Gerard Cavlan - Dog Fighting

Casei11

anybody see the spotlight documentary on bbc tonight about the illegal dog smuggling into ireland and the north for the purpose of dog fighting, tyrone player cavlan was a main person involved and must surely never play for tyrone again after this,one incident showed a dog beaten so badly people involved tied electric cables to the dog and poured water over the dog electricuting him,when this didnt completely finish him he was taken away to be "finished off", shocking stuff anyone else see it?

TirEoghain

Surely this must be an anti Tyrone thread, or it would have been posted in After Hours..

Casei11

if u saw the documentary tonight you would no its an anti dog fighting thread.

Nalced_irl

Maybe the Animals and Pet Issues forum or something then. Never a good idea to discuss a GAA players life off the field. This one could go the same way as the ones a few pages back.

Casei11

the question is being asked what gaa fans think of the situation as they are the people who know the man who has represented his county with distinction now for a few years,won an all ireland a few ulsters and has been uncovered to be a cruel human being,that is why its in the gaa thread as how would you react to him if he was to play your county in the future,would you boo him or will mickey harte ever select him again,not a chance i think.

Breezer

I agree that players have a right to privacy Nalced, but I think it could be interesting to discuss the way county boards and the GAA look at this kind of thing. The GAA's purpose is to promote Irish games and culture and we need to ask is this an aspect of Irish culture it wants to be promoting? There's also the fact that increasingly players are becoming role models for young lads.

I don't want to sound like some old granny, but it's a serious issue, and not just from an animal welfare perspective. I don't know if you saw the programme but it was pretty horrific. It highlighted the death of a child in Liverpool after being attacked by a pitt bull used for dog fighting. Several other severely maimed children were shown as well.

I think a comment from both the Tyrone county board and the GAA should be forthcoming now that this is in the public eye. Even if it's to state that they don't condone the behaviour, but it's a matter for the authorities and the individuals involved. I don't think silence is a good option, it could be deemed as sticking their heads in the sand.

K-9

Its despicable of course. Really does it deserve a statement from a county board like some GAA players use of drink and violence of the pitch?

A few players have been punished for attacks inside/outside nightclubs etc. should the County Boards issue statements condemning fights inside/outside nightclubs?

Really did the GAA make Gerard Cavlan get involved in dog fighting, did Kieran Bonner/half the Donegal team etc. etc. go on the piss because of the GAA?

If whoever wins the All Ireland's and one of the players s**** a girl and gets her pregnant should the County Board come out with a statement saying they condemn his behaviour and support being more careful with condoms? Or a girl got raped by a GAA player? etc.............and on and on and on......

Players are individuals, what should we now have county board officials with them 24 hours.

Now if this was a Dublin player would have been really interesting

Breezer

I can see where you're coming from Seanies, but this isn't a case of a bust-up outside a night club. Gerard Cavlan has been exposed as part of a large, underground, lucrative operation that has contributed not just to the death and serious injury of thousands of dogs, but of several children in the recent past.

Whether or not the GAA or Tyrone county board, as sporting organisations, want to take any sort of disciplinary action is up to them. But as I said above, I think a statement of some description is necessary, given the sensitive nature of the topic. They're regularly up in arms over violence on the pitch as it discredits the organisation and gives a bad example to young lads. I accept that this is off the pitch, and Cavlan isn't representing the GAA when he engages in this activity. But how many cases have you heard of where an employer takes action against an employee for engaging in illegal activity, even outside of working hours?

I'm not advocating any particular action, all I'm saying is that, given Cavlan's high profile, I think it would be a mistake for the organisation to ignore the issue completely as if they're unaware of it.

angeldelight

Maybe it's just a gut reaction but as soon as I read about this morning I thought I hope he never plays for Tyrone again. Playing for your county is supposed to be an honour, and while I know it is not linked directly with GAA and football, I simply don't think he deserves that honour. I think something this serious should be punished, and not just by the police. It happens in every situation, if you do something wrong you lose some of your privileges and while banning him from playing may seem a bit harsh, so does what he was doing to those poor dogs.

K-9

Breezer wrote:

I can see where you're coming from Seanies, but this isn't a case of a bust-up outside a night club. Gerard Cavlan has been exposed as part of a large, underground, lucrative operation that has contributed not just to the death and serious injury of thousands of dogs, but of several children in the recent past.

