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Sligo GAA thread

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Replying To veryworriedsligolgfafan:  "First time poster who likes to keep an eye on the page from time to time. It is always very interesting to read all the different views on here about Sligo GAA. While everyone may not agree with Sligonian and Eoinog opinions at least it is getting discussion amongst the supporters on the forum.
As someone with two daughters (9&12) who are football mad it worries me about their future in the game.
While everyone here have an opinion on whether the mens management stay or go and giving opinions on their work till now, I think one point is being totally missed. Brendan Leonard was chairman when McEntee was appointed. In the mean time Sean Carroll has took over and the culture seems to be a lot better across the board. This is a huge factor in my opinion that the county has began to gain some momentum from being so much more professional.
Here's why I'm concerned about my daughter's. They don't have a future to play for Sligo LGFA at the moment due to a County Board not fit to function. They currently have a talented minor team made up of some special players who are multi talented in many sports. I have no doubt these players will not be picking Gaelic Football for the future due to the lack of ambition and they way they do be treated at the moment.
Making All Ireland finals at underage are papering up the cracks.
Stories have circulated this week that the senior management have been sacked without notification and against players wishes.
This weekend should be one to look forward too with an All- Ireland final taking place but there is no hype or buzz around the county at all. On social media all you see is posts looking for money in such an unprofessional way.
Maybe this comment can get some discussion going because the ladies players in this county deserve go much better. It needs a Sean Carroll type leader as soon as possible."
The Sligo senior ladies don't seem to building on the underage success to the fullest alright. Are the CB that important as to effect senior team results to the extent you are implying? How are they treated?

I have seen a few things that make me go 'not sure about' that but I cant help but think a good management team should be improving the seniors far quicker. The results at u16 & u18 last few years we have been beating A standard Galway/Mayo teams consistently and winning connacht, we've even backed it up for a few years and ladies can transfer fairly quick into senior set ups so what gives. Leitrim are contesting an All Ireland Intermediate final this year. We aren't even getting to the Junior semi final, carlow and fermanagh beat us.

Something not right. As you say they need someone to bring it all together like Sean has.

Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1739 - 26/07/2024 17:25:43    2561837

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Replying To Sligonian:  "That is all actually fair enough.

Does anyone know what McGowan is involved in currently? Does he not deserve a chance at management rather than coach?

Someone recently said Dessie is manager of Knockmore? He was selector with Christie at Longford so wouldn't be mainly responsible. They were very poor though last few years."
McGowan is/was with Boyle in Roscommon? Or was he meant to be on the Coolera/Strandhill ticket this year?

Dessie did a stint with Knockmore last year (when Longford were knocked out) and I think Dempsey went to Easkey. I'm not sure if he's back with them this year.

Mitchell was joint manager of Coolera last year? There's adult level pedigree there.

We've talked the McEntee thing to death. At this juncture I would like to know how we improve club football and structures within the county. This could bring us to the next level Intercounty wise. With super clubs around Sligo town looking set to take over (i recently seen Molaise Gaels have over 30 players in development squads) Are they on the verge of taking over!? Will our rural clubs (Geevagh, St Michael's, Easkey, St Pats, Castleconnor, St Farnans etc) struggle to stay afloat in the next 20 years. Are we in for more clubs coming together and losing clubs. The CDO is a good initiative. I don't think the way things are run are helping. There has been some clarity gained since Sligo have been knocked out but early league fixtures were a joke in terms of scheduling. We still don't have concrete days for championship fixtures. I don't know how other clubs feel about it and would love to know the thoughts of players, officials and club officials. So much time is going into the game with club teams now pushing to where Intercounty teams were. It's no longer Tuesday Thursday and a game. There's gym sessions, video work etc now in the club game. If this much time is going into it players, managers, etc need clarity to when they book their holidays, go on the beer, unwind, go away with their partners etc. I think more needs to be done to help our club game. An idea could be for the county board sit down with players reps from each club before Christmas to see where things be improve for club players. Obviously this couldn't be a free for all but with some structure something could be gained from it. Anybody have any ideas or concerns.

BreakingBall123 (Sligo) - Posts: 64 - 26/07/2024 22:27:30    2561866

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Replying To BreakingBall123:  "McGowan is/was with Boyle in Roscommon? Or was he meant to be on the Coolera/Strandhill ticket this year?

Dessie did a stint with Knockmore last year (when Longford were knocked out) and I think Dempsey went to Easkey. I'm not sure if he's back with them this year.

Mitchell was joint manager of Coolera last year? There's adult level pedigree there.

