National Forum



Most Popular Posts in the last 24hrs

Click on the subject to bring you to the county where the message was originally posted 
(this page is sorted with the most popular posts at the top)


Mayo GAA Thread - 3 Like(s)

Replying To S1234:  "You have some cheek did ye not crash out to Down??..."
You have some cheek belittling Roscommon on their win and basically having a pop and everyone on this forum. Show some class. You giving the rest of the Mayo posters here a bad name.

yew_tree (National) - 29/04/2026 10:08:55

Mayo GAA Thread - 2 Like(s)

Replying To yew_tree:  "You have some cheek belittling Roscommon on their win and basically having a pop and everyone on this forum. Show some class. You giving the rest of the Mayo posters here a bad name."
I would question where that poster is from, very quick to get replies on the Galway forum and its around long enough now to just be ignored.

tommy132 (National) - 29/04/2026 13:21:09

Croke Park expansion - 2 Like(s)

Replying To Fionn:  "https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2026/0428/1570621-croker-or-nowhere-as-deal-nears-for-taylors-final-bout/

Hopefully Katie gets her wish for her Final fight to be held in Croke Park."
But not at the expense of the GAA, if Eddie can't stump up the money, the Aviva is available but I can't see that being much cheaper.

Square_B (National) - 29/04/2026 12:52:56

Croke Park expansion - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Fionn:  "https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2026/0428/1570621-croker-or-nowhere-as-deal-nears-for-taylors-final-bout/

Hopefully Katie gets her wish for her Final fight to be held in Croke Park."
No disrespect whatsoever to Katie Taylor, but I have to wonder if she really would attract 80,000 to Croke Park, particularly if tickets aren't priced relatively cheaply.

And seems that according to others here, no point in fighting in Croke Park if the actual crowd would "only" be around 35,000 to 40,000. Sure the place would feel empty....!

Pikeman96 (National) - 29/04/2026 12:33:23

Hurling Championship 2026 - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Viking66:  "You seem to think Munster is seperate to the rest of Ireland, and doesn't include Kerry.
The Munster championship is part of the All Ireland series, same as the Leinster Championship. The Munster and Leinster Councils have to get approval from every other county at home and abroad, or a majority thereof, to change anything. Changes are made at Congress.
If someone proposed a motion at Congress that Kerry isnt allowed to compete in Leinster competitions any more, and a majority approved, then the Munster Council would have to facilitate Kerrys hurlers at underage."
"The Munster championship is part of the All Ireland series, same as the Leinster Championship."

And therein lies the problem. All this arguing, back and forth, on here about the make-up of the Munster and Leinster Championships misses the point; they are intrinsically different and not fit for purpose, nor fair nowadays, for deciding the make-up of the All-Ireland Championship.

The provisional Championships should be separated from, and played before the All-Ireland series. Probably instead of the National League.

The All-Ireland series should have equal number seeded groups, followed by a knock-out phase. You can debate about how many counties qualify, and from where, and how they are seeded, but that's a minor and easily sorted issue.

Cockney_Cat (National) - 29/04/2026 15:57:58

Hurling Championship 2026 - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Tadhg2020:  "Again you are putting words in my mouth. Ive already said many times that Kerry will play in Munster if they ever win the Joe McDonagh Cup. How many different ways do you want me to say it???
You conveniently dodge the prevailing point though. There are 6 teams in Leinster. There are , currently, only 5 in Munster. That means that both championships are not played to the same format. It also, currently, means that the weakest team in the overall competition is the 6th team in Leinster. Therefore, in a system that requires promotion and relegation, the 6th team in Leinster should be relegated."
In fairness, don't think anyone would argue that whoever ends up relegated from Leinster this year would have survived in Munster instead. And therefore, couldn't argue that sixth in Leinster isn't the weakest of the 11 teams in the top tier hurling championship.

But also in fairness, it's not as simple as saying that if one competition has a smaller number of teams, another competition has a greater number, and the competitions aren't played to the same format, then the weakest team in the larger competition is the weakest overall.

There are 11 teams in the Leinster Senior Football Championship. There are just six in Munster. By that "logic", the 11th-best (i.e. worst) in Leinster would be worst overall. Where would that leave Waterford?

Pikeman96 (National) - 29/04/2026 15:17:19

Hurling Championship 2026 - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Tadhg2020:  "Offaly were protected from relegation. They were then relegated as soon as relegation was introduced. I think they were relegated again the following year. Thats how far they had allowed themselves to fall. It took them 3 or 4 years of team building to return. I dont recall them winning a leinster minor or u20 title prior to relegation so I suppose it depends on how you define things.

