Thx Hrothgar for the date on the Medal. I didn't know it was w/ an Aussie coach- Interesting. As for the ruck being used to set up/clear quick ball, we (my old club) tried to institute quick "over & go" to get the ball back into play. The old method of everybody getting stuck in to rucks sucks up players that are better dispersed to field passes on the attack or defend against a loss of possesion. Good following support is the key. When the blood is up and there is play on the deck, it's herd/pack mentality that draws the forwards in for tap-dancing practice. I personally regard that as Bull$hit. Dirty play is dirty play & there's no room for it- with the possible exception of "schooling" a player who displays consistent disregard for "propriety" (if there is such a thing). Two wrongs don't make a right, I know, but I've seen players who've stopped raking/punching/etc. after a proper "Come To Jesus" meeting w/ a few crafty forwards.
As for Gaelic- It's a wonderful sport. The only "live" Gaelic match I've ever seen was a match between the NYPD & the FDNY squads in Gaelic Park in the Bronx. Skill levels may not be as high as you'll see in the Emerald Isle sides, but it was a, shall we say, "passionate" match.