Championship and Covid

Mick McGraw

dobman88 wrote: »

Very different in those days with teams having 1 or 2 provincial games and straight into the all Ireland semis and final. Youd be looking at probably 4 games to win an all Ireland.

These days you have provincial, back door, quarter final groups. Round Robin formats in the hurling. Unless you just go back to straight knock out and rush through it, which I wouldnt like to see, I dont see how you could play it off next year in a hurry and putting players under the pressure of 2 championships in one year wouldnt be fair on them imo.

Get rid of back door and all those extra games.


As far as I remember GAA have been given permission a few weeks ago by the counties to be able to change the structure because of this crisis, no reason to play back door and round robin games while the coronavirus issue is ongoing.


Players won't be playing any extra games as the league won't be ongoing so if anything it will mean less pressure on them.

Chalk McHugh

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Looks like the proposal i posted over the weekend isn't as daft after all and while not one poster agreed with it as being in any way a viable proposition the GAA Presidant John Horan hasn't ruled out the 2020 championship being played in 2021. We've got to think outside the box for this one year. The Championship is sacrosanct and one way or another it will be played.

You are kidding, right? There is no way the championship should be played until a vaccine is found. Do you expect all the players just to give up their jobs to play GAA?

Mick McGraw

Deleted User wrote: »

You are kidding, right? There is no way the championship should be played until a vaccine is found. Do you expect all the players just to give up their jobs to play GAA?

There may never be a vaccine found,a decision will have to be made regarding life and general and people will have to accept that Coronavirus is part of human life and hopefully health services will be able to deal with treating it effectively.You can't keep social distancing going forever.

gormdubhgorm

Mick McGraw wrote: »

No reason why they can't play 2 All Ireland championships in the one calendar year and not play the league next year if needs be.It might just be the easiest solution to everything.

Is is a counted as a double though? Yeah, that was my immediate thought. Not the health and safety of players spectators etc.

Coillte_Bhoy

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Whether it starts in 2020 or not isn't really the point. There is a good chance All Ireland winners for 2020 will be decided in 2021. Championship trumps the League seven days a week and twice on Sundays. If they can fit the League in thats even better. Either way 2021 is shaping up to be a feast of GAA action that will make up for this years hardship.

But it is exactly the point, if they somehow manage to start the chsip this year then they will have to finish it in 2021 if time allows but if we get to next year and if it hasnt started then i think it will be just cancelled. I dont know anyone that agrees with your suggestion tbh

cson

Some of the rhetoric in here is disturbing, players already sacrifice a **** load to play what is still an amateur game, now we expect them to run the risk of contracting COVID too? As mentioned, they have jobs to think about. Health > GAA.

The 2020 Championship is toast, the sooner we accept that the better for everyone. At least there hadn't been a ball kicked or a sliotar pucked in anger unlike the mess soccer and rugby find themselves in right now.

CrabRevolution

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Good points. But on the other hand sport lifts people's spirits a bit. Even Mayo people get joy out of it on occasion! Even if it is behind closed doors people would have a distraction from the current crisis.
It all depends if you think regular testing of 2000 people is worth it for mass entertainment on the telly (if behind closed doors). People who do not like sport, would not understand it one iota and would see it as unforgivable.

It wouldn't be in isolation though. If you allow bi-weekly expedited blanket precautionary testing for every player in one sport, you'd have every sport demanding it, and many industries too. We'd need millions of tests a week.

Chalk McHugh

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

But it is exactly the point, if they somehow manage to start the chsip this year then they will have to finish it in 2021 if time allows but if we get to next year and if it hasnt started then i think it will be just cancelled. I dont know anyone that agrees with your suggestion tbh

I know quite a few who agree with what i'm saying. Just because you don't or other posters don't so what? Im sticking by my proposal. One way or another 2020s championship will be played (whether partly or fully) in 2021. At least i'm thinking outside the box and coming up with something. And it may very well happen. Whether ye agree or not wont matter a jot.

dobman88

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Whether ye agree or not wont matter a jot.

