Armagh Club football & hurling

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Armagh SFC Semi-final St Patrick's 0-10 Crossmaglen Rangers 1-8

Hope, trepidation, fury, joy and ultimately despair were just some of the emotions experienced by followers of St Patrick's during Saturday's tense championship encounter. Having been boosted mid-week by the availability of star corner-forward Robbie Tasker, Cullyhanna made the short trip to Silverbridge in good spirits and full of hope that the team could reach their first county final. St Patrick's couldn't have gotten off to a better start when a magnificent 50m free kick from Ciaran McKeever in the first minute sailed over the crossbar. However their lead was to prove short-lived as a minute later a Crossmaglen attack which appeared to have been broken down resulted in the ball being slipped to David McKenna whose low shot produced the first goal of the match. Francis Hanratty soon extended Rangers' lead but another well-struck Ciaran McKeever free from range kept St Pat's in touch. A long scoreless spell ensued as both sides struggled to cope with the difficulty of wet conditions. St Pat's did kick a number of wides in this period as they vainly attempted to draw level but their forays forward were frequently met by stubborn Crossmaglen resistance and some tough tackling. After 27 minutes, slopping defending resulted in Crossmaglen's second point but a minute later Eugene Casey seized the initiative and fired over his side's first point from play and their third in total. This left the half-time score as St Patrick's 0-3 Crossmaglen Rangers 1-2.

While the first half was a tight affair with scores at a premium, the conditions certainly had a bearing on the fairly poor quality on show. Crossmaglen made effective use of their sweeper system and former county man Francie Bellew was instrumental in ensuring that Cullyhanna struggled to provide their forward line with quality possession.

Early in the second half Ciaran McKeever took a different approach to free-taking, attempting a long range effort from the hands. While the method was different, the result was the same as his previous kicks with the ball sailing over the crossbar. Over elaboration in the Cullyhanna defence soon cost St Pat's another point however seven minutes into the second half, Cullyhanna produced their best move of the match when a patient build-up involving Paudie McCreesh, Tony Donnelly and Eugene Casey released Niall McShane who burst through the Crossmaglen defence to kick an excellent point to bring the deficit down to the minimum. Soon the match was level as Stephen Reel, who had a magnificent match at full back, carried the ball out of defence to initiate an attack which resulted in a Mal Mackin point to draw the sides level for the first time in the match. The team then exchanged points with the Cullyhanna score coming from a Eugene Casey free. With 10 minutes to go David McKenna fired Crossmaglen into the lead again but a minute later Niall McShane was fouled within scoring range and Eugene Casey made no mistake with the resultant free. Two minutes later Barry McConville was fouled and Casey's fourth point of the match put his side into the lead for the first time.

And so the match entered its crucial juncture. With eight minutes on the clock, St Pat's were a point ahead as their supporters dared to imagine that the dream of a county final appearance might actually come true. The team seemed similarly buoyed with optimism as they gained a stranglehold on possession       and surged forward in waves. Unfortunately St Pat's could not convert their dominance of possession into scores and fatally did not extend their advantage. In this stage of the match, Crossmaglen resembled a boxer struggling on the ropes however they withstood the onslaught and replied with some knock-out blows of their own. A free with 3 minutes to go drew the teams level and with a minute left, a patient build-up created the space for a point to be kicked to send Cross into the lead and break Cullyhanna hearts. A minute into injury time a monstrous Aaron Kernan free flew over the bar to give Rangers a two point advantage and deepen the depression of the Cullyhanna followers. A late Robbie Tasker free gave his side hope however when Crossmaglen won possession from the resultant free kick, the game was up for the brave Cullyhanna men.

