No Cross boys anyway, well done today.
I wouldn't be surprised if Mackin and McKeever play.
Team, as of now, i'd like to see.
McEvoy
Mallon Donaghy McKenna
Duffy Dyas Finn Mo
Vernon Lavery
Forker Mallon Duffy
Rafferty McParland McVerry
Armagh v Mayo, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 3rd March 2012 (7pm)
Looking forward to seeing the refurb at the Athletic grounds, love these saturday night games. Be interesting to see how Mayo line out for this.
It will be interesting to see if Mayo can start off all guns blazing for a change! If they can, then great (hopefully), if not I fear Armagh will win with home advantage. Great it's a Saturday evening game as well. How is BJP getting on with Armagh?
Padden is a decent panel player. He's probably had spells in every line since coming on board, but it's as a roaming FF that he looks most effective. I'd like to think that there are a handful of better options for the #14 jersey, so he may be reduced to appearances from the bench going forward. He's not a bad fella to bring on and keep a hold of the ball if you're protecting a lead, as we were last weekend down in Kerry.
The team in the OP looks reasonable if we're going to be missing the two Cullyhanna boys. Kingham will probably get another run, hopefully at FF rather than midfield. Would like to see Stefan Campbell get a start after his impressive McKenna Cup displays. Rafferty will do well to hold onto his jersey, didn't do a lot in the Kerry game other than supply an excellent pass for the first goal. Have a feeling Mayo could hand us a dose of reality. After two (well, one and a half) impressive televised displays, there's little chance of them taking us lightly. McKeever and Mackin would be very big losses too given their current form.
Beat them in Castlebar last year and will be disheartening not to win this after the Kerry,Cork results.
Hoping to make the trip to Armagh. Never been to a match there, looking forward to it.
A big test for Mayo, but I think they'll relish it. There was a fair bit of criticism after the half-match against the Dubs, and I think they'll be going all out to show that they're a serious team.
There are still a fair few positions to be sorted on the Mayo team - the likes of Cillian O'Connor, Andy Moran and Aidan O'Shea haven't had much of a run yet this year.
Armagh are a very different team from the usual Mayo teams of recent years - they are big, physical and direct. But Mayo are moving more in that direction under Horan, so will be very interesting to see how it pans out.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 18, 2012, 10:18:42 PM
Beat them in Castlebar last year and will be disheartening not to win this after the Kerry,Cork results.
Would be hesitant to read anything into last year's game. Mayo were dreadful that day, by a distance the worst team Armagh faced in last year's league. But they had a new manager on board who seemed to be playing about with a few things. Their later displays demonstrated that they were capable of much better, and I reckon their championship team would've coped with ours had we met. Wouldn't be too concerned with a defeat provided the likes of Forker and Duffy continue to show up well.
Quote from: spuds on February 18, 2012, 07:07:23 PM
Armagh v Mayo, Athletic Grounds, Armagh, 3rd March 2012 (7pm)
Looking forward to seeing the refurb at the Athletic grounds, love these saturday night games. Be interesting to see how Mayo line out for this.
You won't be disappointed with the Athletic Grounds, it really is a superb venue now. I'd put money on Billie Joe starting for this one after last year's performance. Red Ned's in Ogle street for your pre-match pints, see ye there;)
Quote from: onefaircounty on February 18, 2012, 05:55:20 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if Mackin and McKeever play.
Those two boys are the leaders and play-makers of that team at the moment, if they don't play I can't see us getting anything. Would be interesting all the same to see who'd take the opportunity to step up in their absence.
Quote from: Ulick on February 19, 2012, 12:30:02 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on February 18, 2012, 05:55:20 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if Mackin and McKeever play.
Those two boys are the leaders and play-makers of that team at the moment, if they don't play I can't see us getting anything. Would be interesting all the same to see who'd take the opportunity to step up in their absence.
While these two have ben outstanding in both games so far, it will be interesting to see how the team copes without them. The bigger picture is having a settled 1st 15 to give Tyrone a rattle come the summer and 1 more win should be enough to stay in Div 1.
I hope to make it to the game and I'd appreciate some directions from someone who knows how to get to the grounds.
I'm based in Dublin and will be using the motorway. I can get onto Newry by-pass okay and I suppose I should turn off onto the A28 but I'm not sure after that.
Where do I go after that?
Quote from: Lar Naparka on February 19, 2012, 12:44:55 PM
I hope to make it to the game and I'd appreciate some directions from someone who knows how to get to the grounds.
I'm based in Dublin and will be using the motorway. I can get onto Newry by-pass okay and I suppose I should turn off onto the A28 but I'm not sure after that.
Where do I go after that?
Come off at the A28,
Armagh is 20mileish ahead, just keep to the main road going past Markethill on your left about 8mile from Armagh,
When in Armagh follow the main road the hill down to the sets of traffic lights, there is a car park in front of you,
Keep in the left lane signed for Monaghan/Killylea,
Go past Armagh City Hotel on your left,
After the next set of traffic lights there is a slip road 100m to your left,
At the bottom of the slip way the ground is behind the Mc Anerneys Shop and there is an official car park about 150m to the left of the slipway in the Christian Brothers Primary School.
Should this not be in the Division 1 thread? ???
Apologies Jinxy, just thought there were enough Mayo and Armagh posters for a thread. Mods can merge it in if they wish.
Quote from: AFS on February 18, 2012, 10:54:32 PM
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 18, 2012, 10:18:42 PM
Beat them in Castlebar last year and will be disheartening not to win this after the Kerry,Cork results.
Would be hesitant to read anything into last year's game. Mayo were dreadful that day, by a distance the worst team Armagh faced in last year's league. But they had a new manager on board who seemed to be playing about with a few things. Their later displays demonstrated that they were capable of much better, and I reckon their championship team would've coped with ours had we met. Wouldn't be too concerned with a defeat provided the likes of Forker and Duffy continue to show up well.
I know what your saying sure Wicklow almost beat Armagh.
Quote from: onefaircounty on February 19, 2012, 02:08:24 PM
Apologies Jinxy, just thought there were enough Mayo and Armagh posters for a thread. Mods can merge it in if they wish.
Only pullin yer leg.
Quote from: Jinxy on February 19, 2012, 04:59:04 PM
Quote from: onefaircounty on February 19, 2012, 02:08:24 PM
Apologies Jinxy, just thought there were enough Mayo and Armagh posters for a thread. Mods can merge it in if they wish.
Only pullin yer leg.
Stick to your own Div 2 thread :P
I'll know the morning of the game if I can go myself or not. Probably will make it but things may crop up.
do mayo bring plenty of tasty talent to these league games? they'll love drinking pints round the shambles with the locals that night :P
Quote from: Orchardman on February 19, 2012, 09:18:34 PM
do mayo bring plenty of tasty talent to these league games? they'll love drinking pints round the shambles with the locals that night :P
They'll fit right in.