We've talked the McEntee thing to death. At this juncture I would like to know how we improve club football and structures within the county. This could bring us to the next level Intercounty wise. With super clubs around Sligo town looking set to take over (i recently seen Molaise Gaels have over 30 players in development squads) Are they on the verge of taking over!? Will our rural clubs (Geevagh, St Michael's, Easkey, St Pats, Castleconnor, St Farnans etc) struggle to stay afloat in the next 20 years. Are we in for more clubs coming together and losing clubs. The CDO is a good initiative. I don't think the way things are run are helping. There has been some clarity gained since Sligo have been knocked out but early league fixtures were a joke in terms of scheduling. We still don't have concrete days for championship fixtures. I don't know how other clubs feel about it and would love to know the thoughts of players, officials and club officials. So much time is going into the game with club teams now pushing to where Intercounty teams were. It's no longer Tuesday Thursday and a game. There's gym sessions, video work etc now in the club game. If this much time is going into it players, managers, etc need clarity to when they book their holidays, go on the beer, unwind, go away with their partners etc. I think more needs to be done to help our club game. An idea could be for the county board sit down with players reps from each club before Christmas to see where things be improve for club players. Obviously this couldn't be a free for all but with some structure something could be gained from it. Anybody have any ideas or concerns."
Correct breaking ball. For all the positivity around the senior team and underage squads, the organisation of the club game has been nothing short of shambolic.

There needs to be a real discussion between the ccc and clubs as to what they want (within reason). Do clubs want to start the league in April with regular breaks where lads can maybe have a weekend off. Or are clubs happy to wait for sligo to be knocked out before the league starts and run it off like a blitz as happened this year.

Bigger counties can have their fixtures done in January. Why can't we? It's 4 divisions with at most 9 rounds in div 1 2 and 3. Personally the 5 rounds of spring league has to go. 2 games is enough and a final and if clubs want more games there's plenty of availability for challenges. But as was alluded to previously if we want to keep club players interested they need clarity of fixtures. The 27th of July and no days fixed for champ is totally unacceptable.

westvoice (Sligo) - Posts: 58 - 27/07/2024 11:57:33    2561907

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Replying To westvoice:  "Correct breaking ball. For all the positivity around the senior team and underage squads, the organisation of the club game has been nothing short of shambolic.

There needs to be a real discussion between the ccc and clubs as to what they want (within reason). Do clubs want to start the league in April with regular breaks where lads can maybe have a weekend off. Or are clubs happy to wait for sligo to be knocked out before the league starts and run it off like a blitz as happened this year.

Bigger counties can have their fixtures done in January. Why can't we? It's 4 divisions with at most 9 rounds in div 1 2 and 3. Personally the 5 rounds of spring league has to go. 2 games is enough and a final and if clubs want more games there's plenty of availability for challenges. But as was alluded to previously if we want to keep club players interested they need clarity of fixtures. The 27th of July and no days fixed for champ is totally unacceptable."
I find it strange that in one post we're praising the county chairperson for results on the field which he and every other chairperson in the country has no direct input into but at the same time posters are correctly critical of the organisation of club games which he has responsibility for as he selects the personnel for the CCC. Sligo County Board rarely meets now, maybe 5/6 times in the year in total according to our club delegate which means that when clubs have issues to raise like with fixtures etc. its too late as it could be 6/7 weeks before there's a meeting. Not knowing whether a game is on a Saturday or Sunday 3/4 weeks out is ridiculous. Whatever about the time and venue that can be sorted closer to it but not everyone works a Monday-Friday 9-5 job.

I don't believe that top tables have much impact on how management get results in any game tbh. Once they appoint someone they think is good enough for the job its over to that person to deliver and if they don't then the top table removes them when the time comes. McEntee has proven to be a good appointment given how we were in the doldrums in 2019/2020 period. It will take continued steady progress for us to get back to an early 2000 era stage where we would fancy a good shout against Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. All this talk about the U20's is putting far too much expectation on very young shoulders. Remember we had a great run with those teams in knockout championships which is what the underdog needs as you'll rarely beat one of the bigger teams twice and we saw that with this years changed format for U20s.

I'm easy as to whether McEntee goes or stays, I think it should be left up to him whether he wants to commit or not. If he is happy to stay on and we were to be promoted (after all that is the goal for next year) he might well walk after and say I've got them from Div 4 to 2, time to go while I'm ahead. All the names mentioned so far would have their work cut out for them to start off with a Sligo team fighting to maintain Div 2 status in their first year.

Sligoman1234 (Sligo) - Posts: 430 - 27/07/2024 13:04:50    2561915

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Replying To BreakingBall123:  "McGowan is/was with Boyle in Roscommon? Or was he meant to be on the Coolera/Strandhill ticket this year?

