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I wasn't aware that the oul tv aerial would be useless in 4 years time.  Dunshaughlin will never look the same again. 

Irish Independent
The death of analogue TV is nigh, long live digital

Big business is battling for a new viewing market, writes Laura Noonan

Thursday January 17 2008

After decades as a cornerstone of Ireland's media landscape, analogue TV is headed for the scrapheap.

By 2012, the rabbit ears and their more fashionable hoopshaped friends will be consigned to rubbish bins. Any saved will be purely ornamental, devoid of practical use.

In their place will stand a gleaming Digital Terestrial Television (DTT) box, heralding a completely new era for Ireland's TV industry and consumers alike.

However, with switch off still some four years off, most consumers are completely unaware of the impending revolution.

Industry, on the other hand, is positively abuzz with talks on DTT. And it's not just the traditional players, everyone from BT, to Eircom and RTE has been involved in talks of some sort or as the DTT landgrab cranks into gear.

DTT will begin with four commercial multiplex platforms, or MUXs as they are known in the trade.

Each MUX can carry between four and 12 digital channels depending on the technical spec agreed on -- the broadcasting commission say 8 is the "most probable" number.

These channels will then be received on a digital box, not dissimilar to the boxes that the likes of Sky and UPC, the owner of Chorus/NTL, use throughout Ireland.

As the public service broadcaster, RTE's right to one MUX is enshrined in law. That MUX will carry RTE's channels and must also offer space to TV3 and TG4.

Crucially, all the stations on the RTE MUX must be available free of charge on these new digital boxes, so the RTE MUX will essentially replace the current free-to-all analague stations.

Offering those free-to-air stations will take up four of RTE's 8 to 12 slots.

When DTT was first mooted at the turn of the millenium, the powers that be in Montrose dreamt up ambitious plans for new RTE services that could be aired.

A 2003 restructure and an elevated focus on cost control, however, has nipped those plans in the bud and sources now say RTE is "very unlikely" to use its spare slots for new RTE stations.

Instead, RTE has advanced plans to air Northern Ireland's free-to-air stations on Ireland's public service MUX. The plans, outlined in an August letter to the European Commission, could ultimately see BBC1, BBC2, UTV and Channel 4 made available free in Ireland, in return for RTE being carried on the North's Freeview DTT platform.

If the proposal were to become a reality, about 97pc of Ireland's households could access all four UK channels for free.

As more than two thirds of households now pay for extra channels through cable or digital platforms, would they continue to pay if they could get eight channels for free?

Ireland's TV masters certainly don't want to wait to find out.

Multinational giant UPC has already tabled a complaint with the EC on the competition implications of what RTE is planning to do.

"We pay a lot of money for BBC etc, and if any state body wants to then give it away for free, that's a massive concern for us," says UPC's Ireland strategy director Ray Collins.

UPC's main competitor Sky is of a similar view, though it is cheering from the sidelines rather than pursuing its own actions, and the folks over at TV3 are none to pleased either.

"We spend a lot of money on Irish rights," says head of operations Peter Ennis. "If they want to make the likes of UTV free-toair, so be it, but they should have to blank out the rights for things like Coronation Street or Eastenders or sporting games.

Other elements of RTE's plans, however, are being very well received in TV3's Ballymount base, including TV3's inclusion on the public service MUX.

RTE sources point out TV3 will have to pay more to be carried on the public service MUX than on the commercial ones, as the public MUX will have far greater coverage. Ennis, however, is hugely enthusiastic about the prospect of heightened coverage and says his station is "very likely" to happily pay the premium.

Then there's the three commercial MUXs, which are expected to be put out to tender towards the end of February.

In its August letter, RTE expressed an interest in becoming involved in some kind of "joint venture" that would oversee the four commercial MUXs.

The specifics of the commercial venture weren't detailed, but the very idea of RTE's involvement was enough to exercise UPC who duly added RTE's commercial ambitions to their European complaint.

"There are a huge number of commercial stakeholders looking to do something in DTT. RTE have their MUX and they will do the engineering for they whole thing, but they are not needed on the commercial aspects," says Collins.

Senior sources in RTE insist their interest is purely with a view to bringing RTE to the best possible fruition. "DTT is very important for the future of RTE and for broadcasting generally," says one. "We have a desire to help make this thing happen, not to control it."

DTT is likely to play a major role in the evolution of Ireland's TV landscape, as it lays roots in homes with no paid for TV, homes who don't want the swathes of channels offered by traditional digital and homes that want cheaper digital packages for secondary TV sets.

As such, the companies across the TV and telecoms industry are all grappling for a piece of the action.

William McAuliffe, business development manager at BT Ireland confirms his company is intersted in looking at "how best we could support a national DTT service".

Paul Bradley, head of communications at Eircom, says his firm is also actively looking at DTT options with a view to being a "content aggregator" while Setanta commercial director Mark Mohan says they are "likely to participate" in the upcoming licencing round.

Meanwhile, over at TV3 Ennis says the broadcaster is very intersted in commercial MUXs as a possible home for the stations second and subsequent channels, which it hopes to have on air in 2009 or 2010.

And UPC's Collins says his firm is very interested in playing a role in DTT's roll out, despite the EC complaint. "Let me be very clear on this, we're not anti-DTT, we're anti state involvement in commercial business," he adds. Other names mentioned in DTT talks are Sky and some of the players in Sweden's thriving DTT market.

All potential contenders, however, insist they have yet to make a final decision on whether they will apply for one MUX in their own right or multiple MUXs as part of a consortium, so how things will ultimately shake out is anybody's guess.

"We'll have better sense of that when the beauty parade starts," says BCI chief executive Michael O'Keeffe.

On foot of that beauty parade, the BCI hopes to award licences in summer and have some DTT started by late 2008 or 2009, ahead of analogue switch off in 2012.

Let the landgrab begin.

