Gaa 2013

[Spudulika]

I love GAA, I love sports. But by god I'm beginning to lose faith in the GAA media. As bad as the football journos in Ireland are, obeying the rule of law from the motherland and all, in GAA it's becoming farcical. I listened to the match on Sunday (build up) on radio 1, watched it via Premier/Setanta on RTE and then listened to radio after. 2 thigns struck me that have been there non-stop this Summer.

1. Referee's ruin games
2. Players looking for hawkeye.

For the 1st point, it's codswallop, this crud of "soft yellow card", no, sorry, a yellow's a yellow. I'm a Dub but Liam Rushe should have gone, but the ref did what ref's are expected to do when they've already sent off a player. He copped out and gave him a yellow. Everything, everything from the media was about (before the match) "I hope the referee doesn't ruin this match and just lets it flow", it's crud and it has no place in sport.

The 2nd point, no, get rid of hawkeye, it's purely for increasing sponsorship and building "excitement", tm odd shaped ball sports. Hurling and football are exciting enough without this nonsense and it purely gives pundits and players more reason to whine.

Cork deserved to win on Sunday, they took their scores, Dublin didn't. But I am fast losing love for the sport when the pundits deliberately sit on the bandwaggon just to stick with the crowd. Groupthink wins again. No wonder FF are back in favour.

[NeverFeltBetter]

The "ref ruined the game" is a constant refrain across sport.

I love Hawkeye. Was it the Leinster final where, after a tight shot, we saw an umpire first reach for the flag, then suddenly change his mind and wave wide? Obviously hadn't a clue and guessed. Guessed wrong, as Hawkeye proved. Think the umpires were shown up twice by the tech in that match?

While Hawkeye hasn't been the difference between a victory or defeat yet, I can't wait for the day that it is. I've seen too many GAA refs and umpires make mistakes.

[Spudulika]

The "ref ruined the game" is a constant refrain across sport.

I love Hawkeye. Was it the Leinster final where, after a tight shot, we saw an umpire first reach for the flag, then suddenly change his mind and wave wide? Obviously hadn't a clue and guessed. Guessed wrong, as Hawkeye proved. Think the umpires were shown up twice by the tech in that match?

While Hawkeye hasn't been the difference between a victory or defeat yet, I can't wait for the day that it is. I've seen too many GAA refs and umpires make mistakes.

It has always been a feature, however now it's gotten to an insidious level, especially GAA. They're aping the football boys and it's just so false.

I don't like hawkeye, even in tennis it's a pain and normally the tool of a loser.

[NeverFeltBetter]

In GAA, I think the majority of the time its correcting bad calls, which is unarguably a good thing. It only takes a few seconds and it removes a very irritating aspect of the sport - Umpires not being capable of making such calls. I mean that in a non-acrimonious way. I don't think any person, in that position, would be capable of deciding if a tight shot was in or outside the post, especially with something like a sliotar, which is not only tiny, but mostly the same colour as the post. Hawkeye solves the problem and makes the end result fairer.

I only wish umpires can man up and tell the ref "I don't know" rather than just guess and get shown up 10 seconds later.

[Spudulika]

I think it was never more exposed than in 2010 when the umpire dithered and tried to tell the cheat, I mean ref, that something was up. Then the ref told him to put up his flag. Hawk eye wouldn't have helped another episode of Meath's cheating DNA, only honesty and "look, it was wrong, so let's just replay it" would have helped. I agree players will push boundaries, but why put the blame on officials - like Loughnane today saying that Pat McEneaney must leave hurling alone. So if it was a hurling man heading up the refs he'd have excused Henry Shefflin's late pull or Liam Rushe's swipe?

I agree fully with you, NFB, that umpires need to take a stand.

[DannyInvincible]

Came across this the other day: http://balls.ie/news/international-gaa-match/

I'd never realised that Brittany and Galicia had GAA teams made up (solely?) of Breton and Galician natives (rather than second-generation Irish and ex-pats).


You might think there’s no such thing as international GAA matches but by God it happens all right. Last weekend Galicia and Brittany faced each other in the second annual match between the two nations.

