The Official Irish Provinces Rugby Thread

[Notch]

First topic message reminder :

Fans of Ulster, Leinster, Munster and Connacht unite! A place is here to talk of your teams.

Discuss the Pro12 run-in, the provinces prospects in Europe next season, the tour to Argentina and why we're generally just the best. I mean, just how great are we? Lets talk about that.

But mainly whatever feckin' thing comes into your head!

[Mickado]

So what will you guys be doing on the 24th May?  

Watching re-runs of previous HC finals?
Bidding on ERC memorabilia on eBay?

At least we have a choice of 6 re runs to dig out.. :)all of which are newer than the sepia tinted footage of 98......

That's called banter too.

That's near 24hrs viewing goodness (with extended pre and post game footage), a pretty tidy Saturday by all accounts.

[MunsterMac]

I have to say that if the original thread had been left alone we had already sorted out a strategy to deal with this idiocy.

[Sin é]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

[Mickado]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

Ah yes, who could forget the 1922 Tipperary U21 A Final between Aherlow and Eire Óg.

Spoiler:

[ME-109]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

Why is it so popular in Cork City then...

[Sin é]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

Ah yes, who could forget the 1922 Tipperary U21 A Final between Aherlow and Eire Óg.

Spoiler:

Oh mother of god, there will be a big night in the Glen!

[Pete330v2]

Scumpy, you really are a grade A bell-end with absolutely no class about you whatsoever

Don't fight with an idiot, an onlooker might not be able to tell the difference.

  
Nice one Mick, it's funny because it's true

We need the wums on here though, it's reminds us of our own higher moral ground and makes us feel better about ourselves

[Sin é]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

Why is it so popular in Cork City then...

Any pitches on the side of hills DOD?

[ME-109]

rubbish at hurling sticks though

Just to clarify that only a tiny bit of Kerry in the north of the county around Ballyduff plays any hurling and they are actually quite good at it.

The story is that way back at the dawn of the GAA Kerry were just as good at hurling as football and  even won an All Ireland in 1891.

But given that all the other Munster counties favoured hurling a decision was made to concentrate on football and the rest as they say is history.

My understanding is that the counties that had flat landscape tended to play hurling and more upland areas went for football. For example, Hurling is played in North Kerry & East Galway which don't have any mountaineous land. Gaelic football is favoured in West Cork and the only place it is played in Tipperary is around the mountainous Glen of Aherlow.

The story goes that the sliotar would be lost in the heather on mountainous land, where as you need a flat playing area to play hurling.

Why is it so popular in Cork City then...

Any pitches on the side of hills DOD?

All of the Northside clubs....Glen Rovers pitch has a lovely slope to it.

What about De Pairc being redeveloped....with Frank going/gone would be useful for a few rugby games maybe

[Sin é]

All I can say is that it doesn't really surprise me that Cork people wouldn't go with the flow of accepted wisdom that football suits hilly ground more than hurling does!

There will be anarchy in Cork GAA if Frank goes!   Ye'll go mad down there.

[ME-109]

All I can say is that it doesn't really surprise me that Cork people wouldn't go with the flow of accepted wisdom that football suits hilly ground more than hurling does!

There will be anarchy in Cork GAA if Frank goes!   Ye'll go mad down there.

Meh...breeds good skilful hurlers rather than the mullickers in Tipp and KK   Look at Clare they probably spend all their time trying to find the sliothers in the Burren...much better for it.

Frank   ..lets just say his leaving might help Cork GAA into the 20th century not to mind the 21st. Who knows we might get some proper structures in place....not one Cork city school in the Harty cup...when I was in school there were at least 4.

[Sin é]

Hurling is played in East Clare (close to the border with Tipp   )
Those mullickers in Tipp sorted the men from the boys last weekend  

[ME-109]

Well its the exact same league final as last year....both teams did really well in the championship..  

[MunsterMac]

Hurling is played in East & Mid Clare with a dusting of West Clare thrown in (Kilnamona, Kilmaley, Corofin etc).

And East Clare is quite mountainous (Shieve Bernagh) which goes slightly against the Flat / Mountain Theory.

And we'll see who sorts who out when the real stuff starts!! 

[ME-109]

Wouldnt be too concerned MM. Tipp have won their obligatory one All Ireland a decade and then spend the next nine years falling to pieces before they get lucky again...and then they start again...its like clockwork.

[ME-109]

Munster rugby have announced that Niall Ronan is retiring due to injury....pretty sad...

