Boston bash is a gimmick worth ignoring

NOVEMBER is associated with slowing down in Irish sport. This is largely because intercounty Gaelic games are done for the season, but this year the month will be recalled as the most significant of 2017.

It marked the brutal end of Ireland’s ambitions of qualifying for the soccer World Cup. It was the month designs on hosting the rugby equivalent were exposed as fanciful.

November 2017 could, in time, be remembered as the month when Joe Schmidt’s Ireland moved on to a ruthless new level; more evidence should be forthcoming in that regard next Saturday against Argentina when the coach reverts to his firstchoice team.

There was an international dimension for the GAA, too, as Joe Kernan and his players tried to keep the International Rules concept alive. One doubts if there is interest among the public, and Marc Ó Sé’s raw assessment in these pages would appear to be reflected in the attitude of All-Ireland champions Dublin.

If the best don’t want to be involved, then the concept is in danger of losing its remaining relevance.

And in Boston this weekend, the pitiful Super 11s makes its return. This is one international jaunt people need not concern themselves with. It is a silly gimmick, no matter how slick the marketing or earnest the patter from its cheerleaders.