by all accounts

Is this for the Senior A championship or will they field teams at junior a or b level also? Anybody hear anything on the castletown gaels or castletown/slieve bloom merger that was in talks?

Welcome back T. Crilly!
Cup of tea father? I dont get you sorry?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 08:59:27 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 04, 2017, 08:26:35 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on January 04, 2017, 07:44:50 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2017, 06:41:57 PM
Heard that clonad put in the application alright, could be a way of pleasing young bergin maybe, genuinely cant see colt allowing it happen, shanahoe and ballypickas is a done deal, they are going with one trainer for both clubs and training together by all accounts

Is this for the Senior A championship or will they field teams at junior a or b level also? Anybody hear anything on the castletown gaels or castletown/slieve bloom merger that was in talks?

Welcome back T. Crilly!
i see now, dont worry im not T crilly
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on January 04, 2017, 10:12:41 PM
Anybody hear anything on the castletown gaels or castletown/slieve bloom merger that was in talks?
[/quote]

Heard about it, all right, but I heard it's not happening now.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 05, 2017, 09:29:05 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 05, 2017, 09:03:26 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on January 05, 2017, 06:31:57 PM
thank you for the reply, probably no point as ben conroy is the only one they would most likely benefit from and he wouldnt he able to get it all his own way at senior level just yet

Oh now, I'm not sure T Crilly would agree with this!
Didn't you , I mean he, have him in the Top 3 players in the county?
Where did that thread ever go to?!
What on earth is your problem? 2 replys now where i wasnt interacting with you and you saying im t crilly, please stop so i can enjoy the thread like everyone else
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 05, 2017, 10:14:46 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 05, 2017, 09:26:59 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 05, 2017, 09:07:20 PM

I though that alright, just from what i heard from the shanahoe/ballypickas thing they were going with the first option which wouldnt have been done before, also heard abbeyleix still havnt found a trainer yet

It's a novel way of doing it, but it makes sense if true.
I'd imagine both teams would have small numbers. It would share the burden of paying for a trainer and training costs, would increase camaraderie and it would give those from the smaller club an excellent chance at making the Gaels team.

What happened with the Tyrell fella from last year?

Left of his own accord, believe there was a money issue
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on January 06, 2017, 10:40:39 AM
Quote from: Uisce on January 06, 2017, 10:09:32 AM
Clonaslee and Annanough was in the pipeline but has fallen through and The Heath and Timahoe has gone too at the last minute! Is there any Gaels teams actually going ahead??

There's talk Colt and clonad at senior b hurling as a gaels possibly. Would be a good one considering they're in same parish. Did barrowhouse and Kileen talk mount to anything about a gaels team?

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 06, 2017, 03:06:40 PM
Heath/Timahoe death in the water

Despite both sets of players and Heath committee on board
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: El Jefe on January 06, 2017, 03:25:45 PM
What happened?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on January 06, 2017, 06:15:28 PM
Heard that Timahoe's committee threw away the idea meaning that they have managed to piss off both sides of the club if true. The long distance/lack of juvenile link gales teams seem to be failing to get off the ground. The only one that seems to be happening is crettyard and spink which was always likely given the success they had last year. Also seems to be a higher chance in hurling. From the gales teams ive heard proposed.
The Heath Gales (Timahoe) No
Mountmellick Gales (Emo) No
St Josephs Gales (Barrowhouse) No
Crettyard Gales (Spink) Yes
Arles Killen Gales (Barrowhouse) N/A
O'Dempseys Gales (Annanough) No
Castletown Gales (Slieve Bloom) N/A
Ballinakill Gales (Slieve Bloom) No
Colt Gales (Clonad) Yes
Ballyfin Gales (Mountmellick) Yes
Shanahoe Gales (Ballypickas) Yes

Ive heard that some of the bigger clubs, hurling ones in particular have been complaining about these gales teams and how it is an unfair advantage but the reality is that a colt/clonad or a shanahoe/ballypickas combination still wouldnt have 2/3rds the pick of a borris/kilcotton or a camross.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 06, 2017, 06:23:13 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on January 06, 2017, 06:15:28 PM
Heard that Timahoe's committee threw away the idea meaning that they have managed to piss off both sides of the club if true. The long distance/lack of juvenile link gales teams seem to be failing to get off the ground. The only one that seems to be happening is crettyard and spink which was always likely given the success they had last year. Also seems to be a higher chance in hurling. From the gales teams ive heard proposed.
The Heath Gales (Timahoe) No
Mountmellick Gales (Emo) No
St Josephs Gales (Barrowhouse) No
Crettyard Gales (Spink) Yes
Arles Killen Gales (Barrowhouse) N/A
O'Dempseys Gales (Annanough) No
Castletown Gales (Slieve Bloom) N/A
Ballinakill Gales (Slieve Bloom) No
Colt Gales (Clonad) Yes
Ballyfin Gales (Mountmellick) Yes
Shanahoe Gales (Ballypickas) Yes

Ive heard that some of the bigger clubs, hurling ones in particular have been complaining about these gales teams and how it is an unfair advantage but the reality is that a colt/clonad or a shanahoe/ballypickas combination still wouldnt have 2/3rds the pick of a borris/kilcotton or a camross.

Thanks for putting that together.
Are you 100% on the yes and nos?
And are N/As still on the table or what?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on January 06, 2017, 08:02:57 PM
the only ones I heard

trumera colt  dead in the water...a capital NO
castletown slieve bloom dead in the water..NO
ballinakill slieve bloom...grey area...likely no but not dead
shanahoe pickas....YES.


Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on January 07, 2017, 01:40:28 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

Barrowhouse were in existence long before Killeen.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 07, 2017, 03:05:46 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

Is there really any need for anyone or any one club to exist?
A club exists while it has a committee of people to run it, a community to sustain it, and players to field a team (irregardless of the level).
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: haze on January 07, 2017, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

I'm not from Barrowhouse but I'm offended for them despite no offence I assume meant. Rural clubs are the essence of the GAA and where at all possible these clubs should be encouraged to continue to plough their lone proud furrow. Sure why should Leitrim, Louth or Laois exist on the intercounty scene.

In my view amalgamtions should be last resort only. We should look to maximise the numbers of young people playing GAA, not taking away avenues for them to play in the local community regardless of what that level may be. Of course ideally structures are in place to ensure ambitious and talented players have as some outlet to pit themselves against their peers but in any case the vibrancy of many rural communities throughout Ireland is underpinned by GAA activity and once sight is lost of that I think the GAA becomes a much different organisation.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 07, 2017, 09:18:23 PM
Quote from: haze on January 07, 2017, 07:46:27 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

I'm not from Barrowhouse but I'm offended for them despite no offence I assume meant. Rural clubs are the essence of the GAA and where at all possible these clubs should be encouraged to continue to plough their lone proud furrow. Sure why should Leitrim, Louth or Laois exist on the intercounty scene.

In my view amalgamtions should be last resort only. We should look to maximise the numbers of young people playing GAA, not taking away avenues for them to play in the local community regardless of what that level may be. Of course ideally structures are in place to ensure ambitious and talented players have as some outlet to pit themselves against their peers but in any case the vibrancy of many rural communities throughout Ireland is underpinned by GAA activity and once sight is lost of that I think the GAA becomes a much different organisation.

Interesting post Haze
Its a tough one really, the talk over the years of Rathdowney and Errill and Borris and Kilcotton joining was shot down many times over the years and it has brought unity in the community instead of a firm "us vs them" mentality, when Errill reached the county final in 86 i think it was Sheamus Bracken was training them and wanted to use the rathdownry foeld to train one evening for whatever reason and Rathdowney refused, so to say we have come a long way is an understatement but I think underage amalgamations are vital to compete in A championships and develop young players but then there is the arguement that clubs that can put out 2 teams at junior and senior they have sufficent numbers to stay on their own
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 08, 2017, 12:08:23 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

Even though you're clearly on a wind up, you make a valid point. There's a case for saying that clubs like Barrowhouse, Killeen and Kilcruise are fighting a losing battle. It will only ever be hard graft for small clubs to keep their ship afloat. The enjoyment that is gleaned from being part of a bigger set up is all but taken away when a small group of people are having to fund raise, train, organise , administrate and do the countless other tasks. I'm all for pooling resources when it has become so obvious that everything is a struggle. The GAA love this idea of volunteers giving up their time, but I don't think they have the first notion what that actually means
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: haze on January 08, 2017, 06:08:37 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on January 08, 2017, 12:08:23 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on January 07, 2017, 01:04:30 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 06, 2017, 06:37:03 PM
The Kileen gaels is almost agreed although it may cause one or two defections from B/House.

Is there really any need for Barrowhouse to exist on their own anyway.

Even though you're clearly on a wind up, you make a valid point. There's a case for saying that clubs like Barrowhouse, Killeen and Kilcruise are fighting a losing battle. It will only ever be hard graft for small clubs to keep their ship afloat. The enjoyment that is gleaned from being part of a bigger set up is all but taken away when a small group of people are having to fund raise, train, organise , administrate and do the countless other tasks. I'm all for pooling resources when it has become so obvious that everything is a struggle. The GAA love this idea of volunteers giving up their time, but I don't think they have the first notion what that actually means

Anything that is worth anything is hard graft. I think if the basis for amalgamtions is that it's too hard to sustain a rural club because volunteers are no longer willing to give up and be generous with their very precious spare time then the backbone of the GAA is under threat. I think the frustration for me is when outsiders make judgements about certain clubs (more often than not rural ones) and wonder what is their point because they perceive it to be struggle. But sure it is a struggle but success sustains and success for rural clubs is much wider concept  for me than simply counting senior or even intermediate titles
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 08, 2017, 06:55:21 PM
I agree. It goes deeper than how many medals or trophies there are in pockets and cabinets. Sometimes, standing still and being able to fly the flag is success in some small clubs.

But let's not duck the issue here. The GAA is a very imbalanced and sometimes unreasonable organization that condones unequal opportunity. There is no way that some small clubs can ever compete with the bigger ones, and the same applies at county level too. The GAA has no remedy for this. Simply redoubling your efforts and/or getting more out of people will never be enough when resources and numbers are not on your side. In those situations, it is not fair to expect those not as well off to keep doing the same things over and over without reward. At the very least, every player who plays the sport should have access to the highest level. It's not a hard thing to ensure at local level, particularly with parish boundaries and borders being what they are. If something is not done soon, small clubs (intermediate and junior clubs in particular) will just become poaching grounds for Senior clubs. We're seeing far too much of that already in Laois and not a thing being done to stop it. An absolute scandal
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 09, 2017, 12:07:51 AM
Quote from: High Fielder on January 08, 2017, 06:55:21 PM
I agree. It goes deeper than how many medals or trophies there are in pockets and cabinets. Sometimes, standing still and being able to fly the flag is success in some small clubs.

But let's not duck the issue here. The GAA is a very imbalanced and sometimes unreasonable organization that condones unequal opportunity. There is no way that some small clubs can ever compete with the bigger ones, and the same applies at county level too. The GAA has no remedy for this. Simply redoubling your efforts and/or getting more out of people will never be enough when resources and numbers are not on your side. In those situations, it is not fair to expect those not as well off to keep doing the same things over and over without reward. At the very least, every player who plays the sport should have access to the highest level. It's not a hard thing to ensure at local level, particularly with parish boundaries and borders being what they are. If something is not done soon, small clubs (intermediate and junior clubs in particular) will just become poaching grounds for Senior clubs. We're seeing far too much of that already in Laois and not a thing being done to stop it. An absolute scandal
The size of a club is often not the issue. Many small clubs are well run and know what they are about. From my own experience very few clubs here in Laois have plenty of "workers" with Rosenallis been one of the exceptions. For most clubs in the county, it's the same few faces that you associate with doing everything whether it's under 12 or adult. The model of the volunteer led community organisation will be severely tested in the coming years particularly in towns.  This is why clubs such as Mountrath, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Graigcullen will be under pressure as there is very little loyalty to GAA in urban areas. Kids will play the sport that is in fashion or often play nothing at all.  What I'm trying to say in a roundabout way is that it may be necessary for the so called bigger urban clubs to need to amalgamate in order to survive as much as it may be necessary for the so called minnows.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: beano on January 09, 2017, 03:47:48 PM
I disagree with u down the road, they're many examples of urban clubs doing very well without the need to almagamate.  The two newbridge clubs in Kildare, any dublin club. IF the club is well run and it has a good set up, the kids will always be attracted to it. That goes in any code.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 09, 2017, 07:38:24 PM
Quote from: beano on January 09, 2017, 03:47:48 PM
I disagree with u down the road, they're many examples of urban clubs doing very well without the need to almagamate.  The two newbridge clubs in Kildare, any dublin club. IF the club is well run and it has a good set up, the kids will always be attracted to it. That goes in any code.
The clubs you reference are "super" clubs with a significant middle class base.   In fact, the type of officer who runs these clubs are in nature almost undistinguishable from the chaps down in the local rugby club.  Naas is another classic example of the well run GAA club.  The urban clubs, I have in mind are much poorer and poverty is not just money but in ideas and ambition. The reality is that GAA is in trouble in working class areas as can be seen most clearly in Cork city.  Years ago, the local garda, teacher, banker moved to the small  town they got work in but nowadays, they head for the county town as in the case of Portlaoise.  If they decide to settle down, they either live in an upmarket part of Portlaoise or move out the country. This is why rural clubs wind up with a better class of punter running their clubs. This is exasperated even further with town folk with notions bringing the kids out to rural schools which denudes the talent and the ambition within the urban community even further. Most small town based clubs which are successful tend to have a rural hinterland. Even in Kilkenny City . the 3  principal city clubs have a rural base eg O'Loughlin Gaels the catchment area of which comes out to the Dunmore caves.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Dave like the tv channel on January 10, 2017, 11:08:24 AM
Quote from: beano on January 09, 2017, 03:47:48 PM
I disagree with u down the road, they're many examples of urban clubs doing very well without the need to almagamate.  The two newbridge clubs in Kildare, any dublin club. IF the club is well run and it has a good set up, the kids will always be attracted to it. That goes in any code.

Dublin clubs with a catchment area of c.60,000 hardly compare to Mountmellick or Portarlington, pop c.5,000, both of whom are split three ways. Laois only has a population of about 85,000.

St Vincents has a membership totalling 25,000. BBSE is the largest sports club in Europe.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 11, 2017, 08:49:33 AM
I've been thinking it for a long time now. The GAA is fundamentally flawed, and badly needs redesigning. There is nothing fair about the All Ireland series, and if I'm being honest, save for a few games here and there, it isn't even entertaining anymore. Right now, and maybe for the rest of time, there will be nothing Carlow or maybe even ourselves can do to win an All Ireland. It would take a freakish set of players to luckily appear at the one time. The chances are almost nil.

At a local level, the GAA is a hard sell. For some clubs, there's a sense of duty attached to it and not much enjoyment. Young lads time would be better spent living a life instead of being fed charters and getting texts from an over enthusiastic coach. Look, it has its place, and it's ok if you're potentially going to win something. But it's tedious and time consuming when you're ploughing the same furrow year after year without success. This do it for the love of your community bullshit has no place in a world where mortgages and debts are king. There is an ocean of work out there for the GAA to do, but they largely don't give a f**k. They think everything in the garden is rosy, but I believe there is a lot of unrest in smaller clubs who are getting fed up. There has to be a carrot on the end of the stick for every player who plays the game, and if that continues to be ignored, the game will die out. Has that process already begun?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 11, 2017, 12:53:26 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on January 11, 2017, 08:49:33 AM
I've been thinking it for a long time now. The GAA is fundamentally flawed, and badly needs redesigning. There is nothing fair about the All Ireland series, and if I'm being honest, save for a few games here and there, it isn't even entertaining anymore. Right now, and maybe for the rest of time, there will be nothing Carlow or maybe even ourselves can do to win an All Ireland. It would take a freakish set of players to luckily appear at the one time. The chances are almost nil.

At a local level, the GAA is a hard sell. For some clubs, there's a sense of duty attached to it and not much enjoyment. Young lads time would be better spent living a life instead of being fed charters and getting texts from an over enthusiastic coach. Look, it has its place, and it's ok if you're potentially going to win something. But it's tedious and time consuming when you're ploughing the same furrow year after year without success. This do it for the love of your community bullshit has no place in a world where mortgages and debts are king. There is an ocean of work out there for the GAA to do, but they largely don't give a f**k. They think everything in the garden is rosy, but I believe there is a lot of unrest in smaller clubs who are getting fed up. There has to be a carrot on the end of the stick for every player who plays the game, and if that continues to be ignored, the game will die out. Has that process already begun?
The irony is that Laois got a freakish  set of players and we just didn't get enough out of them. On the more general point, there is nothing more debilitating than been from an unsuccessful club from an unsuccessful county. Over the past decade, there has been a major transformation in the support base of rugby in counties where there was no previous tradition apart from the local doctor/Solicitor who probably boarded at some rugby establishment. As far as I can see the GAA is going like the church and the traditional political parties in that the support base is both shrinking and aging particularly outside Dublin. Years ago, clubs organised social trips around National league games. You don't see it that much anymore which is an indication of a changing society.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 11, 2017, 02:02:26 PM
I believe that a lot of clubs are straddling the line at the moment, and that is why we're seeing all this talk about amalgamations. Amalgamations only mask the obvious reality. A lot of these clubs can't motivate players to train and are wholesale reliant on them to commit. There are no other options. Truth be told, it's a dead horse that is gone way past the point of being flogged. For comfort's sake, some clubs would be better served taking a walk down the road and joining up with the neighbour. You have some sort of chance when you have numbers. At the moment, a lot of clubs seem happy to look at the neighbour and say did you know I'm dying; well at least you'll be dead before me. The race to the bottom is well underway for some Laois clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 11, 2017, 02:58:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on January 11, 2017, 02:02:26 PM
I believe that a lot of clubs are straddling the line at the moment, and that is why we're seeing all this talk about amalgamations. Amalgamations only mask the obvious reality. A lot of these clubs can't motivate players to train and are wholesale reliant on them to commit. There are no other options. Truth be told, it's a dead horse that is gone way past the point of being flogged. For comfort's sake, some clubs would be better served taking a walk down the road and joining up with the neighbour. You have some sort of chance when you have numbers. At the moment, a lot of clubs seem happy to look at the neighbour and say did you know I'm dying; well at least you'll be dead before me. The race to the bottom is well underway for some Laois clubs.

I agree with a lot of this, and another reason i would add is that rural ireland is changing, people arent having big familys anymore, in the 80s you had 4 bourke brothers playing for errill, god knows how many brothers playing for camross etc, castletown are in a rebuildig stage and its hard to see them achieve the heights thwy once did, emigration has the harps hammered, mountrath is in rapid decline underage and senior b, clonad never came back from their last senior win, trumera,shanahoe,colt, kyle simply cannot sustain themselves for another 10 years on their own, i hope i am wrong but its looming that way
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: maccer on January 11, 2017, 04:40:46 PM
Is it time for the co board to get meaningfully involved with amalgamations? I know it may be similar to govt staying away from industrial disputes etc. but perhaps some order should be brought to these arrangements rather than the haphazard approach we've seen over the winter. If a special convention was called where the whole situation was properly debated and guidelines set down it could help. It seems to be gone beyond a club issue at the moment and the whole county set up is under serious threat. It needs leadership. Clubs either don't have the numbers or else do and don't seem to have the drive to flourish alone. It's pointless meandering along until it's suddenly too late to act
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 17, 2017, 07:50:36 PM
Clonaslee/Annanough is going ahead.  :o
As is Crettyard/Spink, Ballyfin/Slieve Bloom/Camross and Mountmellick/Kilcavan/Castletown.
Don't know the hurling ones.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 17, 2017, 08:33:04 PM
Raheen Parish Gaels hurling together from u6 to minor
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 17, 2017, 09:01:04 PM
Was wondering if camross would be picked up alright, they seem to have a few at minor level well capable of playing at a higher level and although camross are now a junior a team the likelyhood of them training or putting much of an effort into the football is minimal
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 17, 2017, 09:40:00 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 17, 2017, 09:01:04 PM
Was wondering if camross would be picked up alright, they seem to have a few at minor level well capable of playing at a higher level and although camross are now a junior a team the likelyhood of them training or putting much of an effort into the football is minimal

Never thought i would see the day, fair play to camross opening the door for their younger members to have access to higher level football, what level will this gaels team be playing?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: town1980 on January 17, 2017, 10:52:47 PM
Any outside bets on the 2017 Laois championship ???with all these amalgamations will they put in a shift to hit semi quarter finals?? Portlaoise the only real guaranteed semi finalists,,, predictions??
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 17, 2017, 10:55:35 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on January 17, 2017, 09:40:00 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 17, 2017, 09:01:04 PM
Was wondering if camross would be picked up alright, they seem to have a few at minor level well capable of playing at a higher level and although camross are now a junior a team the likelyhood of them training or putting much of an effort into the football is minimal

Never thought i would see the day, fair play to camross opening the door for their younger members to have access to higher level football, what level will this gaels team be playing?
Senior with Ballyfin
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois fan on January 18, 2017, 09:42:51 AM
Can understand most of these clubs joining up but not mountmellick they usually have a strong panel and will prob lose a lot of their fringe players now.wouldnt be the greatest fan of these amalgamations anyway,seem to be a quick fix to a much bigger problem,clubs should concentrate more on improving their juvenile standards .Also maybe I'm mistaken but I taught clonaslee and annonough didn't get on
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 18, 2017, 10:12:28 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on January 18, 2017, 09:42:51 AM
Also maybe I'm mistaken but I taught clonaslee and annonough didn't get on
I think it's a very odd one. They played a league game last year and i think it was abandoned because of fighting!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 18, 2017, 10:34:20 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on January 18, 2017, 09:42:51 AM
Can understand most of these clubs joining up but not mountmellick they usually have a strong panel and will prob lose a lot of their fringe players now.wouldnt be the greatest fan of these amalgamations anyway,seem to be a quick fix to a much bigger problem,clubs should concentrate more on improving their juvenile standards .Also maybe I'm mistaken but I taught clonaslee and annonough didn't get on

It's not that simple. Most clubs are existing with threadbare resources and it is very hard to motivate "fringe" players to put their shoulder to the wheel. The ones who do want to do the thing right deserve better than that. So we're not just talking about access to senior football here, but also a player's wish to be part of something credible. I agree that it is a short term solution to a long term problem, but let's be honest here, the Championship needs as much of a jolt as it can get. A lot of clubs need to think seriously about their place in the world
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: the sash on January 18, 2017, 01:19:33 PM
While i do agree that amalgamations are the way forward in the laois senior football championship. Think there should be a limit or so on the areas that are amalgamating. I mean clonaslee is a good half hour n the rest away from vicarstown. These ones don't make sense to me.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 18, 2017, 01:34:06 PM
Amalgamations make sense in some ways if the clubs are somewhat nearby each . Clonaslee and Annanough does not make since . I'd love to know the logic behind this one .. I was at the match last year when they tore lumps out of each and the game had to be stopped . So what's stopping Graigue joining up with Emo just for hearsay .?! There has to be certain rules and stipulations to how clubs amalgamate .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 18, 2017, 01:42:57 PM
I don't begrudge Donal Miller senior football at this stage of his career. He's been incredibly loyal to Annanough, and has been blackguarded by the system. That its come to an amalgamation with Clonaslee to give him senior football is an indictment of Laois GAA. It shouldn't have had to be like this. But it is, and people shouldn't be trying to put rules in place to stop it. Perhaps rules to make this thing easier would be more apt.

I wish him and the rest all the best.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 18, 2017, 01:53:01 PM
Well if the sole reason for this amalgamation is to give Donal Miller senior football it's a sad indictment of how the club scene is run in Laois . I concur that he  deserves to be playing Senior football and has showed tremendous loyalty to his club which sadly has lacked with some players in this county particualary neighbouring clubs to Annanough . But there are many other lads in Donals position also who should be looked after and they system in place has undoubtedly prevented this .
It's just a pity this didn't happen for Miller 8-9 years ago but alas better late than ever . The rules don't make this easy .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 18, 2017, 01:56:14 PM
Quote from: les Antiques on January 18, 2017, 01:53:01 PM
Well if the sole reason for this amalgamation is to give Donal Miller senior football it's a sad indictment of how the club scene is run in Laois . I concur that he  deserves to be playing Senior football and has showed tremendous loyalty to his club which sadly has lacked with some players in this county particualary neighbouring clubs to Annanough . But there are many other lads in Donals position also who should be looked after and they system in place has undoubtedly prevented this .
It's just a pity this didn't happen for Miller 8-9 years ago but alas better late than ever . The rules don't make this easy .
The club scene is in a sad state. Thats pretty obvious. Annanough lost a good one to their neighbours in recent years, I don't blame them for trying to give an outlet to prevent it happening again. But it shouldn't be up to them or other clubs to do this, there should be some outlet there. Sadly there isnt.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 18, 2017, 02:01:01 PM
The reality is that clubs are been forced to act whereas in ideal or somewhat ideal circumstances the county board should grab the  bull by the horns and create a more accessible policy for clubs and players to achieve and or play at the level they deserve .
Anyway best of luck to Miller always had time for him ! Pure as they say
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on January 18, 2017, 02:16:30 PM
Best of luck to all the teams who go down this road. One of the many negatives I see with this is the club's who try and go alone senior heath o dempseys portarlington etc and could get beaten by these hybrid teams and find themselves in a relegation situation because they backed there own club players. Plenty of players from other counties stick with there teams and try and get them up to a higher level. It's a vicious cycle
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Uisce on January 18, 2017, 02:26:19 PM
Quote from: O moore parklife on January 18, 2017, 02:16:30 PM
Best of luck to all the teams who go down this road. One of the many negatives I see with this is the club's who try and go alone senior heath o dempseys portarlington etc and could get beaten by these hybrid teams and find themselves in a relegation situation because they backed there own club players. Plenty of players from other counties stick with there teams and try and get them up to a higher level. It's a vicious cycle

To be fair, on the teams you mentioned, O'Dempseys were relegated 2 years ago without any of these 'hybrid' teams. The Heath were desperate to become a 'hybrid' team with Timahoe and Port should have enough resources in their town to not become involved in a relegation fight.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 18, 2017, 02:59:51 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 17, 2017, 09:01:04 PM
Was wondering if camross would be picked up alright, they seem to have a few at minor level well capable of playing at a higher level and although camross are now a junior a team the likelyhood of them training or putting much of an effort into the football is minimal
I'd say it's just young Tyrell. Doubt if anyone else from Camross would go about playing senior football.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 07:26:26 PM
Clonaslee-Annanough should not be allowed, I hear Ballinakill & Slieve Bloom is also going ahead. Have they dropped Slieve Margy then?
Neither of these involve "connected" clubs and I don't know how this fits in with the GAA ethos.
Baffled to be honest.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 07:52:48 PM
I'm hearing that Ballinakill are taking in Slieve Margey and Ratheniska Juvenile  Hurlers and that Spink and Ratheniska are amalgamating at Juvenile Football level.

When's the deadline for all these amalgamations?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SpeculativeEffort on January 18, 2017, 07:57:29 PM
I used to think certain amalgamations like Ballyfin and Mountmellick at juvenile level etc were a bit unseemly as they are in different parishes. Well 2017 is proving that same parish, neighbouring clubs etc means nothing when it comes to joining up. The county board loosened rules to allow players access to higher level. Its a good idea but needs regulation. TG4 used to have a Western season on saturday nights well Laois GAA are running their own cowboys and indians season for 2017. A pure farce.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 08:11:54 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 07:52:48 PM
I'm hearing that Ballinakill are taking in Slieve Margey and Ratheniska Juvenile  Hurlers and that Spink and Ratheniska are amalgamating at Juvenile Football level.

When's the deadline for all these amalgamations?

They better call it soon or the County Secretary will end up in St Fintan's trying to sort out fixture and competition clashes.
O' Neills might do well out of this!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 08:19:58 PM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on January 18, 2017, 07:57:29 PM
I used to think certain amalgamations like Ballyfin and Mountmellick at juvenile level etc were a bit unseemly as they are in different parishes. Well 2017 is proving that same parish, neighbouring clubs etc means nothing when it comes to joining up. The county board loosened rules to allow players access to higher level. Its a good idea but needs regulation. TG4 used to have a Western season on saturday nights well Laois GAA are running their own cowboys and indians season for 2017. A pure farce.

I believe that CCC has the right to reject any proposed "merger" that it feels is not appropriate.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 08:19:58 PM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on January 18, 2017, 07:57:29 PM
I used to think certain amalgamations like Ballyfin and Mountmellick at juvenile level etc were a bit unseemly as they are in different parishes. Well 2017 is proving that same parish, neighbouring clubs etc means nothing when it comes to joining up. The county board loosened rules to allow players access to higher level. Its a good idea but needs regulation. TG4 used to have a Western season on saturday nights well Laois GAA are running their own cowboys and indians season for 2017. A pure farce.

I believe that CCC has the right to reject any proposed "merger" that it feels is not appropriate.

I presume this can be appealed as well.

No doubt there will some fun with regrading all juvenile amalgamations also,I expect to see the A grades packed for the coming year
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 08:47:45 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 08:34:47 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 18, 2017, 08:19:58 PM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on January 18, 2017, 07:57:29 PM
I used to think certain amalgamations like Ballyfin and Mountmellick at juvenile level etc were a bit unseemly as they are in different parishes. Well 2017 is proving that same parish, neighbouring clubs etc means nothing when it comes to joining up. The county board loosened rules to allow players access to higher level. Its a good idea but needs regulation. TG4 used to have a Western season on saturday nights well Laois GAA are running their own cowboys and indians season for 2017. A pure farce.

I believe that CCC has the right to reject any proposed "merger" that it feels is not appropriate.

I presume this can be appealed as well.

No doubt there will some fun with regrading all juvenile amalgamations also,I expect to see the A grades packed for the coming year

Everything can be appealed. But surely those in charge taking a stance in the first regard has some place in our association.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Neiska Man on January 18, 2017, 08:59:49 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 07:52:48 PM
I'm hearing that Ballinakill are taking in Slieve Margey and Ratheniska Juvenile  Hurlers and that Spink and Ratheniska are amalgamating at Juvenile Football level.
You hear wrong. With respect, I ask that you concentrate on your own matters and stop spreading rumors.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 09:08:34 PM
Quote from: Neiska Man on January 18, 2017, 08:59:49 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 18, 2017, 07:52:48 PM
I'm hearing that Ballinakill are taking in Slieve Margey and Ratheniska Juvenile  Hurlers and that Spink and Ratheniska are amalgamating at Juvenile Football level.
You hear wrong. With respect, I ask that you concentrate on your own matters and stop spreading rumors.

Which ones am I wrong with then?.

Are some of your hurling teams not playing with Ballinakill?,are some of your football teams not amalgamating with Spink?.

Maybe you can clear it up for us?.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 10:17:35 AM
Hi surely there is a simple way to sort out all this gaels/transfer nonsense by introducing 4 divisional teams north, south, east and west made up of junior and intermediate players. Rule it now before the year kicks off properly that the bottom 4 teams + the winners of this years intermediate go into a 5 team group at the end of the season in which all teams play each other once with the winning team being promoted to senior and the rest to intermediate (should teams be level on points it goes to score difference, still level after tat teams get drawn from a hat and play off winner takes all) This serves 3 purposes 1: To reduce senior teams to 12, 2: the extra numbers in intermediate will increase the divisional team strength and 3: I creates a competitive atmosphere (which i think has been lost in Laois football for a long time).
Now 2018 would see the senior c/ship with 12 senior teams + 4 divisional, 4 groups of 4 with one divisional team in each group all teams playing  playing twice, top 2 teams go through to quarters etc, third place teams going into a shield semi final. This ensures all teams get a minimum of 7 games at senior for their players to be seen.
Relegation then divisional teams cant be relegated (this ensures all the counties top players are playing senior every year which is the why all the transfers/amalgamation are happening) and the lowest placed senior team plays off against intermediate winners.

