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Can the GAA survive the Rugby onslaught

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Replying To bad.monkey:  "Im going to give this post a thumbs up. Good lad"
or else you could talk about your love of rangers

alano12 (Dublin) - Posts: 2208 - 20/12/2016 20:36:58    1941291

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To get back to the core issue........

In west Galway rugby is making huge inroads. In the last 10 years 3 new clubs have been formed. Oughterard, Barna, and in Carroroe all strategically located to ensure all kids in the West can access the game. Some of these clubs are used as feeders to city well established clubs. Many of the football clubs in the region are now struggling to hold senior status. I would predict in 5-7 years all clubs will be in intermediate or junior.

They gaa blame soccer or dare I say it their first cousin hurling for this gradual demise of football in the region but they are blind to realy smart strategy of aConnacht Rugby who are now focusing on the schools. Time is ticking and by the way, Connacht rugby are perfectly entitled to complete for members in these regions.

northbouind (Galway) - Posts: 304 - 20/12/2016 21:26:44    1941301

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Replying To alano12:  "i have no issue with what happened hill is merely referring to the treatment it gets in the media as its a somewhat similar situation..i think most people dont mind rugby at all but have serious issues with the favourable coverage it gets which you consistently ignore"
So saying 'Again rugby are good at putting a positive spin on what some can see was an infringement of the rules.' is ignoring that rugby are getting more favourable media coverage than GAA ? I said it years ago on the first Mediaman thread that they make the best use of spindoctors in the media to put them in a favourable light and have posted similarly since then. I did say what's the point in complaining about it without doing something to change it.

Saying people like to find faults in a sport they dislike isn't accusing anyone of hating rugby. If they do that's their own business. I know you like rugby Alano and have rightfully issues with it's media spin. I just don't like people making snide comments about rugby because a few people at the top have posh accents and are well-connected. A lot of rugby people are decent hardworking people who like GAA just as much. It's a shame when both their season's dovetail nicely that some feel they have to pick one or other sport and not both.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7343 - 20/12/2016 22:53:39    1941319

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To get back to the core issue........
In west Galway rugby is making huge inroads. In the last 10 years 3 new clubs have been formed. Oughterard, Barna, and in Carroroe all strategically located to ensure all kids in the West can access the game. Some of these clubs are used as feeders to city well established clubs. Many of the football clubs in the region are now struggling to hold senior status. I would predict in 5-7 years all clubs will be in intermediate or junior.
They gaa blame soccer or dare I say it their first cousin hurling for this gradual demise of football in the region but they are blind to realy smart strategy of aConnacht Rugby who are now focusing on the schools. Time is ticking and by the way, Connacht rugby are perfectly entitled to complete for members in these regions.
northbouind (Galway) - Posts:98 - 20/12/2016 21:26:44
And NUIG have started fielding underage teams for kids in Newcastle, westside area city..
Connacht like all provinces are focusing on schools and to get these kids into clubs then.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 20/12/2016 23:27:26    1941328

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Regarding the Connacht game V Wasps, it was an ex Roscommon Minor- Jack Carty who kicked the winning score. So another victory for Gaelic games there in my opinion.
There are some really good senior matches coming up next Spring for Galway GAA. The footballers take on Cork in Pearse stadium and the Hurlers take on Wexford. Two really terrific matches. And 2 must win matches too for Galway. So I ask people to get out and support the teams on the 5th and 19th Febuary respectivelly!!

galwayford (Galway) - Posts: 2519 - 21/12/2016 13:20:37    1941411

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I have a feeling that the rugby bubble is going to burst in a dramatic fashion. I believe that this may be sooner than we think. The twin elephants in the room, concussion and brain injury, and the obvious use of growth enhancers will soon burst to the surface. Even the spin doctors of rugby will be unable to deflect that one away. I would encourage those who care about Galway Gaa, or any other GAA community to remind those who are dazzled by the neon lights of eggball that the dangers associated with the sport should discourage any responsible adult from allowing their child play this most dangerous of sports.

