Messages

They should adjourn to the ball alley in Croker - it's mostly handball they're playing and plenty of room for the crowd.

Well said Giovanni - this "take your medicine /cop on and stop moaning" viewpoint is disappointing.
Laois made a minor rule infringement - the punishment far outweighs the crime.
I don't believe we would have been thrown out if Co Board had stood firm and not offered a replay.
CCCC would probably have told Armagh that the ball was in their court and they would have to appeal.

We expect the lads on the field to stand up and fight and never throw in the towel - we should expect same from Co Board.
Anyway as Giovanni says, every club in Laois should get behind Laois the next day and get a decent crowd behind the team.

Imagine if this was Dublin or Cork - would there be a chance in hell that this game would be replayed? Can't believe we are not even putting up a fight.

I agree, but you need backbone to stand up and fight your corner.
Co Board were found wanting on Nowlan Park issue and now on this issue.
There were precedents where teams (e.g. Cork) broke rules and did not have to replay the game.

Of course we have to go out and give everything to win the replay but if we just roll over and say nothing then these things will just happen again and again.

Did Armagh Co Board even have the courtesy to acknowledge the Laois offer of a replay ?
No - they just manipulated the situation to their own advantage through the CCCC.

There is no precedent being set here that guarantees a replay.
CCCC recommended or proposed (dependent on where you read it) a replay.
Laois could have refused to offer a replay and put the ball back in CCCC court - Laois then fined or thrown out.

The only way for Armagh to get back in was to accept Laois offer of a replay.
If Armagh had any pride or sportsmanship they would refuse the offer.

Laois should have called CCCC's bluff and not accepted replay proposal.
There were then 2 options
1.  a fine for Laois
2.  Laois thrown out - Clare would get a bye in Qualifier Round 2

The absence of sportsmanship on the Armagh side should be plain for all to see.
There couldn't get through front door or back door so they sneak in through an open window.
It's not too late for them to redeem themselves and refuse replay.

Ah feck off with yourself Lenny. Why didn't Armagh have the balls to appeal rather than hide behind the CCCC ?
Laois should have called their bluff and let the CCCC choose to throw Laois out or fine them.
Please note, if Laois thrown out it would not have entitled Armagh to be re-admitted.

GAA Statement
Following an enquiry form the CCCC arising from the Round 1A Football Qualifier between Laois v Armagh on Saturday June 18, it has been confirmed that one extra substitute was used by Laois in error.

CCCC have proposed in accordance with rule, that this game should be replayed on Saturday July 2 at 3.0 in Portlaoise.

Laois have accepted this proposal.


So the CCCC "proposed" that the game should be replayed and Laois County Board accepted (foolishly in my opinion).
Some years ago Laois offered Carlow a replay when an obvious wide was flagged as a point - the honourable thing to do (Laois won the replay).

The honourable thing for Armagh to do if they were unhappy with last Saturday was to come out and appeal and not hide behind the skirts of the CCCC.

Let the CCCC make a decision and not be fudging the issue by "recommending" a replay.
Was there not a similar situation in 2012 AI Semi-Final when Mayo beat Dublin and Mayo supposedly used too many subs ?

Replay has been fixed for Nowlan Park and behind closed doors. The result will not be broadcast and Clare will get a bye in qualifiers.

looks like that is going to happen..leinster council meeting to night..will either be a fine and a replay..or thrown out....

For a start welcomehome the leinster council have no say as it was an AI qualifier.Croke Park will decide and it looks like we will be thrown out and Armagh will take our place. Who looks after the subs count on the sideline...is it the county secretary,chairman, management, Its a shamefull shambles and embarrasing. We have a joke set up for a county board and its no wonder supporters dont travel

Is it not the 4th official's job to verify substitutions before they are made ?

For the first time this year Laois produced a good performance in defence which was the foundation for this win - the return of manager's son Kieran Lillis as CHB and the impressive championship debut of Gearoid Hanrahan were key factors. Up front Laois wasted too many opportunities and nearly kicked the game away.

At half-time Armagh had recovered from the Laois goal and looked as if they would kick on - overall they were the better team in the first half. Laois dominated the second half with defence and midfield controlling the game but their inability to kill off the game is a worry. John O'Loughlin's return for the next round will help.

Well done Laois - it's a boost to get a win over a team with a bit of pedigree like Armagh. Ok, Armagh may have slipped back in the ranks but they would have been expecting to come through today. Hopefully Laois supporters will come out in bigger numbers the next day - these lads deserve our support.
A special mention for Gearoid Hanrahan - I thought he excelled on his championship debut.

Armagh have met Laois twice in AI Qualifiers and won both. Kieran McGeeney always had the upper hand over Laois in the championship when he was with Kildare. On the other hand Laois have a decent enough record against Armagh in O'Moore Park. Could be a good game.

If supporters (both Armagh and Laois) were considered for a minute there is no way this match would be fixed for the Sat afternoon.

The focus moves to the qualifiers now. Given the low expectations prior to Saturday the manner of our defeat should not cause too much damage to the mindset of the players. I hope that everyone stays on board - a good run in the qualifiers is within their capabilities.