Messages

Is it really? Most counties have goals at the start of the year, get promoted, avoid relegation, beat neighbours etc. do they really need a coping mechanism of devaluing competitions, I seriously doubt it.  There are about 26 counties under the new system never going win Sam, Derry don't need another Ulster but will probably win it, any other county would relish it.

I believe JoG2 was referring the fans attempting to devalue a competition as a defense mechanism for if they don't win it. Armagh will have failed this year (again) if they do not win Ulster. How anyone can think different is beyond me.

What if they lose Ulster but play in an All Ireland final. Is that a bigger failure than winning Ulster and then going out in the groups?

You're changing angles here. What is having a good year, which reaching an AI final for most teams is, got to do with questioning the value of the Anglo Celt cup which you did? A hypothetical appearance in an AI final shouldn't come into the equation.
You're Armagh yes, very surprising considering the last 15+ years winning nothing. Derry winning 2 years ago was incredible, winning back to back was, well incredible. The thought of winning a treble, well that's the stuff of dreams. Worry about any attack on a Sam after.

The answer is the Ulster Championship is not viewed in isolation You've said Armagh will have failed this year if they don't win Ulster. I disagree. They could miss out on Ulster and make an All Ireland final which to me would be far less of a failure than winning Ulster and going out in the group stages. Similarly I'd rather have been promoted this year than win Ulster. That's not to say doing both wouldn't be nice but simply that Ulster can be viewed in isolation.

You are holding the Anglo Celt up as some kind of be all and end all for the season. It's not. For me If your county would prefer to win an Ulster and nothing else this year then it's extremely meaningful. If your county would prefer a deep run in the All Ireland series then Ulster is less meaningful.

Hmm, honestly if you said to me now win Ulster and go out in group or lose in Ulster and lose in a semi final I think I'd take an Ulster given a fair chunk of our team were in primary school when we last won it.

(Pointless argument anyway because if you win Ulster and go in as top seed there would be something seriously wrong if you couldnt at least make a preliminary QF)

That's a perfectly valid view but I don't think it's one universally shared. I don't feel that way and I feel a provincial championship is as meaningful as it once was.

When you have 6 teams capable of beating eachother in a one off game in a competition it's certainly an achievement to win it!!

He's just come out to say it's all bullshit.

https://x.com/ToddLewisGC/status/1780261285185159419

Bookies only giving this one a 3pt handicap so they're wary of McGuinness and whatever shenanigans he comes up with.

I would love for us to beat Donegal this weekend but this is their AIF and do we really have the hunger to go after another Ulster title given the hardship it will entail? I don't doubt the team will be telling themselves they want to win every game but how realistic is that nowadays?

If we win that's great, but if we got beat without any big injuries I wouldn't be that disappointed.

I know mad shit happens these days and there are plenty of heel turns here and there but McIlroy going to LIV would be right up there with he worst calls of all time.

I just can't see it and after initial reports the noise seems to be it's nonsense. I don't doubt he had conversations with them and eye watering amounts of money were talked about but after all that's happened how could he do it? It would throw golf into compete disarray!

Another from Curb...

Not Safe For Work!

[City have made team afraid of them]

The bigger picture with Villa is that they played a weakened side v City 11 days ago, so they'd be fresh for Brentford on that weekend. Which sort of backfired in a 3-3 draw. Villa did no such thing against Arsenal today. And that's what you're up against. City have made team afraid of them, that you'll get noting - even if you try. Arsenal don't have that.

Liverpool won't be playing a weakened Villa side either.

I take your point but villa easily beat city in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Emery took the foot off the gas for this meeting yes as the squad was struggling with injuries and Brentford and Lille to come.

I'm sure Emery makes sure he's competitive when playing against Arsenal given how they booted him!

Awful game.
Fermanagh had their chances of goals but either miskicked, took the wrong option or just messed it up.
Armagh deserved winners - but goals aside, they didn't look overly impressive.
Missed a lot of frees. Didnt look fluid, should have scored more points from play given the way Fermanagh just kind of stopped. If I was from Armagh I'd be worried enough.

Jarly Og lucky to stay on the pitch imo.

Jarly Og is one of the least aggressive players on the Armagh squad so I'd be very surprised if there was any intent there. A yellow card was fair in that instance.

Sorry but I hate that "he's not that type of player"


It was high and dangerous what's his personality got to do with it? It was a red all day!

21,000 at this game. Leinster Championship is alive and kicking.

Croker will be full for Leinster vs Northampton though. Nothing to worry about lads.

I'm sure a few hung around after the Camogie as well?

Creditable performance from Meath they caused the Dubs bother in certain areas but haven't got the players to compete properly with them. It will still be well over double digits at the end.

Have never seen Cluxton as poor from kickouts he's been completely rattled this half!

Meath full of endeavour and a decent plan but their execution at times is shocking.

Losing the ball from simple solos and hand passes isn't going to go unpunished for too long against the Dubs.

Just the 47 steps

C'mon Meath!! They've started well.

OK lads I've whittled it down. Choose the worst from the weekend.

1) Blaine Hughes'(Armagh) woeful hick mullet
2) Barry McCambridge's (Armagh) wonderfully wispy comb over
3) Danny Magill's (Down) Fanta pube candyfloss barnet

1

I'm gonna say it.  Armagh haven't been that good.  (Runs for cover)....

Definitely second half.