I notice that Meteoalarm (http://www.meteoalarm.eu/) has Ireland at awareness level RED due to wind forecasts.  Meteoalarm describes status RED as "The weather is very dangerous. Exceptionally intense meteorological phenomena have been forecast. Major damage and accidents are likely, in many cases with threat to life and limb, over a wide area. Keep frequently informed about detailed expected meteorological conditions and risks. Follow orders and any advice given by your authorities under all circumstances, be prepared for extraordinary measures."

Time to gather up the garden furniture!

There's a video I want to take off Youtube to put in a presentation I'm doing.  Does anyone know how to go about it?  Cheers!

I need some changes made to a flash .fla file created in Macromedia Flash 8.  Basically, I just want to change some colours in it but everytime I try I seem to fcuk it up.  Can anyone help?  Cheers.

http://www.box10.com/street-jam.html

I'll be shouting for South Africa - but that's only because my better half is South African born and bred.  Otherwise it would be England. 

This year marks the 400th anniversary of the Flight of the Earls which came about as a result of the Munster and Leinster Irish chieftains siding with Queen Elizabeth I to ensure the defeat of the Ulster clans at Kinsale.  I think this event has a lot more resonance today than some people would give credit.

Does anyone know how you can migrate emails stored on Thunderbird across to Outlook '07?

Reward offered.

What are the main manufacturers of hurling helmets?
Are any of these Irish based?
If so, do the GAA allow the use of foreign manufactured helmets?
Which helmets are the best and why?
What is missing from the best helmets that would make them better?

I'm just doing a wee bit of research. 

[no]

Coming from a Tyrone background where Scór is a fundamental part of any GAA club, I was surprised to find that my local club here in Kildare weren't involved.  I went to the Kildare County GAA site thinking I was bound to get some direction there but I found they had no mention of Scór at all on the site as if it wasn't part of the GAA!!  Are there any Kildare contributors who could give some info on this?  I've two wee girls mad about playing music and I wanted to steer them towards traditional but I can't seem to find a club that is involved.  Thanks for the help.

Classic!

http://www.jonjoe.net/

[Deal for Irish illegal immigrants in US]

Do we have any illegally US based posters on here? 


Deal for Irish illegal immigrants in US

Thousands of illegal Irish immigrants in the US are to be eligible for residency under a new deal hammered out in Washington.

By:Press Association
   
     
The Irish government said the proposed reforms, which apparently have the backing of the White House, would herald the end of the nightmare for the undocumented workers.

Under the plans, illegal immigrants will pay a fine, return to Ireland and then apply for the new proposed Z visa.

Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said he was optimistic the end was now in sight for the plight of 30,000 illegal Irish residents in the States.

"We have had false dawns before but from my contacts with those on Capitol Hill, it appears we have agreement between the various sides and support from the White House," he said.

"At last we have what I believe is a deal which will end the nightmare for thousands of illegal Irish and allow them to gain residency in the US.

"I expect the deal brokered today between the Senate and the White House may be voted on as early as next week."

After successfully applying for a Z visa, holders would have to wait between eight and 13 years for a decision on their permanent residency application, under the plans.

"This is wonderful news," Mr Ahern added.

[Crisis in the leading houses a cause for concern]

According to Tom Humphries in the Indo last week.

Crisis in the leading houses a cause for concern


Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Tom Humphries suggests the Ulster superpowers are in decline but Tyrone might just stay in the big time - out of habit

Every few years or so when the stars are in alignment and certain superpowers are in recession a sense gathers in the world of football that there is a handy All-Ireland to be had for some team or other. Ulster's discernible waning heightens that feeling this summer.

There is little doubt that the Ulster pulse is beating more faintly right now than at any time since the turn of the millennium. Last year's failure to send a team from the province to the semi-final stages of the All-Ireland series was followed by a league campaign which suggested crisis in a couple of the leading houses.

The challenge which virtually every county except Kerry have to face at some time or other is renewal. Success has been a long time coming and Ulster campaigns are especially attritional.

The province having produced two sides of exceptional dedication and commitment knew perhaps that the levels which Tyrone and Armagh were bringing to the game meant retreading would be necessary sooner rather than later.

Armagh, with six Ulster titles from their period of ascendancy, look at last to have succumbed. Tyrone could still surprise us with the quality of their summer challenge.

What is odd is that, after a period of such wealth in Ulster football, there is little sign of anybody else apart from Donegal kicking on to a higher level.

Not only should the sight of Tyrone and Armagh's adventures be stirring souls in rival counties, but in Derry and Down there should be some dividend from the boost the game got back in the early to mid-1990s. Down won an All-Ireland minor title two seasons ago and reached an under-21 final the same year. They play Division three football next winter.

Looking at the province from the top down there is a ruling troika and then the rest. Armagh look at best transitional and at worst spent. Tyrone still have an injury hangover from last summer's biblical plague of affliction and, of the sides in the vanguard of the revolution back in the early 1990s, Derry and Down are still slumped. Within the province perhaps only Donegal can be said to be walking the sort of upward form-line that might lead to a breakthrough.

Elsewhere, Ulster offers the proof that a rising tide doesn't necessarily lift all vessels.

Donegal, following their league exploits, have plenty of takers at the bookmakers. They have the best of teams and the worst of draws however. The path to an Ulster final is a minefield and Brian McIver's greatest task will be to keep his side's gaze level and steady.

A first round win over their long-time oppressors Armagh could trigger such a return to old style Donegal forms of celebration that there won't be enough footballers left in the county to replace those dropped from the panel in the purge. McIver has to calm his troops because then in all likelihood there's Tyrone.

Still, Donegal have the players and, unusually for a side from the county, they've the physique for a style which doesn't involve wearing the shine off the football with endless handpassing. The return of Kevin Cassidy, Colm McFadden and Brendan Devenney will add some muscle and some cutting edge to a team which should have reached an All-Ireland semi-final (at least) last year.

For Donegal, perhaps taking the long way around to achievement will be necessary again. In Ballybofey, they should beat an Armagh side who are showing belated signs of mortality and who have lost the McEntee twins.

For the last couple of years Armagh have resembled those cartoon characters who keep on moving straight ahead even when they have gone out over the edge of a cliff. This summer, as in the league, they may start to feel gravity.