While disappointment was etched on the faces of all St Patrick's players and supporters, it is not merely consolation to suggest that the players and management should take huge pride in their efforts this year. Over two hours football, St Pat's showed that they are as good as the very best teams in the county and were very unfortunate not to be looking forward to their maiden County final appearance. Sadly, it was not be and we offer sincerest congratulations to Crossmaglen who will now face Dromintee in a fortnight's time. At the beginning of the year, only the most optimistic of observers would have cast Cullyhanna in the role of genuine championship contenders but their performances this season mean that such a tag can be rightly attributed to them. All involved in the squad should realise that with a mixture of young improving players and others in the prime of their careers, the future should be very bright. If the team can retain its players and show the necessary commitment, the holy grail of a County Senior Championship may not be too far away.

[1life 1club]

Armagh SFC Semi-final St Patrick's 0-10 Crossmaglen Rangers 1-8

Hope, trepidation, fury, joy and ultimately despair were just some of the emotions experienced by followers of St Patrick's during Saturday's tense championship encounter. Having been boosted mid-week by the availability of star corner-forward Robbie Tasker, Cullyhanna made the short trip to Silverbridge in good spirits and full of hope that the team could reach their first county final. St Patrick's couldn't have gotten off to a better start when a magnificent 50m free kick from Ciaran McKeever in the first minute sailed over the crossbar. However their lead was to prove short-lived as a minute later a Crossmaglen attack which appeared to have been broken down resulted in the ball being slipped to David McKenna whose low shot produced the first goal of the match. Francis Hanratty soon extended Rangers' lead but another well-struck Ciaran McKeever free from range kept St Pat's in touch. A long scoreless spell ensued as both sides struggled to cope with the difficulty of wet conditions. St Pat's did kick a number of wides in this period as they vainly attempted to draw level but their forays forward were frequently met by stubborn Crossmaglen resistance and some tough tackling. After 27 minutes, slopping defending resulted in Crossmaglen's second point but a minute later Eugene Casey seized the initiative and fired over his side's first point from play and their third in total. This left the half-time score as St Patrick's 0-3 Crossmaglen Rangers 1-2.

While the first half was a tight affair with scores at a premium, the conditions certainly had a bearing on the fairly poor quality on show. Crossmaglen made effective use of their sweeper system and former county man Francie Bellew was instrumental in ensuring that Cullyhanna struggled to provide their forward line with quality possession.

Early in the second half Ciaran McKeever took a different approach to free-taking, attempting a long range effort from the hands. While the method was different, the result was the same as his previous kicks with the ball sailing over the crossbar. Over elaboration in the Cullyhanna defence soon cost St Pat's another point however seven minutes into the second half, Cullyhanna produced their best move of the match when a patient build-up involving Paudie McCreesh, Tony Donnelly and Eugene Casey released Niall McShane who burst through the Crossmaglen defence to kick an excellent point to bring the deficit down to the minimum. Soon the match was level as Stephen Reel, who had a magnificent match at full back, carried the ball out of defence to initiate an attack which resulted in a Mal Mackin point to draw the sides level for the first time in the match. The team then exchanged points with the Cullyhanna score coming from a Eugene Casey free. With 10 minutes to go David McKenna fired Crossmaglen into the lead again but a minute later Niall McShane was fouled within scoring range and Eugene Casey made no mistake with the resultant free. Two minutes later Barry McConville was fouled and Casey's fourth point of the match put his side into the lead for the first time.

And so the match entered its crucial juncture. With eight minutes on the clock, St Pat's were a point ahead as their supporters dared to imagine that the dream of a county final appearance might actually come true. The team seemed similarly buoyed with optimism as they gained a stranglehold on possession       and surged forward in waves. Unfortunately St Pat's could not convert their dominance of possession into scores and fatally did not extend their advantage. In this stage of the match, Crossmaglen resembled a boxer struggling on the ropes however they withstood the onslaught and replied with some knock-out blows of their own. A free with 3 minutes to go drew the teams level and with a minute left, a patient build-up created the space for a point to be kicked to send Cross into the lead and break Cullyhanna hearts. A minute into injury time a monstrous Aaron Kernan free flew over the bar to give Rangers a two point advantage and deepen the depression of the Cullyhanna followers. A late Robbie Tasker free gave his side hope however when Crossmaglen won possession from the resultant free kick, the game was up for the brave Cullyhanna men.

