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Wicklow GAA thread

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Replying To Freethinker:  "So, another Leinster campaign falls at the first fence. Blessington did have a horrific start to which they responded well and got their noses in front but at the end there was only one team in it. And for all their representatives on the Wee County panel, I can't see St Mary's lifting the cup in a few weeks. This really just bears out the standard of club football in Wicklow. Ah well, there is always next year."
Sadly, wicklow clubs are seen as easy opposition in the leinster championship, this wasn't always the case. Not so long ago, we had a proud record and teams were scared of playing the wicklow champions in aughrim. How things have flipped. The wicklow senior championship is competitive but a poor standard and the standard seems to be fallen behind other counties in leinster and i am not talking about kilmacud crokes but st marys, palatine, longford-laois champions, hardly world beaters. I know lots of people are working tirelessly at club level but the standard of club players in the county falls well short in terms of basic skills, strength and conditioning, tackling ability. I think there needs to be a change in coaching terms plus i think our lack of school representative in leinster competitions is puzzling. This will subsequently having a knock on the intercounty team. People should be more worried about the standards on the field than if Oisin McConville is at games or not. Who is responsible for overseeing coaching strategies in the county?

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2039 - 05/11/2023 18:51:51    2511610

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Sadly, wicklow clubs are seen as easy opposition in the leinster championship, this wasn't always the case. Not so long ago, we had a proud record and teams were scared of playing the wicklow champions in aughrim. How things have flipped. The wicklow senior championship is competitive but a poor standard and the standard seems to be fallen behind other counties in leinster and i am not talking about kilmacud crokes but st marys, palatine, longford-laois champions, hardly world beaters. I know lots of people are working tirelessly at club level but the standard of club players in the county falls well short in terms of basic skills, strength and conditioning, tackling ability. I think there needs to be a change in coaching terms plus i think our lack of school representative in leinster competitions is puzzling. This will subsequently having a knock on the intercounty team. People should be more worried about the standards on the field than if Oisin McConville is at games or not. Who is responsible for overseeing coaching strategies in the county?"
Ah stop will ya here you go again if you dont know who when why are you on here commenting when you know so little

A few months ago you were on hear calling for this same person who everyone know to be held to acount by who I dont know but presume by you and other key board warriers then when you were made known of how well county underage team s are doing you started praising the underage set up like a complete and utter u turn out of you in a few weeks you think people dont notice this hypocriasy and now here you are again today after forgetting all that and now this "who is responsible" question out of you.

You havent a clue you judge everything by the latest result you hear of. We win its great we lose heads have to roll.

Pat Mustard (None) - Posts: 393 - 05/11/2023 21:54:06    2511647

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Sadly, wicklow clubs are seen as easy opposition in the leinster championship, this wasn't always the case. Not so long ago, we had a proud record and teams were scared of playing the wicklow champions in aughrim. How things have flipped. The wicklow senior championship is competitive but a poor standard and the standard seems to be fallen behind other counties in leinster and i am not talking about kilmacud crokes but st marys, palatine, longford-laois champions, hardly world beaters. I know lots of people are working tirelessly at club level but the standard of club players in the county falls well short in terms of basic skills, strength and conditioning, tackling ability. I think there needs to be a change in coaching terms plus i think our lack of school representative in leinster competitions is puzzling. This will subsequently having a knock on the intercounty team. People should be more worried about the standards on the field than if Oisin McConville is at games or not. Who is responsible for overseeing coaching strategies in the county?"
In Wicklow we have had possibly the worst leaders at the top in the past decade that we ever had. No foresight, no ambition and no plan. What the current chairman can do to improve things remains to be seen.

heavyheart19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 146 - 05/11/2023 21:58:16    2511649

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It doesn't look good when each of our county representatives one after the other are beaten first game out in Leinster. Man O'War disposed of Ballincor in Wicklow and while it wasn't quite a hammering the format of the Dublin championship has to be taken into account. They have an extra championship layer in a senior A championship so their junior A champions are the fourth tier down. Furthermore second teams from larger clubs like Kilmacud Crokes aren't allowed in the intermediate or Junior championships, a bit like Kildare. Therefore Man O' War are effectively the equivalent of Wicklow's junior B champions if second teams from Blessington Rathnew and Pats etc were excluded. I know Dublin is an extreme example but Barndarrig where taken apart by the Laois champions in the intermediate grade which is a more 'like for like' comparison.
In my opinion that's actually a more worrying indicator of the state of football in our county than Blessington v Ardee and other recent 'fails' by our senior champions in Leinster such as St Pats last year.
It shows that as you go down the levels outside the 5 or 6 genuine senior clubs the standard falls away dramatically when compared to other counties.

