National Forum

The Musings Of Tom Smith

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Replying To tomsmith:  "No other countries are so obsessed with watering down their identity to accommodate people who for the most part have no interest in any part of it. And not just talking about the unionist population.
BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2007 - 17/10/2023 12:42

Barney Tomsmith here from the Home of Ulster football ie Cavan
Barney of 2007 posts you make good sense most of the time but I am afraid you are stuck in a rut this time.
Barney we are in changing time and we are under attack from sevaeral sports for the services of our young people.
We have to be attractive to all shades of our community.
If you take the position in Belfast would it not be lovely to have Shankhill Road Gaels play Ardoyne in a Gaa game . Sure that is what sports is all about.
It is well worth considering when you see the venom that the Irish supporters belted out Irelands call in Paris before the Rugby game.
Everyone was so so proud to sing every word of it, you could hear a pin drop .
I say give it a try for a few years"
Aye Tam, you could hear a pin drop because most had turned off. And no it wouldn't be lovely to see Shankill Road play Ardoyne. I told you earlier, not all players sing Irelands call as they don't believe that there are 4 provinces in Ireland. GAA are under attack from no other sports because nothing comes close. Hu, Hu, Hu.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2018 - 17/10/2023 17:14:50    2508895

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Replying To ExiledCuCu:  "Celtic Symphony - Wolfe Tones. Every team knows the lyrics apparently"
Would be better than Irelands call. At least the Wolftones recognise where they're from and keep the history of Ireland alive.

Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2018 - 17/10/2023 17:18:32    2508898

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I'm not a fan of Ireland's call, the National Anthem is the National Anthem. There's an old saying that When you enlist you must Soldier.
Even the likes Bundee Aki going to the effort of singing it and he's not Irish.

Bon (Kildare) - Posts: 1918 - 17/10/2023 17:21:52    2508899

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Replying To tomsmith:  "Tomsmith here from County Cavan

Listening to Ireland call on Saturday evening and looking at the 100 % Irish participation in every word of it I wonder if iot was played before Gaa games instead of the National Anthem would it appeal to more people to participate from the wider community. The Gaa is somewhat lost to a large group of people in for instance Nothern IIreland .
It would be worth considering if we were / want to atrack people who have an allegiance to an non EEC Country"
Maybe we should go for 'Four country roads' by big Tom-by the way is he a relation?

browncows (Meath) - Posts: 2342 - 17/10/2023 17:51:26    2508909

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Replying To Byanthon:  "Why dont we lend them one of our stadiums so Northern Ireland can host games in Euro 2028. Maybe that would encourage them more."
Never mind actually playing Gaelic games, these lads are disgusted by the mere idea of even playing soccer in a GAA stadium; see: https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2023/10/15/news/vulgar_anti-casement_park_chant_sung_at_windsor-3698987/

I much prefer anthems that are music only tbh

points50swiththeargyllsonthewrongfeet (Tyrone) - Posts: 242 - 17/10/2023 18:08:02    2508916

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I think we should get some lad out to play Eminem's "My momma's on your lips" at all GAA games for 2024

hurlorhurley (Wexford) - Posts: 1660 - 17/10/2023 18:29:37    2508923

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It is worth pointing out that loyalists are offended by the Derry GAA crest which is essentially a leaf. They put Derry flags on bonfires last year. I don't think changing the anthem will make a difference.

PattyONeill (Derry) - Posts: 226 - 17/10/2023 21:25:38    2508946

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zero anthems would be better, only other place you see that done is in yank sports. We don't need to hear it at every single game especially played on some tape over some 30 year old PA system

Whestofthewest (Clare) - Posts: 152 - 18/10/2023 08:30:30    2508961

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Replying To PattyONeill:  "It is worth pointing out that loyalists are offended by the Derry GAA crest which is essentially a leaf. They put Derry flags on bonfires last year. I don't think changing the anthem will make a difference."
No difference whatsoever, I'm not going to start following Linfield if they play O'Sullivan's March before matches.

The best northern Catholics and GAA people in particular can hope for from loyalists is that they be allowed go about their business without someone waiting to murder them outside a Church or a club.

Part of a united Ireland would be to recognise that once national sovereignty is achieved - which will be no time soon - that Protestant/British people here have cultural autonomy. Real nationalists and republicans like Des Fennell and Ruairí Ó Bradaigh understood this,

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2591 - 18/10/2023 10:05:50    2508969

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No it wouldn't. But it would encourage me to go for my pre-match cigarette and **** a lot later than usual...

streaker (Galway) - Posts: 498 - 18/10/2023 15:07:48    2509067

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "No difference whatsoever, I'm not going to start following Linfield if they play O'Sullivan's March before matches.

The best northern Catholics and GAA people in particular can hope for from loyalists is that they be allowed go about their business without someone waiting to murder them outside a Church or a club.

