The IR...Its a dead duck. End of. A major issue I have with the whole concept of this game is:
"Its been said that its an opportunity for gaelic footballers to represent their country. This is true, somewhat. The main problem is that they are not representing their country playing the sport that they have been playing all their lives. They are playing a bastardised version of gaelic, aussie rules and MMA. Also, the game suits certain footballers so its not necessarily Irelands best footballers getting the chance to represent their country, which should be the case really."
Solution - Maybe?
We are in difficult times throughout the world, blah blah blah. Surely its even more important now for the GAA to market our games abroad, especially as half out bloody nation is heading that way anyway.
So, if we want to give the best footballers of the country a chance to earn a cap for eire, then we need to make a 'continental league' of some sort that has gaelic footballers from e.g. 'mainland europe', north america, Uk, Asia, Oz
To make it a worth while spectacle, Ireland will be represented by the 'All Star team and nominated' with dedicated manager. There is also an opportunity of having a 'non-allstar' team selected from the best of the rest of the country. This is an opportunity to mix this with the All Star tour maybe.
Then, venues can be selected, e.g. Madrid, New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, Sydney...whatever...
What will happen is basically a blitz over a few days between two groups with the 'All Star Team' in one group and the 'Best of the Rest of IRE' in the other group, mixed with the other international teams.
This 'SHOULD' end with the two best teams in final, (All Star and Best of Rest) :0) Though hopefully upsets will occur, or 'Best of the Rest' beating the All Stars.
Next - The promotion
The chosen city, lets say Berlin for example, is taken over for 3 or 4 days by Gaelic Football, with the Sam Maguire making an appearance with all the fanfair needed. This gives all ex-pats with an interest in Gaelic Games a chance to get to the middle of europe to have a look at their National game and see the best players in action playing the game as it should be.
On top of all this, the GAA could use the International competitions that already exist as a league system to qualify for this major competition, with all players getting the chance to be picked for their main team.
In all, its promotion of our game, not a 'mickey mouse made up bullshity game'. Its also taking into the consideration the amount of Irish leaving the shores and giving them something from home, a link as such.
I think that's enough for now....my 2cents(drachma's) worth
"Its been said that its an opportunity for gaelic footballers to represent their country. This is true, somewhat. The main problem is that they are not representing their country playing the sport that they have been playing all their lives. They are playing a bastardised version of gaelic, aussie rules and MMA. Also, the game suits certain footballers so its not necessarily Irelands best footballers getting the chance to represent their country, which should be the case really."
Solution - Maybe?
We are in difficult times throughout the world, blah blah blah. Surely its even more important now for the GAA to market our games abroad, especially as half out bloody nation is heading that way anyway.
So, if we want to give the best footballers of the country a chance to earn a cap for eire, then we need to make a 'continental league' of some sort that has gaelic footballers from e.g. 'mainland europe', north america, Uk, Asia, Oz
To make it a worth while spectacle, Ireland will be represented by the 'All Star team and nominated' with dedicated manager. There is also an opportunity of having a 'non-allstar' team selected from the best of the rest of the country. This is an opportunity to mix this with the All Star tour maybe.
Then, venues can be selected, e.g. Madrid, New York, Berlin, Hong Kong, Sydney...whatever...
What will happen is basically a blitz over a few days between two groups with the 'All Star Team' in one group and the 'Best of the Rest of IRE' in the other group, mixed with the other international teams.
This 'SHOULD' end with the two best teams in final, (All Star and Best of Rest) :0) Though hopefully upsets will occur, or 'Best of the Rest' beating the All Stars.
Next - The promotion
The chosen city, lets say Berlin for example, is taken over for 3 or 4 days by Gaelic Football, with the Sam Maguire making an appearance with all the fanfair needed. This gives all ex-pats with an interest in Gaelic Games a chance to get to the middle of europe to have a look at their National game and see the best players in action playing the game as it should be.
On top of all this, the GAA could use the International competitions that already exist as a league system to qualify for this major competition, with all players getting the chance to be picked for their main team.
In all, its promotion of our game, not a 'mickey mouse made up bullshity game'. Its also taking into the consideration the amount of Irish leaving the shores and giving them something from home, a link as such.
I think that's enough for now....my 2cents(drachma's) worth