If you guys get your way there will be no end to the amount of teams in leinster. If there is only promotion and no relegation then, by logic, a team is added every year to your championship. If that's what yoi want then knock yourself out but I believe that a lone has to be drawn somewhere and that should have been at 5 participating teams
Thats how it was intended to be. Its now at 6 so, in my opinion, ye own promotion and relegation now.

On population, wexford has a similar population to Tipperary Clare and Waterford have smaller populations. Kilkenny is smaller but look at their success. Offaly is smaller alright but you also have Dublin which is 3 times Cork. We all have other sports to contend with etc so a lot of it comes down to how hard you work at grass roots and academy level to promote hurling."
Wexfords population has dropped in most of the GAA strongholds. The population has surged in the North of the county, which has become a bit of a dormitory for lads working in Dublin. All 3 of the big clubs up that way would be Football 1st, or dual Senior.
The number of players, adult and underage, that we have who only play hurling would likely be around the same as Kerry have. It would be significantly less than there are in Tipp, Waterford, or Clare.
On top of that we have way more adult and underage soccer teams, more than double the number there are in Tipp or Clare. Probably more than both of them put together. Soccer has always been huge in the county.
Agree with your last point though, the work has to go in at grassroots level.

Viking66 (National) - 29/04/2026 15:15:41

Croke Park expansion - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Pikeman96:  "I also agree.

Fact of the matter is Croke Park was open to the promoters the previous time, but they decided they didn't want to stump up for all the costs that would be associated with it, and wanted others to meet some of those costs instead.

Am sure it would be made available again this time - if the costs can be met this time.

And as blunt as it may sound, surely it's up to the promoters to meet all the costs. Neither the GAA nor the taxpayer should be expected to subsidise the cost of event which (let's face it) would basically be arranged primarily to line the pockets of a small number of individuals."
And whose pockets have already been well and truly lined, throughout the career of Katie.

Fionn (National) - 29/04/2026 15:13:55

Carlow GAA thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To hurlingguru:  "You'd hope the GAA have our hurlers and footballers playing on different days on the 9th and 10th of May. I know the crowd travelling to Ballycran will be small but there are some of us that would like to attend both!!"
Wish granted!

Hurlers on Saturday 9th May at 1.30pm
Footballers on Sunday 10th May at 1.30pm

hurlingguru (National) - 29/04/2026 15:12:52

Monaghan GAA thread - 1 Like(s)
Best of luck to the lads, lets start off a super week in style.

monaghanmad (National) - 29/04/2026 14:22:20

Croke Park expansion - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Square_B:  "Why would the GAA have to compromise? The event list for 2026 is done & dusted... this is icing on the cake. The GAA is in a position of strength, she badly wants the venue. Not being funny but the GAA owes Katie nothing."
I also agree.

Fact of the matter is Croke Park was open to the promoters the previous time, but they decided they didn't want to stump up for all the costs that would be associated with it, and wanted others to meet some of those costs instead.

Am sure it would be made available again this time - if the costs can be met this time.

And as blunt as it may sound, surely it's up to the promoters to meet all the costs. Neither the GAA nor the taxpayer should be expected to subsidise the cost of event which (let's face it) would basically be arranged primarily to line the pockets of a small number of individuals.

Pikeman96 (National) - 29/04/2026 14:03:46

Wicklow GAA thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Freethinker:  "I've been on here for years and certainly never laughed at your or anyone else's posts. We did have one on who tended to be nasty, but he seems to be retired. I find loads of merit in your suggestion. I would suggest that Croke Park come down and do an audit of coaching facilities and coaches in the county. We have some coaches who never won anything as players. We have managers in the same situation - never having coached any team to win anything. I refuse to believe that we, as a county, are producing weaker or smaller kids than any other county, but I believe last nights show was as u14s against seniors. We seem to focus on the faster, more skilful players at say u14, coach them accordingly but as the age groups go up, we are lost against bigger stronger players - how does this happen ? Another question, are our referees told to be too strict on more robust or physical play at juvenile level. When we go out of the county are we nervous about getting a bang. Could we handle it if we did ? Also, we coach our teams to not lose the ball, pass it cross field instead of going route one, which is run at teams straight down the middle. Other teams run at ours and we have no answer. Are we coached to break tackles or are we coached to play back and forth across the field. This approach invariably breaks down, ball turned over and nobody left minding the house. I think Down showed the way on Sunday, just in case there are still those who believe that playing back and forth around the D. os the way to go. The new rules were set up to try discourage that. Like I said earlier. We have gone backwards for the last 20/25 yrs, but nobody in authority seems to be prepared to take their heads out their comfort zone and says enough is enough. This just has to stop."
Agree with a lot of what you said.
I watched a lot of challenge games and one recent in- house challenge game involving the minor team.They play almost a non contact game.Aggressive tackling and hard shouldering is almost extinct. Everything is aimed at making space ,support play etc,etc.While it may get results against similar type teams,Once you come up against top teams, it still needs a large amount of physicality to compete with them.
One of the Meath goals last night, A Wicklow player ran beside the goal scorer for a distance without making any attempt to stop him.Any time A Wicklow player was in shooting distance ,they were most definitely stopped.Also playing u16 players on the team is not on.They are not strong or mature enough.
Things will have to change.

