Time for the GAA and schools to admit they are ashamed of their past.

[Thunderblaster]

In 1972 at Congress in Belfast, the GAA deleted Rule 27, which was "The Ban" on "foreign games". It was a rule that was shameful to the development of our nation as it fostered a fundamentalist attitude towards soccer. Kids were beaten and expelled from school for playing soccer, vigilantes went to soccer games to spy on members of the GAA and ban them from the local GAA club and possibly attached a stigma to these people who commited the "capital crime" of attending a soccer match. Even today, local GAA clubs would tell kids not to play soccer before a big GAA game would come up. A parent told me that a GAA official had a go at him for letting his son play soccer. The parent told him that his son will play whatever he wants to play. The GAA official's friends advised the official to back down from the parent. Will the GAA ever come out and admit that it is ashamed that it had such a rule that was discriminatory against the rights of children of what they wanted to play and will surviving school teachers admit that they are ashamed to punish kids for playing sports other that GAA games. The ban was a serious violation of human rights and if society was so different many years ago, the GAA would have been taken to the United Nations or the League of Nations for human rights abuses. As an Irishman and a soccerman, I am ashamed that the ban ever existed and I am ashamed that children were punished at school for playing soccer. I have never personally experienced it but some older forumites would have stories to tell on the matter. I am not anti-GAA but I am anti-ban. The Ban was the most disgraceful rule ever brought into any sport. If I ran the country on my attitude during them times, I would have destroyed the GAA over the rule by giving it no funding, and if I was the Parish Priest, I would have blackened the GAA from the Pulpit over that barbaric rule.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Good post. It makes my blood boil to think that this country accepted such a violation of human rights. However, I would like to make a few points:

1. Do you really think the GAA has changed? My answer is NO. The society we live in has changed and the context within which we live our lives has changed. However, the GAA has not changed. If they could still get away with a ban on "foreign games" they would. For instance, why have we had to wait until 2005 for a temporary abandonment of Rule 42. Why are taxpayers who follow soccer and rugby unwelcome in the stadium they helped build on Jones' Road? Why would Irishmen like Shay Given and Paul O'Connell be unwelcome in a stadium funded by the taxpayers of this country, but American footballers and Garth Brooks be welcomed with open arms. The fact that so many Irish people would find this acceptable in modern Ireland would make you feel ashamed to be Irish. There is still a large proportion of the GAA who could only be described as backward and sectarian small-town, parochial nobodies.

2. You mentioned that if you were a priest you would have shamed the GAA from the pulpit. I don't think the clergy in this country have a right to shame anyone. The Catholic Church is a disease that has been eating away at this country for so long. They have been afforded a position which they were never entitled to. Part of the problem is that the GAA and the Catholic Church are two sides to the one coin, ie. two of the most corrupt organisations on this island.
The abuses carried out by the Church leaves me sick as an Irishman. People can come on this forum and tell me that it was/is only a minority. However, the fact that 90% of bishops on this island took out insurance policies in the late 80s to protect their dioceses from potential scandals speaks volumes.

As proud, forward-thinking Irish people we should be ashamed of the role played by both the GAA and the Catholic Church in the development (or lack of it) of our nation.

I really hope that as the urban areas of Ireland continue to grow, both soccer and rugby will continue to flourish and grow in popularity. I won't loose any sleep if the future generations leave Gaelic games in the shade, where it belongs.

[Thunderblaster]

Rule 42 is another point of a violation of human rights. The fact that it is temporarily removed in 2005 shows the insipid, narrow mindedness of an organisation immersed in inverted racism. Not too long ago, members of the RUC were threatening to take the GAA to the European Court of Justice.
The man who was responsible for the special relationship between Church and State was Eamon de Valera. The country was ran on a nationalist and religious fundamentalist attitude from 1922 until 1972. The EEC would have put the boot in otherwise, though fragments of the nationalist and religious fundamentalist attitude continued to exist up to about ten years ago. The GAA is well immersed in its warped ideaology anyway. Members of the farming community swear by it. One person told me one time that the farmers would sell their tractors to the GAA when the organisation would go out fundraising.

[CollegeTillIDie]

The "ban" rule when it was in force was broken in any number of ways. People played soccer under "aliases" for example. But yes it was ridiculous and stupid and they took too darn long before abandoning it. However it still persists in some counties in Women's Gaelic Football where members of certain county panels are " barred" from also playing soccer by the selectors of the county teams .

