The Official GAA thread

Changing the subject completely, has anyone ever read a report on a match like this one?

https://m.independent.ie/regionals/...eferee-became-the-talking-point/a8723791.html

 

Its certainly a tough one to call as I would have doubts about both teams. But I just feel if Derry get anywhere near their best on the day they are better than Mayo. But it certainly wouldn't be a surprise result if Mayo won either.

 

I have told you before you should be in the diplomatic corps. Try giving lessons to Gabriel, he insulted Derry and Mayo.

 

I did not see that game but that is pretty brutal. Flat out saying in so many words that while Kerry deserved to win the margin of victory was down to the ref and as a result almost cost Louth the runners-up spot. Other than not saying Louth got homered thats pretty much what happened it seems. You would hope that Lane should not be anywhere near any of this weekends games or any other championship games this summer for that matter.

 

Any thoughts on the various proposed rule changes? Personally I like the ideal of an extra point for the longer range points and a goal being worth 4 points. Overall I like the fact that the changes are almost all favourable towards the attackers. It should hopefully open the game up a bit more and make it more exciting.

 

The propsed new rules were trialled at the weekend by players whose teams have been knocked out of the championship. The players were very positive. One said it would completely change football and heavily influence managers' team selections, particularly in light of the emphasis on attack and longer range shooting. One frightening insight was that in the warm up, players did drills at shooting from outside the new 45' arc. The conversion rate was apparently around 5/35 attempts. I can just hear the new Derry manager shouting "give it to McGuigan" on the sideline next season.
One rule I would like to see go is the advanced mark, I hate it.

 

Yes I like the fact that the changes were so attacking oriented. I feel the game needs a tweak in that direction. Agree with you on the attacking mark though that should go. Especially with how the extra points will likely open up the game more there is no argument I can see for it.

 

And my objection to the mark has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that Derry never use it.

 

https://m.independent.ie/sport/gael...uld-transform-gaelic-football/a311420897.html

 

To be honest, I thought the article read like it had been written by a fan. Not defending Conor Lane by any means, I thought he had a very poor game in this year's league final, but I think at times he's a very easy target. People on this forum might not know it but I watch a lot of games involving Derry and Derry teams across all codes and I have seen some awful refereeing performances. David Gough's performance in the 22/23 AI Club semi final between Glen and Moycullen is a stand out. The same ref gave Derry their first free in the last league game against Roscommon in the 47th minute and although Kevin McStay said otherwise I thought he was very harsh on Mayo in the last few minutes of the Connacht final. Joe McQuillan influenced the outcome of last year's semi final with two dubious frees to Kerry in the last 5 minutes. I have seen David Goldrick, Noel Mooney, Paul Falloon and Brendan Cawley all have absolute stinkers. This year in hurling, James Owens ran across the Tipp goalkeeper while a penalty was taken. It was outrageous. The point is I have never seen an article like that written about any of the refs listed above. Unless it's part of a series that the journalist has planned , I found it an uncomfortable read.

https://x.com/MoranSeanA/status/1786816708373516753

 

The biggest thing for me has always been consistency from refs in what they call. I think as well that as the game has in general become more defensively dominated that has made the issues with refs worse. I really do think the changes which mostly favour attackers will make the game easier to ref as well. I feel that dealing with cynical plays and games dominated by fouls and defensive play are harder to ref well then a game that is more open and attacking dominated.

 

I agree totally and hope you are right. Inconsistency has been a problem for as long as I remember. I also feel that sometimes the refs referee to the scoreline rather than the play. I remember coming out of Celtic Park last summer after Derry drew with Monaghan absolutely livid. Monaghan played very well and Derry had a bit of a hangover from the Ulster final win a couple of weeks earlier. Monaghan were 3 up with about 6-7 minutes left. Derry went in front at the end of added time. Derry put on high press to keep Monaghan pegged in their own half as time was up. Ref practically escorted Monaghan down the pitch to get a shot off for the equaliser. On balance they deserved a draw but it wasn't up to the ref to get it for them. He obviously felt they deserved it. Not his call. Decades ago, I watched Derry lead Antrim in the league 1-20 to 0-5 with 20 minutes left. He never gave Derry another decision as he obviously wanted to spare Antrim a humiliation. Very human instinct but, again, not his job.

 

Roscommon doing well here. This should spell the end of Doohers reign.

Think Louth might give us an upset tomorrow

 

Derry through so if Louth win tomorrow then Dublin face Galway in the qf

 

Dramatic stuff there to say the least today with Derry through on pk's and Roscommon pulling off an upset win against Tyrone. Thats Mayo giving up leads in injury time in back to back weeks now to see their season come to an end.

 

My mistake they can meet Derry

If Louth win they'll meet Donegal or Armagh

 

What are you saying? Dooher must stay.

 

In a nutshell

 

I know a manager who will probably be available in a couple of weeks. Bring him home, Tyrone.

 

Congratulations on the win yesterday. Great game. Mayo never fail to amaze me

Hopefully that’s the end of McStay but doubt it