Messages

I'd agree that there are around 11/12 certs who will be on everyones teams - it's difficult to compare the Fermanagh teams even over such a short period as the last 20years - as they have been operating at such different levels over that period of time - from Division 4 in the early to mid-90's, to a higher level since 1999/2000.
My stab is:
McAdam
McGuinness
Owens
Lilly
Cox
McCluskey
Tommy Callaghan
McGrath
Brewster
Curran
Rory G
Little
Mark Gallagher
Stevie Maguire
Raymie G

There are a few close calls for me - Cox v Raymie Curran, Little v Paul Greene. Full forward line picks itself - Tyson and Raymie Gallagher were 2 of the best around - if only they were both 10years younger!
I'd reckon 7or8 of the above would be on the all-time team with Ciaran Campbell, Tommy Durnien, Peter McGinnity, PT Tracey also being dead certs.
McGinnity is our most naturally gifted footballer, but Barry Owens would be well up there, and hopefully has a few years left yet.

FermPundit - I'm led to believe the only probable returning player is Ciaran McElroy who missed out on the Monaghan game due to concussion - McGrath will not be available for selection.
Think this game will be extremely tough for Fermanagh - Meath would be at least as strong around the middle of the field as Monaghan which is concerning - we need Ronnie to vary his kickouts a bit more than he did the last day - and for that reason I'd start Frog/Brady at full back and move Lyons to CHB - think he is a bit more mobile and is a strong ball carrier.
Was disappointed with Sherry against Monaghan, but with limited options there it looks like he will probably start there again. My preferred option would be to start Hugh Brady at full back, and play McDermott in the middle of the field - I thought he did ok when he moved out there against Monaghan
Think with the forwards we have we are always going to struggle for more that 10 or 11 scores so we'll need a big performance from the defence.
Given that we need the 2pts I would go with experience:
Ronnie
Goan
Brady
Sherry
McElroy
Lyons
Kelly
McDermott
Sherry
O'Brien
Keenan
Little
McElroy
Ryder
Maguire

Think I saw enough to give me a bit of optimism for the summer - we were badly beaten up in the middle of the field - but when we consider that we were missing 4 key men in McGrath, Murphy, Mccluskey and Ciaran McElroy from this area we were always going to struggle.
I would love to see Barry playing midfield later on in the year, but as has been said above it will depend on his fitness. O'Brien will be a great option in the half forward line - plenty of drive and decent strength, and an eye for a score or two which is something we badly need. If Ryder proves himself playing in Division 2 and can get fitter and sharper as the league goes on, I have seen enough from him to suggest he can do a job in the championship. He has great vision and showed some decent touches - on a different day we could have had another goal or two off some of his flicks.
I was disappointed with James Sherry on sunday - I don't know whether he is a realistic option any more come championship - hence the need for Barry in midfield. Agree that Lyons should be given a run in the half back line through the league - CLucker will man no. 6 when he returns, but Lyons could be a useful option in the halfback line.
Little and Keenan were well off the pace on sunday - but hopefully that is only shortterm.
If we could go to Navan and get 2pts off a Meath team who appear to be in disarray it would be a huge result - we then have 3 weeks before the next game to get a few of the injuries cleared up, and maybe give Malachy a few more options before we head to Cork.

Thought I'd resurrect the old account again for the upcoming season!!

Drew a game today we were coasting in - not a great start to the season. Few mistakes cost us at vital times - Ronnie had a few strange moments, and we made a bit of a howler for the goal conceded late on - think it was Ciaran McElroy who dropped a simple enough ball - unfortunately dropped it inside and wrong footed himself - most alert man being a Derry forward and scored a simple chance. Redeemed himself afterwards though with a cracking equaliser from under the stand.

We were coasting at all stages until the last 10mins - 5pts to 1pt ahead at half time - with good scores from Carson and Ferris in particular. Coasting through the second half as well thanks to scores from Pat Cadden, who disappointingly was the only scorer in this half until McElroys equaliser. Then came the Dery resurgence - but to be honest only for the concession of a bad goal we were well in control.

We certainly had a good bit more experience on the field than Derry - with some decent performances from some of the new players as well. Foy at Full Back, and Johnson were very sound in defence - foy looks a particularly classy footballer. Carson did ok in the middle of the field, but just needs to improve the fitness levels abit - but defintely an option there. Kille looked lively at CHF, some good touches and a decent range of passing. Ryder also looked pretty useful at full forward. Best of the old hands were Goan and Kelly in defence, with Keenan working hard as ever.

Don't think we found any answers today - but a few of the players will definitely have made a decent impression on O'Rourke.