Messages

Ardmhachaabu. Not a bad team there although I would be worried about McKeevers fitness at the minute and would keep Donaghy a CHB because of this. We could then bring in another back. P Kernan would be my favourite here as I would like to see if he is up to it - although would not be disappointed to see Shannon there. Up front I do not thing J Clarke is available and thing B Mallon is out of form. I am stuck as to who I would like to see play in the half forward line instead. Could see Mackin being given another chance.
I would like to see McKeever and McKenna getting a run out from the bench.

When the Athletic grounds was redeveloped, was a new pitch laid? It wasn't looking great today.

I think a pitch was led a few years before it opened. It is to close again now for 40 weeks for new stand. Pitch must now be one of worst about. Maybe the break will help get it sorted.

Monaghan 0.6 Armagh 1.05 H/T

My County: Armagh

Football Hopes for 2010: Hope Sam. Realistically All Ireland quarter finl
Football Fears for 2010: Tyrone or Kerry winning again.

Hurling Hopes for 2010: Ulster Semi

Hurling Fears for 2010: Losing every game


Predictions for 2010:

Football Provincial Champions: Tyrone, Galway, Kildare, Cork
Football All Ireland Winners: Tyrone
Hurling Provincial Champions: Antrim, Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford
Hurling All Ireland Winners Tip

I've said it before on here but I can never understand why we are so wedded to the principle that all 32 counties must be the same competition when so many have no hope of ever challenging in the next generation. In the club scene, which is the most bedrock of the association, we happily accept that not every team can compete at the same level and so we have 3 grades, senior, intermediate and junior.

I see no reason why the same shouldn't happen at county level and believe it would provide for much more competitive and enjoyable championships.

I completely agree with this, and not only does it happen at club level, it also happens in pretty much every other intercounty gaelic games competition (Hurling, Camogie, Ladies Football). Why should Football be any different? I also think that if a three tiered system was put into place any initial opposition would eventually fade away as people realise that, for the first time, the majority of counties in the country have a decent shot at actually winning a championship, something that is merely a pipe dream for 85% of the country in any given year.

Agree that in principal this is agood idea but sadly think too many have other ideas. Just look at Tommy Murphy Cup.

Part of the weekly feature by the Gaelic Life paper where they have a couple of page interview with high profile players and gaa people. Interesting enough article but nowhere near as controversal as the headline might suggest. May I also suggest O'Neill that you should not be so miserable and buy the paper - £1 a week is not too bad.

Of the players I remember:
Frank McGuigan
Mickey Linden
Geezer

Mayobridge is not that far from Armagh and you have a couple of good players. We will adopt you if you want. 

Weather and sick children stopped me going to watch the match today. From an Armagh view not surprised to see McKeever enjoying himself, every team needs one. Also I think Donaghy is a great player but would never play him in the corner and on a day like today when he has not played any real competitive football in a while was always going to find it tough. He is a half back for me. Glad to hear there was a good crowd. The people of South Armagh seem to be giving the cup more esteem than some other gaa people.

Saw the first half of Ulster v Pearse Ogs tonight (too cold to stay any longer!). The players I recognised were Joe McMahon at full back. Aaron Kernan, Ciaran McKeever and Davy Harte were the half back line. I think Hub Hughes and McCann of Antrim where in midfield. The half forward line was McGinley, Coulter and I think Danny Hughes. Two Bradleys and Murphy from Donegal were the full forward line. As I was at the far end of the pitch did not catch the others. Ulster looked quite sharp up front and Aaron Kernan was really looking sharp. Was not a bad game with only a couple in it when I left. Clarke scored a goal for the Ogs and Coulter one for Ulster when McKinney went for a high ball and he beat him to it.

While wishing Paddy O'Rourke all the best I note most of the more forceful annoyance is coming from our South Armagh contributors. Probably because the rivalry with Down is more intense there. As a mid Armagh man I have to admit I am shocked and disappointed at the appointment. I have no axe to grind with Paddy as he seems to be a decent sort who will try his very best for Armagh but I had hoped for either an internal candidate or a higher profile outside man. Still it could be worse - it could be a Tyrone man such as Plunkett Donaghy or Peter Canavan!

All the best to the lads on Sunday - looking forward to watching it on D'telly.

Armagh boys fierce cocky but apparently there team is a bit special

Do not think it is cocky. We have just had that bad a year with the seniors we are grasping at straws!

Best of luck to Armagh. For the hill myself, although as Mackers will be there may try and get that changed. 

Was at the match tonight and the sending off incident was right in front of me. To be honest i saw two players going for the ball and then the Clans player lying down holding his face. Although it was that quick I might have missed it I did not see Morrisson hit anyone. Would add, however, that although noone around me could say for sure or not if there was a punch they were all convinced that there must have been! I actually thought Toal was the more likely to get send off for the Harps tonight. He was playing superbly and then was subject to an off the ball nudge (nothing too bad) and seemed to lose his way for a short time. Lennon also played well for the Harps as well as Gill. Thought the Harps faded very badly in the last ten - would this be a legacy of Nudie's time managing them? For Clans I thought Campbell did well in full forward and Ronan Austin finished the game well. The fella who took the final free (nash?) showed great nerve under pressure. Replay should be interesting.

Should also add that anyone who thinks Peadar Toal lis not a good footballer should watch the video of tonights game.

Was a greta game but if you had a football referee it would have finished 7 a side!