The reason for all  the playoffs/senior relegation is to fuel competitiveness. There will then be only 12 "official" senior teams who have to battle every year to keep there name against a intermediate side thats chomping at the bit to move itself up a division. You have 4 large groups of individuals in the divisional that are out to prove why they deserve a chance to play senior football and a better prospect of playing county giving us a total of 240 of  our best players playing first team senior football. Senior teams will have to fight to keep their place and the intermediate championship will be properly competitive.
Thats just my take on it anyway, in my opinion it would create a more competitive platform, stop all this amalgamation/transfer crap and give all our best players a chance to prove themselves.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 19, 2017, 10:34:11 AM
Quote from: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 10:17:35 AM
Hi surely there is a simple way to sort out all this gaels/transfer nonsense by introducing 4 divisional teams north, south, east and west made up of junior and intermediate players. Rule it now before the year kicks off properly that the bottom 4 teams + the winners of this years intermediate go into a 5 team group at the end of the season in which all teams play each other once with the winning team being promoted to senior and the rest to intermediate (should teams be level on points it goes to score difference, still level after tat teams get drawn from a hat and play off winner takes all) This serves 3 purposes 1: To reduce senior teams to 12, 2: the extra numbers in intermediate will increase the divisional team strength and 3: I creates a competitive atmosphere (which i think has been lost in Laois football for a long time).
Now 2018 would see the senior c/ship with 12 senior teams + 4 divisional, 4 groups of 4 with one divisional team in each group all teams playing  playing twice, top 2 teams go through to quarters etc, third place teams going into a shield semi final. This ensures all teams get a minimum of 7 games at senior for their players to be seen.
Relegation then divisional teams cant be relegated (this ensures all the counties top players are playing senior every year which is the why all the transfers/amalgamation are happening) and the lowest placed senior team plays off against intermediate winners.

The reason for all  the playoffs/senior relegation is to fuel competitiveness. There will then be only 12 "official" senior teams who have to battle every year to keep there name against a intermediate side thats chomping at the bit to move itself up a division. You have 4 large groups of individuals in the divisional that are out to prove why they deserve a chance to play senior football and a better prospect of playing county giving us a total of 240 of  our best players playing first team senior football. Senior teams will have to fight to keep their place and the intermediate championship will be properly competitive.
Thats just my take on it anyway, in my opinion it would create a more competitive platform, stop all this amalgamation/transfer crap and give all our best players a chance to prove themselves.
That's actually a brilliant idea.
For 2018, they are relegating 8 teams to senior B football and it will mirror the hurling but that still won't solve what we'll call the "Donal Miller problem"!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 19, 2017, 10:41:40 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 19, 2017, 10:34:11 AM
Quote from: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 10:17:35 AM
Hi surely there is a simple way to sort out all this gaels/transfer nonsense by introducing 4 divisional teams north, south, east and west made up of junior and intermediate players. Rule it now before the year kicks off properly that the bottom 4 teams + the winners of this years intermediate go into a 5 team group at the end of the season in which all teams play each other once with the winning team being promoted to senior and the rest to intermediate (should teams be level on points it goes to score difference, still level after tat teams get drawn from a hat and play off winner takes all) This serves 3 purposes 1: To reduce senior teams to 12, 2: the extra numbers in intermediate will increase the divisional team strength and 3: I creates a competitive atmosphere (which i think has been lost in Laois football for a long time).
Now 2018 would see the senior c/ship with 12 senior teams + 4 divisional, 4 groups of 4 with one divisional team in each group all teams playing  playing twice, top 2 teams go through to quarters etc, third place teams going into a shield semi final. This ensures all teams get a minimum of 7 games at senior for their players to be seen.
Relegation then divisional teams cant be relegated (this ensures all the counties top players are playing senior every year which is the why all the transfers/amalgamation are happening) and the lowest placed senior team plays off against intermediate winners.

The reason for all  the playoffs/senior relegation is to fuel competitiveness. There will then be only 12 "official" senior teams who have to battle every year to keep there name against a intermediate side thats chomping at the bit to move itself up a division. You have 4 large groups of individuals in the divisional that are out to prove why they deserve a chance to play senior football and a better prospect of playing county giving us a total of 240 of  our best players playing first team senior football. Senior teams will have to fight to keep their place and the intermediate championship will be properly competitive.
Thats just my take on it anyway, in my opinion it would create a more competitive platform, stop all this amalgamation/transfer crap and give all our best players a chance to prove themselves.
That's actually a brilliant idea.
For 2018, they are relegating 8 teams to senior B football and it will mirror the hurling but that still won't solve what we'll call the "Donal Miller problem"!
I feel like I've made Donal a poster child for this, my apologies Donal.

And it is a brilliant idea. I would question the 7 games thing, it could lead to dead rubber, even with the spectre of relegation, but on the whole, it deserves to go forward for debate at club and county board level.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 19, 2017, 10:56:22 AM
Fair enough, from now it shall henceforth be known as the "Derek O'Connell issue".  ;)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 19, 2017, 11:00:46 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 19, 2017, 10:56:22 AM
Fair enough, from now it shall henceforth be known as the "Derek O'Connell issue".  ;)
Brian Keville?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 19, 2017, 11:10:24 AM
How would you split it considering that around the tipp/kilkenny borders there's virtually no football, and there is about 8 football clubs, 7 of which are senior lumped into one corner of the county, you could argue for a north/south split like they do in tipp for football but 4 is too much for the moment at least, as for the senior being split its a good thing i reckon long term, all you have to do is look at the hurling championship which hasnt had a back to back winner in 14/15 years, you will also be creating an unbelievably competitive intermediate championship(which is what it is seeing as the winners play leinster intermediate), ill take my own club as an example probably one of the best up and coming football teams in laois going by underage success etc. If westayed in the top 8 they will be exposed to the absolute top level in the county kind of a sink or swim thing, if they are in the new inter championship they are probably at a level closer to their own but they would have a real chance of winning something. What im saying in a roundabout way is that every club should now have a championship to aim for instead of 9/10 senior teams going through the motions
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ogie on January 19, 2017, 11:48:22 AM
Looks like the Ballinakill Slieve Bloom Gaels hurling is going ahead for senior, I think this is absolutely ridiculous, similar to the Trumera/Kyle last year these amalgamations have taken a bad turn,
Clubs with no connection, geographically or otherwise linking up so the likes of Ballinakill can use Ben Conroy or other clubs cherry picking players,
I also think it's a bad move for Ballinakill who are a very progressive club in their own right with a lot of development going on with their club grounds & their underage set up why get involved with this rubbish
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 19, 2017, 12:01:11 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 19, 2017, 11:10:24 AM
How would you split it considering that around the tipp/kilkenny borders there's virtually no football, and there is about 8 football clubs, 7 of which are senior lumped into one corner of the county, you could argue for a north/south split like they do in tipp for football but 4 is too much for the moment at least, as for the senior being split its a good thing i reckon long term, all you have to do is look at the hurling championship which hasnt had a back to back winner in 14/15 years, you will also be creating an unbelievably competitive intermediate championship(which is what it is seeing as the winners play leinster intermediate), ill take my own club as an example probably one of the best up and coming football teams in laois going by underage success etc. If westayed in the top 8 they will be exposed to the absolute top level in the county kind of a sink or swim thing, if they are in the new inter championship they are probably at a level closer to their own but they would have a real chance of winning something. What im saying in a roundabout way is that every club should now have a championship to aim for instead of 9/10 senior teams going through the motions

What they have done in Tipp is interesting in relation to football,Football would be strong to various degrees in the South,West and Mid Divisions,what they have done with the North which would be all Hurling is put in a 9 nine team amalgamation called Thomas McDonoghs which gives the likes of Philip Austin,George Hannigan and Kevin o Halloran the opportunity to play senior club football,when they would be playing junior A at best with their clubs.

From talking to a work colleague in Tipp,there was a strategic football plan put in place by the Tipp county board 15 years ago with the aim of Tipp winning an All Ireland by 2020,their 100th Anniversary of their last win,the county board over there drove that amalgamation and player pathways in the likes of the north division.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 12:24:04 PM
I actually wasn't considering Donal Miller in that it im my view he is one of the post dedicated and passionate annaghnough men there is was the other teams and players like Barrowhouse for example, I only recently read about the Daly talk and if a little club like that can lose the 2 kingstons and Daly it shows how well they are set up. If im not mistaken with them if they had all players available their team would consist of 2 kingstons, daly,  malone, (dont know first name) brennan, joe murphy and the twin chaps who would of all played minor or u21 and senoir for laois and i think the oldest being 28ish? I know you can still argue that only 3 of the 9 would of left but altogether that would be the bones of some outfit. They also used to have dom whelans son who was a great  talant that never had a chance to play above junior. If im not mistaken however he was a stand out performer for one of the american club teams recently so is obviously over there.

regarding the division dont think as north/s/e/w. think NE/SE/SW/NW google maps laois draw a rough line straight through portlaoise from just to the right of MM to just right of ballinakill to divide east west. then from roughly from athy to the N77 to divide NE and SE and from portlaoise straight across between mountrath and ballyfin. That would leave the hurling parts quite large with lots to draw from and football side smaller with more traditional clubs. for instance NE would then consist of annanough, O'D's, the rock, courtwood and emo and whoever else, SE would be barrowhouse park, timmahoe, spink an SW then would be ballynakill, durrow, rathdowny, errill borris, castletown and mountrath and NW rosenallis, kilcavan and dont forget bout senior teams coming down.

Anyway what im saying is a club like that and other clubs around should have the ability to let there players play senior ball in a proper format. We need our best players playing competitive HARD football. Its the county board that are confusing things by once again being to afraid/old fashioned to make changes and causing club officials all kinds of headaches just to be either shot down or made fun of.

also agrees with the 7 matches being to much, just make it one game each in the group that leaves a min of 4 games.

Intermediate and junior should also be restructured to accomodate these changes to make their championship more competitive. Firstly to avoid players playing eeach weekend for divisional and junior/intermediate teams play off junior c/ship between mid may and finish in july again same format as above in groups all teams play the same weekend  sunny weather good football. Thats 10 weeks to play 6 games max. Players that are out then have all august to go on holidays/EP and relax and the div teams holding onto players from august to end of c/chip.
The problem i feel with splitting the senior into 2 is that you still have 4 teams to many calling themselves senior.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 12:32:48 PM
So clubs who invest in their juvenile clubs are going to be disadvantaged because other clubs can cobble together teams from the pick of available players; irregardless of parish rule or basic geographical logic?

Sounds like utter bull to me!

Over the last 20 years, we've had relatively small clubs (purely in terms of population) like Castletown and Clough/Ballacolla contest and win Senior championships.
Both clubs are probably pulling from primary school numbers of less than 200 kids total.

I get the 'Donal Miller' conundrum but I'm perplexed by this notion that the good of the Laois County Team should supersede the good of the basic club unit. The club is the lifeblood of the gaa. Penalising the clubs who are trying to do the right thing doesn't sit well with me.

Area teams have been welcome in the Palmer/Kelly Cup for years but there has been no uptake. Now, certain clubs and individuals are seeing their remaining chances of winning a championship ebbing away and amalgamations are seen as the answer.

I'm not sure this is a positive development. I have no problem with parish teams a la Raheen Parish Gaels, The Harps, Borris/Kilcotton etc but this Ballinakill/Slieve Bloom amalgamation is ridiculous.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 19, 2017, 12:41:17 PM
Quote from: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 12:32:48 PM
Area teams have been welcome in the Palmer/Kelly Cup for years but there has been no uptake. Now, certain clubs and individuals are seeing their remaining chances of winning a championship ebbing away and amalgamations are seen as the answer.
No one gives a flying fup about the Palmer and Kelly Cups. Offering area teams spaces in them was lip service.

People assume area teams will walk the competition are way off the mark as well.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 19, 2017, 12:45:30 PM
Intermediate and junior should also be restructured to accomodate these changes to make their championship more competitive. Firstly to avoid players playing eeach weekend for divisional and junior/intermediate teams play off junior c/ship between mid may and finish in july again same format as above in groups all teams play the same weekend  sunny weather good football. Thats 10 weeks to play 6 games max. Players that are out then have all august to go on holidays/EP and relax and the div teams holding onto players from august to end of c/chip
[/quote]

Not half insulting to junior players, just f**k them out of the way thats your solution basically, there would also be the issue of senior teams leaving their better lads off the 17 so they could go win a junior championship, if you pick out a weekend llets say have senior matches on a friday, senior b and inter matches on a sqturday and junior games on a sunday, you could maybe pick out the marquee game from each grade and play them in o'moore park to keep it active and play the rest of the games elsewhere, theres enough high quality club grounds to cater senior clubs(ex make more sense to have st josephs vs graigue in crettyard or ballyroan vs o'dempseys in stradbally/portarlington), for the senior the junior b and c usually start early july and is played midweek so there should be an issue with them
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 01:55:07 PM
No not a tall, I played junior for a country team most of my adult life and trying to assemble a team of lads in August between holidays and barley was next to impossible. you cant tell a farmer to stop cutting corn at 6 go home to eat dinner and be at training at half 7 with rain expected the following day. Or alternatively like what happened on more than one occasion you play your first match the second week of august and because of senior and inter being played your match get postponed for a month so you play a meangingless challenge match against a club somewhere and either win big, lose big or get inevitably your best player injured. There is nothing to stop the junior and inter league playing 4-5 games in march-april, and the rest in august on.
To stop bigger doing that is easy the top 19 lads that played the most amount c/ship the previous year are automatically your first panel, any player from that 19 can be regraded but cant go back up to senior the same year

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on January 19, 2017, 03:26:11 PM
I think this is an argument that goes on in most counties and there is no simple solution but one things for certain we have to many senior teams in football and that should be looked at.

Amalgamations are difficult from both sides of the fence ....It's so hard to get the balance right.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: INTJ on January 19, 2017, 07:29:04 PM
Yeah it's a bit of situation alright but it works in other counties and could possibly be integrated here. I truly believe the old buzz words of passion and competitiveness have long been missing from senior football. And wanted to fit in the prospect of all players having the chance to experience senior football while making all c/ships more competitive. Football is currently mundane and that has to change somehow.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 19, 2017, 08:11:32 PM
Do other clubs get any say in these amalgamations?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 19, 2017, 09:35:11 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 19, 2017, 08:11:32 PM
Do other clubs get any say in these amalgamations?

Im not so sure about Laois but in 2004 Golden/Anacarthy and kilfeacle amalgamated in Tipperary and reached a county final only to be narrowly defeated by Toomevara and just about every team they beat along the way objected to them playing as a unit and they ceased to exist as a combo as they were dubbed. If this was a result of objections, I dont know but clubs can object with good reason from what iv been told over the years
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 10:00:25 PM
Ballinakill Gaels - Senior Hurling Championship – Ballinakill with players from Slieve Bloom and Slieve Margy

Ballyfin Gaels –Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Ballyfin with players from Mountmellick
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans with players from Annanough

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

Colt Gaels – Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Colt with players from Clonad

Mountmellick Gaels – Senior Football Championship - Mountmellick with players from Kilcavan and Castletown

Shanahoe Gaels - Senior Hurling "A" Championship – Shanahoe with players from Ballypickas

*All the above have been recommended by the County Executive.

Will be discussed and voted-on next Monday.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 20, 2017, 12:22:02 AM
Quote from: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 10:00:25 PM
Ballinakill Gaels - Senior Hurling Championship – Ballinakill with players from Slieve Bloom and Slieve Margy

Ballyfin Gaels –Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Ballyfin with players from Mountmellick
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans with players from Annanough

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

Colt Gaels – Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Colt with players from Clonad

Mountmellick Gaels – Senior Football Championship - Mountmellick with players[/i] from Kilcavan and Castletown

Shanahoe Gaels - Senior Hurling "A" Championship – Shanahoe with players from Ballypickas

*All the above have been recommended by the County Executive.

Will be discussed and voted-on next Monday.

The above in bold and italics should not be entertained!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on January 20, 2017, 12:24:29 AM
I 100% agree with the above.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TP Ashe on January 20, 2017, 01:07:20 AM
Quote from: O moore parklife on January 20, 2017, 12:24:29 AM
I 100% agree with the above.

100% agree.
Clubs will have been informed about these proposals on Tuesday. County Board Delegates should be mandated by their clubs to reject these proposals but I really doubt that will happen.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on January 20, 2017, 01:10:22 AM
The Castletown one is specifically for ben reddin who has always played football for mountmellick and hurling for castletown to be fair to him
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: les Antiques on January 20, 2017, 09:58:09 AM
The Heath / Timahoe amalgamation is obviously a non runner then .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 20, 2017, 10:05:23 AM
Quote from: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 10:00:25 PM
Ballinakill Gaels - Senior Hurling Championship – Ballinakill with players from Slieve Bloom and Slieve Margy

Ballyfin Gaels –Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Ballyfin with players from Mountmellick
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans with players from Annanough

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

Colt Gaels – Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Colt with players from Clonad

Mountmellick Gaels – Senior Football Championship - Mountmellick with players from Kilcavan and Castletown

Shanahoe Gaels - Senior Hurling "A" Championship – Shanahoe with players from Ballypickas

*All the above have been recommended by the County Executive.

Will be discussed and voted-on next Monday.
Did they reject any?

Clonaslee and Annanough is almost like a social experiment of sorts.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 20, 2017, 10:59:58 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 20, 2017, 10:05:23 AM
Quote from: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 10:00:25 PM
Ballinakill Gaels - Senior Hurling Championship – Ballinakill with players from Slieve Bloom and Slieve Margy

Ballyfin Gaels –Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Ballyfin with players from Mountmellick
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans with players from Annanough

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

Colt Gaels – Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Colt with players from Clonad

Mountmellick Gaels – Senior Football Championship - Mountmellick with players from Kilcavan and Castletown

Shanahoe Gaels - Senior Hurling "A" Championship – Shanahoe with players from Ballypickas

*All the above have been recommended by the County Executive.

Will be discussed and voted-on next Monday.
Did they reject any?

Clonaslee and Annanough is almost like a social experiment of sorts.
There is no rule in the book to stop amalgamations such as Clonaslee/ Annanough. It can be stopped at the discretion of the County Committee which includes the club delegates. Here's a unusual one from Kilkenny. The only amalgamated set up in Kilkenny that I can think of is Galmoy/Windgap (underage) who are at least 30 miles apart. Don't know whether it is still going. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TP Ashe on January 20, 2017, 11:12:17 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 20, 2017, 10:05:23 AM
Quote from: TP Ashe on January 19, 2017, 10:00:25 PM
Ballinakill Gaels - Senior Hurling Championship – Ballinakill with players from Slieve Bloom and Slieve Margy

Ballyfin Gaels –Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Ballyfin with players from Mountmellick
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans with players from Annanough

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

Colt Gaels – Senior Hurling "A" Championship –Colt with players from Clonad

Mountmellick Gaels – Senior Football Championship - Mountmellick with players from Kilcavan and Castletown

Shanahoe Gaels - Senior Hurling "A" Championship – Shanahoe with players from Ballypickas

*All the above have been recommended by the County Executive.

Will be discussed and voted-on next Monday.
Did they reject any?

Clonaslee and Annanough is almost like a social experiment of sorts.

I didn't see the correspondence or anything but I believe none were refused outright.

There was mention of some of these amalgamations being against the 'spirit of the rule' but that might only be hearsay.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on January 20, 2017, 11:55:12 AM
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross



??????????????Camross lads hurling with Ballyfin??
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on January 20, 2017, 12:05:52 PM
Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

That should be Crettyard with Spink & Ballinakill players
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on January 20, 2017, 01:05:31 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 20, 2017, 12:05:52 PM
Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

That should be Crettyard with Spink & Ballinakill players

Spink caters for the football side of ballinakill and knock parish and ballinakill caters for the hurling so it is only players from spink club
Preferably you would like to see a link between clubs weather that be underage amalgamations or parish neighbours but sometimes the senior club wont allow this, Joesphs and Barrowhouse being a prime example, so if the oppurtunity comes up elsewhere to play at the top grade you cant exactly blame a junior club for taking it
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Target Man on January 21, 2017, 02:38:45 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on January 20, 2017, 12:05:52 PM
Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard with players from Spink

That should be Crettyard with Spink & Ballinakill players

Ballinakill a hurling only club. I wold think that description of Crettyard Gaels is accurate
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Target Man on January 21, 2017, 02:42:18 AM
Quote from: Unlaoised on January 20, 2017, 11:55:12 AM
Ballyfin Gaels - Senior Football Championship –Ballyfin  with players from Slieve Bloom  and Camross



??????????????Camross lads hurling with Ballyfin??


No
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 21, 2017, 09:57:53 AM
I can see some clubs voting against these football amalgamations Monday night.
Some of the weaker senior clubs might not want Clonaslee for example being strengthened as it could threaten their own chances of not getting relegated. And some of the intermediate teams might prefer the weakest senior team being relegated instead of the likes of Graiugue or The Heath or even Stradbally who were all in the relegation mix in the last two years.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois fan on January 21, 2017, 03:57:21 PM
What's the story with Arles Killeen and barrow house is it not happening now
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 21, 2017, 06:35:45 PM
Quote from: Laois fan on January 21, 2017, 03:57:21 PM
What's the story with Arles Killeen and barrow house is it not happening now

No - in fairness to Barrowhouse, Killeen took two of their best players - why should they prop up an aging Killeen outfit?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: the sash on January 21, 2017, 08:12:08 PM
Alot of decisions you might think would get shot down,often pass through because the huling clubs have a vote in football matters n vice vearsa.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on January 22, 2017, 09:20:57 AM
Quote from: the sash on January 21, 2017, 08:12:08 PM
Alot of decisions you might think would get shot down,often pass through because the huling clubs have a vote in football matters n vice vearsa.
If it doesn't affect a club their delegate should possibly abstain.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 22, 2017, 03:53:44 PM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on January 22, 2017, 09:20:57 AM
Quote from: the sash on January 21, 2017, 08:12:08 PM
Alot of decisions you might think would get shot down,often pass through because the huling clubs have a vote in football matters n vice vearsa.
If it doesn't affect a club their delegate should possibly abstain.

I disagree.
Most items that come to a vote can have future consequences, with setting of precedent etc.
Also, it is Laois GAA, not Laois Hurling or Laois Football. All delegates and clubs are entitled to comment and vote on issues affecting Laois GAA as a whole.
Items such as grading, regrading, amalgamations as a whole might only ever affect a handful of clubs directly. However, they often lead to future scenarios that will affect many others.
For example, Ballinakill Gaels will only really affect the other 7 senior clubs. Does this mean that only those clubs should be allowed vote on it?
Similarly with Clonaslee Gaels.

The fact is that if those two pass then (IMO) the system is being abused and barring a change to rule at congress, it will be hard for Laois GAA to refuse any suggested amalgamations into the future.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on January 23, 2017, 12:23:34 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 22, 2017, 03:53:44 PM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on January 22, 2017, 09:20:57 AM
Quote from: the sash on January 21, 2017, 08:12:08 PM
Alot of decisions you might think would get shot down,often pass through because the huling clubs have a vote in football matters n vice vearsa.
If it doesn't affect a club their delegate should possibly abstain.

I disagree.
Most items that come to a vote can have future consequences, with setting of precedent etc.
Also, it is Laois GAA, not Laois Hurling or Laois Football. All delegates and clubs are entitled to comment and vote on issues affecting Laois GAA as a whole.
Items such as grading, regrading, amalgamations as a whole might only ever affect a handful of clubs directly. However, they often lead to future scenarios that will affect many others.
For example, Ballinakill Gaels will only really affect the other 7 senior clubs. Does this mean that only those clubs should be allowed vote on it?
Similarly with Clonaslee Gaels.

The fact is that if those two pass then (IMO) the system is being abused and barring a change to rule at congress, it will be hard for Laois GAA to refuse any suggested amalgamations into the future.
I did say "possibly abstain".
And to be fair for the likes of Ballinakill Gaels it could affect far more than the other seven senior clubs so I don't think it should mean every other club should abstain.
However, I think if a delegate from Portarlington or Graigue for instance hasn't been mandated by his club to vote on a particular all hurling amalgamation I would think abstaining an acceptable option.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on January 23, 2017, 10:35:16 AM
It's all well and good for delegates to not bother voting because something doesn't affect them directly but they don't know when a similar situation will occur that DOES affect their club.
If you are not happy with the principle of the argument then you should vote against it whether it affects you directly or not. Ultimately all the decisions that are made at county board level will have an affect at some stage sooner or later.
So the 'it doesn't bother me so I don't care' attitude is wrong and detrimental in the long term to all GAA clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on January 23, 2017, 10:18:59 PM
So what amalgamations have been passed at tonight's meeting? anyone any updates?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 23, 2017, 11:06:42 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on January 23, 2017, 10:35:16 AM
It's all well and good for delegates to not bother voting because something doesn't affect them directly but they don't know when a similar situation will occur that DOES affect their club.
If you are not happy with the principle of the argument then you should vote against it whether it affects you directly or not. Ultimately all the decisions that are made at county board level will have an affect at some stage sooner or later.
So the 'it doesn't bother me so I don't care' attitude is wrong and detrimental in the long term to all GAA clubs.

I might not have been clear, but this is exactly what I meant.

I have no idea what happened/is happening tonight, but for any delegate to sit on their hands because these potential amalgams don't directly hinder their own clubs' championship ambitions is not right.
There is a need to be cognisant of the bigger picture, and Laois GAA is taking a turn for the worse with some of these "proposed" alliances.

"......Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me"
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
See on new Laois today online media the gaels for 2017:
Hurling:
Ballinakill and Slieve Margy (Senior) No Slieve bloom so.
Ballyfin and Mountmellick (Senior A)
Colt and Clonad (Senior A)
Shanahoe and Ballypickas (Senior A)

Football:
Crettyard and Spink (Senior)
Ballyfin Slieve Bloom & Camross (Senior)
Mountmellick Castletown & Kilcavan (Senior)
Clonaslee and Annanough (Senior)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2017, 05:43:06 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
See on new Laois today online media the gaels for 2017:
Hurling:
Ballinakill and Slieve Margy (Senior) No Slieve bloom so.

Good. Does anyone know why?

Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
Clonaslee and Annanough (Senior)

Shocking. Wonder was there much debate on this?
I personally hope it fails miserably.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 24, 2017, 06:01:21 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2017, 05:43:06 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
See on new Laois today online media the gaels for 2017:
Hurling:
Ballinakill and Slieve Margy (Senior) No Slieve bloom so.

Good. Does anyone know why?

Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
Clonaslee and Annanough (Senior)

Shocking. Wonder was there much debate on this?
I personally hope it fails miserably.
From what I hear on the grapevine Slieve bloom club  were not in favour of the Ballinakill amalgamation.   
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2017, 06:27:53 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 24, 2017, 06:01:21 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2017, 05:43:06 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
See on new Laois today online media the gaels for 2017:
Hurling:
Ballinakill and Slieve Margy (Senior) No Slieve bloom so.

Good. Does anyone know why?

Quote from: Helix on January 24, 2017, 05:34:47 PM
Clonaslee and Annanough (Senior)

Shocking. Wonder was there much debate on this?
I personally hope it fails miserably.
From what I hear on the grapevine Slieve bloom club  were not in favour of the Ballinakill amalgamation.

That seems very dysfunctional! How would it get as far as a proposal to the county board?!
I have since seen on Laois Today that the Clonaslee- Annanough one went to a vote. Sickening that delegates allowed it to pass through. In fairness there is nothing the County Board can do about that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 24, 2017, 06:40:26 PM
Look its happened now they were screwed over a few years ago when they tried to form a team with park and courtwood so let them have their oppurtunity
Anyway i heard that from next year only gales teams with some sort of  link (juvenile, parish, etc) will be accepted from next year
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on January 24, 2017, 09:07:14 PM
Just reading the above posts, and some people reacting to Slieve Bloom - Ballinakill amalgamation (before it didn't go ahead) and Clonaslee and Annanough amalgamation. Realistaclly its no worse than the Shanahoe and Ballypickass amalgamation, they have no links with each other at under age, they are not in the same parish and geographically they aren't the closest to each other! So why is it ok for them but some people are complaining about the other two? also i see Colt and Clonad have joined. Why in gods name would Colt, Clonad and Shanahoe not join together as they are all in the same parish! they must have serious issues with each other. ridiculous really.

Anyway that's just my opinion on it. maybe some of you have a different one.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 24, 2017, 09:46:31 PM
Agree with you completely

The quicker heads are knocked together in Raheen Parish the better for hurling in the parish,hopefully our new juvenile combination will be the start of it
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on January 24, 2017, 09:49:15 PM
Shanahoe and Ballypickas play together underage and have done so for the past few years, this year there's an amalgamation underage of colt, shanahoe, clonad, ballypickas and trumera. As for colt, clonad and shanahoe realistically whats the difference between them having 6 teams between them and having 4 if they amalgamated, they seem to be happy enough to go solo in their areas. At the end of the day playing senior isn't the be all and end all for them. Like ive said before if some people had their way there would only be around 12 clubs in the county, in 10 years people would be looking for the likes of ballinakill/the harps join.

Amalgamations in the main are ultimately for short-term gains and over time lead to less people playing the games. At the moment ballyroan and abbeyleix are the 2 most dominant teams in underage gaa in this county. Realsitically take one of our juvenile teams, on average half wont be playing gaa by the time they hit u21 largely due to the fact that we have the numbers to not miss them, off the 8 left 4 will pick hurling over football and out of those 4 left only 2 will probably be good enough for the first team.

GAA at the end of the day is a past time, there is probably as many lads who get a kick out of representing their area as there is that are ultra competitive and probably just as many who go for the craic.

Basically i feel that you will get a short term boost in standard from amalgamations but long term numbers will dwindle thus resulting in standards slipping again
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2017, 11:34:04 PM
Quote from: Ballygowen on January 24, 2017, 09:07:14 PM
Just reading the above posts, and some people reacting to Slieve Bloom - Ballinakill amalgamation (before it didn't go ahead) and Clonaslee and Annanough amalgamation. Realistaclly its no worse than the Shanahoe and Ballypickass amalgamation, they have no links with each other at under age, they are not in the same parish and geographically they aren't the closest to each other! So why is it ok for them but some people are complaining about the other two? also i see Colt and Clonad have joined. Why in gods name would Colt, Clonad and Shanahoe not join together as they are all in the same parish! they must have serious issues with each other. ridiculous really.

Anyway that's just my opinion on it. maybe some of you have a different one.

There is a difference, in fairness. As mentioned above, they play together at certain underage grades.
Also the following are the distances involved;

Shanahoe GAA- Ballypickas GAA 9.5km
Ballinakill GAA- Slieve Bloom GAA 23km
Clonaslee GAA- Annanough GAA 35km

So first of all Shanahoe and Ballypickas have an underage history, while the others are the opposite. Annanough and Slieve Bloom both have well established juvenile relationships with others.
Secondly in terms of geography there is a big difference. Shanahoe and Ballypickas are both on the outskirts of Abbeyleix town. The other two have no connection at all.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballygowen on January 25, 2017, 12:07:11 AM
Fair enough, valid points above. It just seems strange that 2 of the 3 clubs within the same parish amalgamate with each and the other team in the same parish amalgamate with a team outside their parish.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 25, 2017, 12:33:48 AM
Quote from: Ballygowen on January 25, 2017, 12:07:11 AM
Fair enough, valid points above. It just seems strange that 2 of the 3 clubs within the same parish amalgamate with each and the other team in the same parish amalgamate with a team outside their parish.

Ye I'd have to say that I thought Shanahoe and Colt had built up sufficient links over the last number of years and that they would be the ones to join.
Perhaps the fact that they are both at the same level contributed to the lack of willingness. Who "joins" who and what is called etc!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 25, 2017, 07:21:59 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 25, 2017, 12:33:48 AM
Quote from: Ballygowen on January 25, 2017, 12:07:11 AM
Fair enough, valid points above. It just seems strange that 2 of the 3 clubs within the same parish amalgamate with each and the other team in the same parish amalgamate with a team outside their parish.

