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Is the GAA really so "parochial", metaphorically as well as literally

the GAA is somewhat "parochial" in the best sense of the word. The GAA is based on people who have pride in their place. This doesn't fit well people who don't identify with the place they are associated with. Irish people who regard themselves as British, French or whatever, despite having no particular connection to Britain or France, have a rather different attitude than GAA members generally. You can criticise the GAA for its devotion to its founding values, although in fact the GAA evolves all of the time.  However a community who think of themselves as British because their ancestors came from Britain 400 years ago can hardly throw stones in regard to concern with outmoded values.

A couple of issues here. The traffic problems in Clones are considerable, but a similar crowd at another venue wouldn't be any better and the completion of the Castleblayney and Monaghan bypasses may improve things. Casement has the M1, but you either filter through the Stockman's lane roundabout or head off on city streets to another junction, neither of these options will be exactly free flowing. Congestion is worst when most of traffic approaching from the same direction. Omagh would not meet the bill in this case, any combination of Armagh/Cavan/Down/Monaghan would have pretty much everyone trying to make their way from Ballygawley.

The question is what should be capacity be? This may depend on whether the Maze is ever to be built. Of Ulster final combinations any combination of Fermanagh/Cavan/Monaghan/Derry/Antrim would probably fit into the current capacity and would be facilitated by a modest increase in capacity to 40000 and a roof or two. Donegal people seem more willing to travel to Croke Pk than Clones. Tyrone/Armagh/Down could probably raise a crowd beyond the current capacity, especially if one or more of these teams are competitive at national level. With the improvement in the Dublin-Belfast road Armagh and Down people could almost get to Croke Pk as handy as anywhere, if the capacity was needed. It might be better to improve Clones to a 400000-42000 capacity and still play games every few years in Croke Pk if the demand is there.

The Armagh one is not as bad as it used to be. Maybe 3rd division.

Lone Shark what odds will you offer that an article on county websites, much like this thread, appears in a national newspaper in the next month?

The Ulster final has been played in Croke Pk for the last 3 years. However the Armagh-Donegal and Armagh-Tyrone pairings that provided the large crowds is not going to happen next year. One of Donegal/Armagh/Tyrone will probably reach the final but of the teams in the other side of the draw only Down could muster a crowd, Derry are more likely to be there and they'll hardly need the Hogan stand for their fan base. I'd say the Ulster final will be in Clones in 2007.

Plenty of big intercounty games in July, including provincial finals in the first half of the month, see www.GAA.ie as the year goes on. Ticket availability partly depends on who is playing, Leinster hurling finals are easy to get tickets for, not so Munster hurling finals. If Dublin are in the Leinster football final, then tickets are very difficult to get, but if Dublin are not playing it is easy.

A lot of ones said John Donaldson was man of the match, would you want him in a county jersey?

John Donaldson is 33 (or thereabouts), hardly a prospect for the future. Paul Kernan is a prospect because he played well and should be capable of further improvement. Of course his achievements are unlikely to escape the notice of Armagh management, but that doesn't mean he isn't a prospect!

In fairness, Pint, Paul Kernan played well against Ballinderry, the Irish News had him as MOM. Such a performance in the Ulster club final suggests promise, whoever your father is!

from TG4 website

3/12/2006
13:45    GAA BEO
Beo: Craobh Club AIB – Cluiche Ceannais Iomána na Mumhan idir Tuaim Uí Mheára (Tiobraid Árann) agus Rogha Éireann (Corcaigh).

Iarbheo: Craobh Club AIB – Cluiche Ceannais Peile Cúige Laighean idir Ród (Uibh Fháilí) agus Bealach a'Tiriallaigh (An Iarmhí) / Achadh Uí Mhórdha (Cill Dara).

no sign of the Casement game here.

But then will every club feel the need to lower their standards so they can progress to an All-Ireland clubg final albeit of a lower standard

Not every club, I think Cross' will continue to take their chances in their present grade. Every other club perhaps.

"I only bet on Tyrone when I am certain they are going to win"

Afraid it's back to Casement this Sunday, seen the fixtures press release and both games set for Casement on Sunday. First game 12.15pm, ref JJ Cleary (Derry), and senior final 2pm, ref J McQuillan (Cavan)

With all this fancy floodlighting, why don't they turn it on and just play the games at a traditional 2pm and 3.30?

The Casement venue was announced at the end of the game in Breffni. Ballinderry will fancy their chances if Cross' ease off the gas as they did in the second half today.

The GAA cant refuse (rightfully) to share their facilties and demand that others share with them, especially seeing as Rovers have put €2m in and the Dept will put in the other €4m

if the public are putting up the bulk of the money then the public should have the opportunity to use the facilty.,If the pitch is made bigger then soccer, GAA and rugby can use the ground. In GAA facilities there may have been a public contribution, but it is not two thirds of the cost!!

This one should waste a few minutes
http://www.psychology.org.nz/industrial/aguanta.htm

if you are any good at it, either become a US air force pilot or perhaps try out for the Irish International Rules team.

Ego sum Sparticus