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Wicklow GAA thread

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Replying To Hoggie10:  "What are the county board and indeed most of those who contributed to the vote, to remain with U17's as minors?? My 1st son gave up GAA following his 1st year in adult football. He got hurt by a 32 year old in one of the first couple of games after the winter. It was a deliberate attack which apparently no one saw and he never went again after that. I've another 2 sons coming through, one who has to start adult football next year. Physically he has another year or so to build himself up. But mentally he is definitely not ready. A whole year makes a difference. Why are there 27 counties who have adopted the even numbers? Why can't Croke Park make the decision nationwide??"
Unfortunately, it's a number of clubs - mostly smaller ones - that are holding this back by failing to see the bigger picture. They believe this approach will increase numbers for their adult teams, but the reality is very different. This isn't an isolated example; I've seen it happen repeatedly.

Young lads are being forced to play Junior B, C and D, where the standard is poor and games are poorly controlled. A young, fit player gains nothing from that environment and is far more likely to be injured by out-of-shape, old-school players who rely on physicality and often get away with it.

Instead of retaining players, this approach risks driving them away from the game entirely and ultimately damages clubs in the longer term.

Croke park should step in and regularise all minor back to u18- I think there are only now 4 counties at u17 and we are one

StrandedinWW (Wicklow) - Posts: 56 - 15/12/2025 12:19:06    2648398

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Is it 1 club, 1 vote? Or do bigger clubs get more votes?

liam500 (Wicklow) - Posts: 223 - 15/12/2025 14:37:20    2648420

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Replying To liam500:  "Is it 1 club, 1 vote? Or do bigger clubs get more votes?"
I think it's two delegates - that's 2 votes per club, big or small

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 15/12/2025 22:03:56    2648469

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Pure short term thinking by clubs with this vote. Getting young players up to adult early is no use if they fall away then before they are 21. Give them the extra year to develop and then watch them thrive and play adult for 10-15 years. We are where we are as a county because of who we are and we don't look like changing anytime soon.

wondershorts (Wicklow) - Posts: 292 - 16/12/2025 09:23:16    2648495

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Replying To Hoggie10:  "What are the county board and indeed most of those who contributed to the vote, to remain with U17's as minors?? My 1st son gave up GAA following his 1st year in adult football. He got hurt by a 32 year old in one of the first couple of games after the winter. It was a deliberate attack which apparently no one saw and he never went again after that. I've another 2 sons coming through, one who has to start adult football next year. Physically he has another year or so to build himself up. But mentally he is definitely not ready. A whole year makes a difference. Why are there 27 counties who have adopted the even numbers? Why can't Croke Park make the decision nationwide??"
I have a slightly different take on this one, I think under the proposal it would stop guys turning 18 in the year playing adult football, for me some of these 18 year olds are ready for adult football not all but some are. Fully agree there needs to be a review of pathway to adult football and U19 championships needs to be given a more prominent place or even a league in it. Currently the best 4 or 5 get on to senior panel rest let go their own way. These 4 or 5 wont be best 4 or 5 come 23 if all stick at it.
On junior football from what I have seen in recent years its much more lads trying to keep fit/ play social football and not the wild west for dirty strokes it was years ago. But sure incidents with your son happened which never should. In my playing days I found moving from junior to senior as a young kid, senior was where I got big hits strong fit men moving fast versus slower less conditions guys, I never felts hits were comparable.

Groundskeeper5 (Wicklow) - Posts: 44 - 17/12/2025 15:31:41    2648692

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I see that our fixtures committee don't expect we will beat Meath in the opener. No provisional fixture other than the Meath game. Probably right

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 18/12/2025 21:09:21    2648802

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U19A hurling final on tomorrow. Very late in the year for it. Anyway Carnew look to have the edge on form but you never know with Bray...

liam500 (Wicklow) - Posts: 223 - 20/12/2025 12:34:19    2648978

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It will be interesting to see if there are any new faces out tomorrow v Meath. Last years center back is gone travelling and I hear that M Nolan is out with an injury. That leaves 2 spaces in the backs. Although Oisin is inclined to play backs and forwards all over the place. Meath will be a good test for whoever lines out.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 02/01/2026 10:01:21    2649388

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Well, all we learned yesterday was that we still struggle to score. League promotion won't come without scores.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 04/01/2026 09:07:24    2649647

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Replying To Freethinker:  "Well, all we learned yesterday was that we still struggle to score. League promotion won't come without scores."
3 points from the starting 6 forwards is diabolical. Whilst early in the year and missing Kevin Quinn will be a factor I'm sure Oisin wouldn't be impressed

Dunlavin4Miley (Wicklow) - Posts: 37 - 04/01/2026 16:32:15    2649721

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Replying To Dunlavin4Miley:  "3 points from the starting 6 forwards is diabolical. Whilst early in the year and missing Kevin Quinn will be a factor I'm sure Oisin wouldn't be impressed"
I couldn't make the game but reading the reports, wouldn't instil any confidence in those starting forwards. Many spurned goal chances - again. Personally, I think it has become such a mortal sin to lose possession that the forwards are holding on too long and botching chances. Seems to be many turnovers in there. That would indicate that maybe the ball isn't coming in quick enough to give the lads any advantage there are possibly too many back when it does come in. Whatever the reason, it is now almost standard that we give teams a 6/7 point start.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 04/01/2026 18:39:02    2649757

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Nice win by the hurlers over down. A bit risky emptying the whole bench in the 2nd half but it's only a pre season competition I suppose.

liam500 (Wicklow) - Posts: 223 - 04/01/2026 18:43:58    2649761

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Happy New Year.