Ye I'd have to say that I thought Shanahoe and Colt had built up sufficient links over the last number of years and that they would be the ones to join.
Perhaps the fact that they are both at the same level contributed to the lack of willingness. Who "joins" who and what is called etc!
Familiarity can breed contempt.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Junior Ex Laoistalk on January 25, 2017, 03:38:48 PM
Report on Laois GAA County Committee Meeting, 23rd January 2016  
http://laoisgaa.ie/news/10018107/Report_on_Laois_GAA_County_Committee_Meeting_23_January_2016 (http://laoisgaa.ie/news/10018107/Report_on_Laois_GAA_County_Committee_Meeting_23_January_2016)

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Its the first step in the re-establishment of the old Arles Club(about time) but I cannot see how they will field teams in all age groups. Maybe up to u14 but where will they get their minor and u21 players from. I also hear that an objection from the Ballylinan/Gleanmore set up is on the cards as this was one of the conditions set out by Croke Park during the Arles split to ensure under age players in the parish were catered for. I also hear that some B/house players do not want to play with this new set up and want to play with St Josephs.  A very very interesting time ahead I think.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 01, 2017, 06:41:23 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Its the first step in the re-establishment of the old Arles Club(about time) but I cannot see how they will field teams in all age groups. Maybe up to u14 but where will they get their minor and u21 players from. I also hear that an objection from the Ballylinan/Gleanmore set up is on the cards as this was one of the conditions set out by Croke Park during the Arles split to ensure under age players in the parish were catered for. I also hear that some B/house players do not want to play with this new set up and want to play with St Josephs.  A very very interesting time ahead I think.

Does that mean that as it currently stands both Ballylinan and St Josephs would be left on their own at juvenile level?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:52:00 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on February 01, 2017, 06:41:23 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Its the first step in the re-establishment of the old Arles Club(about time) but I cannot see how they will field teams in all age groups. Maybe up to u14 but where will they get their minor and u21 players from. I also hear that an objection from the Ballylinan/Gleanmore set up is on the cards as this was one of the conditions set out by Croke Park during the Arles split to ensure under age players in the parish were catered for. I also hear that some B/house players do not want to play with this new set up and want to play with St Josephs.  A very very interesting time ahead I think.

Does that mean that as it currently stands both Ballylinan and St Josephs would be left on their own at juvenile level?
Looks like it. I can see a new Arles club being formed soon with B/house as a feeder club. 8) 8) ;D ;D
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 09:49:11 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Its the first step in the re-establishment of the old Arles Club(about time) but I cannot see how they will field teams in all age groups. Maybe up to u14 but where will they get their minor and u21 players from. I also hear that an objection from the Ballylinan/Gleanmore set up is on the cards as this was one of the conditions set out by Croke Park during the Arles split to ensure under age players in the parish were catered for. I also hear that some B/house players do not want to play with this new set up and want to play with St Josephs.  A very very interesting time ahead I think.

Interesting times ahead . Probably puts the death nail in the 3 in a row attempt for Joes under 21s. I heard this was player driven. It's mad how you often get contradictory reports. Joes definitely have enough to compete at a reasonable level but I'm unsure about Ballylinan.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 11:50:09 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 09:49:11 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 01, 2017, 06:37:43 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 01, 2017, 03:49:25 PM
I see that Arles/Killeen, Arles /Kilcruise and Barrowhouse have joined forces at underage level up to under 21. A very interesting development.
Its the first step in the re-establishment of the old Arles Club(about time) but I cannot see how they will field teams in all age groups. Maybe up to u14 but where will they get their minor and u21 players from. I also hear that an objection from the Ballylinan/Gleanmore set up is on the cards as this was one of the conditions set out by Croke Park during the Arles split to ensure under age players in the parish were catered for. I also hear that some B/house players do not want to play with this new set up and want to play with St Josephs.  A very very interesting time ahead I think.

Interesting times ahead . Probably puts the death nail in the 3 in a row attempt for Joes under 21s. I heard this was player driven. It's mad how you often get contradictory reports. Joes definitely have enough to compete at a reasonable level but I'm unsure about Ballylinan.
Interesting times for sure. Player driven seems a strange one after the success of that Joes/B/H combination. I believe myself its a consequence  of Brian Daly's wish to play with St Josephs. Madness at its best   
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 02, 2017, 07:14:02 AM
Why is it madness?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on February 02, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Ballylynan have wanted to do their own thing for a while. There has been an increase in population in Ballylynan over the past few years so they would have the numbers. The fact that numbers are so poor from with the Arles clubs probably influenced this. There is very few from 12yrs up to U21 in the parish but there are numbers(for now) under the 12 age group. Geographically Barrowhouse would be close particularly to Killeen. It could well see a joining of the clubs again in the coming years.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 10:00:37 AM
Raheen Parish Gaels u14 A U16 A u17A Minor A and U21A Hurling

Ballyfin u14 A,Ballyfin Gaels U16 A,Football

Ballinakill u14B,Ballinakill/Ratheniska Gaels U16 A,Ballinakill Gaels Minor B,Ballinakill Gaels u21 B,Hurling

Na Fianna Og u14 B and C,u16B,u21A,Football

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 10:04:04 AM
Ballylinan U14A,U16A,U17A,U21A

Ballylinan Gleanmor Gaels Minor A

Football
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:15:22 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 10:04:04 AM
Ballylinan U14A,U16A,U17A,U21A

Ballylinan Gleanmor Gaels Minor A

Football
interesting. Where can you get information on affiliations in Laois  for 2017
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 01:16:11 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:15:22 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 10:04:04 AM
Ballylinan U14A,U16A,U17A,U21A

Ballylinan Gleanmor Gaels Minor A

Football
interesting. Where can you get information on affiliations in Laois  for 2017

Juvenile committee in your club would have it at the  minute
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 02, 2017, 02:52:20 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels

Only 1 player looking to join St Josephs as far as I can gather
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels



It seems Barrowhouse joining the Arles' has annoyed you greatly . If they didn't start pursuing their players then more than likely the amalgamation would have remained. Barrowhouse like Kyle, Ballypickas etc are now having to fight harder and harder for their existence. They more than likely felt under threat that Josephs would pick their talented youth. Unlike other clubs the house never had much of a history of outward transfers the Kingstons being a notable exception. This would suggest a loyalty and love of their club. But they were definitely not born and bred Barrowhouse men. The amalgamation with the Arles makes sense . 3 clubs with similar playing pools. Geographically tight  and all with the same motive to develop every single juvenile player. Josephs in reality never needed Barrowhouse to compete but they did need them to win. I'd imagine countless youngsters in the Arles' and Barrowhouse have been lost to game because they weren't getting the game time necessary and therefore unable to develop. Don't be annoyed monumental road. You may not win as much as you did but at least countless more Josephs youngsters will get games now that the Barrowhouse lads are gone .

The previous amalgamation with Killeen nearly destroyed the club. This is news to me. Care to enlighten us?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 06:46:03 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 02, 2017, 10:04:04 AM
Ballylinan U14A,U16A,U17A,U21A

Ballylinan Gleanmor Gaels Minor A

Football

Am I correct in assuming that the gaels would indiacate Barrowhouse?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:38:47 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels



It seems Barrowhouse joining the Arles' has annoyed you greatly . If they didn't start pursuing their players then more than likely the amalgamation would have remained. Barrowhouse like Kyle, Ballypickas etc are now having to fight harder and harder for their existence. They more than likely felt under threat that Josephs would pick their talented youth. Unlike other clubs the house never had much of a history of outward transfers the Kingstons being a notable exception. This would suggest a loyalty and love of their club. But they were definitely not born and bred Barrowhouse men. The amalgamation with the Arles makes sense . 3 clubs with similar playing pools. Geographically tight  and all with the same motive to develop every single juvenile player. Josephs in reality never needed Barrowhouse to compete but they did need them to win. I'd imagine countless youngsters in the Arles' and Barrowhouse have been lost to game because they weren't getting the game time necessary and therefore unable to develop. Don't be annoyed monumental road. You may not win as much as you did but at least countless more Josephs youngsters will get games now that the Barrowhouse lads are gone .

The previous amalgamation with Killeen nearly destroyed the club. This is news to me. Care to enlighten us?
Firstly i'm most certainly not annoyed as I don't have any connection with St Josephs although I do admire them greatly and have good friends from up there.
I do agree with a lot of what you say but  I do remember in the past when B/House played with the Arles parish teams at juvenile level and it done nothing for them. The first 15 always came from that parish and Barrow house players were left sitting on the side lines. Why they decided to leave the Joes/B/house combination beggars belief as they actually benefited greatly from that agreement and always got a fair deal.

Pursuing players Pablo, are you sure of this. As far as i'm aware and i'm fairly sure of this, St Josephs never chased any player from Barrow house and never pursued some of their present players who can legally play with St josephs as they live in Ballyadams parish.

The case involving Brian Daly is a personal decision by the player himself. Nothing to do with St josephs.

At the end of the day if Daly is refused his request, St Josephs will march on anyway. Barrow House will be at the beck and call of the Arles clubs and when they do join up Barrow house will be left to fend for themselves. Pity 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 11:32:03 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:38:47 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels



It seems Barrowhouse joining the Arles' has annoyed you greatly . If they didn't start pursuing their players then more than likely the amalgamation would have remained. Barrowhouse like Kyle, Ballypickas etc are now having to fight harder and harder for their existence. They more than likely felt under threat that Josephs would pick their talented youth. Unlike other clubs the house never had much of a history of outward transfers the Kingstons being a notable exception. This would suggest a loyalty and love of their club. But they were definitely not born and bred Barrowhouse men. The amalgamation with the Arles makes sense . 3 clubs with similar playing pools. Geographically tight  and all with the same motive to develop every single juvenile player. Josephs in reality never needed Barrowhouse to compete but they did need them to win. I'd imagine countless youngsters in the Arles' and Barrowhouse have been lost to game because they weren't getting the game time necessary and therefore unable to develop. Don't be annoyed monumental road. You may not win as much as you did but at least countless more Josephs youngsters will get games now that the Barrowhouse lads are gone .

The previous amalgamation with Killeen nearly destroyed the club. This is news to me. Care to enlighten us?
Firstly i'm most certainly not annoyed as I don't have any connection with St Josephs although I do admire them greatly and have good friends from up there.
I do agree with a lot of what you say but  I do remember in the past when B/House played with the Arles parish teams at juvenile level and it done nothing for them. The first 15 always came from that parish and Barrow house players were left sitting on the side lines. Why they decided to leave the Joes/B/house combination beggars belief as they actually benefited greatly from that agreement and always got a fair deal.

Pursuing players Pablo, are you sure of this. As far as i'm aware and i'm fairly sure of this, St Josephs never chased any player from Barrow house and never pursued some of their present players who can legally play with St josephs as they live in Ballyadams parish.

The case involving Brian Daly is a personal decision by the player himself. Nothing to do with St josephs.

At the end of the day if Daly is refused his request, St Josephs will march on anyway. Barrow House will be at the beck and call of the Arles clubs and when they do join up Barrow house will be left to fend for themselves. Pity

Firstly I'm glad we cleared up that you are not a Josephs man 😂. Secondly Barrowhouse should be thanking Josephs for not poaching more of their players .  If Joseph's were the club I thought they were then they would have told Daly to F off with his transfer (if there is even a transfer, you seem to know more than most). I know it's not universally popular within the club you admire. By entertaining the transfer they have disbanded the almalgamation. I hope you can realise that.

I always thought Josephs did things the right way but ever since the whole relegation debacle I've begun to lose respect. This just adds to it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 12:04:32 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 11:32:03 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:38:47 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 02, 2017, 06:34:59 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 02, 2017, 10:09:03 AM
Quote from: Laois fan on February 02, 2017, 09:42:46 AM
Hardly madness think it's the best possible move for barrow house if the three clubs eventually do join up,I presume they will be weak enough at underage level but it's a start.Think ballylinan will suffer but maybe they have enough numbers and wanted to go by themselves, Joseph's get what they deserve...
Whole sale madness at its best. B/house will be swallowed up by the Arles group, that will cause splits( already surfacing with certain players looking and wanting  to join St Josephs.) and at the end only St Josephs benefit. The combination helped B/house enormously as seen by their recent success....the last combination between Kileen and themselves almost destroyed the club. Arles should be as was in the original Arles club. One team, one club, and one colour (Maroon) with a parish juvenile combination under the old umbrella of St Michaels



It seems Barrowhouse joining the Arles' has annoyed you greatly . If they didn't start pursuing their players then more than likely the amalgamation would have remained. Barrowhouse like Kyle, Ballypickas etc are now having to fight harder and harder for their existence. They more than likely felt under threat that Josephs would pick their talented youth. Unlike other clubs the house never had much of a history of outward transfers the Kingstons being a notable exception. This would suggest a loyalty and love of their club. But they were definitely not born and bred Barrowhouse men. The amalgamation with the Arles makes sense . 3 clubs with similar playing pools. Geographically tight  and all with the same motive to develop every single juvenile player. Josephs in reality never needed Barrowhouse to compete but they did need them to win. I'd imagine countless youngsters in the Arles' and Barrowhouse have been lost to game because they weren't getting the game time necessary and therefore unable to develop. Don't be annoyed monumental road. You may not win as much as you did but at least countless more Josephs youngsters will get games now that the Barrowhouse lads are gone .

The previous amalgamation with Killeen nearly destroyed the club. This is news to me. Care to enlighten us?
Firstly i'm most certainly not annoyed as I don't have any connection with St Josephs although I do admire them greatly and have good friends from up there.
I do agree with a lot of what you say but  I do remember in the past when B/House played with the Arles parish teams at juvenile level and it done nothing for them. The first 15 always came from that parish and Barrow house players were left sitting on the side lines. Why they decided to leave the Joes/B/house combination beggars belief as they actually benefited greatly from that agreement and always got a fair deal.

Pursuing players Pablo, are you sure of this. As far as i'm aware and i'm fairly sure of this, St Josephs never chased any player from Barrow house and never pursued some of their present players who can legally play with St josephs as they live in Ballyadams parish.

The case involving Brian Daly is a personal decision by the player himself. Nothing to do with St josephs.

At the end of the day if Daly is refused his request, St Josephs will march on anyway. Barrow House will be at the beck and call of the Arles clubs and when they do join up Barrow house will be left to fend for themselves. Pity

Firstly I'm glad we cleared up that you are not a Josephs man 😂. Secondly Barrowhouse should be thanking Josephs for not poaching more of their players .  If Joseph's were the club I thought they were then they would have told Daly to F off with his transfer (if there is even a transfer, you seem to know more than most). I know it's not universally popular within the club you admire. By entertaining the transfer they have disbanded the almalgamation. I hope you can realise that.

I always thought Josephs did things the right way but ever since the whole relegation debacle I've begun to lose respect. This just adds to it.
You have your opinion and I have mine. I respect everything I read hear and I respect peoples opinions. Where people are from and who they support is irrelevant. I just voice my opinion but I do talk to people from all clubs ...its part of being interested in all  matters GAA so I can tell you a transfer has been submitted and has been instigated by the individual alone with no poaching or coaxing involved. As Ripley used to say believe it or believe it not. That's for you to decide Pablo. I also have an opinion on the relegation saga a few years back Involving St Josephs AND Stradbally AND Arles and what they done was only natural. If you see a loop hole you use it. Analogy  I once used a loop hole to avoid a traffic offence where I produced my dads driver licence in a garda station  when I didn't have one of my own, that was back in the day when licences didn't have Photo ID. If you have a gripe Pablo about that relegation saga you should voice your dissatisfaction at the powers that be who messed it up...I have a flight to catch in a few hours so I cannot continue this conversation tonight but I look forward to a continuation tomorrow. cheers.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 12:24:47 AM
I look forward to it .👍
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 07:59:40 AM
Just because a loophole exists doesn't mean you always have to take it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 07:59:40 AM
Just because a loophole exists doesn't mean you always have to take it.
true but when you get a choice it's only natural to take advant of he choice that suits you.....
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 01:21:24 PM
True, but it's a little bit more than principle on the line here. He has probably played more in the Josephs jersey than the Barrowhouse one. He has good friendships there, has enjoyed a fair bit of success, and arguably has more of an affiliation with Josephs. It's tricky. I can see why lads might say it isn't, but I think it's a mess, and I feel sorry for the lad himself. It's As for Josephs, what is their crime?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:29:03 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 01:21:24 PM
True, but it's a little bit more than principle on the line here. He has probably played more in the Josephs jersey than the Barrowhouse one. He has good friendships there, has enjoyed a fair bit of success, and arguably has more of an affiliation with Josephs. It's tricky. I can see why lads might say it isn't, but I think it's a mess, and I feel sorry for the lad himself. It's As for Josephs, what is their crime?
This is the danger for junior club joining at underage with senior clubs. Identity. In this instance though, the player has played 4 or so year in the Barrowhouse jersey, so I don't buy this. As for Josephs crime, its taking another clubs player.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Doesn't make it right. We have morals or we have nothing. Josephs have plenty of their own to compete and win, this will stain any subsequent win.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 01:47:47 PM
The majority will agree with you Don but it's not as black and white as all that in my mind. Certainly not from the player's point of view. He's trying to get on in a club that might have limited ambition. From what I have heard, there were training sessions down there with 6 or 7 turning up.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Doesn't make it right. We have morals or we have nothing. Josephs have plenty of their own to compete and win, this will stain any subsequent win.
I very much doubt that it would stain anything...bar some people's prejudice.Did similar transfers stain  Stradballys win last year. A CLUB right next to barrow house are full of transferred players and their success isn't stained. What's the difference with this one ...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:56:07 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Doesn't make it right. We have morals or we have nothing. Josephs have plenty of their own to compete and win, this will stain any subsequent win.
I very much doubt that it would stain anything...bar some people's prejudice.Did similar transfers stain  Stradballys win last year. A CLUB right next to barrow house are full of transferred players and their success isn't stained. What's the difference with this one ...
Of course they were stained.

I understand it may seem like I have an issue with Joes, but I don't. I just don't agree with this.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 02:06:40 PM
In principle, and wearing the GAA hat, nobody could agree with it. But this is the result of professional type training and different expectations nowadays. I've been arguing for a long time that this situation needs to be addressed, but who gives a shite about Barrowhouse? Nobody in Croke Park and nobody in the County Board
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 05:05:26 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Doesn't make it right. We have morals or we have nothing. Josephs have plenty of their own to compete and win, this will stain any subsequent win.

Correct Don. I know of players who have tried to transfer to my own club and we refused them out of respect for our neighbours. This bull shit about training numbers being a legitimate excuse is a load of shite. Numbers can vary due to work, college commitments etc. Josephs might not have  "poached" but I know for a fact this has been actively encouraged by the very top guys in the club. Josephs had morals one time but this has obviously evaporated. Should have looked to fight relegation on the pitch rather than the board room and then this . If this is the way we are going on Laois then we are fucked.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 05:09:15 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 01:21:24 PM
True, but it's a little bit more than principle on the line here. He has probably played more in the Josephs jersey than the Barrowhouse one. He has good friendships there, has enjoyed a fair bit of success, and arguably has more of an affiliation with Josephs. It's tricky. I can see why lads might say it isn't, but I think it's a mess, and I feel sorry for the lad himself. It's As for Josephs, what is their crime?

Are you an idiot? He has never played for Josephs he represented his club in an amalgamation with Josephs .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 05:27:12 PM
You might have noticed I said in the jersey. I didn't see he played for Josephs per se. By all accounts, he has more in common with Josephs. Calling me an idiot won't change that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 05:38:20 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 05:27:12 PM
You might have noticed I said in the jersey. I didn't see he played for Josephs per se. By all accounts, he has more in common with Josephs. Calling me an idiot won't change that.

I apologise if I hurt your feelings. You all but implied that he'd be nothing without Josephs quite an insult to the hard working juvenile coaches in Barrowhouse. Where does this inflated confidence come from? Ye haven't won a senior title of any consequence since the millennium. You can point at your under 21s but to be brutally honest if you take the grade seriously at all you'll be in a county final. Stradbally PG couldn't field a team a couple of years ago. My own parish amalgamation barely ever train for it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 05:53:51 PM
You should be proud to make that statement, and you are. Fair play. I'm not part of the Jospehs club and I implied nothing. I would say the majority (note the word majority) of his coaching would have been done in Kellyville. f**k it I'll declare that as fact. Come back to me when you can disprove that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 06:04:01 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 05:53:51 PM
You should be proud to make that statement, and you are. Fair play. I'm not part of the Jospehs club and I implied nothing. I would say the majority (note the word majority) of his coaching would have been done in Kellyville. f**k it I'll declare that as fact. Come back to me when you can disprove that.

You really haven't a clue buddy.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 06:05:07 PM
And you do?

The lad himself wants to leave. Remember that.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 06:40:47 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 06:05:07 PM
And you do?

The lad himself wants to leave. Remember that.

Does he? As I said you haven't a clue.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 06:42:09 PM
Now I really know you don't know anything about this.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 06:53:06 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:56:07 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:30:08 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 01:23:32 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 03, 2017, 01:07:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 12:59:45 PM
As far as I can gather, this is Daly's wish. There is no issue with regards to poaching. He is giving a lot of commitment to football and doesn't feel Barrowhouse are similarly committed. Having asked about, it seems as if Barrowhouse's training numbers are poor, and were very bad last year despite winning a Junior. So you can see both sides, even if you mightn't agree with one or both.
The club don't have to take the player, regardless of it being his wish.
correct they don't have to but have you ever heard of that happening....let's be real here. If a player is looking to transfer why would you try stop him/her...
Doesn't make it right. We have morals or we have nothing. Josephs have plenty of their own to compete and win, this will stain any subsequent win.
I very much doubt that it would stain anything...bar some people's prejudice.Did similar transfers stain  Stradballys win last year. A CLUB right next to barrow house are full of transferred players and their success isn't stained. What's the difference with this one ...
Of course they were stained.

I understand it may seem like I have an issue with Joes, but I don't. I just don't agree with this.
I don't agree with what you say regarding stained but I also respect your opinion. We both have a different view that's all
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 07:04:24 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 06:40:47 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 06:05:07 PM
And you do?

The lad himself wants to leave. Remember that.

Does he? As I said you haven't a clue.
I wouldn't think anyone from St Josephs forged his signature on his application, or anyone from ST josephs insists he wears the St Josephs gear ALL of the time both in public and on social media.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 07:28:32 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on February 03, 2017, 07:04:24 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 03, 2017, 06:40:47 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 06:05:07 PM
And you do?

The lad himself wants to leave. Remember that.

Does he? As I said you haven't a clue.
I wouldn't think anyone from St Josephs forged his signature on his application, or anyone from ST josephs insists he wears the St Josephs gear ALL of the time both in public and on social media.

I know men like Paddy Doyle and Paddy Barry wouldn't have let this happen . They were absolute gentlemen and morally upright . This current Josephs executive and yeer (monument road and high fielder)behaviour is not befitting those two Josephs legends.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 03, 2017, 10:08:13 PM
To be honest lads I disagree with those slagging St Josephs.

If a talented young hurler/footballer who had played underage with your club requested to transfer in to your club.........
How many club committees would take the moral high ground?

There is a legitimate connection here. He played as part of the parish juvenile amalgamation.

Clubs like Portlaoise, Camross and Stadbally have benefitted much more dubiously from transfers in over the past 20-30 years, and went on to win county finals with some of these players.
This is without mentioning a certain senior football club where some of the transfers in were clearly not out of a genuine desire to join this club.

People can pontificate about morals, but I don't think any committee in Laois would refuse to accept this transfer in.

Some of the posters going back and forward on this are clearly St Josephs and/or Barrowhouse. I have one important question.
When Josephs and Barrowhouse seemingly discussed a Gaels amalgamation last year at lenght. What stopped it from happening.
Was it Barrowhouse with unrealistic demands or Josephs refusing to bend?
I think it is an important question. If it was the former, then Barrowhouse have really cut their nose off to spite their face.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 03, 2017, 11:15:08 PM
Good post Keyser. I would say that it is possible to know what's going on and not be a part of either club. It's Laois after all. It's a small place.

My understanding was that Joes didn't want to go down the Gaels route because they believed, rightly or wrongly, that Daly was all they would get. They also didn't want to affect the status of the club, maybe with an eye on Leinster, although I'd be speculating on that last point.

As for the rest, I think you summarised it perfectly. It's a sad state of affairs, particularly for Barrowhouse, but this won't be the last time we hear of such a transfer. Small rural clubs need protection, so the rules need to reflect that. We all want to see small clubs and counties flourish, but leaving them to fend for themselves is just negligence on the GAA's part
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 03, 2017, 11:31:41 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on February 03, 2017, 10:08:13 PM
Some of the posters going back and forward on this are clearly St Josephs and/or Barrowhouse. I have one important question.
When Josephs and Barrowhouse seemingly discussed a Gaels amalgamation last year at lenght. What stopped it from happening.
Was it Barrowhouse with unrealistic demands or Josephs refusing to bend?
I think it is an important question. If it was the former, then Barrowhouse have really cut their nose off to spite their face.

What I was specifically hinting at was that somebody once suggested here that St Josephs and Barrowhouse had been in negotiations to play together in 2016. And that it didn't happen because of an issue around changing the jersey. I don't know if this was an educated guess or a factual summary of what happened.

Anyways IF St Joseph's Gaels was an option for 2016 and it didn't happen because Barrowhouse wanted a combined jersey then Barrowhouse have been foolish. They could have had their better players wearing a Joseph's jersey at senior and a Barrowhouse one at intermediate. Now they will probably end up with one of their better players wearing a Joseph's jersey at senior full stop.
NOTE: I don't know that this actually happened!!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 10:39:51 AM

Quote from: Keyser Söze on February 03, 2017, 10:08:13 PM
Some of the posters going back and forward on this are clearly St Josephs and/or Barrowhouse. I have one important question.
When Josephs and Barrowhouse seemingly discussed a Gaels amalgamation last year at lenght. What stopped it from happening.
Was it Barrowhouse with unrealistic demands or Josephs refusing to bend?
I think it is an important question. If it was the former, then Barrowhouse have really cut their nose off to spite their face.

No demands were ever made about changing a jersey. This is pure speculation and wholly inaccurate. This is being confused with the juvenile amalgamation who were laughed at when Barrowhouse asked for a change of jersey to reflect the amalgamation. There has been an ill feeling from the majority of the Barrowhouse players about playing with Josephs even at Juvenile level for some time. The Daly situation reinforces this further. The amalgamation was going to kill Barrowhouse. Countless lads left on the line and starting to drift away from the game . Yes the elite prospered but the average player didn't get a run even if he was on a par of his Josephs counterparts. There is no room for development.

Josephs rejected the gaels team. Why only they can answer. Barrowhouse in my opinion didn't really care that it was rejected. There was no real appetite for it.They tried their best to facilitate Brian Daly.
The new amalgamation is a more equal footing. Barrowhouse having a lot of players from under 16 down. They need to be getting games which they were not in Josephs. In reality I know people will argue it suited Barrowhouse (Success etc etc) but it didn't they were the junior party and were treated as such.

Josephs have forced Barrowhouse's hand and they have acted.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 04, 2017, 11:31:58 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 10:39:51 AM
No demands were ever made about changing a jersey. This is pure speculation and wholly inaccurate. This is being confused with the juvenile amalgamation who were laughed at when Barrowhouse asked for a change of jersey to reflect the amalgamation. There has been an ill feeling from the majority of the Barrowhouse players about playing with Josephs even at Juvenile level for some time. The Daly situation reinforces this further. The amalgamation was going to kill Barrowhouse. Countless lads left on the line and starting to drift away from the game . Yes the elite prospered but the average player didn't get a run even if he was on a par of his Josephs counterparts. There is no room for development.

Josephs rejected the gaels team. Why only they can answer. Barrowhouse in my opinion didn't really care that it was rejected. There was no real appetite for it.They tried their best to facilitate Brian Daly.
The new amalgamation is a more equal footing. Barrowhouse having a lot of players from under 16 down. They need to be getting games which they were not in Josephs. In reality I know people will argue it suited Barrowhouse (Success etc etc) but it didn't they were the junior party and were treated as such.

Josephs have forced Barrowhouse's hand and they have acted.

Thank you.
That answers the questions.
Surely some accommodation could have been made in the juvenile jersey.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 04, 2017, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on February 04, 2017, 11:31:58 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 10:39:51 AM
No demands were ever made about changing a jersey. This is pure speculation and wholly inaccurate. This is being confused with the juvenile amalgamation who were laughed at when Barrowhouse asked for a change of jersey to reflect the amalgamation. There has been an ill feeling from the majority of the Barrowhouse players about playing with Josephs even at Juvenile level for some time. The Daly situation reinforces this further. The amalgamation was going to kill Barrowhouse. Countless lads left on the line and starting to drift away from the game . Yes the elite prospered but the average player didn't get a run even if he was on a par of his Josephs counterparts. There is no room for development.

Josephs rejected the gaels team. Why only they can answer. Barrowhouse in my opinion didn't really care that it was rejected. There was no real appetite for it.They tried their best to facilitate Brian Daly.
The new amalgamation is a more equal footing. Barrowhouse having a lot of players from under 16 down. They need to be getting games which they were not in Josephs. In reality I know people will argue it suited Barrowhouse (Success etc etc) but it didn't they were the junior party and were treated as such.

Josephs have forced Barrowhouse's hand and they have acted.
.
That answers the questions.
Surely some accommodation could have been made in the juvenile jersey.

Just another example of how a junior partner gets treated in a juvenile amalgamation. Go in on equal footing with a compromise jersey or suffer down the line.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 04, 2017, 02:24:01 PM
It's simply not true to say that the majority of Barrowhouse lads resented playing with Joseph's. Those that were good enough got their game and won medals. I think someone on here is talking for a disgruntled one or two.

The issue with the jersey is an aside, and I would fully expect Barrowhouse to feel wronged if they weren't represented on the kit. But let's not get lost here. It is Dalys decision to request the move. He hasn't been coerced in any way. That is the fact of the matter as much as some people can't swallow it
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 02:49:44 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 04, 2017, 02:24:01 PM
It's simply not true to say that the majority of Barrowhouse lads resented playing with Joseph's. Those that were good enough got their game and won medals. I think someone on here is talking for a disgruntled one or two.

The issue with the jersey is an aside, and I would fully expect Barrowhouse to feel wronged if they weren't represented on the kit. But let's not get lost here. It is Dalys decision to request the move. He hasn't been coerced in any way. That is the fact of the matter as much as some people can't swallow it

Exactly the Elite prospered the rest were left behind. You have answered my question exactly the move happened as many youngsters were not getting games. Daly the Baldwins would have been Laois under 21s/ seniors with or without Josephs. The Daly thing just brought the debate to a head. You can be blinded by success at underage level. When it is really about developing players so that they can contribute to the clubs adult team.

Josephs have caused this by not treating Barrowhouse as an equal partner. The coercion or otherwise of Daly was the straw that broke the camels back.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 04, 2017, 04:07:09 PM
More than those 3 lads played with Josephs. Go back a few years and Barrowhouse had at least a third of another winning Under 21 team. They too were good enough and got their game. You're being very economical with your facts and the biggest lie you are telling, the biggest lie of all, is that Josephs went after him. That is simply not true. Brian Daly wants to play for St Josephs.

I'm sure, very sure in fact, that not all Josephs lads got the desired game time. Yes Barrowhouse were the junior partner, but there were no injustices. I think whoever is fuelling your fire has an axe to grind, and that's fair enough, but there is more than a hint of sour grapes about your posts. Still, if there is a silver lining, it is that Barrowhouse by all accounts are now training in numbers. And, they have not only joined with Killeen, but also got Killeen to play with Kilcruise. Good luck to all I say. Quare times in that part of the world.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 04, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 04, 2017, 04:07:09 PM
More than those 3 lads played with Josephs. Go back a few years and Barrowhouse had at least a third of another winning Under 21 team. They too were good enough and got their game. You're being very economical with your facts and the biggest lie you are telling, the biggest lie of all, is that Josephs went after him. That is simply not true. Brian Daly wants to play for St Josephs.