Quote from: Armagh Cúchulainns on February 19, 2012, 12:57:43 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on February 19, 2012, 12:44:55 PM
I hope to make it to the game and I'd appreciate some directions from someone who knows how to get to the grounds.
I'm based in Dublin and will be using the motorway. I can get onto Newry by-pass okay and I suppose I should turn off onto the A28 but I'm not sure after that.
Where do I go after that?
Come off at the A28,
Armagh is 20mileish ahead, just keep to the main road going past Markethill on your left about 8mile from Armagh,
When in Armagh follow the main road the hill down to the sets of traffic lights, there is a car park in front of you,
Keep in the left lane signed for Monaghan/Killylea,
Go past Armagh City Hotel on your left,
After the next set of traffic lights there is a slip road 100m to your left,
At the bottom of the slip way the ground is behind the Mc Anerneys Shop and there is an official car park about 150m to the left of the slipway in the Christian Brothers Primary School.
Thanks very much. I will probably stay the night in Newry which I know pretty well but if I thought there'd be a bit of craic in Armagh after the match, I wouldn't mind staying on.
Could you tell me where to go for the craic later on and what is the best place to stay overnight?
Best Accodomation in Newry is the Canal Court Hotel - http://www.canalcourthotel.com/
The Canal Court is always pumping on a Saturday night !
If you do decide to stay in Armagh - There's a hotel very close to the ground - http://www.armaghcityhotel.com/
We travelled to Castlebar last yesar for the Mayo and Armagh match and the welcome we got was exceptional - Especially in Mick Byrne's pub !
This thread is relatively quiet for the amount of posters from the participating counties. Any predictions on the game? I'm expecting it to be a tough game for Mayo away from home against Armagh. It will be interesting to see if Mayo will leave it until around 20 minutes to start playiing. Unfortunately I can't make it on Saturday but to those who are going from Mayo I hope ye end up with the right result! Not overly confident about it happening but the 2 week break might have come at a bad time for Armagh as they seemed to be very impressive in their opening two games.
Any word on whether Stevie "I love Liverpool a bit too much" McDonnell is coming back?
I would say, from his tweeting, that the answer is no.
What's the best route from Castlebar to Armagh can anyone tell me? Probably via Sligo and Enniskillen?
Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on February 29, 2012, 08:51:06 PM
What's the best route from Castlebar to Armagh can anyone tell me? Probably via Sligo and Enniskillen?
Correct.
It will take you about 3 hours 30 mins
Quote from: Armagh Cúchulainns on February 19, 2012, 12:57:43 PM
Quote from: Lar Naparka on February 19, 2012, 12:44:55 PM
I hope to make it to the game and I'd appreciate some directions from someone who knows how to get to the grounds.
I'm based in Dublin and will be using the motorway. I can get onto Newry by-pass okay and I suppose I should turn off onto the A28 but I'm not sure after that.
Where do I go after that?
Come off at the A28,
Armagh is 20mileish ahead, just keep to the main road going past Markethill on your left about 8mile from Armagh,
When in Armagh follow the main road the hill down to the sets of traffic lights, there is a car park in front of you,
Keep in the left lane signed for Monaghan/Killylea,
Go past Armagh City Hotel on your left,
After the next set of traffic lights there is a slip road 100m to your left,
At the bottom of the slip way the ground is behind the Mc Anerneys Shop and there is an official car park about 150m to the left of the slipway in the Christian Brothers Primary School.
Cheers AC, any idea how long it'll take to spin from Dublin?
Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on February 29, 2012, 08:51:06 PM
What's the best route from Castlebar to Armagh can anyone tell me? Probably via Sligo and Enniskillen?
What about branching off at Edgeworthstown for Cavan, Monaghan, Armagh?? Might take a bit longer but the Sligo Enniskillen road isn't great.
Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on February 29, 2012, 08:51:06 PM
What's the best route from Castlebar to Armagh can anyone tell me? Probably via Sligo and Enniskillen?
If you're going the Sligo-Enniskillen route, make sure you have good Tyres, a sick bag and travel tablets. It's a cnut of a road.
QuoteCheers AC, any idea how long it'll take to spin from Dublin?
It depends on where in Dublin you start off from. 1Hr30 1Hr35 or so.
Mayo folk.
Drive carefully on your journey up to Armagh.
I hope the journey home isnt too bad either, especially with your tail between your legs.
Quote from: Orior on March 01, 2012, 01:33:04 PM
Mayo folk.
Drive carefully on your journey up to Armagh.
I hope the journey home isnt too bad either, especially with your tail between your legs.
I hope those words don't come back and bite a bit hole in your arse, orior!
McKeever is a big loss here, will be a great acid test for Armagh.
Is the team announced yet?
Are we gonna give BJP a run out for old-time sake?
Armagh team to play Mayo
http://www.armagh-gaa.com/football/team-news-armagh-v-mayo/
Quote from: Orior on March 01, 2012, 01:33:04 PM
Mayo folk.
Drive carefully on your journey up to Armagh.
I hope the journey home isnt too bad either, especially with your tail between your legs.
No need to pick on poor BJP.
QuoteArmagh team to play Mayo
Pretty much based on Tralee except for forced changes. Let's hope they play with the same spirit in front of a similar crowd!
It seems there is a player from Bhaile Mhic Cullach and a sub from Na Gormacha, Baile Mhic Cullaigh. We need Hardstation to analyse this.
Culloville and Cullaville, lol
We also have 'Naomh Mhuire, An Ghráinseach Mhór' agus 'Naomh Mhuire, An Gráinne Mór'.
Surely 'Sháirséiligh na Móinte Arda' is incorrect?
What's McParland like compared to McVerry? McVerry a loss or..?
Mayo team to face Armagh:
1. David Clarke - Ballina Stephenites
2. Kevin Keane - Westport
3. Ger Cafferkey - Ballina Stephenites
4. Keith Higgins - Ballyhaunis
5. Richie Feeney - Castlebar Mitchels
6. Donal Vaughan - Ballinrobe
7. Lee Keegan - Westport
8. Aidan O'Shea - Breaffy
9. Barry Moran - Castlebar Mitchels
25. Alan Freeman - Aghamore
11. Alan Dillon - Ballintubber
12. Jason Doherty - Burrishoole
13. Conor Mortimer - Parnells
14. Andy Moran - Ballaghaderreen
15. Enda Varley - Garrymore
16. Robert Hennelly - Breaffy
17. Alan Feeney - Castlebar Mitchels
18. Eoghan Reilly - Castlebar Mitchels
19. Danny Geraghty - Ballintubber
20. Shane McHale - Knockmore
21. Seamus O'Shea - Breaffy
22. Jason Gibbons - Ballintubber
23. Michael Conroy - Davitts
24. Cillian O'Connor - Ballintubber
10. Kevin McLoughlin - Knockmore
Strong Mayo team. Good to see Kevin Keane gettnig another chance at corner-back after a fairly difficult debut against the Dubs.
