Limerick Desmond League 2018/19

[Cruyff]

Just make a decision, one way or the other.
Anything to get the league going ahead again.
It wouldn't surprise me if they throw it open to the floor for suggestions...

This issue has nothing whatsoever to do with any other club.
Why else would the league be bringing every club into it unless they were looking for help.

If anyone else has a different interpretation I'm all ears....

[Cruyff]

That’s the most ridiculous statement I have ever seen. You would swear that the league is responsible for this. You might enlighten us as to what exactly they could and should have done

What do you propose they do?

[Shearer]

That’s the most ridiculous statement I have ever seen. You would swear that the league is responsible for this. You might enlighten us as to what exactly they could and should have done
I don't see the ridiculousness of it. Calling a general meeting about the Abbeyfeale issue and having it open to every club reads exactly like the league haven't a clue, haven't any good ideas and are hoping someone will sort it for them.
I don't think it's the type of issue that should be opened to the floor, a decision just needs to be made and stuck with.

Between Saturday May 4 and Friday May 10 there are five Abbeyfeale fixtures to be confirmed and that's without mentioning Abbeyfeale A's Desmond Cup Quarter Final, the playing of the semi final (whether they be in it or not), the Premier Division League Cup Quarter final and probably more.

So for the league to, in a sense, throw their hat at it and ask can somebody else fix it is a bit pathetic

[Griffo]

I would say they’re calling the meeting to let everyone know what their plan is. As long as they get everyone’s season back on track and have a plan clubs can work off for the remaining few weeks, it would be good. At this stage whatever needs to happen to get the season wrapped up needs to be done, it’s been dragging on far too long.

[Cruyff]

I would say they’re calling the meeting to let everyone know what their plan is. As long as they get everyone’s season back on track and have a plan clubs can work off for the remaining few weeks, it would be good. At this stage whatever needs to happen to get the season wrapped up needs to be done, it’s been dragging on far too long.

I initially thought the same thing, but when you read the wording it doesn't necessarily suggest that there's a plan in place at this time.
"work out the Abbeyfeale / referees situation"
This wording suggests there's still plenty to "work out."

I hope you're right though and they've a decision made and it's sorted or at least present a plan of action.

But, waiting until the middle of next week to tell us would be fairly casual given the urgency with which the rest of the league would like to see the issue dealt with and at this point moved on from...

[Cruyff]

I initially thought the same thing, but when you read the wording it doesn't necessarily suggest that there's a plan in place at this time.
"work out the Abbeyfeale / referees situation"
This wording suggests there's still plenty to "work out."

I hope you're right though and they've a decision made and it's sorted or at least present a plan of action.

But, waiting until the middle of next week to tell us would be fairly casual given the urgency with which the rest of the league would like to see the issue dealt with and at this point moved on from...

The words "work out" weren't used as it turns out.
The word "discuss" was used.

My original information was slightly off, so it is a discussion rather than a briefing.

Just wanted to correct that...

[Johnnie C]

You'd think that they'd hold the meeting a lot sooner than that, like tonight or tomorrow night. You'd have to assume also that none of those games involving Abbey over the weekend will take place.

[Cruyff]

You'd think that they'd hold the meeting a lot sooner than that, like tonight or tomorrow night. You'd have to assume also that none of those games involving Abbey over the weekend will take place.

My thoughts exactly

[Gazza29]

My information is that refs only meeting tonight to vote on their official course of action. League won’t know outcome of that officially until Friday. Bank holiday weekend so earliest meeting date was probably Tuesday but Liverpool playing so Wednesday seems perfect. It’s also my understanding that over the past 2 weeks the FAI and Referees association have told the refs that the punishment for the 2 individuals is acceptable and to go back reffing, however a few of our refereeing heroes see this situation at a glorious opportunity to hog the limelight and hold up the full league. Now, what exactly can the league do in this scenario other than consult the clubs. Surely people aren’t expecting for Abbey to be expelled

[Shearer]

Pushing out the date of a meeting to avoid clashing with an English football team's game against a Spanish football team.
Literally everything that's wrong with football in Ireland, Jesus wept.

[Gazza29]

Pushing out the date of a meeting to avoid clashing with an English football team's game against a Spanish football team.
Literally everything that's wrong with football in Ireland, Jesus wept.
Oh My God, do you think while at the meeting the Desmond League Clubs should ask for a place in next seasons champions league as well. U are very opinionated as usual, from that, can we take it that u have gone to more than 3 games this year

[Shearer]

Oh My God, do you think while at the meeting the Desmond League Clubs should ask for a place in next seasons champions league as well. U are very opinionated as usual, from that, can we take it that u have gone to more than 3 games this year
Any games I've been to I've commented on, spend most of my time at League of Ireland games.
You've attacked me on here several times, if you've a problem I suggest you private message me.

