The pitch looks to be in a very poor state. For yesterday's hurling finals the field looked very patchy (though didn't have any noticeable affect on the players). Down by the sideline looks very worn out and the 3 big RBS signs stained into the grass don't look good at all.
The showpiece club events of the year take place next saturday. The players involved in that deserve better for their big day out.
Its very bad form and was a bad miscalculation by the GAA. The pitch should be left lie for a month or so before the paddy's day games (and the junior/inter club finals) next year so as not to have a repeat performance.
I notice also that the advertising hoardings were covered over. I hope the advertisers who pay their money for advertising at GAA games get their ads put back up for the paddy's day games. Its only fair after all.
Its an interesting clash next saturday. It will be interesting to see how the rugby affects the club final attendance, especially considering that the weather isn't meant to be all thast great.
::) ::) ::)
I was at a conference/seminar held in croker last Wed morning.
Yes you could still see the RBS logo partially faded out, but to my eyes from up in the premium level - the pitch was looking like it was in magnificent condition.
As it was very wet though I was questioning whether the two guys cutting the grass shoul dbe leaving it until the place dried up a wee bit..but I am sure they know their job better then me..
Obviously Gnevin thinks rugby players deserve more respect than GAA players. That's what it boils down to.
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
I have to say I saw the highlights of the club games last night and I didn't notice the pitch being in any disrepair.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2007, 12:30:45 PM
Obviously Gnevin thinks rugby players deserve more respect than GAA players. That's what it boils down to.
No i just think certain people will find any thing too moan about esp if its Croke Park related . The six nations logo on the the pitch !!! Owe no call FAI/IRFU tell them the deal is off. Adverts covered up even worse , panic stations the GAA s falling apart .
The only thing worth mentioning was small parts of the pitch looked poor but going by what i saw and what lynchbhoy say it is fine . No doubt it was in a worse stay last summer when the players couldn't even stand on it
Lynchbhoy,
Were you at the Oracle User's Group Conf? Also saw the pitch last Wednesday and it looked great.
Whinge Whinge Whinge any excuse?
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Bottlethrower - you said it didn't impact the players.......thats all that counts to my mind.....
The seating is being paid by the FAI as they can't use terracing for a match.....
84k would never be going so thats a facile arguement....
Quoteyou said it didn't impact the players.......thats all that counts to my mind.....
The seating is being paid by the FAI as they can't use terracing for a match.....
84k would never be going so thats a facile arguement....
I agree with that.
But I'll be a little annoyed if the three RBS signs on the pitch are visible come Saturday.
Where to start? Now that the doomsday scenarios obviously aren't going to unfold, BT7 is now desparately seeking anything that even resembles a piece of straw to clutch onto.
QuoteAlso, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one.
You have to be on a wind up here, or else you are bordering on the simple. Tell me something, do you think the GAA footed the bill for erecting U2's stage?
QuoteAnd what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals?
What if you ran out of stupid "what if" scenarios?
QuoteThe pitch should be left lie for a month or so before the paddy's day games (and the junior/inter club finals) next year so as not to have a repeat performance.
Why just a month? Surely if left for 6 months, then the pitch would be in an even better condition. Let's also ignore the fact also that it's now possible to host loss-making events like JFC and IFC finals at Croker because new income sources have recently been generated.
QuoteIt will be interesting to see how the rugby affects the club final attendance
Basically, what you're saying is that unless crowds are up at the AI club finals this year, then rugby is ruining the GAA. You must wake up every day feeling wonderful.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 12, 2007, 01:18:07 PM
I have to say I saw the highlights of the club games last night and I didn't notice the pitch being in any disrepair.
yeah, you could tell a lot from those highlights alright.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on March 12, 2007, 01:28:02 PM
Lynchbhoy,
Were you at the Oracle User's Group Conf? Also saw the pitch last Wednesday and it looked great.
Whinge Whinge Whinge any excuse?
was invited to that but declined - they keep trying to sell , sell , sell to me and I cant keep civil much longer without telling them to feck off. (though we might be in the not so distant future buying a DB - I would go for oracle too..what do ya reckon)
I was actually at the security seminar on a higher floor...
Just ask the players,subs and managment of Greencastle and Ardfert.
I can guarntee you, that almost to a man they will all say its the greatest surfice they may have played on.
QuoteAlso, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
You can be sure that the GAA will not be footing the bill for the erection of the seating. If they are it will be built into the overall contract and the fai will be paying that wee bit more
QuoteAnd what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
Thats just silly. Wel known that club finals never attract that sort of attendence.