While disappointment was etched on the faces of all St Patrick's players and supporters, it is not merely consolation to suggest that the players and management should take huge pride in their efforts this year. Over two hours football, St Pat's showed that they are as good as the very best teams in the county and were very unfortunate not to be looking forward to their maiden County final appearance. Sadly, it was not be and we offer sincerest congratulations to Crossmaglen who will now face Dromintee in a fortnight's time. At the beginning of the year, only the most optimistic of observers would have cast Cullyhanna in the role of genuine championship contenders but their performances this season mean that such a tag can be rightly attributed to them. All involved in the squad should realise that with a mixture of young improving players and others in the prime of their careers, the future should be very bright. If the team can retain its players and show the necessary commitment, the holy grail of a County Senior Championship may not be too far away.

we were so close..heartbreaking readin that..were a young team and we will be back..up the pats

[thewanderer]

st. pats wer unlucky but at the end of the day a lot of clubs will be refocusing for next year and will feel they are in with a chance. cross may go on to win this year but they are not the same dominate force as in previous years. this year no mc entees, donaldson or shortt and next year probably no oisin or francey. i think it should also put into perspective the ogs win against a very strong and history seeeking cross last year. in my opion only for the savage injury list going into the granemore game the ogs would be not far away again but I'm sure they will regroup for next year with a fit ronan clarke as well. can anyone explain how robbie got his suspension overturned as a number of rumours are circulating.

[lolafrola]

He got it overturned because Jimmy McKee put in his report the wrong number on Taskers shirt. don't know what number Robbie was wearing but if it was 15 then Jimmy put 13 in his book (or visa versa depending what number Robbie wore). so therefore on a technicality he was aloud to play. Jimmy did have the right name of the player but just the wrong number, there was also confusion that he'd sent the wrong player off but this was not accurate either. He got the right player and he wrote in his report the reason for sending Tasker off.

Is it true that JP Donnelly got 26 weeks of a suspension Sounds good but sure what good is that as his suspension is up before the league kicks off next season so technically he went unpunished. I also heard JP broke his knuckle/hand when he hit the guy? is that true too?

[bennydorano]

st. pats wer unlucky but at the end of the day a lot of clubs will be refocusing for next year and will feel they are in with a chance. cross may go on to win this year but they are not the same dominate force as in previous years. this year no mc entees, donaldson or shortt and next year probably no oisin or francey. i think it should also put into perspective the ogs win against a very strong and history seeeking cross last year. in my opion only for the savage injury list going into the granemore game the ogs would be not far away again but I'm sure they will regroup for next year with a fit ronan clarke as well. can anyone explain how robbie got his suspension overturned as a number of rumours are circulating.

Not trying to start anything like but....  The Ogs beat a Cross team on the wane, their peak since passed and if Cross had've taken their scores that night they would have won.  Having said that in previous years Cross rode their luck so fair fucks to the Ogs.  If the Ogs get their heads right they will be the dominant force for a few years.

[crossfire]

He got it overturned because Jimmy McKee put in his report the wrong number on Taskers shirt. don't know what number Robbie was wearing but if it was 15 then Jimmy put 13 in his book (or visa versa depending what number Robbie wore). so therefore on a technicality he was aloud to play. Jimmy did have the right name of the player but just the wrong number, there was also confusion that he'd sent the wrong player off but this was not accurate either. He got the right player and he wrote in his report the reason for sending Tasker off.

Is it true that JP Donnelly got 26 weeks of a suspension Sounds good but sure what good is that as his suspension is up before the league kicks off next season so technically he went unpunished. I also heard JP broke his knuckle/hand when he hit the guy? is that true too?

What does Jimmy Mc Kee work at anyway.?
I thought most people could read and write nowadays.