Barry Moran back in midfield which is where he is most effective, and where he is needed most.
Not all that convinced about the half-forward line - there's no great ball-winning ability there.
Great to see Andy Moran starting again, hopefully he's on his way to regaining his All-Star form of last year.
QuoteGreat to see Andy Moran starting again, hopefully he's on his way to regaining his All-Star form of last year.
But we won't be too disappointed if he waits another week to fully regain form!!
It is a pity that it is supposed to rain tomorrow, after several pleasant days, but it will hopefully have cleared by game throw in.
It looks like Freeman for McLoughlin was a late change judging by the numbers. It's probably just as well as we nearly went with the weakest (physically) forward line possible. It's still very short on ball winners up front so we may struggle to keep possession and keep the ball up the right end of the field from our point of view.
Good enough team but would have liked to have McLoughlin available - have doubts about Freeman in half forward line. Still expect we will win by 5 or 6 points against an Armagh team that have probably over performed in first two games and may get a reality check in this one.
bit of an odd team . if ever there was a day for throwing the big men in it's against armagh who mayo normally struggle physically agains much as kerry did the last day . if it was a Campionship game i wouldnt be too bothered about them but they are a fine winter league side.
From a horse for course point of view i would have put in S oSe gibbon and even give Geraghty a run.
any word on Kirby? injured?
Quote from: fitzroyalty on March 02, 2012, 12:18:59 AM
We also have 'Naomh Mhuire, An Ghráinseach Mhór' agus 'Naomh Mhuire, An Gráinne Mór'.
Surely 'Sháirséiligh na Móinte Arda' is incorrect?
I've seen this before as Na Sairseligh na Mointe Arda
Why has Mal Mackin allowed to play and K Mc Keever not
Quote from: Onion Bag on March 02, 2012, 01:35:03 PM
Why has Mal Mackin allowed to play and K Mc Keever not
Mal Mackin's suspension was lifted, K Mc Keever retired from Derry years ago.
Quote from: Captain Obvious on February 18, 2012, 10:18:42 PM
Beat them in Castlebar last year and will be disheartening not to win this after the Kerry,Cork results.
I was at that game last year and it was close enough 2-10 to 1-10. Armagh s best were Padden (sweeping), McDonnell, Vernon and McKeever. Mayo s selection on the day bears little resemblance to what developed later in the year, and indeed to what is happening now.
MAYO V ARMAGH 2011: Kenneth O'Malley; Tom Cunniffe, Cathal Hallinan, Chris Barrett; Peadar Gardiner, Ger Cafferkey, Ruaidhri O'Connor; Tom Parsons, Jason Gibbons; Aidan Campbell (0-3, frees), Alan Dillon (0-2, one free), Kevin McLoughlin; Aidan Kilcoyne (0-1), Andy Moran (0-3), Jason Doherty (1-1). Subs: Richie Feeney for Gardiner, Ronan McGarrity for Parsons, Enda Varley for Kilcoyne, Aidan O'Shea for McLoughlin.
At least 5 of those starters no longer even in the panel!
I d prefer todays team of course but I doubt if it is close to a championship team though. It ll be interesting to see what kind of Mayo performance shows up tomorrow night. Horan has been saying the right things since the abandoned Dub. game. He s correctly identified where the problems were. Another watery display and you d have to begin to wonder if the message is getting through to some players though.
On reflection, I can really see our forwards struggle. I think we might have only 2 championship forwards in there.
Prefer to see Andy Moran at no.11 he's a good distributor and fearless for breaking ball, I'd have O'Connor at full instead.
Quote
On reflection, I can really see our forwards struggle. I think we might have only 2 championship forwards in there.
I'm curious as to who you think will be Mayo's 6 starting forwards come championship time? IMO Alan Freeman,Alan Dillon,Conor Mortimer & Andy Moran will be starters.
Quote from: ross4life on March 02, 2012, 03:18:32 PM
Quote
On reflection, I can really see our forwards struggle. I think we might have only 2 championship forwards in there.
I'm curious as to who you think will be Mayo's 6 starting forwards come championship time? IMO Alan Freeman,Alan Dillon,Conor Mortimer & Andy Moran will be starters.
Moran and O'Connor definites.
Freeman, Dillon, McLoughlin and Mort if they are in good health and good form.
Dark horses:
Doherty: if he is flying like in the League last year;
Varley: has done ok but needs to catch fire sometime;
Kirby: 4 goals from FF on his first start fairly catches the eye and can't be ruled out;
Conroy: Can always do a job and could easily get in at 15;
Trevor Mort: too good not to consider if he is flying fit
AOS: I think Barry and Seamus could play midfield with AOS at 11 and Cillian in the FF line.
Back to the Armagh game. Glad to see Keane getting another go, the other 5 look stronger with Caff at 3 and Richie at 5, so he should have an easier first half than the last day, hopefully. Midfield will do fine but it is a funny looking front 6. Freeman is being moved about a lot after bursting on the scene in an otherwise disastrous 2010. I would like to see him allowed to settle at 14 or 15.
The only ball we won at midfield against the Dubs was when Barry caught it, I would prefer as Mac2 said Andy out at hf winning breaking ball. Richie should improve things here too. Doherty at 12 is interesting and worth a look as he is a good man running straight at a defense.
Quote from: Keane on March 02, 2012, 08:04:56 AM
What's McParland like compared to McVerry? McVerry a loss or..?
McVerry is a loss. He'd been bedding in fairly well for a newcomer, with his work rate typifying the positive attitude displayed by Armagh in their first two games. That said, McParland is a good alternative. He is probably a bit further ahead in his senior development, appearing in last year's championship, but has been easing his way back from injury. Had McVerry been available I reckon both he and McParland would've started in the corners, with Rafferty dropping out.
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2012, 03:42:23 PM
Moran and O'Connor definites.
Freeman, Dillon, McLoughlin and Mort if they are in good health and good form.
Dark horses:
Doherty: if he is flying like in the League last year;
Varley: has done ok but needs to catch fire sometime;
Kirby: 4 goals from FF on his first start fairly catches the eye and can't be ruled out;
Conroy: Can always do a job and could easily get in at 15;
Trevor Mort: too good not to consider if he is flying fit
AOS: I think Barry and Seamus could play midfield with AOS at 11 and Cillian in the FF line.
One other to mention as a dark horse.
Michael Forde .... minor from 2010 - was badly injured in the Connacht junior final last year (shoulder dislocation) which was only a few days after he was drafted into the senior panel. Started with U-21s last year as well. Only coming back to full fitness but yet has been on the senior panel since start of season (was on bench v Dublin).