For Armagh, the evidence of this year's league and last summer's exit to Kerry is that the mind is still willing, but the flesh is jaded. The product of the 2004 under-21 success perhaps need another year or so of percolation before being strong enough to satisfy local taste.

Tyrone are on a different course. Having established a pattern wherein significant success is followed by a year of trauma they will expect much of themselves. The winter was devoted to experimentation and expanding a panel which was stretched to it's limits last year and despite the customary (though controversial) romp through the McKenna Cup the results were mixed.

Mickey Harte has announced that he will be working off a panel of 38 players for the summer. It is an ambitious plan even in a county where the injury-rate is so high. Keeping the fringe players in a panel of 30 happy is a decent enough trick for most managers to pull off.

Given the odd circumstances which pertained last year, this could be said to be our first glimpse of the real Tyrone minus Peter Canavan. A player who meant so much in terms of experience and totemic presence is never easily replaced. Certainly with Canavan gone if the season transpires to be another without the cursed Brian McGuigan Tyrone will struggle. Even if McGuigan can recover fitness and form there are concerns over how the performances of Stephen O'Neill and Owen Mulligan have dipped. Mickey Harte will be hoping for a general solution.

Of the new blood Colm Kavanagh, Kelvin Hughes and Niall Gormley impressed over the winter and Tyrone will be encouraged not by the memory of three league defeats but of the opening night of the league in Croke Park in front of 80,000 when they beat Dublin from memory. Their reserves of experience may yet see them to another provincial title.

Apart from Tyrone, Armagh and Donegal, no one else in the province heads into the summer in great fettle. The first-round opener between Down and Cavan is heady with undertones of collapsed superpowers. Under Ross Carr it's fair to say Down have yet to spark and failure to win any of seven NFL games, an achievement which ushers them into Division Three, hasn't been ameliorated by injury to Ambrose Rogers and Liam Doyle and a fortnight's break for players to return to their clubs. Donal Keoghan's Cavan side had a considerably less traumatic time of things and with home advantage will be expecting to advance.

Elsewhere, there are positive noises from Antrim, but some doubts as to whether Jody Gormley's side have enough about them to take Derry at Casement even withoutKevin McGuckin. Monaghan will be feisty as usual and play some nice football. Fermanagh's renaissance in Charlie Mulgrew's first year is a distant memory.

It's an odd juncture for the game. At the time of the "puke football" slur the games more politically correct advocates were at pains to point out that in Ulster everything was being done correctly and cerebrally.

It was too. But the trick is always knowing what your next trick is. The province needs to send somebody to an All-Ireland final this year if the northern mystique is to be maintained.

Football summers are organic things though and teams grow into them. With McGuigan back and the smell of new mown grass in their nostrils, Tyrone might just stay in the big time out of habit.
© 2007 ireland.com

I want to get a bit of info on Graiguecullen.

What division are they currently playing in?

How good are their youth teams?

Have they any current county players?

Would they be considered a major club in Laois?

Thanks!