I'm sure, very sure in fact, that not all Josephs lads got the desired game time. Yes Barrowhouse were the junior partner, but there were no injustices. I think whoever is fuelling your fire has an axe to grind, and that's fair enough, but there is more than a hint of sour grapes about your posts. Still, if there is a silver lining, it is that Barrowhouse by all accounts are now training in numbers. And, they have not only joined with Killeen, but also got Killeen to play with Kilcruise. Good luck to all I say. Quare times in that part of the world.
Wait until Kileen start POACHING THE Baldwin boys. :'( :-X
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 05:30:09 PM
 I hear they resisted your attempts Monument Road but then again Killeen are a more talented outfit 😉
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on February 04, 2017, 10:20:51 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on February 04, 2017, 05:30:09 PM
I hear they resisted your attempts Monument Road but then again Killeen are a more talented outfit 😉
love it... 8)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 12, 2017, 08:36:51 PM
Under age fixtures due out next Friday
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 15, 2017, 10:10:46 PM
The following is the Laois Under-14 Football Panel for 2017. Congratulations to all the players who were successful in the trials.

The Laois Under-14 management would like to thank everyone who turned up for the trials.



Eoin Connolly (Ballyfin)

Josh Kelly (Crettyard)

Sam Krebs (St Paul's)

Daragh Brennan (St Joseph's)

Thomas Byrne (St Joseph's)

Tiernan Cahill (Ballyroan Abbey)

Adam Delaney (St Joseph's)

Simon Fingleton (Park Ratheniska)

Iarlaith Galvin (Portarlington)

Lochlann Kelleher (Barrowhouse)

Conor Kelly (Graiguecullen)

Ben Lalor (The Heath)

Daire McDonald (Stradbally)

Conor McWey (Ballyroan Abbey)

Davin McEvoy (Ballyroan Abbey)

Joseph Morrin (St Joseph's)

David O'Brien (The Heath)

Dillon Payne (Mountmellick)

Jamie Preston (Portlaoise)

Ben Reddin (Portlaoise)

Darragh Scully (Clonaslee St Manman's)

Jack Tobin (Portlaoise)

Michael Wall (Arles-Killeen)

Dan Daly (The Heath)

Lee Day (Barrowhouse)

Odhran Delaney (Ballyroan Abbey)

Ben Dempsey (Portlaoise)

Michael Downey (Ballylinan)

Colin Dunne (Arles-Killeen)

Shaun Fitzpatrick (Ballyroan Abbey)

Oisin Hooney (St Joseph's)

Luke Kelly (Stradbally)

Alan McWey (Ballyroan Abbey)

Dylan Murphy (Portarlington)

Michael O'Connor (Ballyroan Abbey)

Aaron O'Connor (Portarlington)

Brian Smith (Portlaoise)

Adrian Tynan (St Paul's)

Bryan Walsh (Ballyfin)

PJ Ward (Portarlington)

DJ White (Portlaoise)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on February 15, 2017, 11:23:23 PM
No athletic spink lads robbing places off the bigger clubs on this panel no sir
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 15, 2017, 11:36:26 PM
At least the football is in place no sign of similar happening with the hurling
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 16, 2017, 03:45:24 PM

Laois Under-15 Hurling Panel has been announced.

The coaches would like to thank everyone who attended the trials.

Aaron
Brennan
Abbeyleix

Adam
Broady
Abbeyleix

Robert
Corkish
Abbeyleix

Eoghan
Dunne
Abbeyleix

Eamon
Fitzpatrick
Abbeyleix

Lee
Maher
Abbeyleix

Fionan
Mahony
Abbeyleix

David
Sheeran
Abbeyleix

Cathal
O'Shaughnessy
Ballinakill

Cian
O'Shaughnessy
Ballinakill

Aaron
O'Dea
Ballypickas

Niall
Coss
Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton

Jack
Foyle
Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton

Keelan
Kelly
Borris in Ossory/Kilcotton

Tomas
Keyes
Camross

Jamie
Gill
Castletown/Slieve Bloom

Tadhg
Cuddy
Castletown/Slieve Bloom

Darragh
Tobin
Castletown/Slieve Bloom

DJ
Callaghan
Clonaslee St Manmans

Darragh
Hogan
Clough/Ballacolla

Kevin
Mulhall
Clough/Ballacolla

Adam
Kirwan
Mountrath

Brian
Bredin
Mountrath

Paddy
Hosey
Na Fianna

Darragh
Lyons
Na Fianna

Danny
Brennan
Park/Ratheniska

Mark
Ramsbottom
Park/Ratheniska

Eoin
Naughton
Portlaoise

Eamon
Delaney
Raheen Parish Gaels

Conor
Goode
Raheen Parish Gaels

James
Whelan
Raheen Parish Gaels

Aaron
Costigan
Rathdowney/Errill

Cian
Bourke
Rathdowney/Errill

Ian
Shanahan
Slieve Margy

Conor
Delaney
The Harps

James
Duggan
The Harps

Michael
Monahan
The Harps

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: OTF on February 16, 2017, 05:16:03 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on February 15, 2017, 11:23:23 PM
No athletic spink lads robbing places off the bigger clubs on this panel no sir

We better keep our council  this time less we offend anyone. :-X
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on February 21, 2017, 02:04:06 PM
http://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/236334/merits-of-underage-amalgamations-debated-at-february-county-board-meeting.html (http://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/236334/merits-of-underage-amalgamations-debated-at-february-county-board-meeting.html)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 21, 2017, 02:19:00 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on February 21, 2017, 02:04:06 PM
http://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/236334/merits-of-underage-amalgamations-debated-at-february-county-board-meeting.html (http://www.leinsterexpress.ie/news/gaelic-games/236334/merits-of-underage-amalgamations-debated-at-february-county-board-meeting.html)

I have been saying what the Portarlington delegate said for a long time on here.
Laois GAA should not be facilitating the random join ups that the likes of Ballyfin, Mountmellick, Camross, Mountrath etc have been engaging in for the last number of years.

What Borris in Ossory Kilcotton and others seem to be doing is the correct way. Hurl as a parish. and as a last resort (when necessary), drop down into the B at a particular grade.

The County Board have a duty to control this in some way. Proper all in underage amalgamations (such as Raheen Parish Gaels) are what should be encouraged.
There have been crazy one grade join ups permitted over the past 3-4 years and it needs to stop.
I see in the juvenile leagues online that Clough Ballacolla-Mountrath is now a thing at U16 level. This seems to be the only grade they are playing together at.
Clough Ballacolla played with Abbeyleix last year U16. They had an U14 team on their own for the past two years, won the U13 and were in the minor final last year. It's nothing personal against them, but there is no way that they haven't the numbers to play U16 on their own.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 05:49:45 PM
For god sake stop talking about parish you do not have to play with your parish you can if you want and I think if Gaa players we told that they had to play by the parish well half of all players would drop out some parishes don't work as we have seen in this county and it is because the senior end are bullies so let players play the game without telling them who to play with bk were lucky that they won as I think it was otherwise coming to an end
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 21, 2017, 06:05:30 PM
A few simple rules which I think would sort a lot of these juvenile amalgamations

1.your first option should be always to amalgamate with a team from within your parish

2.if that option isn't feasible your final option then should be to amalgamate with a club bordering your club.

3.all amalgamations should be from u12 up to u21,no picking or choosing of age grades,all in.

4. All amalgamations should play in A,unless a very good case can be argued otherwise for a particular age group.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on February 21, 2017, 07:08:21 PM
can you PRO-PARISH militia please get it into your skulls that Croke Park, CLG headquarters, will not acknowledge the term PARISH, because per the assumption of most, PARISH = CATHOLIC PARISH, CLG will not and cannot condone sectarianism, and to underpin a sport on the geographic boundaries of one religion will not happen in an era when liberal/multicultural snowflakes are calling the shots in Ireland. Individual counties locking themselves into catholic parishes is a dead duck.

perhaps sometimes in the future(Ireland is always  a slow learner and usually ten years behind other countries), the Brexit/Trump style nationalism will sweep Ireland, and Christian conservatism will rise again and political correctness, whereby the liberals walk all over the conservatives may be arrested. at the moment, Ireland is media controlled by the liberal-multiculturalist promoters, and many aspects of nationhood, such as the GAA are being chipped away at.


If you do want to ignore the above, then you must accept that Catholic Dioceses are steadily re-drawing parishes, Ballyfin and Mountrath is now all the one parish, I have not seen one post on this long discussion thread urging an all Ballyfin/Mountrath parish team, why?

Certain posters like Keyser, who I guess is from Borris/Kilc. or other merged new club, love the idea of amalgams and the inevitable wipe out of the smaller entities, his underlying  logic, the smaller clubs are at nothing and better to strengthen the general area through merging clubs.............if we follow this logic, that these smaller clubs(and some not so small) are at nothing because they rarely win.....then why not examine the intercounty scene......

...Laois hurlers in all intercounty grades have zero chance of all Ireland success for the foreseeable future, the footballers ditto.........if someone suggested that laois hurlers merge with offaly and Westmeath, 90% of people would resist the idea and prefer to maintain our(unsuccessful) individual presence/identity rather than join up with others.

That last example is the reason small clubs continue to exist, many expect little bar an odd title once in a generation, these smaller clubs are the focus for a tiny local community, and in an area such as Trumera it binds a small community, delete the club and you diminish the area.

You can whinge all you want about numbers, the secret of success is long term hard work. Rosenallis is the example to hurling clubs to follow, they went back to the juvenile base ten years ago and a decade of graft and good coaching reaped rewards in 2016. Compare with the likes of a basket cases such as Mountrath in the same period.
The lazy, easy solution is to merge, merging will not tackle the lack of groundwork.

if you are a promoter of the idea of reducing the number of adult hurling clubs to 12, and adult football clubs to 16, you should then be agreeable to the idea of the Laois at intercounty level being merged with the likes of Offaly in hurling and football. The idea is not for me on either count, but you can be described as two faced if you want one element and not the other. I suspect the likes of Keyser would want aspect 1 but not the intercounty one.

To give you one example of the potential pitfalls of merging all.  Ten years ago, eight clubs competed in the Sligo Senior Hurling Championship.  Most of the clubs were also competing at senior level in the football code with the same groups of players. Four of the 8 clubs then decided to stop hurling, and the general idea was the players from the 4 withdrawing clubs would join up with the remaining 4 senior hurling clubs.
The theory looked good, in practice out of the 60 odd hurlers who had played senior club hurling with the now defunct  hurling clubs, the following year only 2 transferred and the rest stopped playing. One could expect a symmetry here in laois if the smaller clubs went by the wayside, the majority of their playing pool would no longer be involved in the sport.

In summary, if GAA sport is all about winning, then merge away in hurling and football until you have only 4 or 5 clubs in each code in the county, a long term recipe for disaster.  If the GAA is about far more than winning, then smaller clubs have every right to continue their tradition and they can happily survive on the odd scrap of success. Some mock the idea of club guards of honour at funerals, that is part of the community aspect of the GAA, and if you don't respect that, then you are not a real GAA man/woman.





Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 21, 2017, 07:38:23 PM
Quote from: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 05:49:45 PM
For god sake stop talking about parish you do not have to play with your parish you can if you want and I think if Gaa players we told that they had to play by the parish well half of all players would drop out some parishes don't work as we have seen in this county and it is because the senior end are bullies so let players play the game without telling them who to play with bk were lucky that they won as I think it was otherwise coming to an end

You are providing no valid reason or argument to allow this- other than the notion that "players don't want to".
First of all I never said anything about parish rule at adult level. But to say "some parishes don't work" is an idle statement that can't be backed up. I'd rephrase that as "some clubs can't agree to work as a parish". And btw, no juvenile player in Ireland is free to simply play for whoever he wants in the GAA. So to say "you can if you want" is not true. We are talking about juvenile players here remember.

The idea that juvenile units can hop into bed with anyone at various grades is no way to run an association. It is first of all to the detriment of the long  term future of any club involved.
Secondly it contributes massively to player drop out. To have a team at U12 and U14 and then decide to join with somebody else (who also had a team at u12 and u14) when this group reaches U16 or minor simply reduces our tiny playing pool even further.
This reduces the playing pool available to these clubs into the future and therefore the playing pool available to our counties.
Allowing this idea of joining up with whoever you want is not a sustainable way to run clubs.


Quote from: oneflewoverthecuckoonest on February 21, 2017, 07:08:21 PM
can you PRO-PARISH militia please get it into your skulls that Croke Park, CLG headquarters, will not acknowledge the term PARISH, because per the assumption of most, PARISH = CATHOLIC PARISH, CLG will not and cannot condone sectarianism,


Certain posters like Keyser, who I guess is from Borris/Kilc. or other merged new club, love the idea of amalgams and the inevitable wipe out of the smaller entities, his underlying  logic, the smaller clubs are at nothing and better to strengthen the general area through merging clubs.


You can whinge all you want about numbers, the secret of success is long term hard work. Rosenallis is the example to hurling clubs to follow, they went back to the juvenile base ten years ago and a decade of graft and good coaching reaped rewards in 2016. Compare with the likes of a basket cases such as Mountrath in the same period.
The lazy, easy solution is to merge, merging will not tackle the lack of groundwork.

if you are a promoter of the idea of reducing the number of adult hurling clubs to 12, and adult football clubs to 16, you should then be agreeable to the idea of the Laois at intercounty level being merged with the likes of Offaly in hurling and football. The idea is not for me on either count, but you can be described as two faced if you want one element and not the other. I suspect the likes of Keyser would want aspect 1 but not the intercounty one.

If the GAA is about far more than winning, then smaller clubs have every right to continue their tradition and they can happily survive on the odd scrap of success. Some mock the idea of club guards of honour at funerals, that is part of the community aspect of the GAA, and if you don't respect that, then you are not a real GAA man/woman.

Sorry now, but
1) I am not from Borris/Kilcotton
2) I have never promoted the idea that all smaller clubs should be forced to amalgamate- I have never even hinted at anything like this. Don't assume what my logic is.
3) I have been one of the most vocal on here in praising and highlighting what Rosenallis have done and what the likes of Mountrath, Mountmellick etc have not done.
4) I have said over and over here how it is up to the clubs to use their primary schools to get numbers in.
5) I never suggested that clubs ALL play as a PARISH or that all clubs in each PARISH join up to form one club. But there has to be some structure on juvenile amalgams. You shouldn't be able to hop around the county from one club to the next. The GAA structure works around catchment area, so effectively you are restricted to the club in your area at juvenile level anyways. So substitute the phrase "parish" for "local club" and we are still talking about the same thing.

You have gone on an almighty rant here, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt in that you are mixing me up with another poster.
I have never even hinted at any of the above, and I have regularly posted the exact opposite of what you are saying.

Quote from: clonadmad on February 21, 2017, 06:05:30 PM
A few simple rules which I think would sort a lot of these juvenile amalgamations

1.your first option should be always to amalgamate with a team from within your parish

2.if that option isn't feasible your final option then should be to amalgamate with a club bordering your club.

3.all amalgamations should be from u12 up to u21,no picking or choosing of age grades,all in.

4. All amalgamations should play in A,unless a very good case can be argued otherwise for a particular age group.

It wouldn't be a bad start, particularly number 3.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 08:28:11 PM
valid points fromboth of you but take for example castletown and slieve bloom what a complete mess that pairing was and still the underage stay together is it only for numbers as we have been told that there will never be slieve bloom and castletown together again at senior level gaels is the option and if i am right these two clubs tried to go together as a gaels and castletown i am told would not change colours so now where do we go with parishes any one with some idea on this one
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 21, 2017, 08:36:18 PM
Quote from: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 08:28:11 PM
valid points fromboth of you but take for example castletown and slieve bloom what a complete mess that pairing was and still the underage stay together is it only for numbers as we have been told that there will never be slieve bloom and castletown together again at senior level gaels is the option and if i am right these two clubs tried to go together as a gaels and castletown i am told would not change colours so now where do we go with parishes any one with some idea on this one

No idea what has gone on or is going on between the two, but are you suggesting that the solution would be for Castletown and Slieve Bloom to divide into separate juvenile clubs and join up with anyone else they feel like joining up with at different grades?
I don't see what this would do for Castletown, Slieve Bloom or Laois hurling.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 09:03:06 PM
no im not saying that they divide at juvenile level but if what i hear about colours going on then i think that its just to make up numbers at juvenile level they both have some great players but  they dont bond at all this is just an example of parish at gaa standards
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 21, 2017, 09:21:47 PM
Quote from: honest hurler on February 21, 2017, 09:03:06 PM
no im not saying that they divide at juvenile level but if what i hear about colours going on then i think that its just to make up numbers at juvenile level they both have some great players but  they dont bond at all this is just an example of parish at gaa standards

That's up to your club and the other club to resolve. But the failures here shouldn't dictate overall policy at CB level.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on March 09, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Ballinakill are already affiliated as a gaels so it would be easier to be slotted in if this is true. Could well be possible.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:22:36 AM
Quote from: Helix on March 09, 2017, 10:20:19 AM
Ballinakill are already affiliated as a gaels so it would be easier to be slotted in if this is true. Could well be possible.
iv no idea now but a late solution to a near car crash if true
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on March 09, 2017, 10:44:42 AM
Between the U21's winning and this potential outcome there's nothing but good news in here today.................................so far!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on March 09, 2017, 02:12:05 PM
Annanough going in with Clonaslee is a strange one but it should mean a strong team for Clonaslee
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: blueandwhite1 on March 09, 2017, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?

Juvenile? Hardly senior at this late stage?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 03:45:51 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on March 09, 2017, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?

Juvenile? Hardly senior at this late stage?
Was told it was to accomadate conroy but god knows how they are allowes if this is true
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on March 09, 2017, 05:00:45 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 03:45:51 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on March 09, 2017, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?

Juvenile? Hardly senior at this late stage?
Was told it was to accomadate conroy but god knows how they are allowes if this is true
Heard it as well. It can be facilitated if County committee vote for it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on March 09, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on March 09, 2017, 05:00:45 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 03:45:51 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on March 09, 2017, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?

Juvenile? Hardly senior at this late stage?
Was told it was to accomadate conroy but god knows how they are allowes if this is true
Heard it as well. It can be facilitated if County committee vote for it.

Why were there deadlines then?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 05:54:55 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on March 09, 2017, 05:27:31 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on March 09, 2017, 05:00:45 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 03:45:51 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on March 09, 2017, 03:41:06 PM
Quote from: hurlingmad on March 09, 2017, 10:08:37 AM
Guy in work after coming over and telling me that slieve bloom and ballinakill have agreed to gaels team...any truth to this? Is it not too late to join up?

Juvenile? Hardly senior at this late stage?
Was told it was to accomadate conroy but god knows how they are allowes if this is true
Heard it as well. It can be facilitated if County committee vote for it.

Why were there deadlines then?

Thats what i was wondering
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TP Ashe on March 09, 2017, 06:09:22 PM
Apologies about my ignorance but is the County Committee made up of club delegates or is it the County Officers as elected at convention?

I'd hope all clubs would vote against this to be honest. These marriages of convenience are bullshit and an insult to other clubs who try and do things the right way...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on March 09, 2017, 06:13:48 PM
Quote from: TP Ashe on March 09, 2017, 06:09:22 PM
Apologies about my ignorance but is the County Committee made up of club delegates or is it the County Officers as elected at convention?

I'd hope all clubs would vote against this to be honest. These marriages of convenience are bullshit and an insult to other clubs who try and do things the right way...
It's a combination of those elected at Convention and representatives of the clubs. Yes clubs can knock this on the head if the majority see fit.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on March 09, 2017, 06:31:38 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on March 09, 2017, 06:13:48 PM
Quote from: TP Ashe on March 09, 2017, 06:09:22 PM
Apologies about my ignorance but is the County Committee made up of club delegates or is it the County Officers as elected at convention?

I'd hope all clubs would vote against this to be honest. These marriages of convenience are bullshit and an insult to other clubs who try and do things the right way...
It's a combination of those elected at Convention and representatives of the clubs. Yes clubs can knock this on the head if the majority see fit.

They shouldn't have to.
In my opinion it is order to even present this option to County Committee.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: CluainABU on March 24, 2017, 03:22:53 PM
Are all the gaels resolved now? who did Balinakill end up with in the end?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
Its that time of year again

Never mind games being played,match's won or lost,this is the most exciting part of the year.

So far I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on November 10, 2017, 04:56:13 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
Its that time of year again

Never mind games being played,match's won or lost,this is the most exciting part of the year.

So far I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Is the whole club scene set up being looked at for next year, Leagues & Championships are being reviewed with circulars being sent to clubs for suggestions and so on..
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 10, 2017, 08:50:29 PM
Quote from: The Monument Road on November 10, 2017, 04:56:13 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
Its that time of year again

Never mind games being played,match's won or lost,this is the most exciting part of the year.

So far I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Is the whole club scene set up being looked at for next year, Leagues & Championships are being reviewed with circulars being sent to clubs for suggestions and so on..

2019
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 11, 2017, 11:28:08 AM
Quote from: The Monument Road on November 10, 2017, 04:56:13 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
Its that time of year again

Never mind games being played,match's won or lost,this is the most exciting part of the year.

So far I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Is the whole club scene set up being looked at for next year, Leagues & Championships are being reviewed with circulars being sent to clubs for suggestions and so on..
That happens every year.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 14, 2017, 03:29:52 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Couldn't they all join up? One good hurling team and one good football team. ;)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 14, 2017, 06:36:31 PM
Quote from: SCFC on November 14, 2017, 03:29:52 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 10, 2017, 11:36:12 AM
I hear Spink,Ballinakill,Timahoe and Ballypickas are all out on the dancefloor making eyes at various suitable suitors.
Couldn't they all join up? One good hurling team and one good football team. ;)

You could be onto something there 😉,think they are all talking to other clubs too,fun times ahead.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on November 16, 2017, 10:21:17 AM
They could call themselves BalSpinkahoe
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 16, 2017, 10:23:30 AM
Quote from: Unlaoised on November 16, 2017, 10:21:17 AM
They could call themselves BalSpinkahoe
Spimakil?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 16, 2017, 10:38:20 AM
BallinaSpiTAs
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: brandyandPORT on November 16, 2017, 07:08:43 PM
Realistically spink will stay with Crettyard, the ballinakill situation will be very interesting to watch .
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on November 16, 2017, 11:30:04 PM
Quote from: brandyandPORT on November 16, 2017, 07:08:43 PM
Realistically spink will stay with Crettyard, the ballinakill situation will be very interesting to watch .

What are they up to this year?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on November 17, 2017, 07:55:28 AM
Ballinakill Gaels with Ballypickas wouldn't be a bad option.

That could free up Shanahoe to join up with Clonad and Colt as the Raheen Parish Gaels.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 08:37:55 AM
Quote from: merman on November 17, 2017, 07:55:28 AM
Ballinakill Gaels with Ballypickas wouldn't be a bad option.

That could free up Shanahoe to join up with Clonad and Colt as the Raheen Parish Gaels.

Unfortunately the Raheen Parish Gaels amalgamation at juvenile level is under pressure already
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 17, 2017, 10:06:10 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 08:37:55 AM
Quote from: merman on November 17, 2017, 07:55:28 AM
Ballinakill Gaels with Ballypickas wouldn't be a bad option.

That could free up Shanahoe to join up with Clonad and Colt as the Raheen Parish Gaels.

Unfortunately the Raheen Parish Gaels amalgamation at juvenile level is under pressure already
That would be disappointing if true.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 17, 2017, 10:12:08 AM
I believe the Clonaslee Annanough football thing is gone. County board are only allowing amalgamation of neighbouring clubs or historically linked clubs?
Annanough got nothing out of it anyway only injuries and relegated. They should focus on getting back up out of junior.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 17, 2017, 10:16:01 AM
Quote from: SCFC on November 17, 2017, 10:12:08 AM
I believe the Clonaslee Annanough football thing is gone. County board are only allowing amalgamation of neighbouring clubs or historically linked clubs?
Annanough got nothing out of it anyway only injuries and relegated. They should focus on getting back up out of junior.
Speaking to any Annanough man and they felt it worked very well, despite the relegation. Their players got exposure to senior, and could still play alongside their clubmen as well. They felt the relegation wasn't related to the amalgamation.

The county board would do well to pull their f**king finger out and sort out an avenue for junior and intermediate club players to get access to the top grade of football without having to make up esb bills before they destroy the club structures at lower levels in Laois.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on November 17, 2017, 10:16:16 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 08:37:55 AM
Quote from: merman on November 17, 2017, 07:55:28 AM
Ballinakill Gaels with Ballypickas wouldn't be a bad option.

That could free up Shanahoe to join up with Clonad and Colt as the Raheen Parish Gaels.

Unfortunately the Raheen Parish Gaels amalgamation at juvenile level is under pressure already

How do you mean?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 10:26:19 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on November 17, 2017, 10:16:16 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 08:37:55 AM
Quote from: merman on November 17, 2017, 07:55:28 AM
Ballinakill Gaels with Ballypickas wouldn't be a bad option.

That could free up Shanahoe to join up with Clonad and Colt as the Raheen Parish Gaels.

Unfortunately the Raheen Parish Gaels amalgamation at juvenile level is under pressure already

How do you mean?

At least 1 Party to the amalgamation wants to walk away,very disappointing if that happens as personally would like to see it operating at adult level as well.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on November 17, 2017, 12:55:30 PM
I don't think any of the parties to the amalgamation can afford to walk away. Unless they have somewhere else to go?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 17, 2017, 01:33:09 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on November 17, 2017, 12:55:30 PM
I don't think any of the parties to the amalgamation can afford to walk away. Unless they have somewhere else to go?
Depends if one of the clubs fears for its own production line as a result of lack of game time.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 17, 2017, 02:37:19 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 17, 2017, 10:16:01 AM
Quote from: SCFC on November 17, 2017, 10:12:08 AM
I believe the Clonaslee Annanough football thing is gone. County board are only allowing amalgamation of neighbouring clubs or historically linked clubs?
Annanough got nothing out of it anyway only injuries and relegated. They should focus on getting back up out of junior.
Speaking to any Annanough man and they felt it worked very well, despite the relegation. Their players got exposure to senior, and could still play alongside their clubmen as well. They felt the relegation wasn't related to the amalgamation.

The county board would do well to pull their f**king finger out and sort out an avenue for junior and intermediate club players to get access to the top grade of football without having to make up esb bills before they destroy the club structures at lower levels in Laois.
100% agree on paragraph 2 of your post.
However we must be speaking to different Annanough men!🙄
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on November 17, 2017, 02:40:36 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 17, 2017, 10:16:01 AM
Quote from: SCFC on November 17, 2017, 10:12:08 AM
I believe the Clonaslee Annanough football thing is gone. County board are only allowing amalgamation of neighbouring clubs or historically linked clubs?
Annanough got nothing out of it anyway only injuries and relegated. They should focus on getting back up out of junior.
Speaking to any Annanough man and they felt it worked very well, despite the relegation. Their players got exposure to senior, and could still play alongside their clubmen as well. They felt the relegation wasn't related to the amalgamation.

The county board would do well to pull their f**king finger out and sort out an avenue for junior and intermediate club players to get access to the top grade of football without having to make up esb bills before they destroy the club structures at lower levels in Laois.
Totally agree there should be a way of junior and intermediate teams to join up and get senior football.
Cork and kerry do this very well you're either a stand alone senior team or a collective of junior/inter  teams from a never changing location. Eg. South kerry or seandun which is the cork city collective of junior teams could be 10 clubs together. They dont get relegated as the club's change on who is junior or not and if they win the senior championship the last stand alone senior team goes in Leinster munster etc. None of these random pairings can hsppen its a local area only scenario.
Simple really
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: HURLING1 on November 17, 2017, 03:23:17 PM
Agree with both of above. All players should have access to play at Senior grade. As said above  just allow last single club team in championship play in Leinster.  Should be simple 😯😯
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 17, 2017, 04:19:25 PM
What' teams would ye put in together lads
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 11:14:24 AM
In senior football
Create two regional teams basically divide Laois in a straight line
East Laois
Annanough , Barrowhouse, Timahoe , Courtwood , Spink/Ballinakil
Park/Rathineska etc
West Laois
Mountmellick, Roseinallis, Kilcavan , The Rock and a collection of predominantly hurling clubs etc.

In the Laois SHC it would be better to divide the regions into North and South with every team not playing in the top tier of the SHC eligible for inclusion for the regional teams.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: O moore parklife on November 18, 2017, 11:17:51 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 11:14:24 AM
In senior football
Create two regional teams basically divide Laois in a straight line
East Laois
Annanough , Barrowhouse, Timahoe , Courtwood , Spink/Ballinakil
Park/Rathineska etc
West Laois
Mountmellick, Roseinallis, Kilcavan , The Rock and a collection of predominantly hurling clubs etc.

In the Laois SHC it would be better to divide the regions into North and South with every team not playing in the top tier of the SHC eligible for inclusion for the regional teams.
Bang on the money good post
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 12:00:06 PM
Some other points I'd include if I was creating these regional teams.

Regions appoint managers and committees with the help of the county board. Thus creating their own regional boards.
This should be done earlier  rather than later allowing managers of the regions to finalise their panels of 30 by watching club league games.
Regions will decide on colours of Jersey, crests etc.
They don't play league football/hurling and should only commence training 6-8 weeks  before the championship begins.
. The two regions should always meet in the first round of the championship. Then continuing in the winner/loser format.
If a region wins the football/hurling championship the last remaining senior club team shall represent Laois in Leinster. If two are knocked out at the same stage a playoff will ensue to decide who represents Laois.
Regional teams can not be relegated.
The composition of the regions will change due to promotions and relegations from senior.
Underage teams not playing A football/hurling in the defined region will also come together to play A grade football/hurling.
Regional championships Senior/Intermediate/junior (with internal promotions and relegations) possibly played in the pre season (Before league) Jan- March.

I firmly believe that these changes will greatly benefit Laois hurling and football.


Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 18, 2017, 12:57:00 PM
Pablo Escobar sounds great but the only problem id have is these two teams would be way stronger than 90% if not 100% of the senior clubs in Laois
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 01:03:59 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 18, 2017, 12:57:00 PM
Pablo Escobar sounds great but the only problem id have is these two teams would be way stronger than 90% if not 100% of the senior clubs in Laois

And the issue is? Ok I understand senior clubs want to consolidate their status and challenge. I'm from a senior club myself but I'm more concerned with Laois football/hurling at the moment . A strong Laois championship can only lead to a strong Laois team. I have no doubt that these changes will even strengthen our existing senior teams. They will have to raise the bar.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on November 18, 2017, 01:26:14 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 18, 2017, 12:57:00 PM
Pablo Escobar sounds great but the only problem id have is these two teams would be way stronger than 90% if not 100% of the senior clubs in Laois

I don't think they would be.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: HURLING1 on November 18, 2017, 04:18:29 PM
Pablo Escobar. Brilliant solution. 2 area Senior Football and hurling teams. So simple and solves loads of problems for teams not already Senior
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 19, 2017, 10:30:58 AM
So there will be 18 senior teams? Just wondering
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 19, 2017, 10:51:02 AM
An excellent idea Pablo. Very simple but it makes a lot of sense. Too many teams tread water and add little to the Senior Championship. This would up the ante and we have to want that in what has become a very poor Championship. Can't see the teams who are hanging on in Senior agreeing to it. In fact, can't see any Senior teams agreeing to it. They like things just as they are
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 19, 2017, 12:48:56 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 19, 2017, 10:30:58 AM
So there will be 18 senior teams? Just wondering

There would be initially but  over time  we should have 14 senior clubs plus the 2 regional teams. Someone will tell me how many teams are in the top tier of the SHC.I just believe we are going no where with this gaels scenario. Junior and intermediate clubs should not be propping up established senior clubs. The regional teams work in Cork and Kerry. Some wil say Kerry are a bigger county but they have 9 divisional teams . We can surely make two work in Laois in both codes.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on November 19, 2017, 03:16:39 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 19, 2017, 12:48:56 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 19, 2017, 10:30:58 AM
So there will be 18 senior teams? Just wondering

There would be initially but  over time  we should have 14 senior clubs plus the 2 regional teams. Someone will tell me how many teams are in the top tier of the SHC.I just believe we are going no where with this gaels scenario. Junior and intermediate clubs should not be propping up established senior clubs. The regional teams work in Cork and Kerry. Some wil say Kerry are a bigger county but they have 9 divisional teams . We can surely make two work in Laois in both codes.