The Galician community in western Spain took to Gaelic football like ducks to water when Wences Zapata set up a club in A Coruña in 2010 after he fell in love with the sport while holidaying in Ireland. Corunna Breogan‘s popularity led to another football club, ‘Artabros de Oleireos’, being set up last year, and the pick of these two teams travelled together to the Inter-Celtic Festival of Lorient to represent the Galician nation.

The Breton region of France boasts a longer history of Gaelic games, with its first club founded in Brest in 1998. These days there are 11 clubs in Brittany and their best players were chosen to face Galicia, all hoping to avenge last year’s loss.

And that they did – beating the Galicians 3-12 to 1-8 in front of a crowd of over 400. Of course the result isn’t the main story to come out of this match; the obvious popularity of the idea makes us wonder if we might well we see a GAA World Cup in years to come?

[DannyInvincible]

In light of the above discussion on Hawk-Eye, the system has been stood down for today's senior hurling semi-final after it registered a clear point in the preceding minor game as a miss: http://thescore.thejournal.ie/hawkeye-fails-all-ireland-semi-finals-1042757-Aug2013/?utm_source=facebook_short

[geysir]

It's a bit much to have 2 hurling weekends in a row, can't they play the semi finals on the same weekend and get it over with?

[NeverFeltBetter]

In light of the above discussion on Hawk-Eye, the system has been stood down for today's senior hurling semi-final after it registered a clear point in the preceding minor game as a miss: http://thescore.thejournal.ie/hawkeye-fails-all-ireland-semi-finals-1042757-Aug2013/?utm_source=facebook_short

I was there, I'm not sure what happened, caused a great deal of confusion. I'll wait on the official judgement before passing my own - I would suspect it was just an image error, but who knows? If Hawk-Eye is bugged, or not as reliable as indicated, then I can't defend it.

Edit: Not that I'm outraged or anything. The Galway minors deserved the win, and the ref seemed to help Limerick get as far as ET with that last free outside of the allotted injury time.

[NeverFeltBetter]

The GAA have made a statement saying one of the Hawk-Eye cameras was incorrectly set for football instead of hurling. Human error. Irritating, but its not the systems fault.

Their statement doesn't actually mention whether that means Limerick's "point" should have been awarded or not. I read the Minor team are appealing the result.

[BonnieShels]

What annoyed me about the whole incident and what seems to be getting missed out here, Irrespective of the hawk-eye clusterfcuk the referee is the final arbiter of the game. So he still had the final say no matter what hawk-eye said. He chose not to give the point despite it being over all day.

Hawk-eye is an aid. That is all. The referee's decision is final and he made a mess of this one.

[DannyInvincible]

I see the Limerick manager is having a go at the "technology": http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0822/469619-hawk-eye-error-traumatic-for-limerick-players/


“My view is that Hawk-Eye, at this moment in time, has let the association down. It has let players down and it has let managers down. It has failed.”

Wallace acknowledged that the introduction of the score detection system had received overwhelming support at GAA Congress last year, but now questions the basis on which delegates were convinced of the merits of the technology.

“We are all aware of (the support) but what was (the Hawk-Eye technology) sold on? Was it sold on the basis that it was infallible, that it could not make a mistake? Well we are now dealing with the reality of its mistake. It did not award a point to the Limerick minors who should have won that game.”

“Not alone do we not have confidence in Hawk-Eye at this stage, but how could Davy Fitzgerald and Jimmy Barry Murphy have confidence in a system that has proved to be not as infallible as it was claimed to be.”

The technology works fine; you just have to make sure some eejit doesn't set it incorrectly first. Didn't the GAA admit it was a human setting error rather than a "Hawk-Eye error"?

Anyway, as Bonnie also points out, the system is simply an aid which the referee can ignore or over-rule.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Its what I feared, a backlash against the tech, when it was just human error.

But losing managers are going to bitch anyway.