This is the most truthful statement I've ever read on this website ever. It doesnt matter one bit what any of us say because none of us will decide what happens. The GAA will.

PTH2009

Thought I read somewhere that few Intercounty managers are in agreement about playing games behind closed doors

I'd be up for it and it will pull massive viewing figures

Chalk McHugh

Mick McGraw wrote: »

Get rid of back door and all those extra games.


As far as I remember GAA have been given permission a few weeks ago by the counties to be able to change the structure because of this crisis, no reason to play back door and round robin games while the coronavirus issue is ongoing.


Players won't be playing any extra games as the league won't be ongoing so if anything it will mean less pressure on them.

Dont expect any one to agree on such a radical idea on here Mick. Well pointed out on all the different All Irelands being played in seperate years due to various reasons. The GAA prides itself on having All Ireland winners for every year and 2020 will be no different.

Chalk McHugh

dobman88 wrote: »

This is the most truthful statement I've ever read on this website ever. It doesnt matter one bit what any of us say because none of us will decide what happens. The GAA will.

Very observant. Have you anything else to add yourself about the options ahead?

Chalk McHugh

cson wrote: »

Some of the rhetoric in here is disturbing, players already sacrifice a **** load to play what is still an amateur game, now we expect them to run the risk of contracting COVID too? As mentioned, they have jobs to think about. Health > GAA.

The 2020 Championship is toast, the sooner we accept that the better for everyone. At least there hadn't been a ball kicked or a sliotar pucked in anger unlike the mess soccer and rugby find themselves in right now.

I agree. I think it is toast for this year.

Dr. Bre

In late 2020 or early 2021 play the football championship without provincials so 32 team knockout. Next summer resume normally

Chalk McHugh

If they were to play both championships next year they could condense one or both in some way. For example they could play the 2020 hurling championship early next year, say Mar - May. Scrap provincial round robins in the hurling. Straight knock out and possibly no All Ire semi finals. Both Munster and Leinster winners straight through to All Ire final. A championship could be run off in 2 months if really needed to.

Then start the 2021 championship in Jul - Sep/Oct. Play the usual format. Round robin. Qualifiers etc.

I dont know where club comes into it. After all it is very important and 90% GAA players are club. So that has to be taken into account.

Same with the National Leagues. Again im talking about the hurling but finishing the 2020 League could take the place of the early season warm up competitions like the Walsh Cup and O Byrne Cup.

I've good faith in the powers that be to make the right decisions in this terrible time. Whatever they decide, taking the players welfare as of paramount importance, i'll be happy to go along with. Whatever that is. If they even write off 2020 for good so be it. No problem. But i dont think they will. There is so much to ponder. I think ill ease up on anymore proposals for the time being

dobman88

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

Very observant. Have you anything else to add yourself about the options ahead?

I've already stated a few weeks ago that I dont think a championship will go ahead this year and we should instead look forward to next year.

Chalk McHugh

dobman88 wrote: »

I've already stated a few weeks ago that I dont think a championship will go ahead this year and we should instead look forward to next year.

I agree that we wont see any action this year. When you weigh up all the pros and cons 2020 is just not a runner. But next year please god we'll be in a much healthier place and it will be all systems go. A lot can happen in the next 7 or 8 months.

PTH2009

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0501/1136173-gaa-and-soccer-projected-to-resume-in-july/

a glimer of hope for something to take place this year

kksaints

PTH2009 wrote: »

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0501/1136173-gaa-and-soccer-projected-to-resume-in-july/

a glimer of hope for something to take place this year

Yeah, if everything goes well, still think it's way too optimistic to expect a championship with fans allowed to attend but the odds on a behind closed doors Championship are better than they were.

Stacksofwacks

Listening to Leo on the late late and he says championship in front of fans wont happen this year but is possible to have an All Ireland behind close doors(or limited spectators) starting August or September.

franglan

Money talks - as I've said before counties will not shelve out 10k a week to prepare squads for games with no income. Gah can say its to protect players etc but I comes down to buttons. What are peoples thought on club game returning this year?