See where you are coming from as well but we could go down the cats/dogs are more important than people thread here! Its a famous thread on boards from about 2 years ago.

Look, was it Redser O'Grady (could be wrong was caught fighting in a pub/nightclub), has he not contributed not just to the death and serious injury of thousands of people, but of hundred of people in the recent past. Did the Tipp Co. board by not issuing a statement?

Breezer wrote:

They're regularly up in arms over violence on the pitch as it discredits the organisation and gives a bad example to young lads. I accept that this is off the pitch, and Cavlan isn't representing the GAA when he engages in this activity. But how many cases have you heard of where an employer takes action against an employee for engaging in illegal activity, even outside of working hours?

Well professionals soccer players have gotten away with cocaine etc and how many deaths has that led to. They actually are employees not GAA players who are amateur. The GAA are completely and 100% right to bring attention to violence on a GAA pitch, that is within their remit and influence.

breezer wrote:

I'm not advocating any particular action, all I'm saying is that, given Cavlan's high profile, I think it would be a mistake for the organisation to ignore the issue completely as if they're unaware of it.

Dog fighting is not the GAA's problem. Is another form of dogging Stan Collymores a personal problem or a soccer problem? No it is personal problem, not whatever club he was with at the time.

It is up to Mickey Harte and the players to decide. They may well decide to not pick him again and I hope they don't. Never particularly rated him anyway as a player.Where does this end?

Erin Go Brath

Breezer wrote:

I think a comment from both the Tyrone county board and the GAA should be forthcoming now that this is in the public eye. Even if it's to state that they don't condone the behaviour, but it's a matter for the authorities and the individuals involved. I don't think silence is a good option, it could be deemed as sticking their heads in the sand.

I agree 100% with this. Like it or not GAA stars might be amateurs, but still are public role models for kids. To turn a blind eye to this wouldn't be sending out a good signal at all.

I wouldn't agree with the Ops suggestion that he should never play again though. A suspension for a number of months, and to give the County Board his assurance that he won't have any involvement in this activity again would be sufficent punishment (from a GAA perspective) for me.

patmac

Watched this, sickening stuff, The USPCA guy said his son had a picture of Cavlan on the wall and was a hero of his. Cavlan called the USPCA stupid Bastards and then payed someone information so he could steal his dog back so as the charges would be dropped, he then boasted how he put down most of his dogs the ones that "wouldn't be up to the fight".
For those who didn't watch it, Cavlan came across as an extremely nasty individual involved with some very shady characters (loyalists were mentioned) illegally importing banned American Stafford Pitbulls involved in illegal dogfights where dogs are trained with domestic pets and after they lose are put down in the cheapest way possible (a home made electricution was shown).
Cavlan was shown as a top GAA sports star on BBC Northern Ireland and on the BBC Panorma program afterwards (shown in all regions) scoring points for Tyrone and with pictures of him with Sam, I don't think the GAA can ban him but a statement from Tyrone GAA condeming and distancing themselves from Cavlan is a must imo especially as he scored the winning point against Fermanagh.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/6969651.stm

Watch it here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcone/

blackbelt

It is this simple,put him in jail for three-four years and fine him heavily.Its not as if he was part of an organised fight club involving humans,he was involved in the torture of dogs.There is a huge difference from fighting in a nightclub or on the street compared to this activity.By standards,fighting on the street is normal behaviour compared to importing dogs illegally and torturing them and killing them.

The GAA is a company that makes money but its players are amateur in the fact that they don't get paid but at the end of the day does it make a difference whether the players get money or not.We can't ditch principles for money.Cavlan was a player I thought had potential to do better but now I hope he never puts on a Tyrone jersey ever again.

I think Mickey Harte is the sort of person to not tolerate this disgusting behaviour and I believe he'd seriously consider his job as Tyrone manager if the Tyrone County Board didn't back him up against Cavlan.

thirtyfoot

When the Michael Vick dog fighting scandal broke in the US I was bewildered by the hullaballu, it was after all only some dogs. But the more I read about it the more I got shocked and some of the acts these guys do are beyond belief. They are sick and as patmac says nasty individuals. They are not what you want associated with your sport. Many GAA players use their profile for rewards, benefits, jobs off the pitch so they can't have it both ways.

