May as well get the ball rlling on this one.
Let the games begin.
Hopefully this thread wont get too nasty, personal or off topic.
Minor game will probably turn out to by the Ulster Final. By all accounts these are the 2 best minor sides in Ulster this year. Probably have to fancy Down with Colman's lads on board. Opinions?
I've a funny feeling that a high-pressure Saturday at 7.30pm throw-in between local rivals, with a full house plus change, might just present a challenge to the GAA's friendly family atmosphere.
Quote from: thewobbler on April 13, 2011, 12:32:08 PM
I've a funny feeling that a high-pressure Saturday at 7.30pm throw-in between local rivals, with a full house plus change, might just present a challenge to the GAA's friendly family atmosphere.
Particulalry with lads having a few too many in the pub beforehand. Down's to lose.
I can see it being a repeat of the 1992 game at the same venue with Down winning comfortably by 5 or 6 points.
Ill head there in hope though!
Quote from: Hammer on April 13, 2011, 11:58:43 AM
Minor game will probably turn out to by the Ulster Final. By all accounts these are the 2 best minor sides in Ulster this year. Probably have to fancy Down with Colman's lads on board. Opinions?
Don't want to bust yer balls, but I expect Derry to win the Ulster minor championship, we have IMO a serious gorup of footballers this year and next.
its rediculous that this match is on a saturday night.
Ididots in the Ulster council.
Mark my words if Manchester United get to the Champions League Final it will be pointless even having this game live on TV as everyone will be tuning in to Wembley.
It might even run the risk of not being a sell out.
This should be a sunday game.
Do the GAA think that nobody works on a Saturday. clowns
f**k the champions league final, i have a hoor of a wedding on saturday and am raging that i am missing it.
i heard a rumour that there is orange parade in Markethill that sat evening and ulster council were going to take another look at it because it will severly effect the Down traffic, anyone hear this or is it a load of nonsense
fancy down to win by about ten ;) but sure we are just happy to be on the same field as the aristocrats of ulster
Quote from: snoopdog on April 13, 2011, 02:15:16 PM
its rediculous that this match is on a saturday night.
Ididots in the Ulster council.
Mark my words if Manchester United get to the Champions League Final it will be pointless even having this game live on TV as everyone will be tuning in to Wembley.
It might even run the risk of not being a sell out.
This should be a sunday game.
Do the GAA think that nobody works on a Saturday. clowns
Slane on that day too
Quote from: Onion Bag on April 13, 2011, 02:28:46 PM
f**k the champions league final, i have a hoor of a wedding on saturday and am raging that i am missing it.
i heard a rumour that there is orange parade in Markethill that sat evening and ulster council were going to take another look at it because it will severly effect the Down traffic, anyone hear this or is it a load of nonsense
Apparently there is a parade on in Markethill that night but no word of that having an effect on the match, hopefully it does so I don't miss out on Utd beating Barca in wembly ;)
Any man worth their salt will be at this game, champions league final or not.
Quote from: thewobbler on April 13, 2011, 12:32:08 PM
I've a funny feeling that a high-pressure Saturday at 7.30pm throw-in between local rivals, with a full house plus change, might just present a challenge to the GAA's friendly family atmosphere.
The same thing was said about the 03 AI final also. I know things can get heated on here from time to time but I don't see any real threat of this. I would be a little concerned about the drink issue though.
The thread is up awful early.....the game is over 6 weeks away.
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on April 13, 2011, 04:22:05 PM
Any man worth their salt will be at this game, champions league final or not.
Doubt that.
If anyone supports Man United and they qualify for the champs lge final and goes over to the odd game then they will see that as the main game.
I suppose it is called prioritising.
The vast majority of us all support English football teams.
Personally i hope this game is changed to the sunday.
I follow Down all over the country and am a regular attender at OT but i know if United Qualify for the CL Final and i can get a ticket i will be off to Wembley.
It will annoy me to miss the Down game but i have been to Moscow and Rome and to be honest on the night that would be the biggest game to me.
