There'e a fair bit being written about the new rules which the GAA has implemented in the NHL and NFL this winter. There seems to be growing frustration amongst inter county managers and their campaign bandwagon will kick into overdrive in the coming weeks as they try to give them a yellow card of their own.
To summarise the rules, basically, they are trying to rid the games of cynical pulling, dragging and other foul play. The punishment is a yellow card, but one with a new consequence. Should you warrant this punishment, you will be banished to the stands for the remainder of the game but be replaced by a substitute.
Examples of such offences that could lead you to a shivery stint sit in the stand would be a high tackle or blatant pull of the jersey to stop an opponent scoring. I've been fortunate/unfortunate to see alot of the games on TG4 and Setanta this winter and can honestly say I would not have one complaint. In fact, I've found the games to be some of the most enjoyable league games in recent years. I caught the last 25mins of Dublin Kerry today and thought it was excellent entertainment. Kerry staged an eventual dramatic comeback but everytime they were in touching distance, Dublin put together a flowing move up the field to edge them further ahead.
Under last years rules you could be sure that some Kerry gurrier would have performed a 'Drico' (cringe) style tackle to breakdown the play. At worst he could have expected a booking. On this occasion, the likes of that famous actor O'Mahony was left to count the studs on his opponents boot as he led the chase from behind! In the end Donaghy clipped over an equalising point but the final score of 1-15 to 1-15 is indicative as to why the rules must stay.
From early February, even as the wind and rain swept through the island, teams were putting up scores which would be more familiar to hurling teams in full flight mid-summer. And that's the key. With the G.A.A. seemingly unlikely to reduce inflated ticket prices to come into line with the nation's caution and reduced spending power, it is big scores that can bring the big crowds.
So, I say keep the innovative rules and fair play to those who came up with the ideas. Let the best players entertain the nation when the need is greatest. The G.A.A. needs it to fight off the painful hype of Irish rugby at the moment and the public need it to bring some joy to their Sunday afternoons.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Kicking On
Busy week G.A.A. wise, which maintains the suspicion that the action is about to start.
Tuesday
Players meeting upstairs in The Oak. We had no such meeting last year and one of the bits of feedback we got from the lads was that it would be good to sit down prior to the Benelux tournaments and again before the Pan-E ones. We took heed but rather have it back in January we decided to do it this week, two weeks before the Amsterdam tournament.
On Monday we sent out the player pack which was put together with the help of Conan, Colin and Rochey. Included in it are key points/expectations regarding training/tournaments, feedack summary on last year, gym dos and donts, hydration & nutrition tips, training schedule, directions to all the venues we drive to and one or two other bits. Its v1 and we will hopefully add to it and improve on it. By sending before the meeting it helped set the tone.
The agenda had many items ranging from communication to membership to training to gear. Colin and Conan led most items whilst i dealt with the training and captaincy. Attendance was around twenty with a good few other lads out of the country or with other reasonable excuses. The clobber was mind boggling. Its the first time I was at a G.A.A. players meeting where the majority of the attendees were in suits!!
We have a good bunch of lads and I probably don't get the balance between barking at them and praising them right. Everyone who spoke thought about what they had to say and delivered it well. Ruairi and Johnny's enthusiasim to get a second team up and running was well noted. Enda always brings some sense to these type of meetings and his input was valuable.
One main thing to report out on was the Captaincy. Last year it was simple, Emmett was the stand out option. I didn't know him as well as I do now but I knew enough to know he would have the right traits to help get the show on the road. This year we have alot of lads missing from the first tournaments so it was tricky to decide. We decided to gather some opinion from the players and four names kept coming back.
Crusher and Rochey were two, they are heart on the sleeve type of characters and lead by example both at training and at tournaments. Olof was another, I've said enough in previous blogs for you to understand why he would be chosen. The final man was Kevin Keary. Time keeping issues aside, he is a good man to lead also. Keary goes about his business quietly and efficiently. Probably our best man marker, he nullified many a danger man last year. Being from Galway he is a bit of a footballing purist which leads to myself and himself having the occasional clash of opinion on how to play the game. Anyway, a good choice. With four stand out candidates and four Benelux tournaments, we decided to let each captain the side for one. Crusher, fresh from leading us to the Brussels Invitational win will take the honour to Amsterdam.
One of the final points made at the meeting was about positivity. My big thing on this one is the tone of voice. Word for word, you can say exact the same thing, but whether you say it in a negative or positive tone will determine the impact it has. Another thing is winding lads up about about missing chances or playing poorly. You should never do anything that puts your teammates confidence in danger and such comments can jeodardise that. Of course, there remains an option for the trainer to get cranky from time to time.
The meeting came to a halt at about 20h30, after a good 1h15m discussion. A good few stayed for a bit of grub and a few pints after, no doubt to ponder the value of positivity.
Thursday
Fitness test. It had been six weeks since the first one and the intention was to do monthly so we were a little behind. We had the bones of 16 and it proved as testing and trying as always. Eoghan Kelly again finished top in the running and press-ups. Rochey was not far behind and Ollie showed well in his first attempt at it. We lost Giller after the running, the poor devil was only a shadow of himself afterwards! A simple handpassing drill and a possession game was all we had time for after.
I'm a big fan of suffering together and believe its the best thing to bond a team and also gives a psychological boost which can be called upon when you have to dig deepest in challenging games. As I was injured I had not participated in the training so was well placed to observe the encouragement and effort the lads demostrated. It was fantastic. If you could bottle this and feed it back to them during the year you would have a very healthy team.
Saturday
Original plan was to have a training match but heavy rain in Brussels this week meant the pitch had alot of surface water. So plan B was to have a mini hole opener. From the lads point of view the idea would have been a bit out of left field. I had shared much drinking time with them Friday night in Place Lux and i don't think they had an inkling of what was coming. It wasn't too severe and everyone got through the muck and sh1t to finish the runs. Conan is putting in great effort this year and its not easy for him having been on the injured list for long periods.
Crusher's 3am Friday night finish didn't help his cause and despite repeated requests for punctuality during the week, Keary, Olof and Dominic sauntered in a tad on the late side. Numbers peaked at 18, Alan Rowan came, togged out, did some runs, got dizzy and went home, which knocked one off. In the end we did play a match sectioning off the waterlogged stretch in the centre and not allowing anyone take possession of the ball in that zone.
It was a reasonable game considering the conditions. I left them to start with no instruction and much ball was kicked away. Eventually they began to realise the futility of this and started to keep possession much better. When we broke at half time this was pointed out and further improvement was seen after the break. A necessary kick around given our indoor confinement of previous months.
All in all a good week. If the attitude and numbers are maintained then we'll be ok.
Tuesday
Players meeting upstairs in The Oak. We had no such meeting last year and one of the bits of feedback we got from the lads was that it would be good to sit down prior to the Benelux tournaments and again before the Pan-E ones. We took heed but rather have it back in January we decided to do it this week, two weeks before the Amsterdam tournament.
On Monday we sent out the player pack which was put together with the help of Conan, Colin and Rochey. Included in it are key points/expectations regarding training/tournaments, feedack summary on last year, gym dos and donts, hydration & nutrition tips, training schedule, directions to all the venues we drive to and one or two other bits. Its v1 and we will hopefully add to it and improve on it. By sending before the meeting it helped set the tone.