[MunsterMac]

Very sad. Glad to see he has a career lined up.

Remarkable the number of players Munster have lost to injury over the last few years.

[LondonTiger]

so, Ian Humphreys leaving London Irish and wishes to return to Ireland. Would anyone have him though?

[MunsterMac]

He could move to Munster as backup 10 for when we want to play Keatley / JJ at 12.

[Sin é]

Ian Humphreys is going back to Ulster. They could do with him.

[GunsGerms]

so, Ian Humphreys leaving London Irish and wishes to return to Ireland. Would anyone have him though?

I'd take him at Leinster over Gopperth and make Madigan 1st choice.

[GoodinTightSpaces]

dan Parks is gone from connacht. worth a go??

[ME-109]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2. Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

[Kingshu]

Did anyone see the rumour that Mils Muliaina is moving to Connacht?

Credance is added to it with Duffy going and Henshaw playing more at centre. A good fullback would be required.

[GunsGerms]

Did anyone see the rumour that Mils Muliaina is moving to Connacht?

Credance is added to it with Duffy going and Henshaw playing more at centre. A good fullback would be required.

Yes it has been a rumour for a while now. Mils is 34 though and has been playing in Japan I think. Is it really a good move?

[GunsGerms]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He loves cheese and onion crips. Just kidding never heard of him.

[Pete330v2]

so, Ian Humphreys leaving London Irish and wishes to return to Ireland. Would anyone have him though?

He's coming home to big brother at Ulster. It's a done deal as far as I was aware. Better backup to Jackson than we currently have.

Has he developed his tackling style with London Irish. He went from being a doormat to jumping on players and going for a ride up the pitch when he was last with us
He used to have moments of absolute genius balanced fairly evenly with moments where he completely disappeared in a game. But this time he's just backup so no worries. I am glad to see him back to be honest.

[Notch]

As Pete says its a done deal with Ulster. He'll be a useful and experienced backup for games during the international windows or if we need to manage Paddy.

Given he left because he was only going to be back-up to Paddy Jackson from last season onwards, it's kind of ironic but apparently the wife and kids are homesick so....

[Pete330v2]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He sounds like a fair prospect. Mind you most people of 20 stone and 6ft 2 would do a job at TH........well apart from Mushy Buckley

[HammerofThunor]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He sounds like a fair prospect. Mind you most people of 20 stone and 6ft 2 would do a job at TH........well apart from Mushy Buckley

Third choice TH at Sale, behind a Moldovan and a young English kid who can't scrummage for toffee (but did ok against Ireland in the 6N )

[Notch]

Henry Thomas will come good. He's still at that inconsistent stage but he'll come good.

Unless he's taking his scrummaging lessons from Tony Buckley...

[KiaRose]

In fact JJ Hanrahan and Mick Galway played rugby because they are the only people to have passed their Leaving certificate (school exams) in Kerry since the foundation of the Irish state.

Just a by the way small historical fact. Whatever about the current situation re educational achievement in Kerry, in days of yore, i.e. the first half of the nineteenth century, when travelling in foreign was popular amongst the moneyed and leisured classes, the West of Ireland was a favourite haunt for visitors. Needless to say, the language difficulties were significant as most people in the West were monolingual Irish speakers. The received wisdom passed amongst the travelling classes was "When in Kerry, if you wish to converse with the locals then you should speak Latin". They were not so illiterate / uneducated then as it would appear from the various comments on here that they are now   .

PS Shame about Niall Ronan.

[MunsterMac]

No, they just went to mass.  

[profitius]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He sounds like a fair prospect. Mind you most people of 20 stone and 6ft 2 would do a job at TH........well apart from Mushy Buckley

From Wicklow, 24 years old and like Jamie Roberts, he is studying to be a doctor. Word is that Kelly is a powerful man and potentially very good. Leinster also wanted to sign him. It could be a very good signing for Munster.


Mushy Buckleys problem was he was too tall to be a top class scrummager. They just stuck him in there because he was very big. He should have been a lock IMO.

[ME-109]

Going to be interesting to see if Archer will make it back - bulging disc is no joke. This would be a pity as he was beginning to look like a top class TH. Ryan has promise as well. They must have signed Kelly because of Archers issues (its only a one year development contract I think)

[Sin é]

In fact JJ Hanrahan and Mick Galway played rugby because they are the only people to have passed their Leaving certificate (school exams) in Kerry since the foundation of the Irish state.