Quotethe not so distant future buying a DB - I would go for oracle too..what do ya reckon
Is it for High-Availability, OLTP, Reporting etc, partial to Oracle myself but would depend on your budget etc
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
Because the Hill all of a sudden became a terrace ::).
The FAI knew what they where getting going into the deal and they are paying by your logic my landlord should pay for my heating and electric as its " Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use"
why, if the pitch is in such great nick (which it isn't - its patchy and very visibly worn by the hogan stand sideline), do the GAA see fit not to play any early round games of the Leinster championship there?
And its not because of attendances. They've already said they want to rest the pitch for a month. Why should the hurling/football championships suffer though?
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:57:55 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
Because the Hill all of a sudden became a terrace ::).
The FAI knew what they where getting going into the deal and they are paying by your logic my landlord should pay for my heating and electric as its " Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use"
now now gnevin, thats just childish. Very unbecoming of you.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:59:50 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:57:55 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
Because the Hill all of a sudden became a terrace ::).
The FAI knew what they where getting going into the deal and they are paying by your logic my landlord should pay for my heating and electric as its " Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use"
now now gnevin, thats just childish. Very unbecoming of you.
Hardly childish just a logic extension of what your saying
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
the taxpayer footed the majority of the floodlights bill. the fai are paying for the installation of the seats as they did in LR.
you are pulling 'facts' out of your arse, becasue as someone said earlier, the doomsday scenarios never happened. its getting very boring
Quote from: dublinfella on March 12, 2007, 02:03:55 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 01:49:53 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 01:44:51 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 12:50:16 PM
Quote from: DUBSFORSAM1 on March 12, 2007, 12:38:55 PM
Well I don't see what the problem is if the pitch "doesn't have any noticeable affect on the players".......people whinged last year that the pitch was poor even though it looked great...now they whinge it doesn't look good but is in great shape....
who said its in 'great shape'? I certainly didn't. I said the exact opposite.
Also, they're putting up seating in hill 16. I wonder who is footing the bill for that one. And if the GAA, I wonder how much of the 3 million they took in from the rugby games has been taken up so they can facilitate their next tenants.
And what if 84,000 people decided they wanted to go to the club finals? Would some have to be turned away as they can't be faciliated due to the fact the hill had reduced capacity because of the upcoming soccer matches?
gnevin? I missed the point of your post. Elaborate if you don't mind.
Why in gods name would the GAA pay for that , The IFRU wanted more press boxes to they paid of more them selfs , The FAI have to have seats they pay for the seats .
Bottle your like a man who has given his neighbour a lend of a hammer and is now complaining their a few marks on the head of it
The GAA paid for the floodlights. It was the soccer and rugby that needed them, not hurling or football.
I don't know for sure but I'd be surprised if it wasn't the GAA paying for the bucket seats. Its up to them as landlords to rent a stadium thats suitable for their tenant's use. Unless they have some deal whereby it comes out of the gate reciepts. But again, I doubt that.
the taxpayer footed the majority of the floodlights bill. the fai are paying for the installation of the seats as they did in LR.
you are pulling 'facts' out of your arse, becasue as someone said earlier, the doomsday scenarios never happened. its getting very boring
the 'majority'? who footed the rest?
what 'facts'? I merely asked a question.
boring? I suppose you would know alright.
FFS there are pitches all over Europe they get used for a match once a week for most of the year. The Croke Park pitch was idle for the entire Winter and then had two games of rugby played on it with two weeks between the games and we're complaining that the surface is slightly scuffed near one touchline and isn't billiard table smooth?
Pitches by their nature will get wear and tear on them. The groundsmen know this and accept this but thankfully they nearly always present fantastic surfaces for players to play on and I don't expect any different next weekend.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 12, 2007, 02:11:57 PM
FFS there are pitches all over Europe they get used for a match once a week for most of the year. The Croke Park pitch was idle for the entire Winter and then had two games of rugby played on it with two weeks between the games and we're complaining that the surface is slightly scuffed near one touchline and isn't billiard table smooth?
All 4 teams in last weekends junior/inter finals had a training session on the pitch, and rightly so. The rugby will have had several sessions. England and France will also have had time on the pitch. The soccer will have had training time on the pitch since their initial (correct) rebuff. As will their opposition. All 4 teams in next weekends club finals will have training time on the pitch. Not sure if Dublin and Tyrone got training time on it. Since that was the first time this year it was used and all the wear is only since then, god knows what state it will be in after another month of that kind of use.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 02:17:10 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 12, 2007, 02:11:57 PM
FFS there are pitches all over Europe they get used for a match once a week for most of the year. The Croke Park pitch was idle for the entire Winter and then had two games of rugby played on it with two weeks between the games and we're complaining that the surface is slightly scuffed near one touchline and isn't billiard table smooth?
