https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI_HOK4ofmM&t=3110s
Worth a listen
Rugby is the peoples game.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Piss poor attempt at trolling, corner boy
Most rugby internationals come from a handful of schools, unless they have been imported from the Southern Hemisphere
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
The people of Terenure, Blackrock and Limerick city maybe!
Quote from: clonadmad on December 13, 2022, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Piss poor attempt at trolling, corner boy
It's not trolling. The fella, who adnits he isn't hugely GAA minded, made some interesting points, but the headline that 'the GAA is in the hearts of everyone, including those who hate the GAA' is as trite as the rugby slogan and will be mocked accordingly if taken up
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 14, 2022, 06:35:45 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 13, 2022, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Piss poor attempt at trolling, corner boy
It's not trolling. The fella, who adnits he isn't hugely GAA minded, made some interesting points, but the headline that 'the GAA is in the hearts of everyone, including those who hate the GAA' is as trite as the rugby slogan and will be mocked accordingly if taken up
You're right, it's untrue to say the gaa is in the hearts of all Irish people. There's definitely a fair number of soccer and rugby supporters who would be jealous of the GAA as an organisation Or just flat out don't like the sport. And plenty who couldn't give a fiddlers about any sport. It's prob more accurate to say the GAA has been founded and developed by the Irish people, and therefore has taken on a more community feel to it than either soccer or rugby have managed. So id say the GAA has the Irish people at its core rather than the people having the GAA at its core.
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Its the game of the people if you are a) No good at any other sport and b) Going to a private school
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 14, 2022, 06:35:45 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 13, 2022, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Piss poor attempt at trolling, corner boy
It's not trolling. The fella, who adnits he isn't hugely GAA minded, made some interesting points, but the headline that 'the GAA is in the hearts of everyone, including those who hate the GAA' is as trite as the rugby slogan and will be mocked accordingly if taken up
Are you expecting the GAA to start using this as a strapline?
I'm no marketing guru, but I just don't see it happening
So your point is fairly moot
Quote from: Franko on December 16, 2022, 03:20:02 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 14, 2022, 06:35:45 PM
Quote from: clonadmad on December 13, 2022, 05:37:59 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
Piss poor attempt at trolling, corner boy
It's not trolling. The fella, who adnits he isn't hugely GAA minded, made some interesting points, but the headline that 'the GAA is in the hearts of everyone, including those who hate the GAA' is as trite as the rugby slogan and will be mocked accordingly if taken up
Are you expecting the GAA to start using this as a strapline?
I'm no marketing guru, but I just don't see it happening
So your point is fairly moot
The IRFU didn't use the peoples game line either
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
No. Why?
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on
Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Might be a minority in the 6 Counties but in the 26 the majority see themselves and are seen as sports clubs, very good ones in the main of course.
In the North the gaa club would be central or a focal point for a lot of community based activities. Whether it's making it facilities available for tea and sandwiches after funerals, bingo nights etc. A lot of clubs would have defibrillators on site as well for the benefit of the community in general and usually it would be club members who have the training to use them.
Obviously not everyone would be involved directly in the club but the community as a whole benefit from local Gaa clubs in a way that is sometimes overlooked.
Is the GAA more important in the North? People up here definitely seem more obsessed with GAA than down south.
I suppose its all tied up with National identity etc.
Then again 60% of the North's population have either no interest in gaelic games or have hatred for them.
In the 26 a lot of people have a passing interest and many jump on a bandwagon occasionally.
About 10% of the population would be members but about 1% of over 40s.
Quote from: JimStynes on December 18, 2022, 12:18:58 PM
Is the GAA more important in the North? People up here definitely seem more obsessed with GAA than down south.
not in certain areas some places only pay attention once the county gets to semis or final.
Slightly different dimension to the GAA in the North alright.
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
The League of Ireland goes back to the 1921. All sports have cultures. Soccer is plugged into an international network. So is rugby. GAA isn't.
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 18, 2022, 09:35:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Huge parts of Dublin have no GAA presence. Huge parts of Dublin have a GAA presence that is more based on a social hub for rural immigrants than anything sporting. In large parts of Dublin the GAA club plays out of the local park with no facilities.
