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Wicklow GAA thread

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Following Wicklow GAA is like being on a rollcoaster. When Wicklow's season ended, i was as despondent as at any time in the last 30 years but with some talented players i saw in the club championship and this appointment, the future certainly looks somewhat brighter today. I just hope that we don't get the appointment right and mess up the rest. Oisin needs to be given as much resources as he needs and we can afford. He should be given a three year term with no review until the term expires. The ball is back in our court - supporters, clubs and players: we need to row in and support the new manager and give this a good go. I hope that this is not another false dawn and that we can start to climb the ladder.

On a separate note, some one mentioned attending matches. I don't live in the county and i've been checking twitter, website etc all week to find out when the quarter finals were scheduled - nothing. I didn't know they were being played today until i read a post by another poster on this site. I'm at the quarter final game in Kildare. I would have gone to Aughrim instead if the matches were advertised properly. So if anyone from the county board reads this, please take note.

Finally to give some credit. I have been critical of the county board and i make no apology as the criticism was deserved. But i must give credit for their selection of manager. To get someone of this calibre for Wicklow is really a job well done. Hopefully the rest will match the choice.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2092 - 03/09/2022 17:13:18    2439554

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Following Wicklow GAA is like being on a rollcoaster. When Wicklow's season ended, i was as despondent as at any time in the last 30 years but with some talented players i saw in the club championship and this appointment, the future certainly looks somewhat brighter today. I just hope that we don't get the appointment right and mess up the rest. Oisin needs to be given as much resources as he needs and we can afford. He should be given a three year term with no review until the term expires. The ball is back in our court - supporters, clubs and players: we need to row in and support the new manager and give this a good go. I hope that this is not another false dawn and that we can start to climb the ladder.

On a separate note, some one mentioned attending matches. I don't live in the county and i've been checking twitter, website etc all week to find out when the quarter finals were scheduled - nothing. I didn't know they were being played today until i read a post by another poster on this site. I'm at the quarter final game in Kildare. I would have gone to Aughrim instead if the matches were advertised properly. So if anyone from the county board reads this, please take note.

Finally to give some credit. I have been critical of the county board and i make no apology as the criticism was deserved. But i must give credit for their selection of manager. To get someone of this calibre for Wicklow is really a job well done. Hopefully the rest will match the choice."
What I'm finding strange is the complete absence of any footage or highlights of the games going up. For the last few years you could always find the clips of games on YouTube or Facebook but they've completely disappeared this year. I know the games are being recorded, saw the cameras in the stands at both games yesterday. Seems an awful waste and does nothing to promote the games

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 601 - 04/09/2022 09:41:51    2439596

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It will be interesting to see what todays two matches throws up as regards winners. Yesterday we were treated to another super display of football by this young and inexperienced An Tochair side. I had thought Blessington would be too experienced for them but I was glad to proved wrong and on the evidence of the standard on display between Pats and Rathnew, Pats wouldn't relish having to play the lads from the hills again, if they have to meet. Rathnew really are a team on the slide. A pale shadow of their great teams of the past. Whatever way todays matches go, most eyes will be on the draw for the semis.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 04/09/2022 11:25:47    2439619

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I wonder if Leighton might be tempted by the hurling manager vacancy ?? I know he cited family reasons for packing the Ladies Football job in but Wayne Rooney cited the same reasons before heading across the Atlantic.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 04/09/2022 14:19:35    2439633

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was at the 2 matches today the bray emmets v agm was not a great match that is a worry the standard of football in wicklow . Balltinglass had a very good 2nd half .

lor12 (Wicklow) - Posts: 250 - 04/09/2022 18:52:35    2439657

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Replying To lor12:  "was at the 2 matches today the bray emmets v agm was not a great match that is a worry the standard of football in wicklow . Balltinglass had a very good 2nd half ."
The AGB v Bray game was a crime against football. Terrible puke football. Baltinglass were comfortable. Pats were decent and An Tochar on an upward curve. McConville wont enjoy the videos too much from the weekends action.

heavyheart19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 155 - 04/09/2022 21:24:40    2439687

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Replying To heavyheart19:  "The AGB v Bray game was a crime against football. Terrible puke football. Baltinglass were comfortable. Pats were decent and An Tochar on an upward curve. McConville wont enjoy the videos too much from the weekends action."
Glad I couldn't make that if so. Balto v Tochair is a tricky one. I still fancy Balto to lift Miley but after Saturdays games, I'm not as sure as I was. I think the money stays in the pocket here. St Pats ? They have a few very seasoned players who can score points from further out than most which is a big advantage in the modern game. AGB? They seem to blow hot and cold so I will side with the Wicklow Town boys here, just about.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 05/09/2022 08:51:08    2439701