Quote from: AFS on March 02, 2012, 06:49:31 PM
McVerry is a loss. He'd been bedding in fairly well for a newcomer, with his work rate typifying the positive attitude displayed by Armagh in their first two games. That said, McParland is a good alternative. He is probably a bit further ahead in his senior development, appearing in last year's championship, but has been easing his way back from injury. Had McVerry been available I reckon both he and McParland would've started in the corners, with Rafferty dropping out.
TY for the info.
Quote from: Mayo Mick on March 02, 2012, 10:47:20 AM
Good enough team but would have liked to have McLoughlin available - have doubts about Freeman in half forward line. Still expect we will win by 5 or 6 points against an Armagh team that have probably over performed in first two games and may get a reality check in this one.
Good man mick.Keep takin the hooch!
Anyone know what radio station is covering the match? Tx
Quote from: Oraisteach on March 03, 2012, 03:57:55 PM
Anyone know what radio station is covering the match? Tx
Mid-west will definitely be giving live commentary, and you can listen online. But you'll have to put up with a mayo slant :-)
Thanks, Tubber. Have my Mayo-Armagh Berlitz dictionary ready.
Armagh 0.03
Mayo 1.04
Perfect start for Mayo 1-4 to 0-0 Moran with the goal Freeman 3 points & Varley i think with the other. Armagh slowly getting back into now 1-4 to 0-4
Conor Mort free, seems its the first time he has touched the ball!!!
Armagh 0.04
Mayo 1.05
Mayo yellow card there.
Half time - Armagh 0-6 Mayo 1-7. Seems a good game on the radio anyway.
Armagh 0.06
Mayo 1.11
So much for Mayo forwards going to struggle for scores, they seem to be scoring from every effort tonight.
Armagh 0-8 Mayo 1-11.
John Casey not happy with referee on the radio.
Colm Boyle on for Mayo
Down to 5 points now
Armagh 0.08
Mayo 1.11
Armagh begining to get on top.
Saved off the Mayo line, Armagh 45. Mayo let off.
Great win for Mayo tonight. Took our scores when the ball went into the forwards. Thankfully that ball was cleared off the line. Mayo did well in the end. Still however, they went a long time in the second half without scoring. I suppose James Horan will need to remedy that before the next game against Down. Will let others who were at the game comment. Ref seemed fussy, according to what I was listening to.
Well done Mayo
Disheartening not to win this home game after the Kerry,Cork results. Mayo had this game wrapped up after the first ten minutes.
Armagh werent great tonight, but i have to say that Deegan tonight was an absolute disgrace, his application of the rules between the 2 teams was a farce! 2 men tackling and Armagh man was a free to Mayo for overcarrying while in the opposite was a free to Mayo for 2 man tackle!!
Again Armagh werent good enough and didnt deserve anything but its disappointing when nothing is going your way for the ref to be against you too!
Had a feeling Mayo would do us tonight. Disappointing after the feel good stuff of the last month or so.
Thought there were three periods of the game that killed us: the beginning of the first half, the beginning of the second half, and the last five minutes. That Mayo did feck all outside of these short spells, and still won comfortably, is fairly damning. Though, it was a very efficient showing from them. They were especially clinical from frees.
Was always going to be an uphill struggle after going seven down. The concession of another goal from a mishit 50 was a real killer. We played fairly well for the remainder of the half, with a lot of high tempo pressing paying dividends. But then we let all that hard work slip early in the second half, allowing Mayo saunter right through the middle repeatedly until they had rebuilt their seven or eight point lead. The efforts of our midfield and HB line left a lot to be desired during this phase, with several Mayo attacks failing to attract a single respectable tackle. This was followed by another credible comeback, but I felt that once we got within a goal a couple of poor decisions let the game trickle away. There was a missed free to get it down to two. Given his form with the frees tonight, Forker should have taken this. It wasn't really on his side but central enough for him to have a good go. There was then a couple of poor kick outs, which went straight to Mayo lads. For at least one of these a quick kick out to free men out wide was on, but the keeper didn't even look up to see these options.
Not many stand out performers on the Armagh side. Mackin was good again, Forker did alright and was good from frees, Donaghy did well and almost created the goal that would've given us a great platform to push on and win the game, Watters came on and hit a couple of points to his credit, and Lavery made a good impact when introduced - he probably should have replaced Vernon after his injury.
On the other side, the HB line was poor with only Dyas really showing anything at all. McKenna and, surprisingly, Mallon were turned a few times more often than you would like. Didn't think Kingham showed much. Didn't field anything and was over run repeatedly. The increased physical demands from intermediate club midfield to top level intercounty midfield are huge, and you'd have to question if too much, too quickly is being asked of the lad. Mallon and Duffy had their least effective games to date. McParland showed well in the first half and looked dangerous, but he faded as the game went on. Maybe he's not yet 100%, or maybe the ball just didn't find it's way in his direction. Thought that, although Rafferty was enterprising throughout, he never really looked like he was going to trouble the scoreboard. And Campbell seemed to take a knock shortly after coming on, which limited his ability to make an impact.
McKeever was a massive miss. The defence, and HB line in particular, looks a lot more impenetrable with him at the centre of things. The midfield needs work too. Lavery probably merits a start in the next game. Difficult to see us getting anything against the Dubs in Croke Park, but it's a nice fixture to lift the heads again. If we can get back to the positive stuff from the first two games then tonight will be easily forgotten.
Armagh more lost this as much as we won it.
We were 1-4 up without really playing. Some excellent scores especially early in the second half when they moved the ball so fluidly. Armagh were always going to come back at us, the save by Boyle saved us but I'd have hoped we'd have closed out anyway.
I don't know how the armagh ones were so on the back of the ref, he gave about two soft frees to both sides, mackins in the second half was diabolical and there was one against caff in the 1st where he got pulled for a push when his two hands were clearly away. Mayo tackled well, at one stage got a free out when they had 6 players round the man in possession, the crowd seemed to thing that wasn't allowed.
Thought AOS was man of the match followed by freeman, Feeney, keegan & keane. How varley & Conor waited on the pitch is beyond me, neither got into the game.
Lovely pitch by the way, we were comparing it to McHale park, not a good comparison!
That's harsh on Varley who scored 4 points from play. If he got that every day out, I'd forgive him a lot of faults.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on March 03, 2012, 11:07:12 PM
I don't know how the armagh ones were so on the back of the ref, he gave about two soft frees to both sides, mackins in the second half was diabolical and there was one against caff in the 1st where he got pulled for a push when his two hands were clearly away. Mayo tackled well, at one stage got a free out when they had 6 players round the man in possession, the crowd seemed to thing that wasn't allowed.