All 4 teams in last weekends junior/inter finals had a training session on the pitch, and rightly so. The rugby will have had several sessions. England and France will also have had time on the pitch. The soccer will have had training time on the pitch since their initial (correct) rebuff. As will their opposition. All 4 teams in next weekends club finals will have training time on the pitch. Not sure if Dublin and Tyrone got training time on it. Since that was the first time this year it was used and all the wear is only since then, god knows what state it will be in after another month of that kind of use.
Parnell Park is now pretty much used 7 days a week with Dublin teams training their, Club game of all sorts , Schools and who know what else yet parnell park doesn't have a team of ground keepers fancy lights and watering systems and who know what else they have in CP and PP looked in great condition on Saturday night.
Quote from: Gnevin on March 12, 2007, 02:24:30 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 12, 2007, 02:17:10 PM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 12, 2007, 02:11:57 PM
FFS there are pitches all over Europe they get used for a match once a week for most of the year. The Croke Park pitch was idle for the entire Winter and then had two games of rugby played on it with two weeks between the games and we're complaining that the surface is slightly scuffed near one touchline and isn't billiard table smooth?
All 4 teams in last weekends junior/inter finals had a training session on the pitch, and rightly so. The rugby will have had several sessions. England and France will also have had time on the pitch. The soccer will have had training time on the pitch since their initial (correct) rebuff. As will their opposition. All 4 teams in next weekends club finals will have training time on the pitch. Not sure if Dublin and Tyrone got training time on it. Since that was the first time this year it was used and all the wear is only since then, god knows what state it will be in after another month of that kind of use.
This time of year its not used as much as you say. In the summer its used pretty much every day, but the pitch can withstand more when its hard. I wouldn't be concerned about the schools games. Little lightweight nippers aren't going to cause much wear. Parnell does get pretty bad though. I've played there enough times in my day to have seen it first hand.
Parnell Park is now pretty much used 7 days a week with Dublin teams training their, Club game of all sorts , Schools and who know what else yet parnell park doesn't have a team of ground keepers fancy lights and watering systems and who know what else they have in CP and PP looked in great condition on Saturday night.
I noticed the Rugby logo on the pitch and the seated Hill 16 certainly looked strange, but that all said and done it didn't bother me in the slightest. This nonsense that was spouted here saying that the Junior and Intermediate Finals shouldn't have been played at Croke Park, to allow the pitch to be in good condition after the Ruggers game is an disgrace and insult to the 8 teams that played there over the weekend!!
Quote from: ziggysego on March 12, 2007, 02:32:06 PM
I noticed the Rugby logo on the pitch and the seated Hill 16 certainly looked strange, but that all said and done it didn't bother me in the slightest. This nonsense that was spouted here saying that the Junior and Intermediate Finals shouldn't have been played at Croke Park, to allow the pitch to be in good condition after the Ruggers game is an disgrace and insult to the 8 teams that played there over the weekend!!
thats a terrible thing for anyone to say. Who said it ziggy?
BT7 - you are wasting your time. People don't look at things from a purely GAA point of view. They just think "wouldn't it be great to see Drico, Robbie etc playing in Croker". So waht if the pitch is not 100% for some oul junior or intermediate match. Sure we've never heard the names of any of the players.
Oh, I forgot to say - surely you are wrong about the pitch being marked. We were told at the time of the debate that it wouldn't be an issue. You must be mistaken.
it should be something to take into account from now on folks. especially for the tinkers that are now using it.
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2007, 04:09:30 PM
Oh, I forgot to say - surely you are wrong about the pitch being marked. We were told at the time of the debate that it wouldn't be an issue. You must be mistaken.
aye, I think you're right. I was up in the premium and at one stage I even thought I saw pictures of rugby balls in the jacks on some Irish Times ad. Sure that couldn't be. I must have been hallucinating altogether.
And what was a pure disgrace is that when I went into the new Elvery's shop under the hogan stand I couldn't see rugby and soccer sections anywhere. Sure what will our 'guests' think when they pop in? We can't be treating them bad like that. Imagine what the media will say.
Though maybe I imagined that too ???
Quick, they better put rugby and soccer sections in that Elverys or the negative publicity for the GAA will be shocking altogether. Imagine all the money that would be taken out of the economy. The poor wee divils would have to go elsewhere to spend their money. Oh the Shame. Think of the children...
I once seen a game of soccor in Manchester. Keane was playing. GAA scum should have had it in Croke Park..