sceptical (Cavan) - Posts: 544 - 21/12/2016 14:17:42    1941427

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Regarding the Connacht game V Wasps, it was an ex Roscommon Minor- Jack Carty who kicked the winning score. So another victory for Gaelic games there in my opinion.
There are some really good senior matches coming up next Spring for Galway GAA. The footballers take on Cork in Pearse stadium and the Hurlers take on Wexford. Two really terrific matches. And 2 must win matches too for Galway. So I ask people to get out and support the teams on the 5th and 19th Febuary respectivelly!!
galwayford (Galway) - Posts:836 - 21/12/2016 13:20:37
So talented kids who play to county level and who played rugby quite well then are victories for rugby?
So Aldo Matassa ex Tipp footballer who had played rugby at high level before playing for tipp is a victory for rugby?
I have a feeling that the rugby bubble is going to burst in a dramatic fashion. I believe that this may be sooner than we think. The twin elephants in the room, concussion and brain injury, and the obvious use of growth enhancers will soon burst to the surface. Even the spin doctors of rugby will be unable to deflect that one away. I would encourage those who care about Galway Gaa, or any other GAA community to remind those who are dazzled by the neon lights of eggball that the dangers associated with the sport should discourage any responsible adult from allowing their child play this most dangerous of sports.
sceptical (Cavan) - Posts:434 - 21/12/2016 14:17:42
People like you have been saying this since I first started posting on this site....
Your post is so bitter and pathetic.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 21/12/2016 18:18:31    1941491

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Replying To sceptical:  "I have a feeling that the rugby bubble is going to burst in a dramatic fashion. I believe that this may be sooner than we think. The twin elephants in the room, concussion and brain injury, and the obvious use of growth enhancers will soon burst to the surface. Even the spin doctors of rugby will be unable to deflect that one away. I would encourage those who care about Galway Gaa, or any other GAA community to remind those who are dazzled by the neon lights of eggball that the dangers associated with the sport should discourage any responsible adult from allowing their child play this most dangerous of sports."
Will file this prediction with the one made by the Decca Recording Company executive who wouldnt sign The Beatles because he said their music wouldn't last.

PoolSturgeon (Galway) - Posts: 1903 - 21/12/2016 19:47:21    1941507

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Replying To ormondbannerman:  "Regarding the Connacht game V Wasps, it was an ex Roscommon Minor- Jack Carty who kicked the winning score. So another victory for Gaelic games there in my opinion.
There are some really good senior matches coming up next Spring for Galway GAA. The footballers take on Cork in Pearse stadium and the Hurlers take on Wexford. Two really terrific matches. And 2 must win matches too for Galway. So I ask people to get out and support the teams on the 5th and 19th Febuary respectivelly!!
galwayford (Galway) - Posts:836 - 21/12/2016 13:20:37
So talented kids who play to county level and who played rugby quite well then are victories for rugby?
So Aldo Matassa ex Tipp footballer who had played rugby at high level before playing for tipp is a victory for rugby?
I have a feeling that the rugby bubble is going to burst in a dramatic fashion. I believe that this may be sooner than we think. The twin elephants in the room, concussion and brain injury, and the obvious use of growth enhancers will soon burst to the surface. Even the spin doctors of rugby will be unable to deflect that one away. I would encourage those who care about Galway Gaa, or any other GAA community to remind those who are dazzled by the neon lights of eggball that the dangers associated with the sport should discourage any responsible adult from allowing their child play this most dangerous of sports.
sceptical (Cavan) - Posts:434 - 21/12/2016 14:17:42
People like you have been saying this since I first started posting on this site....
Your post is so bitter and pathetic."
In fairness Ormond, George North's recent head injury and and how it was mishandled will do little to encourage parents to let their kids play rugby, no matter how much progress is made with concussion assessment, return to play protocols, etc. I know Sceptical isn't a rugby fan but he raises a good point that shouldn't be ignored. Don't shoot the messenger, listen to the message. Parents, particularly mothers, will always look at how safe a game is for their kids, bevitcrugby, soccer, hurling, boxing etc. Many are over-protective about even letting them play any sport in the rain. Serious, I've seen it at a Cúl camp and bit my tongue. They don't think that in almost every sport there are responsible, safety-conscious coaches and there's practically zero chance of serious injury when the rules and safety guidelines are followed.

We've had this discussion in Guy Noves thread before. Rugby might be doing something to improve the concussion risks but George North injury is what a parent sees and their immediate reaction is 'not for my child'. It'd be similar if they saw a bad injury in any other sport, no matter how safe they are. One incident like that will change their mind. It might not sound like a rational thought from them for you, but that's what happens.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7343 - 21/12/2016 19:58:12    1941509

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It's not just hysterical or over protective mothers though GnR, fathers who have been involved in the game their entire lives are refusing to let their children play rugby. The number of teams at adult level is falling drastically as guys are giving up the sport due to the injuries being suffered. There are 3 huge court cases expected next year and world rugby are already reacting to this by bringing in rules that will drastically change how the game is played. For anyone to stick their fingers in their ears and pretend all this is not a major issue for the game is daft. And to add to all this, recent issues over here shows that the game is being run by individuals that even the FA would be embarrassed by!