Didn't think the ref was that bad. A few dodgy calls for both sides, nothing out of the ordinary. Getting on the back of the ref seems to be a feature of the new Athletic Grounds, if it swings us a couple of decisions every once in a while then I won't complain.
Quote from: Chimley on March 03, 2012, 11:21:38 PM
That's harsh on Varley who scored 4 points from play. If he got that every day out, I'd forgive him a lot of faults.
Did he get four from play? Scored a great one from out the pitch late on, maybe got a second then as well, when the game was over. Jut didn't seem to get on the ball, we reckoned he'd be off after 5 of the second half for conroy
Felt it a bit ironic, to hear the Armagh supporters booing, when one of our own was blew up for over-carrying when surrounded
by five or six defenders! We used to applaud our defenders for showing discipline and not fouling in those circumstances!
Quote from: bigpaul on March 04, 2012, 12:18:36 AM
Felt it a bit ironic, to hear the Armagh supporters booing, when one of our own was blew up for over-carrying when surrounded
by five or six defenders! We used to applaud our defenders for showing discipline and not fouling in those circumstances!
Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got
Quote from: sans pessimism on March 03, 2012, 11:55:23 AM
Quote from: Mayo Mick on March 02, 2012, 10:47:20 AM
Good enough team but would have liked to have McLoughlin available - have doubts about Freeman in half forward line. Still expect we will win by 5 or 6 points against an Armagh team that have probably over performed in first two games and may get a reality check in this one.
Good man mick.Keep takin the hooch!
A simple "apologies Michael - you know your stuff" will be enough SP ;D
Quote from: here comes 6 on March 04, 2012, 07:49:44 AM
Quote from: bigpaul on March 04, 2012, 12:18:36 AM
Felt it a bit ironic, to hear the Armagh supporters booing, when one of our own was blew up for over-carrying when surrounded
by five or six defenders! We used to applaud our defenders for showing discipline and not fouling in those circumstances!
Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got
I would not suggest that around south Armagh.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on March 03, 2012, 11:07:12 PM
Armagh more lost this as much as we won it.
We were 1-4 up without really playing. Some excellent scores especially early in the second half when they moved the ball so fluidly. Armagh were always going to come back at us, the save by Boyle saved us but I'd have hoped we'd have closed out anyway.
I don't know how the armagh ones were so on the back of the ref, he gave about two soft frees to both sides, mackins in the second half was diabolical and there was one against caff in the 1st where he got pulled for a push when his two hands were clearly away. Mayo tackled well, at one stage got a free out when they had 6 players round the man in possession, the crowd seemed to thing that wasn't allowed.
I think the problem here was that the referee signalled he was playing advantage then the ball was played to a player surrounded and a free resulted to Mayo. The advantage rule as it is can be a disadvantage. As another example in McKenna cup against Down the referee played an advantage and the player immediately lost the ball and Down went down the field and scored a goal.
I also feel that the rules as they are favour diving and cheating -ala Mackin as you mention. If you stay on your feet while being fouled you are being slowed allowing the opposition time to get players to surround you. If you go down at the slightest touch you get a free. There is something wrong with this. I should also say that I do not blame the referee he is just following the rules- although that may not have been the case during the match!!!
Thought AOS was man of the match followed by freeman, Feeney, keegan & keane. How varley & Conor waited on the pitch is beyond me, neither got into the game.
Lovely pitch by the way, we were comparing it to McHale park, not a good comparison!
Quote from: Throw ball on March 04, 2012, 11:41:24 AM
Quote from: here comes 6 on March 04, 2012, 07:49:44 AM
Quote from: bigpaul on March 04, 2012, 12:18:36 AM
Felt it a bit ironic, to hear the Armagh supporters booing, when one of our own was blew up for over-carrying when surrounded
by five or six defenders! We used to applaud our defenders for showing discipline and not fouling in those circumstances!
Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got
I would not suggest that around south Armagh.
A Mourne WUM, to be ignored. One suspects his username's prophesy could be a long time coming.
Couldn't get to the match tonight because of Scór commitments (ridiculous that GAA events are clashing but that's another story.) I wasn't too surprised or disullsioned by the result. At the end of the day, if you take players of the calibre of Aaron Kernan, Ciaran McKeever, Jamie Clarke and Stevie McDonnell out of any team, they'll struggle. That's arguably our four best players missing (certainly our 3 most important). We performed admirably without the Crossmaglen contingent in the early stages of the League though Cork's own performance wasn't great and I suspect that Kerry perhaps took us a little for granted as their main focus for the early stages of the League was laying down a marker to Dublin in Croke Park. Losing Brookie from an already makeshift side was a massive blow. Absolutely no call to become overly discouraged at getting beaten by a decent Mayo side.
Quote from: AFS on March 03, 2012, 11:03:31 PM
Had a feeling Mayo would do us tonight. Disappointing after the feel good stuff of the last month or so.
Thought there were three periods of the game that killed us: the beginning of the first half, the beginning of the second half, and the last five minutes. That Mayo did feck all outside of these short spells, and still won comfortably, is fairly damning. Though, it was a very efficient showing from them. They were especially clinical from frees.
Was always going to be an uphill struggle after going seven down. The concession of another goal from a mishit 50 was a real killer. We played fairly well for the remainder of the half, with a lot of high tempo pressing paying dividends. But then we let all that hard work slip early in the second half, allowing Mayo saunter right through the middle repeatedly until they had rebuilt their seven or eight point lead. The efforts of our midfield and HB line left a lot to be desired during this phase, with several Mayo attacks failing to attract a single respectable tackle. This was followed by another credible comeback, but I felt that once we got within a goal a couple of poor decisions let the game trickle away. There was a missed free to get it down to two. Given his form with the frees tonight, Forker should have taken this. It wasn't really on his side but central enough for him to have a good go. There was then a couple of poor kick outs, which went straight to Mayo lads. For at least one of these a quick kick out to free men out wide was on, but the keeper didn't even look up to see these options.
Not many stand out performers on the Armagh side. Mackin was good again, Forker did alright and was good from frees, Donaghy did well and almost created the goal that would've given us a great platform to push on and win the game, Watters came on and hit a couple of points to his credit, and Lavery made a good impact when introduced - he probably should have replaced Vernon after his injury.
On the other side, the HB line was poor with only Dyas really showing anything at all. McKenna and, surprisingly, Mallon were turned a few times more often than you would like. Didn't think Kingham showed much. Didn't field anything and was over run repeatedly. The increased physical demands from intermediate club midfield to top level intercounty midfield are huge, and you'd have to question if too much, too quickly is being asked of the lad. Mallon and Duffy had their least effective games to date. McParland showed well in the first half and looked dangerous, but he faded as the game went on. Maybe he's not yet 100%, or maybe the ball just didn't find it's way in his direction. Thought that, although Rafferty was enterprising throughout, he never really looked like he was going to trouble the scoreboard. And Campbell seemed to take a knock shortly after coming on, which limited his ability to make an impact.