I agree particularly with one thing you are saying there- if you make it to senior you should have to play on your own. Not bringing in random clubs to help keep you there.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 20, 2017, 10:13:26 AM
The 16 senior clubs would block anything like this. They did it before when Annanough, Courtwood and Park Ratheniska tried something similar. Short sightedness.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 12:00:06 PM
Some other points I'd include if I was creating these regional teams.

Regions appoint managers and committees with the help of the county board. Thus creating their own regional boards.
This should be done earlier  rather than later allowing managers of the regions to finalise their panels of 30 by watching club league games.
Regions will decide on colours of Jersey, crests etc.
They don't play league football/hurling and should only commence training 6-8 weeks  before the championship begins.
. The two regions should always meet in the first round of the championship. Then continuing in the winner/loser format.
If a region wins the football/hurling championship the last remaining senior club team shall represent Laois in Leinster. If two are knocked out at the same stage a playoff will ensue to decide who represents Laois.
Regional teams can not be relegated.
The composition of the regions will change due to promotions and relegations from senior.
Underage teams not playing A football/hurling in the defined region will also come together to play A grade football/hurling.
Regional championships Senior/Intermediate/junior (with internal promotions and relegations) possibly played in the pre season (Before league) Jan- March.

I firmly believe that these changes will greatly benefit Laois hurling and football.

Agree with all your points bar this one,

For player development its better to keep Juveniles/Under age up to and including Minor with their clubs rather than having a regional team comprising 7/8 teams and a squad of 25 max.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 20, 2017, 05:35:04 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 12:00:06 PM
Some other points I'd include if I was creating these regional teams.

Regions appoint managers and committees with the help of the county board. Thus creating their own regional boards.
This should be done earlier  rather than later allowing managers of the regions to finalise their panels of 30 by watching club league games.
Regions will decide on colours of Jersey, crests etc.
They don't play league football/hurling and should only commence training 6-8 weeks  before the championship begins.
. The two regions should always meet in the first round of the championship. Then continuing in the winner/loser format.
If a region wins the football/hurling championship the last remaining senior club team shall represent Laois in Leinster. If two are knocked out at the same stage a playoff will ensue to decide who represents Laois.
Regional teams can not be relegated.
The composition of the regions will change due to promotions and relegations from senior.
Underage teams not playing A football/hurling in the defined region will also come together to play A grade football/hurling.
Regional championships Senior/Intermediate/junior (with internal promotions and relegations) possibly played in the pre season (Before league) Jan- March.

I firmly believe that these changes will greatly benefit Laois hurling and football.

Agree with all your points bar this one,

For player development its better to keep Juveniles/Under age up to and including Minor with their clubs rather than having a regional team comprising 7/8 teams and a squad of 25 max.

It would still allow all underage amalgamations and clubs to still exist Na Fianna Og etc. However if these sides are playing in the "B" grade they could join up with other clubs in the region who are  not playing "A" to play "A" grade hurling/football. For example this year in the Under 21 football championship the East Laois team for example would have seen Na Fianna Og, Ballylinan, Park Ratheniska and the Heath join up. The clubs/amalgamations will still play in the "B" competition.

This in my opinion would enhance player development as the "elite" players in the clubs playing below the "A" grade would be getting exposure to a higher level of football/hurling .

However as was said before I can not see the clubs or the county board even contemplating such an idea which is a shame
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 20, 2017, 05:35:04 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 12:00:06 PM
Some other points I'd include if I was creating these regional teams.

Regions appoint managers and committees with the help of the county board. Thus creating their own regional boards.
This should be done earlier  rather than later allowing managers of the regions to finalise their panels of 30 by watching club league games.
Regions will decide on colours of Jersey, crests etc.
They don't play league football/hurling and should only commence training 6-8 weeks  before the championship begins.
. The two regions should always meet in the first round of the championship. Then continuing in the winner/loser format.
If a region wins the football/hurling championship the last remaining senior club team shall represent Laois in Leinster. If two are knocked out at the same stage a playoff will ensue to decide who represents Laois.
Regional teams can not be relegated.
The composition of the regions will change due to promotions and relegations from senior.
Underage teams not playing A football/hurling in the defined region will also come together to play A grade football/hurling.
Regional championships Senior/Intermediate/junior (with internal promotions and relegations) possibly played in the pre season (Before league) Jan- March.

I firmly believe that these changes will greatly benefit Laois hurling and football.

Agree with all your points bar this one,

For player development its better to keep Juveniles/Under age up to and including Minor with their clubs rather than having a regional team comprising 7/8 teams and a squad of 25 max.

It would still allow all underage amalgamations and clubs to still exist Na Fianna Og etc. However if these sides are playing in the "B" grade they could join up with other clubs in the region who are  not playing "A" to play "A" grade hurling/football. For example this year in the Under 21 football championship the East Laois team for example would have seen Na Fianna Og, Ballylinan, Park Ratheniska and the Heath join up. The clubs/amalgamations will still play in the "B" competition.

This in my opinion would enhance player development as the "elite" players in the clubs playing below the "A" grade would be getting exposure to a higher level of football/hurling .

However as was said before I can not see the clubs or the county board even contemplating such an idea which is a shame

that's doable and welcome at u21 level

From minor down,there's nothing to stop teams coming together and aspiring for the A,there's a few clubs at underage level,more than happy to stay in the B rather than step up to the A,this years u14 football championship being a prime example with only 5 clubs taking part.

I would caution against a 5/6 team amalgamation at minor and below in terms of player burnout (you have dual u14's playing 25+ games a year atm) and the logistics,scheduling of A grade games v B grade games with their own club,training etc...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 20, 2017, 06:58:26 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 06:50:33 PM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 20, 2017, 05:35:04 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 20, 2017, 11:52:11 AM
Quote from: Pablo Escobar on November 18, 2017, 12:00:06 PM
Some other points I'd include if I was creating these regional teams.

Regions appoint managers and committees with the help of the county board. Thus creating their own regional boards.
This should be done earlier  rather than later allowing managers of the regions to finalise their panels of 30 by watching club league games.
Regions will decide on colours of Jersey, crests etc.
They don't play league football/hurling and should only commence training 6-8 weeks  before the championship begins.
. The two regions should always meet in the first round of the championship. Then continuing in the winner/loser format.
If a region wins the football/hurling championship the last remaining senior club team shall represent Laois in Leinster. If two are knocked out at the same stage a playoff will ensue to decide who represents Laois.
Regional teams can not be relegated.
The composition of the regions will change due to promotions and relegations from senior.
Underage teams not playing A football/hurling in the defined region will also come together to play A grade football/hurling.
Regional championships Senior/Intermediate/junior (with internal promotions and relegations) possibly played in the pre season (Before league) Jan- March.

I firmly believe that these changes will greatly benefit Laois hurling and football.

Agree with all your points bar this one,

For player development its better to keep Juveniles/Under age up to and including Minor with their clubs rather than having a regional team comprising 7/8 teams and a squad of 25 max.

It would still allow all underage amalgamations and clubs to still exist Na Fianna Og etc. However if these sides are playing in the "B" grade they could join up with other clubs in the region who are  not playing "A" to play "A" grade hurling/football. For example this year in the Under 21 football championship the East Laois team for example would have seen Na Fianna Og, Ballylinan, Park Ratheniska and the Heath join up. The clubs/amalgamations will still play in the "B" competition.

This in my opinion would enhance player development as the "elite" players in the clubs playing below the "A" grade would be getting exposure to a higher level of football/hurling .

However as was said before I can not see the clubs or the county board even contemplating such an idea which is a shame

that's doable and welcome at u21 level

From minor down,there's nothing to stop teams coming together and aspiring for the A,there's a few clubs at underage level,more than happy to stay in the B rather than step up to the A,this years u14 football championship being a prime example with only 5 clubs taking part.

I would caution against a 5/6 team amalgamation at minor and below in terms of player burnout (you have dual u14's playing 25+ games a year atm) and the logistics,scheduling of A grade games v B grade games with their own club,training etc...

A very valid and good point.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 12:32:55 PM
Rumours of Timahoe lads going to play senior with Stradbally , Courtwood lads going to play senior with Emo , Mountmellick lads going to play senior with Ballyfin and Barrowhouse lads going to play with Killeen
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:07:25 PM
It might sound like I have it in for Mountmellick but a relatively large urban club having to join with a small rural club to play senior football? Mountmellick should concentrate getting up to senior on their own merit.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:07:25 PM
It might sound like I have it in for Mountmellick but a relatively large urban club having to join with a small rural club to play senior football? Mountmellick should concentrate getting up to senior on their own merit.
Ballyfin, a small rural club? Are they not a parish onto themselves?

Mountmellick should be ashamed of themselves for the situation that has developed, and Ballyfin are a testament to how a dual club should be run, but lets not get carried away here. Ballypickas are a small rural club.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on November 21, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:07:25 PM
It might sound like I have it in for Mountmellick but a relatively large urban club having to join with a small rural club to play senior football? Mountmellick should concentrate getting up to senior on their own merit.
Ballyfin, a small rural club? Are they not a parish onto themselves?

Mountmellick should be ashamed of themselves for the situation that has developed, and Ballyfin are a testament to how a dual club should be run, but lets not get carried away here. Ballypickas are a small rural club.

Ballyfin deserve credit for Sure ...Mountmellick on the other hand mmmmmm

I can see this working as all the players have played with each other at juv level ...same for Timahoe stradbally barrowhouse and Joes...Can only be good to add to the quality of the senior teams!

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:27:06 PM
Quote from: Unlaoised on November 21, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:07:25 PM
It might sound like I have it in for Mountmellick but a relatively large urban club having to join with a small rural club to play senior football? Mountmellick should concentrate getting up to senior on their own merit.
Ballyfin, a small rural club? Are they not a parish onto themselves?

Mountmellick should be ashamed of themselves for the situation that has developed, and Ballyfin are a testament to how a dual club should be run, but lets not get carried away here. Ballypickas are a small rural club.

Ballyfin deserve credit for Sure ...Mountmellick on the other hand mmmmmm

I can see this working as all the players have played with each other at juv level ...same for Timahoe stradbally barrowhouse and Joes...Can only be good to add to the quality of the senior teams!
I very much doubt Barrowhouse will go in with Joes  :o :o :o :o :o :o
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:51:34 PM
My point is that the population of the Mountmellick urban area must be a lot higher than that of Ballyfin. I will omit the 'small' part of rural club.

Barrowhouse are now playing underage with Arles so I would think the Josephs arrangements of the past are just that past tense.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:56:35 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:51:34 PM
My point is that the population of the Mountmellick urban area must be a lot higher than that of Ballyfin. I will omit the 'small' part of rural club.

Barrowhouse are now playing underage with Arles so I would think the Josephs arrangements of the past are just that past tense.
Ballyfin are a large Parish, with no other clubs involved if I am reading it correct? Mountmellick is a town with two clubs working out of it, not to mention the likes of Kilcavan and Rosenallis dipping in and out, as well as other sports also. They took their eye off the ball recently on their underage to an alarming extent, but traditionally they've never been a strong force in Laois GAA. Rightly or wrongly, they've never even won a Senior in hurling or football.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 02:09:39 PM
Does it happen with Graigue or Port (we know it doesn't with Portlaoise). If anything they gain as opposed to losing players to smaller or neighbouring clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoisguy on November 21, 2017, 03:06:02 PM
Quote from: Unlaoised on November 21, 2017, 01:12:10 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 21, 2017, 01:09:35 PM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 01:07:25 PM
It might sound like I have it in for Mountmellick but a relatively large urban club having to join with a small rural club to play senior football? Mountmellick should concentrate getting up to senior on their own merit.
Ballyfin, a small rural club? Are they not a parish onto themselves?

Mountmellick should be ashamed of themselves for the situation that has developed, and Ballyfin are a testament to how a dual club should be run, but lets not get carried away here. Ballypickas are a small rural club.

Ballyfin deserve credit for Sure ...Mountmellick on the other hand mmmmmm

I can see this working as all the players have played with each other at juv level ...same for Timahoe stradbally barrowhouse and Joes...Can only be good to add to the quality of the senior teams!


Ballyfin are a dual club and they deserve credit but is that a reflection on the quality in Laois
From what I hear Ballyfin will be stuck for numbers over coming years aswell

James finn to Dubai that will have a big impact
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Pablo Escobar on November 21, 2017, 05:05:24 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 12:32:55 PM
Rumours of Timahoe lads going to play senior with Stradbally , Courtwood lads going to play senior with Emo , Mountmellick lads going to play senior with Ballyfin and Barrowhouse lads going to play with Killeen

None of these sit well with me. I know if I was a player I'd rather win an intermediate championship with my club than one playing with a senior club. All clubs would be best advised to concentrate on bettering themselves than wasting their time with the gaels arrangements. The only clubs who gain anything from this are the senior clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 21, 2017, 05:51:32 PM
The only thing I would say on that is if you don't have the numbers to field a team/panel you mightn't be left with any option. Gaels teams which are only there to improve a seniors chances I wouldn't agree with. Stradbally surely have no difficulty getting 20 lads together. They were county champions lat year FFS.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on November 21, 2017, 05:58:48 PM
Mountmellick and Ballyfin again. I'm not even going to bother because I have posted in detail my opposition to this particular arrangement in the past.
And there is no point in lauding Ballyfin for being a dual club at Senior level. Ballyfin GAELS comprises a massive area with a significant population in both codes. They will eventually reap what they are currently sowing- both clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 06:34:51 PM
Again these are just rumours so don't get carried away Barrowhouse and Killeen is most likely and would make most sense due to numbers etc
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 06:37:07 PM
One thing for sure in the near future something will need to be done with the structure of Laois club football
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 21, 2017, 07:28:23 PM
Barrowhouse would be mental to hook up with Killeen after the way Killeen poached the 2 Kingstons.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 07:42:22 PM
Well Joseph's poached Daly so they are cornered from all angles now 😂
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 22, 2017, 07:43:54 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 21, 2017, 07:42:22 PM
Well Joseph's poached Daly so they are cornered from all angles now 😂
No they're not.
Number one, they could forget the idea of propping up another senior club.
Number two, if they are very set on the idea, there's Arles Kilruise who they already play with at underage.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 22, 2017, 09:44:32 AM
With an amalgamation in place at underage, it would be too divisive to bypass Killeen SCFC, and besides, maybe the time has come to bury the hatchet. The most logical solution, surely, would be just to form Na Fianna at senior too.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 22, 2017, 10:11:40 AM
Kilcruise won't be amalgamating with anyone for the time being. Although they're an aging team they are still committed to their club and I can't see them even considering it while they are still playing senior.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 22, 2017, 10:19:58 AM
And that's a pity. It's possible to be committed and amalgamate. Surely they can see the path they are heading. It will be done in years to come out of necessity.

I don't really understand this attitude of allowing your kids and other members' kids to be part of an amalgamation but balking at the prospect at Senior level. For different reasons, but mostly numerically in Killeen and Kilcruise, it makes sense to bite the bullet and get on with it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 22, 2017, 11:40:12 AM
The Killeen Kilcruise situation really makes me sick to be honest. If they were together over the past 10 years how many championships would of been won?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 12:01:34 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 22, 2017, 11:40:12 AM
The Killeen Kilcruise situation really makes me sick to be honest. If they were together over the past 10 years how many championships would of been won?
If my aunt had balls she'd be my uncle.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 22, 2017, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 22, 2017, 11:40:12 AM
The Killeen Kilcruise situation really makes me sick to be honest. If they were together over the past 10 years how many championships would of been won?

With the potential for a leinster or 2 and possibly a club all ireland thrown in,as well
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 12:57:51 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 22, 2017, 12:32:05 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 22, 2017, 11:40:12 AM
The Killeen Kilcruise situation really makes me sick to be honest. If they were together over the past 10 years how many championships would of been won?

With the potential for a leinster or 2 and possibly a club all ireland thrown in,as well
The clubs were Junior A (or was it B) and Junior C when they split. Some would suggest the reason they went to where they did was out of pure spite. They operated for decades with little or no success as a whole. The split, while insane from the outside, is just that, viewed from the outside. Perhaps they should have gone back in together, but burned bridges are hard to rebuild.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 22, 2017, 01:19:43 PM
Agree with all that but it now seems as if it's an issue internally. And in fairness, why wouldn't it be? Lads have come in who were not part of the initial dispute but are expected to carry the burden of a team in decline. Small mindedness and deliberation will put them back to where they came from. The opportunity is there to create something positive
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 22, 2017, 02:08:03 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.

Indeed

Is there any other county in Ireland which has as many multiple clubs in rural parishes as what laois has?

i can only speak for the hurling side but you tend to have 1 club per parish in the likes of Offaly,Tipp excluding Clonmel,Carrick and Thurles,Kilkenny excluding the City and Galway excluding the city also.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.
Have you ever heard of Errigal Ciaran?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on November 22, 2017, 03:54:25 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on November 21, 2017, 05:58:48 PM
Mountmellick and Ballyfin again. I'm not even going to bother because I have posted in detail my opposition to this particular arrangement in the past.
And there is no point in lauding Ballyfin for being a dual club at Senior level. Ballyfin GAELS comprises a massive area with a significant population in both codes. They will eventually reap what they are currently sowing- both clubs.


What are you on about....

Ballyfin might be a big parish area wise but they have a small population.

They have done very well for about 20 years now in both codes and are a credit the themselves.

I'm not sure about the Gaels routes in recent years but to be fair its been only 2-3 players max on either team.

Its a good avenue for slieve bloom lads to play senior football and the same for mountmellick lads wanting to hurl.



I said Ballyfin plus mountmellick would work well together as they were a big force under age for a long time.

I'm not saying I in anyway agree with it.

Overall the weaker clubs in senior(which Ballyfin are) should combine with a club of junior status to allow the level of competition to be better and allow the the likes of the slieve bloom lads or Barrowhouse lads or whoever it is to get a taste of senior football.

I know when I was young I would have loved that chance I never got it and its a big regret of mine I never played senior for anyone in Laois !



Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Zooming around on November 22, 2017, 05:23:39 PM
Me too. I never hurled or kicked senior despite lining out for my club in both codes for many years (still do). I thiink there has to be an avenue for lads from smaller clubs to get a chance to play at the top level. Regional teams being the obvious one here.

However, these scatterrgun one-off amalgamations which vary from year to year and code to code are quite detrimental even though some don't see it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 22, 2017, 06:09:51 PM
If these Gaels outfits had to give a commitment that they would be in place for say a minimum of 3 years in order for it to be approved by the C/B,it might stop some of these short term amalgamations.

Break up before the 3 years is up,the penalty is that you can't enter into another amalgamation for 3 years after the date of your original agreement.

I.e. Have an agreement in place 2018-2020,break up before 2020,it's 2023 before the C/B can approve any other Gaels proposal from the clubs involved.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on November 23, 2017, 12:20:30 AM
Quote from: Unlaoised on November 22, 2017, 03:54:25 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on November 21, 2017, 05:58:48 PM
Mountmellick and Ballyfin again. I'm not even going to bother because I have posted in detail my opposition to this particular arrangement in the past.
And there is no point in lauding Ballyfin for being a dual club at Senior level. Ballyfin GAELS comprises a massive area with a significant population in both codes. They will eventually reap what they are currently sowing- both clubs.


What are you on about....

Ballyfin might be a big parish area wise but they have a small population.

They have done very well for about 20 years now in both codes and are a credit the themselves.



Neither of those statements are true (in my opinion)
It is a long long time since you could label the schools in Ballyfin parish as small. I posted details of this before. Look it up, take my word for it, or disagree based on a nostalgic notion that Ballyfin has a smaller population than other areas around them. Up to you.
They have made no effort to stand alone at juvenile level for the past 30 odd years. Hopping in and out of arrangements with Mountmellick, Camross, Slieve Bloom and Castletown.
Their "success" at adult level has been while "accommodating" players from Mountmellick (in hurling) and Slieve Bloom and Camross (in football).
And it is quite generous to say they have done very well for "about 20 years". Past 10 years maybe.

I have constantly held the line that I disagree with Ballyfin, and particularly Mountmellick, amalagamating with anyone- especially at juvenile. I have no axe to gring with either club EXCEPT that Laois cannot afford the luxury of pulling one juvenile team per grade from the huge number of kids available to this join up.
There are those who argued that Ballyfin and Mountmellick were forced to take this route temporarily because they wanted to get their house in order.
The fact is it is not a temporary measure. It is now a handy way out.

It is my opinion that SENIOR clubs should not have the option of joining up with other clubs. If you are promoted to senior you should be on your own. Then you are good enough to stay there or you are relegated. There are clubs in Laois (in both codes) who are so desperate to stay senior that they will join up with anyone (or attempt to) in order to stay senior. Clubs who are making an honest effort to maximise what they have are going to be continuously relegated at the expense of these "temporary little arrangements". One of Laois' biggest issues at intercounty level is that we are picking from such a small number of clubs, some people here want to reduce this number further.

For Laois GAA to prosper we need the maximum number of clubs doing things properly. That is quality coaching provided to everyone- thus producing the maximum number of players possible. This is not easy. Joining up 2 or 3 or 4 clubs and cherrypicking the best 4, 5 or 6 from each club is easy. Is it going to improve either the clubs involved or the county in the long run? No.

I haven't stated anywhere that players from non senior clubs should be denied the chance to play senior. I simply don't think they should be allowed to prop up existing senior teams. If you want to "laud" a senior football club for doing things the right way try somebody like Killeshin.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: portlaoisekid on November 23, 2017, 08:43:42 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.
Have you ever heard of Errigal Ciaran?
god No , are they a soccer team?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 10:14:25 AM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 23, 2017, 08:43:42 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.
Have you ever heard of Errigal Ciaran?
god No , are they a soccer team?
Its odd, because you believe acrimonious splits are "typical Laois", when in fact they have happened and continue to happen in successful counties. A lot of people lamenting the Arles split tend to gloss over the fact that both clubs have been strong since the split, especially when making the senior ranks, and have done as much, if not more for developing players for Laois than some other larger urban areas. I don't believe the split weakened Laois football at all. It caused issues in the village, but thats an issue for them themselves, and little concern for others.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 23, 2017, 10:28:41 AM
I would agree with Don on this. There were 40 players playing senior between both clubs as opposed to 20. Kilcruise won a senior and arguably could have won more had it not been for the dominance of an excellent Portlaoise team. Killeen contested finals. Yes, they may have won more as a combined team but that's a matter of opinion. Was the senior championship better for having both those teams in the senior ranks, definately. It all gave the county a feisty derby.
It's a non argument anyway because while both teams were competing well there was never going to be an amalgamation so it's a 'what if' argument. Same could be had for most if not all parishes.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 10:37:53 AM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 23, 2017, 10:28:41 AM
I would agree with Don on this. There were 40 players playing senior between both clubs as opposed to 20. Kilcruise won a senior and arguably could have won more had it not been for the dominance of an excellent Portlaoise team. Killeen contested finals. Yes, they may have won more as a combined team but that's a matter of opinion. Was the senior championship better for having both those teams in the senior ranks, definately. It all gave the county a feisty derby.
It's a non argument anyway because while both teams were competing well there was never going to be an amalgamation so it's a 'what if' argument. Same could be had for most if not all parishes.
The proposed amalgamation of St Michaels, while making a stronger unit "in theory" would actually have been detrimental for all 3 clubs, and Laois as a whole. All 3 clubs have contributed handsomely to Laois teams over the years, and taking the last 6 years, all 3 have contested county finals. The theory that St Michaels would have been better, is just that, a theory. And had it come to pass, the figures in fact would have been 20 odd, instead of 60 plus. The acrimony in Arles is unfortunate, but its not caused Laois intercounty teams any issues as such, so its a moot point for the argument posed here.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 23, 2017, 10:45:18 AM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 23, 2017, 10:28:41 AM
I would agree with Don on this. There were 40 players playing senior between both clubs as opposed to 20. Kilcruise won a senior and arguably could have won more had it not been for the dominance of an excellent Portlaoise team. Killeen contested finals. Yes, they may have won more as a combined team but that's a matter of opinion. Was the senior championship better for having both those teams in the senior ranks, definately. It all gave the county a feisty derby.
It's a non argument anyway because while both teams were competing well there was never going to be an amalgamation so it's a 'what if' argument. Same could be had for most if not all parishes.

That's not true. It has always lurked in the background. It has been shot down by the hard liners but there have been a number of unsuccessful, mostly small meetings between players from both clubs. The anomaly, the elephant in the room,  is the underage amalgamation. So they know they have a problem numerically and they have rightly cast aside their differences for the greater good. Forget the past, because it was freakish that they had enough players at one period in time whereby they could stand on their own feet. That time is coming to an end and an inevitable decline for both clubs will follow. This is about the future, and it's unfair if those hard liners deprive their members of a chance to play senior football.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 11:08:46 AM
Quote from: High Fielder on November 23, 2017, 10:45:18 AM
Quote from: redsetanta on November 23, 2017, 10:28:41 AM
I would agree with Don on this. There were 40 players playing senior between both clubs as opposed to 20. Kilcruise won a senior and arguably could have won more had it not been for the dominance of an excellent Portlaoise team. Killeen contested finals. Yes, they may have won more as a combined team but that's a matter of opinion. Was the senior championship better for having both those teams in the senior ranks, definately. It all gave the county a feisty derby.
It's a non argument anyway because while both teams were competing well there was never going to be an amalgamation so it's a 'what if' argument. Same could be had for most if not all parishes.

That's not true. It has always lurked in the background. It has been shot down by the hard liners but there have been a number of unsuccessful, mostly small meetings between players from both clubs. The anomaly, the elephant in the room,  is the underage amalgamation. So they know they have a problem numerically and they have rightly cast aside their differences for the greater good. Forget the past, because it was freakish that they had enough players at one period in time whereby they could stand on their own feet. That time is coming to an end and an inevitable decline for both clubs will follow. This is about the future, and it's unfair if those hard liners deprive their members of a chance to play senior football.
You're making a different argument. The one put forward was that it was bad for Laois that the split happened, when it fact it wasn't. That it was bad for all clubs that the split happened, when in fact it wasn't. Now its entirely possible going forward, things may have to change, but thats a different argument.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 23, 2017, 11:16:28 AM
Well then I'll put forward a different slant. It will be detrimental to them and Laois if they stand still and do nothing. In the interests of balance and fairness, I agree with your points above. The situation now though is very different
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 11:23:20 AM
Quote from: High Fielder on November 23, 2017, 11:16:28 AM
Well then I'll put forward a different slant. It will be detrimental to them and Laois if they stand still and do nothing. In the interests of balance and fairness, I agree with your points above. The situation now though is very different
As things stand, they are not standing still, as Na Fianna Óg shows. Lets see where that takes them.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 23, 2017, 11:29:58 AM
We are now nearly at the stage where neither Kileen or Kilcruise will be able to maintain senior status without an amalgamation
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: portlaoisekid on November 23, 2017, 12:23:38 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 10:14:25 AM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 23, 2017, 08:43:42 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on November 22, 2017, 03:13:09 PM
Quote from: portlaoisekid on November 22, 2017, 01:22:25 PM
We will never know what Arles could have achieved because they blew their chance to achieve their potential. Nobody to blame but themselves .

Only in Laois would this situation arise, this situation is a microcosm of Laois football as a whole. Shooting ourselves in the foot and then living the rest of lives saying oh what might have been if things had of been handled correctly. We are all guilty of it at times, albeit some more than others.  Typical Laois.
Have you ever heard of Errigal Ciaran?
god No , are they a soccer team?
Its odd, because you believe acrimonious splits are "typical Laois", when in fact they have happened and continue to happen in successful counties. A lot of people lamenting the Arles split tend to gloss over the fact that both clubs have been strong since the split, especially when making the senior ranks, and have done as much, if not more for developing players for Laois than some other larger urban areas. I don't believe the split weakened Laois football at all. It caused issues in the village, but thats an issue for them themselves, and little concern for others.
I take your point about bigger counties . I think what your saying about Laois is correct and the only issue caused is for Arles themselves. I think though it'll be a story we have to endure year in year out for eternity .

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 23, 2017, 01:03:18 PM
If they joined now you could be looking at this team:
1 Mick Leigh
2 Caomhan Brennan
3 Sean Meaney
4 Joe Mulhare
5 Colm Munnelly
6 Shane Julian
7 ???
8 Kevin Meaney
9 Jason Enright
10 Sean O Shea
11 David Conway
12 Paul Kingston
13 Ross Munnelly
14 Donal Kingston
15 Donie Brennan

I can't even fit Conor Keigthley or Francis Egan into the fowards and imagine Chris Conway and Beano Mc Donald were younger it would be unpickable. This is what they are throwing away just join up already
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 23, 2017, 01:04:58 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 23, 2017, 01:03:18 PM
If they joined now you could be looking at this team:
1 Mick Leigh
2 Caomhan Brennan
3 Sean Meaney
4 Joe Mulhare
5 Colm Munnelly
6 Shane Julian
7 ???
8 Kevin Meaney
9 Jason Enright
10 Sean O Shea
11 David Conway
12 Paul Kingston
13 Ross Munnelly
14 Donal Kingston
15 Donie Brennan

I can't even fit Conor Keigthley or Francis Egan into the fowards and imagine Chris Conway and Beano Mc Donald were younger it would be unpickable. This is what they are throwing away just join up already
You're living in dreamland.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 24, 2017, 11:00:01 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 23, 2017, 01:03:18 PM
If they joined now you could be looking at this team:
1 Mick Leigh
2 Caomhan Brennan
3 Sean Meaney
4 Joe Mulhare
5 Colm Munnelly
6 Shane Julian
7 ???
8 Kevin Meaney
9 Jason Enright
10 Sean O Shea
11 David Conway
12 Paul Kingston
13 Ross Munnelly
14 Donal Kingston
15 Donie Brennan

I can't even fit Conor Keigthley or Francis Egan into the fowards and imagine Chris Conway and Beano Mc Donald were younger it would be unpickable. This is what they are throwing away just join up already
Ship has sailed. If and when they reunite, they will be well past their best.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoisguy on November 24, 2017, 11:39:32 AM
Yes the ship has sailed but maybe sufficient interest to kick on again

Decent work being done underage and there will be a fallow few years
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on November 26, 2017, 11:04:35 PM
Silly season has started early in the hurling side of things:

I've heard two conflicting rumours about Ballinakill extending their Gaels set-up;
1. Park/Ratheniska coming on board; following on from a pretty successful juvenile arrangement. I'm not sure this would help either side greatly to be honest, at least not in the short term.
2. Ballypickas joining up. Again, Cillian McEvoy aside, I'm not sure how this would benefit Ballypickas who had a pretty successful join-up with Shanahoe.

I've also heard that Colt Gaels is in trouble and that there is serious resistance in Clonad to going back together, though the players who played with the Gaels want to remain.

If Ballypickas do end up with Ballinakill (and I actually doubt they will), it could leave Colt and Shanahoe with a decision to make. That is purely conjecture on my part; I haven't heard anything about Colt and Shanahoe coming together.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on November 30, 2017, 04:23:45 PM
There should be only 9 senior football clubs. Then three "divisional" teams making a 12 team senior championship.
Will never happen though.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 30, 2017, 04:36:26 PM
Is an amalgamation at all levels involving Timahoe in the offing?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: redsetanta on November 30, 2017, 04:46:52 PM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on November 30, 2017, 04:23:45 PM
There should be only 9 senior football clubs. Then three "divisional" teams making a 12 team senior championship.
Will never happen though.

What would your 3 divisional teams be Hesh?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on November 30, 2017, 05:18:08 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 30, 2017, 04:36:26 PM
Is an amalgamation at all levels involving Timahoe in the offing?

