Sports Journalism in Ireland - what do you think ?

shabbyroad

I tried to start a discussion on this topic in the News/Media forum but for some reason it was deleted. Odd. Maybe the sports forum is the correct place for it. I'll try again.

Anyway, here's what I want to say and I'm interested in hearing others' opinion on this.

Today I've read/heard/seen various coverage of a story about a professional athlete who used to play for one of the national teams. Today it was announced that this athlete is now available to represent their country.

So, what's the most idiotic thing you've heard/read/seen since this story broke ?

For me it was listening to the muppet who 'phoned in to Newstalk 106 (Radio in Dublin for those of you fortunate enough to be outside the pale) and basically said he was no longer supporting Ireland because of this.

What I believe to be lacking in the writing is the examination of the people management and human resources issues here. I don't believe it is in essence a sports/soccer story but really it should be an exploration of the failure of a national organization and specifically the failure of one of it's previous managers to effectively manage it's human resources.

I'm a bit disappointed that this hasn't been analysed or discussed and it only reinforces my belief that we have second rate sports journalists.

Is it just me or is the quality of sports journalism pretty dire in this country ?
Compare for example this situation and the situation in Swim Ireland where they cannot afford the CEO ? Why isn't that story getting similar coverage ? ? Surely it's of greater importance ?

I read recently a great article by English journalist John Nicholson - it's worth taking a look at
http://www.football365.com/opinion/john_nicholson/story_106258.shtml

interested in your opinions on this.