Sligo Club Football & Hurling

[Owenmoresider]

Could there be white smoke on the managerial front:

http://www.oceanfm.ie/onair/sligoleitrimsport.php?articleid=000001717

[Owenmoresider]

Also, Marren lost his appeal, at least you can't accuse the CB of backing down to a county player here:

Adrian Marren's appeal fails Nov 01, 2:56 am

Sligo footballer Adrian Marren is considering his options after his appeal to have his 48-week ban reduced was thrown out by the Sligo county board's Hearings Committee.

Marren, who was top scorer in this year's Sligo senior football championship and saw action as a substitute in the Yeats County's historic Connacht final win over Galway in July, received the year-long suspension for committing a category five offence, which involved alleged interference with a referee. The incident took place during the Sligo SFC quarter-final between Marren's club Curry and Sligo town outfit St. John's.

In his report, referee Michael Duffy - whose brother Marty took charge of this year's Munster final and was linesman for the All-Ireland final - claimed that he had been handled by Marren and another Curry player, John Feeney, who was also hit with a 48-week ban.

It is understood that Marren, who faces the prospect of being out of action until next August, is now considering appealing the suspension to the Connacht Council.

[Owenmoresider]

In the U20 Harps and Curry won tight encounters, Curry's defeat of John's being noteworthy, while Tubber gave Mary's a tanking (2-16 to 0-2). In the B there were two one-sided semis, Pat's beating Michael's and Bunnies trimming Easkey, just to rub it in on us. Pat's should win the final, probably on next weekend.

Elsewhere Farnan's lost to Ballintubber in Connacht, not disgracing themselves, but it appears 'Tubber were missing Alan Dillon amongst others. Tourlestrane's turn comes this Sunday, a four-week wait for reasons only Connacht Council know.

And as may have been seen on the website, the relegations of this year are postponed, and the whole restructuring looks to be held up by another year. Cull the lot next year and get it over with, if this year's Intermediate final was bad, next year's could be even worse yet.

[magpie seanie]

The super league final is down for decision on Saturday at 2.30pm in Ballymote. Whoopeeedoooo.

[Mano]

The super league final is down for decision on Saturday at 2.30pm in Ballymote. Whoopeeedoooo.

If Curry decide to turn up

[Owenmoresider]

A brief summary:

Curry did indeed turn up, as Coolera's defenders will testify! 4-11 to 1-14, a goal spree by Curry in the second half proving the difference.

St. Pat's won the U20 B final as expected, doesn't say for the rest of us (not least us) that Bunninadden got to the final. Could this give hope for a revival (to some degree) in the fortunes of that once mighty club?

And Tourlestrane lost, and again it was a game they could have won. The lack of scoring forwards, amongst other things, proved their downfall.

[magpie seanie]

Curry did indeed turn up, as Coolera's defenders will testify!

A pity a few of our defenders didn't turn up!

Entertaining game for the time of year. One we should have been able to see out after going into a 6 point lead with less than 20 minutes left but the wheels came off a bit.

[Teeling Gael]

See St Johns attempt to avoid 3rd Tier football in Sligo was rejected. Had to be really otherwise complete anarchy would have broken out with Marys and Coolaney having similiar cases. Johns primary reason they were relegated was the complete breakdown between their appointed manager and the non county players who had other priorities.

However I would feel that there needs to be a radical overhaul of Club football in Sligo as clubs are genuinely been penalised for producing players for the county. Simply when there are 14 league matches to be played primarily in April / May and June as there is in Sligo, it is impossible to get the county players playing regularily for the clubs. I would return to single round league with uneven number of teams in most divisions ( to ensure each club has a designated weekend off)  something like 9 , 9 ,9 and 7 in each of the respective leagues. I would not start club football in late February as its way too early but start it no early than Patricks day. I would also move at least some rounds of the Benson cup etc into the summer so ensure football even on championship weekends. This would give each club 8 league matches , 3 benson cup matches and  the current 4 guaranteed Championship matches. As at least 2 of the guaranteed championship matches would be played after Sligo are eliminated from Championship ( say on average 1 August) one only needs to fit in 10 clubs matches for the county players from Patricks Day to end of July ( ignoring Benson Cup) , which by my calculations is approx 10 matches in 19 weekends. If 15 matches isn't enough for the ordinary club player then a couple of 9 a side blitzs could be organised to cater for these players. I genuinely think though that having to Committ for 22 matches a summer is actually driving players away from club football in Sligo , just look at the age profile of most club sides.