McKeever was a massive miss. The defence, and HB line in particular, looks a lot more impenetrable with him at the centre of things. The midfield needs work too. Lavery probably merits a start in the next game. Difficult to see us getting anything against the Dubs in Croke Park, but it's a nice fixture to lift the heads again. If we can get back to the positive stuff from the first two games then tonight will be easily forgotten.
Great post, fair play.
Thanks for all the other first hand reports as well folks, they make great reading.
There were periods at the start of each half when there was little sign of the more tenacious Armagh tackling that was evident in better periods. Mayo got their lead in these periods. The Mayo defence was effective and all too often Armagh ran into traffic. I doubt if Grimley could be happy with being Armaghed by the opposition.
Quote from: Mayo Mick on March 02, 2012, 10:47:20 AM
Good enough team but would have liked to have McLoughlin available - have doubts about Freeman in half forward line. Still expect we will win by 5 or 6 points against an Armagh team that have probably over performed in first two games and may get a reality check in this one.
You have to hand it to Mick, he's on the ball!!! ;)
Quote from: sans pessimism on March 03, 2012, 11:55:23 AM
Quote from: Mayo Mick on March 02, 2012, 10:47:20 AM
Good enough team but would have liked to have McLoughlin available - have doubts about Freeman in half forward line. Still expect we will win by 5 or 6 points against an Armagh team that have probably over performed in first two games and may get a reality check in this one
Next weeks lotto numbers please Mick!
Mick's certainly better than my prediction, and this fecking tail between my legs is tickling the arse of me.
On the diving, Conor & andy were at it full time, if there was a man near them they threw themselves to the ground instead of putting the foot under it. Fair enough when the free may result in a score but Conor did it on our 45 with 5 mins left when we just needed to clear the ball.
Was impressed with the Armagh forwards tackling (better than the back?) they put our backs under real pressure, which in general I thought they dealt with it well for the most part, no panic or stupid kicks. They still do have an issue with taking frees in the middle & kicking straight to a back, better decision making needed
Must say I enjoyed the game thoroughly. I suppose that's natural enough since my side came away with the points but there were plenty of secondary reasons as well.
The ground was in magnificent condition and the standard of play was quite high for a game under lights at this time of year.
I thought the ref had a reasonable game under the circumstances. I was sitting in a section of the stand where there was a fairly balanced mix of supporters and the cheers and groans were coming from both camps in equal measure.
(IMO, that's the only way to gauge a ref's performance—when both sides are effing him out of it, he must be doing something right. )
As for the game itself, there wasn't a championship 'bite' to it but it was keenly contested at the same time. I thought it was a clean and tough game throughout with very few incidents.
For the first couple of minutes I thought Armagh were going to run Mayo ragged. Their hand passing and running off the ball were top class and, given Mayo's tendency to start slowly, I expected the very worst.
The Mayo started picking off scores almost at will for a short spell.
Those 10 minutes or thereabouts puzzled me last night and still does. What happened to bring that extraordinary transformation about?
ASAIK, Armagh suffered no injuries and Mayo made no changes or positional switches to account for the visitors going seven points up without bother.
I'm going to watch a rerun of the game to try and make sense out of what happened.
Credit is due to Armagh for fighting back and making a good game out of it right to the closing minutes but in my (unbiased of course) view Mayo always seemed capable of stepping up a notch if they needed to.
Armagh did impress me throughout with their general fitness levels and their hand passing and backing up but after a while I realised they were getting nowhere. Yet they seemed unwilling to change their tactics right to the end.
Hell, I'm not complaining or anything like that.
Still, I think we need to keep the result in perspective. Armagh were without the Cross contingent and Steve Mac was also missing. If we should meet up during the summer, we mightn't get to score 1-4 inside 10 minutes.
''Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got''
Dear Here comes 6,
Please stop raping me.
Yours,
The English language
Quote from: borderfox on March 04, 2012, 05:42:49 PM
''Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got''
Dear Here comes 6,
Please stop raping me.
Yours,
The English language
;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: here comes 6 on March 04, 2012, 07:49:44 AM
Quote from: bigpaul on March 04, 2012, 12:18:36 AM
Felt it a bit ironic, to hear the Armagh supporters booing, when one of our own was blew up for over-carrying when surrounded
by five or six defenders! We used to applaud our defenders for showing discipline and not fouling in those circumstances!
Iwouldn't say that Armagh suporters Booing is ironic because their reknown for it throughout the country. That the Soccer mentailty that they got
I wouldn't say it's just the preserve of Armagh fans, there was plenty from the Kerry fans in Tralee, and quite a bit in Newry yesterday too.
Whilst not a result to be overly disheartened with it certainly puts in perspective the euphoria after the Cork and Kerry games. It also nails the lie that only one or two Cross players would make the team. It does howver also reaffirm the fact that under Paddy O'Rourke Armagh have failed to reach a consistent level of play. Perhaps that will change next day out.
Quote from: muppet on March 02, 2012, 03:42:23 PM
Quote from: ross4life on March 02, 2012, 03:18:32 PM
Quote
On reflection, I can really see our forwards struggle. I think we might have only 2 championship forwards in there.
I'm curious as to who you think will be Mayo's 6 starting forwards come championship time? IMO Alan Freeman,Alan Dillon,Conor Mortimer & Andy Moran will be starters.
Moran and O'Connor definites.
Freeman, Dillon, McLoughlin and Mort if they are in good health and good form.
Dark horses:
Doherty: if he is flying like in the League last year;
Varley: has done ok but needs to catch fire sometime;
Kirby: 4 goals from FF on his first start fairly catches the eye and can't be ruled out;
Conroy: Can always do a job and could easily get in at 15;
Trevor Mort: too good not to consider if he is flying fit
AOS: I think Barry and Seamus could play midfield with AOS at 11 and Cillian in the FF line.
Back to the Armagh game. Glad to see Keane getting another go, the other 5 look stronger with Caff at 3 and Richie at 5, so he should have an easier first half than the last day, hopefully. Midfield will do fine but it is a funny looking front 6. Freeman is being moved about a lot after bursting on the scene in an otherwise disastrous 2010. I would like to see him allowed to settle at 14 or 15.
The only ball we won at midfield against the Dubs was when Barry caught it, I would prefer as Mac2 said Andy out at hf winning breaking ball. Richie should improve things here too. Doherty at 12 is interesting and worth a look as he is a good man running straight at a defense.
O Con. Andy and Kevin McLoughlin shoe-ins on 2011 form. Dillon also anywhere near his best. I would think Harte too if he gets back to his pre-injury best. Freeman a cert on 2010 type form and form before he broke the hand last year.