But i will still be checking every few moments for updates from the Athletic grounds
Quote from: naka on April 13, 2011, 02:39:02 PM
fancy down to win by about ten ;) but sure we are just happy to be on the same field as the aristocrats of ulster
Only ten Naka? Oh, I see, you were probably just talking about the first half before your boys get tired, that must be it, yeah?
hope its not switched to sunday as the newry half marathon is on that day and im intending to run in it. anybody that would rather watch the champions league final on tv is not a real fan of down or armagh as this is one match nobody should want to miss.
It'll be a game hard watched, when Armagh/Tyrone was the fixture it would near make me sick to the pit of my stomach, this will be the same for me. It's a game that i couldn't physically watch on tv, i'd be up & down, in & out, flicking the channels. But sure we wouldnt have it any other way :)
Whats the ticket split? 70/30? There's no 50/50 rule is there?
Agree with those that say its a must see game. Those that may miss it because of a soccer match, concert or wedding isnt a die hard fan of either down or armagh. Skip the wedding, even if its ur own...........
Its not the type of match u can enjoy, u cant even enjoy the week leading up to it for the nervousness and tension. This is only exaggerated by the genuine hatred felt and the likely tightness of the match. The craic about newry for the couple of wks leading up to it will be mighty but at the back of ur mind ur thinking what if the these fcukers bt us.
God help the losing set of fans in the wks that follow. Im booking a couple of wks in lanzarote from the 30th May just in case POR pulls of a masterstroke!!!
I can't believe any bona fide Down fan would even contemplate choosing another sporting fixture over this one, I just can't understand the reasoning behind it.
The ridicule and abuse we had to listen to leaving Clones in 99 has never quite left me. I know we have the qualifiers now but losing this one doesn't bear thinking about. The thought of Ciaran McKeever celebrating at the final whistle is making me feel quite sick.
I hope wobbler is wrong but I can see where he is coming from.
Down by a point, Coulter scoring a major with the last kick to secure victory!
Quote from: No1 on April 13, 2011, 08:58:47 PM
I can't believe any bona fide Down fan would even contemplate choosing another sporting fixture over this one, I just can't understand the reasoning behind it.
The ridicule and abuse we had to listen to leaving Clones in 99 has never quite left me. I know we have the qualifiers now but losing this one doesn't bear thinking about. The thought of Ciaran McKeever celebrating at the final whistle is making me feel quite sick.
I hope wobbler is wrong but I can see where he is coming from.
Down by a point, Coulter scoring a major with the last kick to secure victory!
Unfortunately there are unsporting types on both sides No.1 I remember one Down fan Near me just before the throw in in 99 shouting 'fu*k Armagh and all the who*res in it!' This was met by rapturous cheers from red and black fans around. These people tend to out themselves only when the bumblebee hits the window.
QuoteThe ridicule and abuse we had to listen to leaving Clones in 99 has never quite left me.
Oh Dear, that's terrible. I mean ridicule might be understandable, but there was no need for abuse.
These people tend to out themselves only when the bumblebee hits the window.
Brilliant saying hahaha
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 13, 2011, 08:23:50 PM
Agree with those that say its a must see game. Those that may miss it because of a soccer match, concert or wedding isnt a die hard fan of either down or armagh. Skip the wedding, even if its ur own...........
Its not the type of match u can enjoy, u cant even enjoy the week leading up to it for the nervousness and tension. This is only exaggerated by the genuine hatred felt and the likely tightness of the match. The craic about newry for the couple of wks leading up to it will be mighty but at the back of ur mind ur thinking what if the these fcukers bt us.
God help the losing set of fans in the wks that follow. Im booking a couple of wks in lanzarote from the 30th May just in case POR pulls of a masterstroke!!!
Its not 'A' soccer match, its the biggest Soccer game of them all, the European Cup Final.
And to say that if someone missed the first round of ulster to watch their soccer team in the biggest sporting occasion of them all as not a proper Down or Armagh fan is absolute Bollix in my opinion.
If half the hangers on from last August and September were proper Down fans we could fill the athletic grounds twice over.
You can support more than one code.
Quote from: you take er! on April 13, 2011, 11:30:25 PM
I remember one Down fan Near me just before the throw in in 99 shouting 'f**k Armagh and all the who*res in it!'
