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Wicklow GAA thread

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Replying To Dunlavin4Miley:  "There's next to no chance of Dunlavin winning a minor championship this year when they currently don't have enough players to field a team…"
If they don't have suffice numbers to field a team or to compete for a minor A championships as they've done in the last 10-15 years; why make such a decision? Surely the only logic to making such a decision is that as a club they feel they're in a position to compete for minor A championship with their own players.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2046 - 19/01/2025 16:38:25    2586377

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Replying To Albundy19:  "What has 40 years of st Nicholas brought Dunlavin or Donard, they stacked teams for generations and 15 subs at some county championships , as I said good look to them and hopefully more of the stacked group teams follow suit."
Sport isn't about silverware if that's what you are referring to in your comment. The most important thing is that it gave both clubs a football (and hurling) outlet for their juvenile players. Without the St. Nicholas amalgamation neither club would have been able to field a team at every age grade and that is the case for a lot of rural clubs around the country. The idea of an amalgamated team is to create a team where it would otherwise be impossible if some clubs did not have enough numbers. Obviously, in some years one club may be in a position to field a team by themselves but the other club won't. The following year it might be the other way around. So in most years the amalgamated clubs will have to rely on each other to produce a team. You used the example of the Nicks having 15 subs at some championship games before. Let's say that team had a 50:50 make up of Dunlavin and Donard players. In that situation, it would be numerically possible for both clubs to field a team but if one or more players from both teams became unavailable, then they would both have to give a walkover resulting in 28 players not having a game to play. Every team needs a solid, reliable squad of at least 20 players to cover injuries, holidays, drop offs etc. That's not always possible. The other option would be to go to the nearest big club in their locality and put on that clubs jersey. Who would want to put on a rivals jersey after playing against them down through the years. That's the unfortunate reality facing the kids from Donard at present. Some of the bigger, independent clubs seem to think that the amalgamated clubs are at an advantage by linking up, when in reality it's an absolute necessity to provide sport for their young players.

TheChampion (Wicklow) - Posts: 17 - 19/01/2025 22:13:06    2586465

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Replying To Freethinker:  "Dunlavin are making great strides the last few years and if they can field juvenile teams on their own, this can only be good for the club long term. Better to field an u17 team of your own even if it means a few stronger u15s playing. This improves ALL your players not just the few playing with a group team. There are undoubtedly small clubs who just don't have the numbers and the group setup is ideal for them, but in some cases in the county, a big dog has decided to pull in a few good prospects from smaller clubs - and they dont have the smaller clubs interests at heart. One particular group team springs to mind immediately. Before I get jumped on, this is just my opinion - which I have always held, incidentally. ."
"Dunlavin are making great strides the last few years and if they can field juvenile teams on their own, this can only be good for the club long term. Better to field an u17 team of your own even if it means a few stronger u15s playing."

I would have to disagree with you on that Freethinker. No club, in my opinion, should be relying on younger juveniles to make up numbers for the age grade above them. If some players make themselves available and are willing to step up to help out their clubmates, then so be it, but they shouldn't be pressured by any adult or other member of their club to do so by "taking pride in their club jersey". I'm sure there are many young, dual players out there that might also play soccer or rugby on the side and are gifted at sport. Everyone wants a bit of them and it could lead to burn out which is something the GAA are trying to erase. Someone said here that Dunlavin and Donard will only have 11 players each this year at minor. That means that Dunlavin are going to have to bring in quite a number of their U15's to enter a minor team or else find more eligible minors. That to me is wrong if that is there. On another note, club affiliations have to be submitted in 2 weeks time I think. I don't the in's and out's, but from looking in, Dunlavin have only given Donard minimal time to figure out where or how their juveniles are going to play football this season. That is completely disrespectful to a club who they have had a close relationship with for decades. I can understand the anger in Donard from that point of view. I'm sure Dunlavin would feel the same if the shoe was on the other foot. Dunlavin seemingly voted to end the relationship which is fair enough, but it took the UK nearly 4 years to leave the European Union after Brexit. The same consideration should have been given to Donard in this situation so that both clubs would have time to put a plan in place that would allow for a transition period.