I couldn't attend the game against Meath on Saturday but saw the goals on clubber. It was typical early season stuff from both sides. Conceded two soft goals to Meath which will need to be addressed. As other posters alluded to, scoring forwards are in short supply. Watching this year's club championship; I'm not surprised that the situation remains unchanged as there is a lack of quality forwards in the county. I think we'll struggle for scores especially two-pointers in the league and championship. Not sure what Frankie Dolan's function is with the forwards but it isn't working.

I'm delighted to see Dean Healy back. He is a great leader and is very experienced. On paper' division four is slightly weaker than last year. Unfortunately, I don't think we've enough qualitynin the squad formdivision three but I'm hoping I'll be proven wrong.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2158 - 05/01/2026 12:08:32    2649858

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One of my hopes for the NY was or is that this page gets more interested people on board to share opinions etc on all aspects of our national games, particularly within the county. I think we must have one of the most inactive pages on the HS. I follow the Wexford and Carlow pages as we are neighbours and have many of the same problems - particularly football wise. They have some great contributors. You get a great insight into the inner workings of affairs in those counties, particularly with club personnel, players, managers, trainers, the strengths and locations of clubs, should some amalgamate - you name it. Some of the contributions get a bit heated, but that's to be expected but they are very active pages. Sometimes you could go back weeks or more on ours and then find you were the last contributor.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 05/01/2026 12:53:29    2649870

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I caught some of the Meath game on Clubber and the one take away for me was that Dean Healy remains largely the only option we have to break the line , beat the first tackle and draw a second tackler in , creating an overload.

With the new rules where there is less defenders in play , breaking that first tackle is key to creating scoring chances.

Dean didn't always have the physique required to do this. Anyone that was around when he first came on the scene will remember he started his trade around the half back line. Dean has obviously put in the effort to condition himself for the demands of modern intercounty football. Which begs the question what is the effectiveness of the S&C programs we are running when we are not producing anything like the number of players required to compete physically at this level.

Hawkeye2 (Wicklow) - Posts: 183 - 05/01/2026 16:02:57    2649915

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Replying To Hawkeye2:  "I caught some of the Meath game on Clubber and the one take away for me was that Dean Healy remains largely the only option we have to break the line , beat the first tackle and draw a second tackler in , creating an overload.

With the new rules where there is less defenders in play , breaking that first tackle is key to creating scoring chances.

Dean didn't always have the physique required to do this. Anyone that was around when he first came on the scene will remember he started his trade around the half back line. Dean has obviously put in the effort to condition himself for the demands of modern intercounty football. Which begs the question what is the effectiveness of the S&C programs we are running when we are not producing anything like the number of players required to compete physically at this level."
I have to agree with you on this. There does seem to be a marked reluctance amongst these younger players to run at that line and break tackles. Most other counties - particularly the more successful ones have players who can break inside.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 05/01/2026 16:17:31    2649919

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Replying To Hawkeye2:  "I caught some of the Meath game on Clubber and the one take away for me was that Dean Healy remains largely the only option we have to break the line , beat the first tackle and draw a second tackler in , creating an overload.

With the new rules where there is less defenders in play , breaking that first tackle is key to creating scoring chances.

Dean didn't always have the physique required to do this. Anyone that was around when he first came on the scene will remember he started his trade around the half back line. Dean has obviously put in the effort to condition himself for the demands of modern intercounty football. Which begs the question what is the effectiveness of the S&C programs we are running when we are not producing anything like the number of players required to compete physically at this level."
I agree totally with what you say. Club and intercounty players in Wicklow aren't up to the standard required from a strength and conditioning perspective. We have a number of physically small and lightweight players. I'm unfamiliar with how clubs are organised and run in Wicklow but looking at players and their physique, it seems as a county our players lack what is required. I'd assume players are on strength and conditioning programmes with the county, not sure about at club level?