Dessie did a stint with Knockmore last year (when Longford were knocked out) and I think Dempsey went to Easkey. I'm not sure if he's back with them this year.

Mitchell was joint manager of Coolera last year? There's adult level pedigree there.

We've talked the McEntee thing to death. At this juncture I would like to know how we improve club football and structures within the county. This could bring us to the next level Intercounty wise. With super clubs around Sligo town looking set to take over (i recently seen Molaise Gaels have over 30 players in development squads) Are they on the verge of taking over!? Will our rural clubs (Geevagh, St Michael's, Easkey, St Pats, Castleconnor, St Farnans etc) struggle to stay afloat in the next 20 years. Are we in for more clubs coming together and losing clubs. The CDO is a good initiative. I don't think the way things are run are helping. There has been some clarity gained since Sligo have been knocked out but early league fixtures were a joke in terms of scheduling. We still don't have concrete days for championship fixtures. I don't know how other clubs feel about it and would love to know the thoughts of players, officials and club officials. So much time is going into the game with club teams now pushing to where Intercounty teams were. It's no longer Tuesday Thursday and a game. There's gym sessions, video work etc now in the club game. If this much time is going into it players, managers, etc need clarity to when they book their holidays, go on the beer, unwind, go away with their partners etc. I think more needs to be done to help our club game. An idea could be for the county board sit down with players reps from each club before Christmas to see where things be improve for club players. Obviously this couldn't be a free for all but with some structure something could be gained from it. Anybody have any ideas or concerns."
Great post breaking ball.
In one sense, I see what the CCC was thinking but as westvoice aluded to, their tenure has been very poor. They hoped to get more league games with county players. I said earlier on in the year ot wouldn't work because a lot of the country players would travel with the split season and that's exactly how it has happened.
There are guys on that who never played adult football so why would they be making decisions on how it is ran?


So here's my plan to help adult club football in Sligo.
1. Release master calendar right after intercounty fixtures are confirmed and agree them with player reps as suggested by breaking ball. Get the backing.

2. League fixtures should be released in january once master calendar is confirmed. Championsip fixtures with weekend dates should be released by easter. This doesnt seem important bur again, groups of 5 means everyone has a bye. This is important info that clubs need to know.
Dates and times should be at least a month in advance. There's no excuse (with the exception of the last round of tailteann understandably).

2. Make the warm up league four or five separate 6 team competitions (2 groups of 3 with winners through to a final). 2 games is enough and let teams pick their own challenges e.g, coolera, carry, Mary's, John's, molaise, DRP play in the joe bloggs cup. Don't need to go past that.

3. Start the league in late April. Play a couple of rounds. Play a round after Sligos first champ game so if they get knocked out and there is a 3/4 week gap to tailteann, county lads might get released for a game. Then when tailteann/aa starts, give a mid season break to clubs in early June. A 3 week break with the last one left for back games. This will allow club players a chance to break before a heavy secondary part of the season. Starting earlier allows this break plus a couple of weekends for back games.

4. Play div 1 and 2 games on weekends sligo have games on a saturday/sunday. Not a friday when sligo are training. This will allow sligo management to release players who are not in gameday 26. On training weekends , they train Sunday so lads won't be released anyway. These weekends, play friday/Saturday. And get rid of 5pm Sunday games.

5. An extra division. I think there are some junior C teams in the county. And I think division 3 is a bridge too far for some junior b teams. So why not have division 1 (10 teams), (10 teams) and divisions 3, 4 and 5 (all with 8 teams and additional couple in div 4 and 5 if needed). This could keep it more competitive in junior and encourage more to play. We need bigger numbers. Lot of clubs not bothering with second/third teams.

6. Increase media coverage of the league. Ask clubs for pictures and get them our there. I think the Sligo PRO shares them but can we get them on the papers?

7. Leave a gap between league final and championship. Being in a final almost hinders a team starting championship the following week. We've seen it countless times.

8. The above would allow clubs to put in requests much earlier and leave fewer excuses for changes.

CCC should have ex players on it. Simple as. Lot of praise for Sean Carroll here but I think the CCC have been an absolute shambles.

Bumblebee123 (Sligo) - Posts: 56 - 27/07/2024 14:39:28    2561932

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Congrats to the Minor Ladies, some great scores and far the better team. All Ireland B Champions. Have to progress it to Senior. Congrats to all involved. Sligeach Abu.

Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1739 - 27/07/2024 19:58:10    2562003

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Replying To Bumblebee123:  "Great post breaking ball.
In one sense, I see what the CCC was thinking but as westvoice aluded to, their tenure has been very poor. They hoped to get more league games with county players. I said earlier on in the year ot wouldn't work because a lot of the country players would travel with the split season and that's exactly how it has happened.
There are guys on that who never played adult football so why would they be making decisions on how it is ran?


So here's my plan to help adult club football in Sligo.
1. Release master calendar right after intercounty fixtures are confirmed and agree them with player reps as suggested by breaking ball. Get the backing.

2. League fixtures should be released in january once master calendar is confirmed. Championsip fixtures with weekend dates should be released by easter. This doesnt seem important bur again, groups of 5 means everyone has a bye. This is important info that clubs need to know.
Dates and times should be at least a month in advance. There's no excuse (with the exception of the last round of tailteann understandably).

2. Make the warm up league four or five separate 6 team competitions (2 groups of 3 with winners through to a final). 2 games is enough and let teams pick their own challenges e.g, coolera, carry, Mary's, John's, molaise, DRP play in the joe bloggs cup. Don't need to go past that.

3. Start the league in late April. Play a couple of rounds. Play a round after Sligos first champ game so if they get knocked out and there is a 3/4 week gap to tailteann, county lads might get released for a game. Then when tailteann/aa starts, give a mid season break to clubs in early June. A 3 week break with the last one left for back games. This will allow club players a chance to break before a heavy secondary part of the season. Starting earlier allows this break plus a couple of weekends for back games.

4. Play div 1 and 2 games on weekends sligo have games on a saturday/sunday. Not a friday when sligo are training. This will allow sligo management to release players who are not in gameday 26. On training weekends , they train Sunday so lads won't be released anyway. These weekends, play friday/Saturday. And get rid of 5pm Sunday games.

5. An extra division. I think there are some junior C teams in the county. And I think division 3 is a bridge too far for some junior b teams. So why not have division 1 (10 teams), (10 teams) and divisions 3, 4 and 5 (all with 8 teams and additional couple in div 4 and 5 if needed). This could keep it more competitive in junior and encourage more to play. We need bigger numbers. Lot of clubs not bothering with second/third teams.

6. Increase media coverage of the league. Ask clubs for pictures and get them our there. I think the Sligo PRO shares them but can we get them on the papers?

7. Leave a gap between league final and championship. Being in a final almost hinders a team starting championship the following week. We've seen it countless times.

8. The above would allow clubs to put in requests much earlier and leave fewer excuses for changes.

CCC should have ex players on it. Simple as. Lot of praise for Sean Carroll here but I think the CCC have been an absolute shambles."
I posted my previous post to hopefully provide some discussion on an issue which I feel is important. Very little discussion back. When Tony McEntee is mentioned everybody has an opinion and I think I know why. McEntee is an accessible subject, it's the county game, there's always talk. News will get out from squads. It's easy to post here from heresay garnered from a chinwag and seem like you're in the know. I think the majority of the posters of this are people that hear these stories. They aren't involved in clubs, some accept they don't go to club games. They haven't a notion what goes into a club team not a mind an Intercounty team. Some experts on here wanting a McGowan ticket…probably the same berating him for not getting tourlestrane over the line in Connacht for 5 years. The fact that these posters even think that more u20s should be straight into the senior team, again would point to a lack of knowledge…the step up is massive. The senior team in Sligo has a core of players that were thrusted in (no fault of their own) too early, it's only now in the last 18 months theyre getting to compete..I really hope they can push on now but if we took some posters advice and fielded an u22 team I can 100% guarantee you we'd be division 4 again…now getting back to my point, it's easy discuss McEntee because you don't need knowledge, blah blah blah u20s, blah blah blah McGowan or Henry… I have serious concerns for the club game in Sligo outside of Sligo town and those commuters areas to Sligo town that are booming population wise. I have concerns for the structure, concerns for the administration which is driving players away. When this is highlighted (I was hoping to get some conversation going to hopefully highlight the issue) the replies are minimal. Im starting to think this forum is people criticising from afar with absolutely no involvement. Remember the glory days. The 2000s were class why aren't we like that now. We won Connacht in 07 and we were absolutely trounced in McHale Park the year after. 2004 we lost to Roscommon (not exactly a powerhouse at the time) and Clare in round 1 of the qualifiers. Yes we had some great 1 off results them years but it wasn't the norm and one Connacht title is proof of this.