Just a by the way small historical fact.  Whatever about the current situation re educational achievement in Kerry, in days of yore, i.e. the first half of the nineteenth century, when travelling in foreign was popular amongst the moneyed and leisured classes, the West of Ireland was a favourite haunt for visitors.  Needless to say, the language difficulties were significant as most people in the West were monolingual Irish speakers.  The received wisdom passed amongst the travelling classes was "When in Kerry, if you wish to converse with the locals then you should speak Latin".  They were not so illiterate / uneducated then as it would appear from the various comments on here that they are now   .

PS Shame about Niall Ronan.

Kia, I wonder has DOD heard of Daniel O'Connell, the first international statesman  ?  

[ME-109]

In fact JJ Hanrahan and Mick Galway played rugby because they are the only people to have passed their Leaving certificate (school exams) in Kerry since the foundation of the Irish state.

Just a by the way small historical fact.  Whatever about the current situation re educational achievement in Kerry, in days of yore, i.e. the first half of the nineteenth century, when travelling in foreign was popular amongst the moneyed and leisured classes, the West of Ireland was a favourite haunt for visitors.  Needless to say, the language difficulties were significant as most people in the West were monolingual Irish speakers.  The received wisdom passed amongst the travelling classes was "When in Kerry, if you wish to converse with the locals then you should speak Latin".  They were not so illiterate / uneducated then as it would appear from the various comments on here that they are now   .

PS Shame about Niall Ronan.

Kia, I wonder has DOD heard of Daniel O'Connell, the first international statesman  ?  

Does he play hurling?

[Jenifer McLadyboy]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He made absolute shyte of the Munster A scrum in the b&I cup qf in donnybrook. Foley was there watching. Probably signed him there and then. If yiz get him to a higher level of fitness. (Not that he looked unfit but you know pro fitness level) he could be a cracker.

[thebandwagonsociety]

With Moore, Ross and Furlong in front of him he needs to move to develop with game time.Moore and Furlong being so young still, Leinster won't be able to keep any quality TH coming out of the academy the next few years.

If only some of the backrow depth made the same decision.

[Pete330v2]

Munster have apparently signed Martin Kelly (tighthead) who played Leinster A this year. 20stone and 6ft 2.  Is from Dublin University...anyone know anything about him?

He sounds like a fair prospect. Mind you most people of 20 stone and 6ft 2 would do a job at TH........well apart from Mushy Buckley

From Wicklow, 24 years old and like Jamie Roberts, he is studying to be a doctor. Word is that Kelly is a powerful man and potentially very good. Leinster also wanted to sign him. It could be a very good signing for Munster.


Mushy Buckleys problem was he was too tall to be a top class scrummager. They just stuck him in there because he was very big. He should have been a lock IMO.

I agree, I always liked big Mushy and thought he should have been a backrower. It's a shame he disappeared off into rugby wilderness

[Sin é]

In fact JJ Hanrahan and Mick Galway played rugby because they are the only people to have passed their Leaving certificate (school exams) in Kerry since the foundation of the Irish state.

Just a by the way small historical fact.  Whatever about the current situation re educational achievement in Kerry, in days of yore, i.e. the first half of the nineteenth century, when travelling in foreign was popular amongst the moneyed and leisured classes, the West of Ireland was a favourite haunt for visitors.  Needless to say, the language difficulties were significant as most people in the West were monolingual Irish speakers.  The received wisdom passed amongst the travelling classes was "When in Kerry, if you wish to converse with the locals then you should speak Latin".  They were not so illiterate / uneducated then as it would appear from the various comments on here that they are now   .

PS Shame about Niall Ronan.

Kia, I wonder has DOD heard of Daniel O'Connell, the first international statesman  ?  

Does he play hurling?

No, he was from Derrynane and they play gaelic football down there   

[Notch]

I agree, I always liked big Mushy and thought he should have been a backrower. It's a shame he disappeared off into rugby wilderness

I have fond memories of him throwing 18stone locks around like so many sacks of potatoes

CRASH https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaex-bTi4l8

BANG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQS2lNRV0NQ

WALLOP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yH8m2R_zxE

Crap scrummager but definite cult hero

[asoreleftshoulder]

So lads serious question here,if as I expect over the next few years Ireland dominate the 6N (I will be dissapointed if we don't win the Slam next year and barring an injury crisis I'd expect 4 out of 5 nearly every year) will some of the extra revenue the IRFU get from that be given to the provinces to allow us to compete with the big French clubs.

