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I would suggest you ask Johnny Maher (Loughrea), he had a good grip of his hurl today in the county final - his performance a must see on TG4 player

It is a runner? Will  Leinster Council be on a winner?

If those that support the Railway Cup grow balls and stand up and be counted then I feel the competiton has a chance. There are many things wrong with the running of the competition and it stems from those at the top who don't want the competiton and pay only lip servvice despite the stated interest of the players. October weekend should be a fest and those that want it should be allowed to promote and drive it.  I suppose it will always be left to those that dont want it to run it and make the excuses. What is the GPA's opinion if they represent the palyers and we are told the players want it.

Just read John Greene in the Sindo and I think he makes a very valid point not only for Paul Barden but for lads that have been great early in the year -the forgotten - every year. It is amazing that the journalists only see the players in the AI semi and final. Is it a case that they only come onboard for these matches and send the junior reporters to all other matches.

Just had a quick look at the PP website and it's saying the match is televised. Does anyone know which channel it's on?

TV Rosco as no one else will want to watch the massacre

The Irish Times - Tuesday, March 6, 2012
GAA allay fears of Revenue 'swoop'



In this section »
Keane gets his chance and grabs it
Monaghan likely to face DRA tomorrow night

SEÁN MORAN, GAA Correspondent

THE GAA is anxious to calm fears that the association is being targeted by the tax authorities.

In the wake of concerns expressed about tax compliance within the association and unrest amongst referees caused by threatened reductions in their match expenses, GAA finance director Tom Ryan said the discussions are part of an ongoing dialogue with the Revenue that has been in process for more than 12 months.

He also expressed himself unhappy with the publicity that suggested the association was under scrutiny for suspected non-compliance.

"Our ongoing dealings with the Revenue aren't about plugging loopholes and there's nothing untoward in terms of how we do our business; it's just a matter of housekeeping. It's not as dramatic as it might seem."

Whereas Ryan accepted the current economic crisis had meant that there had been more attention paid to the association he said it was "benign attention, not a revenue 'swoop'."

There have been criticisms of Croke Park that tax issues were communicated poorly to the units of the GAA, causing anxieties amongst members, such as referees, whose expenses payments were not in line with permissible rates.

"We've been trying to communicate fairly intensely since before Christmas. We've gone through a series of one-to-one meetings with each county – certainly more than 20 of the 26. I accept that some counties haven't been met yet, but the nature of something like this is that one county will be first on the list and another will be last.

"It didn't help us in that respect that the matter became public before we'd finished the briefings. We also met with the National Referees' Committee. It's hard to know what more could have done.

"We tried not to send out a missive, but to sit down face-to-face with people. Perhaps one of the things we should have reinforced – and the referees' controversy appears to have gained a momentum and significance beyond its real importance – is that the interaction with the Revenue about various counties tends to throw up queries on an ongoing basis."

That interaction arises from tax audits of counties, which can occur as a matter of course, but also from a desire to standardise tax arrangements within the association.

Ryan also rejects the charge that by agonising over the issue in public the GAA has more or less invited the Revenue to take a heightened interest in the association's affairs.

"When there is an issue to be resolved it's better for us to try and do that on a national level rather than deal with it on a piecemeal basis. That was the basis of the discussion with the Revenue – that we'd try and come up with a way that the GAA might conduct its tax affairs and that everyone on our side would be aware of what was expected of them."

The desire to centralise tax dealings originated in the fractured manner in which local tax districts would approach units of the GAA.

"The idea is that you wouldn't be dealing with a different tax inspector varying from region to region and district to district, who wouldn't be aware of what had been agreed at national level.

"We've a very good relationship with the Revenue and enjoy a favourable tax status on a number of fronts – not concessionary but there are exemptions from stamp duty and VAT on tickets – so it's important that we're compliant and aware of our responsibilities."

This engagement has enabled the GAA to communicate both ways with local units on the likely tax regime and Ryan was confident the situation governing referees would be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.

"We communicated indications from the Revenue to the counties and said that it was likely they would come into force this year.

"But it was part of an ongoing process. For instance, we received some good suggestions as to how the issue could be addressed and were able to bring that back to the Revenue.

"We could put the head down and wait for the Revenue to get on to us, but if you're aware of anything that isn't best practice the best thing to do is to try and arrive at an agreement.

"It's not just referees and, while I don't want to speak on behalf of them (the authorities), I don't believe they're 'targeting' anyone. I've no doubt that we'll arrive at an accommodation that will meet the needs of both parties."

There is a simple resolution to this, a set fee of €40/£35 with mileage at €0.45/£0.35 per mile and each Provincial Council agrees a figure with tax authorities north and south on an annual settlement paid for by the GAA. Refereeing is an awful lonely job and the way things are going the love of the association is no longer attracting people. I also know that some clubs in Counties that levy a club for not providing a ref are paying ref's a subsidy. This would avoid the need for this.

That would do me, I'd be happy with that. would be a good we earner if you were getting 3 games per week

From what I believe from a friend that is a referee in Longford is that the €40 they receive should stand. They do not seek any more than that. He says it covers his extra milage when he picks up his umpires - normally 2 when he is doing league games. he gets the same for championship and he is happy with that. He sometimes is at a loss but the balance works about €40. He says  it is expenses and nothing else and would want it to be nothing else

DCU look much stronger, yesterday's victory  seems to have taken the life out of MUIM. DCU look to be a maturer students

Shark, you have stamina to burn, another greaat performance. Thanks

Thanks Shark .... a great performance by you

Why should I not be surprised

Just heard the news that one of Longfords finest lady footballers Allison Smyth, played with Rathcline, died last night at the tender age of 29. She will be missed deeply

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Blowitup

I stood at the bar in the premium side of the Hogan after the game and waited for Rossies to approach and look for a drink off a jubilant Shore. However nobody tapped me on the shaulder. I do admit I only waited 35 seconds but, hey, in this game if you snooze, you lose.

Inanyways most Rossies were gone at the final whistle. And I wouldn't blame them.

Back to the matter in hand. I'll extend the offer of melty Kit-Kats or warm Coke/Fanta/7-Up to all Laois brethern on the gaaboard if we win in 3 weeks time.

They had not gone home but were asleep in the stand - such was the standard of their football on the night. 
You could have had your pint

Bullshit as ever. Fact. Dublin arent looking beyond this game

OK Indiana - I'll let high ranking Longford Minor County Board offical know that what he heard from Longford Slashers was, in fact, bullshit.

Thanks for clearing that one up.

Game throws in at 7 pm

Its bullshit. Probably just another with em dublin "issues". We're well used to rubbish being spread about us at this stage.

Should be a good game. Looking forward to it.

Latest news from best in the west: Mayo are travelling to Smiler Fay Park  to play Longoford as Dublin will have no futher interest.

Good luck Billie Joe. You are an underrated player and I hope your undoubted talents shine through in Armagh.