Fat Timmy its exactly 10k run from the castle to the. Cco-op in Ardagh!

Liamwalkinstown (Dublin) - Posts: 8166 - 29/08/2014 20:05:27    1644350

Heartiest Congratulations to the West Limerick Colleges side on their epic draw with a highly rated Thurles CBS side on Wednesday. They achieved this despite the fact that they started without one of their best forwards and lost two players to injury during the game. When you consider that Thurles had beaten St Flannans by over thirty points in the first round this was indeed a noteworthy performance by the WLC brigade.

Oldtourman (Limerick) - Posts: 4340 - 17/10/2014 13:35:05    1664675

Its good to see them back in the competition and competing with the top teams. some of their players also played 2 years ago when they drew with Templemore. Its a pity they were not allowed in last year and I understand they are also being blocked from competing next year. Continuous participation at the highest level is the best way to raise standards. Hopefully the county board will support the schools in keeping them involved in this.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 17/10/2014 14:34:14    1664702

Welcome aboard Westfester amalgamating to play at a higher level is very definitely the way forward. Im gald at long last we agree on something ha ha

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 17/10/2014 15:00:37    1664717

There's a big difference between 2nd level schools coming together to represent their division and raise the profile of hurling throughout west limerick on one hand..... and on the other previously proud hurling clubs diluting their identity and tradition to satisfy a few egos.
Unlike previous club amalgamations at underage level no hurlers will be lost to the game because of West Limerick Colleges. Any hurlers not making the Harty panel will be looked after by their own schools and by the clubs willing to put in the work at underage level and not neglect the average hurler in pursuit of short term glory for a few "star" players. Apples and oranges. As you might say yourself haha.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 17/10/2014 16:46:22    1664759

Just as players who dont make amalgamated club teams "will be looked after by their own schools and by the clubs willing to put in the work at underage level and not neglect the average hurler in pursuit of short term glory for a few "star" players.

It is all about raising the profile of hurling in west limerick or at least it should be. It has nothing to do with egos. It has everything to do with growing our game in our weakest division. So it is comparing apples with apples. Partial conversion is to be welcomed.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 17/10/2014 18:12:55    1664785

There is no conversion. There are 2 totally different structures here, schools and clubs. The problem with the club amalgamation was that the feeder clubs put all their eggs in the combo basket which only had room for a limited number i.e. the size of a panel (approx. 21) even though at one stage they had so many that I am told they asked the county board for permission to enter a 2nd team!!!!!!!!! Obviously that showed that the amalgamation was for the wrong reasons. The players who were not getting a game drifted away and many never played hurling after 14. A few players came through to play for Limerick but with the development squad system in place those lads would have got there anyway without damaging their clubs future prospects.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 18/10/2014 14:44:10    1664946

This year has been very poor for the west division. Of the 5 teams relegated across the adult grades 3 of them are west teams while a 4th survived an all west relegation final at intermediate while of the 6 promotion places including Junior B there is only 1 west team still in contention.
Adare are the only senior team left from the division and they are also struggling at underage for the last 2-3 years after a few very strong years so their adult teams should be okay for the next few years but there could be problems further ahead. The south and of course Na Piarsaigh are on the up but serious work is required in the West.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 20/10/2014 11:47:48    1665399

Forgive me westfester but we go from the ridiculous to the sublime here. First of all those of us who were watching what has been going on in the west have been asking for "serious work to be done in the west" long before this year.

I have news for you however there was something done and it was knocked by you and others talking about egos and looking after stars. What nonsense!!!!!!
I am not from any of the three Deel rangers club but was thrilled to see its inception and kept a close eye on it. I have never EVER heard they were looking to put in a second team. NEVER. In fact from what I hear lately they cannot even field a team

As for the inception of development squads I will just say that they are not around long enough to say that "those lads will have got there anyway". The stats prove you worng. Simple as that. In history of the game I doubt if feohanagh ever had 3 players involved in a minor team and before Jack Aherne it must be 25 years since a Killeedy man started for minors. I would also point out that development squads still need to be made and playing low level underage hurling with kids 3 years below the age level makes it more difficult to get on development sqauds. BTW I am thrilled with develoment squad process just not sure it will be a huge help to those in the west until we can up the standard of our competitions.

Hurling in west limerick is in trouble and it will continue to be in trouble as long as people work against new initiatives. I dont think of egos or stars I think of talented kids who are talented in a number of sports. If the only GAA avenue open to them is a B or C west c ship then we could lose them to soccer or rugby. People who use such derogatory remarks to describe talented young players will always hold us back. I admire these youngsters and want to encourage their development. People who put them down and paint them as egos are clearly not concerned with future of our game.