Bumblebee seems to be the only one with any meaningful discussion here which would suggest to me that they are involved and know the score. The rest are watching from afar. Lauding Carroll because results are good. That u20 team and current senior team are 15 years in the making which is a testament to the work underage between clubs and development squads. What has been done in his tenure, a suggestion to play league after championship, that was a doozy… rightfully shot down…club Sligo, don't get me started on that one..a tariff on clubs basically.. what do patrons get in return, don't even get a jacket for resigning.

Rant over. Frustrated

BreakingBall123 (Sligo) - Posts: 64 - 28/07/2024 12:31:49    2562107

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Replying To BreakingBall123:  "I posted my previous post to hopefully provide some discussion on an issue which I feel is important. Very little discussion back. When Tony McEntee is mentioned everybody has an opinion and I think I know why. McEntee is an accessible subject, it's the county game, there's always talk. News will get out from squads. It's easy to post here from heresay garnered from a chinwag and seem like you're in the know. I think the majority of the posters of this are people that hear these stories. They aren't involved in clubs, some accept they don't go to club games. They haven't a notion what goes into a club team not a mind an Intercounty team. Some experts on here wanting a McGowan ticket…probably the same berating him for not getting tourlestrane over the line in Connacht for 5 years. The fact that these posters even think that more u20s should be straight into the senior team, again would point to a lack of knowledge…the step up is massive. The senior team in Sligo has a core of players that were thrusted in (no fault of their own) too early, it's only now in the last 18 months theyre getting to compete..I really hope they can push on now but if we took some posters advice and fielded an u22 team I can 100% guarantee you we'd be division 4 again…now getting back to my point, it's easy discuss McEntee because you don't need knowledge, blah blah blah u20s, blah blah blah McGowan or Henry… I have serious concerns for the club game in Sligo outside of Sligo town and those commuters areas to Sligo town that are booming population wise. I have concerns for the structure, concerns for the administration which is driving players away. When this is highlighted (I was hoping to get some conversation going to hopefully highlight the issue) the replies are minimal. Im starting to think this forum is people criticising from afar with absolutely no involvement. Remember the glory days. The 2000s were class why aren't we like that now. We won Connacht in 07 and we were absolutely trounced in McHale Park the year after. 2004 we lost to Roscommon (not exactly a powerhouse at the time) and Clare in round 1 of the qualifiers. Yes we had some great 1 off results them years but it wasn't the norm and one Connacht title is proof of this.

Bumblebee seems to be the only one with any meaningful discussion here which would suggest to me that they are involved and know the score. The rest are watching from afar. Lauding Carroll because results are good. That u20 team and current senior team are 15 years in the making which is a testament to the work underage between clubs and development squads. What has been done in his tenure, a suggestion to play league after championship, that was a doozy… rightfully shot down…club Sligo, don't get me started on that one..a tariff on clubs basically.. what do patrons get in return, don't even get a jacket for resigning.

Rant over. Frustrated"
Great post. From the heart. Club game going down the swanny in parts of Sligo and nobody cares

Bumblebee123 (Sligo) - Posts: 56 - 28/07/2024 13:37:32    2562124

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Replying To Bumblebee123:  "Great post breaking ball.
In one sense, I see what the CCC was thinking but as westvoice aluded to, their tenure has been very poor. They hoped to get more league games with county players. I said earlier on in the year ot wouldn't work because a lot of the country players would travel with the split season and that's exactly how it has happened.
There are guys on that who never played adult football so why would they be making decisions on how it is ran?


So here's my plan to help adult club football in Sligo.
1. Release master calendar right after intercounty fixtures are confirmed and agree them with player reps as suggested by breaking ball. Get the backing.

2. League fixtures should be released in january once master calendar is confirmed. Championsip fixtures with weekend dates should be released by easter. This doesnt seem important bur again, groups of 5 means everyone has a bye. This is important info that clubs need to know.
Dates and times should be at least a month in advance. There's no excuse (with the exception of the last round of tailteann understandably).

2. Make the warm up league four or five separate 6 team competitions (2 groups of 3 with winners through to a final). 2 games is enough and let teams pick their own challenges e.g, coolera, carry, Mary's, John's, molaise, DRP play in the joe bloggs cup. Don't need to go past that.

3. Start the league in late April. Play a couple of rounds. Play a round after Sligos first champ game so if they get knocked out and there is a 3/4 week gap to tailteann, county lads might get released for a game. Then when tailteann/aa starts, give a mid season break to clubs in early June. A 3 week break with the last one left for back games. This will allow club players a chance to break before a heavy secondary part of the season. Starting earlier allows this break plus a couple of weekends for back games.

4. Play div 1 and 2 games on weekends sligo have games on a saturday/sunday. Not a friday when sligo are training. This will allow sligo management to release players who are not in gameday 26. On training weekends , they train Sunday so lads won't be released anyway. These weekends, play friday/Saturday. And get rid of 5pm Sunday games.