The agenda had many items ranging from communication to membership to training to gear. Colin and Conan led most items whilst i dealt with the training and captaincy. Attendance was around twenty with a good few other lads out of the country or with other reasonable excuses. The clobber was mind boggling. Its the first time I was at a G.A.A. players meeting where the majority of the attendees were in suits!!
We have a good bunch of lads and I probably don't get the balance between barking at them and praising them right. Everyone who spoke thought about what they had to say and delivered it well. Ruairi and Johnny's enthusiasim to get a second team up and running was well noted. Enda always brings some sense to these type of meetings and his input was valuable.
One main thing to report out on was the Captaincy. Last year it was simple, Emmett was the stand out option. I didn't know him as well as I do now but I knew enough to know he would have the right traits to help get the show on the road. This year we have alot of lads missing from the first tournaments so it was tricky to decide. We decided to gather some opinion from the players and four names kept coming back.
Crusher and Rochey were two, they are heart on the sleeve type of characters and lead by example both at training and at tournaments. Olof was another, I've said enough in previous blogs for you to understand why he would be chosen. The final man was Kevin Keary. Time keeping issues aside, he is a good man to lead also. Keary goes about his business quietly and efficiently. Probably our best man marker, he nullified many a danger man last year. Being from Galway he is a bit of a footballing purist which leads to myself and himself having the occasional clash of opinion on how to play the game. Anyway, a good choice. With four stand out candidates and four Benelux tournaments, we decided to let each captain the side for one. Crusher, fresh from leading us to the Brussels Invitational win will take the honour to Amsterdam.
One of the final points made at the meeting was about positivity. My big thing on this one is the tone of voice. Word for word, you can say exact the same thing, but whether you say it in a negative or positive tone will determine the impact it has. Another thing is winding lads up about about missing chances or playing poorly. You should never do anything that puts your teammates confidence in danger and such comments can jeodardise that. Of course, there remains an option for the trainer to get cranky from time to time.
The meeting came to a halt at about 20h30, after a good 1h15m discussion. A good few stayed for a bit of grub and a few pints after, no doubt to ponder the value of positivity.
Thursday
Fitness test. It had been six weeks since the first one and the intention was to do monthly so we were a little behind. We had the bones of 16 and it proved as testing and trying as always. Eoghan Kelly again finished top in the running and press-ups. Rochey was not far behind and Ollie showed well in his first attempt at it. We lost Giller after the running, the poor devil was only a shadow of himself afterwards! A simple handpassing drill and a possession game was all we had time for after.
I'm a big fan of suffering together and believe its the best thing to bond a team and also gives a psychological boost which can be called upon when you have to dig deepest in challenging games. As I was injured I had not participated in the training so was well placed to observe the encouragement and effort the lads demostrated. It was fantastic. If you could bottle this and feed it back to them during the year you would have a very healthy team.
Saturday
Original plan was to have a training match but heavy rain in Brussels this week meant the pitch had alot of surface water. So plan B was to have a mini hole opener. From the lads point of view the idea would have been a bit out of left field. I had shared much drinking time with them Friday night in Place Lux and i don't think they had an inkling of what was coming. It wasn't too severe and everyone got through the muck and sh1t to finish the runs. Conan is putting in great effort this year and its not easy for him having been on the injured list for long periods.
Crusher's 3am Friday night finish didn't help his cause and despite repeated requests for punctuality during the week, Keary, Olof and Dominic sauntered in a tad on the late side. Numbers peaked at 18, Alan Rowan came, togged out, did some runs, got dizzy and went home, which knocked one off. In the end we did play a match sectioning off the waterlogged stretch in the centre and not allowing anyone take possession of the ball in that zone.
It was a reasonable game considering the conditions. I left them to start with no instruction and much ball was kicked away. Eventually they began to realise the futility of this and started to keep possession much better. When we broke at half time this was pointed out and further improvement was seen after the break. A necessary kick around given our indoor confinement of previous months.
All in all a good week. If the attitude and numbers are maintained then we'll be ok.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
The Scent of Summer
One certainty in life is that when the sun starts to shine and the smell of freshly cut grass lingers long, you know the G.A.A.'s most serious business is about to start. In our case thats a football tournament in Amsterdam followed two weeks later by hurling in Paris.
On Saturday we trained in Parc50 on a smashing spring afternoon. We had 15 in all which is a good number for a Saturday in Brussels. The soccer lads are still in full flight and others tend to use the weekends to do a bit of travelling or entertaining guests.
We started very lax, in typical weekend mood. After a little ranting and raving, we began to apply ourselves much better and had a reasonable blow out. We will have three more sessions before Amsterdam and will need everyone of them. The date of the tournament was changed two weeks ago and the result is that Eoghan Kelly, Kevin Keary and Philip Roche will be missing.
It may benefit Eoin Sheanon who has a broken finger so the recovery time will be welcomed. I'll need the extra week as well. Having twisted my left ankle at soccer training on Wednesday night, I played with heavy strapping. Mid way through the second half I landed heavily on my right ankle and the pain shot through it. With no subs left and the game still in the melting point, I was forced to play on which no doubt added to the damage. Today I've struggled to put any weight on it and I reckon an x-ray awaits early in the week. Its not an injury I'm alien to and I've the fingers crossed that there is no major damage.
Whatever team we line out with in the 'dam, we'll give it a good lash. It will give other lads an opportunity to show their worth and will give valuable game time to the lads. The focus for the year is to peak when we hit the Pan-European Championship and everything builds towards that and our goal of being the first team in years to retain the Championship.
On Saturday we trained in Parc50 on a smashing spring afternoon. We had 15 in all which is a good number for a Saturday in Brussels. The soccer lads are still in full flight and others tend to use the weekends to do a bit of travelling or entertaining guests.
We started very lax, in typical weekend mood. After a little ranting and raving, we began to apply ourselves much better and had a reasonable blow out. We will have three more sessions before Amsterdam and will need everyone of them. The date of the tournament was changed two weeks ago and the result is that Eoghan Kelly, Kevin Keary and Philip Roche will be missing.
It may benefit Eoin Sheanon who has a broken finger so the recovery time will be welcomed. I'll need the extra week as well. Having twisted my left ankle at soccer training on Wednesday night, I played with heavy strapping. Mid way through the second half I landed heavily on my right ankle and the pain shot through it. With no subs left and the game still in the melting point, I was forced to play on which no doubt added to the damage. Today I've struggled to put any weight on it and I reckon an x-ray awaits early in the week. Its not an injury I'm alien to and I've the fingers crossed that there is no major damage.
Whatever team we line out with in the 'dam, we'll give it a good lash. It will give other lads an opportunity to show their worth and will give valuable game time to the lads. The focus for the year is to peak when we hit the Pan-European Championship and everything builds towards that and our goal of being the first team in years to retain the Championship.