It's ruthlessly and deliberately offensive to suggest other sports don't provide to the social capital of their areas. As I have said before, my club is a mess and are so removed from the local community even the Irish dancing uses the local soccer clubs superior facilities.
This line that yhe GAA provide something unique, especially in the 26, has led to too many club not bothering on the dangerous naivety the soccer, rugby, boxing and whatnot cannot offer the same
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 18, 2022, 10:49:10 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 18, 2022, 09:35:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Huge parts of Dublin have no GAA presence. Huge parts of Dublin have a GAA presence that is more based on a social hub for rural immigrants than anything sporting. In large parts of Dublin the GAA club plays out of the local park with no facilities.
It's ruthlessly and deliberately offensive to suggest other sports don't provide to the social capital of their areas. As I have said before, my club is a mess and are so removed from the local community even the Irish dancing uses the local soccer clubs superior facilities.
This line that yhe GAA provide something unique, especially in the 26, has led to too many club not bothering on the dangerous naivety the soccer, rugby, boxing and whatnot cannot offer the same
I'm surprised to hear that. In the north the GAA clubs are very central to the nationalist community and as mentioned before their halls are sided for funeral teas, birthday parties, drama groups, fun raisers. In Tyrone there's maybe one or two soccer clubs that would have the facilities to match most grade 3 Gaelic clubs.
Is BB's post the same across Dublin?
Quote from: trueblue1234 on December 19, 2022, 11:42:22 AM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 18, 2022, 10:49:10 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 18, 2022, 09:35:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Huge parts of Dublin have no GAA presence. Huge parts of Dublin have a GAA presence that is more based on a social hub for rural immigrants than anything sporting. In large parts of Dublin the GAA club plays out of the local park with no facilities.
It's ruthlessly and deliberately offensive to suggest other sports don't provide to the social capital of their areas. As I have said before, my club is a mess and are so removed from the local community even the Irish dancing uses the local soccer clubs superior facilities.
This line that yhe GAA provide something unique, especially in the 26, has led to too many club not bothering on the dangerous naivety the soccer, rugby, boxing and whatnot cannot offer the same
I'm surprised to hear that. In the north the GAA clubs are very central to the nationalist community and as mentioned before their halls are sided for funeral teas, birthday parties, drama groups, fun raisers. In Tyrone there's maybe one or two soccer clubs that would have the facilities to match most grade 3 Gaelic clubs.
Is BB's post the same across Dublin?
them Dubs are a different breed
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 18, 2022, 10:49:10 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 18, 2022, 09:35:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Huge parts of Dublin have no GAA presence. Huge parts of Dublin have a GAA presence that is more based on a social hub for rural immigrants than anything sporting. In large parts of Dublin the GAA club plays out of the local park with no facilities.
It's ruthlessly and deliberately offensive to suggest other sports don't provide to the social capital of their areas. As I have said before, my club is a mess and are so removed from the local community even the Irish dancing uses the local soccer clubs superior facilities.
This line that yhe GAA provide something unique, especially in the 26, has led to too many club not bothering on the dangerous naivety the soccer, rugby, boxing and whatnot cannot offer the same
And? You could say the same for Belfast, albeit on a smaller scale.
It's fairly naive to examine the role the GAA plays in irish society based solely on Dublin.
Quote from: J70 on December 14, 2022, 06:24:31 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 13, 2022, 04:04:10 PM
Rugby is the peoples game.
The people of Terenure, Blackrock and Limerick city maybe!
The GAA Is booming in Terenure. Templeogue Synge Street academy and underage teams use the Terenure College pitches for training. Terenure College now also play GAA. The rugby club built an astropitch that is taken over by underage gaa teams alot of nights of the week.
Quote from: seafoid on December 18, 2022, 02:26:18 PM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
The League of Ireland goes back to the 1921. All sports have cultures. Soccer is plugged into an international network. So is rugby. GAA isn't.
I presume he was talking about banned from GAA and whereby Congress in the early 70s ditched the infamous Rule 27 prohibition on what were known as “foreign games” – specifically rugby, soccer, cricket and hockey.
Also got rid rule 28 which included vigilance committees, who members was empowered to attend rugby, soccer and other matches to spy on who else was there.