Obviously this is hugely dependent on the national team being very strong but just assume it comes to pass,do we use the extra money get a few top class SH signings each or will it be needed to keep our existing players at home?Alternatively is it used for something else like paying off the stadium loan early?

[profitius]

So lads serious question here,if as I expect over the next few years Ireland dominate the 6N (I will be dissapointed if we don't win the Slam next year and barring an injury crisis I'd expect 4 out of 5 nearly every year) will some of the extra revenue the IRFU get from that be given to the provinces to allow us to compete with the big French clubs.

Obviously this is hugely dependent on the national team being very strong but just assume it comes to pass,do we use the extra money get a few top class SH signings each or will it be needed to keep our existing players at home?Alternatively is it used for something else like paying off the stadium loan early?

The IRFU are already spending the money wisely. I'd like to see them concentrate on the AIL if they've cash to spare. I suspect though that it will go the provinces to keep up with the wage inflation in rugby.

[LeinsterFan4life]

Downey is off to France apparently with Castres being rumored. That would be a great move for him! I thought he'd be looking at a team much lower down the table.

[Feckless Rogue]

First of all France, England and Wales are too strong for us to expect to dominate the 6 Nations. We didn't dominate when Wales and England were weak for much of the 00's.

Secondly, keeping home grown players in Ireland has to be the priority. 3-5 top class foreign players would probably be needed to be knocking out Toulon, Clermont and Saracens. Remember they are the only three teams that have knocked out Uslter/Munster/Leinster in the last two years. Because they're probably the only three teams in Europe better than our top 3 teams.

Splashing out on that extra foreign talent should only be considered if there is extra money to spare after securing the top Irish players. We'll be lucky if we can even do that with all the money the French have and the RFU talking about England at least matching the French salary cap in the future.

If Munster, Leinster and Ulster are in the top 8 teams in Europe and keeping the top Irish players then Ireland is not in a bad place at all.

[LeinsterFan4life]

First of all France, England and Wales are too strong for us to expect to dominate the 6 Nations. We didn't dominate when Wales and England were weak for much of the 00's.

Secondly, keeping home grown players in Ireland has to be the priority. 3-5 top class foreign players would probably be needed to be knocking out Toulon, Clermont and Saracens. Remember they are the only three teams that have knocked out Uslter/Munster/Leinster in the last two years. Because they're probably the only three teams in Europe better than our top 3 teams.

Splashing out on that extra foreign talent should only be considered if there is extra money to spare after securing the top Irish players. We'll be lucky if we can even do that with all the money the French have and the RFU talking about England at least matching the French salary cap in the future.

If Munster, Leinster and Ulster are in the top 8 teams in Europe and keeping the top Irish players then Ireland is not in a bad place at all.

Leinster have already signed their two marquee players; Heaslip and SOB. I'm sure those two are on a massive wage now to keep them away from Toulon. The days of signing top SH players are long gone, all the money will be used now to keep the best players in Ireland.

This just shows exactly that...Munster are looking at Brumbies center Andrew Smith http://thescore.thejournal.ie/andrew-smith-brumbies-munster-1441897-Apr2014/?utm_source=shortlink. This guy is no where near getting ahead of kuridrani at the Brumbies but this is the reality of it now.

[Sin é]

So lads serious question here,if as I expect over the next few years Ireland dominate the 6N (I will be dissapointed if we don't win the Slam next year and barring an injury crisis I'd expect 4 out of 5 nearly every year) will some of the extra revenue the IRFU get from that be given to the provinces to allow us to compete with the big French clubs.

Obviously this is hugely dependent on the national team being very strong but just assume it comes to pass,do we use the extra money get a few top class SH signings each or will it be needed to keep our existing players at home?Alternatively is it used for something else like paying off the stadium loan early?

As far as I know, the Aviva is paid off. The IRFU have loaned (repayable) the Stadium Company about 35m though. I'm presuming that they had to do this because the FAI were having financial difficulties.

[BlueMuff]

Sad news today to hear that Niall Ronan is retiring through injury. Never quiet made the break through the hc team but suffered with injuries that ultimately have forced him to give up.

[Notch]

All to the better LF4L. The provinces were designed to foster and nurture Irish talent. We'll continue to do that. Tbh we've 3 teams in the Top 8 of Europe and 3 teams in the Top 4 of the Pro12, only one big-name player outside Ireland, so we're not in a bad place.

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