Proper order too ;D ;D ;D
A fan who cannot manage to go to a championship game, is not really a fan. Especially if their excuse is a crowd of overpaid prats poncing about in some other country.
Quote from: No1 on April 13, 2011, 08:58:47 PM
I can't believe any bona fide Down fan would even contemplate choosing another sporting fixture over this one, I just can't understand the reasoning behind it.
The ridicule and abuse we had to listen to leaving Clones in 99 has never quite left me. I know we have the qualifiers now but losing this one doesn't bear thinking about. The thought of Ciaran McKeever celebrating at the final whistle is making me feel quite sick.
I hope wobbler is wrong but I can see where he is coming from.
Down by a point, Coulter scoring a major with the last kick to secure victory!
Prepare to be sick, POR is bringing back McGeeny and Houlie I hear.
Snoop i didnt say they wouldnt be supporters, i said they wouldnt be DIE HARD supporters. Its not a personal attack on anyone, im just saying that if they want to watch UTD instead of Down/Armagh they must be UTD diehards rather than Down or Armagh diehards
Dont no why u would want to watch the worst UTD team in 20 years get a tanking against one of the best teams ever anyway ;)
I consider myself a true Down fan, I lived in England for 12 years and missed only 3-4 championship matches. In 1994 I cut short a trip to the Philippine islands to come home for the All-Ireland final.
But I have to admit I can understand someone's dilemma regarding other sports. If I was given a ticket to see Celtic play in the European cup final on the day of a USFC quarter final I probably would go. That would be a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think that while generally I would never place a soccer match over a Gaelic match such an event would be so hard to come by, yes I am sorry I would probably go.
However no way would I be staying at home to watch it on TV, record it, SKY+ it or do something but choosing a TV match over attending Down vs Armagh would never happen.
So what do you think WhiteGM am I now just another fair weather fan?
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 13, 2011, 07:18:36 PM
hope its not switched to sunday as the newry half marathon is on that day and im intending to run in it. anybody that would rather watch the champions league final on tv is not a real fan of down or armagh as this is one match nobody should want to miss.
Newry Half starts at 9:30 am you will have plenty of time to run it and still get to the game if it gets switched.
Quote from: snoopdog on April 14, 2011, 09:12:06 AM
Its not 'A' soccer match, its the biggest Soccer game of them all, the European Cup Final.
And to say that if someone missed the first round of ulster to watch their soccer team in the biggest sporting occasion of them all as not a proper Down or Armagh fan is absolute Bollix in my opinion.
If half the hangers on from last August and September were proper Down fans we could fill the athletic grounds twice over.
You can support more than one code.
How are things Mr Glazer? Welcome to the board.
QuoteIf I was given a ticket to see Celtic play in the European cup final on the day of a USFC quarter final I probably would go.
I'd say you are safe enough for a while yet! ;D
Anyone know if Down have a new Jersey out for the championship. I see the current one can be bought on o'neills for 25 USD.
Armagh the same i think
down getting a new jersey( 1 may i think) dont know about armagh but dont think so
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
He must have been when he said it himself in the Gaeliclife yesterday ::) ::)
if my memory serves me correct, a lot of the fermanagh players painted a similar picture in gaelic life before the disputes committee were called in
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
Likewise. The same guy also said Down would win easily so perhaps its all part of a strategy ....
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
Ciaran was definitely injured the last day out............he has a knee ligament injury........think he's very lucky.........could've been a very serious injury. You'll have to check your sources Berf.
Heres hoping its all bullsh**t
Armagh will be waiting in the long grass mark my words
Alright Mackers i'll take your word for it, i hope your right
Of course anything can happen in chamiponship football but to assess a match in advance you have to exclude the flukes and unlikely events that change a game and instead look at form. Trying to be objective (not a wind up like I have previously enjoyed) I think you would have to say:
Down are in a pretty good position. A good league, A settled team, Problems identified and addressed, a clear team strategy. On the downside we seem to lack a killer instinct, Ambrose is clearly not on schedule, we haven't been capable of creating and converting easy chances, we are quite naive at times in our decision making.
