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Oh holy mother of god that was embarrassing to watch on tv. To play the highest level of football live on National tv, they bring on a sub not able to walk. Palatine were missing 5 players but by god did they run at them. Congratulations to all

kodak13 (Wicklow) - Posts: 66 - 23/10/2022 08:55:09    2445079

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What an awful performance and result for St Pats against Palatine last night. Last year Blessington were hammered by thirteen points by Naas but at least Naas went on to contest the Leinster final. With all due respect I don't see Palatine getting to the Leinster final plus it isn't as though Pats are novices in this competition. They've been the dominate club in Wicklow over the last ten years but have a terrible record in Leinster. I'm not here to bash Pats alone but i do think their record in Leinster represents what is wrong with Wicklow football; sub standard club teams and players. I watched a number of games in Wicklow over the last two years and there are some decent players sprinkled throughout the county but overall the standard of club football in the county is poor and getting worse and this is proven each year by the results such as last night's. Without a strong club scene it doesn't matter who the county manager is, the county will remain in the basement division which is where our clubs are presently. It also proves that blaming the county board for all that is wrong with football in the county is no true entirely; the issues are more broad and starts with the clubs.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 1916 - 23/10/2022 10:00:33    2445088

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "What an awful performance and result for St Pats against Palatine last night. Last year Blessington were hammered by thirteen points by Naas but at least Naas went on to contest the Leinster final. With all due respect I don't see Palatine getting to the Leinster final plus it isn't as though Pats are novices in this competition. They've been the dominate club in Wicklow over the last ten years but have a terrible record in Leinster. I'm not here to bash Pats alone but i do think their record in Leinster represents what is wrong with Wicklow football; sub standard club teams and players. I watched a number of games in Wicklow over the last two years and there are some decent players sprinkled throughout the county but overall the standard of club football in the county is poor and getting worse and this is proven each year by the results such as last night's. Without a strong club scene it doesn't matter who the county manager is, the county will remain in the basement division which is where our clubs are presently. It also proves that blaming the county board for all that is wrong with football in the county is no true entirely; the issues are more broad and starts with the clubs."
Indeed, not a great night for Wicklow senior football. After the first 8 minutes or so there was only going to be one winner. Fair play to Pallotine At times it looked as if they had a few extra men on the field such was their dominance. Their fitness, energy levels and indeed skills were superior all over the field. This Pats team just didn't step up a gear since the county final, maybe dropping back a few instead. The only crumbs of comfort so far this weekend have been Eire Og and Laragh who have cleared their first hurdles. Congrats to them.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1004 - 23/10/2022 12:06:20    2445103

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "What an awful performance and result for St Pats against Palatine last night. Last year Blessington were hammered by thirteen points by Naas but at least Naas went on to contest the Leinster final. With all due respect I don't see Palatine getting to the Leinster final plus it isn't as though Pats are novices in this competition. They've been the dominate club in Wicklow over the last ten years but have a terrible record in Leinster. I'm not here to bash Pats alone but i do think their record in Leinster represents what is wrong with Wicklow football; sub standard club teams and players. I watched a number of games in Wicklow over the last two years and there are some decent players sprinkled throughout the county but overall the standard of club football in the county is poor and getting worse and this is proven each year by the results such as last night's. Without a strong club scene it doesn't matter who the county manager is, the county will remain in the basement division which is where our clubs are presently. It also proves that blaming the county board for all that is wrong with football in the county is no true entirely; the issues are more broad and starts with the clubs."
Blessington beat the recently former Leinster champions last year and Pats lost to Portlaoise on penalties a few years ago when Portlaois went on to a Leinster final. I suppose that doesn't suit your argument though?

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 597 - 23/10/2022 14:58:50    2445116

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Replying To kodak13:  "Oh holy mother of god that was embarrassing to watch on tv. To play the highest level of football live on National tv, they bring on a sub not able to walk. Palatine were missing 5 players but by god did they run at them. Congratulations to all"
Good man, come online and have a go at a club player's body shape, knowing nothing about their injuries? Also that player you're talking about has been one of the best forwards in Wicklow over the last 5 years and was on the county panel 2/3 years ago. I wouldn't expect someone who probably hasn't been to a club game all year to know that though.

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 597 - 23/10/2022 15:00:52    2445117

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Replying To Victorious87:  "Blessington beat the recently former Leinster champions last year and Pats lost to Portlaoise on penalties a few years ago when Portlaois went on to a Leinster final. I suppose that doesn't suit your argument though?"
The same Portlaoise and Longford teams that haven't been able to get out of their respective own counties since? Two counties that are hardly top of the football tree in Leinster. The Wicklow champions have exited the Leinster championship by a 25 point aggregrate in the last two campaigns and you are justifying this fact?