But it s unlikely all will be right and others will come into it. Conroy and Kirby would be 2 I d be interested in seeing. Dark horses? Michael Forde and Evan Regan. Unlikely we ll see them before the U21 championship but they re going to make a big impact sooner than later I reckon.
Dillon is one of Mayo most experienced,influential forwards he doesn't score as often as he did but most of the scores comes from his good play nowadays. The Mort didn't come back to sit on the bench so he'll be a starter come championship time.
Can't see Conor or harte starting come championship.
I see KMcL, Freeman, Dillon, COC, Andy, AN Other
Harte has never really convinced at this level and Mortimer has an awful lot to do if he's to nail down a place, there's a lot of fellas snapping at his heals. Mcloughlin's a good footballer, not sure if the forwards is his best position though.
Where Mayo as good at the papers say or where Armagh just poor? This could be the reality check that Armagh need. Armagh are not as good as their win over Kerry suggests they are
Quote from: Mac2 on March 05, 2012, 03:46:55 PM
Harte has never really convinced at this level and Mortimer has an awful lot to do if he's to nail down a place, there's a lot of fellas snapping at his heals. Mcloughlin's a good footballer, not sure if the forwards is his best position though.
We ll need either Harte or Kirby to give us a bit of size in the hf line where we were raped v Kerry last August. Ive been more than convinced by Harte down the years. A good goal threat too. Unfortunately too often he was expected to play as an out and out midfielder in the past and it s not his best spot. If he s fit he ll be in. I suspect Conor is being given every chance to see if he can play a team game. Kilcoyne and Parsons were playing games this time last year.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on March 05, 2012, 02:45:22 PM
Can't see Conor or harte starting come championship.
I see KMcL, Freeman, Dillon, COC, Andy, AN Other
I could still see Mort as the AN Other in your list with Varley as an impact sub. However we have still to see a few in the league and anyone out of Kirby/Regan/Forde/Doherty still have a chance. Or Geraghty perhaps? Doherty deserves a couple of games at corner forward to see if he can put pressure on our current starters, it seemed a waste of time playing him wing forward the last night.
If I was going to put a big midfield type player on the 40 I'd go for SOS before Harte. Harte is another who might make more of an impact off the bench.
Harte more pace and a greater scoring threat. Anyway we ll need 20/21 players who are serious summer footballers. Last year we didn t have impact from the bench. If we lose nobody from last August and add Barry Moran, Harte, Conor, Regan and say Forde and maybe a couple of backs like McHale, Walsh and Keane can play a bit we ll be considerably stronger this year.
I could see 5/6 changes from last August's team come the championship.
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 05, 2012, 09:30:56 AM
Whilst not a result to be overly disheartened with it certainly puts in perspective the euphoria after the Cork and Kerry games. It also nails the lie that only one or two Cross players would make the team. It does howver also reaffirm the fact that under Paddy O'Rourke Armagh have failed to reach a consistent level of play. Perhaps that will change next day out.
Shows we cant afford to be without Ciaran mckeever - not much else.
Division 1 is very odd and producing strange results. The reality is that this result is probably reflective of the quality of the team Armagh had out against the quality of the team Mayo had out. Add in McKeever, AK,Morgan, Vernon for the hour, Toner/Hanratty/Titch, Stevie and Jamie and you have a completely different prospect. A few pluses in Forker and Colm Watters, a few minuses. The reality is that mid Division 1 is a good place for this Armagh team to be and 2 wins from the lst 4 games will guarantee this.
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 05, 2012, 09:30:56 AM
Whilst not a result to be overly disheartened with it certainly puts in perspective the euphoria after the Cork and Kerry games. It also nails the lie that only one or two Cross players would make the team. It does howver also reaffirm the fact that under Paddy O'Rourke Armagh have failed to reach a consistent level of play. Perhaps that will change next day out.
1 or 2 Cross players; you must be looking a quite summer on the football front?
I don't understand your post, but I think you obviously don't know what it means to nail a lie.
think i miss understood the post. sorry tanks for pointing it out. def need a few more Cross players in the team
No problem, there are some on here who have been saying that only AK and JC would make the Armagh team that lined out against Cork/Kerry...what I meant was Sunday showed that not to be the case, I would think Morgan, Cunningham, SK,TK and PK perhaps also McKenna could make a good case for a start. I don't buy TOny Mac's BS in todays IN about SK concentrating on Club football, O'Rourke influenced by Murtagh obviously didn't fancy him. I would have him in my team every time.
maybe mayo were just better on the night? any team can have an off day or night.
or maybe mayo are just a better team are constantly under rated after all We are now the longest survivors in division 1 can be all about hoping the opposition have off nights
i suppose mayo are not rated by a lot of people, its easy to see why. donegal,derry,down,tyrone,armagh,dublin,offaly,cork,meath,kerry,galway are the ones off the top of my head that have won the big prize since we last did. kerry,dublin and perhaps tyrone see us as very beatable, we have beaten all three late in the championship in recent years but not late enough.
mayo are seen as nobodies until we win Sam .
Quote from: Applesisapples on March 06, 2012, 03:33:52 PM
No problem, there are some on here who have been saying that only AK and JC would make the Armagh team that lined out against Cork/Kerry...what I meant was Sunday showed that not to be the case, I would think Morgan, Cunningham, SK,TK and PK perhaps also McKenna could make a good case for a start. I don't buy TOny Mac's BS in todays IN about SK concentrating on Club football, O'Rourke influenced by Murtagh obviously didn't fancy him. I would have him in my team every time.
As Blackadder would have said - i suspect that to be a lie of sorts. Only discussion i remember was about how many Cross players will / should make the championship team.
LMFAO at both set of supporters!!!!
I was talking to a Donegal buddy and he was saying about how they lost to down and Laois but that they should get two points off mayo and I think for most teams view us as a very possible two points.
In reality I think we're a top 4 team with cork, Kerry & Dublin
Not really sure what ur laughing at Benny :-\
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on March 06, 2012, 08:16:09 PM
Not really sure what ur laughing at Benny :-\
Nor me. He brings shame to our family name, so he does.
Quote from: mannix on March 06, 2012, 05:48:31 PM
i suppose mayo are not rated by a lot of people, its easy to see why. donegal,derry,down,tyrone,armagh,dublin,offaly,cork,meath,kerry,galway are the ones off the top of my head that have won the big prize since we last did. kerry,dublin and perhaps tyrone see us as very beatable, we have beaten all three late in the championship in recent years but not late enough.
mayo are seen as nobodies until we win Sam .
That's about it, we need to stop moaning and whinging about been under the radar all the time and win the fricking thing once and for all (sometime) and then we might be recognised as a good team. However, undoubtedly when/if we ever do win Sam again it'll be down to the opposition missing a star player/ they took Mayo lightly for the final/bla bla bla etc.