[Ancient Gaelic Style of Collar and ElbowHow Kildare Exiles Carried the Game AbroadBy John Ennis "They kept alight St. Brigid's lamp;Their stentor voice and measured tr**pWere heard in every rebel campDefying Saxon laws". Thus has the poet sung of the men of Kildare. Not only were they foremost in defence of their alters and the firesides, but they cherished the old Gaelic sports; they ever excelled in hurling, football, and handball, and their historic old county was the last stronghold of the eminently manly and ancient Gaelic style of wrestling known as "Coilear agus Uille (collar and elbow)". Until within the last two decades collar and elbow was cultivated by the youth of Kildare with an enthusiasm and devotion analogous to the American boy's infatuation for the game of baseball. It was the chief physical sport of the male population from childhood to mature manhood, and every parish had its champion who was kept busy defending his title against would-be usurpers in his own bailiwick, and contending for higher honours in inter-county contests with neighbouring champions. The men of the adjoining counties of Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, King's, Carlow, and Wicklow ever sought to emulate the prowess of the wrestlers of Kildare. Time and time again the best men from these counties came into Kildare seeking the laurels of victory only to return wiser but sadder. The decline of collar and elbow in Ireland is primarily due to the rigorous application of the numerous Coercion Acts during the Fenian times and in the troublesome days of the Land League agitation, when gatherings for any purpose except religious service were strictly prohibited, and later, to the unnatural exodus which has denuded the country of its stalwart manhood, and has left but the infant, the infirm, and the aged.A Herculean EncounterA famous collar and elbow contest which was second only in the popular enthusiasm it aroused to the celebrated battle between Donnelly and Cooper, and the details of which the writer has many times heard discussed by old men who had witnessed it, was held on the "commons" of Loughinure, near the town of Clane, County Kildare, in 1826.The principals were Richard Carey, Mullingar, champion of Westmeath, and James Larkin, Clane, Champion of Kildare. The men were a close match in weight and height, weighing about thirteen stone (182 pounds), and measuring about five feet ten inches. Each had wrestled the best men in his own and neighbouring counties and had never suffered defeat.On the morning of the Sunday selected for the contest, Carey set out for Clane accompanied by fifty admiring Westmeathians in horseback. This imposing cavalcade was met at Kinnegad, twenty miles from Clane, by two hundred mounted Kildare men and escorted with great prompt to Clane. This cordial reception was not uncommon in those days. Visiting champions were always accorded a degree of hospitality befitting their prowess; and if they failed to achieve victory-which was invariably the case-they returned to their homes with a high opinion of the hospitality, impartiality and fair play of the men of Kildare.The ring was pitched on a declivity, which formed a vast amphitheatre affording ample room for the great concourse-variously estimated from twenty to thirty thousand-to witness the contest. What was known as "Kildare Rules" governed the match. Under those rules any part of the body above the knee touching the ground, constituted a fall, and dropping on knees, either wilfully or otherwise, three consecutive times, was also counted a fall; best two out of three falls was the invariable custom.A Three Hours StruggleAs it was the fashion on those days to wrestle in "stocking feet," the men walked to the middle of the ring and there removed their shoes. They then shook hands and what was probably the greatest wrestling match ever held in Kildare had begun. After one hour of skilful wrestling, during which all the trips, hooks and locks peculiar to the sport were used by both, the Westmeath man gained the first fall. Notwithstanding the fact that Larkin was the idol of nine-tenths of the spectator, the hearty, spontaneous cheers that greeted Carey demonstrated the fine spirit of fair play which dominated the men of Kildare. The next fall was won by Larkin in thirty minutes, by an inside hook which Carey was unable to break, although using all the arts known to the wrestler for that purpose. On resuming the bout for the final fall the men showed excessive caution, which bespoke the wholesome dread each man had of the other's skill. For one hour and a half they continued the struggle, giving a splendid exhibition of footsparring, tripping and blocking. Then Larkin feinted with his right foot, and, quick as a flash, threw in his left, and getting Carey on his hip, threw him with great force, winning the fall and the match. The contest lasted three hours, and, considering the high tension maintained throughout, was a remarkable feat of endurance.An extraordinary demonstration followed the close of the contest, in which victor and vanquished shared alike in the admiration of the spectators, the men were seized and carried on the shoulders of the crowd into Clane where they were royally entertained.During the period from 1850-1870, collar and elbow wrestling was in the zenith of its popularity in Kildare. In the early portion of this period Pat Byrne, of Killashee was the leading exponent of the art in Kildare. He met and conquered the best men in Ireland in numerous contests in Phoenix Park, Dublin and ably upheld the old tradition that the collar and elbow championship belonged to his native county.In the late fifties James Kennedy, of Raheen, was the best wrestler in the county. He was an all-round athlete, and had a good record of forty-two feet for three standing jumps. He was also the victor in many a hard-contested bout in Phoenix Park, where he met some of the best wrestlers in Ireland.The Marlins TournamentIn 1862 a match which attracted wide attention was held at The Graigues, between Andy Scully, c**k Bridge, and Bill Farrell, Green Hills; Scully was a giant in stature, standing six feet two inches, and weighing sixteen stone (226 pounds). Notwithstanding the great disparity in height and weight, Farrell easily won in less than thirty minutes. One month later Farrell lost to Paddy Dunne, of Donore, at the same place.Dunne was now considered the best man in Kildare, and the following year he was challenged by Patrick Cullen, of Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. Cullen had wrestled many important bouts in Phoenix Park and was held to be the best man in his county. He stood six feet one inch and weighed thirteen stone (182 pounds). Dunne tipped the scales at fifteen stone (210 pounds) and measured five feet ten inches. The contest was held at Marlins, near Naas, the scene of many a wrestling tournament where champions were made and unmade. When the men entered the ring quite a wrangle ensued between their backers over the coat worn by Cullen. It was of the fashion known in those days as the "set-to" (a corruption of surtout). Dunne claimed its long skirts would prevent his seeing Cullen's legs but Cullen refused to use any other, and finally Dunne acquiesced and the contest began. After about twenty minutes of clever wresting Dunne secured the first fall by neatly catching one of Cullen's cross trips. On resuming Cullen became aggressive and forced the work at all points.Dunne's excessively fleshy condition began to tell on him; he could not successively combat the hot pace set by his opponent and quickly lost the next two falls and the match. Dunne claiming he was not in condition for such a hard contest asked Cullen for a return match which the latter granted, and set the date for two weeks from that day, and at the same place.The men again came together on the date met with exactly the same results on the former occasion. Dunne secured the first fall. Cullen easily winning the next two.In 1864 Andy Scully was matched to wrestle James Rourke, of Clane. Rourke was about the same height and weight as Paddy Dunne and, like the latter, was remarkably active and skilful with his feet. The match was held at Aughpawdeen Bridge, on the Grand Canal. Scully acted on the defensive throughout and the contest resulted in a draw.Ten Thousand People near CarburyThe following year Rourke was matched with James Gallagher, of Drehid, near the hill of Carbury. Gallagher was a splendid specimen of physical manhood, standing six feet five inches, and weighed about thirteen stone (182 pounds). He was a noted jumper and runner and had wrestled and thrown the best men in the western portion of Kildare. No wrestling contest held in Kildare since the memorable one between Larkin and Carey in 1826, aroused such interest, or attracted such a crown to the ringside, fully ten thousand were present. The match was held in a large field