In relation to the level of interaction on this forum in comparison to other counties as raised by freethinker, I think there is a huge drop off in interest around the county teams. Yes, there are a core group of supporters and people who will always be interested but for a county of our size in terms of population, gaelic games don't rate on the list - soccer and rugby are way ahead of football and hurling. I think the county board do a poor job promoting our teams. For example, other counties publish their county panels on social media annually. I searched on a number of Wicklow forums and social media outlets but I couldn't find any players listed in advance of pre season competitions and national leagues. This is a small point but it demonstrates that basic promotion isn't being done.

wicklowsupport (Wicklow) - Posts: 2158 - 05/01/2026 16:20:28    2649920

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Replying To wicklowsupport:  "I agree totally with what you say. Club and intercounty players in Wicklow aren't up to the standard required from a strength and conditioning perspective. We have a number of physically small and lightweight players. I'm unfamiliar with how clubs are organised and run in Wicklow but looking at players and their physique, it seems as a county our players lack what is required. I'd assume players are on strength and conditioning programmes with the county, not sure about at club level?

In relation to the level of interaction on this forum in comparison to other counties as raised by freethinker, I think there is a huge drop off in interest around the county teams. Yes, there are a core group of supporters and people who will always be interested but for a county of our size in terms of population, gaelic games don't rate on the list - soccer and rugby are way ahead of football and hurling. I think the county board do a poor job promoting our teams. For example, other counties publish their county panels on social media annually. I searched on a number of Wicklow forums and social media outlets but I couldn't find any players listed in advance of pre season competitions and national leagues. This is a small point but it demonstrates that basic promotion isn't being done."
Fully agree with the social media piece and the marketing but as far as rugby and soccer goes I don't agree and I would suggest that both soccer and rugby have nothing to do with plight of GAA because rugby is not big enough in Wicklow to do that and soccer at least until very recently was on its knees in Wicklow, maybe soccer is turning the corner now but I am not following it as much anymore. Soccer and rugby have little to no impact on GAA development in Wicklow overall, it's an excuse if it is used.

Wonderingnow (Wicklow) - Posts: 19 - 05/01/2026 18:23:56    2649946

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I have to agree with many of the posters comments re our county team. Dean Healy is definitely one of the few players who will take on an opposing player and try and break the line . Most of the players will lay off the ball or go backwards when confronted by the opposition. We had a chance late in the game last sat of winning but instead decided to give an extra pass.
My main gripe is the slow movement forward with the ball from defence. This gives teams a chance to set up a defence formation which our small light forwards cant penetrate. Very few of our forwards make sacrifical runs anymore as they know the ball will not be delivered quickly.
Maybe the management should sit in the stand to see how clearly this unfolds on the pitch. Im surprised considering how good a forward Oisin was.
I see all the gripes against the county board but posters must be aware that the county board is the club representatives that are sent to meetings. Huge amounts of money is spent on county teams and a high profile management team has been put in place but the physical conditioning of players and their skill levels rest with the clubs.
Many players dont committ and i can understand why considering the long drive to Ballinakill 3 times a week after a days work. What i cant understand is the number on the management team and what each individuals role is. Last year i saw a list of over 30 personnel which is mind blowing. Oisin has enough players to worry about without managing a huge backroom team as well.
I will continue to follow the team home and away but it is very frustrating to watch.

Optimisticobserver (Wicklow) - Posts: 141 - 06/01/2026 09:54:06    2650002

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Replying To Optimisticobserver:  "I have to agree with many of the posters comments re our county team. Dean Healy is definitely one of the few players who will take on an opposing player and try and break the line . Most of the players will lay off the ball or go backwards when confronted by the opposition. We had a chance late in the game last sat of winning but instead decided to give an extra pass.
My main gripe is the slow movement forward with the ball from defence. This gives teams a chance to set up a defence formation which our small light forwards cant penetrate. Very few of our forwards make sacrifical runs anymore as they know the ball will not be delivered quickly.
Maybe the management should sit in the stand to see how clearly this unfolds on the pitch. Im surprised considering how good a forward Oisin was.
I see all the gripes against the county board but posters must be aware that the county board is the club representatives that are sent to meetings. Huge amounts of money is spent on county teams and a high profile management team has been put in place but the physical conditioning of players and their skill levels rest with the clubs.
Many players dont committ and i can understand why considering the long drive to Ballinakill 3 times a week after a days work. What i cant understand is the number on the management team and what each individuals role is. Last year i saw a list of over 30 personnel which is mind blowing. Oisin has enough players to worry about without managing a huge backroom team as well.
I will continue to follow the team home and away but it is very frustrating to watch."
I agree entirely with your whole post - even the part about the county board. I have been harsh on them in the past but there is a great effort being made the last few years, and anfter all the clubs elect them. You really put your finger on what others have been pointing out re the Jack of penetration which we show going forward. It is frustrating to watch players coming up the pitch with a promising run only to lay off the ball at the first sign of an opposing player advancing. It, as you say, gives the other team time to set up their defence and even turnovers. If it's so obvious to us hurlers on the ditch, why is the penny not dropping with the mentors - and players. And, I too am delighted to see Dean giving it another year.

Freethinker (Wicklow) - Posts: 2055 - 06/01/2026 10:56:18    2650012

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