Part of a united Ireland would be to recognise that once national sovereignty is achieved - which will be no time soon - that Protestant/British people here have cultural autonomy. Real nationalists and republicans like Des Fennell and Ruairí Ó Bradaigh understood this,"
As a Reds fan the last 33 years I can't believe the mods let you type L######d in this post :-D

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12126 - 18/10/2023 15:24:30    2509072

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No difference whatsoever, I'm not going to start following Linfield if they play O'Sullivan's March before matches.

The best northern Catholics and GAA people in particular can hope for from loyalists is that they be allowed go about their business without someone waiting to murder them outside a Church or a club.

Part of a united Ireland would be to recognise that once national sovereignty is achieved - which will be no time soon - that Protestant/British people here have cultural autonomy. Real nationalists and republicans like Des Fennell and Ruairí Ó Bradaigh understood this,
BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2013 - 18/10/2023 10:05:50

Tomsmith here
Barney perhaps you would desist in turning this post into apolitical football (excuse the pun).
The original post was designed as something that perhaps we Gaa people could do in holding out the Hand of
friendship to our brethren friends not alone up in Northern Ireland but also in the land mass under Southern Ireland rule

tomsmith (Cavan) - Posts: 3861 - 18/10/2023 15:27:10    2509074

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Replying To Whestofthewest:  "zero anthems would be better, only other place you see that done is in yank sports. We don't need to hear it at every single game especially played on some tape over some 30 year old PA system"
yeah can agree with that. leave anthems to finals/dates of significant importance...

KillingFields (Limerick) - Posts: 3514 - 18/10/2023 15:56:45    2509084

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Replying To Viking66:  "As a Reds fan the last 33 years I can't believe the mods let you type L######d in this post :-D"
Cliftonville? I know Wexford hurling is in poor enough way, but that surely there are better alternatives! I was once on way to see them play Glentoran but thankfully my hosts in the end decided that the afternoon be better spent in the Felons :-)

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2591 - 18/10/2023 16:15:26    2509091

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Replying To BarneyGrant:  "Cliftonville? I know Wexford hurling is in poor enough way, but that surely there are better alternatives! I was once on way to see them play Glentoran but thankfully my hosts in the end decided that the afternoon be better spent in the Felons :-)"
Started following them when I started at Queens in 1990. Some hairy moments going to all the away games after I had to give up playing rugby. Fun though!
I follow Millwall in England since the 80s as I was born in Kent. Last year we were 3-1 up at halftime in the last game of the season only needing to beat Blackburn at home to make the play-offs. We somehow managed to lose 4-3. We really should've wrapped a spot up before then but we lost at home to Birmingham and also away to ####### Wigan.
Followed Wexford in Hurling since the early 90s on account of coming down here every couple of weekends on the bike. Could write a series of books on how disappointing that can be. Moved here in 95.
I follow the Cubs in MLB and the Bears in NFL since living in Korea in the mid 80s. 2 more teams that somehow just can't get it together on the field. Yes 2016 was great, but that was the Cubs 1st World Series since 1908. And god knows when the Bears will win another Superbowl. They've had 28 different starting quarterbacks just this millennium. I'll still follow all of these teams til I'm dead.
So all in all I'm over Ireland losing last Saturday already. Hopefully my second team the Boks can win it now. I've followed them, and the Proteas in cricket, since spending most of the 70s and early 80s living in Africa as a child.
I COULD WRITE BOOKS AND THEN MORE BOOKS ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT AND SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY Barney ;-)

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12126 - 18/10/2023 16:54:02    2509098

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Replying To Viking66:  "Started following them when I started at Queens in 1990. Some hairy moments going to all the away games after I had to give up playing rugby. Fun though!
I follow Millwall in England since the 80s as I was born in Kent. Last year we were 3-1 up at halftime in the last game of the season only needing to beat Blackburn at home to make the play-offs. We somehow managed to lose 4-3. We really should've wrapped a spot up before then but we lost at home to Birmingham and also away to ####### Wigan.
Followed Wexford in Hurling since the early 90s on account of coming down here every couple of weekends on the bike. Could write a series of books on how disappointing that can be. Moved here in 95.
I follow the Cubs in MLB and the Bears in NFL since living in Korea in the mid 80s. 2 more teams that somehow just can't get it together on the field. Yes 2016 was great, but that was the Cubs 1st World Series since 1908. And god knows when the Bears will win another Superbowl. They've had 28 different starting quarterbacks just this millennium. I'll still follow all of these teams til I'm dead.
So all in all I'm over Ireland losing last Saturday already. Hopefully my second team the Boks can win it now. I've followed them, and the Proteas in cricket, since spending most of the 70s and early 80s living in Africa as a child.
I COULD WRITE BOOKS AND THEN MORE BOOKS ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT AND SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY Barney ;-)"
Viking 66