[Ringy]

Why did the FAI need Croke park surely the most populer sport in the world and second most populer played sport in Ireland as pointed out by a recent ERSI poll would have their own stadium in the 21st century?

With all the anti GAA posting going on here surely you won't support the Irish soccer team playing in the GAA's stadium considering as already stated what the GAA has done down the years such as the ban.

As regard to people hopeing that the GAA dies well im afraid it couldnt be further from the truth infact it has already occured in soccer.Going through streets of cities with the exception of Cork which in 90% a gaa city, the young kids now have hurleys in their hands(hopefully useing them with good intent) or soloing footballs which was not that comman 10 years ago especially in Dublin.More people watching the the ALL irelands on the tele compared to to those who watched Ireland and France on the tele etc.Im afraid its soccer which is in its bleakest hour and as a forward thinking Irishman and GAA man I sincerely hope soccers plight will cease to continue.

[TheJamaicanP.M.]

Why did the FAI need Croke park surely the most populer sport in the world and second most populer played sport in Ireland as pointed out by a recent ERSI poll would have their own stadium in the 21st century?

With all the anti GAA posting going on here surely you won't support the Irish soccer team playing in the GAA's stadium considering as already stated what the GAA has done down the years such as the ban.

As regard to people hopeing that the GAA dies well im afraid it couldnt be further from the truth infact it has already occured in soccer.Going through streets of cities with the exception of Cork which in 90% a gaa city, the young kids now have hurleys in their hands(hopefully useing them with good intent) or soloing footballs which was not that comman 10 years ago especially in Dublin.More people watching the the ALL irelands on the tele compared to to those who watched Ireland and France on the tele etc.Im afraid its soccer which is in its bleakest hour and as a forward thinking Irishman and GAA man I sincerely hope soccers plight will cease to continue.


Maybe if the FAI and IRFU had received 184 million euros in taxpayers money they could have built a state of the art stadium too. As for soccer and rugby teams playing in Croke Park, I can't wait. Without the taxpayers of this country the stadium would never have been built. The soccer and rugby people of this country have no reason to feel indebted to the GAA and should hold their heads high when they enter Croke Park.

As for gaelic games being as healthy as you make out, that can hardly be the case. While the GAA might be attracting large attendances, their games are slowly in demise in the country's urban centres. Why can a city like Dublin with a population of well over one million people not compete with Ulster counties that have a modest nationalist population? Soccer and rugby have a stranglehold on sporting minds in the capital. This is a trend which is developing throughout the country.

BTW, I went to a secondary school which put a ban on its gaelic footballers playing other sports. That was only 5 years ago. The same ban is still in existence.

[geysir]

Members of the farming community swear by it. One person told me one time that the farmers would sell their tractors to the GAA when the organisation would go out fundraising.
One person told me one time that......
Have you ever met a farmer? A farmer sell his tractor ??
might sell his wife, he might even sell his kids if the price was right but the tractor??
I did not experience any sporting prejudice myself, we played rugby and soccer in the school yard and on gaelic pitches in a CBS in the heart of GAA land that time forgot before the ban was lifted. Ah happy memories, probably some comely maidens dancing at the crossroads to complete the rural picture of bliss.
I think you should actually talk to someone who went to school or elsewhere in the 60's and 70's and if the only trauma they have, is having their soccer ball confiscated by the manic school principal then consider them blessed by fate.
I had to tell my sister the other day that it was okay she could watch "Father Ted".
Well okay if we are to get all the organizations to line up and apologize for the wrongs they have inflicted on the generations, the GAA might be there in some subsection marked miscellaneous trauma of an almost irrelevant undefined nature.
Come to think of it, shove in the FAI for the trauma inflicted on a nation who witnessed our recent attempt to qualify for the WC.
What, women playing gaelic? I was born at the wrong time. I could have helped a few of them with their solo run.

[beautifulrock]

"GAA dying in Urban areas", look around and open your eyes will you. Count the number of clubs that now need a second GAA pitch....is that a sign of demise. I am no "tinted glasses" GAA fan but give credit where credit is due.

