Armagh Club football & hurling

[Final Whistle]

Thought there would be a bit more debate on here about it.

No Harps men I see. I thought Morrison was going to get a run, I take it Kelly did not get a trial?

Can he run?

[corn02]

I heard he did well at the trials.

[AFS]

Still about mackers 

Fairly happy with the panel, with a few of the main men missing it seems a lot of lads going to have plenty of chances to stake their claims, which can only be a good thing. Particularly looking forward to seeing James Lavery have the chance to re-establish himself. Brendan Donaghy should get a good run of games to try to nail down a Championship starting spot. Joe Feeney should also get a few run outs, hoping for big things from him. Kick outs, from whoever is the chosen GK, will be interesting as Hearty's aimless punts have been putting pressure on our midfield for years, so it'd be nice if the new guy could make an attempt at directing the ball in a general direction at the very least.

The only thing I'd have a bit of bother with is the inclusion of guys like Smyth and Shannon. I've nothing in particular against these guys, and by the simplest logic they are probably in the top 30-40 players in the county, therefore should be involved. But they've been hanging around McKenna Cup/League panels for 5 or 6 years now and have never really looked like they were gonna break through and claim a Championship spot, so I'd question the logic of including these guys, who are in their mid to late twenties now, over a couple of fresh 19-20 year olds.

Don't expect much Spring success but as long as 2 or 3 guys put their hands up for a Summer spot I'll be delighted. Roll on the 4th

[corn02]

Still about mackers 

Fairly happy with the panel, with a few of the main men missing it seems a lot of lads going to have plenty of chances to stake their claims, which can only be a good thing. Particularly looking forward to seeing James Lavery have the chance to re-establish himself. Brendan Donaghy should get a good run of games to try to nail down a Championship starting spot. Joe Feeney should also get a few run outs, hoping for big things from him. Kick outs, from whoever is the chosen GK, will be interesting as Hearty's aimless punts have been putting pressure on our midfield for years, so it'd be nice if the new guy could make an attempt at directing the ball in a general direction at the very least.

The only thing I'd have a bit of bother with is the inclusion of guys like Smyth and Shannon. I've nothing in particular against these guys, and by the simplest logic they are probably in the top 30-40 players in the county, therefore should be involved. But they've been hanging around McKenna Cup/League panels for 5 or 6 years now and have never really looked like they were gonna break through and claim a Championship spot, so I'd question the logic of including these guys, who are in their mid to late twenties now, over a couple of fresh 19-20 year olds.

Don't expect much Spring success but as long as 2 or 3 guys put their hands up for a Summer spot I'll be delighted. Roll on the 4th

Fair points AFS, obviously from a Dromintee point of view I hope Shannon gets more game time, but I see your point.

As you say the GK spot will be interesting, but if someone as classy as McKinney does not get the nod who knows? I am sure the Harps men will have been impressed with McEvoy in recent years too.

Agreed on the last point two. If two or three 'put their hands up' as you say, it will bea job well done. Mackin is bound to have a point to prove and if he takes hsi club form into it, he could have a say in the summer.

I will watch Henderson and Austin with interest. Two players touted for their ability but for one reason or another have not shined or had the chance. Feeney may be a little green. I have seen hima couple of times and he has been excellent, but this is a different level for someone as young. Surprised to see JP there, was he good for the Ogs this year? Martin from Dromintee is a very good prospect. He destroyed/ had a horse of a game ( delete as appropriate ) against Cross.

Smyth is a very good defender and played a big part in the u21 success.

Unfortuantely I don't really know anything about Keady's McDonnell or Chris Rafferty is anyone wants to give us a run down?

I know it is only McKenna Cup, but I never thought I'd see the day when seven Dromintee boys are on the squad, likewise I am sure Granemore never thought they would see three men on it a few years back.