[Gazza29]

Any games I've been to I've commented on, spend most of my time at League of Ireland games.
You've attacked me on here several times, if you've a problem I suggest you private message me.

”attacked me” give it a break will you. I’m actually just going to ignore all your posts from now on so I won’t upset you. By the way, it was you that replied to my post originally

[Johnnie C]

Pushing out the date of a meeting to avoid clashing with an English football team's game against a Spanish football team.
Literally everything that's wrong with football in Ireland, Jesus wept.

Spot on with this although we can't be certain it's the reason why the meeting isn't on next Tuesday.

[Round Tower]

My information is that refs only meeting tonight to vote on their official course of action. League won’t know outcome of that officially until Friday. Bank holiday weekend so earliest meeting date was probably Tuesday but Liverpool playing so Wednesday seems perfect. It’s also my understanding that over the past 2 weeks the FAI and Referees association have told the refs that the punishment for the 2 individuals is acceptable and to go back reffing, however a few of our refereeing heroes see this situation at a glorious opportunity to hog the limelight and hold up the full league. Now, what exactly can the league do in this scenario other than consult the clubs. Surely people aren’t expecting for Abbey to be expelled

Don' t know the situation, the question is, is their a majority of referees in favour of their dispute if not and enough ref. not in favour put them down for reffing the games left in the league to finish the campaign and try and sort it out in the close seaon.

[southern kid]

hopefully it will be sorted sooner rather than later. I said it at start of whole shambles,no one likes to c refs abused/assaulted but punishment was giving by the league so accept it and move on..if league give in ,will every punishment be questioned by a ref and go start crying to there 3/4 man click at the top..grow a pair and move on please for the sake of every club/player in league..according to one of the mature referees, a few refs had issues with that particular team and management in abbey and this maybe reason for dragging it out.. this meeting will be interesting next wk, heard dey cud not get a venue so noting to do with champs league...

[westernflow]

Shearer, have you been to any St Itas game this year? Are they any good?

There is no way Abbey will be thrown out. I feel sorry for Ballingarry youths in all of this, they were beaten in one cup final and are hoping to make amends by getting to another. They've been waiting far too long to play this game. And people wonderwhy team s are struggling for numbers at junior level when this nonsense goes on. I think abbey should be heavily fined, and thrown out of the youths cup as an example.

[Griffo]

Should be a cracker tonight.

[last man back]

Is there a possibility Abbeyfeale could withdraw from the Desmond league and join the Kerry league. Castleisland, Tralee and Listowel are all on there doorstep so traveling wouldn’t be much of an issue

[Abbeyman]

Not the worst idea in the world . The Kerry league top division is a good league . Standard in that division would be higher with 7/8 decent teams .
Last night a youthful broadford were impressive in their 3-1 cup semi win over rathkeale and district FC .take a good team to beat them if they repeat that .

[Griffo]

Abbeyman why the dig at Rathkeale? Have ye not learned a lesson with giving digs back there??

[Shearer]

Some result for Broadford, they'll fancy their chances against whoever they play.

[Cruyff]

Not the worst idea in the world . The Kerry league top division is a good league . Standard in that division would be higher with 7/8 decent teams .
Last night a youthful broadford were impressive in their 3-1 cup semi win over rathkeale and district FC .take a good team to beat them if they repeat that .

Rathkeale and District FC, quality...

In all fairness, you wouldn't exactly need to go through the Broadford team with a fine tooth comb to find a share of outsiders.

I wasn't at it but if I had to guess I'd say at least half of the players used last night would have played most if not all of their underage football and probably a lot of junior at other clubs before they ever played for Broadford.

Not that I care, but perspective is important

[The Enforcer]

Rathkeale and District FC, quality...

In all fairness, you wouldn't exactly need to go through the Broadford team with a fine tooth comb to find a share of outsiders.

I wasn't at it but if I had to guess I'd say at least half of the players used last night would have played most if not all of their underage football and probably a lot of junior at other clubs before they ever played for Broadford.