[magpie seanie]

Agree with the general thrust of what you are saying. I'd be more inclined to go for 3x11 team leagues with Div 4 for the rest. County players would have to be available for all 10 league games and 4+ championship games. In a county our size that is surely not too much to ask. The prestige of the leagues has to be restored. Do away with ridiculous things like naming leagues 1A, 1B etc and super cup finals. 7 a side blitz comps are going to have to be a feature for club players too (especially at lower grades). The success of tag rugby and astro soccer is largely due to changes in society. People want to play the game but in a more fun environment and the GAA will have to face this sooner or later.

Just got a list sent to me of motions put forward for convention. Ballisodare want rid of us pesky second teams from intermediate championship. I personally think they should be more concerned with getting their own house in order. Western Gaels seem to be continuing their struggle against the hurling board. I strongly agree with one CCC for hurling and football. List below:


Rúin (Motions)

Finance

1   That the County Finance Committee review the admission charges for County Finals and that the County Committee consider their recommendations in advance of the dates set for the finals.  (Clairsigh an Oirthir).

2   That all grants and monies come through the County Treasurer and be distributed by him and full accountability. (Gaeil an Iarthar).

Rules and Administration

3   That the County Hurling sub-committee be chaired by an officer of the County Committee. Rule 62(i), Treorai Oifigiuil 2007, Cuid 1.   (Gaeil an Iarthar).

4   That all transfers within Connacht be posted on website or on the County Committee minutes.   (Gaeil an Oarthar).

5   That there be one CCC in the county to deal with hurling and football. (Gaeil an Iarthar).

Club Competitions

6   That all inter-county players be made available to their clubs for Division 1 and Division 2 league games except where prior agreement has been reached with the clubs concerned.  (St. John's).

7   Introduction of Senior (B) football championship. Senior second teams to play in this championship. (Ballysadare).

8   Only one game against each opposing team in football League, as opposed to home and away fixtures.  (Ballysadare).

9   That clubs that have a small panel of players at U-12 and U-14 be allowed to play girls on boys' teams.   Such girls would have to play as per boys' rules.  (Naomh Padraig).

[Owenmoresider]

Not a lot up for debate then. Ballisodare seem to specialise in stupid motions, won't make any difference as they are still the worst first team in it. The CCC thing is probably a sensible idea, but it might be better coming from another club, WG aren't the most diplomatic bunch!

Regarding restructuring - I still think the league should be 12-12 for D1 and D2, tied in with the SFC and IFC, and an end to the safety of relegation playoffs for the usual suspects. D3 can have 10, maybe 12 if clubs got serious about making an effort with second teams, and even perhaps a smaller D4 if there were enough, maybe for midweek. The JFC would probably but all as one. U20 should be done away with - nonsense that it makes any difference to the final panel. Play it as U21, either in Spring, or perhaps like Mayo, midweek during the summer?

Also, the CB nominations, deckchairs in reshuffle:

Ainmniúcháin 2008



Pátrún:
S.S. Uas. O hUigínn
John Higgins
(Outgoing).



Cathaoirleach:
Seán Uas. Ó Murchu
John Murphy
(Outgoing).



Leas-Chathaoirleach:
Coireall Uas. Ó Ficheallaigh
Cyril Feehily
(Outgoing).



Runaí
Padraic Uas. Ó Dubhthaigh

Elaine Ni Mhuirneacháin

Dáibhí Uas. Ó hOsaidhe

Gearoid Uas. Ó Conchúr                     
Padraic Duffy, 

Elaine Gordon,

David Hosey

Gerry O'Connor 
 



Leas-Runaí
Dáibhí Uas. Ó hOsaidhe

Brian Uas. Mac Einri           


David Hosey

Brian Henry
(Outgoing).



Cisteoir:
Hilary Uas. Ó Liathain
Hilary Lyons
 



Cisteoir Cúnta:
Seamus Uas. Ó Croinin

Padraic Uas. Ó Dubhthaigh

Eamonn Uas. Mac Munna


Seamus Cronin

Padraic Duffy

Eamonn McMunn
 



Oifigeach Forbartha
Sean Uas. Ó Clumhain         
John Clifford
(Outgoing).



Oifigeach Oiliúna:
Brian Uas. Mac Einri           
Brian Henry
(Outgoing).



Oifigeach Cultúra Gaeilge:
Mairéad Ní Ghonlaigh         
Mairéad Gonley
(Outgoing).