TheChampion (Wicklow) - Posts: 17 - 19/01/2025 22:44:28    2586472

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Looking at the backlash that the decision has caused already, surely Dunlavin should have done more research in making such a drastic decision. What's interesting is that it appears on Facebook, twitter etc and hearing from locals from the area that there are as many Dunlavin people upset by the decision as there are Donard. When Dunlavin voted on the decision, was there suffice notice for all club members to attend? Hoping donard grow stronger and come together on the back of this decision.

Onlywayiswicklow (Wicklow) - Posts: 7 - 19/01/2025 23:43:55    2586486

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Replying To TheChampion:  "Sport isn't about silverware if that's what you are referring to in your comment. The most important thing is that it gave both clubs a football (and hurling) outlet for their juvenile players. Without the St. Nicholas amalgamation neither club would have been able to field a team at every age grade and that is the case for a lot of rural clubs around the country. The idea of an amalgamated team is to create a team where it would otherwise be impossible if some clubs did not have enough numbers. Obviously, in some years one club may be in a position to field a team by themselves but the other club won't. The following year it might be the other way around. So in most years the amalgamated clubs will have to rely on each other to produce a team. You used the example of the Nicks having 15 subs at some championship games before. Let's say that team had a 50:50 make up of Dunlavin and Donard players. In that situation, it would be numerically possible for both clubs to field a team but if one or more players from both teams became unavailable, then they would both have to give a walkover resulting in 28 players not having a game to play. Every team needs a solid, reliable squad of at least 20 players to cover injuries, holidays, drop offs etc. That's not always possible. The other option would be to go to the nearest big club in their locality and put on that clubs jersey. Who would want to put on a rivals jersey after playing against them down through the years. That's the unfortunate reality facing the kids from Donard at present. Some of the bigger, independent clubs seem to think that the amalgamated clubs are at an advantage by linking up, when in reality it's an absolute necessity to provide sport for their young players."
You can amalgamate just in years/age groups that you have to? It doesn't have to be a permanent arrangement.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14431 - 20/01/2025 08:03:56    2586494

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Following Wicklow footballers is a bit watching the film Groundhog Day. At the weekend the footballer begin yet another Division 4 campaign. It is obvious to say that it is important that our young team get back into Division 3 before they become mired in Division 4 like previous teams have done. The team begins with a home game against Waterford followed by an away game against London. All opponents of Wicklow won't fear us but at the same time, these two fixtures should offer an opportunity to begin with two victories, two victories should be the aim so that the team can build up momentum. Like everything with Wicklow GAA except for negative press, it is impossible to find out if the team have played many challenge games and what the squad looks like i.e. is there any new blood? Anyway, hopefully the team can get a victory at the weekend and we can start the campaign in a positive way.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2046 - 20/01/2025 20:00:56    2586667

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Following Wicklow footballers is a bit watching the film Groundhog Day. At the weekend the footballer begin yet another Division 4 campaign. It is obvious to say that it is important that our young team get back into Division 3 before they become mired in Division 4 like previous teams have done. The team begins with a home game against Waterford followed by an away game against London. All opponents of Wicklow won't fear us but at the same time, these two fixtures should offer an opportunity to begin with two victories, two victories should be the aim so that the team can build up momentum. Like everything with Wicklow GAA except for negative press, it is impossible to find out if the team have played many challenge games and what the squad looks like i.e. is there any new blood? Anyway, hopefully the team can get a victory at the weekend and we can start the campaign in a positive way."
Rumour has it that preseason was a mixed bag with a win this last weekend and a few losses prior. Rumour again gas it that there wasn't a lot of new talent recruited. Hopefully rumour is wrong.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1351 - 20/01/2025 22:38:36    2586685