Brussels Invitational
On the corresponding weekend in March 08, Belgium' Gaelic Footballers held their first training session. The first weekend of March 09 saw the the arrival of Clare Island and Roger Casements of Coventry. It came about because our Chairman, Olof Gill, as I've told you many times hails from the Island. Many of the Casements players have links with the Atlantic Island also and hence the coming together of the three clubs. Olof has been working on the preparations since late last year and to his credit brought it to reality.
From our point of view, it was very pleasing to be able to field an A & B team. It meant each team would play three groups games and the a final would split the top two. A played B in the first match and it took the A's most of the first half to break the resistence of their opponents. Eoghan Kelly and Ciaran Hudson put in a good shift in their first appearance in a Belgian jersey. Colly Byrne chipped in with a few tasty scores also. The B's naturally struggled due to the fact alot of them have played very little football in the last few years. However, the likes of Ruairi and Johnny showed a healthy eagerness to get on the ball so that bodes well.
Next up Clare Island, with Olof starring at midfield pulled away from Casements with a couple of late goals. Casements were then in action against our B's and could have been undone if Belgium had had their shooting boots on. The home side won their share of possession but the poor conversion rate coupled with the consession of some soft goals ended their hopes.
The A's then went into battle with Gillers men. He had offered to play half and half with each team but I declined the offer. I obviously tried to make him feel like a langer about turning his back on us, but you cannot ask a man to play against his own club. Whilst it was a tight game, we controlled it and won out by a few points. I think Cluxton made a good save and Rochey chipped in with a few points.
We despatched of a weary Casements side in the last group game. By that stage the cobwebs had been blown off and we were moving the ball very well. Emmett was burshting forward at every opportunity as was his half back counterpart Kevin Keary. We will spend alot more time on trying to develop a style of play this year and it will be based on moving the ball fast and using our energy and pace to support the play.
Clare Island beat our B's convincingly to set-up a final meeting with Belgium A. Our opponents were tiring as the day went on, no doubt related to the previous evenings activities. However the first half was a tough contest. When you play teams from home the physicality is one of the big differences. They are stronger in the tackle and more focused on dishing out the hits.
I think it was 0-0 to 0-1 at half-time. It continued to be a lively affair in the second half and myself and Olof nearly came to blows at one stage. One of their lads was lying on the ball and i tried to remove it from his possession. Mr. Gill decided to put on his bobby hat and come in and lay down the law. Naturally I took offence but it never went beyond handbags. We pulled away after this and I was happy to be on the receiving end of an Eoin Sheanon pass to goal and put one of the final nails in the coffin.
That night we had a dinner for the bones of 100 people in The Old Oak. It was a great night and everyone who spoke, did so very well. We can all relate to the feeling of isolation and share many of the same difficulties in playing Gaelic Football. There were musical instruments a plenty and the singing and dancing went on and on. Not to let the side down, Rochey scampered home to get his tin whistle and play book to belt out a few tunes.
It was the first football tournament we have hosted and it went off very well. It increases the number of links we have but other clubs which we will hopefully exploit in the future. For now though, our focus turns to Amsterdam on April 4th.
From our point of view, it was very pleasing to be able to field an A & B team. It meant each team would play three groups games and the a final would split the top two. A played B in the first match and it took the A's most of the first half to break the resistence of their opponents. Eoghan Kelly and Ciaran Hudson put in a good shift in their first appearance in a Belgian jersey. Colly Byrne chipped in with a few tasty scores also. The B's naturally struggled due to the fact alot of them have played very little football in the last few years. However, the likes of Ruairi and Johnny showed a healthy eagerness to get on the ball so that bodes well.
Next up Clare Island, with Olof starring at midfield pulled away from Casements with a couple of late goals. Casements were then in action against our B's and could have been undone if Belgium had had their shooting boots on. The home side won their share of possession but the poor conversion rate coupled with the consession of some soft goals ended their hopes.
The A's then went into battle with Gillers men. He had offered to play half and half with each team but I declined the offer. I obviously tried to make him feel like a langer about turning his back on us, but you cannot ask a man to play against his own club. Whilst it was a tight game, we controlled it and won out by a few points. I think Cluxton made a good save and Rochey chipped in with a few points.
We despatched of a weary Casements side in the last group game. By that stage the cobwebs had been blown off and we were moving the ball very well. Emmett was burshting forward at every opportunity as was his half back counterpart Kevin Keary. We will spend alot more time on trying to develop a style of play this year and it will be based on moving the ball fast and using our energy and pace to support the play.
Clare Island beat our B's convincingly to set-up a final meeting with Belgium A. Our opponents were tiring as the day went on, no doubt related to the previous evenings activities. However the first half was a tough contest. When you play teams from home the physicality is one of the big differences. They are stronger in the tackle and more focused on dishing out the hits.
I think it was 0-0 to 0-1 at half-time. It continued to be a lively affair in the second half and myself and Olof nearly came to blows at one stage. One of their lads was lying on the ball and i tried to remove it from his possession. Mr. Gill decided to put on his bobby hat and come in and lay down the law. Naturally I took offence but it never went beyond handbags. We pulled away after this and I was happy to be on the receiving end of an Eoin Sheanon pass to goal and put one of the final nails in the coffin.
That night we had a dinner for the bones of 100 people in The Old Oak. It was a great night and everyone who spoke, did so very well. We can all relate to the feeling of isolation and share many of the same difficulties in playing Gaelic Football. There were musical instruments a plenty and the singing and dancing went on and on. Not to let the side down, Rochey scampered home to get his tin whistle and play book to belt out a few tunes.
It was the first football tournament we have hosted and it went off very well. It increases the number of links we have but other clubs which we will hopefully exploit in the future. For now though, our focus turns to Amsterdam on April 4th.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Paddys Day Brussels Style
Last year, FC Irlande and Belgium G.A.A. came together to throw a fantastic St. Patricks day bash on the Sunday preceeding the day itself. It was the first activity on this scale and was a massive success, proving to be a substantial fundraiser for the club as well as succeeding in bringing Brussels' Irish community together.
Since Christmas, a dedicated committee has focused on making this year's bash even bigger and better. The event was staged in the home of Belgium G.A.A., Parc50. Beer tents, food stalls and face painting were all set up and the sun obliged by shining down on top of us. A number of exhibition games took place with Belgium's Hurlers and Gaelic Footballers strutting their suff. The kids G.A.A. displayed their skills and the sporting action was rounded off with a soccer match involving a mix of Belgium G.A.A. and FC Irlande players.
Throughout the day food was served and drink was drunk. We estimate up to 3,000 people came through the gates and the day went off pretty smoothly. There were a couple of unfortunate incidents involved Jane dislocating her finger and Alec fracturing his wrist during the Gaelic Football match. Still, they didn't let their spirits drop and the atmosphere remained upbeat all day long.
Of course day always turns to night and that bit was covered by the dynamic duo Alan and Sharon Norton. A bar in Shuman was rented out and a packed schedule of live music was activated. The buzz of activity spread through the streets of Shuman and sucked in passers by at a frantic rate. The curtain came down on events at about 23h30 but in true Brussels style, the party moved on to The Old Oak, lasting until an unreported late hour.
When you stand back and look at how an event like this cames about, you see the strength and perseverance of the Irish community here. In two years, a core of people have built a very successful annual event from scratch. They have tapped into the many strengths and resources of their followers who have generously given their time to support. I saw comments which indicated that this year's St Patricks Day was the best one people have had.