Quote from: Blowitupref on December 19, 2022, 07:49:23 PM
Also got rid rule 28 which iincluded vigilance committees, who members was empowered to attend rugby, soccer and other matches to spy on who else was there.
Sad or what?!!!
A bit like the Iranian morals police
while they worship a foreign religion.
Quote from: general_lee on December 19, 2022, 12:21:41 PM
Quote from: Baile Brigín 2 on December 18, 2022, 10:49:10 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on December 18, 2022, 09:35:32 AM
Quote from: From the Bunker on December 17, 2022, 10:34:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on December 15, 2022, 08:42:53 PM
Are any League of Ireland or rugby clubs named after Irish revolutionary figures eg Pearse, Tone, Mellows, Sarsfield, Watty Graham etc.
Soccer was banned in this country until 1970. By that time newly formed clubs were a generation or two removed from patriotic heros. Most were taking their lead from Clubs they seen across the pond on Match of the Day.
I find the GAA can be up it's own hole as to their importance in the community. In some places the GAA does not exist as the social fabric that is often portrayed. In many cases they are just clubs that provide a facility to play sport and no more.
That would be the minority i think
Huge parts of Dublin have no GAA presence. Huge parts of Dublin have a GAA presence that is more based on a social hub for rural immigrants than anything sporting. In large parts of Dublin the GAA club plays out of the local park with no facilities.
It's ruthlessly and deliberately offensive to suggest other sports don't provide to the social capital of their areas. As I have said before, my club is a mess and are so removed from the local community even the Irish dancing uses the local soccer clubs superior facilities.
This line that yhe GAA provide something unique, especially in the 26, has led to too many club not bothering on the dangerous naivety the soccer, rugby, boxing and whatnot cannot offer the same
And? You could say the same for Belfast, albeit on a smaller scale.
It's fairly naive to examine the role the GAA plays in irish society based solely on Dublin.
Based solely on cities and large towns....
There are 5 or 6 GAA clubs in the whole DLR county of 250k people. One in the inner city, population 300k. Drogheda and Swords are the biggest towns in the 26 with 3 and 2 clubs. So claiming the GAA is at the heart of
every community is silly and deliberately ignores challenges/opportunities
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
Been hearing that for 25 years though. Absolutely the fanbase, especially the casual fanbase, is up, but it hasn't translated into an increase in playimg numbers. More people go to big games in LR than play the sport.
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
I actually think rugby could decline. There are a lot of issues arising with concerns over concussions and brain injuries. We are starting to see some explayers having problems and I expect this list to grow over the next few years with an even greater spotlight shining on it all. Unless rugby makes a serious rule change then what parent will be sending their wee lad or lassie to rugby
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
Rugby hasn't sorted out concussion yet. That is going to hold the sport back imo.
Hopefully that awful sport will fade away.
If they want to keep afloat the first thing they should do is get rid of them scrum thingys.
Like bullocks pucking at a ditch.
Quote from: smort on December 21, 2022, 11:48:42 AM
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
I actually think rugby could decline. There are a lot of issues arising with concerns over concussions and brain injuries. We are starting to see some explayers having problems and I expect this list to grow over the next few years with an even greater spotlight shining on it all. Unless rugby makes a serious rule change then what parent will be sending their wee lad or lassie to rugby
The size of players is also a problem.
Quote from: smort on December 21, 2022, 11:48:42 AM
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
I actually think rugby could decline. There are a lot of issues arising with concerns over concussions and brain injuries. We are starting to see some explayers having problems and I expect this list to grow over the next few years with an even greater spotlight shining on it all. Unless rugby makes a serious rule change then what parent will be sending their wee lad or lassie to rugby
I can also see schools banning it, certainly no new school introducing it. Health & safety only going one way. How many schools offer boxing fir example?
Clifden seem to have a few boys that play or have played rugby too and Darragh Kennedy currently plays for Galwegians. Was Rugby always popular in that part of Galway?
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 01:07:55 PM
Quote from: smort on December 21, 2022, 11:48:42 AM
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 11:43:35 AM
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
I think rugby is the sport that will really grow quickly in the next 10 to 20 years. There are big awkward donkey alps in every parish in the country and they need a sport to play too and Rugby is ideal for them.