With who ?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on November 30, 2017, 05:35:32 PM
Ratheniska?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 30, 2017, 06:08:03 PM
That's all I know lads

Don't know if it's hurling or football or both,but it's supposed to cover all age groups and not a gaels arrangement


Could it be ballypickas?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on November 30, 2017, 09:20:15 PM
Heard it was Ratheniska for hurling only.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: LooseCannon on December 01, 2017, 05:45:28 PM
I come in peace, and yes I'm a BIFFO (Beautiful Intelligent Fellow From Offaly)
I just came across the discussion on numbers, particularly on Killeen-Kilcruise Kilcruise-Killeen (I don't want to be shot) Just wondering what playing numbers would all clubs in Laois have?
How many people living in each clubs' catchment area?

We did this on our own forum: uibhfhaili.com , and it gave all people on the board an insight into club playing numbers, as well as the total number of people living in each clubs catchment area.

Just a suggestion, and also my own curiosity, and no I'm not a cat!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on December 01, 2017, 11:37:04 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on December 01, 2017, 05:45:28 PM
I come in peace, and yes I'm a BIFFO (Beautiful Intelligent Fellow From Offaly)
I just came across the discussion on numbers, particularly on Killeen-Kilcruise Kilcruise-Killeen (I don't want to be shot) Just wondering what playing numbers would all clubs in Laois have?
How many people living in each clubs' catchment area?

We did this on our own forum: uibhfhaili.com , and it gave all people on the board an insight into club playing numbers, as well as the total number of people living in each clubs catchment area.

Just a suggestion, and also my own curiosity, and no I'm not a cat!
I saw that thread on uibhfhaili.com - it was interesting stuff.
It's almost impossible to do accurately. I know that even in my neck of the woods clubs would cross parish and electoral areas.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on December 03, 2017, 12:05:57 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on November 30, 2017, 04:36:26 PM
Is an amalgamation at all levels involving Timahoe in the offing?

An amalgamation between Park Ratheniska and Timahoe at hurling level confirmed tonight. Best of luck to them!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 08, 2017, 01:04:58 PM
A full hurling amalgamation

https://www.laoistoday.ie/2017/12/07/park-ratheniska-timahoe-form-new-hurling-amalgamation/
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 08, 2017, 03:34:47 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 08, 2017, 01:04:58 PM
A full hurling amalgamation

https://www.laoistoday.ie/2017/12/07/park-ratheniska-timahoe-form-new-hurling-amalgamation/
Makes sense.
Would they have three teams? Or just the two? Timahoe used to have a second team and PR did intermittently.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 08, 2017, 07:26:50 PM
I'd say they will be doing well to field one competitive intermediate  team

Hurling in Timahoe would be at a low ebb,they might have 6/7 hurlers to throw into the mix
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 09, 2017, 08:11:02 AM
Think they're aiming for two - intermediate and junior B.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 17, 2018, 07:55:28 PM
Ballinakill Trumera Margy Gaels

https://www.laoistoday.ie/2018/01/17/ballinakill-confirm-new-manager-propose-new-gaels-amalgamation/
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 17, 2018, 08:35:26 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 17, 2018, 07:55:28 PM
Ballinakill Trumera Margy Gaels

https://www.laoistoday.ie/2018/01/17/ballinakill-confirm-new-manager-propose-new-gaels-amalgamation/
Don't think this can happen unless Trumera fold or go back to intermediate. Senior B is classified as senior for Gaels purposes.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 17, 2018, 08:38:27 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on January 17, 2018, 08:35:26 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 17, 2018, 07:55:28 PM
Ballinakill Trumera Margy Gaels

https://www.laoistoday.ie/2018/01/17/ballinakill-confirm-new-manager-propose-new-gaels-amalgamation/
Don't think this can happen unless Trumera fold or go back to intermediate. Senior B is classified as senior for Gaels purposes.
The way around it would be if Senior B was reclassified as Premier intermediate as they do in Cork and Wexford.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 17, 2018, 11:08:40 PM
Accordingly to the article,It's just Ballinakill and Trumera,Margy are out

I wonder where they are off to?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: From the Terrace on January 30, 2018, 09:12:36 AM
I seen a list of teams submitted for 2018 club championships. Mountmellick Gaels are entered in Intermediate football, I thought gaels team were only allowed enter Senior Championships..
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 30, 2018, 10:11:00 AM
Quote from: From the Terrace on January 30, 2018, 09:12:36 AM
I seen a list of teams submitted for 2018 club championships. Mountmellick Gaels are entered in Intermediate football, I thought gaels team were only allowed enter Senior Championships..

any other standout gaels teams

I hear Margy are gone in with Ballypickas
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: From the Terrace on January 30, 2018, 10:20:10 AM
Ballypickas not with anyone on what i seen. But could be since. My point is that was the whole gaels setup not about allowing lads get to play Senior Hurling/Football?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 30, 2018, 11:34:03 AM
Any word on Trumera and Ballinakill? I would have assumed it would be approved or declined last night.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix on January 30, 2018, 01:24:43 PM
I see Castletown are down as Castletown Gaels in Palmer Cup competition on Laois today site. I take it is that with slieve bloom?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 30, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 30, 2018, 01:24:43 PM
I see Castletown are down as Castletown Gaels in Palmer Cup competition on Laois today site. I take it is that with slieve bloom?

Yep.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: blueandwhite1 on January 30, 2018, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: merman on January 30, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 30, 2018, 01:24:43 PM
I see Castletown are down as Castletown Gaels in Palmer Cup competition on Laois today site. I take it is that with slieve bloom?

Yep.

Palmer cup only or for the year?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 30, 2018, 05:51:43 PM
Quote from: merman on January 30, 2018, 11:34:03 AM
Any word on Trumera and Ballinakill? I would have assumed it would be approved or declined last night.
It was "approved" last night at county level. But the word is Croke Park are unlikely to allow it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 30, 2018, 06:54:05 PM
Quote from: blueandwhite1 on January 30, 2018, 05:39:22 PM
Quote from: merman on January 30, 2018, 01:45:39 PM
Quote from: Helix on January 30, 2018, 01:24:43 PM
I see Castletown are down as Castletown Gaels in Palmer Cup competition on Laois today site. I take it is that with slieve bloom?

Yep.

Palmer cup only or for the year?

For the year.
Big boost for Castletown. This year was always likely to be a crucial one; Slieve Bloom have a couple of promising young hurlers coming into adult ranks.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 31, 2018, 10:36:41 AM
Quote from: SCFC on January 30, 2018, 05:51:43 PM
Quote from: merman on January 30, 2018, 11:34:03 AM
Any word on Trumera and Ballinakill? I would have assumed it would be approved or declined last night.
It was "approved" last night at county level. But the word is Croke Park are unlikely to allow it.

And so it should be blocked. No reason for allowing it. I don't understand how or why CB allowed it to be "passed" when it blatantly goes against their own bye laws introduced specifically to stop this kind of thing?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on January 31, 2018, 03:51:55 PM
Quote from: SCFC on January 30, 2018, 05:51:43 PM
Quote from: merman on January 30, 2018, 11:34:03 AM
Any word on Trumera and Ballinakill? I would have assumed it would be approved or declined last night.
It was "approved" last night at county level. But the word is Croke Park are unlikely to allow it.

It shouldn't be approved anyway, these bed hopping amalgamations are the very thing brought up as an issue last year, although Trumera will probably say they cannot field a team on their own or something along those lines.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 31, 2018, 08:08:29 PM
If Trumera go that route then surely they shouldn't be allowed compete at Senior A level on their own.

They have joined up with Mountrath at all juvenile grades. There had been a link with Raheen Parish Gaels but that seems to have fallen through.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on January 31, 2018, 08:23:22 PM
In fairness, it was more of an ad hoc arrangement with Raheen Parish Gaels, and the move to Mountrath is an attempt to streamline matters, and have all their players playing underage in the one place, I suppose.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: hurlingmad on February 01, 2018, 12:32:33 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on January 31, 2018, 08:23:22 PM
In fairness, it was more of an ad hoc arrangement with Raheen Parish Gaels, and the move to Mountrath is an attempt to streamline matters, and have all their players playing underage in the one place, I suppose.

Oh God knows, they were allowed to join up with Kyle and play junior b or c on their own a couple of years ago, so on a different note are park/timahoe a full amalgamation or will they play junior on their own or play football on their own?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on February 01, 2018, 07:51:39 AM
Timahoe and Park is a full amalgamation as a new hurling club. They will likely enter two teams; one in intermediate and one in Junior B.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Junior Ex Laoistalk on February 02, 2018, 01:52:13 AM
Football Amalgamations for 2018 .....  Laois Today.



Ballyfin Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Ballyfin (SFC) with players from Slieve Bloom (JFC "C")

Clonaslee St Manmans Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Clonaslee St Manmans (SFC) with players from Annanough (IFC)

Crettyard Gaels – Senior Football Championship – Crettyard (SFC) with players from Spink (JFC)

Mountmellick Gaels – Intermediate Football Championship – Mountmellick (SFC) with players from Castletown (JFC "C")
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 25, 2018, 10:52:35 PM
It's this time of year again folks. Any truth in the rumors of Barrowhouse going in with Killeen?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on November 25, 2018, 11:17:44 PM
 
Following the publication of the Strategy and Action Plan 2018 – 2020, two priority actions were recommended by the committee –
1. Laois Club Competitions
2. Combined Teams
(Page 32 Strategy & Action Plan 2018-2012)
Our committee were asked to consider the recommendations in the action plan and to report our findings and recommendations to Laois GAA. We set ourselves a target of completion and presentation for October 2018; however the complex nature and scope of the report made it difficult to achieve this target. We presented in November 2018.

Laois Club Competitions
In relation to Laois Club Competitions, the Strategy and Action Plan recommended that Laois GAA set up two working groups to review "every aspect of club competition, including the structure of those competitions at (a) Adult level & (b) Underage level". The plan asked to consider the possibility of regional teams (comprising of Intermediate & Junior players only) participating in Laois Senior Hurling and Football Championships.
Our committee have examined this particular subject and felt that this area needs detailed and forensic examination following completion of all competitions in 2018, particularly at juvenile level, given that the competitions have changed in dynamic following the move to odd ages at juvenile competition. The introduction of the Under 17 grade presents a problem for players exiting this age group and progressing to the senior grade a year earlier than usual practice would have allowed for. With this in mind, particular attention must be given to this player, to ensure a smooth transition both at club and county leave to ensure that both player engagement and player welfare are considered.
Another contributing factor is the "Gaels" concept, which adds particular complication to scheduling fixtures and the impact of individual clubs identity as outlined in the Strategic Plan. We shall address this concept in the body of the recommendations.
Combined Club Teams (Gaels)
The Strategy and Action Plan report identified that there were 87 combined teams in both codes, at all levels competing in Laois GAA. In particular, there are 36 amalgamations at a level between under 8 & under 18 in football and 30 in hurling at the same age levels, with frequent different amalgamations at various age levels. This committee spent considerable time examining this particular concept and received valuable feedback from the clubs in Laois in relation to this topic. The "Gaels" concept is not unique to this county, and many clubs will feel that without this concept, clubs are unable to compete with stronger, more populated clubs. This may be the case, however, the committee feels strongly that the club identity must be cherished, and make recommendations in relation to this in the report.

Terms of Reference
The committee were set this onerous task under the following terms of reference as advised in the Strategy and Action Plan 2018- 2020 (page 35).
1. The review shall consider the structure of all competitions at Adult levels/grades (incl. U21) and at all underage levels down to U7, in both playing codes.
2. The review shall consider what competitions (if any) might be organised for less than 15-a-side teams, where clubs have limited playing resources (to maintain club identity).
3. The review shall consider the scheduling of Junior championship games (both codes) to ensure that every advantage accrues to Junior teams whose top team plays at that level.
4. The review shall consider if specific Junior competitions (in both codes) might be more appropriate for clubs whose top team plays at that level (this would exclude the second team of any club).
5. The review should consider the possibility of allowing regional teams (i.e. comprising Intermediate & Junior players only) to participate in the Laois Senior Hurling & Senior Football Championships.
6. The review shall consider the scheduling of games involving dual clubs.
7. The review shall consider the scheduling of club games where the same clubs are involved with combined teams.
8. The review shall ensure that GAA players in Laois, and especially at underage levels, have a minimum number of games available to them (in both codes, where applicable).
9. All clubs in Laois shall be consulted by the review committee determining how best this should happen.
10. The Laois CCC shall be asked to contribute to this review.
11. The report shall consider whether any of its recommendation will impact on Laois County Bye-Laws.
12. The review shall set out the criteria by which clubs may apply to the County Board to become part of a combined unit to play in Laois GAA competition(s) at Adult levels/grades (incl. U21) and at underage levels/grades down to U8, in both playing codes.
13. The review shall determine the timeline by which clubs must apply to be part of a combined unit in the following year's competition(s).
14. The review shall determine which County Board sub-committee should consider requests to be part of a combined team annually or whether a new committee should be established specifically for this purpose, whilst taking into account Laois GAA County Committee have ultimate authority to sanction the creation of any combined teams in all grades and codes
15. The review shall consult all clubs in Laois in determining how best to manage the issue of combined (Gaels) team in the county.
16. The report shall be considered by the Laois County Board at its September 2018 meeting.


The review committee attempted to cover all aspects of the brief, however, precise attention should be given to fixture planning at juvenile level in particular, whilst been mindful in retaining a competitive nature at competition and protecting the club ethos.






Recommendations

1. The Laois GAA fixtures review committee are in favour of the continued promotion of Gaels teams at both hurling and football codes at senior championship level, with the following recommended conditions –

a) Gaels teams may only be formed at Senior Championship level in both codes.
b) Gaels teams shall only be allowed to compete in championship at premier Senior grade only. Clubs may not apply for or compete as a Gaels team at Senior A, Intermediate or Junior levels
c) "Geographical boundaries" will regulate the formation of "Gaels" teams, adjoining clubs and/ or parish rules are only permissible in the formation of the "Gaels" team. This shall be outlined and regulated by Laois CCC.
d) Any club with more than 2 affiliated adult teams (Senior, Intermediate & Junior level) may not apply to play as a "Gaels" team
e) In the event of a "Gaels" team being involved in a relegation play off, then only players from the original senior club may be allowed to play in the relegation play off, as the "Gaels" formation is only permissible for championship games. This stipulation is recommended in order to safeguard a standalone senior club being potentially relegated by a "Gaels" team.
f) Any player from the senior club, who plays at a higher level in championship, (including "Gaels" teams) will retain that status for the remainder of that playing year, and will be entitled to apply for a re-grade for the following year's championship at the appropriate time.
g) Gaels teams must be submitted at affiliation deadline time for the forthcoming year, and must declare both a chairperson and secretary in order to be eligible for consideration for that year's senior championship.




2. The committee feels that the current concept of week on / week off is fair in terms of fixture planning, and congratulate Laois CCC in completing all fixtures in a timely manner.  The recommendations in relation to the "Gaels" concept will enable the CCC to have more control and flexibility in relation to scheduling of games involving dual clubs and in particular that of combined teams.

3. This committee recommends that every effort be made to avoid amalgamations of clubs at juvenile level (under 7 to under 17) by introducing competitions at 9, 11& 13 a side to facilitate and promote club and player development at a young age in Laois. The committee further recommends that the U17 championship be played in conjunction with the Adult championships at both codes. The committee would encourage clubs to promote a club identity and build for the future rather than concentrating on success at competitions. With this in mind we ask Laois CCC to check the number of  registered players at each grade  to determine if the club would be better served for the future by fielding in a competition with less players to ensure players are not being lost for the future as area teams only benefit the strong player.

4. The committee is in favour of and recommends the continued practice of playing the 1st round of all championships at the highest level first and progressing thereafter progressively to junior level.


5. The committee are of the belief, that there are insufficient "stand alone" Junior clubs to warrant a separate competition to exclude second teams from other clubs. These junior clubs would benefit from participation in a separate "regional championship" should the appetite exist.

6. The committee would ask that Laois CCC examine the continued championship structure at Senior & Senior A level in hurling, and would recommend that a return to the 2017 championship format be given consideration, in order to provide a more balanced and competitive championship. The general consensus was that the football championship was fine in its current guise, but may need some minor adjustment following examination of the "Gaels" concept.

7. The current concept of "regional" teams for development purposes has gained favour throughout Laois GAA. The committee recommends that Laois GAA explore to further this concept, thereby giving non-senior players a platform to showcase their talent and play at a premium level in the county in both codes. Should this competition gain traction, then Laois GAA may examine the feasibility of a separate championship to include regional teams (combined of Intermediate & Junior Clubs only) to compete against Senior clubs at the highest grade. (as per recommendations from Strategy & Action Plan pg 32)

8. The committee recommend that u19 competitions in both codes be facilitated in the summer months, after exam time. The reason for this is to close the gap on the time a player emerging from the previous year's u17 competitions has to wait in order to play at their own level in competition. The current football completion has been poorly supported by some clubs with frequent walkover been awarded.

9. The committee sees no reason to appoint a sub committee to oversee such recommendations, other that the Laois CCC.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Jd on November 26, 2018, 10:28:52 AM
On recommendation 1(F), is that suggesting that a player from an intermediate club who plays with a senior amalgamation cannot go back and play intermediate with their own club. Maybe I'm picking it up wrong. Does one of the Gaels teams have to be already Senior of could two Intermediate clubs join up. At underage level have longstanding parish teams like Stradbally parish gaels (3clubs) St Pauls (2clubs) to apply every year for inclusion in underage competitions
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 26, 2018, 10:49:22 AM
Quote from: Jd on November 26, 2018, 10:28:52 AM
At underage level have longstanding parish teams like Stradbally parish gaels (3clubs) St Pauls (2clubs) to apply every year for inclusion in underage competitions
That's not really a change Jd. Technically every year, county committee approves those amalgamations.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on November 26, 2018, 11:22:01 AM
Death by regulation. If you allow a Gaels team in the first place, why on earth would you go putting extra conditions on top of them? Silly stuff.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on November 28, 2018, 02:34:04 PM
So have Abbeyleix just given up? First the football, now the hurling?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on November 30, 2018, 08:40:54 AM
If this thing goes through with Abbeyleix and Ballinakill, will Ballyfin be spared relegation? Thus, allowing the Mountmellick lads to stay part of the amalgamation.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on November 30, 2018, 09:11:11 AM
If there was ever a time to put in a team made up of junior and intermediate clubs now is surely it, if they are serious about getting rid of the gaels teams these lads should still be provided with a platform to play at senior level, the last thing that should happen is that the likes of a kyle trumera ballypickas etc are used as feeder clubs for senior teams, but there is a posibility of that happening if you take away lads chances of playing with a gaels team and dont give them a platform to hurl at a higher level
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on November 30, 2018, 12:11:30 PM
It's about time that some of the football clubs of Laois took a leaf out of some of the Hurling clubs books and amalgamated . Two clubs in the Carlow direction with the initials A-K spring to mind . Pull your head out of the sand boys. And I'd even throw in Barrowhouse as part of the amalgamation as they are part of the Na Fianna Og setup at underage.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on November 30, 2018, 02:50:04 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on November 30, 2018, 12:11:30 PM
It's about time that some of the football clubs of Laois took a leaf out of some of the Hurling clubs books and amalgamated . Two clubs in the Carlow direction with the initials A-K spring to mind . Pull your head out of the sand boys. And I'd even throw in Barrowhouse as part of the amalgamation as they are part of the Na Fianna Og setup at underage.
Why should they? You don't see Rheban being told to amalgamate with Castlemitchell and maybe throw in Grange too cause they're all junior in your county.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TheGiantSquid on December 02, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
Killeen and Kilcruise looked very old last year, I fear they will both eventually wilt away if they dont sew up old wounds.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on December 02, 2018, 06:33:00 PM
I see Ballyroan abbey Gaels are in the u21. Can someone tell me who they are joined with to make the Gaels ?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on December 02, 2018, 08:05:08 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 02, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
Killeen and Kilcruise looked very old last year, I fear they will both eventually wilt away if they dont sew up old wounds.

There is only one long term solution to football in that part of the world and in fairness, they've addressed the problem with Na Fianna Og. The only way they can continue to keep their head above water (Kilcruise, Killeen and Barrowhouse) is to pool their resources and make life a little easier for themselves. You're talking about a relatively small area even with the three combined, so splitting them up after underage is ridiculous.

I welcome amalgamations because it shows a degree of ambition. It also shows that people are thinking about the future and the changing nature of modern life and how we contribute to the GAA. None of us have the time and dedication that previous generations had, and with admn, sponsorship and coaching, our clubs are a very different animal to what they were even 20 years ago. So in my opinion, there is strength in numbers and there is prosperity in numbers too. It's never nice to see the end of great clubs, but there are too many clubs in Laois that are hanging on by their fingertips or worse still, stuck in some sort of twilight zone where they never really compete for anything. I know club officials in some clubs who are worn out just trying to keep the thing functional, and it's no fun whatsoever. Not for them, not for the members and probably not the players. I'm all for giving yourself the best possible chance of succeeding, and I just believe that the very rare golden period is not enough to sustain a club over a lifetime. I respect and admire the opposing point of view of course, and I appreciate it's not as black and white as I've painted.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on December 02, 2018, 08:48:25 PM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on December 02, 2018, 06:33:00 PM
I see Ballyroan abbey Gaels are in the u21. Can someone tell me who they are joined with to make the Gaels ?

2 players from Colt
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on December 02, 2018, 10:42:56 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 02, 2018, 08:05:08 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 02, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
Killeen and Kilcruise looked very old last year, I fear they will both eventually wilt away if they dont sew up old wounds.

There is only one long term solution to football in that part of the world and in fairness, they've addressed the problem with Na Fianna Og. The only way they can continue to keep their head above water (Kilcruise, Killeen and Barrowhouse) is to pool their resources and make life a little easier for themselves. You're talking about a relatively small area even with the three combined, so splitting them up after underage is ridiculous.

I welcome amalgamations because it shows a degree of ambition. It also shows that people are thinking about the future and the changing nature of modern life and how we contribute to the GAA. None of us have the time and dedication that previous generations had, and with admn, sponsorship and coaching, our clubs are a very different animal to what they were even 20 years ago. So in my opinion, there is strength in numbers and there is prosperity in numbers too. It's never nice to see the end of great clubs, but there are too many clubs in Laois that are hanging on by their fingertips or worse still, stuck in some sort of twilight zone where they never really compete for anything. I know club officials in some clubs who are worn out just trying to keep the thing functional, and it's no fun whatsoever. Not for them, not for the members and probably not the players. I'm all for giving yourself the best possible chance of succeeding, and I just believe that the very rare golden period is not enough to sustain a club over a lifetime. I respect and admire the opposing point of view of course, and I appreciate it's not as black and white as I've painted.
Quote from: High Fielder on December 02, 2018, 08:05:08 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 02, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
Killeen and Kilcruise looked very old last year, I fear they will both eventually wilt away if they dont sew up old wounds.

There is only one long term solution to football in that part of the world and in fairness, they've addressed the problem with Na Fianna Og. The only way they can continue to keep their head above water (Kilcruise, Killeen and Barrowhouse) is to pool their resources and make life a little easier for themselves. You're talking about a relatively small area even with the three combined, so splitting them up after underage is ridiculous.

I welcome amalgamations because it shows a degree of ambition. It also shows that people are thinking about the future and the changing nature of modern life and how we contribute to the GAA. None of us have the time and dedication that previous generations had, and with admn, sponsorship and coaching, our clubs are a very different animal to what they were even 20 years ago. So in my opinion, there is strength in numbers and there is prosperity in numbers too. It's never nice to see the end of great clubs, but there are too many clubs in Laois that are hanging on by their fingertips or worse still, stuck in some sort of twilight zone where they never really compete for anything. I know club officials in some clubs who are worn out just trying to keep the thing functional, and it's no fun whatsoever. Not for them, not for the members and probably not the players. I'm all for giving yourself the best possible chance of succeeding, and I just believe that the very rare golden period is not enough to sustain a club over a lifetime. I respect and admire the opposing point of view of course, and I appreciate it's not as black and white as I've painted.
Very good post I agree with it big time
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on December 02, 2018, 11:36:02 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on December 02, 2018, 08:05:08 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 02, 2018, 05:36:15 PM
Killeen and Kilcruise looked very old last year, I fear they will both eventually wilt away if they dont sew up old wounds.

There is only one long term solution to football in that part of the world and in fairness, they've addressed the problem with Na Fianna Og. The only way they can continue to keep their head above water (Kilcruise, Killeen and Barrowhouse) is to pool their resources and make life a little easier for themselves. You're talking about a relatively small area even with the three combined, so splitting them up after underage is ridiculous.

I welcome amalgamations because it shows a degree of ambition. It also shows that people are thinking about the future and the changing nature of modern life and how we contribute to the GAA. None of us have the time and dedication that previous generations had, and with admn, sponsorship and coaching, our clubs are a very different animal to what they were even 20 years ago. So in my opinion, there is strength in numbers and there is prosperity in numbers too. It's never nice to see the end of great clubs, but there are too many clubs in Laois that are hanging on by their fingertips or worse still, stuck in some sort of twilight zone where they never really compete for anything. I know club officials in some clubs who are worn out just trying to keep the thing functional, and it's no fun whatsoever. Not for them, not for the members and probably not the players. I'm all for giving yourself the best possible chance of succeeding, and I just believe that the very rare golden period is not enough to sustain a club over a lifetime. I respect and admire the opposing point of view of course, and I appreciate it's not as black and white as I've painted.
There are 2 sides to the argument and when a club like Mullinalaghta comes along everybody is warmed by what is almost a fairy tale. The reality is that organised team sport is in decline which is a reflection of modern society. Ironically, I think small town clubs are in deep trouble due to lack of volunteers. There is a greater chance that  Kilcavan, Trumera will survive due to the community spirit. That's why Abbeyleix and Ballinakill coming together makes sense as a combination of urban and rural areas will give them a critical mass to survive. I have always admired Ballinakill who always produce quality hurlers from a small base. Abbeyleix also have a proud hurling tradition but it pulls mainly from a town and  hurling is in trouble in small towns all over Ireland. The people looking to put this amalgamation together are hurling people first and foremost and putting the promotion of the game ahead of holding on to two GAA units that are probably going to struggle on their own.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 03, 2018, 11:11:44 AM
Plenty of Clubs in Laois have come and gone, its been the way of the association since its inception. Its just always tinged with a bit of sadness to see any club disappear, because once its gone, you won't be getting it back again.

Saying that, Irish society is changing, and if the GAA is to survive it too needs to change. I just find it disappointing that two clubs who are senior semi finalists in recent years are taking such a step. Neither are too big to go back a grade or two, but perhaps we need to trust the ones in charge who will know whats coming through at underage and are energised to do what it takes to save hurling in their locality.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 03, 2018, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 03, 2018, 11:11:44 AM
Plenty of Clubs in Laois have come and gone, its been the way of the association since its inception. Its just always tinged with a bit of sadness to see any club disappear, because once its gone, you won't be getting it back again.

Saying that, Irish society is changing, and if the GAA is to survive it too needs to change. I just find it disappointing that two clubs who are senior semi finalists in recent years are taking such a step. Neither are too big to go back a grade or two, but perhaps we need to trust the ones in charge who will know whats coming through at underage and are energised to do what it takes to save hurling in their locality.
Who was the last club to go under? Apart from Kilminchy who only lasted a few years?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 03, 2018, 10:28:21 PM
Quote from: SCFC on December 03, 2018, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 03, 2018, 11:11:44 AM
Plenty of Clubs in Laois have come and gone, its been the way of the association since its inception. Its just always tinged with a bit of sadness to see any club disappear, because once its gone, you won't be getting it back again.

Saying that, Irish society is changing, and if the GAA is to survive it too needs to change. I just find it disappointing that two clubs who are senior semi finalists in recent years are taking such a step. Neither are too big to go back a grade or two, but perhaps we need to trust the ones in charge who will know whats coming through at underage and are energised to do what it takes to save hurling in their locality.
Who was the last club to go under? Apart from Kilminchy who only lasted a few years?
Clubs don't tend to go under anymore, they amalgamate. Much like the likes of Wolfhill, Cullohill etc did.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 07:42:08 AM
Slieve Margy is finding it hard to keep going...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on December 04, 2018, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 07:42:08 AM
Slieve Margy is finding it hard to keep going...
Thought they were gone tbh.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on December 04, 2018, 10:54:25 AM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on December 04, 2018, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 07:42:08 AM
Slieve Margy is finding it hard to keep going...
Thought they were gone tbh.

I think they are.
Haven't competed in championship for two years now.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 04, 2018, 11:09:35 AM
Quote from: merman on December 04, 2018, 10:54:25 AM
Quote from: Heshs Umpire on December 04, 2018, 10:48:14 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 07:42:08 AM
Slieve Margy is finding it hard to keep going...
Thought they were gone tbh.

I think they are.
Haven't competed in championship for two years now.
Only club to have no rep at convention last night.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 02:00:45 PM
Yeah, but I saw a lad on the Laois minor panel listed as being from Slieve Margy, so...? They're in with Park-Ratheniska/ Timahoe/ Graiguecullen in at least some juvenile levels. Unfortunate for Ratheniska, as it means leaving a lot of their own lads on the  line.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 04, 2018, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 02:00:45 PM
Yeah, but I saw a lad on the Laois minor panel listed as being from Slieve Margy, so...? They're in with Park-Ratheniska/ Timahoe/ Graiguecullen in at least some juvenile levels. Unfortunate for Ratheniska, as it means leaving a lot of their own lads on the  line.

Was wondering that myself

Do you know how many ratheniska lads are being left on the line ?

I remember asking someone in the know from Margy did they have anyone from Graigue and they didn't anymore

I do always have a good laugh when I hear the football crew on here bemoaning the lack of opportunities for footballers in hurling clubs when at worst they have an outlet in Junior.

The reality is that large tracts of this county are a hurling desert.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 04, 2018, 05:58:58 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 04, 2018, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 02:00:45 PM
Yeah, but I saw a lad on the Laois minor panel listed as being from Slieve Margy, so...? They're in with Park-Ratheniska/ Timahoe/ Graiguecullen in at least some juvenile levels. Unfortunate for Ratheniska, as it means leaving a lot of their own lads on the  line.

Was wondering that myself

Do you know how many ratheniska lads are being left on the line ?

I remember asking someone in the know from Margy did they have anyone from Graigue and they didn't anymore

I do always have a good laugh when I hear the football crew on here bemoaning the lack of opportunities for footballers in hurling clubs when at worst they have an outlet in Junior.

The reality is that large tracts of this county are a hurling desert.

There's no interest. Honestly. It's been tried. Over and over and over. Hurling clubs don't survive past Ratheniska or Ballinakill. They have come and gone. St Conleths. Milltown. Ballylinan. Courtwood. Arles Killeen. Graiguecullen. Slieve Margy.
There's currently a nice team of young lads under 13 in the Portarlington Emo area. Won a B championship last year. Guaranteed to fall away over the next few years.
I think the arrangement in place at the moment where lads from Emo, The Rock and Kilcavan hurl with Mountmellick, lads from Stradbally hurl with Timahoe or Ratheniska, lads from The Heath hurl with Clonad and so on is fine. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Blow-in on December 04, 2018, 09:40:26 PM
In fairness clonadmad and Burdizzo I can see the medals and cups stacked up out in Clonad from the Midway!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 08:58:44 AM
There was a motion passed at convention this week. All amalgamations and entries will have to be finalised by 14th January and there won't be any exceptions to that.

There's a very important county committee meeting next Monday night to decide what will and won't be allowed in terms of Gaels teams etc.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Behindthefence on December 06, 2018, 09:15:23 AM
Quote from: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 08:58:44 AM
There was a motion passed at convention this week. All amalgamations and entries will have to be finalised by 14th January and there won't be any exceptions to that.

There's a very important county committee meeting next Monday night to decide what will and won't be allowed in terms of Gaels teams etc.

Doesn't come in until January 2020
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:42:02 AM
Quote from: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 08:58:44 AM
There was a motion passed at convention this week. All amalgamations and entries will have to be finalised by 14th January and there won't be any exceptions to that.

There's a very important county committee meeting next Monday night to decide what will and won't be allowed in terms of Gaels teams etc.