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

Ronan Austin (Clan Na Gael)
Conor Clarke (Pearse Og)
Ronan Clarke (Pearse Og)
Brendan Donaghy (Clonmore)
J P Donnelly (Pearse Og)
Joe Feeney (Madden)
Ryan Henderson (Clann Eireann)
James Lavery (Maghery)
Malachy Mackin (St Patrick's)
Brian Mallon (Tir na nÓg)
Vincent Martin (Dromintee)
Finnian Moriarty (Wolfe Tone)
Tony McClelland (Granemore)
Barry McDonald (Tir na nÓg)
Eugene McDonnell (Keady)
Philip McElroy (Dromintee)
Ciaran McKeever (St Patrick's)
Paddy McKeever (Ballyhegan)
Shane O'Neill (Dromintee)
Aidan O'Rourke (Dromintee)
Kevin O'Rourke (St Michael's)
Martin O'Rourke (Dromintee)
Micheal O'Rourke (Dromintee)
Neil O'Rourke (St Michael's)
Chris Rafferty (Pearse Og)
Paudie Rodgers (Lissummon)
Barry Shannon (Dromintee)
Gareth Smyth (Mullaghbawn)
Barry Toner (Granemore)
Kieran Toner (Granemore)

I suppose the squad is fairly as expected, with McKinney's absence the main surprise. There'd be a couple of players I'd know little about - Rafferty, McElroy, mcDonnell, Feeney. Is Neil O'Rourke a borther of Kevin's?

Glad to see Malachy Mackin back in the squad. After his club performances last year, its fully deserved.

I agree with Corn that henderson is one to watch - I saw him once last year playing for Armagh against Wexford at the opening of Clam Eireann's pitch and he was arguably the best player on the pitch. Albeit only a challenge match but hopefully he'll show some form. Woulda been nice to have had the likes of the McKeowns, Murtagh and McNamee from Cross available.

One thing I would sat, is that while obviously every player ont he panel should get their chance, I'd like to see the team backboned by established county players in the McKenna Cup eg Clarke, Donaghy, Aidan and Martin O'Rourke, Ciaran McKeever. No point in selected 12 / 13 debutants in one team as happened last year as that tends to leave the team lacking shape and direction and its very difficult for so many fellas to make the step up at the same time. Much better to have them playing alongside more established lads.

[corn02]

TAC 'McElroy' is McEvoy - Dromintee keeper.

[rootthemout]

what happened to gregory loughran from ogs,thought he had the makings of a good footballer,kevin kelly from harps should have had a runout if only for his place kicking when on song as good as any in county.badly need a left footer that can kick 40-50 metre freesi know aronn is accurate from inside 35metres but not strong enough from 40-50metres

[mackers]

Ronan Austin (Clan Na Gael)
Conor Clarke (Pearse Og)
Ronan Clarke (Pearse Og)
Brendan Donaghy (Clonmore)
J P Donnelly (Pearse Og)
Joe Feeney (Madden)
Ryan Henderson (Clann Eireann)
James Lavery (Maghery)
Malachy Mackin (St Patrick’s)
Brian Mallon (Tir na nÓg)
Vincent Martin (Dromintee)
Finnian Moriarty (Wolfe Tone)
Tony McClelland (Granemore)
Barry McDonald (Tir na nÓg)
Eugene McDonnell (Keady)
Philip McElroy (Dromintee)
Ciaran McKeever (St Patrick’s)
Paddy McKeever (Ballyhegan)
Shane O’Neill (Dromintee)
Aidan O’Rourke (Dromintee)
Kevin O’Rourke (St Michael’s)
Martin O’Rourke (Dromintee)
Micheal O’Rourke (Dromintee)
Neil O’Rourke (St Michael’s)
Chris Rafferty (Pearse Og)
Paudie Rodgers (Lissummon)
Barry Shannon (Dromintee)
Gareth Smyth (Mullaghbawn)
Barry Toner (Granemore)
Kieran Toner (Granemore)

I suppose the squad is fairly as expected, with McKinney's absence the main surprise. There'd be a couple of players I'd know little about - Rafferty, McElroy, mcDonnell, Feeney. Is Neil O'Rourke a borther of Kevin's?