Stacksofwacks

Stacksofwacks wrote: »

Listening to Leo on the late late and he says championship in front of fans wont happen this year but is possible to have an All Ireland behind close doors(or limited spectators) starting August or September.

I’d be surprised if it got GPA backing.

franglan

franglan wrote: »

Money talks - as I've said before counties will not shelve out 10k a week to prepare squads for games with no income. Gah can say its to protect players etc but I comes down to buttons. What are peoples thought on club game returning this year?

I don’t think they should return either. No crowd is one thing but it doesn’t really matter - one player has it, passes it to 3, they all go home and pass it to family, they all go to work and pass it to colleagues, family goes to work and passes it to their colleagues, all the colleagues go home and pass it to their families, etc etc. It can’t go ahead really.

Kerrydude1981

I cant see it happening, Im not for this "behind closed doors" idea and I cant see the players being too keen on it either, an empty Croke Park for All Ireland Hurling and Football final day that's not for me anyway.

I was thinking last night that a club team would probably need two dressing rooms if the social distancing guidelines are being adhered to
An Inter county team would probably need three dressing rooms given the big numbers in the backroom team that most counties have these days

I just cant see it working so unless its safe for the players and the spectators then I think this year should be forgotten about.

Big decisions for the GAA to be making

Hopefully, if there is any good to come from this, it might act as a bit of a reset for the GAA and steer it back towards community organisation rather than a business.

Or they’ll just fleece everyone to make up the shortfall.

mountgomery burns

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Hopefully, if there is any good to come from this, it might act as a bit of a reset for the GAA and steer it back towards community organisation rather than a business.

Or they’ll just fleece everyone to make up the shortfall.

To what degree do you think they act like a profit making business rather than an organisation supporting volunteers?

Club fixture scheduling is the big structural problem I see, but to be honest I think that's a direct result of archaic regional championship formats that go back to the foundation of the GAA. On the other side of the coin, you can get very cheap tickets for games in Croker through your club if enough people are interested. An acknowledgement of those giving up their time to get involved.

I'd be very interested to know what other organization can boast the stadiums we have for example while maintaing cheap ticketing prices.

Stacksofwacks

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Hopefully, if there is any good to come from this, it might act as a bit of a reset for the GAA and steer it back towards community organisation rather than a business.

Or they’ll just fleece everyone to make up the shortfall.

Your talking like the GAA only cares about money, perhaps theres some truth to that but most of the GAA action happens at a loss to the association. There would be no guys gracing Croke park in August/September without the club game developing these players.

gormdubhgorm

mountgomery burns wrote: »

To what degree do you think they act like a profit making business rather than an organisation supporting volunteers?

Club fixture scheduling is the big structural problem I see, but to be honest I think that's a direct result of archaic regional championship formats that go back to the foundation of the GAA. On the other side of the coin, you can get very cheap tickets for games in Croker through your club if enough people are interested. An acknowledgement of those giving up their time to get involved.

I'd be very interested to know what other organization can boast the stadiums we have for example while maintaing cheap ticketing prices.

Yeah it annoys me when people go on about the 'Grab All Association' it is the biggest myth out there. Normally heard after a replay is needed, with no mention of reduced prices for a replay. And of course when the AI final comes around it is normally those who do not go to matches regularly league etc that complain about the prices for the final.

I always find it a bit sickening, as you implied the GAA could be making a lot more money if they wished. They do not even bother hyping up a game with fireworks, advertising campaign etc unless it is a special day like the 125 anniversary of the GAA or the 1916 commemoration.
If they did that type of thing all the time it would attract a lot more interest.

But the GAA normally keep things low key and they also keep the prices low.
Also there are also special offers hurling heaven and football feast. Lots of matches are double or even treble headers at times.

Yet some people seem to persist with the myth that the GAA are greedy. Have people looked at the prices the FAI and IRFU charge for tickets for thier international games? Most of them would be against not very glamorous sides. And the price is still way over and above what it really should be in my opinion.

With all this covid19 thing I would not be surprised if the GAA drop prices for some games as a gesture when things get back to normal.