Armagh have no settled team, there doesn't seem to be game plan, POR does not seem to be sending out a message that he has a plan, Ronan Clarke who has been cited like a saviour is unlikley to make it, the league was iffy (survival secured is good but only by head-head not points) Armagh fans are clearly not happy with their performances, problems appear to being excerbated not rectified. On the plus side Armagh have won a lot previously and know what it takes to win, they seem to be better at converting scoring chances.
so on balance I think it is reasonable to make Down favorites. Regardless of the painful argument of who has the better players, Down are performing better now and I really believe that in football alone we will be the better team. But once again it comes down to who will score the most and though we have put in better performances, I think if both teams get the same number of chances then Armagh are likely to win.
I think Down will get more chances by having a larger share of posessesion and so I expect us to win - but anything can happen
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
this is untrue--mc keever was/is injured
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 15, 2011, 04:50:13 PM
Of course anything can happen in chamiponship football but to assess a match in advance you have to exclude the flukes and unlikely events that change a game and instead look at form. Trying to be objective (not a wind up like I have previously enjoyed) I think you would have to say:
Down are in a pretty good position. A good league, A settled team, Problems identified and addressed, a clear team strategy. On the downside we seem to lack a killer instinct, Ambrose is clearly not on schedule, we haven't been capable of creating and converting easy chances, we are quite naive at times in our decision making.
Armagh have no settled team, there doesn't seem to be game plan, POR does not seem to be sending out a message that he has a plan, Ronan Clarke who has been cited like a saviour is unlikley to make it, the league was iffy (survival secured is good but only by head-head not points) Armagh fans are clearly not happy with their performances, problems appear to being excerbated not rectified. On the plus side Armagh have won a lot previously and know what it takes to win, they seem to be better at converting scoring chances.
so on balance I think it is reasonable to make Down favorites. Regardless of the painful argument of who has the better players, Down are performing better now and I really believe that in football alone we will be the better team. But once again it comes down to who will score the most and though we have put in better performances, I think if both teams get the same number of chances then Armagh are likely to win.
I think Down will get more chances by having a larger share of posessesion and so I expect us to win - but anything can happen
Indeed your right anything could happen, although I have to say at this moment in time the game is Downs to lose. Id make it 70/30 in Downs favour.
Aaah we should by pass Down and go straight to the first round qualifiers, sure there is no point in showing up. :'(
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 15, 2011, 04:50:13 PM
Down are in a pretty good position. A good league, A settled team, Problems identified and addressed, a clear team strategy. On the downside we seem to lack a killer instinct, Ambrose is clearly not on schedule, we haven't been capable of creating and converting easy chances, we are quite naive at times in our decision making.
I'd dare say Wee James would hit you a slap if he heard stuff like that. You may remember on a different thread I stated I thought Down were pretty average at FB, CHB, MF and CHF, how have you identified and addressed these problems (or even better for us if you dont think problems exist there)? What have you got different from last year? You would appear to me to be weaker than at the end of last summer.
IMO Down have the simplest of game plans - everyones a defender when they lose the ball and then breaking at speed from defence, because they are lightening fast on the break it masks how defensive they really are - our gameplan isn't a million miles away from what they do, it's just that we look terribly ponderous in comparison. If we were to adopt a gameplan of complete knavery in stopping them in their tracks in their own HB line/MF area and their attacking prowess would be immediately neutralised at source, giving our defenders the time to flood back. I would earmark Danny Hughes for special attention, never mind Marty Clarke, I'd imagine Dyas(or Andy Mallon) is best equipped for the job. Nippy HF's would be better utilised in a game like this rather than the MF'ers we've largely been using.
Our MF performances this year and in the Marshes in particular should give us confidence, we need to be demons in the break ball stakes thou, that's were most of their attacks begin. I know Down people are pinning a lot on the return of Ambrose to MF, but from what I've been consistently hearing he wont be playing too much ball this year due to his health (not knee).
If we had Ronan clarke, Jamie and Stevie in the FF line I would be extremely confident of victory, I think it's safe to say RC wont be anywhere near the team by the end of May. I thought the tactic of rotating Nippy and Brian Mallon in and out of FF in the Marshes was an effective tactic and kept the Down defence in a constant state of uncertainty until Stevie more or less was the only forward we had there.