Tomsmith here

Cannot believe that the Mods allowed you to deliver such a monologue . The great Mrs T read it mas I took a nap and her response was is he real or would he need H---p. I am always slow to criticise and senior poster who over the years has contributed immensely to good quality Tomsmith posts.
I saw ough I will leave you alone as to Judge you now may make an injustice to your ability

tomsmith (Cavan) - Posts: 3861 - 18/10/2023 17:45:49    2509119

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Replying To Viking66:  "Started following them when I started at Queens in 1990. Some hairy moments going to all the away games after I had to give up playing rugby. Fun though!
I follow Millwall in England since the 80s as I was born in Kent. Last year we were 3-1 up at halftime in the last game of the season only needing to beat Blackburn at home to make the play-offs. We somehow managed to lose 4-3. We really should've wrapped a spot up before then but we lost at home to Birmingham and also away to ####### Wigan.
Followed Wexford in Hurling since the early 90s on account of coming down here every couple of weekends on the bike. Could write a series of books on how disappointing that can be. Moved here in 95.
I follow the Cubs in MLB and the Bears in NFL since living in Korea in the mid 80s. 2 more teams that somehow just can't get it together on the field. Yes 2016 was great, but that was the Cubs 1st World Series since 1908. And god knows when the Bears will win another Superbowl. They've had 28 different starting quarterbacks just this millennium. I'll still follow all of these teams til I'm dead.
So all in all I'm over Ireland losing last Saturday already. Hopefully my second team the Boks can win it now. I've followed them, and the Proteas in cricket, since spending most of the 70s and early 80s living in Africa as a child.
I COULD WRITE BOOKS AND THEN MORE BOOKS ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT AND SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY Barney ;-)"
A well travelled man. I'd say following Millwall could be eventful at least!. Their games with Leeds were always competitive. No love lost on either side.

thelongridge (Offaly) - Posts: 1751 - 18/10/2023 18:15:13    2509127

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Replying To Viking66:  "Started following them when I started at Queens in 1990. Some hairy moments going to all the away games after I had to give up playing rugby. Fun though!
I follow Millwall in England since the 80s as I was born in Kent. Last year we were 3-1 up at halftime in the last game of the season only needing to beat Blackburn at home to make the play-offs. We somehow managed to lose 4-3. We really should've wrapped a spot up before then but we lost at home to Birmingham and also away to ####### Wigan.
Followed Wexford in Hurling since the early 90s on account of coming down here every couple of weekends on the bike. Could write a series of books on how disappointing that can be. Moved here in 95.
I follow the Cubs in MLB and the Bears in NFL since living in Korea in the mid 80s. 2 more teams that somehow just can't get it together on the field. Yes 2016 was great, but that was the Cubs 1st World Series since 1908. And god knows when the Bears will win another Superbowl. They've had 28 different starting quarterbacks just this millennium. I'll still follow all of these teams til I'm dead.
So all in all I'm over Ireland losing last Saturday already. Hopefully my second team the Boks can win it now. I've followed them, and the Proteas in cricket, since spending most of the 70s and early 80s living in Africa as a child.
I COULD WRITE BOOKS AND THEN MORE BOOKS ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT AND SNATCHING DEFEAT FROM THE JAWS OF VICTORY Barney ;-)"
I feel you pain.

Having followed the fortunes of our hurlers for 50 years, I consider myself having served my term in purgatory if there still such a thing.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 2591 - 18/10/2023 18:36:48    2509133

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Replying To tomsmith:  "Viking 66

Tomsmith here

Cannot believe that the Mods allowed you to deliver such a monologue . The great Mrs T read it mas I took a nap and her response was is he real or would he need H---p. I am always slow to criticise and senior poster who over the years has contributed immensely to good quality Tomsmith posts.
I saw ough I will leave you alone as to Judge you now may make an injustice to your ability"
That post is about getting over disappointing sports results, and who I followed apart from the Reds. I was only pointing out I've plenty of experience of getting over disappointment! Assuming you weren't at the Final in 52 you must have plenty of experience of disappointment also.

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12126 - 19/10/2023 10:21:35    2509174

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Replying To thelongridge:  "A well travelled man. I'd say following Millwall could be eventful at least!. Their games with Leeds were always competitive. No love lost on either side."
I went to well over a hundred games home and away following Millwall in the 80s until I came here. I'd still watch every one of their games that sky show. Same with Cliftonville, and BBCNI also stream some of their games . Games against West Ham always had a good buzz about them, Leeds and Chelsea also. Elland Road and Green St were great away days 2 great grounds for atmosphere!

Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 12126 - 19/10/2023 10:26:21    2509180

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