[geysir]

What annoyed me about the whole incident and what seems to be getting missed out here, Irrespective of the hawk-eye clusterfcuk the referee is the final arbiter of the game. So he still had the final say no matter what hawk-eye said. He chose not to give the point despite it being over all day.

Hawk-eye is an aid. That is all. The referee's decision is final and he made a mess of this one.
Chill out Bonnie.
Yes the ref is the final arbiter and he deferred to hawk eye, that was his arbitration. The ref did good but you want to hang him out to dry?
But what mercy can we expect from fascist loving, haters of the beautiful game, like yourself?
Go polish your bovver boots. :)

[NeverFeltBetter]

Appeal rejected, which was to be expected: http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0822/469760-cccc-reject-limerick-haek-eye-appeal/

I think the argument is that a Hawk-Eye malfunction isn't covered under the rules or something. Limerick GAA are pressing on with appeals to other authorities, but its all doomed to failure I imagine.

[BonnieShels]

Chill out Bonnie.
Yes the ref is the final arbiter and he deferred to hawk eye, that was his arbitration. The ref did good but you want to hang him out to dry?
But what mercy can we expect from fascist loving, haters of the beautiful game, like yourself?
Go polish your bovver boots. :)

Well really I want the umpires hung out to dry. Too often they're seen guessing points when they can just say to the ref "I don't know".

His actual "arbitration" was that he felt he could not award the point because of what hawk-eye stated. Despite the obvious contradictions of the two screens that hawk-eye showed.

So how you could state he "did good" I do not know.

You'll be better off there getting your Mayo colours ready.

[DannyInvincible]

Appeal rejected, which was to be expected: http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/hurling/2013/0822/469760-cccc-reject-limerick-haek-eye-appeal/

I think the argument is that a Hawk-Eye malfunction isn't covered under the rules or something. Limerick GAA are pressing on with appeals to other authorities, but its all doomed to failure I imagine.

Why is it still being reported as a Hawk-Eye malfunction when the GAA have admitted that human error in the setting of the system was to blame? It was set for football rather than hurling.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I know it was human error, I'm just using "malfunction" in the sense of "didn't work as wanted". The tech is sound. Try telling that to the Limerick minor manager of course, but he has a vested interest in discrediting the system.

[DannyInvincible]

I know it was human error, I'm just using "malfunction" in the sense of "didn't work as wanted". The tech is sound. Try telling that to the Limerick minor manager of course, but he has a vested interest in discrediting the system.

I was more directing my post at RTÉ who described it as such in the story. It's careless and gives people a completely incorrect impression of what is, as you say, pretty sound technology.

[IsMiseSean]

If Mayo win the All-Ireland I'll seriously consider emigrating....

[swinfordfc]

If Mayo win the All-Ireland I'll seriously consider emigrating....

Off you go .... the place will be better without you .......

[IsMiseSean]

Off you go .... the place will be better without you .......

Harsh...

[Charlie Darwin]

Mayo people are a feisty race.

[BonnieShels]

During the match on Sunday they did a 360 degree panorama of the stadium. I looked at where I was in the crowd and I have my head in my hands. Checking the big screen to see when that was and it was just after Peter Harte was crushed. Tyrone were up 0-05 to 0-03 at that stage.

But interestingly you can zoom in on the RTE box that Brolly and co were in and Spillane is sitting behing Joe with the others sitting beside him. Poor Pat.

Disappointed with the result and some of the refereeing decisions. Mayo again showed how easy they are to get the yips before a game. Roll on Sunday. Can't come quick enough.

[shakermaker1982]

I have to say I was getting worried after 30 minutes. Mayo not at the races at all. Very sloppy in possession and wasteful in front of the posts. Not sure who'd I prefer to meet in the final. I imagine Dublin are favourites?

[BonnieShels]

I couldn’t believe most of the Mayo people I was talking to about the game would prefer to play Dublin rather than Kerry based on historical precedent. But if I was Mayo I would be taking Kerry all day everyday. However, if Mayo were to start like they did against Dublin or Kerry they would be in serious trouble and won’t get away with it.