Back in Ireland Paddys Day has become an excuse to just go drinking. Its the one day you see people falling out of the pubs onto the streets in the middle of the day and for me it has become a bad advertisement for what we are all about. Of course, the Brussels celebration has no shortage of drink but there is a healthier focus as we try to bring our national games and culinary delights to the fore also. Its natural, that more effort and gusto would be put into it abroad as it is our opportunity to come together and celebrate a significant day on our calender. I hope it will continue with the same focus in the coming years. Its quicklyu become a highlight on the social calender of all in Brussels and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
Since Christmas, a dedicated committee has focused on making this year's bash even bigger and better. The event was staged in the home of Belgium G.A.A., Parc50. Beer tents, food stalls and face painting were all set up and the sun obliged by shining down on top of us. A number of exhibition games took place with Belgium's Hurlers and Gaelic Footballers strutting their suff. The kids G.A.A. displayed their skills and the sporting action was rounded off with a soccer match involving a mix of Belgium G.A.A. and FC Irlande players.
Throughout the day food was served and drink was drunk. We estimate up to 3,000 people came through the gates and the day went off pretty smoothly. There were a couple of unfortunate incidents involved Jane dislocating her finger and Alec fracturing his wrist during the Gaelic Football match. Still, they didn't let their spirits drop and the atmosphere remained upbeat all day long.
Of course day always turns to night and that bit was covered by the dynamic duo Alan and Sharon Norton. A bar in Shuman was rented out and a packed schedule of live music was activated. The buzz of activity spread through the streets of Shuman and sucked in passers by at a frantic rate. The curtain came down on events at about 23h30 but in true Brussels style, the party moved on to The Old Oak, lasting until an unreported late hour.
When you stand back and look at how an event like this cames about, you see the strength and perseverance of the Irish community here. In two years, a core of people have built a very successful annual event from scratch. They have tapped into the many strengths and resources of their followers who have generously given their time to support. I saw comments which indicated that this year's St Patricks Day was the best one people have had.
Back in Ireland Paddys Day has become an excuse to just go drinking. Its the one day you see people falling out of the pubs onto the streets in the middle of the day and for me it has become a bad advertisement for what we are all about. Of course, the Brussels celebration has no shortage of drink but there is a healthier focus as we try to bring our national games and culinary delights to the fore also. Its natural, that more effort and gusto would be put into it abroad as it is our opportunity to come together and celebrate a significant day on our calender. I hope it will continue with the same focus in the coming years. Its quicklyu become a highlight on the social calender of all in Brussels and we look forward to an even bigger and better event next year!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Europe Go Down To Leinster Champs
Last Saturday County Europe's Hurlers travelled to Ireland to play the Dublin and Leinster Junior Club 'Special' Champions, Naomh Barrog.
Having arrived at various times on the Friday night, we stuck to our own agenda that evening. On Saturday morning we gathered in Room 231 for a chat/introduction/kit collection. The faces were familiar but the names not, so we quickly introduced ourselves. The team was named and the plan for the day laid out before we headed down to St. Pats for a puck around.
It was much needed as most of our last outing was in September, earlier for some. With hurley supplies on order in Europe, a few of us were struggling to find an amicable companion for the days game but we did our best to get our touch in. We must have spent nearly an hour down there before heading back to the hotel and hopping into cars to make the short journey to Naomh Barrog's base in Kilbarrack.
It's situated on the north side of Dublin. For a small club, its an excellent set-up. They have a small-sized floodlit all weather pitch, an excellent main pitch and a clubhouse with a fantastic bar. Its a great example of how to utilise a tight space to the maximum. We got a fantastic welcome from the local officers. Their pride in their facility was in great evidence and they were eager to make sure the day went off without hitch.
The loud speaker system belted out the national anthem prior to the game but it was a little lost in the swirling wind. So much so, that both teams disbanded from their huddle long before it finished to take up their positions. The game itself doesn't warrant detailed description. Physically, we were well able, maybe too able. The Dublin official was a little whistle happy, maybe a little one sided for our liking too. A couple of us were on the wrong end of some questionable challenges which went unpunished, yet we conceded many frees for lesser offences at the other end.
They hit the point trail early while at the other end we gave an exhibition in shooting wides. The breeze didn't help obviously but our opponents were well able to cope. The other glaring difference was their use of the ball. They were very well drilled and their hand passing was crisp whilst the supply into the forwards was low and accurate. They tell us they have been together since mini-leagues and it certainly has borne fruit. In the end we were defeated 1-20 to 0-3 and whilst we were well beaten, it is not a truly fair reflection on our competitiveness. We carved out many chances and won a good few frees but our radar was all over the shop.
From a Belgium point of view, we were well represented. Kevin lined out corner back, should have been on the wing. I played midfield before going half forward in the second half. Michael Hough started at 11 but fell victim to a tactical reshuffle after 15 minutes and was placed in goal. Eoin filled a half-forward slot but his hand injury eventually called for the towel to be thrown in in the second half. His replacement Rochey came on with his usual eagerness and energy. It was a frustrating day for all 5 of us with our touch and striking well below standard.
Whether this annual fixture has a future or not is questionable. Quality wise, we struggle in 15-a-side. We have many hurlers who have or are currently playing Senior/Intermediate Hurling but without proper preparation it's very difficult to blend everyone together. For it to be a success, the game needs to take place prior to Christmas, regular training needs to proceed it and if the game is in Europe, the 11-a-side format will suit us better. I read an article about De la Salle at the weekend and they were talking of awful hammerings they were taking a few years ago. This afternoon they will play in an All-Ireland final so it shows if you get things right then you can get the rewards.
The players would appreciate more support from the European County Board. They have regulariliy sent Ladies teams to Ireland with substantial funds available and plenty of sideline assistance i.e. mentors, physio etc. Damian, a player from Luxembourg took the lead for us last weekend and had to ask one of the other players' fathers to run the line. In my opinion, funding for these type of teams should be minimal as it takes a large chunk of the County Boards small pie and benefits just a small selection of Europe's players. A sponsored jersey or polo would suffice in terms of recognition. The County Board has coaching officers who should be deployed to support our teams in their preparations. There may be a future but more committment needs to be given. Receiving hammerings like we did last Saturday does not endear anyone to putting their hand in their pockets to fly home to play for Europe.
Having arrived at various times on the Friday night, we stuck to our own agenda that evening. On Saturday morning we gathered in Room 231 for a chat/introduction/kit collection. The faces were familiar but the names not, so we quickly introduced ourselves. The team was named and the plan for the day laid out before we headed down to St. Pats for a puck around.
It was much needed as most of our last outing was in September, earlier for some. With hurley supplies on order in Europe, a few of us were struggling to find an amicable companion for the days game but we did our best to get our touch in. We must have spent nearly an hour down there before heading back to the hotel and hopping into cars to make the short journey to Naomh Barrog's base in Kilbarrack.
It's situated on the north side of Dublin. For a small club, its an excellent set-up. They have a small-sized floodlit all weather pitch, an excellent main pitch and a clubhouse with a fantastic bar. Its a great example of how to utilise a tight space to the maximum. We got a fantastic welcome from the local officers. Their pride in their facility was in great evidence and they were eager to make sure the day went off without hitch.