I actually think rugby could decline. There are a lot of issues arising with concerns over concussions and brain injuries. We are starting to see some explayers having problems and I expect this list to grow over the next few years with an even greater spotlight shining on it all. Unless rugby makes a serious rule change then what parent will be sending their wee lad or lassie to rugby
The size of players is also a problem.
I was talking to someone involved in sports medicine a few years back and he reckons that rugby has no long term future without substantial changes. Even beyond the whole concusion issue, he was saying that as the first generation of professional players age that the effects of years and years of tackle impacts is going to make a whole host of medical issues way worse in terms of needing hip/knee replacements/walking sticks/mobility aids. He deals with a lot of rugby pros in Ireland and after talking to him you wouldn't let anyone play professional rugby. Could well see a situation where it loses popularity as players decide the risk of destroying their bodies isn't worth it.
Have thought for quite a few years that this would be how Rugby would eventually kill itself
Have been saying the same thing about rugby since I met Lomu in Ravenhill in 2008 and he was one of the smaller players to stand beside, that and awareness of the life expectancy of NFL players.
Rugby needs to make its pitch 10-15 yards wider, to free up lateral space and re-invoke a need for lighter, more dexterous players. If it doesn't do this, the game will be uninsurable by 2035.
Quote from: clarshack on December 21, 2022, 01:22:50 PM
Clifden seem to have a few boys that play or have played rugby too and Darragh Kennedy currently plays for Galwegians. Was Rugby always popular in that part of Galway?
There is a Connemara rugby club based in Clifden
https://www.connemararfc.ie/
Quote from: thewobbler on December 21, 2022, 01:38:57 PM
Have been saying the same thing about rugby since I met Lomu in Ravenhill in 2008 and he was one of the smaller players to stand beside, that and awareness of the life expectancy of NFL players.
Rugby needs to make its pitch 10-15 yards wider, to free up lateral space and re-invoke a need for lighter, more dexterous players. If it doesn't do this, the game will be uninsurable by 2035.
I don't think professionalism has worked for rugby union. The downsides are stronger than the upsides imo.
TV money pays wages.
TV likes collisions but they don't suit players.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrWDOZmhqmg&t=34s
Concussion costs will bankrupt unions.
Maybe semi pro would work. But it would have to be coherent because rugby currently isn't.
Well if it does die like you boys are predicting, where will the big alps across the country go for sport then - tug o war?
Quote from: Itchy on December 21, 2022, 02:21:34 PM
Well if it does die like you boys are predicting, where will the big alps across the country go for sport then - tug o war?
They won't be Alps any more. Wicklow mountains
Rugby split once before. Could happen again.
rugby 7s probably less brutal on players.
Quote from: seafoid on December 21, 2022, 10:56:36 AM
Sport in Ireland is really about different tribes. Especially in the North, but also in the South.
Dublin is an interesting example. Pre Kevin Heffernan, Dublin teams were usually backboned by people from the country.
Dublin now is probably majority culchie so the GAA side is self propelling.
Rugby has made some inroads beyond its traditional bastions. Eg Tullow
It's hard for non traditional soccer teams to stay in the Premier Division. Even Cork soccer has gone through a number of reorganisations over the years.
The League of Ireland roll of honour probably wouldn't surprise anyone from a century ago.
The biggest problem facing all male sports is not lads choosing to play a rival sport. It's general disinterest and laziness among a lot of the "Playstation generation".
And to add to that you can factor in the amount of lads who just want to play sport casually (e.g. 5 a side on the astroturf) or do their own thing as in gym, running, cycling without actually joining a club in any sport.
I wouldn't have figures to hand but just anecdotally in my home county Laois, there's a huge drop off in the number of junior soccer clubs, the two local rugby clubs now struggle to put out a second team whereas they used to have thirds and sometimes fourths and GAA clubs that used to have three teams have two or had two teams and now have one.
Women's sports actually seem to be doing quite well and growing.
Quote from: Rossfan on December 21, 2022, 12:50:54 PM
Hopefully that awful sport will fade away.
If they want to keep afloat the first thing they should do is get rid of them scrum thingys.
Like bullocks pucking at a ditch.
league is a much better game anyway