After a few days of thinking about this, I've decided to contribute. However I know after posting this on here I'll be accused of God knows what:

1) That I'm a bitter Kerryman still peed over the defeats in 05 and 08

2) That I'm some southerner that has a built in anti-Ulster bias and hates seeing Sam go across the border.

But here it goes…

Below is a list of some of the most controversial incidents that I can recall that have happened in Gaelic football on the national stage over the last decade:

05 All Ireland final, Gooch is eye gouged by a Tyrone defender. At the end of that game Peter Canavan's hauls Gooch to the floor to stop him going through on goal.

2006 and 2007 National Leagues, mass brawls mar Dublin v Tyrone Division 1 games.

2012 Junior Club Semi Final between Dromid Pearse and Derrytresk is marred by a mass brawl which results in 8 Derrytresk players being suspended and the club banned for 5 years.

2013 All Ireland Intermediate Club Final between Finuge and Cookstown ends with serious allegations of Cookstown players spitting at their opponents.

2013 All Ireland Q-final, Tyrone's cynical tackling in the game is catalyst for the introduction of the black card.

2013 All Ireland minor Q-final, Kerry v Tyrone, again this game ends in considerable controversy with three Tyrone players being sent off amid accusations of continuous cynical and overly aggressive play on Tyrone's part.

2015 U-21 All Ireland final, Tipperary v Tyrone, more controversy due to the tactics and sledging allegedly used by the Tyrone players.

2015 Ulster minor and senior Donegal v Tyrone matches, again widespread accusations of cynical play and sledging.

2015 All Ireland Q-final Monaghan v Tyrone.

That's nine major incidents in the past ten years, not including Paul Galvin's story about half time in the 2008 final when two Tyrone players are supposed to have shouldered a Kerry backroom team official to the floor in an unprovoked attack.

That's not to say there wasn't two sides involved in many of these episodes but the common denominator in all is Tyrone.

I'm going to ask the Tyrone posters on here a straight question.

Are you satisfied by the way your county (from junior club to minor, U-21 and senior inter-county level judging by the above) seems to approach the sport?

Every successful team plays to the edge of the law and every county has been involved in regrettable incidents, my own included; but mostly they are confined to individual players.

Yet is appears that there is now a cynical culture in Tyrone football at all levels, whether this is actively coached or deliberately ignored, I cannot say.

But the evidence, to me, appears pretty damning by now…

TheHermit (Kerry) - Posts: 6354 - 12/08/2015 12:42:56    1768724

I'm not one to defend Tyrone, especially after the U21 final, as I felt their behaviour that day was disgraceful, but just a bit of balance here. Aidan O'Mahoney dived in an Ai semi final v Cork in 2008, and zero was made of it. Donaghy goads opponents constantly, and grabs every opponent he is up against round the neck. The criticism of Tyrone is justified, but zero is made of the behaviour of other counties, and if the media want to be balanced then they need to be as critical of teams in the south when they misbehave.

PK57 (Louth) - Posts: 1654 - 12/08/2015 13:08:26    1768748

That's nine major incidents in the past ten years, not including Paul Galvin's story about half time in the 2008 final when two Tyrone players are supposed to have shouldered a Kerry backroom team official to the floor in an unprovoked attack.

That was a nothing incident. He was mouthing off and a Tyrone player basically ran through him. Came after a brawl instigated by the angelic Darragh elbowing Sean Cavanagh in the back.

MichaelO (Tyrone) - Posts: 820 - 12/08/2015 13:22:34    1768765

TheHermit, County: Kerry

Below is a list of *some* of the most controversial incidents that I can recall... the common denominator in *all* is Tyrone... the *evidence*, to me, appears pretty damning.

You hand selected some Tyrone incidents, and highlighted the fact that Tyrone is in all of them; you're not a man of science are you TheHermit?