on the farm of Michael Farrell, at Hodgestown near Timahoe. The ring, 200 yards in diameter, was formed in the centre of the field and maintained by five men on horseback.When the men entered the ring Gallagher rushed across and met Rourke almost before the latter had left his corner, and inside of one minute after taking hold Gallagher gained the first fall.As Rourke arose he seemed to be in a dazed condition. He was as a child in the grip of his towering adversary, who, seemingly without effort, won the second fall and the match. From 1863 to 1867, when the dread of Fenianism prompted the Government to proscribe gatherings of the people, Kildare had a splendid crop of lightweight wrestlers-men under twelve stone (168 pounds). Among the best of these were John Salmon and Pat Salmon, Starffan, Pat White, Newtown, Matt Cully, Landenstown; James and William Byrne, Killashee, John Fulham, Clongorey; Timothy and James Dempsey, Newtown, and Christy Donahue, Caragh.During the middle of the nineteenth century and up to the late seventies, collar and elbow was practically the only style of wrestling known in America. It attained a widespread popularity and developed many champions of international fameKildare Man in VermontThe sport was first introduced in New England by a colony of Kildare men that settled in Vermont in 1840. It caught the fancy of the Yankees at once. The young men of Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts became adepts in all the pedal artfulness and cunning which the sport develops. It appealed to them as a high class, manly style of wrestling because skill and activity, not brute force, were the chief essentials.But this once popular and highly scientific style of wrestling was allowed to wane. The "hooks," "trips," "locks," and lightning-like foot work which the sport developed are practically unknown to the present generation, and no more is the pity, for no physical contest requires greater skill, endurance and activity of brain and limb. "Greco-Roman" and "catch-as-catch-can" styles have entirely supplanted it in popular favour.As a gladiatorial spectacle a wrestling contest under collar and elbow rules is to "Greco-Roman," or "catch-as-catch-can" what a purely scientific boxing match is to a rough and tumble fight. In the former, while strength of grip must be developed in hand and wrist, there is no choking, or strangle holds; the art is confined to the feet which are kept dextrously sparring and feinting for an opening to use the various hooks, trips and locks peculiar to the sport, while in the latter styles-to the uninitiated observer at least-brute strength seems to be the chief requirement, and a contest appears unseemly, unedifying and suggestive of the rough-and-tumble.Elaborate rules for the government of collar and elbow contests were established in America; under those rules it was necessary for one shoulder, or one hip to touch the ground to constitute a fall. A strong leather harness with handles at the collar and the elbow was devised which was substituted for the unreliable and cumbersome coat formerly worn.The last contest for the collar and elbow championship of America, and a purse of 2,500 dollars was held in Mc Cormick Hall, Chicago, in October, 1877, between Colonel Mc Laughlin, of Detroit, who then held the championship, and John Mc Mahon, of Vermont, champion of New England. Mc Laughlin was six feet two inches and weighed 230 pounds; Mc Mahon was five feet ten inches and tipped the scale at 185 pounds. Both men being experts, the great disparity of height and weight would have militated against the smaller man under any other rules but those of collar and elbow, but Mc Mahon's superior skill prevailed and he won by gaining two falls out of three.Kilcullen Champion in ChicagoA contest which aroused considerable local interest was held at the old Sunnyside race track, Chicago, in February, 1869. The principals were Patrick Brennan, a native of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare and James Cahill, a native of County Westmeath. Neither of the men were professionals. Brennan was a teamster and Cahill worked in the North Side Rolling Mills; both however, were powerfully built men and clever wrestlers. The stakes were 250 dollars a side, and the conditions best two out of three falls, Jack Mc Cann, a blacksmith and athlete of local renown, was chosen referee.Brennan weighed about 200 pounds, but he was fully 30 pounds lighter than his adversary, who was a physical giant. By agreement the men wore strong sack coats and light, soft shoes. Surplus under garments were dispensed with. From the moment the men took hold it was evident that Brennan was the superior tactician, and after about six minutes of neat foot sparring Brennan feinted with the right foot, Cahill tried to catch him with the left but Brennan doubled with right and caught Cahill on heel, putting him down for the first fall. After a short rest the men came together again and it was evident Cahill was in ugly humour, he tried to use rough tactics, but the referee cautioned him; he then crouched, spread his feet and acted entirely on the defensive. In trying to pull his man towards him Brennan ripped Cahill's coat up the back, rendering it useless for a hold. Brennan refused to go on unless Cahill got another coat, and this Cahill refused to do. A wrangle ensued among the backers of the men and Mc Cann being unable to give a decision, it was finally agreed to refer the matter to Frank Mc Queen, who was at that time editor of the "New York Clipper" and the acknowledged sporting authority of America. The principals also agreed to meet at the same place two weeks from that date and be governed by Frank Mc Queen's decision.Promptly on the date set the men were on hand ready to continue the contest. Mc Cann read Mc Queen's decision which was that Brennan's fall was to stand good, the same coat should be used and ripped part securely stitched.On resuming the contest Cahill began his old defensive tactics, refusing to give Brennan an opening. In an effort to pull Cahill into a position where he could throw an "inside hook," Brennan again ripped the coat and the contest was declared off. If Cahill's coat was sufficiently strong, or if the men wrestled in the regulation collar and elbow harness, Brennan would have undoubtedly been the victor.A Staplestown VictorA match which drew public attention and aroused lovers of the sport to a high pitch of excitement was held in West Twelfth Street, Turner Hall, Chicago, in November 1878. The principals were Wm. Ryan, a native of Staplestown, County Kildare, and Horace Brink, a New England professional. Ryan who was a Chicago policeman at the time, is still an active member of the force. As a wrestler he was an unknown quantity in Chicago, never before having performed in public, while Brink had a national reputation as a collar and elbow wrestler, and had a number of hard-fought victories to his credit. Ryan stood six feet two inches and weighed two hundred pounds. Both men were well trained and were splendid specimens of physical manhood. The stakes were five hundred dollars a side, and the conditions were best two in three falls. Brink was the favourite with odds at 2 to 1; and thousands of dollars changed hands. After the first few minutes of foot sparring and manoeuvring it became evident that the amateur, Ryan, was the professional's master at the game. He easily baffled all of Brink's attempts at hooks and locks, and inside of thirty minutes of clever wrestling he gained the two falls and the match.It is to be hoped that this eminently scientific and picturesque style of wrestling will be again revived and popularised. The Gaelic Athletic Association should include it in its list of ancient Gaelic sports, which it is so commendably and successfully reviving in Ireland.It is indubitably the duty of Kildare men, wheresoever their lots may be cast, to take the initiative in resuscitating and cultivating this incomparable style of wrestling.The writer would suggest that clubs for this purpose be organised in our large towns and competent instructors engaged. If this be done it will be but a few years until we shall again be holding tournaments which will develop champions of the types which in former years were the pride of Kildare.-"The Gaelic American."Report from Leinster Leader 16 March 1907 on the forgotten sport of collar and elbow wrestling in 19th century Kildare.[The subject of Collar and Elbow wrestling was first brought to my attention by Eileen McGregor who was researching the topic in 2004 and 2005. I was able to locate this article from the Leinster Leader by searching the Leinster Leader Index and it remains one of the definitive sources on the sport in Co. Kildare. I would like to thank Eileen for sharing her research with me.][Compiled by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Niamh Mc Cabe; final edit Dee O' Brien ]]