5. An extra division. I think there are some junior C teams in the county. And I think division 3 is a bridge too far for some junior b teams. So why not have division 1 (10 teams), (10 teams) and divisions 3, 4 and 5 (all with 8 teams and additional couple in div 4 and 5 if needed). This could keep it more competitive in junior and encourage more to play. We need bigger numbers. Lot of clubs not bothering with second/third teams.

6. Increase media coverage of the league. Ask clubs for pictures and get them our there. I think the Sligo PRO shares them but can we get them on the papers?

7. Leave a gap between league final and championship. Being in a final almost hinders a team starting championship the following week. We've seen it countless times.

8. The above would allow clubs to put in requests much earlier and leave fewer excuses for changes.

CCC should have ex players on it. Simple as. Lot of praise for Sean Carroll here but I think the CCC have been an absolute shambles."
There are ex players on the CCC and the secretary is a current player unless he recently retired. I'm not a fan of Sean Carroll. The fixtures are a mess, Pr is near non existent. There should be a match report on social media for every championship game. That won't happen. I don't think our finances are great, Very few Co Board meetings so clubs don't have an input. Good work done on pitch in Markievicz Park and perimeter fence but dressing rooms are not good and the public toilets are not fit for purpose. The buck stops with the chair

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1978 - 28/07/2024 19:03:02    2562270

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Replying To Bumblebee123:  "Great post breaking ball.
In one sense, I see what the CCC was thinking but as westvoice aluded to, their tenure has been very poor. They hoped to get more league games with county players. I said earlier on in the year ot wouldn't work because a lot of the country players would travel with the split season and that's exactly how it has happened.
There are guys on that who never played adult football so why would they be making decisions on how it is ran?


So here's my plan to help adult club football in Sligo.
1. Release master calendar right after intercounty fixtures are confirmed and agree them with player reps as suggested by breaking ball. Get the backing.

2. League fixtures should be released in january once master calendar is confirmed. Championsip fixtures with weekend dates should be released by easter. This doesnt seem important bur again, groups of 5 means everyone has a bye. This is important info that clubs need to know.
Dates and times should be at least a month in advance. There's no excuse (with the exception of the last round of tailteann understandably).

2. Make the warm up league four or five separate 6 team competitions (2 groups of 3 with winners through to a final). 2 games is enough and let teams pick their own challenges e.g, coolera, carry, Mary's, John's, molaise, DRP play in the joe bloggs cup. Don't need to go past that.

3. Start the league in late April. Play a couple of rounds. Play a round after Sligos first champ game so if they get knocked out and there is a 3/4 week gap to tailteann, county lads might get released for a game. Then when tailteann/aa starts, give a mid season break to clubs in early June. A 3 week break with the last one left for back games. This will allow club players a chance to break before a heavy secondary part of the season. Starting earlier allows this break plus a couple of weekends for back games.

4. Play div 1 and 2 games on weekends sligo have games on a saturday/sunday. Not a friday when sligo are training. This will allow sligo management to release players who are not in gameday 26. On training weekends , they train Sunday so lads won't be released anyway. These weekends, play friday/Saturday. And get rid of 5pm Sunday games.

5. An extra division. I think there are some junior C teams in the county. And I think division 3 is a bridge too far for some junior b teams. So why not have division 1 (10 teams), (10 teams) and divisions 3, 4 and 5 (all with 8 teams and additional couple in div 4 and 5 if needed). This could keep it more competitive in junior and encourage more to play. We need bigger numbers. Lot of clubs not bothering with second/third teams.

6. Increase media coverage of the league. Ask clubs for pictures and get them our there. I think the Sligo PRO shares them but can we get them on the papers?

7. Leave a gap between league final and championship. Being in a final almost hinders a team starting championship the following week. We've seen it countless times.

8. The above would allow clubs to put in requests much earlier and leave fewer excuses for changes.

CCC should have ex players on it. Simple as. Lot of praise for Sean Carroll here but I think the CCC have been an absolute shambles."
Further to my rant, I agree with a lot of this post in terms of structure…I think the main thing is finalising fixtures as early as possible… the mid season break could be a game changer for clubs… Why is all of this important? It helps clubs get their best teams out on the pitch…giving club players a master calendar as early possible leaves them not guessing with their holidays, trips away, family life, social life etc… this needs to be a priority, I highlighted a league fixture earlier In the year that I think 9 days notice was given (madness)..this split season looks set to say so it is likely that our county players will be July, August, September and October playing with their clubs…for Sligo to compete would it not be beneficial to have clubs with clarity and having their best players on the pitch…there's a lot of football between Sligo getting knocked out and starting again…club football is disjointed at the minute…