A similar list for Kerry over the last 10 seasons at Senior, U21 & U18 (or Mayo/Dublin/Cork/whoever) can be made, the *evidence* is in the eye of the beholder.

muffin (Antrim) - Posts: 128 - 12/08/2015 13:43:09    1768788

As an interested observer at the Tyrone v Monaghan match. Quite simply Tyrone were the better team. Better footballers and more skilful. This diving is a blight on the game but Tyrone are no more guilty than others I have seen. I was especially surprised at K Donaghys antics for such a big man. It is blatently unjust to single out one team.

mod (Mayo) - Posts: 859 - 12/08/2015 13:43:48    1768789

muffin
County: Antrim
Posts: 122

1768788 TheHermit, County: Kerry

Below is a list of *some* of the most controversial incidents that I can recall... the common denominator in *all* is Tyrone... the *evidence*, to me, appears pretty damning.

You hand selected some Tyrone incidents, and highlighted the fact that Tyrone is in all of them; you're not a man of science are you TheHermit?

A similar list for Kerry over the last 10 seasons at Senior, U21 & U18 (or Mayo/Dublin/Cork/whoever) can be made, the *evidence* is in the eye of the beholder.

No it can't.

Greengrass (Louth) - Posts: 6031 - 12/08/2015 14:02:01    1768797

Joxer

my point has been overlooked
1. in the U-21 final the puches and stamping were caused by Tipp.... and using the indo isn't a great example
2. my point about the Dublin player is a hypothetical one .... I'm not blaming Dublin or Dublin GAA.... but correct me if I'm wrong, but if number 5 ( player identity) doesn't matter, strikes with the hand in All-Ire semi.... there will be a media backlash to have him available for the final... that's my point

cuchulainn35 (Armagh) - Posts: 1676 - 12/08/2015 14:09:37    1768806

Muffin:

No I'm from the Humanities myself:

Obviously, I'm more aware of incidents that impacted on Kerry teams than other counties as I am a Kerry supporter.

However the 9 incidents I selected were all major news stories at the time, which I think most GAA supporters will recall.

A Tyrone side is involved in each of these high profile incidents, that is a simple fact.

For teams representing any single county to be involved in so many high profile incidents does raise questions about the way they set out to play the game.

Ulster posters on here can jump up and down about perceived media bias but as the old adage goes, where there's smoke there's generally fire.

If you set out to be the hard men of football, you can't complain when people call you up on that.

I've no problem with Tyrone people saying they are happy that this is how their team plays football if it brings them success.

I do have a problem when they hide behind ridiculous claims of media bias or anti-Ulster sentiment by the general GAA public simply because people are questioning their tactics.

Regardless, I'm looking forward to the semi-final.

Kerry have played the current Tyrone side over the last couple of years in the League and there's been no incidents or animosity between them.

TheHermit (Kerry) - Posts: 6354 - 12/08/2015 14:15:31    1768813

cuchulainn35
County: Armagh
Posts: 1167

1768806
Joxer

my point has been overlooked
1. in the U-21 final the puches and stamping were caused by Tipp.... and using the indo isn't a great example
2. my point about the Dublin player is a hypothetical one .... I'm not blaming Dublin or Dublin GAA.... but correct me if I'm wrong, but if number 5 ( player identity) doesn't matter, strikes with the hand in All-Ire semi.... there will be a media backlash to have him available for the final... that's my point

-----
No evidence of either point though. The U21 incidents were widely reported and Tyrone took a lot of flak so I don't get your point. 2- is hypothetical.

Joxer (Dublin) - Posts: 4700 - 12/08/2015 14:21:52    1768816

Hermit how could you leave out Kennelly, AOM, Galvin with the ref etc. To quote scripture 'Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log in your own' (Luke 6:41)

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 12/08/2015 14:31:37    1768824

Gotmilk, that's the typical response I expected on here 'Let he that is without sin, cast the first stone' (see I can quote scripture too!!)

All county's have had their incidents, Kerry included you have highlighted a couple.

Yet Tyrone seem to be constantly embroiled in major national controversies.

Is that simply a coincidence or those it speak to a particular culture in how they approach the game?

I would argue the latter, and like I said I've no problem if Tyrone fans are happy with that approach.

