Hugh Farrelly's 2009 Wish List

wixfjord

http://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/2009-wish-list-1589293.html

The abridged Experimental Law Variations introduced to the northern hemisphere have neither been as bad as was feared or as good as was hoped. But the rule whereby the defending team can bring down a maul at source has been disastrous. A defining aspect of the game has been erased and the knock-on effect has led to rucking monotony with attacking space closed down by freed-up defenders. Our most fervent wish is that the administrators will realise their error and reintroduce the maul while resisting the urge to bring in the 'are you league in disguise' rule that sees free-kicks awarded for every offence this side of tax evasion.

Deep impact

While the November series produced the end result of securing Ireland's world ranking and a set of forwards that once again refuses to be messed around, the lack of attacking verve in the back-line was a major concern. Players need to come from depth and at speed to be successful, and too often Ireland's three-quarters received the ball in static positions and struggled to generate momentum -- let's hope for improvement there.

Bobby dazzler

New year, same argument. Despite the plethora of options at Ireland's disposal in the position, picking Rob Kearney at full-back is a no-brainer.

And then there were four...

Connacht are battling gamely against the tide of professionalism and this season have shown the value of sending young talent out west. Victories over Leinster and Munster have given Michael Bradley's men the self-belief to finally make it into the Heineken Cup, which would be a huge boost for Irish rugby.

Taking the 'mic'

A consistent source of irritation at matches last year was the use of men on microphones to wind up crowds more than capable of generating their own atmosphere. DJs are for dance halls.

Fan the flames

The dramatic increase in rugby's popularity has seen a new type of supporter emerge, drawn by hype and pageantry rather than a long-standing involvement in the game. Nothing wrong with that, but if the game has won you over, why not venture down to your local club and contribute to the grassroots cause rather than just suiting up for the high- profile stuff.

Hysteria lane

It was the year of over-reaction in the media as sensationalism swamped sensibility in the myopic interest of short-term drama. However, while columnists and commentators put their name to their views, the increasingly vitriolic internet 'experts' pour out their bile while lurking behind pseudonyms. Let us hope that 2009 sees a more rational approach across the board -- and boards.
It's 2009, a year of global significance and individual responsibility.

- Hugh Farrelly

Looks like the rugby forum has a bigger influence than we thought!

Serenity Now!

And Farrelly is an "expert" because...?
:rolleyes:

barnesd

Media moaning about message boards is stupid. Message boards are small enough communities and if you talk ****e you're invariably going to be called on it and put in your place. Newspaper writers have a nationwide platform with which to air their views, which can really influence people.

[Jackass]

Hugh Farrelly and in particular Neil Francis run every piece of their rag column off hot topics on internet forums. These "internet experts" do your job for you and keep you (sudo) interesting.

Try writing origional material and not being another lazy journo. The above piece is a good start, just a shame you had to ruin it with a swipe at the people who have provided you with 50% of your material and 75% of your article ideas. Probably why you have so much knowledge of "internet experts" having read thread after thread of topics to dicuss looking for an opinion.

As for Francis. The percentages are 100% & 100% followed by "controversial" remark to be talked about. I wouldn't wipe my dogs arse with his column. Talentless in so many ways. Playing in the days when fat lazy tall men could get into teams. Talent optional. Apperantly analytical, accurate and constructive thought along with journalistic skills are optional too.

*waves to Hugh*

Zzippy

He does repeat a few good points (I don't say make because he is just repeating what other people say), but the point about Rob Kearney is accurate. Simply outstanding at FB and has to be picked there regularly.

sm.org

[Jackass] wrote: »

Hugh Farrelly and in particular Neil Francis run every piece of their rag column off hot topics on internet forums. These "internet experts" do your job for you and keep you (sudo) interesting.

Try writing origional material and not being another lazy journo. The above piece is a good start, just a shame you had to ruin it with a swipe at the people who have provided you with 50% of your material and 75% of your article ideas. Probably why you have so much knowledge of "internet experts" having read thread after thread of topics to dicuss looking for an opinion.

As for Francis. The percentages are 100% & 100% followed by "controversial" remark to be talked about. I wouldn't wipe my dogs arse with his column. Talentless in so many ways. Playing in the days when fat lazy tall men could get into teams. Talent optional. Apperantly analytical, accurate and constructive thought along with journalistic skills are optional too.

+100000000000 I couldn't agree with you more. Both are average in terms of writing ability (Farrelly started out well but has really faded, theaurus and "spell check" are keeping Neil in a job) and bland in terms of an original topic. You sterotypical "I have nothing interesting to say, so I'll just shout loudly" types.

In the likely event that messers Francis + Farrelly are hiding behind pseudonyms and reading this please feel free to PM me and we can continue the conversation.

[Jackass]

Of course he's reading it. He has a deadline for an article due mid week! Need some ideas and opinions from somewhere!! Why not see what the "experts" think and then he can form an opinion and enlighten the nation with it.

I remember reading on Leinster fans that an article from a Sunday newspaper was published that almost reflected word for word several posts of a thread started on the message board.

I thought it was farrelly but I can't remember and can't find the thread which is really annoying me cause I wanted to link to it, but it was hillarious, the ENTIRE column was ripped off from a thread on there.

Needless to say his email address was posted on the thread to contact him and ask for credits in his column next time he did it.

But I can't say it was Farrelly for sure in fairness to him, the hack is open to debate, I know it wasn't Francis anyway I know that much, but I'm sure it's not for a lack of trying. The old copy and paste can be a nightmare to figure out at times.

Either way, it's not surprising that if you ever read these columns they often reflect very simular things you would have read here and on other rugby message boards recently.

Anyway I much prefer reading the opions of people who don't claim to be experts and can have a discussion, and sure you read the odd post that is outrageously innacurate or just bullsh*t, but for the most part people who spend time discussing rugby on message boards are fairly clued in to the game.

Rather that then someone who claims to be an expert with zero credentials and slates the main source of how he earns a living.

[edit] apologies to Mr. Farrelly, now that I think if it, I'm pretty sure it was a Kevin Myers article. In fairness to Farrelly he's probably the best of a terrible bunch, still can't find the link from Leinsterfans though which is wrecking my head!!

RuggieBear

tbh Jackass i think you are H. Farrelly
you can both write to a decent level.
both played ail
both read(post on?) multiple rugby forums...

[Jackass]

haha you caught me

By the way, what are your predictions on the upcoming lions tour ruggie and what / who she we really look out for? (if your reply could be between 3,000 - 5,000 words and posted before noone on Wednesday that'd be great kthxbie)

Shelflife

his match report on the leinster connacht game left me wondering if i saw the same game as he did, very biased very dismissive of connacht.