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 12, 2007, 04:09:30 PM
People don't look at things from a purely GAA point of view. They just think "wouldn't it be great to see Drico, Robbie etc playing in Croker".
Come on, Seanie. That's unfair. I can't recall anybody here arguing the pro-opening case for any reason other than the good of the GAA. I thought we'd been through this often enough to accept at least that we all have a common goal in mind, though we disagree about the means to the end.
I accept that you and BT7 etc. sincerely believe that opening CP is to the detriment of the GAA's aims. It's not too much to ask that you accept the bona fides of those who support the opening because they believe the opposite, rather than ridicule them as media-deluded dupes who'd sell the GAA's interests just to be fashionable, or whatever.
And, with the greatest of respect to all concerned, in my opinion the complaining is reaching ludicrous levels at this stage.
Hardy - I'd certainly exclude you and several others on here from that so apolgies for that. I do honestly think it coloured a lot of peoples thinking on it though.
QuoteAnd, with the greatest of respect to all concerned, in my opinion the complaining is reaching ludicrous levels at this stage.
I think BT and myself have accepted the decision and are licing with it but we reserve the right to highlight when some of our concerns (that were rubbished in many quarters) come to pass. Surely accepting a decision doesn't mean just shutting up. There will be more twists and turns yet in this debate before it is finally decided I feel. 2009 won't be long coming.
Hardy Ill tone it down a bit, particulalry over St Patricks weekend
BTW Elvery's had no trouble stocking their CP outlets with Rugby gear for the last two matches. M<aybe there will be some left over for next Saturday.
In all serious though, it'll be great to see Kevin Kilbane in Croker.
QuoteNo decision has been taken yet about the possibility of this year's National Football League final being staged at Croke Park. With work required to be done on the playing surface, it has been acknowledged as touch and go whether the final, scheduled for April 22nd, can go ahead in the stadium.
An excerpt from an article by Sean Moran in today's Irish Times.
I'm sorry you feel such arguments are ridiculous Hardy. Personally I think its a big deal. This deal was supposed to be made in such a fashion as would benefit the GAA and not hinder it. Whereas arguments over enhanced perception of competing codes occupy a grey area, the fact that the league finals now pretty much cannot be played in the stadium is fairly black and white.
Magpie Seanie, well said.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 08:48:44 AM
QuoteNo decision has been taken yet about the possibility of this year's National Football League final being staged at Croke Park. With work required to be done on the playing surface, it has been acknowledged as touch and go whether the final, scheduled for April 22nd, can go ahead in the stadium.
An excerpt from an article by Sean Moran in today's Irish Times.
I'm sorry you feel such arguments are ridiculous Hardy. Personally I think its a big deal. This deal was supposed to be made in such a fashion as would benefit the GAA and not hinder it. Whereas arguments over enhanced perception of competing codes occupy a grey area, the fact that the league finals now pretty much cannot be played in the stadium is fairly black and white.
Magpie Seanie, well said.
And the fact that this talk talked about last september has nothing to do about it . No of course not its them 8 run out the rugby lads had
Whether the NFL final is staged at Croke Park will have little to do with rugby and soccer.
If the Dubs happen to make it, it'll definitely be in Croker. Otherwise it'll likely be shifted (though perhaps there are one or two combinations that would result in a big attendance that might make them keep it at Croker).
Good picture of the Bucket Seats on the Hill in the Irish Times - perhaps someone can put it up on here. No scaffolding like in Lansdowne, so no safety issues and far nicer on the eye - actually looks like an uncovered stand. The seats are a mixture of blue and navy blue in honour of the Dubs.
QuoteThe seats are a mixture of blue and navy blue in honour of the Dubs.
What did the Dubs do to get that honour?
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 13, 2007, 10:12:22 AM
What did the Dubs do to get that honour?
They warmed up in front of the Hill before their last game there, or no wait......
QuoteWhat did the Dubs do to get that honour?
Not sure, think it coz the GAA recognise we own the Hill.
Well deserved anyway!
QuoteThe seats are a mixture of blue and navy blue in honour of the Dubs.
With wee union-jacks for them 2 wave as well no doubt? :P
QuoteWith wee union-jacks for them 2 wave as well no doubt?
Won't they be saving the union jacks for the visit of the British folk, maybe for the Ulster Final?
QuoteWon't they be saving the union jacks for the visit of the British folk, maybe for the Ulster Final?
Point of order, I don't see a smilie attached here Mr Boots.
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 13, 2007, 10:32:52 AM
QuoteWith wee union-jacks for them 2 wave as well no doubt?