This is one old gaelic sport that seems to have been forgotten.  This article is taken from the Leinster Leader and was published in 1907.  Does anyone still know of its existence anywhere?

Ancient Gaelic Style of Collar and Elbow

How Kildare Exiles Carried the Game Abroad

By John Ennis



"They kept alight St. Brigid's lamp;

Their stentor voice and measured tr**p

Were heard in every rebel camp

Defying Saxon laws".

Thus has the poet sung of the men of Kildare. Not only were they foremost in defence of their alters and the firesides, but they cherished the old Gaelic sports; they ever excelled in hurling, football, and handball, and their historic old county was the last stronghold of the eminently manly and ancient Gaelic style of wrestling known as "Coilear agus Uille (collar and elbow)".

Until within the last two decades collar and elbow was cultivated by the youth of Kildare with an enthusiasm and devotion analogous to the American boy's infatuation for the game of baseball. It was the chief physical sport of the male population from childhood to mature manhood, and every parish had its champion who was kept busy defending his title against would-be usurpers in his own bailiwick, and contending for higher honours in inter-county contests with neighbouring champions. The men of the adjoining counties of Dublin, Meath, Westmeath, King's, Carlow, and Wicklow ever sought to emulate the prowess of the wrestlers of Kildare. Time and time again the best men from these counties came into Kildare seeking the laurels of victory only to return wiser but sadder.

The decline of collar and elbow in Ireland is primarily due to the rigorous application of the numerous Coercion Acts during the Fenian times and in the troublesome days of the Land League agitation, when gatherings for any purpose except religious service were strictly prohibited, and later, to the unnatural exodus which has denuded the country of its stalwart manhood, and has left but the infant, the infirm, and the aged.

A Herculean Encounter

A famous collar and elbow contest which was second only in the popular enthusiasm it aroused to the celebrated battle between Donnelly and Cooper, and the details of which the writer has many times heard discussed by old men who had witnessed it, was held on the "commons" of Loughinure, near the town of Clane, County Kildare, in 1826.

The principals were Richard Carey, Mullingar, champion of Westmeath, and James Larkin, Clane, Champion of Kildare. The men were a close match in weight and height, weighing about thirteen stone (182 pounds), and measuring about five feet ten inches. Each had wrestled the best men in his own and neighbouring counties and had never suffered defeat.

On the morning of the Sunday selected for the contest, Carey set out for Clane accompanied by fifty admiring Westmeathians in horseback. This imposing cavalcade was met at Kinnegad, twenty miles from Clane, by two hundred mounted Kildare men and escorted with great prompt to Clane. This cordial reception was not uncommon in those days. Visiting champions were always accorded a degree of hospitality befitting their prowess; and if they failed to achieve victory-which was invariably the case-they returned to their homes with a high opinion of the hospitality, impartiality and fair play of the men of Kildare.

The ring was pitched on a declivity, which formed a vast amphitheatre affording ample room for the great concourse-variously estimated from twenty to thirty thousand-to witness the contest. What was known as "Kildare Rules" governed the match. Under those rules any part of the body above the knee touching the ground, constituted a fall, and dropping on knees, either wilfully or otherwise, three consecutive times, was also counted a fall; best two out of three falls was the invariable custom.

A Three Hours Struggle

As it was the fashion on those days to wrestle in "stocking feet," the men walked to the middle of the ring and there removed their shoes. They then shook hands and what was probably the greatest wrestling match ever held in Kildare had begun. After one hour of skilful wrestling, during which all the trips, hooks and locks peculiar to the sport were used by both, the Westmeath man gained the first fall. Notwithstanding the fact that Larkin was the idol of nine-tenths of the spectator, the hearty, spontaneous cheers that greeted Carey demonstrated the fine spirit of fair play which dominated the men of Kildare. The next fall was won by Larkin in thirty minutes, by an inside hook which Carey was unable to break, although using all the arts known to the wrestler for that purpose. On resuming the bout for the final fall the men showed excessive caution, which bespoke the wholesome dread each man had of the other's skill. For one hour and a half they continued the struggle, giving a splendid exhibition of footsparring, tripping and blocking. Then Larkin feinted with his right foot, and, quick as a flash, threw in his left, and getting Carey on his hip, threw him with great force, winning the fall and the match. The contest lasted three hours, and, considering the high tension maintained throughout, was a remarkable feat of endurance.

An extraordinary demonstration followed the close of the contest, in which victor and vanquished shared alike in the admiration of the spectators, the men were seized and carried on the shoulders of the crowd into Clane where they were royally entertained.

During the period from 1850-1870, collar and elbow wrestling was in the zenith of its popularity in Kildare. In the early portion of this period Pat Byrne, of Killashee was the leading exponent of the art in Kildare. He met and conquered the best men in Ireland in numerous contests in Phoenix Park, Dublin and ably upheld the old tradition that the collar and elbow championship belonged to his native county.

In the late fifties James Kennedy, of Raheen, was the best wrestler in the county. He was an all-round athlete, and had a good record of forty-two feet for three standing jumps. He was also the victor in many a hard-contested bout in Phoenix Park, where he met some of the best wrestlers in Ireland.

The Marlins Tournament

In 1862 a match which attracted wide attention was held at The Graigues, between Andy Scully, c**k Bridge, and Bill Farrell, Green Hills; Scully was a giant in stature, standing six feet two inches, and weighing sixteen stone (226 pounds). Notwithstanding the great disparity in height and weight, Farrell easily won in less than thirty minutes. One month later Farrell lost to Paddy Dunne, of Donore, at the same place.

Dunne was now considered the best man in Kildare, and the following year he was challenged by Patrick Cullen, of Rathcoole, Co. Dublin. Cullen had wrestled many important bouts in Phoenix Park and was held to be the best man in his county. He stood six feet one inch and weighed thirteen stone (182 pounds). Dunne tipped the scales at fifteen stone (210 pounds) and measured five feet ten inches. The contest was held at Marlins, near Naas, the scene of many a wrestling tournament where champions were made and unmade. When the men entered the ring quite a wrangle ensued between their backers over the coat worn by Cullen. It was of the fashion known in those days as the "set-to" (a corruption of surtout). Dunne claimed its long skirts would prevent his seeing Cullen's legs but Cullen refused to use any other, and finally Dunne acquiesced and the contest began. After about twenty minutes of clever wresting Dunne secured the first fall by neatly catching one of Cullen's cross trips. On resuming Cullen became aggressive and forced the work at all points.