[geysir]

Maybe if the FAI and IRFU had received 184 million euros in taxpayers money they could have built a state of the art stadium too. As for soccer and rugby teams playing in Croke Park, I can't wait. Without the taxpayers of this country the stadium would never have been built. The soccer and rugby people of this country have no reason to feel indebted to the GAA and should hold their heads high when they enter Croke Park.
JPM, according to Gov. publication.
http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pressroom/pr_detail.asp?ID=659
Croke Park has received €110m towards a total cost of €260m = 42% funding
The FAI and IRFU will receive €190m towards a total cost of €290m = 65% funding. Croke Park development did not wait for taxpayers money they went ahead full force with about €75m from corporate seat sales.
While Croke Park was being revamped over 10 or so years not one Leinster Final, All-Ireland semi-final or final, in either hurling or football, had to be played outside Croke Park during that time.
Seriously, are the GAA responsible for the FAI's bad decisions lack of decisions planning, corruption.

As for gaelic games being as healthy as you make out, that can hardly be the case. While the GAA might be attracting large attendances, their games are slowly in demise in the country's urban centres. Why can a city like Dublin with a population of well over one million people not compete with Ulster counties that have a modest nationalist population? Soccer and rugby have a stranglehold on sporting minds in the capital. This is a trend which is developing throughout the country.
Contrary to perceptions size does not matter as much in GAA land as it may do other sports:) A small townland/village club with the team made up mainly from a few families can still reach the All Ireland club final.
The evidence points to Croke park development huge success,
Championship football, definite improvement in skill and fitness levels throughout the county squads. Attendances are still good, compare
Fai cup s/f Drogheda 4,500 same day Tyrone club final 7,000
Fai cup s/f Cork 7.000 ? Cork hurling club final 15- 20,000
other,Cork club football 7,000 Waterford 8,000 Galway 10,000 Kilkenny 13,000
Irish people in large numbers do follow soccer, but they don't follow Irish soccer.
Therin lies a serious home truth. Blame who you want.
EL clubs are struggling and yet making progress with mini crowds..
Instead of the FAI officials singing merrily on the plane home from Belfast 1993 "you can stick the gaa up yer arshe", I would suggest that they might learn a few things from the GAA sporting ethos and infrastructure.
Consider for eg, how many millions have been spent on FAI Chief Executive salaries and compare it to what Sean Kelly gets paid for petrol.

[CollegeTillIDie]

The FAI and it's members in the highest league over the years paid it's players for their efforts on the field. Maybe not too handsomely at times but never the less. Unlike the GAA who built up their infrastructure on the backs of their members and on occasion the players couldn't even get a sandwich and a cup of tea after playing in front of 60,000 odd people.

[CollegeTillIDie]

JPM, according to Gov. publication.
http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pressroom/pr_detail.asp?ID=659
Croke Park has received €110m towards a total cost of €260m = 42% funding
The FAI and IRFU will receive €190m towards a total cost of €290m = 65% funding. Croke Park development did not wait for taxpayers money they went ahead full force with about €75m from corporate seat sales.
While Croke Park was being revamped over 10 or so years not one Leinster Final, All-Ireland semi-final or final, in either hurling or football, had to be played outside Croke Park during that time.
Seriously, are the GAA responsible for the FAI's bad decisions lack of decisions planning, corruption.
.
Contrary to perceptions size does not matter as much in GAA land as it may do other sports:) A small townland/village club with the team made up mainly from a few families can still reach the All Ireland club final.
The evidence points to Croke park development huge success,
Championship football, definite improvement in skill and fitness levels throughout the county squads. Attendances are still good, compare
Fai cup s/f Drogheda 4,500 same day Tyrone club final 7,000
Fai cup s/f Cork 7.000 ? Cork hurling club final 15- 20,000
other,Cork club football 7,000 Waterford 8,000 Galway 10,000 Kilkenny 13,000
Irish people in large numbers do follow soccer, but they don't follow Irish soccer.
Therin lies a serious home truth. Blame who you want.
EL clubs are struggling and yet making progress with mini crowds..
Instead of the FAI officials singing merrily on the plane home from Belfast 1993 "you can stick the gaa up yer arshe", I would suggest that they might learn a few things from the GAA sporting ethos and infrastructure.
Consider for eg, how many millions have been spent on FAI Chief Executive salaries and compare it to what Sean Kelly gets paid for petrol.

I was at a Leinster Club hurling game yesterday in Parnell Park in front of less than 200 people. We are a nation of event junkies and we do not as a people attend Bread and butter games. Dublin in the National League barely fill Parnell Park ( capacity 10,000 including standing). Yet put the Dubs on in the Championship in Croker and 250,000 people are looking for tickets.

As regards your comments re: Chief Executives I have this to say about Mr. Kelly. Sean Kelly has done more good for the image of the GAA than any of his predecessors, he deserves a hell of a lot more than mere petrol money for his efforts.