Also player retention, there's more to life than football…clubs are losing players due to the all in nature of it… it is difficult to balance it all… what would a early master calendar do…well it would say to a club player you've a mid season break in June, go on your holidays, you've a week off in July go on a weekend away with the lads, club bonding session etc… I would like some consultation with the players this off season…football exists outside Sligo town, they can absorb the pain with playing numbers (and fair play to them)…having 2 and 3 teams but the more rural clubs are really feeling the pain…I think bumblebees proposal is reasonable…I'm sure the people who make the decisions have the best interests in Sligo at heart but I think there's more moving parts than they realise and because of this club is suffering…there is no point closing the gate when the horse has bolted…anyone have any thoughts or are ye all waiting for the McEntee conversation to get going again… :)

BreakingBall123 (Sligo) - Posts: 64 - 28/07/2024 20:23:07    2562317

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Replying To Bumblebee123:  "Great post breaking ball.
In one sense, I see what the CCC was thinking but as westvoice aluded to, their tenure has been very poor. They hoped to get more league games with county players. I said earlier on in the year ot wouldn't work because a lot of the country players would travel with the split season and that's exactly how it has happened.
There are guys on that who never played adult football so why would they be making decisions on how it is ran?


So here's my plan to help adult club football in Sligo.
1. Release master calendar right after intercounty fixtures are confirmed and agree them with player reps as suggested by breaking ball. Get the backing.

2. League fixtures should be released in january once master calendar is confirmed. Championsip fixtures with weekend dates should be released by easter. This doesnt seem important bur again, groups of 5 means everyone has a bye. This is important info that clubs need to know.
Dates and times should be at least a month in advance. There's no excuse (with the exception of the last round of tailteann understandably).

2. Make the warm up league four or five separate 6 team competitions (2 groups of 3 with winners through to a final). 2 games is enough and let teams pick their own challenges e.g, coolera, carry, Mary's, John's, molaise, DRP play in the joe bloggs cup. Don't need to go past that.

3. Start the league in late April. Play a couple of rounds. Play a round after Sligos first champ game so if they get knocked out and there is a 3/4 week gap to tailteann, county lads might get released for a game. Then when tailteann/aa starts, give a mid season break to clubs in early June. A 3 week break with the last one left for back games. This will allow club players a chance to break before a heavy secondary part of the season. Starting earlier allows this break plus a couple of weekends for back games.

4. Play div 1 and 2 games on weekends sligo have games on a saturday/sunday. Not a friday when sligo are training. This will allow sligo management to release players who are not in gameday 26. On training weekends , they train Sunday so lads won't be released anyway. These weekends, play friday/Saturday. And get rid of 5pm Sunday games.

5. An extra division. I think there are some junior C teams in the county. And I think division 3 is a bridge too far for some junior b teams. So why not have division 1 (10 teams), (10 teams) and divisions 3, 4 and 5 (all with 8 teams and additional couple in div 4 and 5 if needed). This could keep it more competitive in junior and encourage more to play. We need bigger numbers. Lot of clubs not bothering with second/third teams.

6. Increase media coverage of the league. Ask clubs for pictures and get them our there. I think the Sligo PRO shares them but can we get them on the papers?

7. Leave a gap between league final and championship. Being in a final almost hinders a team starting championship the following week. We've seen it countless times.

8. The above would allow clubs to put in requests much earlier and leave fewer excuses for changes.

CCC should have ex players on it. Simple as. Lot of praise for Sean Carroll here but I think the CCC have been an absolute shambles."
League final listed for Bunnannaden?????

MrUnderhill (Sligo) - Posts: 69 - 29/07/2024 08:36:05    2562439

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Replying To MrUnderhill:  "League final listed for Bunnannaden?????"
Bumblebee is able to influence proceedings. Markievicz Park is closed so are we to assume that there are no other pitches available that might be a little kinder to the north Sligo outfit .

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1978 - 29/07/2024 09:54:57    2562470

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Replying To MrUnderhill:  "League final listed for Bunnannaden?????"
Bumblebee is able to influence proceedings. Markievicz Park is closed so are we to assume that there are no other pitches available that might be a little kinder to the north Sligo outfit .

