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Some of the talk on this thread is embarrassing.

From what I know of him, McIloy is a likable, down to earth, all round nice guy. He appears to like nothing better than coming home and hanging out with his mates in the Belfast spots any other 22 year old would go to. Who gives a toss about his politics or allegiance?

Sligonian, I remember you had a problem with Marty Clarke writing NI for "Northern Ireland" on his arm during his Collingwood tenure so forgive me if I, or anybody else, cares a damn what you think.

+1

I think it is ridiculous to bring up the whole religious issue after such a momentous occasion .

However,  In this newer generation, most of those born in "Northern Ireland" are Northern Irish, its becoming more and more popular as a nationality claimed by the younger people. Perhaps when you look at it, Rory is a catholic, living in a prodominantly protestant area of co.Down and he wouldn't want to lose support from one side of the religious divide in Northern Ireland, therefore he finds that the greatest popularity can be gained from calling himself "Northern Irish".

When it comes to the Olympics question, i honestly think both him and Graeme McDowell will play for Ireland, as they have both come through the GUI (Golfing Union of Ireland), therefore it is an all-ireland approach, played for ulster in the likes of competitions again Connacht, Leinster and Munster. I also think Rory has greater friends down south than he has in the likes of England, Wales and Scotland such as Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington.
I huge factor, finally could be the fact that both Rors and G-Mac have formally represented Ireland in the Golf World Cup with little speculation.

whats peoples opinions on rhod gilbert?

I think he is utterly brilliant, could listen to the man all night!
On the other hand, i also think PJ Gallagher is fantastic, been to a few of his stand-ups, and never stopped laughing. He is also brilliant on the likes of naked camera and makin jake.

Spillanes constant negativity with ulster football has taken a backseat now, perhaps because that brand often associated with ulster football has now spread throughout the country and mostly stopped in ulster. Yes i know Donegal have a negative way of playing but Tyrone will be set for playing fast ball to cut out this system.

Scary to hear such a young kilcoo side hammering the down team (Burren) last weeken.> Defonitley gonna be championship contenders for a long number of years!

IMO Martin McHugh is the greatest pundit, his mix between the modern era and that of the 80s/ 90s makes his views so unique and different. He always seems to be right and his points make so much sense after he explains himself. You can tell he had a great brain as a footballer, as he picks up key points during the game, that not many can instantaneously. Not a big fan of Burns, however at times he does talk alot a sense. I see the pundits on RTE a laugh, especially Brolly and spillane, they spend more time arguing than providing opinions on the game! Such similarities to Dumphy, Brady and likes on the soccer scene!

Really sad was a lovely lad who couldnt do enough for you. RIP Paddy

I heard they were expecting 40,000+ to go to the game so I'd say ticket sales are brisk!

I would reckon Down would have about the same amount, possibly abit less,- 35,000 or so?

Where are most of the Down fans sitting?

Oezil has to be a bargain after his showing at the world cup, truly superb.

When you consider between 15-20m for the German is cheap, Man City bought Mario Bolletelli for 24m and the first thing he said after signing is "I would rather be in Italy" 

McKernan and Garvey must be in the running for nominations, Garvey has been excellent in every game this year apart from the second half vs Tyrone

I know there can be accidents and incidents of injuries, but for the supporters to be on the field on all-ireland final day is tradition and if i was to play in one, i would dream of the fans pouring onto the pitch
IMO it shows the outburst of emotion as proud natives show their supports and enthusiasm for their county

Fantastic footage of Garcia, it can even happen to the rest of them,

I see he is taking a two month break from golf, hopefully he will come back to his best form like in Carnoustie in 07

I have always wanted him to win a major, but i just couldn't support him in the play-off in 07 because he was up against our own POD 

Always been one of my favourites in the game, love his swagger, his inconsistency and the way he can pull shots off that nobody could dream off. He is always really enthusiastic and has underachieved after having a start in his professional career like Mcilroy (a top ten world ranking at the age of 20)

Enjoy your break Sergio and hope to see you back, netter than ever! 

IMO both Roscomman and Louth deseverve all stars in the form of Keenan and either Donie shine or Clafferty (sorry if its not spelt properly) but he has been in top form for the Rossies this year and in my eyes their best player. However their are alot of Good goal keepers left in McVeigh and Cluxon. Paddy Keenan deseves an all star for Louths exploits. Should i dare say they won their first ever Leinster championchip, as some people are saying Louth are the unoffical winners bvut they deserve it.

Brogan is guarenteed, can't see Kerry getting any? however Dublin are guarenteed at least 4 now anyway.

Alot of talk is about the forwards on the all star team, anybody have any defenders in mind?

Tough one to call this,
On the one hand the Dubs are flying high, playing some great stuff, Brogan in the form is virtually unstoppable, and has an excellent partnership with O Gara.
Whilst Cork on the other hand have got to an AI Semi-final without playing well, however they have the physicality with each of their forwards towering over 6ft. I havent seen much of Cork this year, but i did see them against Lemrick were they were awful and agaisnt the Rossies where they diddnt get out of Second gear.
Cork have some top class forwards and a strong backline lead by Canty( who has not had a great championchip to date)
But after being at the Dublin Tyrone game, the Dublin defending and hunger is unbelievable and i expect to see them in the All Ireland final

According to BBC Sport, Ambrose Rodgers is almost definitely out for the semi-final, any news on how Dermot Earley is?