Won't they be saving the union jacks for the visit of the British folk, maybe for the Ulster Final?
jealous just because no one wanted the midlands counties ?
;)
Longford have had more visits to Croker recently than Derry, Lynchbhoy - sure Derry only get to go to Ballymahon.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 08:48:44 AM
I'm sorry you feel such arguments are ridiculous Hardy. Personally I think its a big deal. This deal was supposed to be made in such a fashion as would benefit the GAA and not hinder it. Whereas arguments over enhanced perception of competing codes occupy a grey area, the fact that the league finals now pretty much cannot be played in the stadium is fairly black and white.
BT - this wouldn't be the first time the league finals were taken out of Croke Park. Do you remember Cork v. Dublin in Páirc Uí Chaoimh in front of a few dozen people?. I think that debacle did more harm to the GAA than two rugby matches and two soccer matches which net us 6 million-odd.
I'm sorry, but I think it's clutching at I-told-you-so straws to elevate the possibility that the League finals may not be in Croke Park to a vindication of those who are against rugby, etc. in CP. I'm sure the pitch needs to be worked on every year. From my limited knowledge of horticulture, April is the time you go to work on grass if you need to. April is also the month when the League finals are usually held. There's your clash of requirements - not matches in March - rugby, soccer or GAA club finals. If the rugby was the cause of work having to be done on the pitch, how have we managed to stage the club finals there?
In fact this, the year when the 'no' campaign was predicting the exclusion of GAA events from Croke Park to accommodate rugby and soccer, has turned out to be a year of unprecedented access for the GAA grass roots, with the staging of the junior and intermediate club finals there for the first time. I think that fact alone scuppers the argument that soccer and rugby would see our own people excluded.
Wasn't last year's league Football final in Limerick? The Kerry - Galway game?
League finals have been played both in and out of Croke Park the last few years. The last 2 hurling league finals were in Thurles. But moving the games out of Croker for financial reasons is one thing, but to not even have Croker as an option for a venue is something completely different.
Hound gave the excellent example of how Croke Park would be needed were Dublin to reach the final. It wouldn't make any financial sense to stage such a game anywhere else, but the GAA may have no option if they are worried about the state of the Croke Park pitch.
Hardy, the GAA have to stage the club finals in Croke Park for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they make no bones about the fact that this is the second biggest stage any player can be part of (and not the Fitzgibbon cup as Joe Canning says). To not play the club finals there would be an insult to both the players and to the competition. Plus, as Liam O'Mulvihill said last week in relation to the inter/junior finals, its giving something back to the players (specifically the club-only players). So regardless the state of the pitch, these players will get their day out, and rightly so. The second reason is that it would be a PR nightmare for the GAA if these games were moved, especially this year of all years. It would give me and my ilk some vindication of our views (not that vindication is needed mind you).
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Quote from: AZOffaly on March 13, 2007, 11:47:20 AM
Wasn't last year's league Football final in Limerick? The Kerry - Galway game?
Yes last year it was held in Limerick.
7,600 attended.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely . He also said that some work would definitely be carried out on the pitch.As in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Quote from: Billys Boots on March 13, 2007, 11:28:44 AM
Longford have had more visits to Croker recently than Derry, Lynchbhoy - sure Derry only get to go to Ballymahon.
I would have thought one trip to the museum would have been enough for yez ;) :D
Nothing in the Museum to interest us ... :-\
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Ok i'll clear it up
This work has been planned for at least 6 months
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Ok i'll clear it up
This work has been planned for at least 6 months
planned - ok
but would it have been required without the 'rub-by' being played?
my objection to rugby in croker was related to games etc (training) digging up the pitch.
Now thats no big problem for football, but hurlers might object.
The aesthetics the only other point people might have. But most teams play on mucky, wet, near grassless pitches a lot of the year - so it would hardly bother them on March 17th in an AI club final.
Might not look nice for TV and any showcase purposes though..
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 13, 2007, 01:44:34 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Ok i'll clear it up
This work has been planned for at least 6 months
planned - ok
but would it have been required without the 'rub-by' being played?
my objection to rugby in croker was related to games etc (training) digging up the pitch.
Now thats no big problem for football, but hurlers might object.
The aesthetics the only other point people might have. But most teams play on mucky, wet, near grassless pitches a lot of the year - so it would hardly bother them on March 17th in an AI club final.
Might not look nice for TV and any showcase purposes though..
Yes it was required the playing of rugby no way effect that condition of the sod during last summer ::) . The ground was too hard underfoot last year and work was planned to correct this
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:48:57 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 13, 2007, 01:44:34 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Ok i'll clear it up
This work has been planned for at least 6 months
planned - ok
but would it have been required without the 'rub-by' being played?
my objection to rugby in croker was related to games etc (training) digging up the pitch.