Dunne's excessively fleshy condition began to tell on him; he could not successively combat the hot pace set by his opponent and quickly lost the next two falls and the match. Dunne claiming he was not in condition for such a hard contest asked Cullen for a return match which the latter granted, and set the date for two weeks from that day, and at the same place.

The men again came together on the date met with exactly the same results on the former occasion. Dunne secured the first fall. Cullen easily winning the next two.

In 1864 Andy Scully was matched to wrestle James Rourke, of Clane. Rourke was about the same height and weight as Paddy Dunne and, like the latter, was remarkably active and skilful with his feet. The match was held at Aughpawdeen Bridge, on the Grand Canal. Scully acted on the defensive throughout and the contest resulted in a draw.

Ten Thousand People near Carbury

The following year Rourke was matched with James Gallagher, of Drehid, near the hill of Carbury. Gallagher was a splendid specimen of physical manhood, standing six feet five inches, and weighed about thirteen stone (182 pounds). He was a noted jumper and runner and had wrestled and thrown the best men in the western portion of Kildare. No wrestling contest held in Kildare since the memorable one between Larkin and Carey in 1826, aroused such interest, or attracted such a crown to the ringside, fully ten thousand were present. The match was held in a large field on the farm of Michael Farrell, at Hodgestown near Timahoe. The ring, 200 yards in diameter, was formed in the centre of the field and maintained by five men on horseback.

When the men entered the ring Gallagher rushed across and met Rourke almost before the latter had left his corner, and inside of one minute after taking hold Gallagher gained the first fall.

As Rourke arose he seemed to be in a dazed condition. He was as a child in the grip of his towering adversary, who, seemingly without effort, won the second fall and the match. From 1863 to 1867, when the dread of Fenianism prompted the Government to proscribe gatherings of the people, Kildare had a splendid crop of lightweight wrestlers-men under twelve stone (168 pounds). Among the best of these were John Salmon and Pat Salmon, Starffan, Pat White, Newtown, Matt Cully, Landenstown; James and William Byrne, Killashee, John Fulham, Clongorey; Timothy and James Dempsey, Newtown, and Christy Donahue, Caragh.

During the middle of the nineteenth century and up to the late seventies, collar and elbow was practically the only style of wrestling known in America. It attained a widespread popularity and developed many champions of international fame

Kildare Man in Vermont

The sport was first introduced in New England by a colony of Kildare men that settled in Vermont in 1840. It caught the fancy of the Yankees at once. The young men of Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts became adepts in all the pedal artfulness and cunning which the sport develops. It appealed to them as a high class, manly style of wrestling because skill and activity, not brute force, were the chief essentials.

But this once popular and highly scientific style of wrestling was allowed to wane. The "hooks," "trips," "locks," and lightning-like foot work which the sport developed are practically unknown to the present generation, and no more is the pity, for no physical contest requires greater skill, endurance and activity of brain and limb. "Greco-Roman" and "catch-as-catch-can" styles have entirely supplanted it in popular favour.

As a gladiatorial spectacle a wrestling contest under collar and elbow rules is to "Greco-Roman," or "catch-as-catch-can" what a purely scientific boxing match is to a rough and tumble fight. In the former, while strength of grip must be developed in hand and wrist, there is no choking, or strangle holds; the art is confined to the feet which are kept dextrously sparring and feinting for an opening to use the various hooks, trips and locks peculiar to the sport, while in the latter styles-to the uninitiated observer at least-brute strength seems to be the chief requirement, and a contest appears unseemly, unedifying and suggestive of the rough-and-tumble.

Elaborate rules for the government of collar and elbow contests were established in America; under those rules it was necessary for one shoulder, or one hip to touch the ground to constitute a fall. A strong leather harness with handles at the collar and the elbow was devised which was substituted for the unreliable and cumbersome coat formerly worn.

The last contest for the collar and elbow championship of America, and a purse of 2,500 dollars was held in Mc Cormick Hall, Chicago, in October, 1877, between Colonel Mc Laughlin, of Detroit, who then held the championship, and John Mc Mahon, of Vermont, champion of New England. Mc Laughlin was six feet two inches and weighed 230 pounds; Mc Mahon was five feet ten inches and tipped the scale at 185 pounds. Both men being experts, the great disparity of height and weight would have militated against the smaller man under any other rules but those of collar and elbow, but Mc Mahon's superior skill prevailed and he won by gaining two falls out of three.

Kilcullen Champion in Chicago

A contest which aroused considerable local interest was held at the old Sunnyside race track, Chicago, in February, 1869. The principals were Patrick Brennan, a native of Kilcullen, Co. Kildare and James Cahill, a native of County Westmeath. Neither of the men were professionals. Brennan was a teamster and Cahill worked in the North Side Rolling Mills; both however, were powerfully built men and clever wrestlers. The stakes were 250 dollars a side, and the conditions best two out of three falls, Jack Mc Cann, a blacksmith and athlete of local renown, was chosen referee.

Brennan weighed about 200 pounds, but he was fully 30 pounds lighter than his adversary, who was a physical giant. By agreement the men wore strong sack coats and light, soft shoes. Surplus under garments were dispensed with. From the moment the men took hold it was evident that Brennan was the superior tactician, and after about six minutes of neat foot sparring Brennan feinted with the right foot, Cahill tried to catch him with the left but Brennan doubled with right and caught Cahill on heel, putting him down for the first fall. After a short rest the men came together again and it was evident Cahill was in ugly humour, he tried to use rough tactics, but the referee cautioned him; he then crouched, spread his feet and acted entirely on the defensive. In trying to pull his man towards him Brennan ripped Cahill's coat up the back, rendering it useless for a hold. Brennan refused to go on unless Cahill got another coat, and this Cahill refused to do. A wrangle ensued among the backers of the men and Mc Cann being unable to give a decision, it was finally agreed to refer the matter to Frank Mc Queen, who was at that time editor of the "New York Clipper" and the acknowledged sporting authority of America. The principals also agreed to meet at the same place two weeks from that date and be governed by Frank Mc Queen's decision.