Not that I care, but perspective is important

Is there facts to back that up
10 of the 16 used all played their underage with Broadford
4 youths played last night
of the remaining 6, 2 have have been with the club for over 10 years and 2 more for over 5
Facts are facts

[Cruyff]

Is there facts to back that up
10 of the 16 used all played their underage with Broadford
4 youths played last night
of the remaining 6, 2 have have been with the club for over 10 years and 2 more for over 5
Facts are facts

As I specified, I was guessing about 50%, the figures you quoted add up to 37.5%, which I'd say would be fairly comparable with Rathkeale.

Go ahead and sue me for the 12.5% if you like.

Even though one of the youths that more than likely played last night is only there with 18 months but whatever, as I said it makes no odds to me.

My original point was that I'd say Rathkeale haven't many more outsiders playing for them than would be the norm for any of the teams competing for trophies usually.

[Langerdan007]

As I specified, I was guessing about 50%, the figures you quoted add up to 37.5%, which I'd say would be fairly comparable with Rathkeale.

Go ahead and sue me for the 12.5% if you like.

Even though one of the youths that more than likely played last night is only there with 18 months but whatever, as I said it makes no odds to me.

My original point was that I'd say Rathkeale haven't many more outsiders playing for them than would be the norm for any of the teams competing for trophies usually.


..../

[Desmond18]

Any update on the meeting last night ? Surely Abbey games go ahead this weekend?

[Shearer]

Any update on the meeting last night ? Surely Abbey games go ahead this weekend?
On tonight I think. You'd hope so anyway, there's 6 Abbeyfeale fixtures between May 10-19.

[Desmond18]

On tonight I think. You'd hope so anyway, there's 6 Abbeyfeale fixtures between May 10-19.

The refs & who ever is leading this vendetta must surely for the good of the league cop themselves on !!! Will the league even finish at this stage ? Hopefully its all sorted tonight,

[Gazza29]

The refs & who ever is leading this vendetta must surely for the good of the league cop themselves on !!! Will the league even finish at this stage ? Hopefully its all sorted tonight,

The refs are shambolic at this stage, they had a lot of support at the start and rightly so after what happened, however their actions have now interfered with a lot of clubs and players from outside of Abbeyfeale, and anyone that I have talked to in the past number of weeks feels that the season should now be halted, and the referees given their own marching orders for the disruption and inconvenience that they have caused. An individual admitted to both offences, are the referees that stupid that they believe that people admit to criminal offences for the sake of it. It’s ironic that they can be so sure that there is a 2nd player but never actually got a look at the individual. They are the only ones paid, if you get paid for something then you have a job to do, the job is not been done so get rid

[DesmondLad]

Seriously, the refs must cop themselves on?? I have been reading posts regarding this issue for weeks now, and people are still missing the most important point. A referee, a person was assaulted, punched and spat on and you expect the referees to send their members back out again when the proper punishment hasn't been sanctioned by the league for the incident, all because its Abbeyfeale. The leagues interpretation of the referees report was that both the spit and punch were carried out by the same person, and so the player got a year for each, a total of 2 yrs suspension. From what I hear the refs clarified that there were 2 separate individuals involved. This was put back to Abbey who insist that they had a players meeting and no one else was involved. So the league have taken the clubs word over that of the ref. If this was another club they would be told to hand over the other culprit or else face suspension from the league. Abbey are holding the league to ransom to protect an individual capable of doing this, and yet we still blame the referees??

[DesmondLad]

As regards the suspended player who received a two year ban, he has since gone to the Garda station and put it on the record that he did nothing to the referee. So the league have punished an innocent player. So as this is New evidence the case should be reopened and those who are actually guilty are punished accordingly.

[Johnnie C]

The refs are shambolic at this stage, they had a lot of support at the start and rightly so after what happened, however their actions have now interfered with a lot of clubs and players from outside of Abbeyfeale, and anyone that I have talked to in the past number of weeks feels that the season should now be halted, and the referees given their own marching orders for the disruption and inconvenience that they have caused. An individual admitted to both offences, are the referees that stupid that they believe that people admit to criminal offences for the sake of it. It’s ironic that they can be so sure that there is a 2nd player but never actually got a look at the individual. They are the only ones paid, if you get paid for something then you have a job to do, the job is not been done so get rid
If you get rid of all the refs you don't have any games at all, ever. 🙄
I agree with DesmondLad, it's the club in question that are causing the hold up. Thuggery and cowardice can never be excepted.