I have never understood how players walk away from the game when they can always play for their own club 12 a side team. Are you seriously saying we should hinder the development of our talented players so that all can operate from lowest common denominator. If so then you can talk about the poor state of the game in the west but such an attitude will never be of assistance to those who would like to do something about it.

If you have a response then I would v much appreciate it if it doesnt involve derogatory remarks about hard working committed young hurlers.Thank you.

Actually heard in the pub on saturday that an imalgamtion at minor level involving your club won west recently. Is that true if so then I am glad and I hope the egos on that team from both clubs continue to devlope as hurlers.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 20/10/2014 13:03:33    1665441

I have never EVER heard they were looking to put in a second team. NEVER. In fact from what I hear lately they cannot even field a team

Just because you did not hear of it means nothing. It was reported from a meeting of county bord na nog so can be checked on the minutes. You seem to have a problem with your Caps Lock key.

As for the inception of development squads I will just say that they are not around long enough to say that "those lads will have got there anyway". The stats prove you worng. Simple as that. In history of the game I doubt if feohanagh ever had 3 players involved in a minor team and before Jack Aherne it must be 25 years since a Killeedy man started for minors.
Anyone who saw those players from u12 level up was aware of their quality. They came to attention through the old west underage acadamies and county underage squads.

Hurling in west limerick is in trouble and it will continue to be in trouble as long as people work against new initiatives.
There are other ways of improving West Limerick hurling that do not involve wrecking clubs.
I dont think of egos or stars I think of talented kids who are talented in a number of sports.
People who use such derogatory remarks to describe talented young players will always hold us back. I admire these youngsters and want to encourage their development. People who put them down and paint them as egos are clearly not concerned with future of our game.
Let me make it clear although it should be obvious to any reasonable person reading my posts: I never implied that the players were the egos mentioned, I was of course talking about the few adults who pushed the amalgamation route even though it was not required because of the number of players available to the 3 clubs at that time. The term "star" refers to how these players were viewed and described by those few short-sighted individuals.

I have never understood how players walk away from the game when they can always play for their own club 12 a side team. Are you seriously saying we should hinder the development of our talented players so that all can operate from lowest common denominator.

Your system means choosing between vibrant clubs and having a few players getting more exposure to higher level hurling. I say the structures are now in place in this county for both to be achievable.

Actually heard in the pub on saturday that an imalgamtion at minor level involving your club won west recently. Is that true if so then I am glad and I hope the egos on that team from both clubs continue to devlope as hurlers.
Again I never referred to players' egos and yes there was a west won but it was in one of those "low level B championships" that you have no time for. But amazingly enough some of the players involved on both sides in that final are actually on county panels and may even be seen playing minor for Limerick yet and that includes players from the losing club team.

As you admit above the Deel Rangers experiment has now run its course and they have problems fielding a team and no longer can compete at Premier level so there is no reason for their continued existence.

Of the 4 clubs who have been involved in the last 10 years of Deel Rangers it has been beneficial to only one and that was the smallest one Knockaderry who have done well at Intermediate and got as far as Premier Inter.
Feohanagh continue at Junior despite having most of their players with intercounty experience. Hopefully they will finally make the step up next week.
Killeedy have fallen to an all time low with very few young players coming through.
Monagea joined this year but unfortunately Deel Rangers have been uncompetitive at all age groups except u21 where Monagea players were not involved.

I will not continue to debate this on a national forum as it is a local issue and unfortunately has left hurling in West Limerick in a poorer state.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 20/10/2014 14:29:24    1665486

I welcome any input in relation to Bord na Nog minutes. To even mention minutes means that you yourself are not sure that it was said but you still used it. Hardly right now is it?

The idea that anyone who saw players from U 12 up would know they were gong to make county teams is hogwash. There are many players who impressed ay U12 but whp need to be developed to a stage where they were capable of wearing a green jersey. Deny the obvious all you want but Feohanagh and Killeedy players were not making county teams before Deel Rangers and that speaks for itself to most reasonable minded people. The phrase many a slip from cup to lip is almost.invented for underage sports. Under 12s dont make county teams kids make county teams at U 14 and up if they are coached properly and given to exposure to a high standard of playing.

It is far from clear that you were talking about parents and not players. The more cynical amongst us will think you are clutching at straws after realising that you erred on this one.

My system allows those vibrant clubs to ply their trade and for their better players to develope to the maximum by playing at a higher level as well as playing for their clubs. Exactly as they do in Kerry which I note is a system you defend on another thread. How can you be for players from junior clubs playing senior c ship in kerry and be against the exact same system at underage level in an area that needs development far more than Kerry does. You say on another thread that Killeedy handed over their players to Deel Rangers. That s your problem. If Killeedy had provided sufficient 12 a side structures then they would have held on to those players that ye lost. Im no expert on Fc or Knockaderry but I dont think they are talking about losing players. A bit hard to punish players for the mistakes of the club.