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 1916 - 23/10/2022 15:30:18    2445120

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Replying To Victorious87:  "Good man, come online and have a go at a club player's body shape, knowing nothing about their injuries? Also that player you're talking about has been one of the best forwards in Wicklow over the last 5 years and was on the county panel 2/3 years ago. I wouldn't expect someone who probably hasn't been to a club game all year to know that though."
I would agree with many of your points Victoriois87 thoigh not with the personalised elements of it. I don't think that last nights St Pats side was in the.same space as the team that won Miley. Many of their best were pale shadows of themselves at their best. To me they were leaden footed after the first 10 minutes. I know many of that Pats team and know how they will feel today. I and would expect good rims in Leinster from Eire Og and Laragh which might be a better indicator of the strength of football in the county.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1004 - 23/10/2022 15:56:40    2445123

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Looking at the game last night I must admit to being disappointed with pats performance. No matter what injuries that pats had to contend with that doesn't excuse the difference between both teams on the scoreboard. With the exception of the 1st 15 minutes Pal were miles ahead in terms of fitness and hunger. I can't understand the difference between pats performance against Baltinglass in the final and last night's offering. Our county final was two weeks ago so there was ample time to recover. It was so disappointing last night as I think all genuine GAA supporters in the county were behind Pats and hoping a good bit of PR would ensue from being on national TV.

roseyinthegarden (Wicklow) - Posts: 109 - 23/10/2022 16:10:06    2445124

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I'd read this thread regularly but wouldn't post often. Great wins for Laragh & Greystones and hopefully there's more to continue. On the Senior game I thought the result was very disappointing. It was a chance to showcase Wicklow football on the national stage. Was I surprised with the result though? Yes & No.
I know some posters express concerns about the Wicklow champions record in Leinster recently & some don't think it's all bad, I would fall into the concerned category.
Blessington beat Mullinaghta last year, Rathnew had 2 good wins in 2017 & then we're probably going back to the noughties for teams actually winning games & competing. We've had teams that have won this championship before, we should have higher standards than moral victories.

We're usually the architects of our own downfall in Wicklow & I thought the issue stemmed from the county final. I went down as I do most years & left thinking the better team to represent Wicklow was Baltinglass. They missed several chances I know. Pats though must have got 5/6 frees within the 45 some very soft & some correct and with Tommy Kelly they're guaranteed scores. Any of the frees Baltinglass got we're outside the '45 & if a team didn't have Mark Jackson you wouldn't kick them. As for the Pats goal, Tommys quote in the independent the following day summed it up. Bump him with your arse and hope for a lucky break.

When a team gets roughly a 6 point swing and wins by 2, you can't be overly surprised when you lose the next day. I was surprised in the manner though, Pats have a wealth of experience & Palatine never won a Leinster game before. Pats look to have a nicely balanced team there with more championships in them so hopefully it'll be a learning curve & push on in the future.

Wicklow93 (Wicklow) - Posts: 5 - 23/10/2022 16:50:40    2445130

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Replying To Wicklow93:  "I'd read this thread regularly but wouldn't post often. Great wins for Laragh & Greystones and hopefully there's more to continue. On the Senior game I thought the result was very disappointing. It was a chance to showcase Wicklow football on the national stage. Was I surprised with the result though? Yes & No.
I know some posters express concerns about the Wicklow champions record in Leinster recently & some don't think it's all bad, I would fall into the concerned category.
Blessington beat Mullinaghta last year, Rathnew had 2 good wins in 2017 & then we're probably going back to the noughties for teams actually winning games & competing. We've had teams that have won this championship before, we should have higher standards than moral victories.

We're usually the architects of our own downfall in Wicklow & I thought the issue stemmed from the county final. I went down as I do most years & left thinking the better team to represent Wicklow was Baltinglass. They missed several chances I know. Pats though must have got 5/6 frees within the 45 some very soft & some correct and with Tommy Kelly they're guaranteed scores. Any of the frees Baltinglass got we're outside the '45 & if a team didn't have Mark Jackson you wouldn't kick them. As for the Pats goal, Tommys quote in the independent the following day summed it up. Bump him with your arse and hope for a lucky break.

