Unpopular GAA opinions you hold

donnem33 wrote: »

I believe it's about time that there were 2 referees instead of 1 officiating at matches in both hurling and football. The game is gone too fast for one man to be able to see and judge everything and make every correct decision.

I'd say most will agree with you there. Referee's need some sort of help, be it a 2nd man, video replay or whatever.

donnem33 wrote: »

I believe it's about time that there were 2 referees instead of 1 officiating at matches in both hurling and football. The game is gone too fast for one man to be able to see and judge everything and make every correct decision.

I doubt if you would find many people disagreeing with you there. It should definitely be in place for inter county games. Or if there are not two refs, there should be structures in place to help him out, such as a TMO for big games in Croker Park or Semple, another official in the stands and/or linesmen & umpires being consulted more often. I'd also look at removing some of his responsibilities (such as time keeping and keeping track of subs) and give them to someone else on the sideline. Let the ref concentrate on the game.

Originally Posted by Martin567
Kilkenny fans are mostly very understated. Imagine how unbearable certain other fans would be if their county had won 9 out of 13 All Ireland Finals.

I'd agree with you there. It is very easy to accuse KK fans of being arrogant, without stopping to consider how you would react if you came from a county who has achieved what they have in the last 10-12 years. After winning Sam twice in three years, I am becoming borderline unbearable. If we ever come close to replicating what KK have, I'll probably have to leave the country.

NavyandBlue wrote: »

Jim Carney may not be everyone's cup of tea as a commentator but you can't beat that man's passion for football. He always reminds me of many of my primary and secondary school teachers who used to sacrifice their lunch breaks in order to coach us.

Who is Jim carney

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

Original host of The Sunday Game.
Tuam Heard journalist
He used to do the commentary on the highlights of the Connaught Final for the Sunday Game back when there were no live games.

Unique delivery is how I would describe his work.

He used to get a few early hurling games too.

I remember he did a Kilkenny game in 1998, the Laois game if I'm not mistaken.

He also did the infamous Munster final replay I think...Gilligan's goal has his voice stuck in my mind.

IrishAlice wrote: »

Aaahhh we're not all like that! Every county has the few eejits sure!

That's quite true Alice, and I am sure in your eyes I would be the biggest one of all and I don't take offense to you thinking that no, not at all, it is just that when it comes to Kilkenny hurling I just can't find anything to be humble about. Let me see 6 from the last 8, 9 from the last 13 All Irelands won, 21st smallest county in the country population wise, most senior, minor and under 21 titles won. I know that litany just bugs the daylights out of every man woman and child in Munster and in particular those from Tipp and Cork that is why love repeating it. It might not be nice but it is TRUE

donnem33 wrote: »

I believe it's about time that there were 2 referees instead of 1 officiating at matches in both hurling and football. The game is gone too fast for one man to be able to see and judge everything and make every correct decision.

completely agree. hurling at inter county should have 2 refs.

Sky Sports will be good for the GAA.

Dublin are prospering in both codes because of the work done by volunteers (like every other county) at grass roots level and not because of financial assistance.

1. I will not watch any Ulster Championship football.

2. Kilkenny hurlers are not as good as they were and are unlikely to win the AI this year.

3. It is only a matter of time before senior inter county gaa will become professional. Players are not fools. Sky getting involved is the beginning of the end for the game as we know it.

China will win the 2025 All-Ireland Junior hurling championship, beating Leitrim in the final.

RoscommonTom wrote: »

Its time that the gaa divided up the cash equally between all counties, its only a matter if time till fellas in other counties lose interest in gaa and start moving to soccer if they keep giving the most of the money to dublin and having them win everything

If we are going to look at level distribution of funding we must look at the numbers playing in each county. Is has to be done on a pro rata basis. I am assuming that is what you mean and not give every county say 150k for the year.

RoscommonTom wrote: »

Its time that the gaa divided up the cash equally between all counties, its only a matter if time till fellas in other counties lose interest in gaa and start moving to soccer if they keep giving the most of the money to dublin and having them win everything

That would not be fair at all.

So you propose that Leitrim get the same amount of money as Dublin, even though they have far fewer clubs and hugely different in terms of population?

Soccer is hardly a beacon of light either in terms of financial fairness between that haves and have nots.

Fireball07 wrote: »

John Galvin is the best midfielder of the last 15 years.

Not sure if I'd go that far but he can't be far off. Used to love that guy, if he had less injuries and played for a better county he'd be known as a modern great. I remember him being a one man army against Kerry on more than one occasion, almost won games by himself for an average Limerick side.

Fireball07 wrote: »

Personally, I do think that Cluxton is overrated. A good player, no doubt, but I think saying that he revolutionised football is going a bit far... I really don't think his kickouts are quite as good as people say.

Henry Shefflin is the best hurler ever, some people don't rate him as highly because he's not the most flashy... he's capable of being flashy when he wants, but his intelligence on the ball is supreme.

John Galvin is the best midfielder of the last 15 years.

I'm no Dublin fan and it's a cliché at this stage, but I totally disagree with you, I think Cluxton HAS changed the way people think about kickouts especially. That is indisputable in my view. He has dipped in form as a shot-stopper I think and is not prone to getting rattled as we have seen, but still probably the best keeper I've ever seen.

On John Galvin, always rated him highly and not just cos he's half a Kerryman.:D Being honest though, I can't agree that he is THE best midfielder of any period. He matched Darragh O'Sé (got the better of him once or twice) and many more, but the reality in the modern game is that the top teams aim to peak in August/September, so we don't know how he would have faired in Croker in Autumn against the best guys at their peak.

There will eventually be 10 or maybe 12 pro teams competing for the AI football championship. A mixture of big counties like Dublin Cork etc and joint/make up teams from several counties. Subscription TV will fund it.