The loud speaker system belted out the national anthem prior to the game but it was a little lost in the swirling wind. So much so, that both teams disbanded from their huddle long before it finished to take up their positions. The game itself doesn't warrant detailed description. Physically, we were well able, maybe too able. The Dublin official was a little whistle happy, maybe a little one sided for our liking too. A couple of us were on the wrong end of some questionable challenges which went unpunished, yet we conceded many frees for lesser offences at the other end.
They hit the point trail early while at the other end we gave an exhibition in shooting wides. The breeze didn't help obviously but our opponents were well able to cope. The other glaring difference was their use of the ball. They were very well drilled and their hand passing was crisp whilst the supply into the forwards was low and accurate. They tell us they have been together since mini-leagues and it certainly has borne fruit. In the end we were defeated 1-20 to 0-3 and whilst we were well beaten, it is not a truly fair reflection on our competitiveness. We carved out many chances and won a good few frees but our radar was all over the shop.
From a Belgium point of view, we were well represented. Kevin lined out corner back, should have been on the wing. I played midfield before going half forward in the second half. Michael Hough started at 11 but fell victim to a tactical reshuffle after 15 minutes and was placed in goal. Eoin filled a half-forward slot but his hand injury eventually called for the towel to be thrown in in the second half. His replacement Rochey came on with his usual eagerness and energy. It was a frustrating day for all 5 of us with our touch and striking well below standard.
Whether this annual fixture has a future or not is questionable. Quality wise, we struggle in 15-a-side. We have many hurlers who have or are currently playing Senior/Intermediate Hurling but without proper preparation it's very difficult to blend everyone together. For it to be a success, the game needs to take place prior to Christmas, regular training needs to proceed it and if the game is in Europe, the 11-a-side format will suit us better. I read an article about De la Salle at the weekend and they were talking of awful hammerings they were taking a few years ago. This afternoon they will play in an All-Ireland final so it shows if you get things right then you can get the rewards.
The players would appreciate more support from the European County Board. They have regulariliy sent Ladies teams to Ireland with substantial funds available and plenty of sideline assistance i.e. mentors, physio etc. Damian, a player from Luxembourg took the lead for us last weekend and had to ask one of the other players' fathers to run the line. In my opinion, funding for these type of teams should be minimal as it takes a large chunk of the County Boards small pie and benefits just a small selection of Europe's players. A sponsored jersey or polo would suffice in terms of recognition. The County Board has coaching officers who should be deployed to support our teams in their preparations. There may be a future but more committment needs to be given. Receiving hammerings like we did last Saturday does not endear anyone to putting their hand in their pockets to fly home to play for Europe.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Europe March To Dublin
Today, the finest Hurlers in Europe will board planes and descend on Dublin to play Naomh Barrog in the Leinster Junior Club 'Special' Final! It pits the winners of the Leinster competition (which excludes the Wexford and Kilkenny champions) against Europe's best. It was initiated for the first time last year when Europe were defeated by the Offaly champions in horrendous conditions in Den Hague.
This year the fixture takes place in the capital and the Europeans travel a bit blind. Eligibility is based on participation in last year's Pan-European Hurling Championship so a slice of the players have moved on already. Also, Europe need to re-adjust to the 15-a-side game as opposed to 11-a-side. The squad has not gathered once for training and the availability of players was being confirmed up to the middle of this week.
The preparation point is a bit disappointing as a common location like Maastricht is accessible to all. However, nothing can be done about any of that at this stage. Such is the regularity with which we play our opponents in Europe, people are very familiar with eachother which is one positive. We have tussled and argued on the pitches many times and rounded off many tournaments with a lengthy stint at the bar.
In terms of our expectations, I think we'll give it a good lash. We have some strong hurlers who would hold their own on many teams in Ireland. Whether that is enough or not, we will find out. Belgium will be well represented with myself, Michael Hough, Kevin Keary, Philip Roche and Eoin Sheanon. Eoin is carrying a hand injury since the Na Fianna match a couple of weeks ago and couldn't hold the hurley properly last night.
This year the fixture takes place in the capital and the Europeans travel a bit blind. Eligibility is based on participation in last year's Pan-European Hurling Championship so a slice of the players have moved on already. Also, Europe need to re-adjust to the 15-a-side game as opposed to 11-a-side. The squad has not gathered once for training and the availability of players was being confirmed up to the middle of this week.
The preparation point is a bit disappointing as a common location like Maastricht is accessible to all. However, nothing can be done about any of that at this stage. Such is the regularity with which we play our opponents in Europe, people are very familiar with eachother which is one positive. We have tussled and argued on the pitches many times and rounded off many tournaments with a lengthy stint at the bar.
In terms of our expectations, I think we'll give it a good lash. We have some strong hurlers who would hold their own on many teams in Ireland. Whether that is enough or not, we will find out. Belgium will be well represented with myself, Michael Hough, Kevin Keary, Philip Roche and Eoin Sheanon. Eoin is carrying a hand injury since the Na Fianna match a couple of weeks ago and couldn't hold the hurley properly last night.
Gerald McCarthy Statement
Below is the statement released by Gerald McCarthy announcing his resignation as Cork senior hurling manager.
I have decided to step down as manager of the Cork Senior Hurling Team, effective immediately.
I am not, as some would have it, resigning ‘for the good of Cork hurling’. In fact, and without being presumptuous, I would regard my resignation in the current circumstances as being detrimental to Cork hurling in the long term.
I am quite confident that after two overwhelming endorsements, a third vote would not have removed me at county board level. However, only my resignation, apparently, will allow the best group of Cork hurlers to take the field.
While the latter objective is very desirable, that outcome should not be confused with the future health of Cork hurling or its direction in the coming years.
A few days ago, my father who is in his mid-eighties, pleaded with me to step down after one of my sons, in my absence abroad, received the latest threat against me. The threat against my life which has been referred to the Gardai, is the latest in a sequence of threats and abuse, random or organised I do not know, which I and my family members have had to endure over the past few months.
Given the kind of vitriol at recent public meetings and indeed in some media commentary, it is hardly surprising that thugs have attached themselves to the “cause” of the 2008 hurlers. I cannot continue to expect a family even as supportive as mine to withstand that pressure and possibly to put their own safety at risk.
This latest threat is one of two tipping points that have occurred in recent weeks. The apparent advice to the players that they should not attend my mother’s funeral has devastated my father and family.
It reflects a lack of human warmth that we will never understand. The fact that the advice was ignored by some of the panel was deeply appreciated by us and those players who attended the removal or the funeral will testify to the welcome they received from my father, from me and the rest of the McCarthy family.
It’s been a long and difficult four months. With any willingness on the part of the players, the dispute could have been resolved almost as soon as it began. The Mulvey arbitration provided for certain steps to be followed in the event of any dispute arising. These precluded a strike by the players and allowed for discussions, mediation and arbitration to take place. The players went on strike, refused to meet the Board or the management team together and refused to engage in mediation.
