Mayo GAA Discussion

I was talking from a fan perspective, surely it wasn't that hard to spot that?

I'd do the same if I was in his shoes and absolutely think he's making the best decision for himself.

That is some serious naivety. Clifford was almost definitely given money to stay. The GAA has lots of examples of it, but one that can't be arguing is Tony Griffin, he talks about it in his book, that a wealthy businessman paid him for the year to be a professional hurler. Not dressed up as promotions, or a desk job that he didn't have to come in to. Here is a bag of money for you not to have to work for this year. Like everything else with the GAA and the tax man, a blind eye is turned.

Did Kerry offer Mark O'Connor, Cillian Burke, Rob Monahan and Ben O'Connor money as well or was it just Clifford? What about other players on the Kerry panel that could have tried their luck in Australia but didn't take up the offer?

Maybe I'm naive but giving Clifford money opens a big can of worms.

Also, I don't think Clifford is suited to AFL in the same way other Irish lads are. They tend to pick the fast, athletic middle third players from Ireland. Clifford's outrageous ability at kicking the size 5 O'Neills ball wouldn't transfer over to AFL.

I actually think Aussie Rules would be a bit wasted on his skills. Like where is he going to be kicking frees or 45 off the ground or scoring goals like against Monaghan. Yes, he might make it in Aussie Rules but his skills be lost to an awful game which requires more athletes than skillful players.

The skills are his to do with what he wants, whether they're wasted or not is up to him to decide!! I don't buy into him owing a club or county board, he has got his skill to the level they are at by countless hours training on his own or more than likely with his Dad. You don't get that good without a **** ton of talent and even more practice on your own outside any training that your club and county is giving you.

He showed what he is capable of last year in the club championship and then again at the weekend at intercounty level! He is absolutely like nothing else I have ever seen come out of Mayo before. Not even his Dad had two feet like that. It really saddens me that we will only have him for this year, but maybe we will see him back again. But the only hope we have is that he doesn't like it. Somebody that has that discipline at that age will make it over there. I will be very surprised if he doesn't and the best of luck to him!

Sorry, I wasn't directing my comment about him owing club or county at anyone here. But alot of the commentary in the media takes up that point of view so it was a general comment on my opinion on that!

I fully agree on the "bribing". Its a waste of time, his mind is already made up! Even if he got the big Tony Griffin bag of money, its not like he is staying in a professional environment, all his team mates have day jobs to be going to!

plus, 250,000 euros per yr min.

jeez, we would give him that to play for Galway!!!!

Pat Spillane was talking about Kobe on the AIB podcast. Said that AFL are getting away with murder and the Counties and Club's, especially clubs that have nurtured him should be getting something out of it.

I've often heard the same spiel out of Tomás O'Sé in the past when talking about the AFL also.

Colm O'Rourke was saying the same crap on off the ball too, the clubs need to be compensated!

The compensation to the club is a moot point - no cares about that, Crossmolina would barely care. The real issue is Mayo and Cross are losing what is likely their best ever young talent. And he happens to be a free scoring forward - just what they've always needed.

Yes he had signed for West Ham

Nonsense. But also ironic given that half the thread seems to want Tim O'Leary to come along and bribe Kobe half a million to stay. Maybe Howley could sell the warehouse. Once bitten 40 times shy with Mayo fans it seems

Will the pitch withstand a bit of rain on Sunday?