[beautifulrock]

aah the old sanwich and cup of tea quote, well i played for a small GAA club for over 20 years and never wanted for anything be it physio, transport, etc

[Thunderblaster]

JPM, according to Gov. publication.
http://www.arts-sport-tourism.gov.ie/pressroom/pr_detail.asp?ID=659
Croke Park has received €110m towards a total cost of €260m = 42% funding
The FAI and IRFU will receive €190m towards a total cost of €290m = 65% funding.

Still the same taxpayers that are paying tax. The GAA diehards, the soccer diehards and everybody else. When we pay our taxes towards projects, we should ALL reap the benefits, not SLAMMING THE DOOR into the faces of other organisations. There should be no ban of any description within the GAA. Remember, the GAA was amongst the greatest violators of human rights within the State throughout the 20th century and the GAA should never have got government money while they were abusing the rights of people in their choice of sport.

[geysir]

I was at a Leinster Club hurling game yesterday in Parnell Park in front of less than 200 people. We are a nation of event junkies and we do not as a people attend Bread and butter games. Dublin in the National League barely fill Parnell Park ( capacity 10,000 including standing). Yet put the Dubs on in the Championship in Croker and 250,000 people are looking for tickets.
CTD, I put forward a point that the FAI are responsible for their own mess.
I stand by the basic point that blaming the gaa for the state of Irish soccer is avoiding the real issues.
I seem to remember pointing out some facts to you before about so called GAA event junkies but you still persist in hanging around the long queue of begrudgers in this country.
Lets see, what does Dessie Farrell (Tangled up in Blue, page 102) say, one of Dublin's great club captains with Na Fianna. "There is some amount of nonsense spoken about Dublin fans. Their support throughout the championship has always been fantastic, why is it always being questioned by our country colleagues. The "where-were-they-during-the-national-league? brigade.... Hill 16 is a fabulous spectacle and an awe inspiring backdrop for a Dublin footballer. Unlike the country towns and villages the city folk don't necessarily have the bond with clubs and parishes. They relate directly to the Dublin county team which should be encouraged..."

re Croke Park being built on the back of its members and no cups of tea..
Thats the point, The GAA supporters don't have to shout "oh croke park we own you" Its taken for granted that all the infrastructure is owned by the members built from the foundations up over the decades
In fact when the vote came to open up Croker, it was taken by delegates mandated by a vote which had its roots at club level. Every asset is protected by a constitution.

[geysir]

Still the same taxpayers that are paying tax. The GAA diehards, the soccer diehards and everybody else. When we pay our taxes towards projects, we should ALL reap the benefits, not SLAMMING THE DOOR into the faces of other organisations. There should be no ban of any description within the GAA. Remember, the GAA was amongst the greatest violators of human rights within the State throughout the 20th century and the GAA should never have got government money while they were abusing the rights of people in their choice of sport.
You might have had a point 33 years ago.
AFAIR that "great abuser of human rights" the ban was lifted in 1972.
No sporting organization is obliged to open its gates to other sports either legally or morally.The GAA quite rightly resisted political pressure. Its a choice which the GAA choose to do with a very democratic vote.
The ban on british army, ruc and their like was lifted. Its simple quid pro quo, the British Army have given up their occupation of GAA playing grounds, they no longer fly their helicopters low over GAA games, the RUC has been disbanded, the GAA ban has been lifted. The NI police college has been accepted into the Sigursen cup competition. It has been publically welcomed by the GAA, the North moves on a bit the GAA moves on a bit maybe you should also move on a bit.
Afair the questions of Government funding (in reality, is just a vat rebate) for soccer was more of an issue because of the way that organization was run, did not meet the basic qualifications.

[Dodge]

Remember, the GAA was amongst the greatest violators of human rights within the State throughout the 20th century
I hate the GAA more than most but relax on the completely OTT rhetoric. In the past week we've had a couple of reports come out which detailed disgusting "human rights" violations so please don't compare the GAA not allowing players to mix sports in thosse terms. Remember they didn't stop people playing football, they just wouldn't allow people to play both.

[Ringy]

. There is still a large proportion of the GAA who could only be described as backward and sectarian small-town, parochial nobodies.(by Jamaciam M.P)





Funny that,the statement above, didnt the FAI get fined a few years back for Irish fans booing a former Rangers player who was playing for Georgia.