Oifigeach Óige:     
Tadhg Mac Craith

Tadhg Ó hEidhin 

Peadar Mac Aodha
Timmy McGrath

Tim Hynes

Peter McHugh


(Outgoing).



Oifigeach Caidrimh Poiblí:
Ruairi Uas. Ó Broin
Rory O'Beirne
 



Comhairle Connachta (2):
Eamonn Uas. Ó Maoláin

Seosamh Uas. Ó Taift                         


Eamonn Mullen

Joe Taaffe
(Outgoing).

(Outgoing)

Árd-Chomhairle:   
Ciaran Uas. MacDiarmada 
Kieran McDermott


(Outgoing)



Delegates to Connacht Convention (4):
Seamus Uas. Mac Amhlaidh

Padraic Uas. Ó Dubhthaigh

T. Uas. Mac Giolla Chadhain

Ualtar Uas. Ó Cibhleathain


Seamus Cawley

Padraic Duffy

Tommy Kilcoyne

Walter Kivlehan
 

Delegates to Congress. (3 including Cathaoirleach and Runai):
P. Uas. Ó Dubhthaigh

C. Uas. Ó Ficheallaigh   

T. Uas. Ó hEidhin

T. Mac Giolla Chadhain

E. Uas. Ó Maoláin

S. Uas. Ó Murchu               


Padraic Duffy

Cyril Feehily

Tim Hynes

Tommy Kilcoyne

Eamonn Mullen

John Murphy


Not much change in the offing it would appear.

[magpie seanie]

I'm reliably informed that at least half the listed nominees for Secretary and Asst Secretary will not be standing. Will be interesting who will take Chairman of Minor Board. I hear Timmy is thinking of stepping down. The whole area needs a major overhaul in my view and change of the Chairman on its own will not achieve it. Tommy Kilcoyne must be taking a well deserved break. I'd say Duffy will take over and he'll do a good job.

OMS - I think under rule that league and championship are supposed to be seperate and I haven't heard one decent reason why we should revert to the old way anyway. We won the Owen B Hunt from effectively Div 2 so that shows that what league you're in has little bearing on championship preparations (note St. John's this year as well). Its a seperate competition and should be left as so. Championship is so much different. That is the stage for players to perform. Losing a few games in the muck in March/April shouldn't mean you might get relegated in championship.

[Teeling Gael]

With Seanie in this one OMS and dont think its right to marry league and championship and as far as i Know its not allowed ( though these things didn't stop the ccc in recent years). Any word yet on how many teams will be relegated in Senior/ intermediate championship in 2008 ??

Slightly disappointed in nominees for county board in that there doesn't seem to be much new blood coming through and as OMS says its a reshuffle of the deckchairs . Tommy Kilcoyne has given incredible service to Sligo football and I think its will be the first time in something like 70 years that a Kilcoyne wont be secretary of Sligo GAA. I know Croke park are talking about each county having one , but certainly in Sligo we are crying out for a Commercial Manager who I'd be certain would more than repay their salary.

[Owenmoresider]

Convention on Tuesday, looking like a coronation for the Secretary's job, doubt it'll resemble a contest in any event. Same goes for other positions, O'Beirne isn't going for PRO it seems, so that won't be filled, and the Treasurer's post is not a done deal either AFAIK.

Also last weekend Tubber (with some token Cloonacool reps) flaked Curry 2-19 to 2-4 in the U20 final. That quietened some of the talk on Hoganshite for sure!

[Teeling Gael]

I note John Murphys address to the convention last night is on sligogaa.ie . In fairness its very well written and he covers alot of points.

Any word on the filling of other posts apart from Secretary ?? Didn't realise that Clifford and Hosey were also stepping down along with the tresurers.

Sadly Murphy addresses the breakdown of negotiations in buying a combined facility with Owenmore Gaels. Its as bigger blow to us than to the county board I feel but hopefully the groundwork is now done for a move in the future either in partnership with County Board or on our own.

Intrigued by the CCC draft fixtures plan been launched last night. again to be commended in principle but is there any details available yet. Did I pick up that Round 5 of the league will be completed by March ??

[magpie seanie]

Its a sad state of affairs when a man plans a February wedding to facilitate his interest in gaelic football only for the fixtures committee to schedule league matches when he'll be away on honeymoon!

All joking aside I see it as a further blow to the prestige of the league. Maybe we should play it in the intercounty off season if its that much of an impediment.