clubfan17 (Wicklow) - Posts: 107 - 06/11/2023 11:22:33    2511709

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Replying To Pat Mustard:  "Ah stop will ya here you go again if you dont know who when why are you on here commenting when you know so little

A few months ago you were on hear calling for this same person who everyone know to be held to acount by who I dont know but presume by you and other key board warriers then when you were made known of how well county underage team s are doing you started praising the underage set up like a complete and utter u turn out of you in a few weeks you think people dont notice this hypocriasy and now here you are again today after forgetting all that and now this "who is responsible" question out of you.

You havent a clue you judge everything by the latest result you hear of. We win its great we lose heads have to roll."
keep your head in the sand with the rest who don't want anything to improve. That's my advice to you.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2039 - 06/11/2023 11:59:54    2511723

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Yes you can not say it looked positive for Wicklow Clubs in Lenister over the last few years. The Pat's performance last year on TV was behind the sofa viewing.

To take a glass half full view , i think there nothing between any of the teams at senior level. You could put a blanket over them all. Would you put the family sliver on Blessinton beating full strength Avondale. I know i wouldn't.

I think it is really wide open for a team to come though. Pats, Rathnew and Balinglass the normal power house are at low point, with first 2 really struggling underage over the last decade. They have not got a Paul Earls, James Stafford or John McGrath (well 15 years ago version). But still all finalist in last 2 years.

If you ask me the biggest issues for Wicklow is the big populations on the east coast not been full tapped into. There no way Villages like Annacurra, Roundwood and TInahealy(+friends) should be able to compete with Bray Greystones or Kilcole. Let alone beat them

If you exclude these large populated town the playing pool in the county is pretty small. Where is in Kildare Naas and Newbridge have largely dominated the GAA landscape.

P.S not sure Blessinton were unpopular winners, not in my Eco chamber anyway.

Groundskeeper5 (Wicklow) - Posts: 24 - 06/11/2023 12:23:47    2511729

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Replying To Groundskeeper5:  "Yes you can not say it looked positive for Wicklow Clubs in Lenister over the last few years. The Pat's performance last year on TV was behind the sofa viewing.

To take a glass half full view , i think there nothing between any of the teams at senior level. You could put a blanket over them all. Would you put the family sliver on Blessinton beating full strength Avondale. I know i wouldn't.

I think it is really wide open for a team to come though. Pats, Rathnew and Balinglass the normal power house are at low point, with first 2 really struggling underage over the last decade. They have not got a Paul Earls, James Stafford or John McGrath (well 15 years ago version). But still all finalist in last 2 years.

If you ask me the biggest issues for Wicklow is the big populations on the east coast not been full tapped into. There no way Villages like Annacurra, Roundwood and TInahealy(+friends) should be able to compete with Bray Greystones or Kilcole. Let alone beat them

If you exclude these large populated town the playing pool in the county is pretty small. Where is in Kildare Naas and Newbridge have largely dominated the GAA landscape.

P.S not sure Blessinton were unpopular winners, not in my Eco chamber anyway."
Your point is well made in relation to Kildare; the club championship is dominated by large population area: naaa, newbridge (sarsfield moorefield), athy and in recent years: celbridge and maynooth has been semi finalists and finalist. The last club to win the senior championship that picked from a small population was st laurences (ballitore) in 2009. Bray, Greystone and the other big areas of population are nowhere near winning a championship in wicklow despite having a big pool to choose from.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2039 - 06/11/2023 12:48:04    2511734

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "Your point is well made in relation to Kildare; the club championship is dominated by large population area: naaa, newbridge (sarsfield moorefield), athy and in recent years: celbridge and maynooth has been semi finalists and finalist. The last club to win the senior championship that picked from a small population was st laurences (ballitore) in 2009. Bray, Greystone and the other big areas of population are nowhere near winning a championship in wicklow despite having a big pool to choose from."
Arklow will buck that trend in the next 2 to 3 years. For me it will be a combination of AGB and An Tochar fighting it out at the top for the next few years. Both have unbelievably good young Panels overall. AGB missed a trick this year not winning it out. Very Naive v Blessington for large parts of the game. An Tochar never got to anywhere close to their top level of performance. Also hindered by a couple of crucial players missing at vital times. They have won the U19 last year. U17 this year and have had excellent footballers coming through their underage structure for the last 4 to 5 years. The same as AGB. And I think both will start to see the fruits of this labour very very soon.

