I have noticed that amalgamation at underage levels in cavan seems to be more and more prevalent. This must be because of small numbers in lots of clubs for one reason or another. Does this mean that this will filter through to senior level in the next 5-10 years? And is it a good idea for smaller clubs to bite the bullet and amalgamate in order to pool resources and become more competitive, surely this would benefit cavan gaa overall. Or would it be better to squeeze out the small clubs altogether and have less clubs in cavan. Just wondering does anybody else have a view on this.

steps (Cavan) - Posts: 1 - 25/08/2014 11:20:01    1641563

For small clubs its a necessity. If they don't amalgamate the young players get no football and go to other clubs or sports. At least with amalgamations they get competitive football and slowly trickle into their senior system in time. If they were not amalgamated the flow would cease and in time so too would the club.

StirringIt (Cavan) - Posts: 374 - 25/08/2014 11:53:35    1641583

It is also correct to say that some clubs are willing to sacrifice half a team of weaker players so that the stronger players can be solely concentrated on and collectively they can push for glory joined with their neighbouring clubs. It is a short sighted view based on short term glory. More young players in clubs are falling away for this reason more than any other. Is it any wonder that these players are taking up other sports when the GAA is continually discarding these players so that individuals in clubs can massage their own egos. To be fair to some clubs in Cavan some of them will only play players within the team age group rather than discarding some of them for good players from a younger age group. These clubs should be applauded. To be fair they will have the numbers but still stick by their principles rather than chasing glory. These will be the clubs that will have 2 adult teams in the future and will have held onto players that will have developed later in their teenage years.

offtheditch (Cavan) - Posts: 157 - 25/08/2014 14:14:20    1641721

offtheditch
County: Cavan
I agree with you that some strong clubs are joining together with their equally strong neighbours to put out a full team of 16 yr olds or minors, which should not be allowed. It is better if a club can field its own team no matter how weak it is as it keeps young lads interested, keeps the playing and keeps them within the code.
However there are small clubs out there who have only a handful of under age players and genuinely cannot field a team and have no option but to amalgamate in order to preserve the life blood of the club.

StirringIt (Cavan) - Posts: 374 - 25/08/2014 14:57:05    1641756

some good point, but look at it this way
Some months back the celt had an articular about the 4 u21 teams and something like 60 plus players got game time over the 4 years. The club with the most players was cavan gaels, but who was second ???? Arva with 4 or 5 players. My Club did not have any one players on teams!!! If you look at Arva or even shercock who are a small club producing some many good footballers v a larger club like crosserlough for example . Amalgamation can work!!!! if some one can post the list of players from the 4 u21 team we can have a look who play on one club teams and who played in amalgamation and who were from single club teams.
some times amalgamation may be the least worst option

iheardthat (Cavan) - Posts: 89 - 26/08/2014 08:33:06    1642066

Tomsmith here

I have for along time supported/advocated that we have amalgamated teams or as I called them Divisional teams
It is great that someone else is supporting my calls

tomsmith (Cavan) - Posts: 3856 - 26/08/2014 19:14:23    1642585