Dublin are the clear favourites at this stage. Of course they still have to go through Kerry but by all accounts based on this and last year they really should.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Hmm, have this nasty nasty feeling about Kerry.

Diablo Rouge to thread...

[BonnieShels]

I dunno. This Dublin team just aren't as brittle as we used to be. I reckon us by 2.

If we are in the lead at half-time we won't give it up.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Maybe, but came across the usual smug/'arrogant'? Kerry fans last weekend who can be very annoying and who were super confident...

[BonnieShels]

They always are. That’s why a thumping on Sunday will be all the sweeter.
Heaven forbid the other 30 of us might have to trust Mayo to beat them in the final.

[DannyInvincible]

Don't suppose anyone is aware of a stream for today's semi-final? RTÉ's coverage is island-of-Ireland only and I can't see anything where GAA links can usually found: http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=217282&part=sports

[Charlie Darwin]

This?

http://www.aertv.ie/#rte-two

[DannyInvincible]

Can't be viewed from my current location.

[Charlie Darwin]

Have a look at this so: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQbsS365kl4

Sub in Ireland for UK

[strangeirish]

http://www.vipboxonline.eu/rugby/173888/2/dublin-vs-kerry-all-ireland-football-championship-live-stream-online.html

http://www.vipboxonline.eu/sports/rugby.html

Switching back and forth when one of them goes down.

[BonnieShels]

Soooooooooooooooooooooooo...

Now that we have had nearly a week to digest "the greatest game ever" what are our thoughts?

I maintained as an attendee at the game that the referee had a shocker. I enjoyed it but as is always the case against Kerry I would never live through that last ten minutes again. Though it wasn't as bad as the AIF in 2011.

I think it's ours to lose. But we are in for one hell of an All-Ireland Final this year. :)

For the record, best game I've ever seen was a toss-up between Tyrone-Dublin (QF 2008), Tyrone-Kerry (Final 2008) or Mayo-Dublin (SF 2006). With maybe the 2006 game shading it.

[Real ale Madrid]

For the record, best game I've ever seen was a toss-up between Tyrone-Dublin (QF 2008), .

Wasn't even the best QF that year - Galway / Kerry in the rain - great game.

Anyway - who cares about football - poor man's hurling anyway :D

Heading to HQ on Sunday in an effort to lower the Banner!

[BonnieShels]

I was away for the Galway-Kerry game.

But For sheer quality of football, Tyrone were glorious that day.

'HON THE BANNER!

[nigel-harps1954]

Still think Mayo will absolutely blitz Dublin.

[Charlie Darwin]

Blitz them how? I would have Mayo slight favourites myself but I don't see this Dublin team being blitzed by anyone.

[nigel-harps1954]

I've no idea why, but I just see it happening. Minimum 5 points in it.

[Charlie Darwin]

I don't see it. Like I said, I think Mayo will win but unless Dublin implode in the final five minutes it will be close on the scoreboard. Dublin won the Kerry game by 7 points but nobody would describe it as a blitz and I think the final will be the same.

[nigel-harps1954]

Mayo will come out all guns blazing. Go into a big 6 or 7 point lead within 20 or 30 minutes and Dublin will just fall to pieces. Players will start getting a bit annoyed and there will be a few scrappy red cards and a few fights breaking out. Mayo will coast to victory amid scenes of rioting on the hill.

[Charlie Darwin]

I think your north-west pride is getting the better of you there! Neither team is that superior that they will get that much of a lead, as Dublin showed when Kerry were piling on the scores last week.

[nigel-harps1954]

Just you wait and see. ;)

Nor do I have much north-west pride when it comes to this sort of thing. I was probably one of the few people in Donegal delighted to see us being put out of the championship this year in such emphatic style.

[Mr A]

Mayo are due a good start in an all-Ireland in fairness.

[BonnieShels]

That made me laugh more than it should.

[swinfordfc]

Ye all mad :)

[BonnieShels]

Are they letting you up for the day on the 22nd?

[DannyInvincible]

I think your north-west pride is getting the better of you there!

Is Mayo considered north-west now too? I always thought Sligo was pushing it!