But to deny it exists and to hide behind the arguments they're making on here is untenable...

TheHermit (Kerry) - Posts: 6354 - 12/08/2015 14:44:04    1768840

Excellent news that finally someone has been pulled up for feigning injury/diving/simulation.Does this young Tyrone buck luck silly now.Best news ive heard in a long time.

cuederocket (Dublin) - Posts: 5084 - 12/08/2015 14:48:04    1768847

RTE Sunday Game live and evening show starting to resemble Tribunal del Santo Oficio de la Inquisición it is a witch hunt against Tyrone lead by the Grand Inquisitor and Suprema designated Spillane O'Rourke Brolly and Whelan .Sky miles ahead in their coverage analysis and commentary I'm sick to death of hearing Martin Carney saying how far the Dubs are a head of the rest of the pack how they play with great enthusiasm play with spirit and pride in the shirt , I have no problem with the Boys in Blue or their fabulous supporters on the Hill but Carney NO! verbal H.S.

fortyfive (Tyrone) - Posts: 5929 - 12/08/2015 14:51:39    1768853

But Kerry are just as guilty as Tyrone as are every other county in Ireland.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 12/08/2015 15:00:19    1768861

gotmilk
County: Fermanagh
Posts: 2338

1768861
But Kerry are just as guilty as Tyrone as are every other county in Ireland.


Can't agree. Tyrone by far the most guilty. Just look at the evidence!!

Molaise (Fermanagh) - Posts: 96 - 12/08/2015 15:05:06    1768866

The Hermit, I think I understand:

- Aidan O'Mahony feigning injury is not as bad as what Tiernan McCann did.

- Paul Galvin knocking the notebook out of a ref's hand isn't as inappropriate as the antics that Ricey or the likes got up to.

- The Kerry drag down against Kildare that RTE portrayed as 'ruthless' was totally different to the 2013 Sean Cavanagh foul on Ciaran McManus.

- Kerry's systematic fouling at the end of last year's AI final or throughout the Mayo replay was very different to Canavan doing the same in 2005.

- Tadgh Kennelly's premeditated assault on Nicholas Murphy was nothing compared to the Gooch (allegedly - nobody I know ever saw it happen) getting a hand in the face from Pascal McConnell.

- Kieran Donaghy goading and sledging opponents is all good-natured fun compared to what Conor Gormley would have said.

- James O'Donoghue or the Gooch going to ground easily is cute hoorism, but Tyrone do the same thing in a cynical and nasty way.

- Kerry's brawls with Cork down the years are handbags stuff compared to Tyrone v [insert name].

- Derrytresk and later Cookstown must have been brawling among themselves, as Dromid Pearses and Finuge were simply innocent bystanders.

Seriously man, as another poster suggested, it's time to move out of that glass house of yours.

Thomas Clarke (Tyrone) - Posts: 1002 - 12/08/2015 15:06:01    1768868

There is evidence for every county Molaise. No side is innocent. I actually think Kerry are one of the worst teams in Ireland for employing dark arts.

gotmilk (Fermanagh) - Posts: 4971 - 12/08/2015 15:13:30    1768874

@Thomasclarke

The Kerry drag down against Kildare that RTE portrayed as 'ruthless' was totally different to the 2013 Sean Cavanagh foul on Ciaran McManus.

You are as bad Martin Carney....his name is Conor!

:)

seanfinn (Monaghan) - Posts: 360 - 12/08/2015 15:20:02    1768879

What I said was......"Tyrone by far the most guilty. Just look at the evidence!!" Yes all counties do get involved in behaviour they shouldn't. The evidence however shows tyrone are by far the most guilty. I supported them in 2003, 2005 and 2008. I can't however support them now!!!!!

Molaise (Fermanagh) - Posts: 96 - 12/08/2015 15:23:58    1768884

The Hermit...catch yourself on.It suits the Kerryman very well to have other teams vilified.Cute Hoors and all that.

seanie_boy (Tyrone) - Posts: 4235 - 12/08/2015 15:29:12    1768890