There is huge irony in the thought that the clubs who are now supporting the players were among those who voted for mediation at the County Convention last December – which the players refused to engage in. They are now supporting those players who rejected their specific direction.
I am well aware that players will always garner popular and media support when positioned against a management team or the County Board. However, I am surprised that the media, with a few honourable exceptions, never challenged the players’ views. I am also surprised that journalists who never met me or spoke to me could write so authoritatively about my position and my motivation.
The criticism of the County Board has been well over the top. For any faults it has and what organisation does not, the County Board has presided over a level of success that most counties in the country would envy.
The players’ modus operandi has been simple: strike, issue ultimatums, refuse to speak and raise the temperature by carefully choreographed public events. No amount of these can disguise the fundamental truth, however. No dispute was ever resolved in the absence of dialogue.
Even our critics have acknowledged that the Board and Gerald McCarthy were open to compromise and changes in direction for the sake of Cork hurling by taking on the Duffy/Cooney document. The players were not. Neither would they meet under Olan Kelleher or other offered auspices. All the calls for a resolution excluded any responsibility on the players’ part.
My reasons for taking the stand I did four months ago are as valid today as they were then. Hurlers should not have the right to appoint their own manager, veto the appointment of a manager, interview their own manager or pursue commercial interests at the expense of the broader GAA family. Self interest and the evolving pay for play agenda are the primary motivating factors for the leaders of the dispute. How those clubs now supporting the players are not uneasy about the sabotaging by the players of a sponsorship (again through a strike threat) which would have added €450,000 for investment in facilities in the county, is well and truly beyond me.
The dispute leaders have won “the power” which they publicly declared they wanted. The broader elements of their agenda will presumably now be pursued with the same singlemindedness. I wonder will they be proven in time to be the heroic figures they are being made out to be in some quarters. From my perspective, they have dishonoured the Cork jersey and used it as a weapon and a threat. I believe that for the majority of previous Cork All Ireland winners and we did have some before the 08 Panel arrived on the scene, that is the ultimate sporting abuse.
The a la carte loyalty of the 08 Panel to the Cork jersey contrasts utterly with the attitude of the current Cork players. These young men in the face of the difficulties put before them- and they were considerable and unacceptable - know more about courage, integrity and decency than the high profile leaders of the dispute and their equivalent strike leadership of the football panel. My greatest disappointment is to have to leave them and the selectorial and backroom team who have been outstanding, honourable, steadfast and at all times motivated by the highest of values.
I have decided to step down as manager of the Cork Senior Hurling Team, effective immediately.
I am not, as some would have it, resigning ‘for the good of Cork hurling’. In fact, and without being presumptuous, I would regard my resignation in the current circumstances as being detrimental to Cork hurling in the long term.
I am quite confident that after two overwhelming endorsements, a third vote would not have removed me at county board level. However, only my resignation, apparently, will allow the best group of Cork hurlers to take the field.
While the latter objective is very desirable, that outcome should not be confused with the future health of Cork hurling or its direction in the coming years.
A few days ago, my father who is in his mid-eighties, pleaded with me to step down after one of my sons, in my absence abroad, received the latest threat against me. The threat against my life which has been referred to the Gardai, is the latest in a sequence of threats and abuse, random or organised I do not know, which I and my family members have had to endure over the past few months.
Given the kind of vitriol at recent public meetings and indeed in some media commentary, it is hardly surprising that thugs have attached themselves to the “cause” of the 2008 hurlers. I cannot continue to expect a family even as supportive as mine to withstand that pressure and possibly to put their own safety at risk.
This latest threat is one of two tipping points that have occurred in recent weeks. The apparent advice to the players that they should not attend my mother’s funeral has devastated my father and family.
It reflects a lack of human warmth that we will never understand. The fact that the advice was ignored by some of the panel was deeply appreciated by us and those players who attended the removal or the funeral will testify to the welcome they received from my father, from me and the rest of the McCarthy family.
It’s been a long and difficult four months. With any willingness on the part of the players, the dispute could have been resolved almost as soon as it began. The Mulvey arbitration provided for certain steps to be followed in the event of any dispute arising. These precluded a strike by the players and allowed for discussions, mediation and arbitration to take place. The players went on strike, refused to meet the Board or the management team together and refused to engage in mediation.
There is huge irony in the thought that the clubs who are now supporting the players were among those who voted for mediation at the County Convention last December – which the players refused to engage in. They are now supporting those players who rejected their specific direction.
I am well aware that players will always garner popular and media support when positioned against a management team or the County Board. However, I am surprised that the media, with a few honourable exceptions, never challenged the players’ views. I am also surprised that journalists who never met me or spoke to me could write so authoritatively about my position and my motivation.
The criticism of the County Board has been well over the top. For any faults it has and what organisation does not, the County Board has presided over a level of success that most counties in the country would envy.
The players’ modus operandi has been simple: strike, issue ultimatums, refuse to speak and raise the temperature by carefully choreographed public events. No amount of these can disguise the fundamental truth, however. No dispute was ever resolved in the absence of dialogue.
Even our critics have acknowledged that the Board and Gerald McCarthy were open to compromise and changes in direction for the sake of Cork hurling by taking on the Duffy/Cooney document. The players were not. Neither would they meet under Olan Kelleher or other offered auspices. All the calls for a resolution excluded any responsibility on the players’ part.
My reasons for taking the stand I did four months ago are as valid today as they were then. Hurlers should not have the right to appoint their own manager, veto the appointment of a manager, interview their own manager or pursue commercial interests at the expense of the broader GAA family. Self interest and the evolving pay for play agenda are the primary motivating factors for the leaders of the dispute. How those clubs now supporting the players are not uneasy about the sabotaging by the players of a sponsorship (again through a strike threat) which would have added €450,000 for investment in facilities in the county, is well and truly beyond me.
The dispute leaders have won “the power” which they publicly declared they wanted. The broader elements of their agenda will presumably now be pursued with the same singlemindedness. I wonder will they be proven in time to be the heroic figures they are being made out to be in some quarters. From my perspective, they have dishonoured the Cork jersey and used it as a weapon and a threat. I believe that for the majority of previous Cork All Ireland winners and we did have some before the 08 Panel arrived on the scene, that is the ultimate sporting abuse.
The a la carte loyalty of the 08 Panel to the Cork jersey contrasts utterly with the attitude of the current Cork players. These young men in the face of the difficulties put before them- and they were considerable and unacceptable - know more about courage, integrity and decency than the high profile leaders of the dispute and their equivalent strike leadership of the football panel. My greatest disappointment is to have to leave them and the selectorial and backroom team who have been outstanding, honourable, steadfast and at all times motivated by the highest of values.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Keeping it Fresh
A soccer season is a lengthy drawn out affair. If I look at the club I play with here in Brussels, FC Irlande, their training starts in July and can continue into May depending on how many games fall victim to the winter weather. Last season, I was asked to take the lead in training and I accepted. There are 5 teams and the club is not your standard model whereby by each team has a trainer and individual training times. Instead, the trainer and first team captain lead a kind of mass production training regime.