Don't know whether the GAA can make a statement or should as is there a code of conduct that GAA players signup to? Don't think so, but you would like to think this guys sporting career is over even if the GAA don't publicly announce it.

delgany

Dear All



I don’t know how many of you saw the BBC1 Panorama programme about the Irish dogfighting ring last night (30.08.07)



The footage shown in the programme was horrific and one of the men featured who was involved in this cruelty and abuse was a Gaelic footballer, a popular sport. He has already been convicted and fined for keeping dangerous dogs and the footage showed him planning dog fights and discussing stealing a dog to use in a dog fight.



I have written a petition to ask the GAA, the Gaelic Football Association, to suspend this man from playing Gaelic Football. I do not believe that such a cruel man should be allowed to enjoy the privileged lifestyle that he does, and also feel strongly that he should not be allowed to continue in his position of role model in Ireland.



Please read the petition and sign it if you would like to show your support.



http://www.petitiononline.com/Cavlan/petition.html



If you would like to contact the GAA directly, their contact details are:



queries@gaa.ie
pressoffice@gaa.ie



Dog fighting is not a sport – it is a cruel and horrific crime.



Please forward this email on to all your contacts.



Regards



Jane

Breezer

Seanies32 wrote:

See where you are coming from as well but we could go down the cats/dogs are more important than people thread here! Its a famous thread on boards from about 2 years ago.

Well I wasn't saying that in fairness

Seanies32 wrote:

Look, was it Redser O'Grady (could be wrong was caught fighting in a pub/nightclub), has he not contributed not just to the death and serious injury of thousands of people, but of hundred of people in the recent past. Did the Tipp Co. board by not issuing a statement?

Not entirely sure what you're getting at here, but if you're suggesting that drink-fueled fights result in thousands of deaths, then yes, you are right. But they are all separate incidents that result in tragedy. This is a case of underground groups importing banned dogs into Britain and Northern Ireland from Finland via Frankfurt and Dublin, using false papers, with a lot of money changing hands. These pitt bulls, which as a breed are prone to aggressive tendencies, have also been bred and trained specifically to be vicious. They are fought against each other and have, on occasion, maimed and killed children. It's not about dogs, it's not about sport, it's about money.

Not quite the same thing as a guy having one too many and getting aggressive.

Seanies32 wrote:

Well professionals soccer players have gotten away with cocaine etc and how many deaths has that led to. They actually are employees not GAA players who are amateur. The GAA are completely and 100% right to bring attention to violence on a GAA pitch, that is within their remit and influence.

I accept that GAA players are amateur, but to all intents and purposes, today they are professional sportsmen who do not get paid. As has been pointed out, they are able to benefit from marketing deals and enjoy a high profile off the pitch due to their profile on it. While this is a different issue to violence on the pitch, I still feel the GAA need to distance themselves from it.[/QUOTE]

Seanies32 wrote:

Dog fighting is not the GAA's problem. Is another form of dogging Stan Collymores a personal problem or a soccer problem? No it is personal problem, not whatever club he was with at the time.

How many regular employees lose their jobs over substance abuse? While I don't necessarily agree with firing these people, I don't think sportsmen and women should have any particular rights over ordinary Joe Soaps.

Seanies32 wrote:

It is up to Mickey Harte and the players to decide. They may well decide to not pick him again and I hope they don't. Never particularly rated him anyway as a player.Where does this end?

The GAA can end it from their point of view by coming out and making a statement distancing themselves from it. That's all it'll take: no one's asking them to join forces with animal welfare groups and go raiding players' houses

AndyP

Dont really see the point of an online petition, they're, eh, not worth the paper they're written on, in my experience, I dont know of one that has had any meaningful influence. A nice spot of jail time would alleviate any question of him being involved with the Tyrone team for a while, however.

Breezer

The thing is, he's already been tried and got off with a fine after appeal.

kevmy

Breezer wrote:

The thing is, he's already been tried and got off with a fine after appeal.

That was for possessing one dog. He said in the program he owned 15 more. That is 15 separate cases. Also he was not tried with anything concerning actual dog-fighting just possession of an illegal breed of dog

K-9

Breezer wrote:

Not entirely sure what you're getting at here, but if you're suggesting that drink-fueled fights result in thousands of deaths, then yes, you are right. But they are all separate incidents that result in tragedy. This is a case of underground groups importing banned dogs into Britain and Northern Ireland from Finland via Frankfurt and Dublin, using false papers, with a lot of money changing hands. These pitt bulls, which as a breed are prone to aggressive tendencies, have also been bred and trained specifically to be vicious. They are fought against each other and have, on occasion, maimed and killed children. It's not about dogs, it's not about sport, it's about money.

