Laochra Gael Mickey Linden

Brick Tamlin · January 31, 2007, 08:39:08 AM

a great watch last night, the hairs were standing on the back of me neck in some parts. What we wouldnt give for a mickey linden in the team today.

the man had it all, there isnt a Gael throughout Ireland that wouldnt be proud of such a man that plays our national games - made me feel proud to be a Down Gael.

note how many times he took on defenders on the outside, skinned them with them hangin out of him then cutting inside and slotting over with the left peg.

TORGAEL · January 31, 2007, 08:58:08 AM

great viewing last night......superb memories........brought it all back, the heady days of the early nineties.......what a footballer !

highorlow · January 31, 2007, 09:07:17 AM

The 90's was when i started to really remember AIF's as a teenager.

It will take some player to top Mickey in this series. For such a big man he had the acelleration of a ferrari dino, and the handling and balance of a Maserati Quattroporte. A true legend.

This show is usually repeated, i think on Sunday nights....

cavan4ever · January 31, 2007, 09:09:27 AM

Quote from: highorlow on January 31, 2007, 09:07:17 AM

It will take some player to top Mickey in this series. For such a big man he had the acelleration of a ferrari dino, and the handling and balance of a Maserati Quattroporte. A true legend.

What height was he i didn't think he was a big man !

amallon · January 31, 2007, 09:41:52 AM

Great show last night. Everyone in Mayobridge and Down can be proud of the man.

I'd say Mickey is 5ft 7 or 8.

I heard the program will be repeated on Friday night, not 100% on that though.

5 Sams · January 31, 2007, 09:53:29 AM

Excellent show. Sometimes you forget just how good the man was....did anyone else get the impression that Jarlath wasn't impressed with Francey's "tackle".

amallon · January 31, 2007, 09:59:36 AM

I got that impression too from the talk of Jarlath.

Brick Tamlin · January 31, 2007, 10:00:01 AM

noticed that myself. Hate to be cynical but he has to be seen to somewhat condemn what happened anyways.

GrandMasterFlash · January 31, 2007, 02:09:23 PM

Got that opinion too lads. I was thinking two things tho;

1. As said, he'd have to be seen to condemn it, I reckon he's lookin at being the future president of the GAA and has to be seen to condemn such actions by players
2. I don't think Silverbridge would have much time for Cross on the oul loacl scene..

Great show all the same, Mickey Linden's one of the best footballers I've had the pleasure of seeing.

amallon · January 31, 2007, 03:50:06 PM

One thing that will always stick in my mind is that when Mickey got the ball there would nearly always be the roar from the crowd "go on Mickey roast him". Mickey usually did deliver the roasting too! I hope Mayobridge supporters appreciate how lucky we were to have him playing for us.

downredblack · January 31, 2007, 04:05:02 PM

Same thing happens when Benny gets the ball but to a lesser extent granted . Still there is an expectation on him everytime he gets the ball .

blowinharp · January 31, 2007, 04:53:07 PM

Quote from: amallon on January 31, 2007, 09:41:52 AM
Great show last night. Everyone in Mayobridge and Down can be proud of the man.

I'd say Mickey is 5ft 7 or 8.

I heard the program will be repeated on Friday night, not 100% on that though.

4 the record he is 5 foot 10.

Dubh driocht · January 31, 2007, 07:31:10 PM

Surely the cry was 'skin him Mickey' as opposed to roast. Might you he did both. I ordered my 2 children to watch (at the expense of OC) and they were mesmorised. A bit like Gary Coleman.

ONeill · January 31, 2007, 08:57:00 PM

As I wrote before the night of the controversial deletions (I have strong suspicions, thegael!) I have an amusing abiding memory of Linden. In 1999, Danny Ball's men were flying. Tyrone had humiliated Fermanagh with Canavan the Kaiser back to the form of 1995. Cush was buzzing and McGleenan was an effective Donaghy-option up front. They were due to meet a Down side who struggled to defeat Antrim in the first round - a tired Pete McGrath on the sidelines. The semi was played at Casement on a hot summer's day. My crawling baldness did not welcome the searing sun. Tyrone were hot favourites to reach the final against an Armagh side who were gunning to end a 17-year thirst for an Ulster title.

Tyrone's play matched the weather as they scorched into a 8-2 lead with Canavan, Cush and McGleenan on serious form. For some reason Tyrone froze/stopped and Down chipped away at that lead until half time, going in only 2 behind. It was tit-for-tat in the second half and the youthful Paul McGurk in his debut season was finding an ageing Linden a handful. A break in play had occurred around centre-field with a Down player receiving treatment. Players were taking on water all over the field as did Linden. Mickey noticed play was about to resume and called out to McGurk asking if he wanted a drink. Paul, facing Linden, took the water bottle and at that precise moment the ball was sailing over his head into the space in front of Linden. McGurk, not managing to wet his lips, flung the bottle to the ground but was never going to catch Linden with a head-start. Over the bar. Down won by 5. Armagh won Ulster.

lawnseed 2 · January 31, 2007, 10:53:02 PM

as an armagh man i was quite happy to follow down in the early 90s. lets face it we hadnt much better to do. players like linden ross carr and wee james were very easy on the eye. you have to ask where has it all gone wrong for down lately?