Gaa

[Sanecow]

Traditionally the GAA have used whining and threats to terminate the IR series against Australia as leverage to stop AFL clubs from scouting or luring good GAA players (football or hurling) to Australia:

THE GAA is close to abandoning the international series at under-17 level because of the belief the games are aiding the Australian Football League as a recruitment ground for the most talented young Gaelic footballers. President Sean McCague revealed after the weekend meeting of the Central Council that he had already conveyed the association's concerns to the AFL.

"I signalled to them that we would not be that keen to continue because of the criticism we getting about the recruitment of young players," he said.

Source (2002)

But the recent cancellation of the IR series with Australia has removed whatever small leverage they had. Finally they've woken up and smelled the coffee:

GAA President Nicky Brennan admitted yesterday that nothing which transpires will stop the GAA's current 'talent drain' to Australia.

...

Brennan said that the issue of AFL clubs increasingly scouting Ireland's best underage talent will be raised.

"The feedback I'm getting is that there's an annoyance there (from county boards)," Brennan said. "But I've said all along that we can't stop these young players from going. It's their free choice and certainly I think we will not be putting rules in place to stop it.''

"Whether or not we continue with the International Rules games I honestly don't think that will have any great impact on whether these players travel Down Under to play Aussie Rules," he conceded.

Source (2007)

Good news for the AFL! The GAA is accepting that they shouldn't try to stop their best talent from making a living from sport. Now that issue has been dealt with we can get back to some offseason Nick-Nack-Paddy-Wack!

[BeeEmmAre]

They're still whinging about the International Rules.

I'll say it once and once only, Mr Brennan.

Your softcocks started the fights.
We finished them.
You lost.
End of story.

[goswannie14]

They're still whinging about the International Rules.

I'll say it once and once only, Mr Brennan.

Your softcocks started the fights.
We finished them.
You lost.
End of story.

That was what really got me about the IR series, they started the fights, then complained because the Aussies retaliated.

[Bloody Hell]

There's another article in todays Irish Independant about this. They lost another player (can't recall the name) to Brisbane. They were talking about the U17 International Series as the main source for AFL clubs.

[Layby]

They're still whinging about the International Rules.

I'll say it once and once only, Mr Brennan.

Your softcocks started the fights.
We finished them.
You lost.
End of story.

Yep, there is nothing better than watching a bunch of full time professionals beating up on some skinny kids.

I really enjoy that.

[stellation]

Yep, there is nothing better than watching a bunch of full time professionals beating up on some skinny kids.

I really enjoy that.

I don't think that is quite the point.

[Layby]

I don't think that is quite the point.

Sorry i was being facetious.

I know, it is about growing the game internationally, so that other nations will see our best and aspire to have the crap belted out of their skinny kids.

[Jewels]

Sorry i was being facetious.

I know, it is about growing the game internationally, so that other nations will see our best and aspire to have the crap belted out of their skinny kids.

Facetious,
you,
NEVER......

[BeeEmmAre]

I know, it is about growing the game internationally, so that other nations will see our best and aspire to have the crap belted out of their skinny kids.

True. So why don't their skinny kids play football instead of throwing punches?
You throw them, you cop them.
Name one IR fight started by an Australian?

[tara]

True. So why don't their skinny kids play football instead of throwing punches?
You throw them, you cop them.
Name one IR fight started by an Australian?

I recall Johnson going a bit over the top.

[Sanecow]

I recall Johnson going a bit over the top.

My favourite part.

[swantastic]

Yep, there is nothing better than watching a bunch of full time professionals beating up on some skinny kids.

I really enjoy that.

Just because their full time professional footballers doesn't mean that there any good at fighting.

I say "Bring back the biff"

[Layby]

True. So why don't their skinny kids play football instead of throwing punches?
You throw them, you cop them.
Name one IR fight started by an Australian?

As tara noted, Chris Johnston did some terrific work in teaching those part time irishmen how to play full time prefessional football.

I was very proud of him.

Hodge was equally impressive

[Sanecow]

I like the IR series as it allows people on RWO to get behind the players they would normally think are hacks and thugs.

Likewise other supporters get to enjoy Hall's work.

[reigning premier]

Sorry i was being facetious.

I know, it is about growing the game internationally, so that other nations will see our best and aspire to have the crap belted out of their skinny kids.

Well they'll have to learn eventually that they'll never be able to mix it with an Australian in any field of endeavour. Might as well learn whilst they're young.