International Rules 2010/2011

[nrico2006]

I think its crazy that the Aussies can beat an Ireland team using the round ball for a start, could you imagine if this game was devised with the oval ball instead, it wouldn't even be a contest.

People keep going on about the difference in fitness levels, but surely there shouldn't be that much a difference between the two teams regarding fitness as top level GAA training these days is pretty much professional.

The tackle seems to be the key in this game, its not second nature to GAA players to get the ball and get rid of it as soon as an opponent comes into your line of sight because a GAA player will try and get around the man or side step him, its like our players forget that the opponent can just grab you and drag you to the ground and they still try and play the way they would in a normal GAA match.

As or the mark, posters here have been spot on regarding the attitude of our players once they catch the ball.  They seem to think that every time they get the mark that they have to take 3 or 4 seconds and look about for a pass instead of playing on like they would in any normal match once they catch the ball.  There was an instant when an Irish man (think it was Glynn) caught the ball abbout 30 yards out with another player steaming through in a perfect position to receive the pass which would have lead to a one on one but the Irish player who caught the ball had never any intention of doing anything but catching it and tapping it over the bar. 

[BennyHarp]

Just watched this tripe last night and I must say it is absolutely a waste if time,. How we can expect players to perform in a game that is only played every two years is ridiculous! Also any sport that rewards a forward for not winning a ball out in front and making it more advantageous to let the defender win it and then jump on him and drag him to the ground, has serious problems! Gaelic football earns no credit from this crap, it's boring to watch and our authorities would be better if promoting the gaelic football abroad if they want an international aspect.

[Zapatista]

I think its crazy that the Aussies can beat an Ireland team using the round ball for a start, could you imagine if this game was devised with the oval ball instead, it wouldn't even be a contest.

I don't get this. The ball is round it does exactly what it says on the tin. Everyone everywhere knows what way a round ball will bounce.

[HeaveHo]

I think its crazy that the Aussies can beat an Ireland team using the round ball for a start, could you imagine if this game was devised with the oval ball instead, it wouldn't even be a contest.

People keep going on about the difference in fitness levels, but surely there shouldn't be that much a difference between the two teams regarding fitness as top level GAA training these days is pretty much professional.

The tackle seems to be the key in this game, its not second nature to GAA players to get the ball and get rid of it as soon as an opponent comes into your line of sight because a GAA player will try and get around the man or side step him, its like our players forget that the opponent can just grab you and drag you to the ground and they still try and play the way they would in a normal GAA match.

As or the mark, posters here have been spot on regarding the attitude of our players once they catch the ball.  They seem to think that every time they get the mark that they have to take 3 or 4 seconds and look about for a pass instead of playing on like they would in any normal match once they catch the ball.  There was an instant when an Irish man (think it was Glynn) caught the ball abbout 30 yards out with another player steaming through in a perfect position to receive the pass which would have lead to a one on one but the Irish player who caught the ball had never any intention of doing anything but catching it and tapping it over the bar.

The fitness level difference are huge. The AFL players are very much underdone at this time of the year as most of them have done very little training in the 4-8 weeks since their season finished. Unlike GAA there is no football for five months after the grand final. If the game was played in March after AFL players have completed extensive pre season training the gap would be very obvious.

[thewobbler]

I now officially despise this artificial game. It's sheer nonsense.

Next week would be better if they turn it into a team-based sports day. 3 legged race, egg and spoon race, a bed push, the longest kick contest, maybe some 5 a side soccer on Croke Park, rounders, or a bit of tag rugby. And so on. That way the two countries could still compete, and at least it might be entertaining.

[nrico2006]

I think its crazy that the Aussies can beat an Ireland team using the round ball for a start, could you imagine if this game was devised with the oval ball instead, it wouldn't even be a contest.

I don't get this. The ball is round it does exactly what it says on the tin. Everyone everywhere knows what way a round ball will bounce.

I was alluding to the kicking of the oval ball in comparison to the round ball.  The Australian players are kicking a ball out of their hands which to them is alien, yet they still outscore the team that should be the masters of that ball.  My point was that if the oval ball was used the Irish team would not even be competitive. 

[nrico2006]

I think its crazy that the Aussies can beat an Ireland team using the round ball for a start, could you imagine if this game was devised with the oval ball instead, it wouldn't even be a contest.

People keep going on about the difference in fitness levels, but surely there shouldn't be that much a difference between the two teams regarding fitness as top level GAA training these days is pretty much professional.

The tackle seems to be the key in this game, its not second nature to GAA players to get the ball and get rid of it as soon as an opponent comes into your line of sight because a GAA player will try and get around the man or side step him, its like our players forget that the opponent can just grab you and drag you to the ground and they still try and play the way they would in a normal GAA match.

As or the mark, posters here have been spot on regarding the attitude of our players once they catch the ball.  They seem to think that every time they get the mark that they have to take 3 or 4 seconds and look about for a pass instead of playing on like they would in any normal match once they catch the ball.  There was an instant when an Irish man (think it was Glynn) caught the ball abbout 30 yards out with another player steaming through in a perfect position to receive the pass which would have lead to a one on one but the Irish player who caught the ball had never any intention of doing anything but catching it and tapping it over the bar.

The fitness level difference are huge. The AFL players are very much underdone at this time of the year as most of them have done very little training in the 4-8 weeks since their season finished. Unlike GAA there is no football for five months after the grand final. If the game was played in March after AFL players have completed extensive pre season training the gap would be very obvious.

The same could be said for the majority of the Gaelic players too, alot of them would have hardly any top level football in the past month or two unless their club or county reached the latter stages of the Championship.  Would their be much difference in fitness levels between a top level AFL player and a top Intercounty player in the middle of their respective Championship campaigns?