Rockofsense (National) - 29/04/2026 13:57:54

Hurling Championship 2026 - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Tadhg2020:  "If Kerry ever win the Joe McDonagh cup they will play in Munster. That has already been decided.

As for Galway and Antrim, that's a matter for the Leinster Council and the counties concerned.

Why cant each county be responsible for the development of the game within their own boundaries. Protecting Offaly in Leinster didnt help them. Relegation awoke their county board and the hurling people in the county. They put in the work and got back to where they belong. They still have a lot of work to do but they can build on what they have currently. Protectionism doesnt help anyone. It actually hurts the very thing its supposed to help. There is no substitute for putting in the work. No shortcuts."
How were Offaly protected? I think any Leinster county could enter the Leinster championship if they thought they were good enough. For the 'weaker' counties, and this included Offaly in the 2010s, a preliminary round robin wss played with a path to the Leinster Quarter finals.

On the assertion that Offaly got thir act together after they where relegated, this isnt really true or only partially true. Offaly had just started to show signs of competitiveness at underage ahian just when they were relegated to the Joe McDonagh cup. In fact not being in the Senior Leinster makes it harder to keep young lads and supporters interested. And this is the main issue with current structure; that is, if we believe in developing hurling. In general Leinster counties have smaller playing populations, as noted previously, so are much more likely to have periods when they are not competitive. If they are not given the opportunity to compete in their own championship it is much more difficult to progress when that county has another crop of talented youngsters. There is no substitute for playing teams at Provincial championship level. So, if Offaly Kildare, Wexford or Dublin are relegated or Joe Mc teams continue yo-yoing, they will find it more difficult to progress. Its not just a case of say Waterford spending a few years getting there act together but still having exposure to championship level games and having a free shot to give it a go with no jeopardy. When there is relegation the support drops, interest drops - players will choose football, soccer, rugby over hurling. The next generation of players will not get the opportunity to develop by playing the best regularly.

Firceall (National) - 29/04/2026 13:47:35

New Rules - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Fionn:  "And please - get rid of that palming the ball into the net...

Drives me mad."
And hand passing over the bar

Seanfan (National) - 29/04/2026 13:38:10

Galway Football thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Eire89:  "Making excuses already same old Mayo no doubt rossies will be hard bet but look we are going for 5 in a row :) interesting to here Andy Moran say its a 3 yr project after the defeat yet he picked Kobe who is off to Aus where he can actually win something & recalling a retired Hennelly & O Connor who were not good in their prime to get ye over the line. in fact one of your craziest decisions was to start hennelly over Clarke one year and he had a howler for a goal and kicked plenty of long range free wides. Enjoy the few weeks out and wait for the draw :)"
Let's be realistic o connor was top class in his prime and I'd take hennelly in goal for Galway anyday

Jonnytest (National) - 29/04/2026 01:35:36

Roscommon GAA thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To The_analyser:  "Majority of your posting on here over the years has been on the Longford thread than on here. Have you even posted during the league campaign on here, I don't recall any post yet now you are very excitable now and even on the Galway thread trying to get a rise out of them."
Oddball is free to express himself on this forum as a Roscommon supporter, or as a gael in general. Let's not police each other on how often we post, or try to suppress each other's excitement after such a spectacular win like that. There's so much positivity with our team at the moment and that's where our energy should be going.

