Kilkenny GAA Thread Part 2 **MOD NOTE POST 1***

tbiggertycome wrote: »

Firstly I agree that the club issue can't and shouldn't be forgotten or not discussed. Second I don't see why some are trying to censor the discussion because there's people discussing something that they don't currently deem important. If you don't want to read or part take in the club discussion then just scan the post for intercounty players names or other counties being listed. If you find those read that section of the post otherwise keep scanning the post with the offending club discussion and move on to the next post you are interested in.

I don't have time to tackle all the club issues raised by Hawkeye in your original post (as I've had a long day in work and it's late) but I will give you my opinion or observation on one of the points you raise.

You seem to have a big issue with the CPA and that they don't exist or shouldn't in Kilkenny. Well firstly I signed up and have taken all their surveys so far. If you don't like the CPA that's fine your entitled to your opinion, why you don't like them is beyond me but there you go. You say that they shouldn't exist and that players should get together to decide what they want and take it through their club and up the line. That's a perfectly laudable idea and it's the way it's always been. That's also why f*** all has changed that current players have ever desired.

There are two reasons for this
1. players are by definition young.
2. Officials are by and large past playing age in most clubs and well beyond in lots.

What difference does that make? Well I know a full team of young lads who are currently playing Senior club in Kilkenny. As young lads they have certain priorities in life and in no particular order i would say they are these, what's between their legs and what they do with it, beer, college, fun, hurling, fitness, everything else.

I have heard them whinge and give out about the fixtures and other problems but they will not engage in the current process for a variety of reasons. They're even unaware they can or should have a say.
1. Confidence that they should be the ones to talk about it.
2. Fear of club officials getting back at them (not an issue in my club but would be in some)
3. They have too much going on to be arsed, someone else will solve it.

Young lads are useless to engage but that is why the CPA was formed so the load could be spread, the fixtures could be sorted and the CPA could ride off into the sunset.

One last thing is a meaningful game is a game where there is something at stake that is valued. A player really values a Championship medal he kind of values a League medal but it helps him get his ultimate goal the championship medal. I don't know any player that values a Byrne or Aylward cup medal. I'm sure there are a few who have won them over the years that did but the vast majority don't.

As a result the meaningful games in Kilkenny adult hurling are all Championship and league games. No one takes seriously the other games, be they challenge or other competitions.
You might not like or agree with what I've said about player's attitudes. I didn't at first when I saw lads who had ever reason to give out or should take a game more seriously but I can tell you for a fact that is the attitude of most young lads playing currently. There will always be exceptions but they are in the minority I'm afraid.