Not quite the same thing as a guy having one too many and getting aggressive.

Look I seen a spotlight programme maybe last year or the year before on this. Sick b*******. The depravity and mindset of these people and the seriousness of the issue I understand. Unfortunately seeing what he got fined and his suspended sentence, the courts don't. That is the courts problem, not the GAA's.

Breezer wrote:

How many regular employees lose their jobs over substance abuse? While I don't necessarily agree with firing these people, I don't think sportsmen and women should have any particular rights over ordinary Joe Soaps.

Not the point I was making, celebrity or professionalism isn't my point. Look going back to Stan Collymore, he assaulted Ulrika Johnnsonn in the full glare of publicity in a nightclub a few years back. Was it Villa he was at at the time?, did they have to issue a statement condemning his actions? No, everybody would know that it's not the clubs fault and they wouldn't condone. In this case, really, is there some doubt in peoples minds that the GAA supports or condones dog fighting because of the actions of one man.

breezer wrote:

The GAA can end it from their point of view by coming out and making a statement distancing themselves from it. That's all it'll take: no one's asking them to join forces with animal welfare groups and go raiding players' houses

I understand where people are coming from on this but why should the GAA or Tyrone County Board issue a statement? I don't think they have anything to distance themselves from. If it came out that a GAA member had been molesting children would I expect a statement from the GAA condemning paedophilia? No, he would be an individual. I would expect him to be removed and banned and reported. Because they didn't issue a statement wouldn't mean they would sympathise with him.

Breezer

Seanies32 wrote:

I understand where people are coming from on this but why should the GAA or Tyrone County Board issue a statement? I don't think they have anything to distance themselves from. If it came out that a GAA member had been molesting children would I expect a statement from the GAA condemning paedophilia? No, he would be an individual. I would expect him to be removed and banned and reported. Because they didn't issue a statement wouldn't mean they would sympathise with him.

Fair enough. I disagree with you but we've both made good arguments. Not much point us two debating it any further, let's just see what happens.

K-9

Breezer wrote:

Fair enough. I disagree with you but we've both made good arguments. Not much point us two debating it any further, let's just see what happens.

I see your point to. Completely agree that what he did is despicable. But I just can't see the link with GAA just because he played it successfully. What they Tyrone team do now will be interesting. Will they pick him?

patmac

Seanies32 wrote:

. What they Tyrone team do now will be interesting. Will they pick him?

Can't see how Tyrone or his club can, would be a very bad image for the GAA.

Flukey

I haven't read the thread in full, but my own opinion is this whole thing is about Gerard Cavlan, not the GAA. As has been said, the GAA did not make him do it and it is not their fault. Everyone that does anything can be associated with something, but it is still their own personal responsibility, not any organisations or clubs etc. they may be members of. Maybe the GAA can sanction him on a local level, or players may boycott or disown him. However, there is no law in the GAA that says something like "Thou shalt not be involved in dog fights" so officially he has not broken any rules. Bash Cavlan and the "sport" of dog fighting, not the GAA.

Breezer

I'm not bashing the GAA Flukey, I'm not linking them to this at all, merely stating that given Cavlan's high profile within the organisation they should come out and say something and not be seen to be sticking their heads in the sand. Which they have now done:

Rte.ie wrote:

GAA distances istelf from dog fighting claims
Friday, 31 August 2007 16:45

The GAA has said it does not condone the actions attributed to Tyrone's Ger Cavlan that were depicted in a BBC Spotlight investigation on illegal dogfighting .

The programme exposed the secret world of illegal dog fighting in Northern Ireland, and described Mr Cavlan as a senior figure in a dog fighting operation.

In a statement, the association said it abhors cruelty to animals and said the issue was a matter for the civil authorities.
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The statement added that Mr Cavlan's actions took place on his own time in his capacity as a private citizen, and that there was no link between the game and his reported activities.

Earlier, the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said many US pitbull dogs, which are used in illegal dog fighting, are being exported through Dublin to Northern Ireland or on to Britain.