Now thats no big problem for football, but hurlers might object.
The aesthetics the only other point people might have. But most teams play on mucky, wet, near grassless pitches a lot of the year - so it would hardly bother them on March 17th in an AI club final.
Might not look nice for TV and any showcase purposes though..
Yes it was required the playing of rugby no way effect that condition of the sod during last summer ::) . The ground was too hard underfoot last year and work was planned to correct this
Thanks for clearing up. Punctuation is a great thing altogether. Right, so they needed to do something to the pitch last year because of how hard it was (are you sure about that by the way?), but this year its because of the state of disrepair of the pitch (the grass being worn, etc)? I get what you're saying but I don't get your point. And, as Lynchboy says, they seem to have made an allowance for the wear by acknowledging the need for a fallow period. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to how widely used Croke Park was by GAA games between the club finals and the respective Leinster finals last year? And then maybe you can compare that to how much use is planned in the same time period this year?
planned - ok
but would it have been required without the 'rub-by' being played?
Yes - the state of the pitch was mentioned nearly every week in the Sunday Game as there we big sandy areas and some people felt players were at risk due to the lack of grip in these are other really hard areas. So yes in the interests of player safety (GAA players that is ;D) this would would have gone ahead.
When this thread finishes what will be the next "We're all doomed" thread be about?! Armageddon didn't happen and the GAA is alive and kicking. Live with it.
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 02:26:32 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:48:57 PM
Quote from: lynchbhoy on March 13, 2007, 01:44:34 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 01:41:26 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:55:29 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on March 13, 2007, 12:24:15 PM
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 13, 2007, 12:00:44 PM
And one thing that is not in question is the state of the pitch. The GAA see the need to 'work' on it before the championship, and I saw it myself last sunday. Head into Croker yourself this saturday and have a look. Then tell me I'm wrong.
Bottlethower !!!
Last year Peter McKenna said he couldn't rule out the re sodding of part or all of the pitch in Croke Park and that it was in fact quite likely and that some work would 100% be needed to carried out of the pitch as in the summer its like so hard the studs cant get a grip. Now all of this happened 6 months before Brian and the lads "ruined" the pitch as your trying to make out . So can you go invent something else to moan about
gnevin, I am having great difficulty understanding your posts.
Ok i'll clear it up
This work has been planned for at least 6 months
planned - ok
but would it have been required without the 'rub-by' being played?
my objection to rugby in croker was related to games etc (training) digging up the pitch.
Now thats no big problem for football, but hurlers might object.
The aesthetics the only other point people might have. But most teams play on mucky, wet, near grassless pitches a lot of the year - so it would hardly bother them on March 17th in an AI club final.
Might not look nice for TV and any showcase purposes though..
Yes it was required the playing of rugby no way effect that condition of the sod during last summer ::) . The ground was too hard underfoot last year and work was planned to correct this
Thanks for clearing up. Punctuation is a great thing altogether. but this year its because of the state of disrepair of the pitch (the grass being worn, etc)? I get what you're saying but I don't get your point. And, as Lynchboy says, they seem to have made an allowance for the wear by acknowledging the need for a fallow period. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to how widely used Croke Park was by GAA games between the club finals and the respective Leinster finals last year? And then maybe you can compare that to how much use is planned in the same time period this year?
Quote
Right, so they needed to do something to the pitch last year because of how hard it was (are you sure about that by the way?),
No I'm saying this upcoming work is being carried out because of how hard the pitch was last summer .
I've no idea how much it was used last year. Its my understanding that its not a fallow period but a period of work to be carried out as i've said above . Sure it was fallow for the whole winter and its no turnips we are growing
By saying things mockingly like "we are doomed" you are actually proving a point or two against yourselves. This type of exaggerated reaction to anyone who had the temerity to stand up for an opposing viewpoint is typical of the "debate" that surrounded the amendment of Rule 42. Nobody that I can recall that was of a "no" viewpoint ever said the GAA would be doomed if there was a change to the rule.
But then again I'm a backwoods dinosaur man so I would say that.
QuoteSure it was fallow for the whole winter and its no turnips we are growing
There'll be plenty of turnips on it on Saturday week!
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 13, 2007, 02:40:27 PM
By saying things mockingly like "we are doomed" you are actually proving a point or two against yourselves. This type of exaggerated reaction to anyone who had the temerity to stand up for an opposing viewpoint is typical of the "debate" that surrounded the amendment of Rule 42.
Quotes from yourself Seanie.