[Superhoops]

. Funny that,the statement above, didnt the FAI get fined a few years back for Irish fans booing a former Rangers player who was playing for Georgia.
Nearly right, the FAI got fined a few years back for nobheads, mainly in green and white hooped jerseys, posing as Irish fans booing a former Rangers player who was playing for Georgia:D

[geysir]

Nearly right, the FAI got fined a few years back for nobheads, mainly in green and white hooped jerseys, posing as Irish fans booing a former Rangers player who was playing for Georgia:D
I appreciate your honesty in such a sensitive matter :)

Thats an interesting one, if its true.
If a club / national federation were fined every time a soccer crowd boo a referee, opposing player or even their own players there would be some bankruptcies around. How do they work it out, okay they booed Pires because he dived no charge, they booed Viera for a bad tackle, no charge, they cheered Keane for a bad tackle, €5000 fine :) They booed Kishanvilla? because he once played for Rangers therefore €5,000. How is the case proven? do they just assume that's the case no need to proove it ?
Is there some booing observer at the games.

[soccerc]

Nearly right, the FAI got fined a few years back for nobheads, mainly in green and white hooped jerseys, posing as Irish fans booing a former Rangers player who was playing for Georgia:D

Another myth, the FAI were never fined, sanctioned or warned for the unacceptable behaviour of some for booing players at the Georgia game or any other game for that matter

[geysir]

Another myth, the FAI were never fined, sanctioned or warned for the unacceptable behaviour of some for booing players at the Georgia game or any other game for that matter
That makes more sense, So do you have any other myth's to burst?

[Superhoops]

Another myth, the FAI were never fined, sanctioned or warned for the unacceptable behaviour of some for booing players at the Georgia game or any other game for that matter
Apologies, you're right, they were not fined, but they were subject of an investigation by UEFA into the booing of Shota Arveladze and the FAI were asked to respond, the outcome of which was that Fran Rooney appealed to fans stop racist booing because of the fear of sanctions being imposed by UEFA. It would not be unreasonable to conclude from Rooney's very public plea that the FAI had their card marked by UEFA, unless of course, it was another of Rooney's publicity stunts.

[geysir]

Apologies, you're right, they were not fined, but they were subject of an investigation by UEFA into the booing of Shota Arveladze and the FAI were asked to respond, the outcome of which was that Fran Rooney appealed to fans stop racist booing because of the fear of sanctions being imposed by UEFA. It would not be unreasonable to conclude from Rooney's very public plea that the FAI had their card marked by UEFA, unless of course, it was another of Rooney's publicity stunts.
Primitive yes and there is no place for it, but I don't think it quite fits the bill as being racist or even sectarian. Imo its not dissimilar to the bizzare booing of Stam in the Holland game 2001. Because he was transferred out of Man U? I can't get my head around that one.

[Superhoops]

Primitive yes and there is no place for it, but I don't think it quite fits the bill as being racist or even sectarian. Imo its not dissimilar to the bizzare booing of Stam in the Holland game 2001. Because he was transferred out of Man U? I can't get my head around that one.Fran Rooney used the words racist and sectarian, not me!

BTW, here is how the BBC reported it:
The Football Association of Ireland has been warned that sectarian booing at international matches in Dublin must stop. The warning follows an investigation by Uefa into the persistent booing of a Rangers player during the Republic's match against Georgia at Lansdowne Road in June.

Striker Shota Arveladze was targeted by sections of the home crowd because of his links to the traditionally Protestant Scottish club.
Republic of Ireland supporters traditionally support Rangers' fierce rivals Celtic.

The Football Association of Ireland said the booing had to stop if Irish football fans were to keep their reputation for good behaviour throughout the world.
"The bottom line is that the reputation of the Irish fans is tarnished," said FAI chief executive Fran Rooney at a media conference on Wednesday.

"We have got the best fans in the world but if this continues, it will disappear. It seems to start with a small group of people and then build from there".

"From correspondence I have received, I can see that some people did not know why they are booing and thought it was just fun because the player had a few bad touches and the booing was putting him off.

"But I have also received letters from people in the North of Ireland who are Protestant who were personally abused for asking people to stop booing. We have got a situation that is racist but also bigoted and sectarian."
A complaint by a spectator about the booing of Arveladze was made to Uefa following Ireland's 2-0 victory over Georgia in June.

"I personally rang Shota Arveladze after the incident to apologise," he said.

"The Georgian FA wrote a letter to Uefa saying they were happy with what we did and Uefa have said they will take no further action. But they have taken the matter seriously."

