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Name : Dual Player

20 February 2009

Please will you confirm when the fixtures are going to be released and confirmed for this year's hurling and gaelic leagues.

I am not one to criticise as I know how hard it is to come up with a fixture list that pleases all but as we approach the end of February it is a shame that this is not in the public domain just yet as players have to play their years with holidays/school terms etc.

Thanks

How many times have we to say that that fixtures are with your club and we are currently trying to upload them onto the E-Sport system. They will be up when time constraints allow.

Name : Railway cup

20 February 2009

Why not promote the ulster v leinster game, some of the finest hurlers in ireland will be playing yet I havent heard a thing about it apart from a teamsheet.

Who's responsibility do you think that is? We have posted the teams and advertised this match on this site but those responsible seem to be keeping the whole thing low-key.

Name : Frank

20 February 2009

So i take it we are looking for funding to rectify these "problems" and putting them in the public domain is the best way to do this?

Suffice it to say that Casement cannot be overlooked should any further funding iniatives arise!

Name : Kevin, Belfast

20 February 2009

I’m not saying it wouldn’t be of benefit. I’m saying it wouldn’t be of as much benefit as you are suggesting. I’m basing this on the fact that there have been big games in Casement before and the trickle down to clubs in terms of recruiting new members – as you are suggesting an International Rules game would do - is minimal.
I’m suggesting that the trickle down to clubs for an International Rules game would also be minimal. If a kid doesn’t know what gaelic games are before an International Rules game is played in his doorstep, then I very much doubt if one game, even if it’s marketed by Max Clifford, will make any difference.
We already have a great product in hurling and gaelic football – you have by your own admission tried and been frustrated continually by the lack of response to various initiatives, so much so that a few posts back you were practically admitting defeat. Do you even put up a banner on the homepage any more? Again, I’m not having a go, I’m merely pointing out that I think your outlook on the importance of the game coming to Casement is overstated and optimistic in the extreme. And believe me I would love to be proved wrong.
‘It will put the GAA in this city right up there and demonstrate far more capability of bringing an event of this magnitude to Belfast than any other sport could hope to do.’
Surely all it will show is that Antrim GAA can handle 28,000 people going to a match. That’s all. And being realistic, the only benefit in terms of attracting further events is the chance of an Ulster football final. I mean, what other games/events are there? Also I would assume that if in two years time it is decided that an International Rules game is to be played outside Croke Park, then both Limerick and Galway will be off the list (as they will have hosted them before). Once Belfast hosts an International Rules game, then it will be a while before it hosts one again.
Anyway, I’m not trying to be negative, just realistic and this subject has probably taken up more time than it is worth. Hopefully I’ll be proved wrong some day, but I don’t think so.

We never quantified what benefit there would be for this - nobody could do that and nobody could predict how much we would gain. One thing is certain though. We would benefit from it, even you agree with that! Making comparisons with an Ulster football semi-final is like comparing the Christy Ring to the McCarthy Cup competitions - it's not even in the same league! Anyway, you quite rightly point out that this has been laboured enough for now and we remain optimistic.

Name : Frank

20 February 2009

After hearing the report in the news yesterday i was a bit shocked to hear of the serious problems found in several Northern Ireland sporting grounds & Casement in particular. "Fire protection measures inside the main grandstand at the GAA's Casement Park in west Belfast that 'fall well short' of recognised standards". When will these problems be rectified and should be games taking place when they are obviously not up to standard?

Try reading between the lines on this one. We certainly are not going to explain specifically what is happening here - you need to think outside the box a little. Casement does pass basic health and safety requirements to host matches as it is currently though.

Name : Post on every County Website

20 February 2009

Solar Power, Micro Wind, Air Source Heat Pumps, Ground Source Heat Pumps, Bio Mass Heating Systems, Micro Hydro Plants are any full time staff in Antrim, Ulster or Ireland or Croke Park promoting these options and offering help in promoting the use and grant aiding of such as they have could have a major impact on Club County and National costs all over the country. Thinking outside the box.

Name : Plodder

20 February 2009

I take your point about what PR agencies do every day in relation to product promotion. Surely there has to be some consensus about what and why 'our product Antrim' is not attracting customers? It is sad that only a handful of people from West Belfast want to identify with our Gaelic games.I'm sure there has been an analysis done on why Gaelic games in Antrim are not attractive to supporters? We need to share this analysis/ this reality among those that care. I feel that clubs are so wrapped up in themselves that they don't see or care about what it means to belong in Antrim. In fact 'what does it mean'/ what fullfilment does one get by belonging to the wider GAA family in Antrim? If we know, promote and deliver - market that then we may see an upturn in the business that is 'Antrim GAA'. There is poor coverage of the good work that is being done by our County officials! Would it be beneficial to have a monthly newsletter (on website) highlighting what the County officials consider is worthy of public consumption- the honest, voluntary work that they do?
It is maybe a case of knowing that you have to plough before you sow before you reap!
Plodder

Lot's of food for thought!

Name : Kevin, Belfast

19 February 2009

I hear what you're saying admin but I think you're trying to convince yourself as muvh as you are me. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see it coming to Casement and hope it does in the future. I can't argue with the fact that revenue would be generated but I honestly don;t have a clue what sort of figures/percentages you'd be talking about, except to say that it would be welcome - so I'll not disagree with anything you say on that one.
However I have to disagree with 'the reality that such an event raises the profile for the GAA in Belfast and consequently clubs and the county will benefit from this.' There is no evidence for this at all. Casement has had plenty of high profile Ulster championship games over recent years including semi-finals and it hasn't done anything of the sort. Supporters from other counties arrive, watch the game and leave. That's it. You cpould count the Antrim neutrals on one hand. The burger men make a day's wages, the residents round casement give off about the traffic and that's about as much local input as you have - aside from the club volunteers who are there every week. I'm not having a go at anyone here, that's my perception of it, and I;ve been to a few of the Ulster SFC games when Antrim haven't been invovlved and that is my perception. We couldn't even half fill Casment when it was free into the football championship game two years ago!!