They said similar when it was moved to 7th Jan a few years back and it was flouted on a regular basis every year

We joined up with Port after the u15 hurling  league in May this year and there was no issues,we were waved on by the CB.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
Church in Abbeyleix and Spink is St Lazerians and the one in Ballinakill is St Brigids so where is St Patricks coming from
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 09:53:32 AM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
Church in Abbeyleix and Spink is St Lazerians and the one in Ballinakill is St Brigids so where is St Patricks coming from
He's the Patron Saint of Ireland.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.

List the tainted Senior Hurling titles?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 11:58:25 AM
Quote from: Behindthefence on December 06, 2018, 09:15:23 AM
Quote from: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 08:58:44 AM
There was a motion passed at convention this week. All amalgamations and entries will have to be finalised by 14th January and there won't be any exceptions to that.

There's a very important county committee meeting next Monday night to decide what will and won't be allowed in terms of Gaels teams etc.

Doesn't come in until January 2020
Correct. My bad. Although the Gaels stuff will be effective for 2019.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 12:21:00 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.

List the tainted Senior Hurling titles?
2018, 2005 to name just two.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 12:21:28 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
Church in Abbeyleix and Spink is St Lazerians and the one in Ballinakill is St Brigids so where is St Patricks coming from

Were you not at the information night?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 12:23:22 PM
Quote from: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 11:58:25 AM
Quote from: Behindthefence on December 06, 2018, 09:15:23 AM
Quote from: SCFC on December 06, 2018, 08:58:44 AM
There was a motion passed at convention this week. All amalgamations and entries will have to be finalised by 14th January and there won't be any exceptions to that.

There's a very important county committee meeting next Monday night to decide what will and won't be allowed in terms of Gaels teams etc.

Doesn't come in until January 2020
Correct. My bad. Although the Gaels stuff will be effective for 2019.

If the amalgamation vote goes ahead Saturday.

All bets could be off on this on Monday night

I'm sure the representative for Pickas will want her say
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 12:28:22 PM
Also Trumera at juvenile are looking to throw in their lot with us in the RPG amalgamation and leave mountrath

It's enough to melt your head at this stage

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 12:21:00 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.

List the tainted Senior Hurling titles?
2018, 2005 to name just two.

Every time an incident occurs the win is tainted?
And I think the word littered is hardly appropriate?
You can't compare 1989, 1996 or 2005 with 2018. An incident occurred, nobody was targeted and the incidents had no effect on the final result in any of the three cases.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 12:41:15 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 12:40:25 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 12:21:00 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 11:35:22 AM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.

List the tainted Senior Hurling titles?
2018, 2005 to name just two.

Every time an incident occurs the win is tainted?
And I think the word littered is hardly appropriate?
You can't compare 1989, 1996 or 2005 with 2018. An incident occurred, nobody was targeted and the incidents had no effect on the final result in any of the three cases.
I said Laois GAA, not Laois Senior Hurling.

I can compare, and will. You're not the boss of me.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 12:58:15 PM
Grand.  ::)

Moving on, does anybody have any reasonably solid information on how the deal brokered has been received by the individual club memberships?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 01:48:02 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 12:58:15 PM
Grand.  ::)

Moving on, does anybody have any reasonably solid information on how the deal brokered has been received by the individual club memberships?

Ballinakill some reticence,but a lot of those complaining haven't paid their membership and won't have a voice

Abbeyleix membership includes those who buy a county board ticket according to a lad here that worlds with me,could be a few that might dissent on the night

The feeling in both camps given the level of preparation that's gone in,is that it will pass

The vote is on the same time Saturday night
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 02:12:24 PM
No membership, no vote!
That old chestnut always causes some uncomfortable fidgeting!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 02:18:46 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 02:12:24 PM
No membership, no vote!
That old chestnut always causes some uncomfortable fidgeting!

Membership to be paid before of March 2018,otherwise no vote
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 06:38:15 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 12:21:28 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
Church in Abbeyleix and Spink is St Lazerians and the one in Ballinakill is St Brigids so where is St Patricks coming from

Were you not at the information night?

No, hence the question
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 07:13:04 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 06:38:15 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 12:21:28 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbbey on December 06, 2018, 09:52:17 AM
Church in Abbeyleix and Spink is St Lazerians and the one in Ballinakill is St Brigids so where is St Patricks coming from

Were you not at the information night?

No, hence the question

I've no doubt you have more contacts up there than what I have
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on December 08, 2018, 11:43:36 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 06, 2018, 10:53:26 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 06, 2018, 10:06:31 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 06, 2018, 09:45:53 AM
I believe after next Saturday night

St.Patricks will come into existence

The whole thing is madness. Especially for Abbeyleix. No need whatsover to even be considering this, except the prospect of a county final win (a tainted one in my opinion). I don't ever recall a club in such a strong position to stand alone jumping to amalgamate.

Anthony Coffey must have some influence. Left Trumera for Ballinakill and they tried to go Gaels together.
Spends a year in Ballinakill and Abbeyleix are all set to amalgamate with them.
Get that man up in Stormont quick!
Laois GAA is littered with tainted titles. There's been more tainted ones than not.

I agree, hopefully both clubs do what's morally right and turn it down. It will be a hard call to make. We all saw what happened when Rathdowney and Kilcotton didn't back themselves and took the handy way out. Amalgamated into super clubs, thus f**king up the system on the rest.
What chance has a rosenailis, ballyfin, colt, mountrath or even a ballinakill and Abbeyleix got against these big amalgamations.

Could Rathdowney or Kilcotton have won a senior on their own at this stage, we will never know. I'd like to think they would have. For ourselves and Abbeyleix surely its heads say yes and heart says no, time will tell.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on December 09, 2018, 11:53:22 AM
Not a hope Rathdowney or Kilcotton would have titles on their own. I don't think this amalgamation will go through  as the vote  will require 3 logical/rational people out of 4 to vote for it  to counteract the high level of head bangers who probably do nothing from one end of year to next.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 09, 2018, 12:40:48 PM
Quote from: Downtheroad on December 09, 2018, 11:53:22 AM
Not a hope Rathdowney or Kilcotton would have titles on their own. I don't think this amalgamation will go through  as the vote  will require 3 logical/rational people out of 4 to vote for it  to counteract the high level of head bangers who probably do nothing from one end of year to next.
That seems a bit harsh. Only paid up members can vote, I doubt too many are what you describe as headbangers. I very much doubt anyone behind this amalgamation are headbangers either, and you can be sure the top tables arent. They are people who will have looked long and hard and the pros and cons, the ones who know what way the underage is in either club. to call them headbangers is disingenuous.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 12:44:43 PM
All will be revealed by 11 tonight

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 09, 2018, 12:57:06 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 12:44:43 PM
All will be revealed by 11 tonight
This is like I'm a celebrity get me out of here. I wonder will they overlap?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 09, 2018, 01:06:42 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 04, 2018, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 02:00:45 PM
Yeah, but I saw a lad on the Laois minor panel listed as being from Slieve Margy, so...? They're in with Park-Ratheniska/ Timahoe/ Graiguecullen in at least some juvenile levels. Unfortunate for Ratheniska, as it means leaving a lot of their own lads on the  line.

Was wondering that myself

Do you know how many ratheniska lads are being left on the line ?

I remember asking someone in the know from Margy did they have anyone from Graigue and they didn't anymore

I do always have a good laugh when I hear the football crew on here bemoaning the lack of opportunities for footballers in hurling clubs when at worst they have an outlet in Junior.

The reality is that large tracts of this county are a hurling desert.

There were at least five left on the line in their last championship match.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 09, 2018, 01:11:31 PM

Is this like the time a few weeks ago when you told us all those Rathdowney boys werent going back into the Laois senior panel?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 01:19:06 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 09, 2018, 01:06:42 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 04, 2018, 05:11:14 PM
Quote from: burdizzo on December 04, 2018, 02:00:45 PM
Yeah, but I saw a lad on the Laois minor panel listed as being from Slieve Margy, so...? They're in with Park-Ratheniska/ Timahoe/ Graiguecullen in at least some juvenile levels. Unfortunate for Ratheniska, as it means leaving a lot of their own lads on the  line.

Was wondering that myself

Do you know how many ratheniska lads are being left on the line ?

I remember asking someone in the know from Margy did they have anyone from Graigue and they didn't anymore

I do always have a good laugh when I hear the football crew on here bemoaning the lack of opportunities for footballers in hurling clubs when at worst they have an outlet in Junior.

The reality is that large tracts of this county are a hurling desert.

There were at least five left on the line in their last championship match.

The u15 County Final?

Theres always going to be an issue with giving lads a run in a county final
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 09:20:42 PM
Ye can all rest easy

It's not a runner

Abbeyleix says no
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 09, 2018, 09:24:11 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 09:20:42 PM
Ye can all rest easy

It's not a runner

Abbeyleix says no
Still, the boxing was good fun
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbbey on December 09, 2018, 10:17:14 PM
no an understatement
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Bud Wiser on December 09, 2018, 10:52:08 PM
Makes Ballinakill look a tad embarrassed I think. They voted very strongly (except for 15) in favour) and now Abbeyleix don't want them by an equally large majority with less than 20 in favour. The only thing I would hope for now is that there is no fallout in either club but I can't understand how a few good tally men and a few soundings could not have avoided the whole process.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: LooseCannon on December 09, 2018, 11:00:37 PM
Quote from: Bud Wiser on December 09, 2018, 10:52:08 PM
Makes Ballinakill look a tad embarrassed I think. They voted very strongly (except for 15) in favour) and now Abbeyleix don't want them by an equally large majority with less than 20 in favour. The only thing I would hope for now is that there is no fallout in either club but I can't understand how a few good tally men and a few soundings could not have avoided the whole process.

You'd be surprised. A mood can shift on the night. A realisation that your club ceases to exist.
Has happened in OY before. Then again unfortunately these dreadful mergers have happened, too often for my liking, to the detriment of both the initial clubs. Lost identity, dilution of tradition.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 09, 2018, 11:31:26 PM
Result of Ballinakill vote

72 In Favour
15 Against.


Result of Abbeyleix vote

17 In Favour
48 Against'.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on December 10, 2018, 12:07:16 AM
Quote from: LooseCannon on December 09, 2018, 11:00:37 PM
Quote from: Bud Wiser on December 09, 2018, 10:52:08 PM
Makes Ballinakill look a tad embarrassed I think. They voted very strongly (except for 15) in favour) and now Abbeyleix don't want them by an equally large majority with less than 20 in favour. The only thing I would hope for now is that there is no fallout in either club but I can't understand how a few good tally men and a few soundings could not have avoided the whole process.

You'd be surprised. A mood can shift on the night. A realisation that your club ceases to exist.
Has happened in OY before. Then again unfortunately these dreadful mergers have happened, too often for my liking, to the detriment of both the initial clubs. Lost identity, dilution of tradition.
The fact that more turned up at the Ballinakill meeting is interesting. Abbeyleix on paper is a much bigger club  but has a smaller hardcore which doesn't surprise me. My take on it is that Ballinakill know they have a problem in the long run and were prepared to do.something about it now. I imagine that Abbeyleix on the night took the view that they will survive one way or another. Funny enough, I think they are going to be wrong on that one as the shift in the parish will be to football.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Bud Wiser on December 10, 2018, 07:27:35 AM
The shift in the parish is one thing, the fact that there are a majority of members of the two clubs who want to form a new club is the problem. So what they should be doing now is accepting the vote outcome and getting in there and becoming more involved with their existing club.
Both clubs are capable of reaching  a senior final and both have a bit of pride in that they remain two of the few clubs that have not amalgamated. It's not all about winning a county final, particularly if it has to be won the way this year's was won.

What it is about is getting young lads to enjoy playing hurling and for each club to go on and produce a few players for their county. Both clubs have done this in the past, (Eugene/Kevin Fennelly,  Maggie Walsh, etc) and can do it again.  It's not the make up of the two clubs in terms of players being available that is the problem here, the problem is the county board don't give a shit about hurling compared to football. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM
Feel a bit for Ballinakill.
They're facing a future at lower grades or at best, as perennial relegation contenders.
They have had a decent couple of years and showed that on their day, their current team can compete but this won't be the case after the next couple of years. They're a club I have a lot of time for and I know they have excellent people involved in their juvenile set-up; they just need to redouble efforts.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them look towards Ballypickas, Slieve Margy or Park-Timahoe.

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.

Big decisions tonight for our County Board. The removal of Gaels teams from the Senior A Championship would have serious consequences for a number of clubs.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 11, 2018, 12:12:25 AM
Ballinakill have acted extremely desperately over the last few years, but I suppose survival is key.
This was impossible to justify for Abbeyleix. No sound reason in the world for it. Small crowd, but the right answer.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on December 11, 2018, 08:55:36 AM
Yeah, the only "Gaels" team next year in senior hurling  will be Castletown if they can agree with Slieve Bloom.

In football, I presume the Ballyfin and Crettyard Gaels thing will be allowed.

The big losers last night would have been the likes of Ballyfin (hurling), Shanahoe, Colt and Ballypickas. Mountmellick football too will have to stand up on their own two feet next year.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on December 11, 2018, 09:09:22 AM
Clubs who field more than two teams in the same code, say a Senior, Junior A and Junior C team, will not be allowed apply for Gaels teams.

I presume the Castletown-Slieve Bloom link-up is dead now as Slieve Bloom are Senior A.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on December 11, 2018, 09:29:33 AM
Quote from: merman on December 11, 2018, 09:09:22 AM
I presume the Castletown-Slieve Bloom link-up is dead now as Slieve Bloom are Senior A.
Of course. I missed that. Which means no Gaels teams at all in hurling next year and possibly just the two in football.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 11, 2018, 09:37:49 AM
Quote from: The PRO on December 11, 2018, 09:29:33 AM
Quote from: merman on December 11, 2018, 09:09:22 AM
I presume the Castletown-Slieve Bloom link-up is dead now as Slieve Bloom are Senior A.
Of course. I missed that. Which means no Gaels teams at all in hurling next year and possibly just the two in football.
They are on their last legs. The divisional competitions will supercede them. There may well be a divisional hurling competition this year. I think the football one showed that it can be done.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 11, 2018, 09:49:10 AM
The football competition, while an entertaining concept & a very worthy cause, was hardly prestigious. I can't imagine crowds in future years when the novelty has worn.
I don't know if divisional sides would work so well in Laois. We don't have the same geographical spread as other counties or even an identification with these divisions.
The only way I could see this working is to have one "Rest or Laois" team for teams outside of the top two grades in hurling & football.

Good news that the Gaels concept got a bit of a tidy up.
Like the relegation clause too.

Anyone know what the general demographic was in Abbey-Kill in terms of voting for/against?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laois Rising on December 11, 2018, 01:54:20 PM
Divisional teams will work but will take time to bed down. It is the way forward. That way all clubs are playing at an appropriate grade and if there are players worthy of playing senior championship football from these intermediate/junior clubs then there is an avenue open to them as well. Sugru is right when stating the obvious-we have far too many senior clubs in Laois football and it is diluting the standard of our championship. 8 is more than enough for county size of Laois and then add in four regional teams. Maybe Portlaoise could have turned a couple of those losses in Leinster into victories the last few years had they been more battlehardened from playing some divisional sides in our county championship. The intermediate and junior championships would benefit greatly in competitiveness as well if clubs were regraded as well to match their current standing. This would also provide Laois clubs with a real shot at winning Leinster intermediate and junior club titles and provides them with a shot at playing in Croke Park in an All-Ireland Club final. Surely that is a more attractive proposition to clubs than forming a Gaels partnership just to try avoid being relegated from Laois senior championship every year. What captures an interest and invigorates a club is winning championship games and going on a run. The whole parish often buys into it and juveniles are inspired to follow in the footsteps.

Crettyard for example of the daftness in Gaels amalgamations. They are joined with Killeshin at all underage levels and then at senior they form a Gaels with Spink/Ballinkill. If there was to be some merit to Crettyard Gaels then surely at underage they are joined with Spink/Ballinakill and not Killeshin. At least in that way it shows some form of meaningful partnership between the clubs and where players have grown up playing alongside each other.   
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on December 11, 2018, 03:10:27 PM
I wonder where the 2 Reddins and 2 Mullaneys stand in terms of playing football with Mountmellick next year?
With Gaels not allowed at intermediate level, the only way they can kick ball with MM is if Castletown pull their football team completely. Which is not impossible.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SpeculativeEffort on December 11, 2018, 03:46:11 PM
Quote from: Laois Rising on December 11, 2018, 01:54:20 PM
Divisional teams will work but will take time to bed down. It is the way forward. That way all clubs are playing at an appropriate grade and if there are players worthy of playing senior championship football from these intermediate/junior clubs then there is an avenue open to them as well. Sugru is right when stating the obvious-we have far too many senior clubs in Laois football and it is diluting the standard of our championship. 8 is more than enough for county size of Laois and then add in four regional teams. Maybe Portlaoise could have turned a couple of those losses in Leinster into victories the last few years had they been more battlehardened from playing some divisional sides in our county championship. The intermediate and junior championships would benefit greatly in competitiveness as well if clubs were regraded as well to match their current standing. This would also provide Laois clubs with a real shot at winning Leinster intermediate and junior club titles and provides them with a shot at playing in Croke Park in an All-Ireland Club final. Surely that is a more attractive proposition to clubs than forming a Gaels partnership just to try avoid being relegated from Laois senior championship every year. What captures an interest and invigorates a club is winning championship games and going on a run. The whole parish often buys into it and juveniles are inspired to follow in the footsteps.

Crettyard for example of the daftness in Gaels amalgamations. They are joined with Killeshin at all underage levels and then at senior they form a Gaels with Spink/Ballinkill. If there was to be some merit to Crettyard Gaels then surely at underage they are joined with Spink/Ballinakill and not Killeshin. At least in that way it shows some form of meaningful partnership between the clubs and where players have grown up playing alongside each other.

Agree on this and similar could be worked in the hurling with 10-12 seniors teams (including 2-4 area teams)and all clubs playing at their appropriate level with an avenue to senior. We cannot lose clubs. Hurling and football need to be widely played as part of our culture and identity. If we start losing rural clubs the GAA is dead to me.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TheGiantSquid on December 13, 2018, 08:09:00 PM
Any more amalgamation talks now that the Gaels are effectively dead? Colt and Clonad tie the knot? Trumera and Mountrath?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 13, 2018, 09:01:37 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 13, 2018, 08:09:00 PM
Any more amalgamation talks now that the Gaels are effectively dead? Colt and Clonad tie the knot? Trumera and Mountrath?
Clonad? Are you on drugs?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on December 14, 2018, 06:41:21 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 13, 2018, 09:01:37 PM
Quote from: TheGiantSquid on December 13, 2018, 08:09:00 PM
Any more amalgamation talks now that the Gaels are effectively dead? Colt and Clonad tie the knot? Trumera and Mountrath?
Clonad? Are you on drugs?

Say there'd be more of a chance of a regional team down the line than amalgamation.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on December 15, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.

Don't think football had anything to do with it. Abbeyleix had the giblets to back themselves against bigger amalgamations. As they say pride cometh before the fall, I hope it won't be for abbeyleix. They could be off designing names and jerseys but chose the road less travelled by with regard to most laois senior clubs. Tough year ahead for them. Fighting league and championship relagation is the price you pay for pride in the parish.
Good luck and God speed because you will need both
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 15, 2018, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 15, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.

Don't think football had anything to do with it. Abbeyleix had the giblets to back themselves against bigger amalgamations. As they say pride cometh before the fall, I hope it won't be for abbeyleix. They could be off designing names and jerseys but chose the road less travelled by with regard to most laois senior clubs. Tough year ahead for them. Fighting league and championship relagation is the price you pay for pride in the parish.
Good luck and God speed because you will need both
By god you almost had me weeping with pride for the beauty of the association there.

Until I remembered they tossed away football in the club without a second thought not so long ago.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Home Boys Home on December 15, 2018, 11:17:01 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 15, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.

Don't think football had anything to do with it. Abbeyleix had the giblets to back themselves against bigger amalgamations. As they say pride cometh before the fall, I hope it won't be for abbeyleix. They could be off designing names and jerseys but chose the road less travelled by with regard to most laois senior clubs. Tough year ahead for them. Fighting league and championship relagation is the price you pay for pride in the parish.
Good luck and God speed because you will need both

Yes, Abbeyleix will be favourites for relegation in 2019 . We have some good young hurlers coming up but not so much for 2019,  maybe in 2020 a few will come through, but you never know with young lads. Talented juveniles often not interested when they get to adult and hurling is no longer once a week and starts interfering with other activities ! The club is small though and like Ballinakill will struggle to field a second team next year.  Talk of a juvenile link up between the two clubs now.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Home Boys Home on December 15, 2018, 11:22:40 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 15, 2018, 08:45:43 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 15, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.

Don't think football had anything to do with it. Abbeyleix had the giblets to back themselves against bigger amalgamations. As they say pride cometh before the fall, I hope it won't be for abbeyleix. They could be off designing names and jerseys but chose the road less travelled by with regard to most laois senior clubs. Tough year ahead for them. Fighting league and championship relagation is the price you pay for pride in the parish.
Good luck and God speed because you will need both
By god you almost had me weeping with pride for the beauty of the association there.

Until I remembered they tossed away football in the club without a second thought not so long ago.

If by "tossed away" you mean agree to a structure where those lads who want to play football go and play football in a football club in the Parish , and lads who want to hurl play hurling in the hurling club in the parish then you are 100% correct
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on December 16, 2018, 03:09:14 AM
Abbeyleix favourites for relegation? Personally, I'd fancy Castletown.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 16, 2018, 10:51:39 AM
Quote from: Home Boys Home on December 15, 2018, 11:17:01 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 15, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 11, 2018, 07:27:53 AM
Quote from: merman on December 10, 2018, 11:57:35 AM

In the end, Abbeyleix pride won out and I know a lot of club members didn't want to be party to taking hurling out of the town.
They are a club which should have no problems standing alone as a senior side. Their juvenile progress has stalled a little but they have still been one of the 2/3 strongest juvenile clubs over the last 5/6 years.
Important to acknowledge too, the role Ballyroan played in helping Abbeyleix turn it down.

Gaels gone got grades under senior, roll on the area teams. Great news.

Don't think football had anything to do with it. Abbeyleix had the giblets to back themselves against bigger amalgamations. As they say pride cometh before the fall, I hope it won't be for abbeyleix. They could be off designing names and jerseys but chose the road less travelled by with regard to most laois senior clubs. Tough year ahead for them. Fighting league and championship relagation is the price you pay for pride in the parish.
Good luck and God speed because you will need both

Yes, Abbeyleix will be favourites for relegation in 2019 . We have some good young hurlers coming up but not so much for 2019,  maybe in 2020 a few will come through, but you never know with young lads. Talented juveniles often not interested when they get to adult and hurling is no longer once a week and starts interfering with other activities ! The club is small though and like Ballinakill will struggle to field a second team next year.  Talk of a juvenile link up between the two clubs now.

Heard that both sides are talking regarding a Juvenile amalgamation all right

Probably the best course of action now,work together at Juvenile for a couple of years and then go back and re-examine a senior amalgamation.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 16, 2018, 03:21:48 PM
In my opinion Abbeyleix took the correct course of action. I also think the arrangement with Ballyroan is a very practical one that is mutually beneficial. Ballypickas the big losers in it.
Can't see how Abbeyleix amalgamating at juvenile level is a positive thing for Laois Hurling. The numbers are there at primary school level. Do what they have been doing- develop them.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on December 16, 2018, 04:23:17 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on December 16, 2018, 03:21:48 PM
In my opinion Abbeyleix took the correct course of action. I also think the arrangement with Ballyroan is a very practical one that is mutually beneficial. Ballypickas the big losers in it.
Can't see how Abbeyleix amalgamating at juvenile level is a positive thing for Laois Hurling. The numbers are there at primary school level. Do what they have been doing- develop them.

My understanding is that ballinakill are very tight with numbers in a lot of age grades

They were in Abbeyleix at u11 this year,numbers are tight at u13 and u15 and they have 5-7 lads atu17
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 16, 2018, 04:33:02 PM
I understand Ballinakill taking this approach. But surely a link up with another rural club in a similar situation.
Less fellas from towns like Abbeyleix, Mountmellick, Port getting game time at 11/13/15 is not a good thing.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 03:25:21 PM
Any truth in the rumours that ballyfin and slieve bloom are getting into  bed together. Laoistoday mustn't have been invited into negotiation talks this time
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 22, 2018, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 03:25:21 PM
Any truth in the rumours that ballyfin and slieve bloom are getting into  bed together. Laoistoday mustn't have been invited into negotiation talks this time
Who in either club would you most like to get into bed with
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on December 22, 2018, 07:08:15 PM
Would make a certain sense as a Gaels combo save the obvious fact that Ballyfin and Slieve Bloom will hurl independently in the exact same grade next year.

Not a hope they'd make a full amalgamation. Slieve Bloom far too proud for that, as per Twitter at least.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on December 22, 2018, 07:57:14 PM
Now, a Castletown-Ballyfin Gaels arrangement would be interesting.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 08:37:03 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 22, 2018, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 03:25:21 PM
Any truth in the rumours that ballyfin and slieve bloom are getting into  bed together. Laoistoday mustn't have been invited into negotiation talks this time
Who in either club would you most like to get into bed with

From slieve bloom probably Ben Conroy, and I'd have to go with James Finn from Ballyfin. Who would you go for @dondraper
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on December 22, 2018, 09:03:59 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 08:37:03 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on December 22, 2018, 03:28:59 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on December 22, 2018, 03:25:21 PM
Any truth in the rumours that ballyfin and slieve bloom are getting into  bed together. Laoistoday mustn't have been invited into negotiation talks this time
Who in either club would you most like to get into bed with

From slieve bloom probably Ben Conroy, and I'd have to go with James Finn from Ballyfin. Who would you go for @dondraper

I'd have a lot of time for big Rickie.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on December 23, 2018, 08:54:03 PM
Quote from: merman on December 22, 2018, 07:08:15 PM
Would make a certain sense as a Gaels combo save the obvious fact that Ballyfin and Slieve Bloom will hurl independently in the exact same grade next year.

Not a hope they'd make a full amalgamation. Slieve Bloom far too proud for that, as per Twitter at least.

Surely they won't revamp the Senior Championship to allow a new Gaels team!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SpeculativeEffort on December 29, 2018, 08:06:27 PM
If Ballyfin and Slieve bloom is being proposed for senior who couldnt they just continue their current arrangement with Mountmellick?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Unlaoised on December 30, 2018, 09:53:17 PM
Ballyfin and slieve bloom nahhhh cantvsee that
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 09, 2019, 08:12:13 AM
Ballinakill and Ballypiickas gone in together at adult
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on January 09, 2019, 09:10:53 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 09, 2019, 08:12:13 AM
Ballinakill and Ballypiickas gone in together at adult

As a gaels team for senior?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 09, 2019, 04:08:09 PM
Quote from: Helix. on January 09, 2019, 09:10:53 AM
Quote from: clonadmad on January 09, 2019, 08:12:13 AM
Ballinakill and Ballypiickas gone in together at adult

As a gaels team for senior?

Voted in favor of last Monday night

Don't know what form it will take
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The Monument Road on January 24, 2019, 05:50:39 PM
What is the rule regarding Gaels teams...I'm hearing rumours of  a proposed amalgamation involving Arles Kileen being refused.. Croke Park are involved I hear...
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 24, 2019, 06:14:30 PM
Is the list of adult and juvenile amalgamations finalised yet?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Countyminor on January 25, 2019, 10:27:10 AM
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/01/25/croke-park-deem-all-proposed-gaels-teams-in-laois-for-2019-illegal/

Let's call a spade a spade: the reality is any team that was relying on a 'Gaels' amalgamation to prop them up at senior in the first place is pathetic. Either accept you're going to struggle or accept a championship reformat which regrades you at intermediate, holding onto the senior tag just for the sake of it is watering down the SFC standard to conserve your pride, and in turn keeping county priorities below your own. Killeen looking to get into bed with Barrowhouse, given their history of picking off some of their best players, is embarrassing. They're a perfect example of a dying club, no youth coming through, virtually the same players every year and in the meanwhile they're getting that bit older. Themselves and Kilcruise need to have a serious look at themselves, they are doing a serious disservice to their players and to themselves. Ending this Gaels nonsense is only half the battle: the next step needs to be cutting down championship numbers to at least 12 as was proposed several years back before divisional teams are even considered.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Hospital Pass on January 25, 2019, 10:54:20 AM
Interesting article. If i'm reading it correctly and no rules have changed. "the Rules Advisory Committee in Croke Park have now said that all of those amalgamations should not have happened".
this is a serious shit storm. where does this leave our championship for the last number of years. We had illegal teams competing in the championship?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on January 25, 2019, 12:40:57 PM
Quote from: Countyminor on January 25, 2019, 10:27:10 AM
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/01/25/croke-park-deem-all-proposed-gaels-teams-in-laois-for-2019-illegal/

Let's call a spade a spade: the reality is any team that was relying on a 'Gaels' amalgamation to prop them up at senior in the first place is pathetic. Either accept you're going to struggle or accept a championship reformat which regrades you at intermediate, holding onto the senior tag just for the sake of it is watering down the SFC standard to conserve your pride, and in turn keeping county priorities below your own. Killeen looking to get into bed with Barrowhouse, given their history of picking off some of their best players, is embarrassing. They're a perfect example of a dying club, no youth coming through, virtually the same players every year and in the meanwhile they're getting that bit older. Themselves and Kilcruise need to have a serious look at themselves, they are doing a serious disservice to their players and to themselves. Ending this Gaels nonsense is only half the battle: the next step needs to be cutting down championship numbers to at least 12 as was proposed several years back before divisional teams are even considered.


Nail on head.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on January 25, 2019, 03:42:20 PM
Quote from: Hospital Pass on January 25, 2019, 10:54:20 AM
Interesting article. If i'm reading it correctly and no rules have changed. "the Rules Advisory Committee in Croke Park have now said that all of those amalgamations should not have happened".
this is a serious shit storm. where does this leave our championship for the last number of years. We had illegal teams competing in the championship?
At least none of them won it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on January 25, 2019, 03:47:20 PM
Illegal or not, no one objected, so therefore irrelevant.

What it means is the door is now wide open for Area Teams. This is a good thing for Laois Football/GAA.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 25, 2019, 03:49:02 PM
Killeen, Ballyfin and Crettyard will be hit by this big time.
How Barrowhouse had agreed to prop up Killeen is beyond me. Thank f**k it's knocked on the head.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 25, 2019, 03:52:07 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 25, 2019, 03:47:20 PM
Illegal or not, no one objected, so therefore irrelevant.

What it means is the door is now wide open for Area Teams. This is a good thing for Laois Football/GAA.
Too late for this year though. Pity. If you relegated 4 teams out of senior and entered 3 area teams in their place along with whoever wins the IFC you'd have the makings of a decent senior championship.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on January 25, 2019, 06:47:22 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on January 25, 2019, 12:40:57 PM
Quote from: Countyminor on January 25, 2019, 10:27:10 AM
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2019/01/25/croke-park-deem-all-proposed-gaels-teams-in-laois-for-2019-illegal/

Let's call a spade a spade: the reality is any team that was relying on a 'Gaels' amalgamation to prop them up at senior in the first place is pathetic. Either accept you're going to struggle or accept a championship reformat which regrades you at intermediate, holding onto the senior tag just for the sake of it is watering down the SFC standard to conserve your pride, and in turn keeping county priorities below your own. Killeen looking to get into bed with Barrowhouse, given their history of picking off some of their best players, is embarrassing. They're a perfect example of a dying club, no youth coming through, virtually the same players every year and in the meanwhile they're getting that bit older. Themselves and Kilcruise need to have a serious look at themselves, they are doing a serious disservice to their players and to themselves. Ending this Gaels nonsense is only half the battle: the next step needs to be cutting down championship numbers to at least 12 as was proposed several years back before divisional teams are even considered.


Nail on head.
Agree 100% 16 Senior club teams in Laois is way too many considering Kerry has something like 8.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 26, 2019, 12:13:55 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on January 25, 2019, 03:47:20 PM
Illegal or not, no one objected, so therefore irrelevant.