Gaa_supporter (Wicklow) - Posts: 22 - 06/11/2023 15:27:41    2511780

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Replying To neutralfan:  "Blessington would want to take a good long hard look at themselves."
Never happen.

heavyheart19 (Wicklow) - Posts: 146 - 08/11/2023 10:56:55    2512050

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Replying To heavyheart19:  "Never happen."
Still never explained why, on either of your accounts.

Victorious87 (Wicklow) - Posts: 601 - 08/11/2023 11:41:14    2512059

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I am compelled to question the reasons behind Blessington's celebratory behaviour and the factors that might have led to such a reaction. Such actions do not occur without cause; perhaps certain clubs, especially one in Wicklow, should introspect before casting blame elsewhere. The manner in which Blessington players celebrated appears to be genuinely innocent, especially when compared to the unfortunate experiences endured by some of their players in recent years. It is disheartening to note that these incidents have gone unpunished by our County Board.

wondershorts (Wicklow) - Posts: 291 - 08/11/2023 11:50:33    2512062

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Replying To wondershorts:  "I am compelled to question the reasons behind Blessington's celebratory behaviour and the factors that might have led to such a reaction. Such actions do not occur without cause; perhaps certain clubs, especially one in Wicklow, should introspect before casting blame elsewhere. The manner in which Blessington players celebrated appears to be genuinely innocent, especially when compared to the unfortunate experiences endured by some of their players in recent years. It is disheartening to note that these incidents have gone unpunished by our County Board."
I'm none the wiser of what actually happened in the Blesso celebrations but things happen in the heat of the moment. But well done on the win, unfortunately wasn't followed up in Leinster but once again wicklow clubs are given limited time to prepare.

StrandedinWW (Wicklow) - Posts: 42 - 08/11/2023 12:54:26    2512080

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Replying To heavyheart19:  "I was in Aughrim yesterday and was happy enough Roundwood won.Some great players on show with the majority on the winning side. The standard of reffing in this game was poor in my opinion. After witnessing two good performances from the referees in the drawn and replayed senior finals this was miles off. Red card looked a correct call but he didn't make that one either! Tomnafinogue fooling nobody only themselves in the long term. On to the under 19 now where it should be a good championship if the weather allows."
Also well done An Tochair, 31 years since they won a minor. This should give An Tochair some better options at senior. I felt they just didn't have a bench impact in the last few years and I understand they have some good players on that minor team, which may help that.

As in terms of combined teams, I have no issue if clubs if they can't make a team but allowing a group have two minor team borders??? This creates a precedent that clubs can combined to create a very strong teams in order to win. It's not right.

StrandedinWW (Wicklow) - Posts: 42 - 08/11/2023 13:06:04    2512083

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Replying To wondershorts:  "I am compelled to question the reasons behind Blessington's celebratory behaviour and the factors that might have led to such a reaction. Such actions do not occur without cause; perhaps certain clubs, especially one in Wicklow, should introspect before casting blame elsewhere. The manner in which Blessington players celebrated appears to be genuinely innocent, especially when compared to the unfortunate experiences endured by some of their players in recent years. It is disheartening to note that these incidents have gone unpunished by our County Board."
Some of your comments are a little contradictory in that you were questioning their "celebratory behaviour" and the reasons behind them and then you say that their celebrations " appears to be genuinely innocent ". Having said that, I think I can work out the general gist of your post. I have to say that in all my years watching football in the county, I never saw anything from Blessington or their supporters that you wouldn't see in any - or should I say most - clubs. I, for one, have no issue with them. They fully deserved to lift Miley, in my opinion. They weren't my pick and rode their luck on occasion but fair play to them. Not being a follower of social media, I can thankfully say that I know nothing of these "celebrations and nor do I have any wish to. God be with the days when publishing a photo or image of anyone without their consent was an offence. Hopefully things might revert to that in the future.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1328 - 08/11/2023 13:12:10    2512084