When the sun shines and the pitch is decorated with plush green grass, numbers can sore up to 60 on a good night. However, when you hit the depths of winter and the knee deep mud, we average out at around 32 on a normal night. It could literally be +/- 20 on any given evening so it makes planning very difficult. Additionally, players show up for many different reasons; some seeking a healthy pastime, some looking to get involved in a social network and others who are eager to test themselves against the top teams in the league.
Last year, the first team won their Division at a canter, racking up huge scores and gaining many plaudits for their fitness and quality of football. This season started in similiar trail blazing fashion and they were soon top of the league. A mid-November defeat to defending champions Brussels British didn't derail them and they went in at the Christmas break in a healthy position.
However, before and after Christmas, many games were cancelled and the disruptions seemed to start taking their toll in early February. Defeat against one of the main contenders was followed by an unexpected away defeat to the team bottom of the league. Then, last Saturday, they fell at the hands of the British again, so slipped further off the pace.
I played in a share of those games and was struck by how flat things have become. When the first points started being dropped there was alot of b1tching and moaning but as the weekends went by even that became more subdued. Training attendance, my own included, lacked consistency and the style of play has changed from direct (not long ball, but quick ball) up to our capable strikers, to a slower passing game. I was struggling to see signs of life left in the team. Our Chairman Denis sent a mail last weekend explaining the current league table situation and painted a very positive picture of what could still be achieved in terms of points.
Then, on Monday night, there was a very good attendance at training from the first team which indicated that the heart was still beating. My own committment to training has suffered this year as i have spread myself too thinly across hurling, gaelic football, soccer and hockey. Alec has been left with alot of the burden and its hard to keep things fresh and upbeat over such a long season. However, if the heart monitor was to show life, Monday night was a great night to do it and I felt the energy and enthusiasim filter back into my veins.
We stopped training at one point, with the first team isolated from the rest of the group. I have seldom replied to or sent rallying call emails this year or dished out motivational rants. However, if you wear the title, you are entitled to wear the hat so Monday night i felt the time to share my thoughts. I'm not sure of the reaction, some looked quizically at me, surely wondering how I could say such things even though I had chosen to play Gaelic football the previous weekend instead of making myself available for the crucial game against Brussels British. Others looked like they were struggling to restrain an uncomfortable smile as the f-word was bandied about like Cork hurling strike propaganda. And of course there were the foreign lads who didn't understand a word. The drills recommenced and my focus turned to the rest of the group. the firsts were doing a shooting drill down the other end but the noise emmanating from them suggested some release of tension and realisation of enjoyment again. Hopefully, this is the case, the clock is ticking on their season but the race is not run yet.
Why am I talking about soccer when this is a staunchly G.A.A. orientated blog. Well, its the first time I've recognised this situation in a team I have been involved with. Of course, looking back now, I can remember when teams I played on were on their last legs, flogging the same thing night after night with a bunch of weary lads going through the motions. As a younger player, you don't even think about how to address it. It sometimes seems too big an issue to be able to tackle. You tell yourself its natural, after a succession of long successful seasons where the team reached is peak, its acceptable and understandable that these standards cannot be maintained?
But it can be addressed and its the job of the players and the mentors to make sure it happens. As trainer of the soccer team, I felt some guilt for the flat feeling which crept in. My committment took an enforced dip but also my methods had become known and repeated and maybe lacking the stimulation that something 'new' brings. I was demotivated coming to training and was nearly watching the clock until the end. However, from this week, I've committed to doing everything I can on the training pitch to win the league. The trainer dictates training and his mood can dictate that of the players too.
It a good learning point going into Year 2 with the Gaelic Football team. Our success last year mirrors that of FCI and the trainer occupies both set of shoes. He needs to bring the positivity and energy to the sessions to motivate those around him. The players of course need to buy in and give the committment in return. Training should be hard and your body may show displeasure at the pain it endures but inside the heart should beat strongly.
When the sun shines and the pitch is decorated with plush green grass, numbers can sore up to 60 on a good night. However, when you hit the depths of winter and the knee deep mud, we average out at around 32 on a normal night. It could literally be +/- 20 on any given evening so it makes planning very difficult. Additionally, players show up for many different reasons; some seeking a healthy pastime, some looking to get involved in a social network and others who are eager to test themselves against the top teams in the league.
Last year, the first team won their Division at a canter, racking up huge scores and gaining many plaudits for their fitness and quality of football. This season started in similiar trail blazing fashion and they were soon top of the league. A mid-November defeat to defending champions Brussels British didn't derail them and they went in at the Christmas break in a healthy position.
However, before and after Christmas, many games were cancelled and the disruptions seemed to start taking their toll in early February. Defeat against one of the main contenders was followed by an unexpected away defeat to the team bottom of the league. Then, last Saturday, they fell at the hands of the British again, so slipped further off the pace.
I played in a share of those games and was struck by how flat things have become. When the first points started being dropped there was alot of b1tching and moaning but as the weekends went by even that became more subdued. Training attendance, my own included, lacked consistency and the style of play has changed from direct (not long ball, but quick ball) up to our capable strikers, to a slower passing game. I was struggling to see signs of life left in the team. Our Chairman Denis sent a mail last weekend explaining the current league table situation and painted a very positive picture of what could still be achieved in terms of points.
Then, on Monday night, there was a very good attendance at training from the first team which indicated that the heart was still beating. My own committment to training has suffered this year as i have spread myself too thinly across hurling, gaelic football, soccer and hockey. Alec has been left with alot of the burden and its hard to keep things fresh and upbeat over such a long season. However, if the heart monitor was to show life, Monday night was a great night to do it and I felt the energy and enthusiasim filter back into my veins.
We stopped training at one point, with the first team isolated from the rest of the group. I have seldom replied to or sent rallying call emails this year or dished out motivational rants. However, if you wear the title, you are entitled to wear the hat so Monday night i felt the time to share my thoughts. I'm not sure of the reaction, some looked quizically at me, surely wondering how I could say such things even though I had chosen to play Gaelic football the previous weekend instead of making myself available for the crucial game against Brussels British. Others looked like they were struggling to restrain an uncomfortable smile as the f-word was bandied about like Cork hurling strike propaganda. And of course there were the foreign lads who didn't understand a word. The drills recommenced and my focus turned to the rest of the group. the firsts were doing a shooting drill down the other end but the noise emmanating from them suggested some release of tension and realisation of enjoyment again. Hopefully, this is the case, the clock is ticking on their season but the race is not run yet.
Why am I talking about soccer when this is a staunchly G.A.A. orientated blog. Well, its the first time I've recognised this situation in a team I have been involved with. Of course, looking back now, I can remember when teams I played on were on their last legs, flogging the same thing night after night with a bunch of weary lads going through the motions. As a younger player, you don't even think about how to address it. It sometimes seems too big an issue to be able to tackle. You tell yourself its natural, after a succession of long successful seasons where the team reached is peak, its acceptable and understandable that these standards cannot be maintained?
But it can be addressed and its the job of the players and the mentors to make sure it happens. As trainer of the soccer team, I felt some guilt for the flat feeling which crept in. My committment took an enforced dip but also my methods had become known and repeated and maybe lacking the stimulation that something 'new' brings. I was demotivated coming to training and was nearly watching the clock until the end. However, from this week, I've committed to doing everything I can on the training pitch to win the league. The trainer dictates training and his mood can dictate that of the players too.