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1978 - 29/07/2024 10:19:54    2562487

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Replying To eoinog:  "Bumblebee is able to influence proceedings. Markievicz Park is closed so are we to assume that there are no other pitches available that might be a little kinder to the north Sligo outfit ."
I wish lol
Seems a bonkers decision to not have it somewhere more central. And then at 4pm on a Sunday. Very short turnaround to round 1 of championship. Every day counts

Bumblebee123 (Sligo) - Posts: 56 - 29/07/2024 11:24:15    2562522

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Replying To Bumblebee123:  "I wish lol
Seems a bonkers decision to not have it somewhere more central. And then at 4pm on a Sunday. Very short turnaround to round 1 of championship. Every day counts"
There is always a good reason in fairness for venue choices. Bunninaden is a fine venue but the location isn't ideal for us. There must be some reason for not choosing Cooloney. Hopefully Markievicz will be ready for the championship semi finals.

The game is being streamed which is great.

Happy enough to be in it but also conscious of the championship group we are in. We don't have a bye until the last round.

Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1739 - 29/07/2024 16:43:25    2562716

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Congrats to Mona, what a race, what an incredible day for Sligo sport. I am absolutely buzzing. Hopefully it inspires the young kids of Sligo to believe in themselves no matter what the sport. For far too long we have played small. Dare to dream big. Sligeach abu

Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1739 - 29/07/2024 22:26:44    2562798

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Replying To Sligonian:  "Congrats to Mona, what a race, what an incredible day for Sligo sport. I am absolutely buzzing. Hopefully it inspires the young kids of Sligo to believe in themselves no matter what the sport. For far too long we have played small. Dare to dream big. Sligeach abu"
Get her on the McGowan ticket!!!!!

BreakingBall123 (Sligo) - Posts: 64 - 30/07/2024 12:02:55    2562943

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Right, I fully expect to be ridiculed for this.
Five year plan should be Sligo pushing for an All Ireland title if Tony McEntee is to stay on. Why not. Good group of footballers. Why are Armagh AI champions ? Armagh with McGeeney are a great example of push, push, push and get there. Personally I don't see McEntee as the man to drive this but a get the absolute most out of you fanatic is the best ticket for Sligo right now. I'd love to see these boys training together even now and pushing the absolute boundaries. Teams like Sligo seem to just go with the norm of training , league , championship , TC and see you next year.
We need now an environment of pure excellence. Sligo For Sam.. Now I await the excuses...

SligoScot (Sligo) - Posts: 39 - 30/07/2024 13:19:11    2562979

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Replying To SligoScot:  "Right, I fully expect to be ridiculed for this.
Five year plan should be Sligo pushing for an All Ireland title if Tony McEntee is to stay on. Why not. Good group of footballers. Why are Armagh AI champions ? Armagh with McGeeney are a great example of push, push, push and get there. Personally I don't see McEntee as the man to drive this but a get the absolute most out of you fanatic is the best ticket for Sligo right now. I'd love to see these boys training together even now and pushing the absolute boundaries. Teams like Sligo seem to just go with the norm of training , league , championship , TC and see you next year.
We need now an environment of pure excellence. Sligo For Sam.. Now I await the excuses..."
"Excuses"

Bumblebee123 (Sligo) - Posts: 56 - 30/07/2024 16:14:45    2563063

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Replying To SligoScot:  "Right, I fully expect to be ridiculed for this.
Five year plan should be Sligo pushing for an All Ireland title if Tony McEntee is to stay on. Why not. Good group of footballers. Why are Armagh AI champions ? Armagh with McGeeney are a great example of push, push, push and get there. Personally I don't see McEntee as the man to drive this but a get the absolute most out of you fanatic is the best ticket for Sligo right now. I'd love to see these boys training together even now and pushing the absolute boundaries. Teams like Sligo seem to just go with the norm of training , league , championship , TC and see you next year.
We need now an environment of pure excellence. Sligo For Sam.. Now I await the excuses..."
The weather hasn't been great this summer so I am wondering did the few good days and the bit of sunshine affect you a little bit. To be fair you did serve us with a warning that you expect a backlash. Joking aside if that's your dream/ambition I'm not going to throw cold water on it. I think it's extremely ambitious, I would much prefer to start with winning the Tailteann Cup next year and Connacht in the next 2 years. You referenced Armagh as the example but this Armagh team are together a long time. They havent lost many championship games in regulation time over the last few years. Penos was their downfall. It's unfair to say we just train, league, Championship, T.C and see you next year. You could say the same about practically 80 % of the teams that play football. To get to the standard that Armagh are at it starts with the club team. We have to improve the standard of football in the county. We are making no headwaters in Senior or Intermediate grade in Connacht. Maybe it's me that's too negative and that's why I'm not on the same hymn sheet as you.

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1978 - 30/07/2024 20:03:23    2563129

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