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Replying To wondershorts:  "I am compelled to question the reasons behind Blessington's celebratory behaviour and the factors that might have led to such a reaction. Such actions do not occur without cause; perhaps certain clubs, especially one in Wicklow, should introspect before casting blame elsewhere. The manner in which Blessington players celebrated appears to be genuinely innocent, especially when compared to the unfortunate experiences endured by some of their players in recent years. It is disheartening to note that these incidents have gone unpunished by our County Board."
Some of your comments are a little contradictory in that you were questioning their "celebratory behaviour" and the reasons behind them and then you say that their celebrations " appears to be genuinely innocent ". Having said that, I think I can work out the general gist of your post. I have to say that in all my years watching football in the county, I never saw anything from Blessington or their supporters that you wouldn't see in any - or should I say most - clubs. I, for one, have no issue with them. They fully deserved to lift Miley, in my opinion. They weren't my pick and rode their luck on occasion but fair play to them. Not being a follower of social media, I can thankfully say that I know nothing of these "celebrations and nor do I have any wish to. God be with the days when publishing a photo or image of anyone without their consent was an offence. Hopefully things might revert to that in the future.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1328 - 08/11/2023 14:13:55    2512105

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I believe the Blesso celebrations that some are referring to was "F off Balto" or "Who the F are Balto". I am from neither club, but thats fairly harmless in my book and nothing more than a bit of a dig at what would be their closest rivals geography wise in the senior championship and nothing that you wouldnt see or hear at most clubs celebrations in gaa or other sport after a win, slagging their rivals. Something about nothing in my book and people looking for trouble where there is none.

footballlover (Wicklow) - Posts: 98 - 08/11/2023 16:29:12    2512144

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Replying To wondershorts:  "I am compelled to question the reasons behind Blessington's celebratory behaviour and the factors that might have led to such a reaction. Such actions do not occur without cause; perhaps certain clubs, especially one in Wicklow, should introspect before casting blame elsewhere. The manner in which Blessington players celebrated appears to be genuinely innocent, especially when compared to the unfortunate experiences endured by some of their players in recent years. It is disheartening to note that these incidents have gone unpunished by our County Board."
Not sure about the over celebrations but maybe the reason is the amount of times they have beaten Rathnew in the championship. I don't have the stats but i think Rathnew have had their number for a while

ponger (Cavan) - Posts: 544 - 08/11/2023 17:16:12    2512154

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Replying To footballlover:  "I believe the Blesso celebrations that some are referring to was "F off Balto" or "Who the F are Balto". I am from neither club, but thats fairly harmless in my book and nothing more than a bit of a dig at what would be their closest rivals geography wise in the senior championship and nothing that you wouldnt see or hear at most clubs celebrations in gaa or other sport after a win, slagging their rivals. Something about nothing in my book and people looking for trouble where there is none."
A team can celebrate and especially a team like Blessington who have had limited success for a long period of time until quite recently can push out the boat but what is outlined above is uncalled for. It doesn't portray the club in a good light and I'm not sure what the motivation is to say such things about another club who themselves have help elevate club football in the county over the last 50 years. Hopefully it is one-off and that all concerned with the club can learn from the experience as I wouldn't like to see it become a regular thing on the club scene.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2039 - 10/11/2023 14:11:51    2512363

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Replying To footballlover:  "I believe the Blesso celebrations that some are referring to was "F off Balto" or "Who the F are Balto". I am from neither club, but thats fairly harmless in my book and nothing more than a bit of a dig at what would be their closest rivals geography wise in the senior championship and nothing that you wouldnt see or hear at most clubs celebrations in gaa or other sport after a win, slagging their rivals. Something about nothing in my book and people looking for trouble where there is none."
If that is the reason, it must be said it is short sighted of the supporters to diss Balto in this fashion. I am from east of the hills so really all we can do on this side is admire all those western clubs when they are successful and try to beat them when in opposition. But just going on form over the years and the number of and quality of players these clubs contribute to the county teams, I would have to say that Balto would be my idea of who might lift more Miley's in the coming years from the western clubs. This is purely a personal opinion but one that would be widely held in this part of the world.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 1328 - 10/11/2023 16:59:15    2512396

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Replying To Freethinker:  "If that is the reason, it must be said it is short sighted of the supporters to diss Balto in this fashion. I am from east of the hills so really all we can do on this side is admire all those western clubs when they are successful and try to beat them when in opposition. But just going on form over the years and the number of and quality of players these clubs contribute to the county teams, I would have to say that Balto would be my idea of who might lift more Miley's in the coming years from the western clubs. This is purely a personal opinion but one that would be widely held in this part of the world."
Your way wide of the mark there just look at juvenile set ups. Balto will win not be winning miley for a long long time. The next adult title they win might be an intermediate as that is were they are heading. No way will they get close to miley for at least 10 years. You reap what you sow. Compare that to blessington and im not a Blesso man but in the top 3 or 4 of the A champinship in every single age group every single year. No club in the whole county is matching thst.

Pat Mustard (None) - Posts: 393 - 11/11/2023 20:33:28    2512466

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