[twotwocharlie]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

[Applesisapples]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

Can't imagine an experienced ref like Jimmy getting it wrong.

[torres]

He got it overturned because Jimmy McKee put in his report the wrong number on Taskers shirt. don't know what number Robbie was wearing but if it was 15 then Jimmy put 13 in his book (or visa versa depending what number Robbie wore). so therefore on a technicality he was aloud to play. Jimmy did have the right name of the player but just the wrong number, there was also confusion that he'd sent the wrong player off but this was not accurate either. He got the right player and he wrote in his report the reason for sending Tasker off.

Is it true that JP Donnelly got 26 weeks of a suspension Sounds good but sure what good is that as his suspension is up before the league kicks off next season so technically he went unpunished. I also heard JP broke his knuckle/hand when he hit the guy? is that true too?

What does Jimmy Mc Kee work at anyway.?
I thought most people could read and write nowadays.

is,nt he a primary school teacher 

[Goats Do Shave]

He got it overturned because Jimmy McKee put in his report the wrong number on Taskers shirt. don't know what number Robbie was wearing but if it was 15 then Jimmy put 13 in his book (or visa versa depending what number Robbie wore). so therefore on a technicality he was aloud to play. Jimmy did have the right name of the player but just the wrong number, there was also confusion that he'd sent the wrong player off but this was not accurate either. He got the right player and he wrote in his report the reason for sending Tasker off.

Is it true that JP Donnelly got 26 weeks of a suspension Sounds good but sure what good is that as his suspension is up before the league kicks off next season so technically he went unpunished. I also heard JP broke his knuckle/hand when he hit the guy? is that true too?

What does Jimmy Mc Kee work at anyway.?
I thought most people could read and write nowadays.

is,nt he a primary school teacher 

Headmaster...

[lolafrola]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

2,2 JIMMY TOLD ME THAT HIMSELF. I WAS SPEAKING TO HIM AT THE WEEKEND AND HE WASN'T BEST PLAESED WITH Co BOARD FOR OVER RULING HIM.

[crossfire]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

2,2 JIMMY TOLD ME THAT HIMSELF. I WAS SPEAKING TO HIM AT THE WEEKEND AND HE WASN'T BEST PLAESED WITH Co BOARD FOR OVER RULING HIM.

Why doesn't he go public about it.

[1life 1club]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

2,2 JIMMY TOLD ME THAT HIMSELF. I WAS SPEAKING TO HIM AT THE WEEKEND AND HE WASN'T BEST PLAESED WITH Co BOARD FOR OVER RULING HIM.

Why doesn't he go public about it.

yea,, ;Dhe should sell his story to the irish news..lol

[Applesisapples]

He got it overturned because Jimmy McKee put in his report the wrong number on Taskers shirt. don't know what number Robbie was wearing but if it was 15 then Jimmy put 13 in his book (or visa versa depending what number Robbie wore). so therefore on a technicality he was aloud to play. Jimmy did have the right name of the player but just the wrong number, there was also confusion that he'd sent the wrong player off but this was not accurate either. He got the right player and he wrote in his report the reason for sending Tasker off.

Is it true that JP Donnelly got 26 weeks of a suspension Sounds good but sure what good is that as his suspension is up before the league kicks off next season so technically he went unpunished. I also heard JP broke his knuckle/hand when he hit the guy? is that true too?

What does Jimmy Mc Kee work at anyway.?
I thought most people could read and write nowadays.

is,nt he a primary school teacher 

Headmaster I think.

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

jimmy mc kee stated at the replay that he put forward the CORRECT number for tasker.

same old county board ,same old s**t

2,2 JIMMY TOLD ME THAT HIMSELF. I WAS SPEAKING TO HIM AT THE WEEKEND AND HE WASN'T BEST PLAESED WITH Co BOARD FOR OVER RULING HIM.

Why doesn't he go public about it.

Because he knows he was wrong and doesn't want to embarass himself in front of the county?