[Gazza29]

Seriously, the refs must cop themselves on?? I have been reading posts regarding this issue for weeks now, and people are still missing the most important point. A referee, a person was assaulted, punched and spat on and you expect the referees to send their members back out again when the proper punishment hasn't been sanctioned by the league for the incident, all because its Abbeyfeale. The leagues interpretation of the referees report was that both the spit and punch were carried out by the same person, and so the player got a year for each, a total of 2 yrs suspension. From what I hear the refs clarified that there were 2 separate individuals involved. This was put back to Abbey who insist that they had a players meeting and no one else was involved. So the league have taken the clubs word over that of the ref. If this was another club they would be told to hand over the other culprit or else face suspension from the league. Abbey are holding the league to ransom to protect an individual capable of doing this, and yet we still blame the referees??

Apologies, I didn’t realise there was another person. Why is it taking the refs so long to go ahead and name him, so the league go ahead and suspend and we can all get on with our lives

[Gazza29]

If you get rid of all the refs you don't have any games at all, ever. 
I agree with DesmondLad, it's the club in question that are causing the hold up. Thuggery and cowardice can never be excepted.
How are Abbey holding it up Johnny, Why don’t you give the name up

[DesmondLad]

I figure the ref doesn't know the name of the player or stopped to take their numbers down when the incident occurred. Besides surely it is the responsibility of the club to bring the two players responsible forward.

[Gazza29]

I figure the ref doesn't know the name of the player or stopped to take their numbers down when the incident occurred. Besides surely it is the responsibility of the club to bring the two players responsible forward.

Ok, so the closest man to the incident didn’t see the 2nd player, but the expect an Abbeyfeale committee to name him even though they weren’t there. Last question, if the ref didn’t see him, how does he know there was even a second one, bearing in mind an individual has admitted and been suspended for both incidents. Let’s call it as it is here, the refs are so wrong and have been so disruptive any of them that refuse to ref an Abbey game should be told that there services are no longer required

[DesmondLad]

No where did I say he didn't see the player, I said I figure he didn't know the players name. If you saw my earlier post, you would have seen that the fella who took the blame for both incidents has since gone to the guards and put it on record that he didn't touch the referee. So whats the real story??

[Griffo]

Then we end up with no refs and no league. FAI need to do an independent enquiry get both sides of the story and pass a judgement that all parties need to accept and we move on.

[dutchie]

Any result from last night, can't help wondering if it was a small team with little or no clout they would have been banned ages ago.

[fanaticfan]

I heard late last night that the referees are going on strike with the abbeyfeale games and the league are on about pulling the league this season and abbeyfeale are on about joining the Kerry league. That surely cant happen.

Again I heard this so dont come arguing with me haha

[Gazza29]

Any result from last night, can't help wondering if it was a small team with little or no clout they would have been banned ages ago.

Lads ye keep on about this “if a small club” thing. The fact of the matter is, Abbey can’t give up a 2nd name because one doesn’t exist. The person in the best position to see this imaginary 2nd person was the ref and even he didn’t see him. The Referees Association and the FAI have both told the refs they are wrong and need to go back, yet 7 weeks on they are still holding everyone to ransom.

[Shearer]

I can't wait to look back on this thread in five years time.

[Ballistinianlad]

This is gonna get worse before it’s better I feel. I honestly can’t see a solution to this.
I suppose it’s worth nothing. Referees will referee abbey games with linesmen. Why don’t they go with that solution. Particularly for abbey a in the premier. I presume it’s because clubs wouldn’t be willing to pay the extra fees?
Only other way out of it would be to approach qualified referees who aren’t part of a branch. They could technically ref abbey games as they wouldn’t be breaking ranks so to speak. Not sure if there’s any ex refs around but there’s a good few in the city

[Cruyff]

The referees report is a little vague, you could reasonably say based upon the report that there was only one person, or, you could reasonably say there was several assailants, depends on how you interpret the wording.

The league have gone through correct process, getting the FAI, Referees society involved. Both found that the league have acted correctly and dealt with it fairly.

Referees still say they won't go along with the outcome, despite having the facility to appeal the leagues decision through proper process they didn't do so.

The league can't do much more really...

Albeit they should have informed the clubs of what was happening weeks ago, they said that nothing was said to clubs because it was being dealt with at FAI level and were assured it would be sorted.

My issue is why not send an email a month ago telling the clubs the full facts and that they were following procedure and had kicked it upstairs to the relevant bodies to sort it. Not to let it up in the air dragging and dragging allowing speculation of which we all engaged in myself included.

The league don't want to go down the road of the 3 referee thing because there is a feeling that it would set a precedent for future reference. If for some reason another incident arose in future the referees could use the current situation as a reference point.

Clubs in the majority are for standing up to the referees and refusing to play games to try to hit the referees in the pocket.