TCDStudent1

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

Yeah it annoys me when people go on about the 'Grab All Association' it is the biggest myth out there. Normally heard after a replay is needed, with no mention of reduced prices for a replay. And of course when the AI final comes around it is normally those who do not go to matches regularly league etc that complain about the prices for the final.

I always find it a bit sickening, as you implied the GAA could be making a lot more money if they wished. They do not even bother hyping up a game with fireworks, advertising campaign etc unless it is a special day like the 125 anniversary of the GAA or the 1916 commemoration.
If they did that type of thing all the time it would attract a lot more interest.

But the GAA normally keep things low key and they also keep the prices low.
Also there are also special offers hurling heaven and football feast. Lots of matches are double or even treble headers at times.

Yet some people seem to persist with the myth that the GAA are greedy. Have people looked at the prices the FAI and IRFU charge for tickets for thier international games? Most of them would be against not very glamorous sides. And the price is still way over and above what it really should be in my opinion.

With all this covid19 thing I would not be surprised if the GAA drop prices for some games as a gesture when things get back to normal.

I agree with most of this post. However, even as somebody who goes to a lot of GAA matches, I find the current cost of an AI ticket in the last few years to be a little too high.

cute geoge

After such a tough year surely the hurling and football would be something to look forward to in the autumn ,sure it could be run as an open draw and this would reduce the number of matches .The G.a.a. would surely get some money from the tv rights or maybe they would only let sky tv broadcast the games

Fr Tod Umptious

Stacksofwacks wrote: »

Your talking like the GAA only cares about money, perhaps theres some truth to that but most of the GAA action happens at a loss to the association. There would be no guys gracing Croke park in August/September without the club game developing these players.

I think the GAA will be relatively isolated from the financial impact of this compared to other sports.

People directly employed will be hit, but people in businesses of all shapes and sizes are being hit.

Club infrastructure development (facilities upgrades etc) will be hit due to a lack of funds from CP and the inability to conduct local fundraising in the current environment.

But other than that the GAA can ride out this storm because they don't have to pay players contracts.

Look at the major soccer leagues and American sports.
Teams haemorrhaging money because they still have to pay players huge salaries and zero revenue coming in the door.

gormdubhgorm

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

I agree with most of this post. However, even as somebody who goes to a lot of GAA matches, I find the current cost of an AI ticket in the last few years to be a little too high.

The last price increase for tickets prior to 2019 was in 2011. So they have held back in fairness.

If you are a Dub supporter and having to go to five in a row it is understandable more expensive in the latter stages. But in Dublin there is a the advantage of not having to travel much - less cost petrol in car, train bus tickets.

It is the proper dual counties of Galway and Cork I feel sorry for. As when thier sides do well in both codes it puts real pressure on thier pockets.

Compared to other codes though I still think GAA fans are getting bargains.
It will be interesting to see how the GAA price things after the covid19 as I said.
I assume as a community led organisation they will be fair about it.

OutTheGap

I’d agree that GAA games are good value compared to soccer and rugby. The league games are great value. And they hold double headers, have deals for matches and for children etc which they wouldn’t have if they were trying to fleece supporters for as much as they could.

That doesn’t mean they are above criticism. The Sky deal is just wrong as it stops people in hospitals, nursing homes and older people generally from watching games. The Super 8’s does seem to me to be partially financially driven. Why introduce a round-robin at the quarter final stage of the competition? And that stroke they tried to pull earlier in the week when they tried to alter the terms and conditions of the season ticket was very dishonest.

mountgomery burns

Bit off topic, but only gripe I'd have about ticket prices are the increase in 20 quid to on the day league fares. They are now the same price as the 4 championship games in Munster/Leinster for the hurling. Think it was done purely to make the season ticket look like value when it is poor value for a team that doesn't have realistic expectations of reaching an all Ireland.

But regarding dual counties, it's a nice complaint to have. I know in Cork it's very much divided east and west as regards hurling and football. I know there's a similar geographical divide in Galway though not sure how it translated to fans attending one code or the other. When it comes to football especially, I'd say they'd be delighted to have that problem in the coming years.

