Olive Loughnane wins silver

[Ah Well]

But to hear Cowen break his holiday to publically declare his delight at her achievement, just reminds me that we are a sad backwater clutching at straws in the wind in hope that our spirits are raised as a result. They are not.
,

No doubt Cullen will crawl out from under a stone to issue a few words of wisdom at some point or for a photo shoot with Olive on her return

[breakingnews]

But to hear Cowen break his holiday to publically declare his delight at her achievement, just reminds me that we are a sad backwater clutching at straws in the wind in hope that our spirits are raised as a result. They are not.
,

They have a template for sporting successes that they dust off when we win a medal - he didn't interrupt his holiday.

[Rebus2008]

many footballers running countless steps before volleying the ball and throwing rather punching the ball.

A silly sport - designed to showcase Irishness.

Whats "volleying" the ball in gaa? I'm aware of it in soccer but have never heard the term in gaa in general usage. This may explain when you sense there is alot of countless steps - u don't know how many steps are allowed.

Fair enough if gaa is not to your liking - each to their own but "showcase irishness"????? Gaa and hurlsing were invented over 100 years ago. Were we concerned with "showcasing Irishness" back them. Maybe they are just simply indigenous sports..like many countries have. Thankfully, our have a broader appeal and are more well run than many places. Your inisght in gaa seems minimal tbh.

PS Just a final thought, what is wrong with people show casing their irishness in other guises?

[sakhee]

Congrats to her.It must be great for any athlete to get a medal at the World Championships.This walking event wouldn't really be my thing but that is neither here nor there in assessing her achievement.

[codology]

I wonder if she does not get a better grant this year will she just walk.

[sandar]

congrats to her.....

[breakingnews]

Fair enough if gaa is not to your liking - each to their own but "showcase irishness"????? Gaa and hurlsing were invented over 100 years ago. Were we concerned with "showcasing Irishness" back them. Maybe they are just simply indigenous sports..like many countries have. Thankfully, our have a broader appeal and are more well run than many places. Your inisght in gaa seems minimal tbh.

The GAA was set up precisely for that reason - an attempt to reverse the trend of anglicisation. You obviously don't know what you're talking about.