It a good learning point going into Year 2 with the Gaelic Football team. Our success last year mirrors that of FCI and the trainer occupies both set of shoes. He needs to bring the positivity and energy to the sessions to motivate those around him. The players of course need to buy in and give the committment in return. Training should be hard and your body may show displeasure at the pain it endures but inside the heart should beat strongly.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Na Fianna Fall At The Feet of Belgium Hurlers & Beer
Trying to get challenge games in Belgium is harder than you might think at this time of year!!!Teams are generally reluctant to venture outside the cosy county bounds to take on the best of the rest of Ireland, not to mention the rest of the world. We have tried to build relations with clubs at home in the last year to try and entice them over. In 2008 we welcomed St Fechins (Louth) hurlers and St Peregrines (Blanchardstown) footballers to Brussels for challenge matches.
Neither went off without incident. The root cause of all incidents being drink, as you might expect. By the time teams land in Brussels they have already filled up with pint bottles of Bulmers in Dublin airport and within an hour of dumping their bags in the hotel, you can be sure they have passed through the sacred arches of either O'Reillys, Nua or Celtica.
Fechins arrived out to Tervuren for last February's match down two men who had been arrested the night before. A dance-off that didn't go their way apparently. They were a young enough outfit that they could run off the excesses and they beat a very understrength Belgium by a few points. This was pre-takeoff of the club and players were scarce.
Fast forward to October and the arrival of Peregrines. Again they let loose on the Friday night and stories of 10am finishes, pick pockets etc filled their pre-match banter. It was the week before we travelled to Rennes and with a few new players on board, we needed a good game. They arrived in Parc50 in a disasterous state. We ran up a big score and in the end they knew they had let themselves down. No self-respecting GAA team would like the idea of being beaten by a crew of exiles.
Of course you can't really blame them for their behaviour as its more about the craic and teambuilding for them. Also, as Irish people, we probably think we are well able for a session. However, the weaker beer and early closing times in Ireland are no match for the strength of Belgium's finest brew and the all night drinking. By the time you realise this, any chance of sensible decision making is long gone and there is no quick fix.
Na Fianna were the latest tourists to land on our patch last Saturday. In July we had travelled to Dublin to play themselves and Whitehall the week before our home tournament. Na Fianna got it in their heads to come straight away and in fairness they stayed good to their word. They were full of life when they got to the pitch, seemingly energised by the events of the evening before.
The game started at a lively enough pace and we were 0-3 to 0-1 up after ten minutes. With the ball down the other end of the field, i threw my eye to my right to see one of their players running in a distressed state before he hit the ground. Players rushed to his side and were able to put him in the recovery position quickly. Adrian called the ambulance which quickly arrived. Whilst the medics were treating him, their manager and stand in referee collapsed. Next thing we had two ambulances and an army of medics. The medics were on the ball in fairness and looked after the two lads well and carted them off to hospital.
With those incidents behind us, the Na Fianna boys were eager to continue. The delay meant Eoghan had to take off whilst i had a previous committment which limited my involvement to another twenty minutes. However, Hough had dragged his sorry arse out of the scratcher and whilst unlikely ever to be described as a 'competent' replacement for anyone, he did manage to take his place on the team. Reports suggest he even tacked on a few scores.
With the main event out of the way, next stop was The Old Oak for the arranged dinner and rugby match viewing. Again, i missed the ceremonies and Mr. Keary's ministerial address but I gather they went off well. The craic was good and most headed to town shortly after midnight. The following day there were sightings of our guests in de Valera's continuing on their merry way. The player who was brought to hospital is being retained until Wednesday for further tests but the manager was released on Saturday evening and could be found in good humour
that night.
Next up are the men from the wild West. Clare Island arrive this Friday along with Roger Casements of Coventry for the first Brussels Invitational Tournament. Instigated by Olof, who hails from the Island, it should be a cracking day. We will have a girls and lads tournaments and we're hoping to have two men's teams competing. Again, the Old Oak will host us and a massive night is expected.
Neither went off without incident. The root cause of all incidents being drink, as you might expect. By the time teams land in Brussels they have already filled up with pint bottles of Bulmers in Dublin airport and within an hour of dumping their bags in the hotel, you can be sure they have passed through the sacred arches of either O'Reillys, Nua or Celtica.
Fechins arrived out to Tervuren for last February's match down two men who had been arrested the night before. A dance-off that didn't go their way apparently. They were a young enough outfit that they could run off the excesses and they beat a very understrength Belgium by a few points. This was pre-takeoff of the club and players were scarce.
Fast forward to October and the arrival of Peregrines. Again they let loose on the Friday night and stories of 10am finishes, pick pockets etc filled their pre-match banter. It was the week before we travelled to Rennes and with a few new players on board, we needed a good game. They arrived in Parc50 in a disasterous state. We ran up a big score and in the end they knew they had let themselves down. No self-respecting GAA team would like the idea of being beaten by a crew of exiles.
Of course you can't really blame them for their behaviour as its more about the craic and teambuilding for them. Also, as Irish people, we probably think we are well able for a session. However, the weaker beer and early closing times in Ireland are no match for the strength of Belgium's finest brew and the all night drinking. By the time you realise this, any chance of sensible decision making is long gone and there is no quick fix.
Na Fianna were the latest tourists to land on our patch last Saturday. In July we had travelled to Dublin to play themselves and Whitehall the week before our home tournament. Na Fianna got it in their heads to come straight away and in fairness they stayed good to their word. They were full of life when they got to the pitch, seemingly energised by the events of the evening before.
The game started at a lively enough pace and we were 0-3 to 0-1 up after ten minutes. With the ball down the other end of the field, i threw my eye to my right to see one of their players running in a distressed state before he hit the ground. Players rushed to his side and were able to put him in the recovery position quickly. Adrian called the ambulance which quickly arrived. Whilst the medics were treating him, their manager and stand in referee collapsed. Next thing we had two ambulances and an army of medics. The medics were on the ball in fairness and looked after the two lads well and carted them off to hospital.
With those incidents behind us, the Na Fianna boys were eager to continue. The delay meant Eoghan had to take off whilst i had a previous committment which limited my involvement to another twenty minutes. However, Hough had dragged his sorry arse out of the scratcher and whilst unlikely ever to be described as a 'competent' replacement for anyone, he did manage to take his place on the team. Reports suggest he even tacked on a few scores.
With the main event out of the way, next stop was The Old Oak for the arranged dinner and rugby match viewing. Again, i missed the ceremonies and Mr. Keary's ministerial address but I gather they went off well. The craic was good and most headed to town shortly after midnight. The following day there were sightings of our guests in de Valera's continuing on their merry way. The player who was brought to hospital is being retained until Wednesday for further tests but the manager was released on Saturday evening and could be found in good humour
that night.
Next up are the men from the wild West. Clare Island arrive this Friday along with Roger Casements of Coventry for the first Brussels Invitational Tournament. Instigated by Olof, who hails from the Island, it should be a cracking day. We will have a girls and lads tournaments and we're hoping to have two men's teams competing. Again, the Old Oak will host us and a massive night is expected.
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