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I know there are people on this forum who are sensitive when i draw comparisons to other counties especially around the quality of clubs and players but i get an unique opportunity to see club football in both Kildare and Wicklow. There's alot of talk in Wicklow about shortcomings at county board level which to a degree is fair. There is a lot of talk about getting a progressive manager for the county team which is fair but there is no talk about the decline in the quality of club football in the county over the last 20 years. This to me is the biggest concern currently when i watch games in the county. The majority of teams are not up to senior level in terms of physicality, tactics, intensity. The basic skills of a number of players is high but there are individuals who lack the basic skills of the game at senior and intermediate level. In my opinion this is due to incorrect or a lack of coaching at underage and the gap between club players and the way the game is played at club level in Kildare and in Wicklow is huge and growing. This wasn't the case 20 years age but other counties have passed us out which worrying both at club and county level. This is something that can and should be addressed if it is not being done currently.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2092 - 05/09/2022 10:51:08    2439722

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "I know there are people on this forum who are sensitive when i draw comparisons to other counties especially around the quality of clubs and players but i get an unique opportunity to see club football in both Kildare and Wicklow. There's alot of talk in Wicklow about shortcomings at county board level which to a degree is fair. There is a lot of talk about getting a progressive manager for the county team which is fair but there is no talk about the decline in the quality of club football in the county over the last 20 years. This to me is the biggest concern currently when i watch games in the county. The majority of teams are not up to senior level in terms of physicality, tactics, intensity. The basic skills of a number of players is high but there are individuals who lack the basic skills of the game at senior and intermediate level. In my opinion this is due to incorrect or a lack of coaching at underage and the gap between club players and the way the game is played at club level in Kildare and in Wicklow is huge and growing. This wasn't the case 20 years age but other counties have passed us out which worrying both at club and county level. This is something that can and should be addressed if it is not being done currently."
In my opinion you are quite correct in your analysis of where our club scene is at. Many of our senior clubs are just not up to what would be the accepted standard. But then, was it ever any different. We have been blessed in the last couple of decades to have seen a brilliant Baltingkass side win 8 or 9 titles followed by Rathnew winning a similar amount. During these spells both teams were only challenged by a handful of clubs internally in the county. By this I mean, there weren't many clubs could make them work to win titles. Since the demise of Rathnew, none of our champions have made a great impression on the Leinster Club scene. I'd imagine you could count on one hand how many ding dong close battles of quality Senior football have been on show in the last 10 years within the county. No doubt someone will jump on me for the above but, to me, we are a bit off the pace compared to other counties. As I live in the county, my access to other championship games is limited so I can only go on our performances in the Leinster Club games. Last year Blessington did get over the first round, but it would be a brave man who would predict much more success at this level in 22. Hopefully I will be proved wrong.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 05/09/2022 14:50:21    2439757

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Replying To Freethinker:  "In my opinion you are quite correct in your analysis of where our club scene is at. Many of our senior clubs are just not up to what would be the accepted standard. But then, was it ever any different. We have been blessed in the last couple of decades to have seen a brilliant Baltingkass side win 8 or 9 titles followed by Rathnew winning a similar amount. During these spells both teams were only challenged by a handful of clubs internally in the county. By this I mean, there weren't many clubs could make them work to win titles. Since the demise of Rathnew, none of our champions have made a great impression on the Leinster Club scene. I'd imagine you could count on one hand how many ding dong close battles of quality Senior football have been on show in the last 10 years within the county. No doubt someone will jump on me for the above but, to me, we are a bit off the pace compared to other counties. As I live in the county, my access to other championship games is limited so I can only go on our performances in the Leinster Club games. Last year Blessington did get over the first round, but it would be a brave man who would predict much more success at this level in 22. Hopefully I will be proved wrong."
I don't think you will be proven wrong in the short term. The standard of the second game yesterday was shocking...apart from Andy Maher in the first half who look like the only player who had ever played football before. Both teams didn't go out to win the game..they went out not to loose. I'm not sure why Bray changed their game plan from earlier games? Even though my club is in the semi finals I wouldn't mind seeing An Tochar winning it out as they are the only team who play good football. But it will probably end up being a Pats Baltingass final