When a team gets roughly a 6 point swing and wins by 2, you can't be overly surprised when you lose the next day. I was surprised in the manner though, Pats have a wealth of experience & Palatine never won a Leinster game before. Pats look to have a nicely balanced team there with more championships in them so hopefully it'll be a learning curve & push on in the future."
Wicklow93 all I can say is I hope you post more often. Yours is one of the better ones that I have read on here.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1004 - 23/10/2022 18:42:00    2445154

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Good to see all the Baltinglass moaners still on here. You weren't in Leinster cos you weren't good enough to win a county final. Coughed up about 1-4 in first half and had a three v one in last minute and couldn't pass the ball. Have a good look at yourselves before you start complaining about Pats in Leinster.

Monopoly (Wicklow) - Posts: 199 - 23/10/2022 20:59:18    2445187

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I agree with most of the posts about the match on Saturday disappointing to watch, Pats never got their big players into the game at all. But if rumours are true how in the name of god did they only have 19 players togged? The club and pick the size of St.Pats?
I see someone mentioned that Laragh had a great win? Not at all, I went into it and they scraped over the line against Amsterdam with an Injury time goal, and truth be told, if they didn't have Mark Miley they would have been well bet. For context, I was told Amsterdam normally play 13 a side in Europe, although they did have some tidy players, you shouldn't be relying on an injury time goal against a European outfit. That's not to be pessimistic but in fact, coupled with the Pats result, is probably a reflection of where we are as a county.

footballlover (Wicklow) - Posts: 98 - 24/10/2022 09:19:11    2445202

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Replying To footballlover:  "I agree with most of the posts about the match on Saturday disappointing to watch, Pats never got their big players into the game at all. But if rumours are true how in the name of god did they only have 19 players togged? The club and pick the size of St.Pats?
I see someone mentioned that Laragh had a great win? Not at all, I went into it and they scraped over the line against Amsterdam with an Injury time goal, and truth be told, if they didn't have Mark Miley they would have been well bet. For context, I was told Amsterdam normally play 13 a side in Europe, although they did have some tidy players, you shouldn't be relying on an injury time goal against a European outfit. That's not to be pessimistic but in fact, coupled with the Pats result, is probably a reflection of where we are as a county."
I agree with you, how can a club with a population the size of Wicklow town and have ambitions to do well in Leinster have only four substitutes available? Palatine is a tiny village on the outskirts of Carlow town: they were missing four players from their first fifteen but watching the match you would have said that Pats were missing four first team players. I also agree that Pats werr fortune in the county final: i watched their goal and it was a clear free out for a push and before anyone starts - i have no allegiance to either club.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 1916 - 24/10/2022 10:23:28    2445215

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "The same Portlaoise and Longford teams that haven't been able to get out of their respective own counties since? Two counties that are hardly top of the football tree in Leinster. The Wicklow champions have exited the Leinster championship by a 25 point aggregrate in the last two campaigns and you are justifying this fact?"
What does that have to do with anything? They were good enough to win their county championship in the year our champions played them? Mullinlaghta were beaten by a last minute penalty in their final this year. Laois club football is strong , look at Portarlington last year, they were a very good team and will be in the later stages of Leinster this year.

Your post is the definition of scoreboard journalism, aggregate score line of separate games and teams doesn't mean much. By the way, Tinahely ladies have reached the Senior Leinster final, I don't see you rushing on to post about that?

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 597 - 24/10/2022 12:27:02    2445244

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Replying To Wicklow93:  "I'd read this thread regularly but wouldn't post often. Great wins for Laragh & Greystones and hopefully there's more to continue. On the Senior game I thought the result was very disappointing. It was a chance to showcase Wicklow football on the national stage. Was I surprised with the result though? Yes & No.
I know some posters express concerns about the Wicklow champions record in Leinster recently & some don't think it's all bad, I would fall into the concerned category.
Blessington beat Mullinaghta last year, Rathnew had 2 good wins in 2017 & then we're probably going back to the noughties for teams actually winning games & competing. We've had teams that have won this championship before, we should have higher standards than moral victories.

We're usually the architects of our own downfall in Wicklow & I thought the issue stemmed from the county final. I went down as I do most years & left thinking the better team to represent Wicklow was Baltinglass. They missed several chances I know. Pats though must have got 5/6 frees within the 45 some very soft & some correct and with Tommy Kelly they're guaranteed scores. Any of the frees Baltinglass got we're outside the '45 & if a team didn't have Mark Jackson you wouldn't kick them. As for the Pats goal, Tommys quote in the independent the following day summed it up. Bump him with your arse and hope for a lucky break.