What it means is the door is now wide open for Area Teams. This is a good thing for Laois Football/GAA.

No one objected but the original interpretation allowing Gaels teams at Senior A Hurling level also came from Croke Park. Shows up the GAA rule book for what it is. Dick Cheney would have a field day!

The old interpretation of a Gaels team playing Senior was that two or more intermediate teams could come together and play Senior. In the 1990s/200s you had
St Patrick's  (Borris & Kilcotton)
St Kieran's (as above)
Rosenallis/Ballyfin/Mountmellick
Castletown Gaels (With Slieve Bloom)
Clonaslee Gaels (With Rosenallis)
Tinnahinch (as above)

None of the above were Senior in their own right at the time. It was understood that if any of these teams won the intermediate the arrangement would automatically end.

What is really laughable is that the interpretation from Croke Park went from A-B-A with no rule change/rewording.

The one exception that I remember is Ballinakill Gaels (with Abbeyleix ) around 2000. AFAIK Ballinakill last won the intermediate in 94/95 and so must have been senior on their own.

Somebody above said that at least no illegal team won anything/ that is incorrect. The Harps and Rosenallis can feel aggrieved!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on January 28, 2019, 03:38:45 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 26, 2019, 12:13:55 PM
Somebody above said that at least no illegal team won anything/ that is incorrect. The Harps and Rosenallis can feel aggrieved!
That was me and yeah, you're spot on. I was only considering the senior football championship.
Was it Ballyfin Gaels and Castletown Gaels who denied Harps and Rosenallis senior B hurling titles?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 28, 2019, 10:02:17 PM
No, Ballyfin Gaels beat The Harps in semi final in 2017z
Colt Gaels beat Rosenallis in the other semi final.
The final that year should really have been The Harps v Rosenallis (in my opinion)

Castletown won it on their own in 2016- beating Ballyfin Gaels (who beat Colt Gaels in the semi final).
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on January 29, 2019, 08:06:19 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 28, 2019, 10:02:17 PM
No, Ballyfin Gaels beat The Harps in semi final in 2017z
Colt Gaels beat Rosenallis in the other semi final.
The final that year should really have been The Harps v Rosenallis (in my opinion)

Castletown won it on their own in 2016- beating Ballyfin Gaels (who beat Colt Gaels in the semi final).
Thanks for that. I hear the loss of Mountmellick hurlers to the Ballyfin team will be massive. They (Ballyfin) are very concerned about their chances of even surviving in Senior B.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on January 30, 2019, 04:25:27 PM
Always had my doubts about the legality of the way Laois allowed the Gaels set ups in recent years. If it was that straightforward, why was no other county doing it? If there was another county doing it, I haven't heard.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on January 30, 2019, 07:11:17 PM
Quote from: The PRO on January 29, 2019, 08:06:19 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 28, 2019, 10:02:17 PM
No, Ballyfin Gaels beat The Harps in semi final in 2017z
Colt Gaels beat Rosenallis in the other semi final.
The final that year should really have been The Harps v Rosenallis (in my opinion)

Castletown won it on their own in 2016- beating Ballyfin Gaels (who beat Colt Gaels in the semi final).
Thanks for that. I hear the loss of Mountmellick hurlers to the Ballyfin team will be massive. They (Ballyfin) are very concerned about their chances of even surviving in Senior B.

The Senior B will be quite weak this year. Personally, I fancy Colt - w/out the Clonad lads - to go down, but Mountrath, Shanahoe, Slieve Bloom, and Clonaslee aren't good, either. Any of them could go down and not go straight back up from intermediate. I think Ballyfin should be OK.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 01, 2019, 08:58:58 AM
Quote from: burdizzo on January 30, 2019, 07:11:17 PM
Quote from: The PRO on January 29, 2019, 08:06:19 AM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on January 28, 2019, 10:02:17 PM
No, Ballyfin Gaels beat The Harps in semi final in 2017z
Colt Gaels beat Rosenallis in the other semi final.
The final that year should really have been The Harps v Rosenallis (in my opinion)

Castletown won it on their own in 2016- beating Ballyfin Gaels (who beat Colt Gaels in the semi final).
Thanks for that. I hear the loss of Mountmellick hurlers to the Ballyfin team will be massive. They (Ballyfin) are very concerned about their chances of even surviving in Senior B.

The Senior B will be quite weak this year. Personally, I fancy Colt - w/out the Clonad lads - to go down, but Mountrath, Shanahoe, Slieve Bloom, and Clonaslee aren't good, either. Any of them could go down and not go straight back up from intermediate. I think Ballyfin should be OK.
So Rosenallis v Harps final?!!!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 01, 2019, 11:20:57 PM
I'd be surprised if one of those two don't win it.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 07, 2019, 11:41:11 AM
This should lead to a reform of the senior football championship structure. I'd like to see the number of senior clubs reduced to 9 and three area teams making it up to 12 teams in the championship.
Based on last year's quarter finalists if I remember them rightly, Portlaoise, O'Dempseys, St Joseph's, Graiguecullen, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally, Emo and Portarlington would be senior clubs. Throw in Ballylinan as 2017 finalists for an example as the ninth senior club.
Then you could have 3 very decent area teams. One would be Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Clonaslee area, one would be Killeshin, Crettyard, the Arles teams etc and one would be Heath, Annanough, Courtwood, Timahoe etc.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on February 07, 2019, 09:44:10 PM
Quote from: The PRO on February 07, 2019, 11:41:11 AM
This should lead to a reform of the senior football championship structure. I'd like to see the number of senior clubs reduced to 9 and three area teams making it up to 12 teams in the championship.
Based on last year's quarter finalists if I remember them rightly, Portlaoise, O'Dempseys, St Joseph's, Graiguecullen, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally, Emo and Portarlington would be senior clubs. Throw in Ballylinan as 2017 finalists for an example as the ninth senior club.
Then you could have 3 very decent area teams. One would be Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Clonaslee area, one would be Killeshin, Crettyard, the Arles teams etc and one would be Heath, Annanough, Courtwood, Timahoe etc.

There are 16 teams, some of those teams would have no chance in winning a senior B if the championship was split in two. Something needs to be done alright, personally I'd rather see senior A and senior B ahead of regionals.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 07, 2019, 10:17:03 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on February 07, 2019, 09:44:10 PM
Quote from: The PRO on February 07, 2019, 11:41:11 AM
This should lead to a reform of the senior football championship structure. I'd like to see the number of senior clubs reduced to 9 and three area teams making it up to 12 teams in the championship.
Based on last year's quarter finalists if I remember them rightly, Portlaoise, O'Dempseys, St Joseph's, Graiguecullen, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally, Emo and Portarlington would be senior clubs. Throw in Ballylinan as 2017 finalists for an example as the ninth senior club.
Then you could have 3 very decent area teams. One would be Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Clonaslee area, one would be Killeshin, Crettyard, the Arles teams etc and one would be Heath, Annanough, Courtwood, Timahoe etc.

There are 16 teams, some of those teams would have no chance in winning a senior B if the championship was split in two. Something needs to be done alright, personally I'd rather see senior A and senior B ahead of regionals.
So f**k the players in junior and intermediate clubs who want to get exposure at a higher level? So nothing changes really, and we continue to have more and more poaching of players.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Laoiseabu on February 08, 2019, 01:35:25 AM
Quote from: The PRO on February 07, 2019, 11:41:11 AM
This should lead to a reform of the senior football championship structure. I'd like to see the number of senior clubs reduced to 9 and three area teams making it up to 12 teams in the championship.
Based on last year's quarter finalists if I remember them rightly, Portlaoise, O'Dempseys, St Joseph's, Graiguecullen, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally, Emo and Portarlington would be senior clubs. Throw in Ballylinan as 2017 finalists for an example as the ninth senior club.
Then you could have 3 very decent area teams. One would be Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Clonaslee area, one would be Killeshin, Crettyard, the Arles teams etc and one would be Heath, Annanough, Courtwood, Timahoe etc.
The pick of Killeshin Crettyard and the two Arles clubs would do a fair job on Emo if that's the case
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 08, 2019, 09:45:23 AM
Quote from: Laoiseabu on February 08, 2019, 01:35:25 AM
Quote from: The PRO on February 07, 2019, 11:41:11 AM
This should lead to a reform of the senior football championship structure. I'd like to see the number of senior clubs reduced to 9 and three area teams making it up to 12 teams in the championship.
Based on last year's quarter finalists if I remember them rightly, Portlaoise, O'Dempseys, St Joseph's, Graiguecullen, Ballyroan Abbey, Stradbally, Emo and Portarlington would be senior clubs. Throw in Ballylinan as 2017 finalists for an example as the ninth senior club.
Then you could have 3 very decent area teams. One would be Mountmellick, Ballyfin, Clonaslee area, one would be Killeshin, Crettyard, the Arles teams etc and one would be Heath, Annanough, Courtwood, Timahoe etc.
The pick of Killeshin Crettyard and the two Arles clubs would do a fair job on Emo if that's the case
And so what if they did? If Emo or anyone else of the top 9 can't survive in senior, they move down intermediate and join their own area team. As it happens, my post above was wrong and Killeshin were actually senior quarter finalists last year.
Maybe 12 senior clubs and 4 slightly weaker area teams would be another way to do it? Two area teams is too few. They could be very strong.
Anyway, the number of senior clubs needs to come down. A lot of people saying too many of them are just treading water. If they are good enough they'll either survive a full or come straight back up out of intermediate.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: From the Terrace on February 08, 2019, 11:34:37 AM
im not sure area teams would work in laois. I think when it would come down to the crunch with the area teams, clubs would hold back players. The idea 3 clubs form into one would be a disaster for communities all over the county. The county board needs to reduce the number of senior to 10/12 imo, thus improving the standard of our intermediate & junior championships.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 08, 2019, 11:43:15 AM
Quote from: From the Terrace on February 08, 2019, 11:34:37 AMThe county board needs to reduce the number of senior to 10/12 imo, thus improving the standard of our intermediate & junior championships.
100% agree. But there has to be a pathway for a guy like Richie Hitchcock or Rob Tyrrell or Killian Horgan to play senior championship football. And area teams is the way to do that. How many area teams is the question?
They said players might not buy in to the divisional competitions organised last October but in the main, they did. I think the same could happen with area senior teams.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 12:04:34 PM
Quote from: From the Terrace on February 08, 2019, 11:34:37 AM
im not sure area teams would work in laois. I think when it would come down to the crunch with the area teams, clubs would hold back players. The idea 3 clubs form into one would be a disaster for communities all over the county. The county board needs to reduce the number of senior to 10/12 imo, thus improving the standard of our intermediate & junior championships.
I very much doubt the players would allow that happen.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:05:19 PM
I agree. Keep it simple. The top tier is over crowded and it's really as simple as that. I haven't seen any evidence to suggest that having so many teams has brought about an improvement in standard, and besides, the balance between Senior and Intermediate is not right. We have teams who are Senior in name only and it's the same at Intermediate.

Regarding players at lower levels. I think we may forget this notion of area teams. It won't happen. Not in Laois. We don't like each other enough to have cosy arrangements. I think we need to put forward a motion at the next Congress that allows a player (as an individual) to play with a Senior club where this doesn't affect his participation in his own club's championship. And to avoid any confrontation, there needs to be a rule about giving priority to his parent club so that the next game he plays (after injury for instance) will always be for his parent club.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 12:09:19 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:05:19 PM
I agree. Keep it simple. The top tier is over crowded and it's really as simple as that. I haven't seen any evidence to suggest that having so many teams has brought about an improvement in standard, and besides, the balance between Senior and Intermediate is not right. We have teams who are Senior in name only and it's the same at Intermediate.

Regarding players at lower levels. I think we may forget this notion of area teams. It won't happen. Not in Laois. We don't like each other enough to have cosy arrangements. I think we need to put forward a motion at the next Congress that allows a player (as an individual) to play with a Senior club where this doesn't affect his participation in his own club's championship. And to avoid any confrontation, there needs to be a rule about giving priority to his parent club so that the next game he plays (after injury for instance) will always be for his parent club.
Rubbish, the players are grand. They got on grand in the area sides already. Its the auld c***ts who keep on these stupid grudges. And if some clubs don't want to buy in, they can f**k right off.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:13:21 PM
I agree with you 100%. But we flog dead horses for sport in Laois, and we get nowhere as a result. In the background, players are still getting poached as you rightly pointed out above. That gate needs to be closed once and for all and I'm not convinced it ever will be while we kick area teams around for the next 20 years
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:13:21 PM
I agree with you 100%. But we flog dead horses for sport in Laois, and we get nowhere as a result. In the background, players are still getting poached as you rightly pointed out above. That gate needs to be closed once and for all and I'm not convinced it ever will be while we kick area teams around for the next 20 years
Why not bring it in for 3-5 years? If it fails, worst case scenario, you've trimmed the championship by half a dozen teams.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on February 08, 2019, 02:02:43 PM
I see no reason why we can't try divisional sides, there is an appetite for it at the moment.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 02:39:04 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:13:21 PM
I agree with you 100%. But we flog dead horses for sport in Laois, and we get nowhere as a result. In the background, players are still getting poached as you rightly pointed out above. That gate needs to be closed once and for all and I'm not convinced it ever will be while we kick area teams around for the next 20 years
Why not bring it in for 3-5 years? If it fails, worst case scenario, you've trimmed the championship by half a dozen teams.

You're preaching to the converted. I'm all for it. The turkeys in the senior clubs will not vote for this particular brand of Christmas. You can see in recent events the great lengths some clubs are going to to hold on to what they have
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 02:43:43 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 02:39:04 PM
Quote from: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 01:46:51 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 12:13:21 PM
I agree with you 100%. But we flog dead horses for sport in Laois, and we get nowhere as a result. In the background, players are still getting poached as you rightly pointed out above. That gate needs to be closed once and for all and I'm not convinced it ever will be while we kick area teams around for the next 20 years
Why not bring it in for 3-5 years? If it fails, worst case scenario, you've trimmed the championship by half a dozen teams.

You're preaching to the converted. I'm all for it. The turkeys in the senior clubs will not vote for this particular brand of Christmas. You can see in recent events the great lengths some clubs are going to to hold on to what they have
What's the percentages needed to bring this through? Some senior clubs would be in favour, I don't think there's numbers in those circling the drain to stop it if it goes to a well whipped vote.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 02:48:52 PM
I'd be surprised if any Senior club voted for this. I hope you're right Don. BA seems confident that there's good support for it but I think that's from players. Do players matter? (tongue in cheek)
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 08, 2019, 06:39:19 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 08, 2019, 02:48:52 PM
I'd be surprised if any Senior club voted for this. I hope you're right Don. BA seems confident that there's good support for it but I think that's from players. Do players matter? (tongue in cheek)
Portlaoise would. You'd be surprised the others who would too. A clutter of Junior and Intermediate Clubs with a few hurling ones (the cases of Tyrell etc would rally them) would get it through I'd reckon.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on February 09, 2019, 02:15:03 PM
I think that a proposal to reduce the number of senior football clubs would have a good chance of success and some senior clubs would support it.
I suppose any of 7 or 8 of the current senior clubs could reasonably easily be relegated any year and then be glad of the chance for their better players to play with a senior area team.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on February 09, 2019, 05:19:53 PM
8 may be too radical but say 12 in total, with two divisional teams.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 09, 2019, 06:36:47 PM
And how would you decide who takes the drop?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on February 09, 2019, 06:44:37 PM
Have utterly no idea, but it can't be instant.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Don Draper on February 09, 2019, 09:24:56 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 09, 2019, 06:36:47 PM
And how would you decide who takes the drop?
A dance off
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Heshs Umpire on February 09, 2019, 09:49:15 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on February 09, 2019, 05:19:53 PM
8 may be too radical but say 12 in total, with two divisional teams.
I didn't mean to relegate 8 teams in one go. I was implying that 7 or 8 of the current senior teams are possible relegation candidates from one year to the next.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Downtheroad on February 09, 2019, 11:45:36 PM
 I heard Pat Spillane this evening discussing the success of Kerry teams in the All Ireland Intermediate and Junior championships. Considering what happens in Laois with having 16 club senior teams, it is hard to get the head around Kerry only having 8 club teams.  They have 8 divisional teams to cater for the intermediate and junior players.  But it explains why Kerry have such a good record in the club competitions. Courtwood who actually performed well all things considered  won the competition for the 16/17th best team in Laois while Kilcummin in Kerry were the 8th/9th best team in Kerry. At a national level, our clubs haven't a chance of competing unless we reduce the number of teams at our highest grade.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: High Fielder on February 10, 2019, 11:39:05 AM
And that has been the case for a long time now Downtheroad. It is of course obvious, and has been for a long time, that change is necessary. The desperation of some Senior clubs right now could well see that change happen but look at the harm that has been done to bring us to this point. If we could put aside our misgivings, then there may well be support from players for a Kerry type system. And let's be honest, if Barrowhouse were contemplating joining up with Arles Killeen, then surely anything is possible. After the way they have been treated by their neighbours and county board alike, I wouldn't blame them if they had asked to go over the ditch to Kildare. Anything that cuts out that back stabbing daylight robbery can only be a good thing, and in that regard, I welcome change
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Countyminor on February 10, 2019, 11:45:31 PM
Quote from: High Fielder on February 10, 2019, 11:39:05 AM
And that has been the case for a long time now Downtheroad. It is of course obvious, and has been for a long time, that change is necessary. The desperation of some Senior clubs right now could well see that change happen but look at the harm that has been done to bring us to this point. If we could put aside our misgivings, then there may well be support from players for a Kerry type system. And let's be honest, if Barrowhouse were contemplating joining up with Arles Killeen, then surely anything is possible. After the way they have been treated by their neighbours and county board alike, I wouldn't blame them if they had asked to go over the ditch to Kildare. Anything that cuts out that back stabbing daylight robbery can only be a good thing, and in that regard, I welcome change

Dead on, agree with all of that. Were the Barrowhouse officials high when they agreed to join with Killeen? How many players would realistically make Killeens team anyways, the ones that do would just end up bolloxed for the junior. I think, personally, there is a little bit more openness for change around the county. Not sure if it's been mentioned already but Louth voted last year for a divisional championship which, similar enough to the Kerry setup, includes normal running of the club championships followed by the divisional championship which includes their 12 senior teams & a few area sides. Personally I think it'll fail (I doubt there's enough interest/player commitment in Louth to actually sustain interest for what seems like a full year) but still, nice to see a proactive county board thinking on its feet.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on February 18, 2019, 03:16:56 PM
I see in the under 20 football this year there's a Sarsfields team.
Mountmellick Ballyfin Kilcavan The Rock Mountrath and Trumera. In the B if you don't mind.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 18, 2019, 03:20:54 PM
Mountmellick/Ballyfin can always be relied upon to do things right!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 18, 2019, 04:21:53 PM
Portlaoise in the u13 B Hurling and u17 B Hurling

Abbeyleix Gaels (Ballinakill/Abbeyleix and some Margy Players)

Na Fianna (ballyfin,mountmellick,slieve bloom)

Na Fianna Og (Arles x 2,Ballylinan,Crettyard)

Camross Na Fianna (Camross, Ballyfin & Slieve Bloom) U17 Hurling

Spink Ratheniska football at all grades


Joseph's in B at u15 and 17

Mountmellick Gaels (Mountmellick & Clonaslee St Manmans

That's just the Tip of the iceberg,

Sarsfileds taking in trumera and mountrath footballers

Na Fianna  taking in Clonaslee footballers

The list goes on and on and on....
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: LooseCannon on February 18, 2019, 05:58:15 PM
I know that I may be attacked, but f**k me, could they not be original with a name, like St (insert local saint here), instead of Na Fianna X2.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Gmac on February 18, 2019, 07:01:50 PM
Quote from: LooseCannon on February 18, 2019, 05:58:15 PM
I know that I may be attacked, but f**k me, could they not be original with a name, like St (insert local saint here), instead of Na Fianna X2.
should be st michaels who were very competitive in most underage competitors in 80s early nineties
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SpeculativeEffort on February 18, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Is there anywhere that all amalgamations at juvenile level can be viewed?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 18, 2019, 10:36:08 PM
Contact The PRO/you're PRO!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Blow-in on February 19, 2019, 06:37:36 AM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on February 18, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Is there anywhere that all amalgamations at juvenile level can be viewed?

Just ask the lads here! They seem to know everything, especially Clonadmad!
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 19, 2019, 09:44:29 AM
Quote from: Batman!!! on February 19, 2019, 06:37:36 AM
Quote from: SpeculativeEffort on February 18, 2019, 07:05:21 PM
Is there anywhere that all amalgamations at juvenile level can be viewed?

Just ask the lads here! They seem to know everything, especially Clonadmad!

I'll take that as a compliment BM
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Dave like the tv channel on February 20, 2019, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on February 09, 2019, 06:44:37 PM
Have utterly no idea, but it can't be instant.

Why not?

Relegate:
1 - as is.
2 - two teams from relegation final.
3 - both teams from relegation final, loser playoff of relegation semifinal winners.
4 - all four relegation teams.
5 - four releg. teams plus loser playoff rd3 losers
6 - etc etc etc

Can be done. Should be done.

And not some Senior B bullshite. Relegate 8 teams to intermediate. No promotion that year from the IFC. Every level gets dropped a level. Kerry can do it. Galway & Tipp did it.

Laois afraid of their shite to change anything. Senior B/Senior A is horseshite. Structure the championships properly and let the clubs live or die by their strengths....not by being the second-worst team every year.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 20, 2019, 05:44:02 PM
Quote from: Dave like the tv channel on February 20, 2019, 04:31:06 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on February 09, 2019, 06:44:37 PM
Have utterly no idea, but it can't be instant.

Why not?

Relegate:
1 - as is.
2 - two teams from relegation final.
3 - both teams from relegation final, loser playoff of relegation semifinal winners.
4 - all four relegation teams.
5 - four releg. teams plus loser playoff rd3 losers
6 - etc etc etc

Can be done. Should be done.

And not some Senior B bullshite. Relegate 8 teams to intermediate. No promotion that year from the IFC. Every level gets dropped a level. Kerry can do it. Galway & Tipp did it.

Laois afraid of their shite to change anything. Senior B/Senior A is horseshite. Structure the championships properly and let the clubs live or die by their strengths....not by being the second-worst team every year.
Welcome back Dave - you're right. If there's a will there to change things, it can be done pretty much instantaneously.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: The PRO on February 20, 2019, 05:44:37 PM
Quote from: Keyser Söze on February 18, 2019, 10:36:08 PM
Contact The PRO/you're PRO!
:D
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on February 21, 2019, 03:54:23 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on February 18, 2019, 04:21:53 PM
Portlaoise in the u13 B Hurling and u17 B Hurling


Besides Portlaoise, Camross and Clough-Ballacolla are also in the u13 'B', leaving only 5 teams in the 'A'. Crazy. And I bet some of those 'B' teams would beat some of the ones in the 'A'.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on October 25, 2019, 07:54:46 AM
I know the gaels situation is more or less gone but regarding amalgamation is there any truth to Colt and Shanahoe coming together at adult level? Would be a good long term move if that was the case.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: burdizzo on October 25, 2019, 10:47:23 AM
Rumours, all right. Might be a year or two too soon.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on November 01, 2019, 11:23:25 AM
Quote from: Helix. on October 25, 2019, 07:54:46 AM
I know the gaels situation is more or less gone but regarding amalgamation is there any truth to Colt and Shanahoe coming together at adult level? Would be a good long term move if that was the case.

It is amalgamation season I suppose, and someone has to fill the void this year. Looks like raheen and shanahoe are next on the list. Always a great spectacle for the neutral though.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?

Nothing to announce.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on January 04, 2020, 12:47:00 PM
Quote from: merman on January 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?

Nothing to announce.
EGM has to happen first I imagine
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 04, 2020, 01:45:12 PM
EGMs are on tomorrow, basically done on Shanahoe side as there struggling for numbers, Colt side is tighter, threat made by one player leaving if it happens is making lads wary of doing it.

Heard talks of there being a Raheen Gaels team being entered in for Senior if it didnt happen with Trumera and possibly Clonad involved but dont know how accurate that is
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on January 05, 2020, 01:01:48 PM
Quote from: merman on January 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?

Nothing to announce.

Anything to announce now?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: merman on January 05, 2020, 01:38:47 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 05, 2020, 01:01:48 PM
Quote from: merman on January 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?

Nothing to announce.

Anything to announce now?

Well, it's appropriate to do so now. Amalgamation confirmed.
A lot of lies and half-truths have been spouted over christmas. Never an easy decision. Best of luck to all.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on January 05, 2020, 04:08:56 PM
Quote from: merman on January 05, 2020, 01:38:47 PM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 05, 2020, 01:01:48 PM
Quote from: merman on January 04, 2020, 10:31:51 AM
Quote from: Moregroundhurling on January 04, 2020, 09:38:47 AM
Have Colt and Shanahoe announced their engagement yet or are they still keeping it a secret?

Nothing to announce.

Anything to announce now?

Well, it's appropriate to do so now. Amalgamation confirmed.
A lot of lies and half-truths have been spouted over christmas. Never an easy decision. Best of luck to all.

More power to them. 2 hurling mad clubs. Will the amalgamation mean nobody gets relegated from Senior B (Premier Intermediate)?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Jd on January 05, 2020, 05:21:27 PM
Sholt or Canahoe ??
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 05, 2020, 09:07:27 PM
Calling it Colt/Shanahoe, would of thought they would of went with Raheen, dont know how many teams they will have ill assume it will be 3, should shake up Premier Inter next year though with them, Harps Portlaoise the front runners. Be interesting to see if Murray follows through with his transfer threat

Nobody is getting relegated from Premier Intermediate down, so Clonaslee, Pickas, Kyle all staying up
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on January 05, 2020, 09:23:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 05, 2020, 09:07:27 PM
Calling it Colt/Shanahoe, would of thought they would of went with Raheen, dont know how many teams they will have ill assume it will be 3, should shake up Premier Inter next year though with them, Harps Portlaoise the front runners. Be interesting to see if Murray follows through with his transfer threat

Nobody is getting relegated from Premier Intermediate down, so Clonaslee, Pickas, Kyle all staying up

Premier Intermediate, Junior A and Junior C will probably be the breakdown. Be a strong junior A team if that's the case.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: SCFC on January 06, 2020, 12:25:51 AM
Will both Colt and Shanahoe clubs continue to exist by fielding football teams? As Errill, Rathdowney, Borris and Kilcotton do?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 06, 2020, 05:18:48 AM
That's the plan from what im told
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 06, 2020, 05:17:29 PM
Seems positive. Well done to those involved.
At least they are going about things the right way. Doesn't appear temporary, kneejerk or reactive.
It does leave Clonad a bit isolated though! Was there ever any talk of them being involved?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on January 06, 2020, 06:08:26 PM
No id say if anything they want them gone, only thing stopping it underage this year is the fact Ballypickas are gone from the Raheen set up to form one with Ballinakill, possibly with a few of full amalgamation in time, believe Colt/Shanahoe/Trumera and Clonad are split for some ages where both have numbers which is fair enough. Clonad starting to run out of options if Raheen Parish Gaels falls apart because i doubt Ratheniska/Timahoe would take them again and not a hope of going with Portlaoise
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Helix. on January 06, 2020, 09:59:41 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on January 06, 2020, 06:08:26 PM
No id say if anything they want them gone, only thing stopping it underage this year is the fact Ballypickas are gone from the Raheen set up to form one with Ballinakill, possibly with a few of full amalgamation in time, believe Colt/Shanahoe/Trumera and Clonad are split for some ages where both have numbers which is fair enough. Clonad starting to run out of options if Raheen Parish Gaels falls apart because i doubt Ratheniska/Timahoe would take them again and not a hope of going with Portlaoise

They'd be in shits creek if they all split underage.  Clonad have the majority of underage players  in the Raheen Parish gaels (colt and Shanahoe combined underage). The pickas split leaving 1 or 2 teams short in numbers.
Clonad gone in agreement with Portlaoise College over new AstroTurf pitch use so whether that'll be another base remains to be seen. Be interesting to see how it works.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 06, 2020, 10:40:37 PM
That Portlaoise College link could well be Clonad's last throw of the dice. Hopefully they can rejuvenate & return to something approaching former strength.
Clever move really when you consider Portlaoise have no great presence in that area.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: TheGiantSquid on January 15, 2020, 02:36:27 PM
Any truth in Colts most valuable forward the last decade C. M.  is transferring to Rosenalis??
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on January 15, 2020, 09:33:19 PM
Is there a connection?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Hurleronthefence on January 16, 2020, 06:44:49 AM
TheGiantSquid,,,, your some man to try stir shit..
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Moregroundhurling on January 16, 2020, 06:01:35 PM
Quote from: Hurleronthefence on January 16, 2020, 06:44:49 AM
TheGiantSquid,,,, your some man to try stir shit..

Have also heard this from a number of sources
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on January 31, 2020, 01:05:47 PM
Interesting meeting next week

Where isolated players will be sent to one designated club from now on

The days for example, of a football club having lads particularly at juvenile hurling with 2/3/4 different clubs is going to be at an end.

Directive from croke Park
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 02, 2020, 06:44:57 PM
Does this apply to Juvenile & adult?
And I presume it's a year on year decision?
Does the player (s) or home club get to decide?

On face value, it's a reasonable step from a fixtures point of view?
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on February 02, 2020, 07:14:29 PM
Home Club
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Keyser Söze on February 02, 2020, 08:57:15 PM
It's almost a Gaels set up then. Presume it has no impact on ability to play in Leinster Club Championship.
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: Ballyroan Abbey on February 02, 2020, 09:06:13 PM
I can see there being a lot of rows over this if its true, take us for example, we have lads currently playing hurling with, abbeyleix, ballypickas, clonad clough/ballacolla, colt/shanahoe and park/ratheniska/timahoe. How do you decide if it's the hurling club or football club as the home club? Imagine trying to explain to the other 5 clubs that lads that have played for them have to go to abbeyleix. Easier solution is to alternate between a hurling only week and football only week for both league and championship
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 02, 2020, 09:35:25 PM
Quote from: Ballyroan Abbey on February 02, 2020, 09:06:13 PM
I can see there being a lot of rows over this if its true, take us for example, we have lads currently playing hurling with, abbeyleix, ballypickas, clonad clough/ballacolla, colt/shanahoe and park/ratheniska/timahoe. How do you decide if it's the hurling club or football club as the home club? Imagine trying to explain to the other 5 clubs that lads that have played for them have to go to abbeyleix. Easier solution is to alternate between a hurling only week and football only week for both league and championship

Ballyroan Abbey is the home club in this instance

The home club then decides which is the preferred hurling club for all your lads that are hurling.

How ye decide that is up to yourselves,Parents vote,Players vote,Juvenile committee decides etc etc

Then the players are directed to that one hurling club.

The isolated player situation in laois especially at juvenile level is a mess,it doesn't go on in any other neighboring county.

This directive was sent out from croke park in 2018,was ignored but it's getting to the point that HQ is demanding it be started to be resolved.

Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: BallyroanAbu on February 02, 2020, 09:42:54 PM
No not the Juvenile committee, the Executive is responsible for what club they go to,  subject to the Club's wishes but also the Child Safety Protocol,  as they are ultimately responsible should issues arise.  Not entirely sure every Executive Committee is aware of this.   My reading is it's Child Welfare issue and they tightening it up. 
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 02, 2020, 10:26:28 PM
Quote from: BallyroanAbu on February 02, 2020, 09:42:54 PM
No not the Juvenile committee, the Executive is responsible for what club they go to,  subject to the Club's wishes but also the Child Safety Protocol,  as they are ultimately responsible should issues arise.  Not entirely sure every Executive Committee is aware of this.   My reading is it's Child Welfare issue and they tightening it up.

Your right

The executive ultimately decides where they go to,how they arrive at that decision is up to each club
Title: Re: Gaels amalgamations
Post by: clonadmad on February 06, 2020, 08:10:26 AM
https://www.laoistoday.ie/2020/02/06/two-neighbouring-gaa-clubs-join-forces-to-form-new-underage-amalgamation/