However mannix, isn't it funny though how you haven't Kildare down on that list, and they're in the top 4, after Cork, Kerry, Dublin. ::)
Quote from: Mac2 on March 05, 2012, 03:46:55 PM
Harte has never really convinced at this level and Mortimer has an awful lot to do if he's to nail down a place, there's a lot of fellas snapping at his heals. Mcloughlin's a good footballer, not sure if the forwards is his best position though.
I have always rated Harte highly. In his earlier days he was inclined to act impetuously when a cooler head was called for and his progress has been curtailed to a great degree by injury but if the choice was mine and Pat was mentally and physically fit, he'd be a shoo-in.
And so would Conoreen. The last night he was a spectator much of the time but he showed he still is a class act. He got one mighty point in the second half when he turned his man several times before popping it over.
It was vintage stuff.
If he stays clear of injury, he should be a front runner for a corner spot.
What about the half-time entertainment?? :P
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 06, 2012, 09:27:08 PM
Quote from: mannix on March 06, 2012, 05:48:31 PM
i suppose mayo are not rated by a lot of people, its easy to see why. donegal,derry,down,tyrone,armagh,dublin,offaly,cork,meath,kerry,galway are the ones off the top of my head that have won the big prize since we last did. kerry,dublin and perhaps tyrone see us as very beatable, we have beaten all three late in the championship in recent years but not late enough.
mayo are seen as nobodies until we win Sam .
That's about it, we need to stop moaning and whinging about been under the radar all the time and win the fricking thing once and for all (sometime) and then we might be recognised as a good team. However, undoubtedly when/if we ever do win Sam again it'll be down to the opposition missing a star player/ they took Mayo lightly for the final/bla bla bla etc.
However mannix, isn't it funny though how you haven't Kildare down on that list, and they're in the top 4, after Cork, Kerry, Dublin. ::)
I did not put kildare in because mayo have won Sam 3 times since they last won it. Even Louth may have won one in the fifties?
Quote from: mannix on March 07, 2012, 01:36:07 AM
Quote from: Farrandeelin on March 06, 2012, 09:27:08 PM
Quote from: mannix on March 06, 2012, 05:48:31 PM
i suppose mayo are not rated by a lot of people, its easy to see why. donegal,derry,down,tyrone,armagh,dublin,offaly,cork,meath,kerry,galway are the ones off the top of my head that have won the big prize since we last did. kerry,dublin and perhaps tyrone see us as very beatable, we have beaten all three late in the championship in recent years but not late enough.
mayo are seen as nobodies until we win Sam .
That's about it, we need to stop moaning and whinging about been under the radar all the time and win the fricking thing once and for all (sometime) and then we might be recognised as a good team. However, undoubtedly when/if we ever do win Sam again it'll be down to the opposition missing a star player/ they took Mayo lightly for the final/bla bla bla etc.
However mannix, isn't it funny though how you haven't Kildare down on that list, and they're in the top 4, after Cork, Kerry, Dublin. ::)
I did not put kildare in because mayo have won Sam 3 times since they last won it. Even Louth may have won one in the fifties?
True, but they should probably stop dwelling on it.
I am sorry, but this Kildare top four is 'The Pale' media Bullsh*t!
The media love Kildare, they love their long journeys through the back door, they love the Geezer factor and they love the pity they can lay on Kildare when they lose narrowly to a dodgy decision.
Looking at the last 4 years under they Geezer, they have no Big scalp or provincial title for a team that are supposed to be in the big four.
In 2011 lost to Dublin and Donegal, Beat Wicklow, Meath, Laois, Meath, Derry
In 2010 lost to Louth and Down, Beat Antrim, Leitrim, Derry, Monaghan, Meath
2009 Lost to Dublin and Tyrone, Beat Offaly, Wexford, Laois, Wicklow
2008 Lost to Wicklow and Cork, Beat Cavan, Limerick, Fermanagh,
Quote from: Lar Naparka on March 06, 2012, 10:56:18 PM
Quote from: Mac2 on March 05, 2012, 03:46:55 PM
Harte has never really convinced at this level and Mortimer has an awful lot to do if he's to nail down a place, there's a lot of fellas snapping at his heals. Mcloughlin's a good footballer, not sure if the forwards is his best position though.
I have always rated Harte highly. In his earlier days he was inclined to act impetuously when a cooler head was called for and his progress has been curtailed to a great degree by injury but if the choice was mine and Pat was mentally and physically fit, he'd be a shoo-in.
And so would Conoreen. The last night he was a spectator much of the time but he showed he still is a class act. He got one mighty point in the second half when he turned his man several times before popping it over.
It was vintage stuff.
If he stays clear of injury, he should be a front runner for a corner spot.
Given Harte's size and athleticism I always expected more of him, what position would you shoo him into btw? Have to say I'd be disappointed given the forwards coming through if Mort was the automatic choice for the corner, for one thing he has never been much of a goal threat whereas O'Connor and Doherty have an instinct to go for goal.
Yeah. Likes of O Connor, Doherty keen on goals. Freeman too. Regan is a menace with any decent chance. Harte gets a few coming from deep and Kirby can take a goal too.
I m not going to be hard on The Mort. He has more than pulled his weight over the years but I wonder can he bring it to another level. To make the team I believe he needs to. He s always been a lone assassin type of player and I suspect Horan is the type of coach that prefers the lay-off than a shot into a smothering block.
Conor has always been capable of running riot when he has the better of his man 1 on 1. He can still do that. But when things tighten up or when he s faced with an alpha corner-back, he s been unable to adjust his game - win a ball, give and go type of thing. There are others in the squad who will do that for you and they re the type we ll need if we re to eventually threaten late in the year. Individual brilliance wont do it on its own.
Quote from: moysider on March 07, 2012, 10:12:03 PM
Yeah. Likes of O Connor, Doherty keen on goals. Freeman too. Regan is a menace with any decent chance. Harte gets a few coming from deep and Kirby can take a goal too.
I m not going to be hard on The Mort. He has more than pulled his weight over the years but I wonder can he bring it to another level. To make the team I believe he needs to. He s always been a lone assassin type of player and I suspect Horan is the type of coach that prefers the lay-off than a shot into a smothering block.
Conor has always been capable of running riot when he has the better of his man 1 on 1. He can still do that. But when things tighten up or when he s faced with an alpha corner-back, he s been unable to adjust his game - win a ball, give and go type of thing. There are others in the squad who will do that for you and they re the type we ll need if we re to eventually threaten late in the year. Individual brilliance wont do it on its own.
Good post. I agree with your assessment of Mortimor. As you say, he has more than proven his worth through the years and has been unjustly pilloried by some.
Imo he will still be a very good squad player, and would be liable to make hay against a tiring corner back, and in the second half of games that have opened up slightly. I can't see him changing his game to any great extent at this stage of his career, but then I was wrong once before...