Soma (UK) - Posts: 2630 - 21/12/2016 21:49:44    1941528

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In fairness Ormond, George North's recent head injury and and how it was mishandled will do little to encourage parents to let their kids play rugby, no matter how much progress is made with concussion assessment, return to play protocols, etc. I know Sceptical isn't a rugby fan but he raises a good point that shouldn't be ignored. Don't shoot the messenger, listen to the message. Parents, particularly mothers, will always look at how safe a game is for their kids, bevitcrugby, soccer, hurling, boxing etc. Many are over-protective about even letting them play any sport in the rain. Serious, I've seen it at a Cúl camp and bit my tongue. They don't think that in almost every sport there are responsible, safety-conscious coaches and there's practically zero chance of serious injury when the rules and safety guidelines are followed.
We've had this discussion in Guy Noves thread before. Rugby might be doing something to improve the concussion risks but George North injury is what a parent sees and their immediate reaction is 'not for my child'. It'd be similar if they saw a bad injury in any other sport, no matter how safe they are. One incident like that will change their mind. It might not sound like a rational thought from them for you, but that's what happens.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts:3109 - 21/12/2016 19:58:12
I am listening to the message. I see what he's saying but I completely disagree.
However from my experience the parents in general know that concussion is managed differently at amateur level and kids are removed by the power of the referee with the aid of the laws or coaches are more proactive at removing players if concussion is suspected.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 21/12/2016 21:53:21    1941531

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Replying To ormondbannerman:  "In fairness Ormond, George North's recent head injury and and how it was mishandled will do little to encourage parents to let their kids play rugby, no matter how much progress is made with concussion assessment, return to play protocols, etc. I know Sceptical isn't a rugby fan but he raises a good point that shouldn't be ignored. Don't shoot the messenger, listen to the message. Parents, particularly mothers, will always look at how safe a game is for their kids, bevitcrugby, soccer, hurling, boxing etc. Many are over-protective about even letting them play any sport in the rain. Serious, I've seen it at a Cúl camp and bit my tongue. They don't think that in almost every sport there are responsible, safety-conscious coaches and there's practically zero chance of serious injury when the rules and safety guidelines are followed.
We've had this discussion in Guy Noves thread before. Rugby might be doing something to improve the concussion risks but George North injury is what a parent sees and their immediate reaction is 'not for my child'. It'd be similar if they saw a bad injury in any other sport, no matter how safe they are. One incident like that will change their mind. It might not sound like a rational thought from them for you, but that's what happens.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts:3109 - 21/12/2016 19:58:12
I am listening to the message. I see what he's saying but I completely disagree.
However from my experience the parents in general know that concussion is managed differently at amateur level and kids are removed by the power of the referee with the aid of the laws or coaches are more proactive at removing players if concussion is suspected."
which part do you actually disagree with. Now i believe that the rugby fraternity are experts at not actually addressing the issues at hand. They, politician like, fudge the issues with stats, action plans and hyperbole. A perfect example is the fact that a French team recently claimed that over 10 of its players were on 'legal' performance enhancers due to asthma?? Come on, i believe you to be an intelligent man!! So i ask you, the defender of all things rugby to refute,
1. That the concussion issue is now about to become a major story.
2. That the massive growth achieved by lads who havent even turned 20 can be put down to diet and weights training alone.
3. That, just as in most high end sports, there is no drugs issue in rugby.
3. That brain injury from repeated collisions is not a reality that retired rugby players are now coming to terms with.

sceptical (Cavan) - Posts: 544 - 22/12/2016 09:40:47    1941581

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which part do you actually disagree with. Now i believe that the rugby fraternity are experts at not actually addressing the issues at hand. They, politician like, fudge the issues with stats, action plans and hyperbole. A perfect example is the fact that a French team recently claimed that over 10 of its players were on 'legal' performance enhancers due to asthma?? Come on, i believe you to be an intelligent man!! So i ask you, the defender of all things rugby to refute,
1. That the concussion issue is now about to become a major story.
2. That the massive growth achieved by lads who havent even turned 20 can be put down to diet and weights training alone.
3. That, just as in most high end sports, there is no drugs issue in rugby.
3. That brain injury from repeated collisions is not a reality that retired rugby players are now coming to terms with.
sceptical (Cavan) - Posts:435 - 22/12/2016 09:40:47
Quit with the personal attacks. Concussion has been a major story for years. World Rugby and the respective national unions have changed policies and are working on changing peoples attitudes towards concussion while that will take time.
Massive growth by people not even 20 can be put down to diet and training alone. Kids will have been in coaching set ups ran by pros and elite coaches from the age of 14 and up and received pro s&c and conditioning work from pro coaches from this age
I haven't said there is no people taking performance enhancing substances who play rugby but it isn't a major issue that is overall blighting the game.

ormondbannerman (Clare) - Posts: 13473 - 22/12/2016 15:02:19    1941680

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I'd be interested to hear Baltra's take on this subject.