The problem is that the kudos that would be gained is unquantifiable. This is an international event that will attract massive media attention - local and otherwise. It will dominate headlines, it will capture the imagination of clubs, schools and other affiliated organisations. It will get people talking more than any Ulster semi-final could ever do. It will put the GAA in this city right up there and demonstrate far more capability of bringing an event of this magnitude to Belfast than any other sport could hope to do. Kid's imagination will be captured - maybe this is something they might want to aspire to in the future? And how will they do that - GAA of course. Increasing awareness, selling something positive - that's what advertising agencies do every day to promote a product. And it will make Casement Park the focus of this - for a couple of weeks at least. How can you not see that this will benefit our Association?

Name : Kevin, Belfast

19 February 2009

I don't agree with admin that it was 'so important' that we got an international rules game. Why exactly? Cumann Luthchleas Gael Aontroma has been around long before the hybrid game (which I actually enjoy by the way) but I really don;t think there are any long term benefits to gaelic games in Antrim if we host it or not. I admit to being fairly ignorant of the finances such a game would generate in the short and long term but will it make that much difference to the fund for the Centre of Excellence? I would say that if the game was held there that Antrim would be the county least represenbted both on the field and in the stands/terraces. Our record isn;t great in regard to getting supporters out for big games. How many people will be at Casement on Saturday to watch some of the finest hurlers in the country in action for example. if there's more than 100 I'll be surprised.

You admit to not knowing the potential commercial revenue that could be raised as a result of this game being held in Casement. Clearly you are not aware of how such an event would put Casement Park "up there" when venues are being considered for modernisation and additionally the revenue that could be generatred simply by gate receipts is something this county certainly could do with. That doesn't even include the reality that such an event raises the profile for the GAA in Belfast and consequently clubs and the county will benefit from this. Yes, it is a sad refelction on the GAA in Antrim that our teams are so badly supported, but is certainly not a reason for Ireland's second city not to hold an event of this nature. Need we go on any more.

Name : exiled johnny

18 February 2009

Interested reading concerning the Pairc Na nGael/Pairc Mhic Aismaint discussion. Despite our reservations on what has happened, Casement is probably the best Venue in Ulster (lights, access to and from, capacity, surrounding facilites of bars restaurants etc), although it has still not been choosen. The current changing facilities are good. There are no seperate warm up facilities, indoor or out without using the pitch. This was one reason mentioned a few months back as to why Omagh may have been choosen.

With this in mind it may now be time to push for an overhall of our stand - using the opportunity in the next 3 years to try and find a promise of holding one of the next series games.

I think its best to look forward with optimism as opposed to back with regret.

True, but we have a Centre of Excellence to build that is a far greater priority in order to facilitate the development of our teams.

Name : Johnny Cool

18 February 2009

Pairc na nGael dressing rooms are awful. Couldnt swing a cat in them!

Name : Casement

18 February 2009

I dont think the Team from OZ are worried about who needs the game, either do ireland team. This is about facilitating the rules tests as best as possible (AKA- not casement) Second of all as it was said a few comments down, limerick have hosted hurling and football munster finals which are second to the all ireland finals. Casements changing rooms are superior at all...i have used them often enough to know. The benches are park benches not attached to the wall, the showers arent up to standards and there is two toilets in the dressing room.

Have you been in the dressing rooms in Pairc na nGael? Obviously not. Anyhow, negativists like you clearly have no ambition for your own county and with that sort of attitude this county will never be in a position to access funding that might improve Casement. So, perhaps if you have nothing positive to say, you might be better just saying nothing at all. Empty vessle etc!

Name : Ruairi

18 February 2009

Following on from the International Rules going to Limerick, has there been any progress from the MLAs visit to Casement Park a couple of weeks ago re potential funding for up grades etc? The Long Kesh stadium was never realistically going to happen but presumably there is public money somewhere to share around existing sports grounds. If money was made available to develop/expand Casement then perhaps we could look forward to more big games in the future.

The "Long Kesh" development is not techincally dead until the Executive at Stormont say so - even if the Sports Minister recommends shelving it. Any developments following on from last week's visit are a long way off. That's just how slow the wheels of government work.

Name : antrim

18 February 2009

would just like to wish cushendall all the best for there match on sunday hope all goes well and we will see use in croke park on saint patricks day

Name : stadia

18 February 2009

Offaly V Clare qualifier few years ago I was there...Seemed a lot more pleasing to the eye with the open seating on the far side (where i was) so you may be right about the stand on the other side. Provides a greater atmosphere than casement as was evidenced at this years Munster Final which i also attended. Im not downgrading Casement but i simply think the Gaelic grounds are that bit better. sorry

That's not our argument. Casement, Belfast and Antrim need this game a lot more than Limerick (whose stadium improvements were funded by JP McManus). It was the original and only option initially suggested and the only potential problem expressed was possibly the changing rooms. Casement's changing rooms are far superior to those in Pairc na nGael, but you clearly don't see why it was so important for Casement and Belfast to get the chance to host this game.