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Following Wicklow footballers is a bit watching the film Groundhog Day. At the weekend the footballer begin yet another Division 4 campaign. It is obvious to say that it is important that our young team get back into Division 3 before they become mired in Division 4 like previous teams have done. The team begins with a home game against Waterford followed by an away game against London. All opponents of Wicklow won't fear us but at the same time, these two fixtures should offer an opportunity to begin with two victories, two victories should be the aim so that the team can build up momentum. Like everything with Wicklow GAA except for negative press, it is impossible to find out if the team have played many challenge games and what the squad looks like i.e. is there any new blood? Anyway, hopefully the team can get a victory at the weekend and we can start the campaign in a positive way."
They plated plenty a matchs since christmas finished up last weekend v leitrim and won by a big score

Pat Mustard (None) - Posts: 395 - 20/01/2025 22:58:52    2586691

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To mind Waterford in Aughrim is a must win Sunday.

Albundy19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 80 - 21/01/2025 17:37:28    2586838

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In my opinion this weekend's match in Aughrim v Waterford is a must win if we are to gain promotion.

Albundy19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 80 - 22/01/2025 13:23:30    2586947

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With the break up of the St Nicks amalgamation what will happen to the Donard and Glen players.? Will they join with Stratford Grangecon? Is it true that another west amalgamation is about to break up also.
This has major consequences for the weaker clubs who now may not be able to field a team and the county will lose valuable players as they pursue other sports.
It may not be all about winning but we would like to see players playing at the highest level possible to improve their skills.
St Joseph's is a prime example. The break up here has resulted in both clubs suffering a mark decline. Look at the stats of the number of championships won at underage in the previous 15 years before the split and the 25 years after the split. Stratford Grangecon provided the extra talented 4-6 players that made these victories possible and in turn they became role models in their club and honed their skills by playing at a higher level. We have to remember the Cronins,the Bollards,the Byrnes Thomas Keogh etc etc who provided the extra ingredient to get Joseph's to so many titles. Now Baltinglass operate at B and C level at juvenile level and struggle to field some teams.. Stratford Grangecon are now back to Junior A after being a strong intermediate team while Baltinglass are no longer winning county titles consistently as they did.
This also means that now very few Baltinglass or Stratford players figure on underage county teams because they are playing at a lower level.
I honestly think Dunlavin will follow the same downward path as standards will drop as they will have little or no hope of winning an A championship against the bigger centres of population and the remaining amalgamated teams. I hope I'm wrong.

Optimisticobserver (Wicklow) - Posts: 135 - 22/01/2025 14:00:27    2586957

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Replying To Optimisticobserver:  "With the break up of the St Nicks amalgamation what will happen to the Donard and Glen players.? Will they join with Stratford Grangecon? Is it true that another west amalgamation is about to break up also.
This has major consequences for the weaker clubs who now may not be able to field a team and the county will lose valuable players as they pursue other sports.
It may not be all about winning but we would like to see players playing at the highest level possible to improve their skills.
St Joseph's is a prime example. The break up here has resulted in both clubs suffering a mark decline. Look at the stats of the number of championships won at underage in the previous 15 years before the split and the 25 years after the split. Stratford Grangecon provided the extra talented 4-6 players that made these victories possible and in turn they became role models in their club and honed their skills by playing at a higher level. We have to remember the Cronins,the Bollards,the Byrnes Thomas Keogh etc etc who provided the extra ingredient to get Joseph's to so many titles. Now Baltinglass operate at B and C level at juvenile level and struggle to field some teams.. Stratford Grangecon are now back to Junior A after being a strong intermediate team while Baltinglass are no longer winning county titles consistently as they did.
This also means that now very few Baltinglass or Stratford players figure on underage county teams because they are playing at a lower level.
I honestly think Dunlavin will follow the same downward path as standards will drop as they will have little or no hope of winning an A championship against the bigger centres of population and the remaining amalgamated teams. I hope I'm wrong."
I don't know nor want to know the politics locally but if teams who amalgamate are stronger by amalgamating why are so many clubs going it alone? There's been no statement regarding the St Nicholas situation so I don't know what is happening. Surely if it was confirmed, there would be a statement issued that the clubs are separating but I've seen nothing reported - is it confirmed, can anyone clarify? Your reference to St. Josephs and the underperformance of Grangecon-Stratford and Baltinglass - why don't they join up together and play under the banner of St. Josephs and bring through players? No disrespect to anyone but it isn't rocket science - if a club has enough quality players to play at the highest level in terms of the county championship then go it alone, like AGB and Blessington. If not, then amalgamate and give talented players an opportunity to compete against the best. I made a new year's resolution not to repeat myself but clubs in the county are faring poorly in the Leinster club championship every year, there is a reason for this. Equally schools from Wicklow are not playing at a high level at schools level. Clubs are responsible for developing and giving players opportunities to play and to play to a level they are capable of achieving. It seems there are too many people blaming other factors when really they've taken their eye off the ball. Wicklow clubs are not feared in Leinster like in the past, this is a fact.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2046 - 22/01/2025 15:47:13    2586982