Speaking on RTÉ Radio, David Wilson from the USPCA said many pit bulls are being imported as so-called 'mixed breeds'.

He also said that his organisation had received reports from the Republic about illegal dog fighting.

Matter closed from a GAA perspective now as far as I am concerned. Will be interesting to see what happens with Tyrone though. Maybe Cavlan will make some sort of statement himself as regards his future with the team. We'll wait and see.

AndyP

At least we can all agree that he is an utter twat.

johnnog

Didn't see the programme but read about it in the paper today. If he's involved in that kind of sh1te then the gut instinct is that he should be thrown out of the organisation but I don't know on what grounds they could do that. They probably actually can't and would be setting a dangerous precedent in doing so. The county board could probably force his removal from the county panel but that'd be about it. At this stage , as far as I am aware, he hasn't been found guilty yet , even though they apparently have him on tape confessing/bragging about certain things. So all that they could probably do is issue a statement condemming cruelty to animals.


I'd say it will sort itself out in that it's been the GAA that's given him the high-profile and he's not exactly going to want to be in the limelight any time soon (unless he's proven innocent).


And I do think that it is relevant to have this thread here. It's not exactly like a papparazzi invasion to his private life. He's a man who has done well out of his association with the GAA and with that should come a certain sense of responsibility. It's not exactly a case of folling him or members of his family around to get irrelevant scandal on them.

Maybe there are rules and provisions laid out on which an individual can be expelled from the GAA for external matters. Does anybody know if this is the case ? (Can't be bothered reading the rule book)

Nalced_irl

Casei11 wrote:

the question is being asked what gaa fans think of the situation as they are the people who know the man who has represented his county with distinction now for a few years,won an all ireland a few ulsters and has been uncovered to be a cruel human being,that is why its in the gaa thread as how would you react to him if he was to play your county in the future,would you boo him or will mickey harte ever select him again,not a chance i think.

Well, im not from Tyrone firstly so cant comment from that point of view. Anyone who does something like this should be jailed imo. Whether it will impact his GAA career, i have no idea. I suppose the fact that GAA is a voulentary game and is completely amateur, it may not affect it as much as it could. Im sure peoples opinion of him will plummet, altho, thats if they know about it. I didnt until this thread so many fans may have no idea. Anyway, i suppose, a players personal life should be left personal, but something like this is probably different on thinking about it. The Geraghty thread is what i was talking about which was very personal, this is something that the public probably should be aware of.

angeldelight

After thinking about it, I doubt the GAA will throw him out but what do you think the chances are of the other players refusing to play with him? I wouldn't if I were them

aidan24326

johnnog wrote:

Didn't see the programme but read about it in the paper today. If he's involved in that kind of sh1te then the gut instinct is that he should be thrown out of the organisation but I don't know on what grounds they could do that

You can still watch it on the bbc.co.uk website. There's a link in a post earlier in this thread.

I just hope he (and those other scumbags) will be dealt with by the law, but I expect little will come of it. He'd get another fine maybe and that's it. These people should get jail.

The GAA as an organistion can't really do a whole lot, as what players do in their private time is largely their own business. They are not employees. What Mickey Harte and the Tyrone management/players will make of it is hard to know. I imagine some of them must have already known that he had activities with dogs but may not have been aware of the seedy underworld that goes with it. He has no moral defence. He knew the full extent of what all this entails, the cruelty, exploitation etc.

Zzippy

Dogfighting is a truly sickening crime and anyone involved deserves serious jail time.
Yes the player is an amateur player and technically it is nothing to do with the GAA
That didn't stop the GAA suspending Shane King of Fermanagh/Down when he was accused (wrongly and maliciously) of having underage sex with a minor. He was suspended as soon as he was charged. He was completely cleared, and yet he still has not been allowed back.
Cavlan as a high profile county player is a role model. By not doing anything, the GAA may be seen to condone what he did.
If he is not suspended, I for one think he should not be selected for Tyrone. He doesn't deserve that honour.

nacho libre

AndyP wrote:

At least we can all agree that he is an utter twat.

Anyone who boasts about putting dogs down like he did is lacking moral fibre- he's a sociopath. It makes me angry to think there are people who see nothing wrong with dog fighting. There should be no debate over suspending him by the Tyrone county board. True, they are not responsible for a player's private live but it smacks of omerta culture if they don't take action against him.