Glad to see Malachy Mackin back in the squad. After his club performances last year, its fully deserved.

I agree with Corn that henderson is one to watch - I saw him once last year playing for Armagh against Wexford at the opening of Clam Eireann's pitch and he was arguably the best player on the pitch. Albeit only a challenge match but hopefully he'll show some form. Woulda been nice to have had the likes of the McKeowns, Murtagh and McNamee from Cross available.

One thing I would sat, is that while obviously every player ont he panel should get their chance, I'd like to see the team backboned by established county players in the McKenna Cup eg Clarke, Donaghy, Aidan and Martin O'Rourke, Ciaran McKeever. No point in selected 12 / 13 debutants in one team as happened last year as that tends to leave the team lacking shape and direction and its very difficult for so many fellas to make the step up at the same time. Much better to have them playing alongside more established lads.

That's a point that I argued on after the McKenna Cup match against Derry last year. It was very unfair on the debutants that day playing against the like of Fergal Doherty without some experience down the backbone of the team. Nobody expects or indeed wants an experienced 15 put out in the Mckenna Cup but you have to be fair to the new lads too.

[corn02]

Team I'd like for Antrim:

McEvoy

Finn Mo V Martin Smyth
Shannon McKeever B Donaghy
M Mackin Lavery
McClelland Brian Mallon Henderson
Kevin O Rourke Ronan Clarke  Michael O Rourke

[TacadoirArdMhacha]

I'd like to see soemthing similar Corn, maybe along the lines of;

Rodgers / mcEvoy

Moriarty      K Toner      Smyth

Donaghy     McKeever     JP Donnelly

          Mackin       Lavery

McClelland      Mallon        S O'Neill

Henderson     R Austin     Michael O'Rourke

Then the next week bring in the likes of Aidan and Martin O'Rourke, Paddy McKeever and Ronan Clarke to replace some of the more experienced players and give a few of the newer members of the panel a run as well.

[corn02]

Completely forgot about Austin.  I would put him at ff as well.

[Old Bill]

T McClelland at WHF?

I'd like to see soemthing similar Corn, maybe along the lines of;

Rodgers / mcEvoy

Moriarty      K Toner      Smyth

Donaghy     McKeever     JP Donnelly

          Mackin       Lavery

McClelland      Mallon        S O'Neill

Henderson     R Austin     Michael O'Rourke

Then the next week bring in the likes of Aidan and Martin O'Rourke, Paddy McKeever and Ronan Clarke to replace some of the more experienced players and give a few of the newer members of the panel a run as well.

Team I'd like for Antrim:

McEvoy

Finn Mo V Martin Smyth
Shannon McKeever B Donaghy
M Mackin Lavery
McClelland Brian Mallon Henderson
Kevin O Rourke Ronan Clarke  Michael O Rourke

[IVEDECIDED]

Completely forgot about Austin.  I would put him at ff as well.

I wouldnt hes f**king shit! Prob good enough to get on that team yous have lined out though! But then 'illdecide' would prob feel hard done by not to be included on THAT TEAM!

[charlie stubbs]

corn dont think henderson have the "balls" to play half forward at this level  corner forward or in a 2 man ff line be his best position.  agree with the p[ost concerning mckeowns and mcnamee being part of the panel.  mickey especially as he has done alot more than the olike to shorty clarke over the last few years to warrant a place on the panel.  glad see martin get a chance to a man who has always had potential put no real luck with injuries

[Square Ball]

A bomb has been found near GAA premises in Armagh, the police have said.

It was found after police carried out another search in the Friary Road area of Armagh city, following a claim that a device was left there on 13 December.

Inspector Paul Fulham said the device could have caused serious injury. It has been removed for examination.

"This device could have caused serious harm and grief to members of the public, especially children who may have played in the area," he said.

"The people who left it have no regard for life and we do not want them in our society."

From the BBC

What club is this guys?