Ulster Club SFC - 4 Like(s)
Surprised to see that the Glen v Kilmacud game is featuring so heavily in this thread but not surprised that there are some very strong opinions being expressed about that game. It's important to remember that opinions, however many times they are repeated, are not facts and imagining something in your head, no matter how many times, doesn't make it true. So, here are some facts to complement the opinions expressed with some monotony, by a couple of posters. 1. Trailing by five points and with only one point on the scoreboard, Kilmacud were wrongly awarded a penalty in the 16th minute. It's a matter of opinion whether there was a foul but it is a fact that any "foul" that occurred did so outside the box. The subsequent furore seems to have clouded that fact. 2. Kilmacud breached the rules (6.44) by having 16 active players on the pitch defending the last minute 45. . It's a matter of conjecture whether this was deliberate or not. It is simply impossible to know one way or the other, or to state with certainty that they didn't. It is a fact that the vast majority of club and county management teams manage the routine procedure of substitution in a way to ensure that these rules aren't breached. 3. A game is not over until the referee or timekeeper deems it to be over. With a margin of two points between the teams, Glen had one last opportunity to win the game from a 45 - not a free as one poster with an apparently unimpeachable recollection of the game has stated. It's worth noting that this 45 resulted from a missed open goal opportunity, which if converted would have seen Glen take the lead. Any reasonable person would therefore conclude that the outcome was very much in the balance right until the end. 4. Following the game, Glen sought clarification from the GAA about the breach of rules which had occurred in the closing moments of the game. The GAA informed Glen that without an official objection it would not review the matter. Glen were given until Wednesday afternoon (25 January) to lodge an appeal, and duly did so on Tuesday 24th. On Tuesday 31st January the CCCC ordered a replay of the game. Kilmacud subsequently raised a counter appeal, but not before a number of media outlets quoted sources indicating that Kilmacud had no appetite for a potential replay and that "they would sooner return the cup than play the game again." On 3rd February, Glen withdrew their appeal stating: "Due to the ongoing proceedings we as a club now do not believe the conditions exist for a replay to be contested." It's a fact that there were three protaganists in this saga: Glen, Kilmacud and the GAA. Unlike their opponents, Glen did not breach any rules nor did they waste anyone's time. This mess arose because of Kilmacud's failure to manage their substitutions properly and the GAA's inability to deal with the issue promptly. It's ridiculous that a number of pundits and social media commentators who will rant about "too many steps" were more than happy to ignore this flagrant breach of rules. Even more ridiculous is their propensity to absolve Kilmacud of all responsibility and transfer the blame for the fall out to Glen. 5. I'm quite sure no one in Kilmacud lost any sleep and that they enjoyed their moment. Ensuring they didn't lose another final to a last minute goal, getting a penalty that they shouldn't have just when it was needed, breaching the most basic rules of the game and ultimately avoiding any censure, well what's not to enjoy? It's a fact that money doesn't buy class.  Let the meltdown begin.

BánAgusDearg (National) - 20/11/2023 16:00:59

Football All Stars - 2 Like(s)
Very happy with Derry's four awards each of which I think is well deserved. Delighted for Enda Smith, a great footballer who has had a fantastic year.

BánAgusDearg (National) - 18/11/2023 20:27:48

All Stars 2023 - 1 Like(s)

BánAgusDearg (National) - 01/10/2023 17:04:59