K-9

Breezer wrote:

Matter closed from a GAA perspective now as far as I am concerned. Will be interesting to see what happens with Tyrone though. Maybe Cavlan will make some sort of statement himself as regards his future with the team. We'll wait and see.

To me that statement is cringeworthy - Pr and spin at its worst.

The GAA has said it does not condone the actions attributed to Tyrone's Ger Cavlan that were depicted in a BBC Spotlight investigation on illegal dogfighting .

In a statement, the association said it abhors cruelty to animals and said the issue was a matter for the civil authorities.

The statement added that Mr Cavlan's actions took place on his own time in his capacity as a private citizen, and that there was no link between the game and his reported activities.


Really, did we learn anything new from this?
The most telling part is "this is a matter for the civil authorities".

As another poster said Cavlan is high profile because of the GAA. Should the USPCA issue a statement thanking the GAA because they made him high profile and brought publicity to the stupidity of dog fighting?

nacho libre wrote:

True, they are not responsible for a player's private live but it smacks of omerta culture if they don't take action against him.

So what, we need a statement from the Tyrone Co. Board and players now? Unless somebody thinks the whole Tyrone team or most of them are at this, why?

Grand so you think its necessary - what about his club - same rules apply - does he go to mass?, maybe the church should issue a statement?

I think this is PR gone mad and it will make no difference to people who dog fight which is the real problem.

angeldelight wrote:

After thinking about it, I doubt the GAA will throw him out but what do you think the chances are of the other players refusing to play with him? I wouldn't if I were them

Cue metal images of who let the dogs out?

GALWAYGUY99 wrote:

That didn't stop the GAA suspending Shane King of Fermanagh/Down when he was accused (wrongly and maliciously) of having underage sex with a minor. He was suspended as soon as he was charged. He was completely cleared, and yet he still has not been allowed back.

That was disgraceful. They actually had social services in with the family when his new baby was born. Its linked in a small way but thats a paedophilia/under age sex issue which is a whole different issue (though I have used it to show a point earlier). How do sports/GAA deal with paedophilia/under age sex?

Put it this way, if the man had been proven guilty would we be condemning the GAA's actions? No, if they had adopted the innocent till proven guilty stance imagine the uproar if he was guilty? Its the media completely hyping the issue and they'll get a story out of it no matter what the GAA did.

They are wrong in how they treated him since.

nacho libre

"So what, we need a statement from the Tyrone Co. Board and players now? Unless somebody thinks the whole Tyrone team or most of them are at this, why?

Grand so you think its necessary - what about his club - same rules apply - does he go to mass?, maybe the church should issue a statement?

I think this is PR gone mad and it will make no difference to people who dog fight which is the real problem."

I think affirmative action needs to be taken by the board as he is a role model for children. It sends out the wrong message if he is allowed to continue on playing without suspension.
Someone high profile like him being caught won't stop dogfighting but it has already brought calls for tougher customs check to disrupt the smuggling of dogs bred to fight. That is a positive development. i'm not for a minute saying it will eradicate dogfighting in this country but if it makes it harder for these bucks to operate the fights then obviously that has to be welcomed as a positive development.

K-9

nacho libre wrote:

Someone high profile like him being caught won't stop dogfighting but it has already brought calls for tougher customs check to disrupt the smuggling of dogs bred to fight. That is a positive development. i'm not for a minute saying it will eradicate dogfighting in this country but if it makes it harder for these bucks to operate the fights then obviously that has to be welcomed as a positive development.

So maybe spotlight or the USPCA should say thanks to the GAA for making him such a good player and high profile, thus bringing publicity to crime of dog fighting!

Gerard Cavlan doing dog fighting was a good thing as it brought publicity?

Seriously my point is he's an individual who does things in his own time. The GAA can't baby sit him. Going back to Stan Collymore it wasn't the clubs fault that he attacked Ulrika Johnson, so why should they have condemned his actions? Anyway I don't think we're going to agree so I'm going to leave at that.

Think its PR, Spin and political correctness gone mad.

Collie D

Have to side with Seanies32 on this. Cavlan didn't get involved in dog-fighting because of his GAA membership. He got involved because he is a sick, twisted fúck out to make a few quid.

