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The GAA 'myth'

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Comments

  • #32
    Silentcorner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,631 ✭✭✭Silentcorner


    FrancieBrady wrote: »
    The opportunity is there now, after this debacle to drag two (three if you want to include rugby) organisations who receive public funding into a room and find out where the money is going exactly.

    Personally think that would be a very healthy outcome.

    Funny you should mention that now, because, it wasn't so long ago the FAI wouldn't allow a friendly match between Limerick FC and Barcelona which would have gone a long way to securing the financial security of the club, which is now struggling to pay wages.

    There is a real opportunity for all codes, with the diversity of stadiums at our disposal, to generate huge money for all codes, there is a lot of lessons to be learned from this debacle, but like you say, it would require an a mount of openness.


  • #33
    FrancieBrady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,144 ✭✭✭✭FrancieBrady


    Silentcorner wrote: »
    Funny you should mention that now, because, it wasn't so long ago the FAI wouldn't allow a friendly match between Limerick FC and Barcelona which would have gone a long way to securing the financial security of the club, which is now struggling to pay wages.

    There is a real opportunity for all codes, with the diversity of stadiums at our disposal, to generate huge money for all codes, there is a lot of lessons to be learned from this debacle, but like you say, it would require an a mount of openness.

    You will find the real lovers of sport would want that.

    But unfortunately what I have witnessed over the week are sports bigots trying to score points (excuse the pun) for their own particular love and not to mention a lot of jealousy, bitterness and bile.

    Let's have a once and for all transparency as a result of this.


  • #34
    Zebra3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,299 ✭✭✭✭Zebra3


    The most incredible thing about the GAA myth as it were is that people stand up in a court of law and make a point that the accused/convicted is a member of the GAA as if this makes him or her somehow deserving of a lenient service.

    It says a lot about corruption in this country that judges allow these comments to be made, and there is no political or media backlash to this.

    The GAA could do worse than call this sort of crap out, allowing their name to be abused by criminals.


  • #35
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    Zebra3 wrote: »
    The most incredible thing about the GAA myth as it were is that people stand up in a court of law and make a point that the accused/convicted is a member of the GAA as if this makes him or her somehow deserving of a lenient service.

    It says a lot about corruption in this country that judges allow these comments to be made, and there is no political or media backlash to this.

    The GAA could do worse than call this sort of crap out, allowing their name to be abused by criminals.


    Happens with all volunteer sports not just the GAA.


  • #36
    Niles Crane
    Closed Accounts Posts: 537 ✭✭✭Niles Crane


    Richard Hillman wrote: »
    Another overplayed one is "all of the money earned by the GAA, goes back into the GAA". I'm pretty sure that's the same for every sport.

    It's a cult-like fringe movement that are embedded into all sorts of state apparatus. Nowhere as near as popular as it's made out to be, despite lumping 2 sports together and claiming to be one.

    Pretty sure it's not considering the shareholders of professional sports teams have to get their cut of the money a team makes.

    There are going to be over 120,000 in Croke park this weekend for 2 matches.

    When is the last time any other sport in ireland has had that many people attending 2 games in one weekend?


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  • #37
    FrancieBrady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,144 ✭✭✭✭FrancieBrady


    Zebra3 wrote: »
    The most incredible thing about the GAA myth as it were is that people stand up in a court of law and make a point that the accused/convicted is a member of the GAA as if this makes him or her somehow deserving of a lenient service.

    It says a lot about corruption in this country that judges allow these comments to be made, and there is no political or media backlash to this.

    The GAA could do worse than call this sort of crap out, allowing their name to be abused by criminals.

    This is the kind of bitter nonsense that has been going on all week. Blinded by bitterness I would say.

    Contributions to community (of all sorts) are mentioned in pleas for leniency and in character references all the time.

    But you target only those that mention contributions to the GAA. :):)


  • #38
    OldMrBrennan83
    Closed Accounts Posts: 26,611 ✭✭✭✭OldMrBrennan83


    This post has been deleted.


  • #39
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,236 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    Silentcorner wrote: »
    Its hard to argue with any of that.

    I enjoy and have played both sports, if I just compared what my local GAA team has built over the last 20 years compared to my local football team...its miles apart, the GAA club has built an astroturf pitch (along with a clubhouse and gym)that is rented out to the likes of me playing football on it.

    If I look at where I am from, Limerick, and compare how both sports (Rugby and football)have evolved over the last 20 years, Markets Field v Thomond Park.