There's nearly always one (or 2) suprise inclusions (and omissions) in the first championship team of the year, I'd expect this year to be no different. The panel certainly looks stronger than it did during Winter/early Spring - plenty to be hopeful about.
Bennydorano, I agree with pretty much everything you say except saying we are average at FB, There is a constant dismissal of Gordon by Armagh fans but his record of stopping Full forwards from scoring speaks for itself. anyway that aside I agree with you, especially regarding the game plan Armagh could employ to beat us (or at least turn it into a dead evens game)
My point and confidence is really that I, and be honest I am sure you too, do not believe that POR will implement your plan and do not believe that Ronan Clarke will be available. So I think we will win not because I am claiming how much better we are as players but because POR's system is hampering Armagh from being their best.
Yes if Armagh did it your way then I agree with you. All I'm saying is that if Armagh continue as they are, and all indocations are they will, then we should win the game.
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 16, 2011, 10:57:40 AM
Bennydorano, I agree with pretty much everything you say except saying we are average at FB, There is a constant dismissal of Gordon by Armagh fans but his record of stopping Full forwards from scoring speaks for itself. anyway that aside I agree with you, especially regarding the game plan Armagh could employ to beat us (or at least turn it into a dead evens game)
My point and confidence is really that I, and be honest I am sure you too, do not believe that POR will implement your plan and do not believe that Ronan Clarke will be available. So I think we will win not because I am claiming how much better we are as players but because POR's system is hampering Armagh from being their best.
Yes if Armagh did it your way then I agree with you. All I'm saying is that if Armagh continue as they are, and all indocations are they will, then we should win the game.
Some Armagh fans are fixated on the return of Ronan Clarke as some sort of messiah which is totally unfair on him. I also doubt he will ever return to intercounty football given the length of time he has been out. He has tried to return a couple of times and has broken down so it must be pretty serious. We have however in Jamie Clarke a potential Young Player of the year. The crux however is as you say POR's ability to deliver a game plan. Unlike many other Armagh posters I think POR could deliver if he had the courage of his own convictions...he is to easily swayed by thos around him as seen in some of his decisions or indecisions. Down by 2/3 is probable.
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 16, 2011, 10:57:40 AM
Bennydorano, I agree with pretty much everything you say except saying we are average at FB, There is a constant dismissal of Gordon by Armagh fans but his record of stopping Full forwards from scoring speaks for itself. anyway that aside I agree with you, especially regarding the game plan Armagh could employ to beat us (or at least turn it into a dead evens game)
Dan is a stopgap at FB nothing more, he's there because there's no better about in the position which is a sign of weakness IMO. If Brian Mallon was fired in at FB I'm sure Dan would be shifted elsewhere, he'll do for some FF's. It's up to us to expose that weakness, doubt if we have the nous on the line to do so mind you.
Quote from: Applesisapples on April 16, 2011, 09:21:10 AM
Aaah we should by pass Down and go straight to the first round qualifiers, sure there is no point in showing up. :'(
Apples when the ground hardens and Downs nippy forwards get going theres not a county in Ireland or the world that can stop them ;) especially as they now have a 17 year itch to rectify.
We are just cannon fodder to these aristocrats of Ulster Football, Its pointless us even turning up!
Lads. A French person asked me to bring him to a game. Thought this one would be perfect. I'm from an Antrim club though - how would I get a couple of tickets or would they all be snapped up inside the counties?
Fierce tight to get i would imagine, get your club secretary to put in a request for you with Antrim co board.
Quote from: mackers on April 15, 2011, 04:31:22 PM
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
Ciaran was definitely injured the last day out............he has a knee ligament injury........think he's very lucky.........could've been a very serious injury. You'll have to check your sources Berf.
Complete nonsense. He was definitely injured.
I'm not so sure it will be tight for tickets Benny. I think it'll be close to a sellout but it could be one or two thousand short of capacity.
Quote from: Sportacus on April 17, 2011, 05:13:30 PM
Lads. A French person asked me to bring him to a game. Thought this one would be perfect. I'm from an Antrim club though - how would I get a couple of tickets or would they all be snapped up inside the counties?
Might be some available online through headquarters?