I didn't see all of the programme the other night but what I did see made me feel physically sick. I had to leave the room during one of the fight scenes and I wouldn't normally be squeamish. Truely horrific stuff.

Will be interesting to see if he ever pulls on a Tyrone jersey again. I hope not. Any Tyrone fans out there care to comment? Would be interesting to hear what you think. Could you support Cavlan in a county jersey or does he turn your stomach?

XJR

I couldn't even consider watching this program as I would find it to upsetting.

The f****r is a disgrace to mankind what I wouldn't like to do to him - I hope his career ends in tatters the sick F**k.

blackbelt

I think that when a player crosses a certain line,he or she should be punished even in the amateur stakes.Whether it is a pro sport or amateur,these people are still heroes or role models for children and even some grown ups.

Drinking and getting absolutely intoxicated or fighting is a matter that won't have too much bearing.I wouldn't be suspended from my club if I had a fight in Dublin but this is illegal activity what Cavlan did and is totally immoral and sickening.To be honest,an evil man like that doesn't deserve to pölish the boots of Dooher,Mulligan,Canty,Cooper or Cluxton and the like let alone play on a GAA pitch.

The GAA should make an example of Cavlan and ban him from the sport.There are decent human beings who'd give anything to play for their county and Tyrone is no different.I'll personally boo the crap out of this guy if he plays against Dublin in Croker in next years championship.Absolutely disgusting what he did.

AndyP

I tried hard not to make too much comment on this BUT,

as previous posters have said, the GAA is not the keeper of the nations morals, nor can it take a stance on the law of the land, that is the job for the courts. As reprehensible as Cavlans actions are they have no bearing on whether he can play football in the future. However, he might have a long hard look at himself and wonder if its worth paying on, knowing that he will probably be ostracised by his peers.

Anyway, it is my opinion that the GAA should not stand as judge and jury in a case which has nothing to do with them, no matter how bad the horrible pricks actions were.

premierstone

AndyP wrote:

I tried hard not to make too much comment on this BUT,

as previous posters have said, the GAA is not the keeper of the nations morals, nor can it take a stance on the law of the land, that is the job for the courts. As reprehensible as Cavlans actions are they have no bearing on whether he can play football in the future. However, he might have a long hard look at himself and wonder if its worth paying on, knowing that he will probably be ostracised by his peers.

Anyway, it is my opinion that the GAA should not stand as judge and jury in a case which has nothing to do with them, no matter how bad the horrible pricks actions were.

+1

nail on head andy couldnt agree more

patmac

I can understand people saying the GAA shouldn't get involved, but as I said before the program went out of it's way to highlight what a big GAA star Cavlan was, pictures of him with Sam, kicking points for Tyrone and the USPCA guy saying his son had posters on the wall of him, anyway he said he was sorry so that makes things ok :rolleyes: . Sorry he was caught more likely. By the way Flukey the only person GAA bashing here is Cavlan himself, the image of the GAA in non catholic areas of Northern Ireland is poor enough as it is without Cavlan adding to it.

AndyP

Cavlan chose to play Gaelic football, it did not choose him. The GAA did not encourage his actions, so in no way can they be held account for a members actions outside their jurasdiction.

K-9

patmac wrote:

I can understand people saying the GAA shouldn't get involved, but as I said before the program went out of it's way to highlight what a big GAA star Cavlan was, pictures of him with Sam, kicking points for Tyrone and the USPCA guy saying his son had posters on the wall of him, anyway he said he was sorry so that makes things ok :rolleyes: . Sorry he was caught more likely. By the way Flukey the only person GAA bashing here is Cavlan himself, the image of the GAA in non catholic areas of Northern Ireland is poor enough as it is without Cavlan adding to it.

So what do the GAA have to apologise, issue a statement for? They made Cavlan a big GAA Star and should have stalked him at night to see what he was at?:rolleyes:

premierstone

This thread is a getting a bit ridicolous the GAA have nothing to do with it - Cavlan is a catholic aswell so am i right in assuming your expecting the Catholic church to issue a statement aswell or perhaps he's former school - it just seems that some people just cant wait to have a go at the GAA

Zzippy

Yes, the GAA have nothing to do with it, but they should show that they condemn that behaviour, along with every other right-minded person, by suspending Cavlan. The fact that he is a GAA star means that by his actions he has brought the GAA into disrepute - same as he would have with the IRFU if he was an international rugby player. Can you imagine Brian O'Driscoll being caught doing this and still being allowed to play for Ireland? :rolleyes:
The GAA should show that people who engage in despicable criminal activity like this will not be tolerated in the organisation.