[gspain]

Liam Brady was expelled from school in disgrace. His crime was to captain the Irish schoolboy football team v Wales.

[Macy]

Weren't GAA figures recently involved in warning off Bohs from their schools promotion too?

[Thunderblaster]

Liam Brady was expelled from school in disgrace. His crime was to captain the Irish schoolboy football team v Wales.

And I hope that the Brother Superior who expelled him is seeking redemption and forgivness for that terrible sin that was against the doctrine of the Catholic Church.

[Thunderblaster]

Weren't GAA figures recently involved in warning off Bohs from their schools promotion too?

Very underhand behaviour if it's true. The Mafia would engage in that carry on.

[gspain]

My old school was a GAA school but thankfully apart from a couple of nutters who left after first year it was fine.

School had a top class football team before my time, won a few All Ireland schools cup and even went to represent Ireland in the schools world cup finishing 7th which was the death knell of the team as the hurlers were being hammered every year in the first round of the Harty Cup. The head brothers in Cork decreed no more foreign games and the team was disbanded.

In my first year a planned half day coincided with an Irish International live on tv that afternoon. An hour before we were due to go home somebody mentioned to the head brother what they were doing for the afternoon and he blew a gasket, cancelled the half day and as he couldn't stop the teachers from taking it had to gather all the school together, in the hall and let us do homework in case we'd see a foreign game on tv and be corrupted.

The worst excesses in the ban years and probably the 10 years or so afterwards were not in schools at all but in small local communities in rural Ireland in particular. The term "broken glass spreaders" for the GAA was coined thanks to the intimidation on local people trying to start up a football club. AFAIK Tralee Dynamos are the only club to ever have gone public on this. There were many others. I know of one case where a friend of mine suffered huge intimidation trying to start a schoolboy club

[Macy]

Very underhand behaviour if it's true. The Mafia would engage in that carry on.
Yeah, didn't one of the Bohs fans say that a certain fatboy was told how it's strange how "injuries" can happen....

[Thunderblaster]

Yeah, didn't one of the Bohs fans say that a certain fatboy was told how it's strange how "injuries" can happen....

Can you enlighten me more on that incident?

[monutdfc]

I see Dessie Rogers - father of Drog's 'keeper Gary - had to step down as physio of the Meath gaelic football team thanks to the attitude of some relic of a county board chairman. (Not that you'd know why if you were relying on RTE's reporting of the situation, which only referred to Rogers "receiving a lengthy ban after an alleged incident with the county board chairman").

[For those who haven't heard the story, Gary Rogers was playing on the Meath junior football team a couple of years ago (while he was also playing for Drogheda United). The Chairman of the Meath County Board had himself made kitman for a game (a semi-final I think) so that he could refuse to give Gary Rogers a jersey before the game - on the basis that he wasn't playing for a club at the time and needed to be to be eligible to play for the county junior team (sounds like a made-up rule to me). Cue some arguing and denials, but the reality is that the chairman did what he did because he is a soccer-hating bigot.]

[hamish]

I see Dessie Rogers - father of Drog's 'keeper Gary - had to step down as physio of the Meath gaelic football team thanks to the attitude of some relic of a county board chairman. (Not that you'd know why if you were relying on RTE's reporting of the situation, which only referred to Rogers "receiving a lengthy ban after an alleged incident with the county board chairman").

[For those who haven't heard the story, Gary Rogers was playing on the Meath junior football team a couple of years ago (while he was also playing for Drogheda United). The Chairman of the Meath County Board had himself made kitman for a game (a semi-final I think) so that he could refuse to give Gary Rogers a jersey before the game - on the basis that he wasn't playing for a club at the time and needed to be to be eligible to play for the county junior team (sounds like a made-up rule to me). Cue some arguing and denials, but the reality is that the chairman did what he did because he is a soccer-hating bigot.]

When I was involved in the Meath Primary schools scene, oh, up to about 6 years ago, Martin Barry used to help organise the competitions there and TBH he was a very helpful bloke but a little exciteable LOL. Meath GAH team will certainly get a hard worker if he's involved.
Don't think there's as much aggravation as there used to be TBH.
When we started under age footie here in Beellow we used to play on the Fair Green just beside Duggan Park county Gah grounds. Jesus, all the times we had cars parked "accidently" in the goalmouth and centre circle and broken bottles tossed about the place......:D
But that was in the late 60s.
Surely things cant be remotely as bad now????