QuoteThey just think "wouldn't it be great to see Drico, Robbie etc playing in Croker".
QuoteSo waht if the pitch is not 100% for some oul junior or intermediate match. Sure we've never heard the names of any of the players.
QuoteQuick, they better put rugby and soccer sections in that Elverys or the negative publicity for the GAA will be shocking altogether. Imagine all the money that would be taken out of the economy. The poor wee divils would have to go elsewhere to spend their money. Oh the Shame. Think of the children...
I know what I post. It is me after all who posts it. There's no need to repeat it. Unless you are being selective and deliberately quoting things out of context to try and make someone look silly. That couldn't be it though surely?
Quote from: magpie seanie on March 13, 2007, 03:18:32 PM
I know what I post. It is me after all who posts it. There's no need to repeat it. Unless you are being selective and deliberately quoting things out of context to try and make someone look silly. That couldn't be it though surely?
I just enjoy pricking the pimples of pomposity Seanie. ;D
QuoteThe pitch looks to be in a very poor state. For yesterday's hurling finals the field looked very patchy (though didn't have any noticeable affect on the players). Down by the sideline looks very worn out and the 3 big RBS signs stained into the grass don't look good at all.
The showpiece club events of the year take place next saturday. The players involved in that deserve better for their big day out.
Its very bad form and was a bad miscalculation by the GAA. The pitch should be left lie for a month or so before the paddy's day games (and the junior/inter club finals) next year so as not to have a repeat performance.
I notice also that the advertising hoardings were covered over. I hope the advertisers who pay their money for advertising at GAA games get their ads put back up for the paddy's day games. Its only fair after all.
Its an interesting clash next saturday. It will be interesting to see how the rugby affects the club final attendance, especially considering that the weather isn't meant to be all thast great.
QuoteLeague finals have been played both in and out of Croke Park the last few years. The last 2 hurling league finals were in Thurles. But moving the games out of Croker for financial reasons is one thing, but to not even have Croker as an option for a venue is something completely different.
Point of information:
Last year's National League Final wasn't played in Croker and drew a crowd of around 7,000. It wasn't moved because of the Rugby heathens and only a fraction of the fans from two of the most successful counties in the game bothered to travel the much shorter distance to the final. Other point of information:
Croke Park has been unavailable in the past due to non-Gaa events taking place there. The Point:
Objecting to the opening of Croker and arguing that position is fine.
However arguing the toss about every little thing associated with holding an event in Croke Park and pretending that it is somehow unique and therefore all horribly wrong is just pathetic. Every concert held in Croke Park ( I worked at a couple ) has done at least superficial damage to the pitch.
I have to conclude that the original post was just a wind up.
There are three points in the post.
1.
The pitch is in a bad way. I haven't seen the pitch but it seems this is at best, an exaggeration.
2.
There were advertising hoardings covered up. You should edit this embarassing statement.
3.
The Club Final attendance might be affected by the rugby on Saturday although it might also be affected because the ' weather isn't meant to be all thast great '. Weather forecast (http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/03969.html) is fine for saturday ::). Yes the rugby might influence neutrals attending but this is the club finals and I can't imagine anyone from the clubs involved missing the game due to a rugby game, as might Cheltenham and any other event that also happens at this time of year.
From gaa.ie:
Croke Park Pitch
The GAA have confirmed that maintenance work on the Croke Park pitch surface will commence on Monday April 23rd and will be completed in time for the Bank of Ireland Leinster Senior Football championship double header on Sunday May 20th.
The Stadium will therefore be available to host games up to and including Sunday, April 22nd.
Quoteexaggerated reaction to anyone who had the temerity to stand up for an opposing viewpoint
So you have not had an "exaggerated" reaction to those that disagree with your point of view ? You are not exactly a paragon of reasoned debate yourself.
Was in Croke Park on Tuesday and the pitch looked fine to me.
GAA President Nickey Brennan says that a programme of work will take place on the surface of Croke Park over the course of the coming summer months.
Brennan outlined the work involved while confirming that headquarters will be available for the NFL finals next month with work on the pitch taking place over the following four weeks.
"There will be a fairly aggressive maintenance programme over the month, but it won't involve digging up the pitch or anything like that.
"We are not looking at a very costly exercise.
"It's in really good nick. A month will be adequate for the work to be carried out. And, the particular time of the year we have decided on means there will be better growth," Brennan added
from http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=74344
Ruling on Landsdowne Road redevelopment will be delivered today. If it is refused, which I believe there is a good chance will happen, doesn't that null and void the congress motion immediately? In other words, the soccer match this weekend cannot go ahead under GAA's own rules?