premierstone

Galwayguy99 wrote:

Yes, the GAA have nothing to do with it, but they should show that they condemn that behaviour, along with every other right-minded person, by suspending Cavlan. The fact that he is a GAA star means that by his actions he has brought the GAA into disrepute - same as he would have with the IRFU if he was an international rugby player. Can you imagine Brian O'Driscoll being caught doing this and still being allowed to play for Ireland? :rolleyes:
The GAA should show that people who engage in despicable criminal activity like this will not be tolerated in the organisation.

But Brian O Driscoll is a proffesional athlete with a contract from the IRFU whereas Cavlan is an amateur, and it is not up to the GAA to decide either way or the other

Zzippy

premierstone wrote:

But Brian O Driscoll is a proffesional athlete with a contract from the IRFU whereas Cavlan is an amateur, and it is not up to the GAA to decide either way or the other

Well they certainly decided in the case of Shane King - suspended from the Association as soon as an allegation was made, still suspended in spite of being totally cleared in court and the allegation proven to be a complete fabrication. This is more than an allegation - video evidence has been aired on tv.
Shane King was an amateur too.... still is, or would be if he was allowed to play :rolleyes:

aidan24326

Galwayguy99 wrote:

Well they certainly decided in the case of Shane King - suspended from the Association as soon as an allegation was made, still suspended in spite of being totally cleared in court and the allegation proven to be a complete fabrication. This is more than an allegation - video evidence has been aired on tv.
Shane King was an amateur too.... still is, or would be if he was allowed to play :rolleyes:

I didn't know that about Shane King. It's disgraceful if he's still suspended. Double standards for sure if they don't treat the Cavlan situation the same. Sure it's only stupid dogs, who cares about them anyway. That will sadly be the attitude of some people.

Having said that I don't believe it's the GAA's place as an organisation to suspend him, as it wasn't their place to suspend Shane King either. If the Tyrone county board/management decide to suspend him then fair enough, but that's the level where it should be dealt with, not at a national GAA level.

His reputation is in tatters now anyway, and it's sad to think that someone we watched winning All-Ireland medals with Tyrone is a cruel sadistic individual. If I was a Tyrone player I would want nothing to do with him.

Saying stuff like 'ah sure there's worse crimes' is a pathetic cop-out. Someone who can engage in sadistic cruelty to animals for personal gain is a sorry excuse for a man.

AndyP

I don't think anyone is trying to say the crime wasn't as bad as other crimes. The debate is about where the GAA draw the line in interfering in issues not directly related to them. I would be of the view that no-one wants the GAA to develop into the type of organisation the Catholic Church was here for many years, one which would pontificate on every subject known to mankind. I would be happy to see the GAA take no action at all and leave the relevant authorities to deal with him.

Just to add, I think 100% of the posters here are in agreement thats his actions are those of a sick individual and he should be severly punished

aidan24326

AndyP wrote:

I don't think anyone is trying to say the crime wasn't as bad as other crimes. The debate is about where the GAA draw the line in interfering in issues not directly related to them. I would be of the view that no-one wants the GAA to develop into the type of organisation the Catholic Church was here for many years, one which would pontificate on every subject known to mankind. I would be happy to see the GAA take no action at all and leave the relevant authorities to deal with him.

Just to add, I think 100% of the posters here are in agreement thats his actions are those of a sick individual and he should be severly punished

I agree with you and like I said I also don't think it's the GAA's place to take action. He is an amateur sportsman. But what I meant is the Tyrone team/management can deal with it at that level if they want to. In other words if the players had a personal issue with him or didn't want him involved then that's up to them to handle that internally as they see fit.

I know the posters here have pretty much all agreed that his actions are worthy of stiff legal penalties, but unfortunately there are still people who will try to defend him or make light of his actions. Over on hoganstand.com the Tyrone messageboard was full of messages trying to lessen what he did or suggest that it wasn't so bad, that he 'hadn't killed anyone'. That's disappointing. His crime isn't the worst ever comitted but in saying that he did come across pretty badly in the programme, and definitely doesn't seem like the sort of guy you'd want to be associated with.