Not a lot of clarity in the govs plan. The caveat maintain social distancing is in every phase. But as many have said here that's not possible in a contact sport so it's one or the other. GAAs response will be interesting

franglan

People complaining about the price of all Ireland tickets would you stop. Would hate to hear your complaining if you weren't making them in the first place. Nearly 40 years since my own county made one - if you are blessed to be from a county that regularly makes them and have the cash suck it up and don't take it for granted. Far from flush with cash but I'd pay a four figure sum if that was the price if we made it to the promised land.

LoughNeagh2017

I wonder did the interviewer here realise what "Netflix and chill" actually means, it is a hidden phrase for sex. He replied saying "I have netflix nearly finished at this stage."

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0501/1135953-my-social-distancing-stephen-obrien-completes-netflix/

CrabRevolution

ReginaldSmythV wrote: »

Hopefully, if there is any good to come from this, it might act as a bit of a reset for the GAA and steer it back towards community organisation rather than a business.

Or they’ll just fleece everyone to make up the shortfall.

So if the GAA scales down as you wish, and starts taking in less money, you're OK with GPOs and coaches being laid off? Schools visits decreasing? Club and county grants drying up?

The GAA head honchos don't sleep on a bulging mattress of cash, the money is redistributed among the organisation.

CrabRevolution

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

They do not even bother hyping up a game with fireworks, advertising campaign etc unless it is a special day like the 125 anniversary of the GAA or the 1916 commemoration.
If they did that type of thing all the time it would attract a lot more interest.

While I agree with your general sentiment, I have to disagree with this. In fact I addressed it on the soccer forum before. On the LOI thread people have a habit of repeatedly posting the same video of a memorable Bohs/Rovers game from a few years ago as if that's the experience to be expected at all LOI games. I said that's a fallacy as you can't artificially replicate what makes these things special. Adding fireworks to Longford-Carlow qualifier won't make it any more special or popular.

crabrevolution wrote: »

It reminds me a bit of when there's an enormous crowd for a big event GAA match (1st floodlit match in croker, 125th Anniversary, 1916 celebrations etc.) and people go "See what happens when you've a bit of marketing, if the GAA cared they'd have 80'000 at every game".

This totally ignores that those games only held appeal because they were significant and rare. It's not like you can have more than 1 first floodlit match, or an annual 100th anniversary of the 1916 rising. It'd be like saying "My birthday was quite enjoyable, so I'm having increasing the frequency to one a month".

gormdubhgorm

CrabRevolution wrote: »

While I agree with your general sentiment, I have to disagree with this. In fact I addressed it on the soccer forum before. On the LOI thread people have a habit of repeatedly posting the same video of a memorable Bohs/Rovers game from a few years ago as if that's the experience to be expected at all LOI games. I said that's a fallacy as you can't artificially replicate what makes these things special. Adding fireworks to Longford-Carlow qualifier won't make it any more special or popular.

Generally you have a bit of a point, but this is the GAA they don't really make any effort in advertising games to the lukewarm/casual fan. At all really - barring those exceptions.

When the first half decent Croke Park game starts again after the covid19 stuff. It will be interesting to see what the demand for tickets is like. And if the GAA hype it up at all, or just leave it to thier usual damn all marketing - and hope a few turn up.

I had to check online at the GAA fixtures to see what time a league games were on plenty of times Simply because there was only ever fleeting mention of it in the media.

Hype/marketing can make the ordinary seem interesting which is why SKY SPORTS succeed with the soccer. They keep banging the drum loud. Super Sunday etc. Has the GAA ever called thier Sunday's 'Super' pre-match? Grand day for a game of hurling/football might be the nearest they get.

seligehgit

A welcome dose of common sense.

Connacht GAA president Gerry McGovern: Time to say goodbye to 2020 Championships

He's a member of the GAA's management committee.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0504/1136450-connacht-gaa-chief-time-to-say-goodbye-to-2020-games/

gormdubhgorm

seligehgit wrote: »

A welcome dose of common sense.