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Are we all excited with the new Captain for the senior footballers? Is this his second or third time to captain the county?

kodak13 (Wicklow) - Posts: 78 - 23/01/2025 21:36:38    2587236

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Replying To kodak13:  "Are we all excited with the new Captain for the senior footballers? Is this his second or third time to captain the county?"
It has to be said that in recent seasons he is a leader on the field and they are a scarce commodity or have been. We need more, and hopefully some of these younger players will develop into the kind of player every team needs to win games.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1351 - 24/01/2025 00:16:18    2587256

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Replying To kodak13:  "Are we all excited with the new Captain for the senior footballers? Is this his second or third time to captain the county?"
Who is the new captain?

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2046 - 24/01/2025 10:55:44    2587283

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Replying To Freethinker:  "It has to be said that in recent seasons he is a leader on the field and they are a scarce commodity or have been. We need more, and hopefully some of these younger players will develop into the kind of player every team needs to win games."
I see on twitter that the captain is Dean Healy. In terms of leadership, I thought Dean Healy was outstanding last year especially in championship games. I am glad to see he is back as I thought he may retire. I agree that he is a role model for some of the younger players in the squad, hopefully they can learn from his leadership and take over the mantle when he retires which is probably sooner rather than later. Best of luck to both the hurlers and footballers at the weekend. An important league campaign for both codes. Hopefully both teams can get off to a good start.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2046 - 24/01/2025 13:16:27    2587315

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Who is the new captain?"
Dean Healy.

minor93 (Wicklow) - Posts: 80 - 24/01/2025 13:22:24    2587317

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Best of luck to the Oisin and his charges tomorrow, good to see a fit Podge in a strong starting 15 , I think we're set for a good league and promotion should definitely be in our reach. Any players people are excited to see? I think the new rules will suit the likes of Dean and Quinn shooting from distance, should see some extra space inside for our forwards too.

TeamActimel (Wicklow) - Posts: 13 - 25/01/2025 15:07:11    2587466

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Replying To TeamActimel:  "Best of luck to the Oisin and his charges tomorrow, good to see a fit Podge in a strong starting 15 , I think we're set for a good league and promotion should definitely be in our reach. Any players people are excited to see? I think the new rules will suit the likes of Dean and Quinn shooting from distance, should see some extra space inside for our forwards too."
Be o interesting to see if that is the actual starting lineup. I don't think he has ever put out a starting 15 that matched the press release yet. Can't see neither of the Tinahely lads starting.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1351 - 25/01/2025 17:08:43    2587474

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Replying To TeamActimel:  "Best of luck to the Oisin and his charges tomorrow, good to see a fit Podge in a strong starting 15 , I think we're set for a good league and promotion should definitely be in our reach. Any players people are excited to see? I think the new rules will suit the likes of Dean and Quinn shooting from distance, should see some extra space inside for our forwards too."
Would love to see Matthew Ging get a good run, was brilliant during the club championship. Great chance for promotion this season hope the team can do it

Dunlavin4Miley (Wicklow) - Posts: 13 - 25/01/2025 17:18:23    2587476

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