When a team gets roughly a 6 point swing and wins by 2, you can't be overly surprised when you lose the next day. I was surprised in the manner though, Pats have a wealth of experience & Palatine never won a Leinster game before. Pats look to have a nicely balanced team there with more championships in them so hopefully it'll be a learning curve & push on in the future."
I'd agree, this was probably the weakest Pats team to win a championship in the past decade, they didn't really put in a consistently good performance throughout the championship in Wicklow but they just had a maverick in Tommy Kelly to pull them through tough moments. Dean Healy has looked like he hasn't been himself since the semi final onwards, probably carrying a knock. Stephen Duffy is only able for an impact sub role and Paudge is still playing fantastically but age is against him.

Pats beat everyone they had to beat in Wicklow and they grinded out wins and showed a lot of character but I'd imagine they weren't particularly happy with some of their performances this year. I'd say Baltinglass and Blessington will be kicking themselves that they didn't win this championship. As you say, I reckon they had stronger all round panels and game plans to put up a better fight in Leinster.

I reckon Eire Og could do well in the intermediate grade though.

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 597 - 24/10/2022 12:33:44    2445245

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Replying To Victorious87:  "What does that have to do with anything? They were good enough to win their county championship in the year our champions played them? Mullinlaghta were beaten by a last minute penalty in their final this year. Laois club football is strong , look at Portarlington last year, they were a very good team and will be in the later stages of Leinster this year.

Your post is the definition of scoreboard journalism, aggregate score line of separate games and teams doesn't mean much. By the way, Tinahely ladies have reached the Senior Leinster final, I don't see you rushing on to post about that?"
Firstly i am entitled to my opinion just as much as you are entitled to yours. I don't need you lecturing to me about what i post. We clearly view the current state of club football in the countydifferently, so be it. Also you lecture me on straying off the discussion yet you bring ladies football into a discussion on mens football!!!. We'll just agree to disagree on this discussion.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 1916 - 24/10/2022 14:13:20    2445266

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Replying To Victorious87:  "I'd agree, this was probably the weakest Pats team to win a championship in the past decade, they didn't really put in a consistently good performance throughout the championship in Wicklow but they just had a maverick in Tommy Kelly to pull them through tough moments. Dean Healy has looked like he hasn't been himself since the semi final onwards, probably carrying a knock. Stephen Duffy is only able for an impact sub role and Paudge is still playing fantastically but age is against him.

Pats beat everyone they had to beat in Wicklow and they grinded out wins and showed a lot of character but I'd imagine they weren't particularly happy with some of their performances this year. I'd say Baltinglass and Blessington will be kicking themselves that they didn't win this championship. As you say, I reckon they had stronger all round panels and game plans to put up a better fight in Leinster.

I reckon Eire Og could do well in the intermediate grade though."
A pretty good analysis of how the senior football championship played out and I would agree with your summation of St Pats. Dean certainly wasn't at his best, Tommy was off form and did age and injuries finally catch up the Padge ?? They have some talented younger players but need those older players to be on top of their game to be at their best. Pats have given great players to the county over the years and still will have a contribution to make. I don't know enough about the west teams but I believe that Blessington were maybe over reliant on older players. They always have hood minor teams so they will never be far away. Balto were my tips for the title and if Kevin stays on they will always be dangerous. Like I said in an earlier post, I too expect Greystones to go well in the intermediate Leinster if for no other reason than that they are really Senior standard, in Wicklow at least. Nobody will fancy having them in their group in next years championship.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1004 - 25/10/2022 10:05:44    2445327

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Replying To Monopoly:  "Good to see all the Baltinglass moaners still on here. You weren't in Leinster cos you weren't good enough to win a county final. Coughed up about 1-4 in first half and had a three v one in last minute and couldn't pass the ball. Have a good look at yourselves before you start complaining about Pats in Leinster."
As a proud Baltinglass supporter I take exception to that comment. I feel we had just cause to be aggrieved in the final. We would have given a better account than Pats but that is history now. Kevin has a fine young squad at his disposal and will be back in 2023 to go one better.

heavyheart19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 116 - 25/10/2022 21:48:13    2445450

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I dont see the usual suspect with all his diffrent names on here morning about the county board with the good news coming about new sponsor money. He gets no kick out of saying fair play to county board i suppose but he will pass snide remarks about why they do it

Pat Mustard (None) - Posts: 385 - 26/10/2022 14:15:12    2445512

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Replying To heavyheart19:  "As a proud Baltinglass supporter I take exception to that comment. I feel we had just cause to be aggrieved in the final. We would have given a better account than Pats but that is history now. Kevin has a fine young squad at his disposal and will be back in 2023 to go one better."
Green and white glasses on?

Monopoly (Wicklow) - Posts: 199 - 26/10/2022 15:08:20    2445517

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