Connacht GAA president Gerry McGovern: Time to say goodbye to 2020 Championships

He's a member of the GAA's management committee.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0504/1136450-connacht-gaa-chief-time-to-say-goodbye-to-2020-games/

Feels odd for a Dublin supporter to read this. Earliest we have been 'knocked out' of the championship for years.

Chalk McHugh

seligehgit wrote: »

A welcome dose of common sense.

Connacht GAA president Gerry McGovern: Time to say goodbye to 2020 Championships

He's a member of the GAA's management committee.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0504/1136450-connacht-gaa-chief-time-to-say-goodbye-to-2020-games/

I think most if not all of us on here had written off 2020 at this stage. So no surprise there. What happens in 2021 and how the GAA map out the season is going to be intersting.

gormdubhgorm

Chalk McHugh wrote: »

I think most if not all of us on here had written off 2020 at this stage. So no surprise there. What happens in 2021 and how the GAA map out the season is going to be intersting.

I am still hoping that during the lull that the GAA uses it for chance to restructure the GAA. Radical overhaul - no choice now. Plus they have nothing else to be doing!

Club, fixtures, intercounty, provincials, championship etc.
All the stuff people have been saying for years. But have been previously blocked by 'tradition'.
Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

Chalk McHugh

gormdubhgorm wrote: »

I am still hoping that during the lull that the GAA uses it for chance to restructure the GAA. Radical overhaul - no choice now. Plus they have nothing else to be doing!

Club, fixtures, intercounty, provincials, championship etc.
All the stuff people have been saying for years. But have been previously blocked by 'tradition'.
Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

Yea, i've little doubt their working hard behind the scenes. So much to ponder. They are well paid at the top level but will earn their corn over this pandemic and how to resolve it.

mountgomery burns

Why would this spur change? Tradition i.e. provincial championships has nothing to do with the virus. It doesn't make it any more or less manageable in the current climate.

Ash.J.Williams

there's no chance of a championship this year but it would be great if "when" they get the all clear to have an all in 32 county Knock out tournament with the winner being this years all - ireland....just for the craic like..

The Lost Sheep

mountgomery burns wrote: »

Why would this spur change? Tradition i.e. provincial championships has nothing to do with the virus. It doesn't make it any more or less manageable in the current climate.

because it will completely change how people approach this and gives the gaa a chance to try approach a championship format with a clean slate. They can try implement a format that isnt based around tradition.

scrubs33

I would love the GAA to really seize the chance to restructure things. I've said here before that an open draw championship in both codes would be savage. First round losers get one more chance but that's it. Unfortunately however we won't get that as the vested interests have too much to loose from not waffling on about the magic of the Munster hurling final in Thurles (a nightmare to get out of) or the streets of Clones on Ulster final day (see previous point) That said what I wouldnt give to be able to travel to either of those events this year...

Vinnie222

They had a 22% increase in gate receipts in 2019 I can't see 2 much changing

gp1990

seligehgit wrote: »

A welcome dose of common sense.

Connacht GAA president Gerry McGovern: Time to say goodbye to 2020 Championships

He's a member of the GAA's management committee.

https://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2020/0504/1136450-connacht-gaa-chief-time-to-say-goodbye-to-2020-games/

Ok but going by what he's saying what makes him think we'll be ready for a 2021 championship?

He mentions the virus being gone by then or a vaccine being available. Neither of which will happen. There is absolutely zero guarantee a vaccine will be produced in the next 2 years, if ever

Even if one does come to market how long until Ireland actually get their hands on it how long before it can be distributed nationwide. How long will it give immunity for? Will it even fully work? I think there's a bit of naivety from some in the sporting world around a vaccine suddenly becoming available in the next year and everything magically going back to normal

I appreciate his sentiment but with all due respect no-one has an absolute clue as to what will happen in the coming months. I think GAA returning is far more dependent on treatments coming to market/regular same-day testing/much more information becoming available on immunity & how many of the population have been affected to date than a vaccine tbh