Some good quotes from Liam O'Mulvihil in today's Irish Times;
Quote
We will honour our commitments if Lansdowne Road receives planning permission and if the development proceeds. Any variable on that scenario, however, will be a matter for Congress and will require very careful consideration indeed.
"Our association cannot be expected to accept a vista where the competing sporting organisations have no capital investment commitments, can exploit the value of their existing infrastructure and use our facilities as a cash cow and convenience, while investing their returns in youth and games development.
"At its Congress in 2005 the GAA proved, through the overwhelming wishes of its delegates, that the concept of 'foreign games' is not an issue.
"It also proved that we had the courage, vision and commitment to provide an infrastructure that is the envy of many and that we had the confidence and benevolence to help out when others needed us for a limited period.
"We cannot, however, be taken for granted or exploited and the other sporting organisations have an obligation in terms of planning and provision of resources and infrastructure to meet their particular needs.
"In that context, it must be clearly understood that our decision relates to Croke Park alone and is relevant for senior internationals only while Lansdowne Road is closed and does not include competitions such as a 'home country' soccer tournament recently reported as being on an agenda.
"At the time when rugby's two main grounds are closed simultaneously and Dalymount Park is for sale, when the future of Shelbourne's ground is uncertain and when we have been excluded from the Government-funded projects in Lansdowne Road and Tallaght, this is the least we should expect."
basically saying theres a fine line between looking to be accomodated while the need is there, and free-loading. Today's ruling, and the reaction to it will be interesting.
Also, in the paper yesterday none other than the gaffer himself was commenting on the 'wear and tear' one the Croke Park pitch. He tried to be diplomatic by saying that it was no worse than Landsdowne Road would be after the 6 nations, but acknowledged the wear on it - as was clearly evident again at the club finals, though they did manage to scrub off the big RBS (though leaving that horrible square outline in place).
Well said Liam Mullville, I think that sums it up for us all..
Quote from: bottlethrower7 on March 22, 2007, 09:37:42 AM
....the soccer match this weekend cannot go ahead under GAA's own rules?
Good one BT7. :D
Mulvihill states the situation very well alright, though I still see soccer/rugby's difficulty as the GAA's opportunity rather than any kind of threat.
Always look on the bright side of life.
I don't think anyone can have any major gripe with this statement of intent. It always takes the Longfordman to sort things out. :P
BTW, I was talking to an experienced planner yesterday and he reckons that ABP will grant permission with reduced capacity, and reduced stand-height.
I see a couple of the players interviewed said the pitch was not in the best of nick.
A bit rich given that most epl/spl pitches are also worse for wear this time of year.
Quote from: muppet on March 13, 2007, 03:32:01 PM
1. The pitch is in a bad way. I haven't seen the pitch but it seems this is at best, an exaggeration.
2. There were advertising hoardings covered up. You should edit this embarassing statement.
3. The Club Final attendance might be affected by the rugby on Saturday although it might also be affected because the ' weather isn't meant to be all thast great '. Weather forecast (http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/03969.html) is fine for saturday ::). Yes the rugby might influence neutrals attending but this is the club finals and I can't imagine anyone from the clubs involved missing the game due to a rugby game, as might Cheltenham and any other event that also happens at this time of year.
Sorry muppet (good name), I can't let this slide. Care to come back and comment now? Particularly on points 1 and 3.
And to help you along, heres a piece from today's Irish Times;
QuoteThe poor state of the Croke Park pitch for last weekend's soccer international has been a result of over-use of the stadium in recent weeks. According to stadium director Peter McKenna, circumstances will be different next season.
"When you look at it we allowed too many training sessions. Routines and drills are focused in the one area and are hard on the surface. Because of the need for the Irish teams to familiarise themselves there were a number of sessions per match. Generally a team that has home advantage would use it once and the away team once or twice. From next year they won't need that level of familiarisation and there won't be the same number of logistical problems."
These include the need to mark out different playing areas, install different goalposts, locate separate sockets for the different posts and decide on the best locations for advertising hoarding. Sorting these matters out for the first time was more time consuming than it will be next year and involved more traffic on the pitch.
Heavy rain in the past few weeks also contributed to the pitch cutting up but, according to McKenna, the match time wasn't the main problem; it was the activity surrounding the events.
On top of the rugby and soccer demands the GAA also stages its club finals at this time of the year and clubs also need preparatory training sessions.
"We calculated that between everything the equivalent of 20 or 22 matches were played on the pitch in a six-week period. That's well in excess of what any ground takes in that space of time. The Wembley pitch was cut to pieces by the recent under-21 match and that's a brand new surface.