[INDIANA]

A player who emigrates for economic reasons is lamented.

A player who doesn't play for wild oats or alcoholic reasons is tolerated.

A man who plays for Ireland and then for his club the next day is somehow a lesser man?

I'm with Stephenite on this, God forbid that our opinion gets us shot.

I could never agree with anyone who would play in this the day before a county final. Thats my opinion. Its up to them what thye want to do For me the club is everything. Without that the games dont exist.

As to the future of the series - there is none. Its a horrible game to watch and its also galling watching the Aussies being able to kick the ball better then us. Once the aussies started taking this seriously we were always in trouble.

[mountainboii]

The International Rules and the gaaboard: the perfect storm of whinge.

[lolafrola]

Yes, i say there would be a big difference in fitness levels. These guys are professional sports men who train every day (sometimes twice a day during pre-season). they are also 2 stone a man heavier and not to mention muscle mass and brute strength, the advantage they have over Ireland is unquestionable. Did you see that guy standing beside Stephen McDonnell for the toss at the start, he was nearly twice his size and he could shift so what chance has the Irish competing against these professional athletes.

I don't care that people say these guys haven't trained in ages, bullshit. The training is already in the legs and over the last 2 weeks the would have brushed up a bit on sharpness and ball work and they'd be ready. I agree the Irish are playing into their hands by slowing it down and taking too many marks but you lads have to remember the Aussies have learnt over the years to bring over better athletes (who are still strong as f**k) and we don't stand a chance anymore

[fearglasmor]

From Newstalk,  what the fcuk is all this about. How much mutual interest is there between a professional sporting body and amateurs who have no interest in being paid for playing their passtime of choice.

Maybe its already obvious but are the GAA authorities and GPA alike targeting the AFL as a model for the future development of Gaelic Football ?

The Gaelic Players Association and their Aussie Rules counterparts, the AFL Players Association have announced a player transition agreement to assist Irish players returning home. The agreement is designed to help players in a wide range of development programmes including career advice, financial advice and health.

Speaking about the launch of the joint player transition agreement, GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said: "Following this significant agreement, the GPA is now in a position to work with the AFLPA to help support players returning to Ireland and Gaelic Games after a period in the AFL.

"I think it's vital that we recognise the challenges this transition poses for the Irish player by providing them with effective personal assistance. "We are also looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the AFLPA on matters of mutual interest for our respective members."

[INDIANA]

From Newstalk,  what the fcuk is all this about. How much mutual interest is there between a professional sporting body and amateurs who have no interest in being paid for playing their passtime of choice.

Maybe its already obvious but are the GAA authorities and GPA alike targeting the AFL as a model for the future development of Gaelic Football ?

The Gaelic Players Association and their Aussie Rules counterparts, the AFL Players Association have announced a player transition agreement to assist Irish players returning home. The agreement is designed to help players in a wide range of development programmes including career advice, financial advice and health.

Speaking about the launch of the joint player transition agreement, GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said: "Following this significant agreement, the GPA is now in a position to work with the AFLPA to help support players returning to Ireland and Gaelic Games after a period in the AFL.

"I think it's vital that we recognise the challenges this transition poses for the Irish player by providing them with effective personal assistance. "We are also looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the AFLPA on matters of mutual interest for our respective members."

Always an agenda with the GPA and always will be. No matter what they say- they want to be paid.

[heffo]

From Newstalk,  what the fcuk is all this about. How much mutual interest is there between a professional sporting body and amateurs who have no interest in being paid for playing their passtime of choice.

Maybe its already obvious but are the GAA authorities and GPA alike targeting the AFL as a model for the future development of Gaelic Football ?

The Gaelic Players Association and their Aussie Rules counterparts, the AFL Players Association have announced a player transition agreement to assist Irish players returning home. The agreement is designed to help players in a wide range of development programmes including career advice, financial advice and health.

Speaking about the launch of the joint player transition agreement, GPA chief executive Dessie Farrell said: "Following this significant agreement, the GPA is now in a position to work with the AFLPA to help support players returning to Ireland and Gaelic Games after a period in the AFL.

"I think it's vital that we recognise the challenges this transition poses for the Irish player by providing them with effective personal assistance. "We are also looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the AFLPA on matters of mutual interest for our respective members."

Always an agenda with the GPA and always will be. No matter what they say- they want to be paid.

You're very cynical Indiana!

It didn't take Dessie long to turn from poacher to gamekeeper - as I was going through the turnstile on Saturday night, who did I see getting ushered in foc through the door marked 'Officials' on Dessie and his two sons, a couple of steps behind Sean Kelly and then being led down to the Ard Comhairle section to sit next to Christy, Padraic and their Aussie counterparts.

[Mike Sheehy]

Yes, i say there would be a big difference in fitness levels. These guys are professional sports men who train every day (sometimes twice a day during pre-season). they are also 2 stone a man heavier and not to mention muscle mass and brute strength, the advantage they have over Ireland is unquestionable. Did you see that guy standing beside Stephen McDonnell for the toss at the start, he was nearly twice his size and he could shift so what chance has the Irish competing against these professional athletes.

I don't care that people say these guys haven't trained in ages, bullshit. The training is already in the legs and over the last 2 weeks the would have brushed up a bit on sharpness and ball work and they'd be ready. I agree the Irish are playing into their hands by slowing it down and taking too many marks but you lads have to remember the Aussies have learnt over the years to bring over better athletes (who are still strong as f**k) and we don't stand a chance anymore

So I assume this is going to put to bed the age old boast "sure GAA players are just as fit as the professionals so-and-so went to such-and-such soccer club on trial and they were saying he was fitter than the lot of them"

[lawnseed]

jinxy the star robbed your gooch comment just read it