Breffni40 (Cavan) - Posts: 12116 - 22/12/2016 16:26:45    1941701

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Concussion is big problem in Gaelic football especially around breaking ball collisions. Lots of players regularly concused but nothing done about it. In both rugby and football if a player is suspected of being concussed he needs to be taken off immediately. The pitch side tests are not conclusive so should have no relevance in decision to substitute or not.

bad.monkey (USA) - Posts: 4624 - 22/12/2016 16:27:53    1941702

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The O'Donovan brothers. Not just their great silver medal. The craic from them gladdened many hearts this year.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7343 - 22/12/2016 17:11:20    1941724

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Replying To ormondbannerman:  "which part do you actually disagree with. Now i believe that the rugby fraternity are experts at not actually addressing the issues at hand. They, politician like, fudge the issues with stats, action plans and hyperbole. A perfect example is the fact that a French team recently claimed that over 10 of its players were on 'legal' performance enhancers due to asthma?? Come on, i believe you to be an intelligent man!! So i ask you, the defender of all things rugby to refute,
1. That the concussion issue is now about to become a major story.
2. That the massive growth achieved by lads who havent even turned 20 can be put down to diet and weights training alone.
3. That, just as in most high end sports, there is no drugs issue in rugby.
3. That brain injury from repeated collisions is not a reality that retired rugby players are now coming to terms with.
sceptical (Cavan) - Posts:435 - 22/12/2016 09:40:47
Quit with the personal attacks. Concussion has been a major story for years. World Rugby and the respective national unions have changed policies and are working on changing peoples attitudes towards concussion while that will take time.
Massive growth by people not even 20 can be put down to diet and training alone. Kids will have been in coaching set ups ran by pros and elite coaches from the age of 14 and up and received pro s&c and conditioning work from pro coaches from this age
I haven't said there is no people taking performance enhancing substances who play rugby but it isn't a major issue that is overall blighting the game."
You do realise that all strength and conditioning coaches learn the same thing, the human body doesn't change because you put the word pro in

hill16no1man (Dublin) - Posts: 12665 - 22/12/2016 17:44:54    1941739

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Replying To Soma:  "It's not just hysterical or over protective mothers though GnR, fathers who have been involved in the game their entire lives are refusing to let their children play rugby. The number of teams at adult level is falling drastically as guys are giving up the sport due to the injuries being suffered. There are 3 huge court cases expected next year and world rugby are already reacting to this by bringing in rules that will drastically change how the game is played. For anyone to stick their fingers in their ears and pretend all this is not a major issue for the game is daft. And to add to all this, recent issues over here shows that the game is being run by individuals that even the FA would be embarrassed by!"
That may very well be, but don't forget that insurance companies have sat in on meeting after meeting with gaa officials year on year over the past 15 years (at least) to perfect, change or drastically change the playing rules to curtail or minimise the chance of serious injury.
We had/have our share of serious injury, hence the yellow cards, the black card, the tick in the book, the gum shields, the helmets, etc.
Any contact field sport is potentially dangerous/health hazardous. Sometimes bad refereeing can contribute, six of one, half a dozen of the other.
GAA being our national sport is deep rooted in our gene, but rugby is here to stay.

supersub15 (Carlow) - Posts: 2907 - 22/12/2016 17:48:30    1941740

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Replying To bad.monkey:  "Concussion is big problem in Gaelic football especially around breaking ball collisions. Lots of players regularly concused but nothing done about it. In both rugby and football if a player is suspected of being concussed he needs to be taken off immediately. The pitch side tests are not conclusive so should have no relevance in decision to substitute or not."
First of all that is the typical rugby response when cornered. Sure it happens in the gaa it's not just us etc! That statement is also rubbish. Yes an occasional concussion occurs in football. However they are rare events
They are not rare events in rugby. every tackle in rugby is potentially damaging to the brain. It is madness that parents allow young children play it.

sceptical (Cavan) - Posts: 544 - 22/12/2016 17:49:48    1941741

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Replying To sceptical:  "First of all that is the typical rugby response when cornered. Sure it happens in the gaa it's not just us etc! That statement is also rubbish. Yes an occasional concussion occurs in football. However they are rare events
They are not rare events in rugby. every tackle in rugby is potentially damaging to the brain. It is madness that parents allow young children play it."
I am a lifetime member of my local GAA club. Played for 20 odd years including abroad. Seen plenty of concussions in football. Mayo Kerry game a several concussions as I remember. Very few in hurling.

bad.monkey (USA) - Posts: 4624 - 22/12/2016 18:11:12    1941750

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