    Even though football is what I would consider my first sport, the way it is administered in this country is a disgrace.

    There is also the fact that GAA and politics are heavily intertwined in this country and so GAA often gets huge grants and other sports ignored.

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #40
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    There is also the fact that GAA and politics are heavily intertwined in this country and so GAA often gets huge grants and other sports ignored.

    Im not sure that you can back this up fully. The reason why GAA got 30million for puc is because they can fill it numerous times a year. They also part funded it themselves. The FAI just want handouts for the best part.


  • #41
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,236 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    smelly sock wrote: »
    Im not sure that you can back this up fully. The reason why GAA got 30million for puc is because they can fill it numerous times a year. They also part funded it themselves. The FAI just want handouts for the best part.

    What?

    Are you seriously telling me that every county council in the country doesnt have many councillors with close GAA associations?

    I am not merely talking about Pairc Ui Chaoimh

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



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  • #42
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    What?

    Are you seriously telling me that every county council in the country doesnt have many councillors with close GAA associations?

    I am not merely talking about Pairc Ui Chaoimh

    You said other sports were ignored for funding. Im saying if they dont have a sound financial plan or a track record of providing state of the art facilities then you shouldnt be suprised.


  • #43
    shakeitoff
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 564 ✭✭✭shakeitoff


    How can a participants of a sport confined to an Island of 4 million people ever be called 'world class' or compared to elite players in global sports like footbal.


  • #44
    FrancieBrady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,144 ✭✭✭✭FrancieBrady


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    What?

    Are you seriously telling me that every county council in the country doesnt have many councillors with close GAA associations?

    I am not merely talking about Pairc Ui Chaoimh

    That is a much deeper issue than just GAA favoritism. I am positive sure it happens. But there is favourtism for many different things because of the make up of councils.


  • #45
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,236 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    smelly sock wrote: »
    You said other sports were ignored for funding. Im saying if they dont have a sound financial plan or a track record of providing state of the art facilities then you shouldnt be suprised.

    How can they gain a track record in fairness when the GAA hogs all the political capital.

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #46
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    shakeitoff wrote: »
    How can a participants of a sport confined to an Island of 4 million people ever be called 'world class' or compared to elite players in global sports like footbal.

    Because they are at the top of their game. They put in as much if not more effort that footballers. Oh yeh and they are amateur. We have access to stars like joe canning or dean rock for medal presentations etc to kids. Best of luck getting access to ronaldo or messi.


  • #47
    KaneToad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,205 ✭✭✭KaneToad


    smelly sock wrote: »
    I dont think that GAA players at intercounty level are compared to loi players. They are compared to world class soccer players as they like elite gaa players are at the top of their sport. Loi players are nowhere near it.

    Ah here. That's nonsense.

    World class soccer players are the elite players in a mass participation sport that has millions of players. GAA intercounty players are the elite of a VERY small pool.


  • #48
    Annasopra
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 41,236 ✭✭✭✭Annasopra


    FrancieBrady wrote: »
    That is a much deeper issue than just GAA favoritism. I am positive sure it happens. But there is favourtism for many different things because of the make up of councils.

    The GAA and politics in this country are intertwined at every level.

    It was so much easier to blame it on Them. It was bleakly depressing to think that They were Us. If it was Them, then nothing was anyone's fault. If it was us, what did that make Me? After all, I'm one of Us. I must be. I've certainly never thought of myself as one of Them. No one ever thinks of themselves as one of Them. We're always one of Us. It's Them that do the bad things.

    Terry Pratchet



  • #49
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    How can they gain a track record in fairness when the GAA hogs all the political capital.

    They cant get access to the same level of funds because they simply cant justify it. Why dont the fai plan a 15'000 to 20'000 stadium in the west? Im sure if they had a proper business case and could justify and were prepared to part fund they would get it.

    But they just dont need it. Whereas the GAA facilities are always in use.


  • #50
    Brock Turnpike
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,032 ✭✭✭Brock Turnpike


    GAA are disgraceful. The sense of entitlement shown in that interview with RTE yesterday sums then up.


  • #51
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    The GAA and politics in this country are intertwined at every level.

    As are the media and rugby.


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  • #52
    KaneToad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,205 ✭✭✭KaneToad


    smelly sock wrote: »
    Because they are at the top of their game. They put in as much if not more effort that footballers...