[gspain]

Amazing how the papers are skirting around the Gary Rogers affair. The Meath chairman did not want him playing for Meath because he was playing professional football for Drogheda. I assume the football was the problem not the professional bit. The team manager and selectors had the strange notion that they were picking the team based on merit and not the county board. They ended up with 1 and 2 year bans effectively. Ginnity had tried to take the jersey from Gary Rogers by force and fists flew.

The same gentleman - Ginnity is still in charge in Meath GAA circles and eventhough the bans have been served they are persona non grata in Meath GAA circles. Picking sockUR players my God what has the world come to. :D The new Meath GAA manager who wasn't involved in the incident wanted to include both men in his management team and he looks like he is heading for the chop now because of it.

[gspain]

When I was involved in the Meath Primary schools scene, oh, up to about 6 years ago, Martin Barry used to help organise the competitions there and TBH he was a very helpful bloke but a little exciteable LOL. Meath GAH team will certainly get a hard worker if he's involved.
Don't think there's as much aggravation as there used to be TBH.
When we started under age footie here in Beellow we used to play on the Fair Green just beside Duggan Park county Gah grounds. Jesus, all the times we had cars parked "accidently" in the goalmouth and centre circle and broken bottles tossed about the place......:D
But that was in the late 60s.
Surely things cant be remotely as bad now????

Hamish, haven't heard of any since the early 80's in Kerry and Clare. Used to be fairly commonplace in rural Ireland. Could tell some horror stories from Limerick too. Different times nowadays but a few diehards still remain.

I believe many GAA clubs now even have Sky Sports and show games on tv in their clubhouses. However a colleague was relating a story from a club in rural Ireland recently. The clubhouse bar had RTE1 on and some young bucko wanted to switch over to a champions league game on RTE2. Widespread panic ensued. Her father got called up from home along with other club officers and a motion was passed to ensure that no football (they probably called it sockUR) was to be shown in the club. The mind boggles. :confused:

[hamish]

However a colleague was relating a story from a club in rural Ireland recently. The clubhouse bar had RTE1 on and some young bucko wanted to switch over to a champions league game on RTE2. Widespread panic ensued. Her father got called up from home along with other club officers and a motion was passed to ensure that no football (they probably called it sockUR) was to be shown in the club. The mind boggles. :confused:

Unbelievable story and very sad Ger. Maybe Creationism is a valid theory and (Gah) dinosaurs are still amongst us.:D

[Thunderblaster]

Then the Meath county board chairman should step aside, the little, soccer-hating muppet and move back to the time of the goths or barbarians. The club that went into a tizzy over a soccer game, I would have wrapped the TV around their necks. Surely, bigots would not accidentally park their car in the middle of a football pitch and litter it with broken glass. That is NOT being the fabric of the community, the pride of the parish; that is intimidation and thuggery.

[gspain]

Then the Meath county board chairman should step aside, the little, soccer-hating muppet and move back to the time of the goths or barbarians. The club that went into a tizzy over a soccer game, I would have wrapped the TV around their necks. Surely, bigots would not accidentally park their car in the middle of a football pitch and litter it with broken glass. That is NOT being the fabric of the community, the pride of the parish; that is intimidation and thuggery.

The manager managed to keep his job last night but had to dump his backroom team who had picked Gary Rogers for a Meath game eventhough they knew he was playing football for Drogheda United.

Amazing how the media aroubnd the real issue here for fear of upsetting the GAA.

[Thunderblaster]

The manager managed to keep his job last night but had to dump his backroom team who had picked Gary Rogers for a Meath game eventhough they knew he was playing football for Drogheda United.

Amazing how the media aroubnd the real issue here for fear of upsetting the GAA.

Well, it is time for the media to grow up and take on these faceless, powerful thugs that think that they are holier than thou.

[monutdfc]

Ginnity was deposed as Meath county board chariman last night, replaced by Noel Dempsey's brother.
I saw Eugene McGee give some of the background behind the row on Setanta Sports last week.

[hamish]

Then the Meath county board chairman should step aside, the little, soccer-hating muppet and move back to the time of the goths or barbarians. The club that went into a tizzy over a soccer game, I would have wrapped the TV around their necks. Surely, bigots would not accidentally park their car in the middle of a football pitch and litter it with broken glass. That is NOT being the fabric of the community, the pride of the parish; that is intimidation and thuggery.