stringfellohawk (Wicklow) - Posts: 129 - 05/09/2022 17:27:32    2439781

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Replying To Freethinker:  "In my opinion you are quite correct in your analysis of where our club scene is at. Many of our senior clubs are just not up to what would be the accepted standard. But then, was it ever any different. We have been blessed in the last couple of decades to have seen a brilliant Baltingkass side win 8 or 9 titles followed by Rathnew winning a similar amount. During these spells both teams were only challenged by a handful of clubs internally in the county. By this I mean, there weren't many clubs could make them work to win titles. Since the demise of Rathnew, none of our champions have made a great impression on the Leinster Club scene. I'd imagine you could count on one hand how many ding dong close battles of quality Senior football have been on show in the last 10 years within the county. No doubt someone will jump on me for the above but, to me, we are a bit off the pace compared to other counties. As I live in the county, my access to other championship games is limited so I can only go on our performances in the Leinster Club games. Last year Blessington did get over the first round, but it would be a brave man who would predict much more success at this level in 22. Hopefully I will be proved wrong."
I follow what you are saying; club success was down to particular clubs like Baltinglass and Rathnew achieved off their own steam. They both won the Leinster club championship and of course Baltinglass reached the holy grail and won the all ireland club title which is an outstanding achievement that will stand the test of time. I accept that the county probably always lacked strength in depth. Last observation between Kildare and Wicklow is that in Kildare, the teams that are achieving consistently are the highly populated towns - Athy, Newbridge, Naas and Celbridge. Wicklow GAA is not thriving in Bray or Greystones which is a travesty for the county. Kiltegan has achieved more in the championship than either Bray and Greystones. Just to say I have nothing personal against either of these clubs. Finally i think Wicklow GAA is making a huge mistake in not targeting school and getting school competing at grade A in the leinster championship.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2092 - 05/09/2022 20:06:36    2439796

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Just heard a really open, honest and interesting interview on Sunday sport with Oisin McConville and his new role as the Wicklow manager. I was impressed by him which is no surprise considering his footballing knowledge and the level he has played at. I am delighted that he has come out and informed us (the public and supporters) of his targets as the Wickow manager - to gain promotion from Division 4 to Division 3; not only that but to stay in Division 3. Also that he is going to target victory in the Tailteann cup. He correctly identified that one of the key issues is consistency of performance and results. He stated that he has seen videos of the four quarter finals and that he believes the talent is there. At this stage, it seems that we are set for a new adventure as followers, now it is down to players mostly especially the players that will be getting a phone call from him to step forward and join the crusade. Obviously there are big demands on players and the commitment is huge but it would be great if the best players in the county can commit to the cause and give it a real go and see if we can get the bandwagon rolling. I, for one, am looking forward to a new era and that all the long suffering supporters might just be able to dream a little going forward.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2092 - 11/09/2022 17:39:48    2440328

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No great shocks in the weekends hurling matches. I couldn't make any of the games so I'm just going on reports. I was hoping, from a hurling point of view, that Kiltegan might have ran Bray a little closer. Overall when you look at the Intermediate and Senior matche results, it would be hard to make any case that hurling standards might be improving within the county. I will stick to my prediction of a Bray win in 2 weeks. They should be a few points too strong for Glenealy.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 12/09/2022 12:19:45    2440402

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Bray were actually quite poor and the overall standard on show was poor enough. A lot of turnovers and wasted possession from both teams. Kiltegan just lacked the firepower up front

ponger (Cavan) - Posts: 547 - 12/09/2022 13:03:30    2440408

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Replying To ponger:  "Bray were actually quite poor and the overall standard on show was poor enough. A lot of turnovers and wasted possession from both teams. Kiltegan just lacked the firepower up front"
Growing up, I was always told that Wicklow is predominantly a hurling county and that we have won more in hurling than in football. I didn't grow up in a hurling area and I've never known Wicklow to be at a decent level in terms of competing but I suppose the GAA goes back 140 years; can Wicklow ever make progress to a decent level in the hurling code? I see how we struggle to be competitive in football which is predominantly down to coaching at club level and a lack of structure relating to competitions internally in the county; surely this is doubly harder when it comes to the small ball code. It is just an observation. I'm not a hurling expert but I just don't think the county is ever going to make major strides in hurling whatever about football - opinions to the contrary welcome!!!