    More nonsense. They may be at the top of their game but it's a fallacy to state they put in more effort than a LOI footballer, or a national badminton champ, or a international athlete, or national swimming champ, or any other myriad of amateur/semi pro athletes in the country..


  • #53
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    KaneToad wrote: »
    More nonsense. They may be at the top of their game but it's a fallacy to state they put in more effort than a LOI footballer, or a national badminton champ, or a international athlete, or national swimming champ, or any other myriad of amateur/semi pro athletes in the country..

    I respect evry amateur athlete in the country and the top of their game. Are you suggesting that the fai or irish badminton association should get funding for a stadium that they cant fill or use?


  • #54
    FrancieBrady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,144 ✭✭✭✭FrancieBrady


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    The GAA and politics in this country are intertwined at every level.

    More than the GAA and politics are intertwined in this country though.


    Unless you want to preclude GAA members from politics (which would be ridiculous) I am not sure what can be done about that.

    Politicians will favour their own support base again and again, or will favour large lobby group or potential votes, not sure what can be done about that only get in there and compete.


  • #55
    KaneToad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,205 ✭✭✭KaneToad


    smelly sock wrote: »
    I respect evry amateur athlete in the country and the top of their game. Are you suggesting that the fai or irish badminton association should get funding for a stadium that they cant fill or use?

    No. That would be nonsense.

    I am disputing your assertion that GAA players put in more effort than LOI soccer players.

    Championing the GAA for being amateur also puzzles me. The reason they are an amateur organisation (and a fine one at that) is that they can't sustain themselves as a professional organisation. The organisation would collapse.


  • #56
    patmac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,599 ✭✭✭patmac


    I enjoy GAA, Rugby and soccer. The GAA is far from perfect and has its share of little dictators at the top of the association, but nothing compared to John Delaney who earns €460k (including 100k from UEFA) plus expenses, which included buying a train load of Irish supporters a pint. An awful lot of the GAA money is payed back into the local community, whereas 20% of LOI clubs can’t pay wages, and soccer fans in their droves head over to the UK each weekend.
    Soccer has way more problems here than the GAA, the fact that they have to ask the GAA for the loan of a stadium in Ireland’s second biggest City, tells its own story.


  • #57
    trashcan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭trashcan


    What bugs me about the GAA is that the seem to feel they are constantly under threat from the dreaded "soccer". Remember the Thomas Davis/Shamrock Rovers saga in Tallaght ? Thomas Davis went to extraordinary lengths, purely to try and block a "soccer" stadium being built in the area. I couldn't be paid to watch either GAA football, or hurling, but even I have to admit that they get crowds that LOI football could only dream of. The reality is there is no threat to the GAA.


  • #58
    FrancieBrady
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,144 ✭✭✭✭FrancieBrady


    KaneToad wrote: »
    No. That would be nonsense.

    I am disputing your assertion that GAA players put in more effort than LOI soccer players.

    Championing the GAA for being amateur also puzzles me. The reason they are an amateur organisation (and a fine one at that) is that they can't sustain themselves as a professional organisation. The organisation would collapse.

    The same can be asked of the LOI, can soccer sustain itself as a pro game here? If you look at the infrastructure they have managed to build, the pro clubs that have come and gone and that teeter on the edge of financial collapse, the answer would be an emphatic No.


  • #59
    KaneToad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,205 ✭✭✭KaneToad


    FrancieBrady wrote: »
    The same can be asked of the LOI, can soccer sustain itself as a pro game here? If you look at the infrastructure they have managed to build, the pro clubs that have come and gone and that teeter on the edge of financial collapse, the answer would be an emphatic No.

    I agree.


  • #60
    smelly sock
    Closed Accounts Posts: 6,820 ✭✭✭smelly sock


    KaneToad wrote: »
    No. That would be nonsense.

    I am disputing your assertion that GAA players put in more effort than LOI soccer players.

    Championing the GAA for being amateur also puzzles me. The reason they are an amateur organisation (and a fine one at that) is that they can't sustain themselves as a professional organisation. The organisation would collapse.

    Ah yeh. Great argument. Because clubs like bray amd limerick have shown how to sustain a "professional" setup.


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  • #61
    Donald Trump
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,325 ✭✭✭✭Donald Trump


    Joeytheparrot wrote: »
    How can they gain a track record in fairness when the GAA hogs all the political capital.






    Soccerball gets too much money in this country. Far more than they can justify or should be trusted with













    (I'm assuming they get at least one cent :pac: )


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