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    And then there were four, part 2. The football factory - how science is replacing humans with robots.

    enJuly 04, 2024

    Podcast Summary

    • Cultural vandalism in sports broadcastingThe transformation of sports into a commodity has led to the loss of excitement, emotion, originality, and individuality in sports broadcasting, replacing them with robotic commentary and clichéd interviews.

      The transformation of sports from a source of recreation and enjoyment into a commodity has been achieved through significant cultural vandalism. This process has led to the removal of excitement and emotion from sports, with robotic commentary and clichéd interviews becoming the norm. Originality and individuality are now frowned upon, and the younger generation is missing out on the magic and poetry that once made sports broadcasting special. Instead, they are exposed to dull, formulaic commentary. It's a pity that the beauty and depth of sports commentary, as exemplified by figures like Mihalo Murahirchi and Mark Seidt, are being replaced by a bland, homogenized approach.

    • Lack of individuality in football teamsPoor communication and lack of faith from managers can lead to demotivated and uninspired teams, resulting in numerous losses and humiliations

      There is a lack of individuality and originality in football teams today, with most teams playing in a similar, defensive style. This was highlighted in the discussion about the Derry team, which was once known for its adventurous and honorable play but has regressed into a demotivated and uninspired team. The manager, Mickey Hart, was criticized for not communicating with the players and not showing faith in them. The team suffered numerous losses and humiliations throughout the championship season. The situation was described as surreal, with Mickey being compared to being trapped in a canteen and requiring a SWAT team to remove him. The lack of communication and faith from the manager led to a lack of confidence and motivation among the players.

    • Mickey's resignationThe team's poor performance, managerial instability, and emotional toll on players have led to calls for Mickey's resignation. The team's focus should be on the players' development, and a change in leadership may be necessary for the team's well-being.

      The ongoing situation with Mickey, the football manager of a top team in Gilek football, needs to be resolved as soon as possible for the betterment of the team and its players. The team, which was once considered among the top four in the league, has suffered significant losses and managerial instability over the past two years. Despite this, the manager, who is reportedly underperforming and facing criticism from all sides, remains in his position. The team's supporters are calling for his resignation, citing the team's poor performance and the emotional toll on the players. The situation has reached a boiling point, with many believing that the manager's continued presence is doing more harm than good. The team's history, recent managerial instability, and the manager's inability to turn things around have led to a lack of support and a call for him to step down. The team's focus should be on the players and their development, rather than the manager's tenure. The team's board, which holds significant power, is expected to make a decision soon. However, given the emotional attachment to the team and the potential for backlash, it may be a difficult decision to make. Ultimately, the well-being of the team and its players should be the priority, and a change in leadership may be necessary to move forward.

    • Mickey's managementMickey's conservative play and lack of risk-taking have led to poor results, emphasizing the importance of proper preparation, focus, and calculated risks for success.

      Mickey, the manager of the team, has only been in the role for a year, but the results have been disastrous. The team is still in Division One, but the speaker believes that the dairy board should intervene and make a change due to the team's poor performance and Mickey's inability to adapt to the modern game. The team's conservative play and lack of taking risks have led to serial humiliations. In contrast, the speaker recalls past successes with elite teams and managers who took calculated risks. During a recent match, the speaker observed Donnygoole warm-ups and was impressed by the attention to detail and adjustments made to ensure the drills were perfect. This level of dedication and focus is what the speaker believes is necessary for success. The team's goalkeeper's warm-up was also a fascinating observation, as they came out late and seemed unprepared, which further emphasizes the importance of proper preparation and attention to detail. Overall, the speaker's takeaway is that Mickey's tenure as manager has been a source of agony, and a change is needed for the team to succeed.

    • Deli-vald Volleys' performanceJimmy's tactical masterclass and inspiring leadership led the less skilled Deli-vald Volleys to an unexpected victory in the All-Arl tournament

      The Deli-vald Volleys, led by Jimmy, put on an extraordinary synchronized display during their warm-up, showcasing their strong sense of mission and motivation. Their contrasting style of play against the well-organized and relentless Loath team resulted in a stunning second-half performance, leaving the audience amazed. Despite having a less skilled team compared to favorites like Omerfi, Cardi, and LSE, Jimmy's tactical masterclass and inspiring leadership led the Deli-vald Volleys to a surprising victory. Jimmy's dedication and commitment to winning the All-Arl were evident, and his team's performance proved that skill levels are not the only factor in achieving success.

    • Modern Gaelic footballValdano's quote 'shit on a stick' highlights the disconnect between spectators and modern Gaelic football matches, emphasizing the need for more intensity and emotional connection.

      Despite the widespread criticism of some matches in the recent Gaelic football quarter-finals, two out of the four games were considered good value. However, the issue lies in the fact that the atmosphere and emotion of certain stadiums can make even a bad match seem good. Valdano's famous quote, "shit on a stick," summarizes the feeling of many spectators who feel disengaged and uninterested in modern Gaelic football matches. The contrast between the excitement of the underdog's search for victory and the long periods of dull play highlights the need for more intensity and precision in the game. Valdano's writing emphasizes the emotional and contradictory nature of football, which sets it apart from science and logic. Unfortunately, the trend towards systematic, risk-free, and cynical football is making players mere pieces in the machinery, echoing the concerns raised about the state of Gaelic football.

    • Irish summer traditionsThe voice of RTE commentator Mihal Murphy, known as the 'voice of the summer,' held cultural significance during the GAA football season, extending the summer experience and capturing the natural rhythm of Irish life. Changing the season was seen as an act of cultural vandalism.

      The voice of RTE commentator Mihal Murphy, often referred to as the "voice of the summer," held significant cultural importance in Irish life, particularly during the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) football season. His commentary extended the summer experience, capturing the natural rhythm and flow of Irish life, which is deeply rooted in the seasons. The GAA's decision to change the season was described as an act of cultural vandalism, as it took away an essential part of Irish life. The voice of Murphy, much like football itself, was savage, sentimental, and emotional, making life feel longer during those last days of summer.

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    Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.


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    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com


    This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% off and free shipping by using code freestate20



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    Free State with Joe Brolly and Dion Fanning is a Gold Hat Production in association with SwanMcG.


    For more on Free State: https://freestatepodcast.com/


    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com


    This episode of Free State is sponsored by Manscaped. Visit https://www.manscaped.com/ and get 20% off and free shipping by using code freestate20



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


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    To get in touch with the podcast: info@freestatepodcast.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.