Promptly on the date set the men were on hand ready to continue the contest. Mc Cann read Mc Queen's decision which was that Brennan's fall was to stand good, the same coat should be used and ripped part securely stitched.

On resuming the contest Cahill began his old defensive tactics, refusing to give Brennan an opening. In an effort to pull Cahill into a position where he could throw an "inside hook," Brennan again ripped the coat and the contest was declared off. If Cahill's coat was sufficiently strong, or if the men wrestled in the regulation collar and elbow harness, Brennan would have undoubtedly been the victor.

A Staplestown Victor

A match which drew public attention and aroused lovers of the sport to a high pitch of excitement was held in West Twelfth Street, Turner Hall, Chicago, in November 1878. The principals were Wm. Ryan, a native of Staplestown, County Kildare, and Horace Brink, a New England professional. Ryan who was a Chicago policeman at the time, is still an active member of the force. As a wrestler he was an unknown quantity in Chicago, never before having performed in public, while Brink had a national reputation as a collar and elbow wrestler, and had a number of hard-fought victories to his credit. Ryan stood six feet two inches and weighed two hundred pounds. Both men were well trained and were splendid specimens of physical manhood. The stakes were five hundred dollars a side, and the conditions were best two in three falls. Brink was the favourite with odds at 2 to 1; and thousands of dollars changed hands. After the first few minutes of foot sparring and manoeuvring it became evident that the amateur, Ryan, was the professional's master at the game. He easily baffled all of Brink's attempts at hooks and locks, and inside of thirty minutes of clever wrestling he gained the two falls and the match.

It is to be hoped that this eminently scientific and picturesque style of wrestling will be again revived and popularised. The Gaelic Athletic Association should include it in its list of ancient Gaelic sports, which it is so commendably and successfully reviving in Ireland.

It is indubitably the duty of Kildare men, wheresoever their lots may be cast, to take the initiative in resuscitating and cultivating this incomparable style of wrestling.

The writer would suggest that clubs for this purpose be organised in our large towns and competent instructors engaged. If this be done it will be but a few years until we shall again be holding tournaments which will develop champions of the types which in former years were the pride of Kildare.-"The Gaelic American."

Report from Leinster Leader 16 March 1907 on the forgotten sport of collar and elbow wrestling in 19th century Kildare.

[The subject of Collar and Elbow wrestling was first brought to my attention by Eileen McGregor who was researching the topic in 2004 and 2005. I was able to locate this article from the Leinster Leader by searching the Leinster Leader Index and it remains one of the definitive sources on the sport in Co. Kildare. I would like to thank Eileen for sharing her research with me.]

[Compiled by Mario Corrigan; typed and edited by Niamh Mc Cabe; final edit Dee O' Brien ]

What is the Leinster equivalent of the McRory Cup (Ulster provincial "A" colleges competition) and what (if any) Kildare schools/colleges have had a good record in the competition?

[Clones in line to undergo a massive €30m facelift]

Clones in line to undergo a massive €30m facelift
Irish Independent, Thursday 7th December 2006

ST TIERNACH'S Park in Clones is set to undergo a €30m facelift which could transform the Monaghan venue into one of the country's top grounds.

All that is required for the go ahead for the ambitious project, which would increase the ground's capacity from 35,000 to approximately 50,000, is for the Ulster Council to provide an undertaking that, except in the case of exceptional circumstances, the provincial football final will take place at Clones.

If this agreement is secured, the government is set to provide a significant level of financial assistance to make the project a viable proposition.

"We would hope that the government would come up with funding in the region of €12 million, and that the bulk of the remaining outlay would be provided by grants from the GAA and Ulster Council," explained Monaghan chairman John Connolly.

The top Monaghan official and members of his county board have already discussed the issue with Ulster Council president Micheál Greenan and secretary Danny Murphy.

And last week Connolly wrote to the council requesting a further meeting with the management committee of the provincial body.

"We know people are busy coming up to Christmas, but we hope that a meeting will be set up shortly after that," pointed out Connolly.

Helpful

"We have already met with John O'Donoghue (Minister for Sport) and we have found him to be very helpful. But we fully understand that he doesn't want to fund a white elephant, which Clones would become if the Ulster final wasn't played there on a regular basis."

For the last three years, the Ulster Council opted to stage their annual show piece at Croke Park with the 2004 tie between Armagh and Donegal and the 2005 clash involving Armagh and Tyrone attracting attendances in excess of 60,000.

But for this year's fixture between Armagh and Donegal just over 50,000 passed through the turnstiles.

"We can fully understand the Ulster Council opting for Croke Park when they are guaranteed a huge crowd, but we feel that Clones would have been adequate for this year's final," said Connolly.

"Between the corporate box and premium level seats you are virtually guaranteed 10,000 people before you start in Croke Park.

"As well as the Ulster final, we would also hope to stage games like league semi-finals at Clones," added the Monaghan official, who is confidently anticipating a Saint Tiernach's Park setting for the 2007 final because big crowd-pullers Armagh, Tyrone and Donegal are all in the same half of the draw.

The Monaghan official went on: "We've got an engineer to do a sketching of the proposed ground improvements which would incorporate putting another deck on the covered stand and putting a double deck stand at the road end where there is now terracing.

"Fifteen years ago, Clones was a fine ground but the time has now come for it to be substantially upgraded. As well as the increase in the capacity for the ground, we would hope to considerably improve the catering facilities."

An indication of the enterprise and ambition of the Monaghan county board is that they recently opened a €2.2m new county team training ground facility at Cloghan near Annyalla, with five training pitches, two of which are floodlit.

Paddy Hickey

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m07it4_evog