Now you really stuck in argument when u put words in anothers mouth. I have plenty of time for c ships at any grade. My point which is far more obvious that yours in relation to egos is that players will not develope to their optimum unless they are playing at the highest possible level. That should be self evident. Indeed you dont have to go too far to see player who made the county team at one level but not at the next due to his club playing at a lower level or indeed giving walk overs at a lower level at the next age grroup.

As for Feohanagh they won Junior football last year and are in 2 county finals in a row. That reasonably good from a low base of few years ago. KNockaderry are a good template for all west lk clubs and Monagae not in it long enough to judge. It seems killeedy the only ones to suffer prob down to "handing over their players".

I dont mean to have a go at you but how can you ask for things to be done to promote the game while opposing one of the most progressive schemes in the west in my time?

How can you be for providing a platform for players from small clubs tom play at senior level in Kerry and be against it in your own back yard?
How can you be for amalgamtion at schools level and not at club level? There has to be something here than u not telling us maybe it is to do with personal feelings towards those egos?

Now debate this where you want but those of us who want to see the game progress in the west and who want progressive action not regressive talk will take you on for the good of our game in our district.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 20/10/2014 15:36:09    1665536

Just a few points,
1. I was hardly going to post up the name of the person who was at the meeting and heard the request made as did maybe 50 other people. The point about the minutes is that there is written proof that this did happen and yes I am 100% sure that it did happen. Your apology is awaited but not with breath held.

2. I and other people on here have advocated divisional teams on here but you and only you have continuously shot this down in favour of the failed amalgamation system and some chaotic semi transfer system where big clubs can take in a few players from smaller clubs to play with them at senior level. Your only argument against divisional sides is that they were tried before and didn't work even though hurling people know that they were actively worked against by the fixture makers at the time.

3. A related point you continuously use phrases like "those of us who want to see the game progress in the west" and "the more cynical amongst us ". Who is this "us" you speak of as I have seen no support for your so called progressive systems from any other posters. You are in a minority of 1 on most of your arguments on here.

Westfester (Limerick) - Posts: 944 - 20/10/2014 16:31:47    1665564

If it is confirmed that a second team was suggested an apology will be forthcoming. I have form in this area.

Now you really have put your foot in it.

I have always always always been in favour of divisional teams ALWAYS. It was my starting point but many came on saying it wouldn't work incl a Cork based poster who cited Paudi Sulls injury as a reason that div teams were falling out of favour in COrk. Only when many posters dismissed the idea of div teams did I move on to suggesting allowing junior players play on senior clubs as well as their own junior clubs. It is a system that worked for Ahane and Limerick in the thirties but in my view is a good way short of divisional teams which I have always been in favour of.

ANYTHING that allows a level of exposure of west limerick players (or any limerick players) to play at a higher level I am in favour of. In this regard I support and always have supported amalgamations of club and schools AND divisional teams.

As for the us you have already been challenged by another poster today on Deel Rangers so it seems it is not me that is in the minority of one in this issue.

I know you wont want to giv up with out a fight so I suppose I should expect apology tomorrow.

You are now wrong on three counts

1 that I was ever against div teams
2 That I was the only one against div teams (as loads of others persuaded me they were not an option)
3 That I am in a minority of one pn Deel Rangers.

When you get time you might also deal with the more substantive points of my previous post.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 20/10/2014 18:04:40    1665595

HAve always always been in favour of div teams. Lots of people on here told me they wouldn't work mainly citing Emmets and a cork based poster cited PAudi Sulls injury as a reason it was falling out of favour in Cork. Only when many came on here dismissing it as an option did I suggest allowing junior players play with their own club and a senior team.

ANYTHING that allows players play at a higher level I am for. Would love to see Western GAles team at senior and under age if that possible.

In all my time on here I have never been so wrongly accused. Apology or withdrawal at very least please. There a lot of opposition to div teams but I have always been in favour of them

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 20/10/2014 18:25:46    1665603

I really hope that you are not the kind of person who demands an apology while never being prepared to give one.

I have never ever been against divisional teams. A western GAels at senior and underage level would be my dream.

You will not find one sentance from me on here dismissing div teams. NOT ONE.

I think that takes care of this once and for all. If you ahev to resort to making things up Ill leave it to others to evaluate what u stand for.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 20/10/2014 18:52:12    1665612

Seems some people think it is ok to attack others based on made up facts and then cower away when they get found out in the hope that we will all forget.

I hope most posters remember this cowardice when they read future posts if they do get the back bone to return.

disillusiondfan (Limerick) - Posts: 4279 - 23/10/2014 13:56:25    1666507