Province before Country - The International Rules Fiasco

Change brings opportunity - Nido Quebin

Once again Ireland have humbled Australia on the international stage. Queue scenes of national euphoria. People singing in the streets. The pubs of Ireland are swaying after another sensational victory over the Aussies.

Your right none of this is happening. The International Rules is a concept doomed to failure. A combined attendance of less than 40000 for two games is a paltry number. Combining two sports is a complicated science and sadly the GAA and the AFL have not mastered it. The chemistry is all wrong.


There are simply too many flaws to the game. The mark and tackle completely ruin the flow to the game. One year its marred by violence, the next its too nice. Players are nearly afraid to get involved physically for fear of more on-field sparring. The pace of the game is simply pedestrian.


It was also noted in the lead up to this years series that no Australia player had experienced International rules before. Added to that some Irish players could not travel due to club action. How can a good healthy intense rivalry be created if squads are completely different every year?


I'm certainly in agreement with Mickey Harte in reviving the Inter provincials. Representing your province is as admirable an achievement in your own sport, as it representing your country in a made up sport.


Surely the GAA can market it in a way which will appeal to the masses. Low prices for a double header on a Friday or Saturday night in Croker or even Thurles would surely be far more appealing than the stodgy international affair. Equally they can promote it to the players by offering the finalists a trip abroad.


Unlike the International Rules the best players would also qualify to play. That's not to disrespect the players picked for Ireland. But the talents of Sean Cavanagh, Declan O'Sullivan and Colm Cooper need to be displayed if the GAA want to broaden their horizons. The "smaller" counties would still have as good a chance of showcasing their players too.


Imagine a Munster side that had the brawn and aerial ability of Cork in unison with the guile and poise of Kerry. Imagine John Galvin finally playing off top quality players like The Gooch and Paddy Kelly.Think of a Leinster side who could contain a forward line including the two Brogans, Ben Brosnan, Ciaran Lyng, Leighton Glynn and Cian Ward aided by Brendan Murphy in midfield.


Imagine how much better David Kelly and Donal Shine could perform playing alongside Andy Moran and Michael Meehan. Indeed Ulster could have the deadly Amagh duo of Steven Mcdonnell and Jamie Clarke playing alongside Eoghan Bradley and Michael Murphy. Don't even get me started on a provinces respective backline.


The possibilities for Inter provinical success are unlimited if the GAA put their minds to it. GAA fans would much prefer to see The Gooch twisting and turning, Bernard Brogan rampaging in on goal, or Alan O'Connor surging through the midfield rather than a game that continues to court controversy or headlines for all the wrong reasons. Indeed has there been an International rules game where people will look back in 25 years and say that was a great game to watch?


Undoubtedly the GAA have adequate room to change for the better.