SpanishRossie (National) - 29/04/2026 12:04:57

Croke Park expansion - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Fionn:  "https://www.rte.ie/sport/boxing/2026/0428/1570621-croker-or-nowhere-as-deal-nears-for-taylors-final-bout/

Hopefully Katie gets her wish for her Final fight to be held in Croke Park."
The wish that would be fulfilled is Hearn getting a huge boost to his profit if he manages to get GAA or the taxpayer to foot his costs!

Hence the point of all the browbeating,

BarneyGrant (National) - 29/04/2026 11:46:39

8 Hurling Rules Changes - 1 Like(s)

Replying To StoreysTash:  "On a long and overnight train journey with time to kill.
Here are 8 hurling rules I would change.
1. Ban the backpass to the keeper. Full back lines who can't hurl the ball deserve to be punished for it. The dynamic of the game changes back to going long from the puck out.
2. Ban the handpass. You go in to contact, get bottled up, you have to drop the ball rather than throwing it. Another option you get a handpass you can't give a handpass.
3. Allow a line ball to be taken out of the hands, but you can't score. Half of line balls are scrappy, along the ground, end up in a ruck. Speed up the game and get the game going quicker again. To ensure the great line ball skill isn't lost, a score from a traditional line ball is 2 points.
4. Shot clock for free Time wasting over frees is rampant, have a 45 second shot clock for the free to be taken.
5. 4 point goal. Encourage more goal and goal attempts
6. Throw in ball should be up in the air like football. Ruck, referee throws the ball in, often another ruck. Throw the ball up in the air.
7. Penalties out of the hand, rather than lift and strike I once mis-lifted one of these, I was gassed after extra time. Penalty taker #5 on a county team isn't good at penalties, let alone penalty taker #5 on a club team.
8. Reduce the game to 13 a side. Players are now fitter, stronger than ever. Space is limited and we need to give the players more space."
Id have to disagree with most of them.

1. Im against it in football so im going to be consistent. The keeper is part of the team and should be treated the same as every other player. I would change the puck out rule though. Imo the ball should have to travel outside the 2 point arc and 20m line.
2. Completely disagree on that.
3. The side line cut is a skill that needs to be nurtured not eliminated. I would award 2 points for a "point" direct from a sideline cut.
4. Not totally against the concept but I dont think it makes much difference. People forget that the clock would start from the time free taker places the ball and not from time whistle is blown. We dont want to reward foul play either.
5. I think its Unnecessary.
6. Unnecessary and potentially dangerous. There is merit in trialing only one from each side contesting the throw in though.
7. Again, its eliminating a skill from the game. Atm if the penalty taker lifts and strikes the ball correctly they should score. It all favours the taker and that's how it should be. However the keeper has a fighting chance if the strike isnt correct . That makes it a contest. Taking from the hand not only eliminates a skill but also greatly reduces an already low likelihood of a contest.
8. Totally unnecessary in my opinion.

Tadhg2020 (National) - 29/04/2026 11:37:20

Leitrim GAA thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To Tacaí Liatroma:  "That's absolutely correct. I didn't see a gigantic scoreboard in the scoreboard end of the ground in Carrick. I did see a very large hoarding advertising something, I can't remember what. I thought maybe it was an electronic scoreboard, but alas it never changed. As I said, there was a big tower just outside the shed and it clearly obscured my view. I don't live in Leitrim any more, and if you go back a couple of pages you'll see this was my first game in Carrick in a long time.

And I was including those who make a skit out of Leitrim in my criticism."
Just a pity now you didn't find another spot in the 95% of the ground not being blocked by this hoarding, shame really but hopefully it didn't ruin your visit to the game otherwise. From my view the scoreboard was excellent.

I didn't notice you mentioning other county people in your criticisms but fair enough

ohwow (National) - 29/04/2026 10:50:55

Dublin GAA thread - 1 Like(s)

Replying To TrueBlue35:  "Yeah the Con issue keeps rearing it's head re injuries. Tbh I wouldn't be surprised if he jacks it in after this season. I do think we will beat Louth on Saturday though, if all the negative talk since the win over Wicklow does not light a fire inside each and every squad member then I don't know what will! A good win against tough opposition would be just what's needed to get this squad up and running, build some confidence and start looking ahead. I don't even want to contemplate a loss."
I don't think anyone can fault their spirit. They have never given up in any game. They are just not good.

Will probably go down on Saturday as it is first time for a long time that a Dublin football team is in one of those Al Pacino moments where they are facing existential life or death on the pitch!

Expect there will be a big crowd and hope they can come out the right side of what could be one of the games of the year.

BarneyGrant (National) - 29/04/2026 10:34:07