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Fundamentally, where the suits need put in order, is this.

1. Core values of community and volunteering need stamped on their foreheads, sent as daily reminders, typed in 10 foot letters at the top of every letter or enail they read. Every decision they make needs to be evaluated against how it improves the Association for communities and volunteers. If it doesn't help them, don't proceed..

2. Strategies, annual budgets and forecasts should focus on minimising expenditure, and not maximising revenue. This concept does not rule out large infrastructure projects or a commitment to coaching; as both provide advantages to members. But it should minimise the desire/need/will to collect pits of cash and then decide what to spend it on. The purpose of this organisation should never be to gather money.

This.  100% this.

  What a guy!

Bielsa gone?

53 minutes?? That's nearly 6 minute miles? On that course? f**king unreal!! I assume it was Zak Hanna and partner? He was in the club afterwards with the cup.

Super event as usual Walt. Tough course but conditions underfoot much kinder than last year. Thought soup was across the road from the GAA club and dandered down there afterwards. Had to make do with Guinness instead!! What time did you get the last pair home at?

http://www.newcastleac.org/?page_id=13260

Sold out!

Thanks Walt.  I'm supposed to be doing it with GK, Rinty is running with Scully (if he returns from Oz)!

Hurt the calf yesterday so I'll just have to play it by ear.  Haven't made to the start line of any race I've entered this year, I think my body is trying to tell me something. 

New legislation and costs for racing on the road are ridiculous.  Lots of decent races fell by the wayside this year.  Don't know how councils square it with their Health & Well Being policies.

Let me know if you boys are planning a recce of the Christmas Cracker in December.  I signed up in a moment of madness after swearing blind I'd never do it again!  No way could it be as brutal as last year, could it???

Id actually like to see Gordon Strachan in, done pretty well with a limited Scotland squad, failed to get them over the line then got hounded, 2 games after he was gone the Scotland fans were nearly falling over themselves admitting they made a mistake. Strachan is very good at getting results, i look at the celtic team he got to the last 16 of the champions league, good keeper strong but limited CB pairing and players with a lot of work rate. i think he'd do a good job

I hope to f**k this does not happen, an atrocious manager.  Just ask any Coventry, Middlesbrough or Scotland fan.

Well thats it solved, get the managers out and then the results will change... So who will get the blame when the results stay the same? The FAI no doubt as they will have appointed said person, the problem is not the managers and their sidekicks, the problem is a shit squad of players..

Now there are managers who, with a limited squad did actually make teams perform above their station and believe it or not, MON was one of those managers.. Big Sam lined up 

Do you think the two boys should have carried on?

A more important reflection is that in no way shape of form could Northern Ireland be seen as having superior playing resources that the Republic.  Yet they played far superior.  To me it highlights that Martin O'Neill is a bluffer.  It's one thing to claim poverty when playing teams like Germany, France etc.., even Denmark.  However against Northern Ireland? 

The difference in organization was hugely apparent last night.

I think Martin O'Neill realized this comparison himself as he threw himself on his sword in post-match interview, saying he had let team down last night.

Couldn't agree more.  Martin's time has been and gone. 

Just when you think this board is fucked a thread like this comes along. Serious honesty in the posts on this thread, brave as f**k. Made me think (as I stand here with a glass of red and a small can of beer). Time to wise up and live my life for my family and not for the next chance of a liquor.

All Hail King Julien on Netflix. Kids animation series with plenty for adults! Very funny.

Armagh completely destroying us in the 99 Ulster Final will never leave me. The start of a long and steady decline. The hoors laughing at us on the way out of the ground and all over Clones afterwards hurts to this day. Good job I'm not bitter!!

2019 Belfast Marathon moved to the Sunday before the Bank Holiday in May and a proposed new route (taking out Antrim Road and Duncrue).

https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-city-marathon-route-day-14838123

A good move for everyone and about time!

I think your proposed management team isnt big enough.
Mickey Moran would be some boy to get mixed up in that orgy of egos youve named.

Down are not a sleeping Giant. That notion in itself smacks of arrogance that simply cant be justified. The county has fallen way behind other more progressive counties because we havent embraced change properly and only a sprinkling of quality gets us the odd win each year it somewhat papers over the cracks that exist.

Until the county gets overhauled at an administrative level from top to bottom with new faces things will never change. Our domestic senior championship is a walkover every year for 1 team due to the inability of the rest to match up, whilst our schools are not producing the same talent nor winning on a regular basis anymore. Management teams at representative level are effectively just a jobs for the boys arena where nepotism is rife and unless you've worn the jersey you wont get considered for any meaningful role.

There are so many issues at play within the county and things that need to be in place off the field before the on-field business can be sorted. But that wont change as long as key individuals hold sway.

Nail on the head there Brick.  Sums up exactly where we are.  Depressing as f**k.

Thanks lads, I'll try both of those. Unbelievable how difficult it's been to source a red n black hooped vest!