Oh, Gerrit won't like that!!!:eek: :D

You're right though, that Ginnity is a piece of work, as the Yanks put it.

[G-Man]

There's some stupid arguments being put forward here. Hear say stuff and friends of friends stuff. Incorrect figures for money and attendances. There are many backward thinking people in the GAA, fair enough, but there are also some very backward people involved in soccer.

And before I go any further, can I just say I have represented my county in both soccer and Gaelic football, so I have no direct interest either way. I will be at the World CUp in Germany next year, but will also be at both Leinster finals in GAA.

The GAA have now said they will allow the FAI and IRFU use of their main ground when redevelopment takes place. Did they offer Lansdowne when Croke Park was being redeveloped?

I played U.21 football for my county, and on that panel, we had four players also playing for LOI clubs (2 Waterford, 1 Bohs, 1 St Pats). One of the guys was told if his name was spotted in the paper playing GAA his contract would be terminated. He left them at the end of the season.

If Dublin cant fill Parnell park for league games, why did they play some of their league games in Croke Park to over 50,000 people?

Liam Griffin, is one of the most outspoken GAA persons in Ireland, has said that he much prefers to see kids with hurls, but if they dont hurl he wants them playing sport and aas long as they get out, he doesnt mind. He also criticised Tyrone for them not wanting to open up Croke Park. He said how can they justify not wanting to open up Croke Park for other games if they dont even promote Gaelic games in their own county (hurling).

And a lot of the arguments here say that its in small rural areas where the 'ban' is worst. I come from a very small rural area. And between the first teams in hurling, gaelic football, and soccer I can only think there's about 5/6 players that dont play all 3. And the president of the soccer club is the seceratary of the GAA and previous U.21 selector, the manager of the football team is chairman of the soccer, the manager of the hurling is centre midfield for the soccer. But we're a small rural backward parish of farmers.

Its a different situation everywhere, but dont generalise everyone and areas as being the same.

[gspain]

I'm not surprised by the examples you mention. Indeed I was heartened to see ordinary GAA folk in places like Laois and Roscommon come out firmly in favour of abolishing Rule42.

Lansdowne Road is available for any sporting organisation that wants to use it. It is owned by the IRFU anyway not the F.A.I. but they let it out to anyone. Likewise with any of the football pitches in this country. Indeed worldwide the GAA are the only organisation I'm aware of that limits what sports can be played at its venues. Linfield even made their facilities available to the GAA!!!:eek:

I've no doubt there are bigots involved in football in this country and indeed in rugby, table tennis and tiddlywinks. However no other sporting organisation
has rules like the GAA. The F.A.I. is concerned with football. the IRFU with rugby. The GAA has positions on "the struggle for national liberation", court cases in Mayo, naming cups/clubs after convicted terrorists etc etc.

[Macy]

Indeed worldwide the GAA are the only organisation I'm aware of that limits what sports can be played at its venues.
The GAA would barely exist world wide if it wasn't for the use of football, rugby, criket grounds. That's whats always really píssed me off about the ban, it only worked one way.

[Dodge]

I played U.21 football for my county, and on that panel, we had four players also playing for LOI clubs (2 Waterford, 1 Bohs, 1 St Pats). One of the guys was told if his name was spotted in the paper playing GAA his contract would be terminated. He left them at the end of the season.

If he's beind paid as a professional sportsman I'd like to think he'd only play one sport, (particularly at a competetive level). If a pats player missed one single game because of an injury sustained at a GAA match I'd go ballistic. Do not see anything wrong with this policy.

Would also have no problem with the GAA strictly enforcing their no foreign games on it, if it was some romantic ideal but when they allow (and actively court) American Football, its obvious why the ban is there and thats to combat the competition.

[Thunderblaster]

The GAA would barely exist world wide if it wasn't for the use of football, rugby, criket grounds. That's whats always really píssed me off about the ban, it only worked one way.

Wembley and Melbourne Cricket Club are two classic examples.

[paul_oshea]

Indeed I was heartened to see ordinary GAA folk in places like Laois and Roscommon come out firmly in favour of abolishing Rule42.

there is nothing ordinary about people from roscommon!!

[hamish]

there is nothing ordinary about people from roscommon!!

Well said POS:D

[paul_oshea]

not like that either ye fecker hamish.

ordinary i said, not normal.

[hamish]

not like that either ye fecker hamish.

ordinary i said, not normal.


eh...I was agreeing with yeh POS:confused:

Happy Christmas amigo:D