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2092 - 12/09/2022 20:08:32    2440463

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Growing up, I was always told that Wicklow is predominantly a hurling county and that we have won more in hurling than in football. I didn't grow up in a hurling area and I've never known Wicklow to be at a decent level in terms of competing but I suppose the GAA goes back 140 years; can Wicklow ever make progress to a decent level in the hurling code? I see how we struggle to be competitive in football which is predominantly down to coaching at club level and a lack of structure relating to competitions internally in the county; surely this is doubly harder when it comes to the small ball code. It is just an observation. I'm not a hurling expert but I just don't think the county is ever going to make major strides in hurling whatever about football - opinions to the contrary welcome!!!"
We should be playing inter county hurling at a higher level. We have 3 divisions and more teams than other counties in 2B and the NRC.

liam500 (Wicklow) - Posts: 198 - 13/09/2022 09:09:17    2440478

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Replying To liam500:  "We should be playing inter county hurling at a higher level. We have 3 divisions and more teams than other counties in 2B and the NRC."
Liam500 the fact that we are not is probably an indictment of the clubs and how they are developing the games and their players. The standard of hurling is gradually dropping across the county. Our senior clubs get a handful of games per year. It's hard to improve at that rate. Our county champions - and they are so on merit - play in the lower divisions of the Dublin leagues. Unlike another poster, I can remember a time when we were ranked about 10th in the country - on National Hurling League positions. Other counties have left us far behind in their progress and development. Our hurling nurseries of old are stagnating or are in decline. Honestly, hurling in the county is in a precarious position, to my mind.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 13/09/2022 13:38:26    2440525

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Replying To Freethinker:  "Liam500 the fact that we are not is probably an indictment of the clubs and how they are developing the games and their players. The standard of hurling is gradually dropping across the county. Our senior clubs get a handful of games per year. It's hard to improve at that rate. Our county champions - and they are so on merit - play in the lower divisions of the Dublin leagues. Unlike another poster, I can remember a time when we were ranked about 10th in the country - on National Hurling League positions. Other counties have left us far behind in their progress and development. Our hurling nurseries of old are stagnating or are in decline. Honestly, hurling in the county is in a precarious position, to my mind."
Bray do not play in the lower divisions. They recently won Division 4 and have been promoted to Division 3. Thats playing Senior B / Intermediate Dublin teams now from next year.

Mileythedog (Wicklow) - Posts: 57 - 13/09/2022 14:30:22    2440532

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I've long been of the view and have aired it on here a few times in the past, that as a county there is far greater potential for us to make progress in Hurling than in Football. The Hurling pyramid is more evenly structured across the country compared to football and within the 5 hurling tiers we have consistently competed at the upper end of Tier 3 or Christy Ring, competing in a number of finals and looking for a while like we could break into that second tier.
This was all done against the backdrop of general apathy bordering on contempt that the County Board have shown to hurling over numerous decades. For some unjustifiable reason, the powers that be in Wicklow have considered us a football county and have consistently dedicated the vast majority of focus, resources & budget to this code to the detriment of Hurling.
As another poster points out, several hurling strongholds in the county have regressed sharply in the last 20 years - Arklow, Aughrim, Barndarrig, Kiltegan, Avondale are all operating at levels way below what they would have been in the 80s/90s. Hurling seems to have completely disappeared in Avoca, in favour of Football. Even in Carnew, the conveyor belt doesn't seem to be producing the same quantity of hurlers as in times past.
There are some areas of hope with Kiltegan looking like they might once again come to the fore, adult Hurling back in Aughrim after an absence of a number of years, Arklow starting to show promise at underage with their feile team this year. Bray and Eire Og have stepped up to fill the void left by some of the traditional hurling clubs over the past 15-20 years and Western Gaels have brought hurling to an area that was under serviced for Hurling.
I get that the clubs need to have the wherewithal to help themselves first and foremost, but I have seen very little by way of action from the county board to correct the regression of hurling.
With some focused attention to help the former hurling strongholds coupled with helping the standard bearers like Glenealy, Bray and Carnew to keep moving forward there is no reason why we couldn't be aiming at winning Christy Ring again within 5 -10 years.

Hawkeye2 (Wicklow) - Posts: 158 - 13/09/2022 15:15:32    2440542

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Replying To Mileythedog:  "Bray do not play in the lower divisions. They recently won Division 4 and have been promoted to Division 3. Thats playing Senior B / Intermediate Dublin teams now from next year."
Thanks for that correction Mileythedog. I would have thought that Div 4 was a lower division but I bow to your obvious better knowledge. I do know it's not Div 1 or 2 and this is the standard to which our senior clubs should aspire, in my opinion.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1598 - 13/09/2022 15:47:51    2440554

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