I got the feeling part of the purpose of last night's meeting was to drum up exactly that sentiment because the league are sick of dealing with the referees and want the clubs to row in behind them and stand up to the referees.

Referees very well may go on strike tonight.

In my opinion it's up to the FAI now to sort this, but I'm still of the opinion that it should not under any circumstances be down to the clubs to decide.

I don't think it's a good idea to go against the referees to such a degree, let the FAI or the referees society reprimand them if they see fit but it shouldn't be left to the clubs to do their dirty work for them.

It was an Abbeyfeale/Referees/Desmond League issue and it's nothing to do with anyone else in my opinion.

It is now in my opinion an FAI/referees issue, and nothing to do with anyone else, including the league and it's clubs.

[Red_Devil]

Seriously, the refs must cop themselves on?? I have been reading posts regarding this issue for weeks now, and people are still missing the most important point. A referee, a person was assaulted, punched and spat on and you expect the referees to send their members back out again when the proper punishment hasn't been sanctioned by the league for the incident, all because its Abbeyfeale. The leagues interpretation of the referees report was that both the spit and punch were carried out by the same person, and so the player got a year for each, a total of 2 yrs suspension. From what I hear the refs clarified that there were 2 separate individuals involved. This was put back to Abbey who insist that they had a players meeting and no one else was involved. So the league have taken the clubs word over that of the ref. If this was another club they would be told to hand over the other culprit or else face suspension from the league. Abbey are holding the league to ransom to protect an individual capable of doing this, and yet we still blame the referees??

This hits the nail on the head. And all the comments saying if there was a second person why can’t the ref identify him. If someone comes up amongst a crowd of players and spits or punches. It’s not that easy that you’ll be able to pick that person out of a crowd. Abbeyfeales pull in the league clearly helping them here.

[Gazza29]

This hits the nail on the head. And all the comments saying if there was a second person why can’t the ref identify him. If someone comes up amongst a crowd of players and spits or punches. It’s not that easy that you’ll be able to pick that person out of a crowd. Abbeyfeales pull in the league clearly helping them here.
And how do you explain the fact that an individual has admitted to the league that he was responsible for both offences and he has been rightly punished for them

[Gazza29]

The referees report is a little vague, you could reasonably say based upon the report that there was only one person, or, you could reasonably say there was several assailants, depends on how you interpret the wording.

The league have gone through correct process, getting the FAI, Referees society involved. Both found that the league have acted correctly and dealt with it fairly.

Referees still say they won't go along with the outcome, despite having the facility to appeal the leagues decision through proper process they didn't do so.

The league can't do much more really...

Albeit they should have informed the clubs of what was happening weeks ago, they said that nothing was said to clubs because it was being dealt with at FAI level and were assured it would be sorted.

My issue is why not send an email a month ago telling the clubs the full facts and that they were following procedure and had kicked it upstairs to the relevant bodies to sort it. Not to let it up in the air dragging and dragging allowing speculation of which we all engaged in myself included.

The league don't want to go down the road of the 3 referee thing because there is a feeling that it would set a precedent for future reference. If for some reason another incident arose in future the referees could use the current situation as a reference point.

Clubs in the majority are for standing up to the referees and refusing to play games to try to hit the referees in the pocket.

I got the feeling part of the purpose of last night's meeting was to drum up exactly that sentiment because the league are sick of dealing with the referees and want the clubs to row in behind them and stand up to the referees.

Referees very well may go on strike tonight.

In my opinion it's up to the FAI now to sort this, but I'm still of the opinion that it should not under any circumstances be down to the clubs to decide.

I don't think it's a good idea to go against the referees to such a degree, let the FAI or the referees society reprimand them if they see fit but it shouldn't be left to the clubs to do their dirty work for them.

It was an Abbeyfeale/Referees/Desmond League issue and it's nothing to do with anyone else in my opinion.

It is now in my opinion an FAI/referees issue, and nothing to do with anyone else, including the league and it's clubs.

Good post and accurate

[Ballistinianlad]

Word is that the player who got banned has since denied his involvement once the guards got involved.
Refs are meeting tomorrow night. Is a strike on the cards? I can’t see it happening myself. But the way this whole saga has gone you can’t
Rule anything in or out

[DesmondLad]

Lads, the full story is (not just the leagues side) is that the ISRS (Ref society) have given their full backing to the referees as have the neighbouring referee societies in the surrounding counties. Under no circumstances have they said their members are wrong in there actions. Again misinformation from the league. The individuals the league met with are FAI men and are obviously going to back their own wrong or right.