Quote from: Sportacus on April 17, 2011, 05:13:30 PM
Lads. A French person asked me to bring him to a game. Thought this one would be perfect. I'm from an Antrim club though - how would I get a couple of tickets or would they all be snapped up inside the counties?
Do you know anyone from Down or Armagh? There will be no problem getting tickets as a club member. so especially if you know and Armagh club member then they would be able to order a couple of tickets for you. The big thing is if United beat Schalke. If they do then, as has been discussed here, the tickets will be much easier come by.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on April 17, 2011, 08:52:52 PM
Quote from: mackers on April 15, 2011, 04:31:22 PM
Quote from: BerfArmagh on April 15, 2011, 03:47:57 PM
The closer this game gets, the more worried I am about it. I am hearing from a few reliable heads that all is not well in the camp, indeed there was a serious row after the galway game..... lets just say Ciaran Mc Keever was'nt injured the last day out...
Ciaran was definitely injured the last day out............he has a knee ligament injury........think he's very lucky.........could've been a very serious injury. You'll have to check your sources Berf.
Complete nonsense. He was definitely injured.
I'm not so sure it will be tight for tickets Benny. I think it'll be close to a sellout but it could be one or two thousand short of capacity.
You think so? I'd be very suprised if it's not sold out, mind you Saturday evening is shite for a championship match, with the CL final and the Gaelic on TV being a fine way to start a saturday evening's boozin (+ the bretheren in Markethill putting a few off) you could be right.
It'll be a bumper night for pubs and clubs in Armagh City - avoid the Bunker that night(city hotel), it'll be mayhem if some of the yahoos come in from Markethill - which they will.
Was told tonight to expect a 15k capacity as there are still a few H&S issues with the ground. Raging about the Saturday night too, have a Wedding in the 4season Monaghan and it would have been great to get up for the match on the Sunday.
Considering that the league games in the marshes had crowds in the 10-13K range, 15K would be easily achievable or even 17-18K, I would have thought. I wonder what the issues are with the athletic grounds, it seems to represent modern principles.
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 13, 2011, 08:23:50 PM
Agree with those that say its a must see game. Those that may miss it because of a soccer match, concert or wedding isnt a die hard fan of either down or armagh. Skip the wedding, even if its ur own...........
Whilst I concur with the above, and I will be there, I cant understand the Ulster councils thinking. I am also a die-hard Manchester United fan and this would have been a great weekend with the game at Wembly on the Saturday followed by the Championship game on the Sunday....Cant imagine the reasoning for clashing with the biggest Soccer game in the world!
with a bit of luck our german friends schalke will beat united in the semi to save the undoubted worry united fans all have with missing " the biggest soccer game in the world"
i will be there hoping that armagh put up a good show ::) , because undoubtedly down are well on their way to winning another sam
These rediculously poor attempts at kidology/mindgames/windup or whatever else u want to call them are getting a bit boring at this stage.
Is there any reason why the champions league final cant be moved to Sunday.
Quote from: naka on April 19, 2011, 10:22:12 AM
with a bit of luck our german friends schalke will beat united in the semi to save the undoubted worry united fans all have with missing " the biggest soccer game in the world"
i will be there hoping that armagh put up a good show ::) , because undoubtedly down are well on their way to winning another sam
(http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRgYsUrnuj3OxRRzWHODTmNjs_sql_I0KR6qWZPafi6ptxmZaqB9A&t=1)
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 19, 2011, 01:10:15 PM
These rediculously poor attempts at kidology/mindgames/windup or whatever else u want to call them are getting a bit boring at this stage.
Its not kidology or a windup as far as I'm concerned.
This is the first time in a dozen years that we have been going into an Ulster Championship (or even All Ireland) game where I have not seen any way we can win.
We have to all intents and purposes 2 dangerous forwards, men who can make and take a score.
We dont have a high fielding mid-fielder (a-la Jarlath or Paul McGrane)
We absolutely do not have a dirty ball winner (sits back and awaits the word play jokes)
Our defense seems incapable of defending, we are not big enough to deal with physical forwards (Cork/Galway) or quick enough to cope with pacy forwards (step forward Mr. Brogan)
I suspect that we have to accept that our Golden era is very much at an end.
The last 12/13 years were by a country mile the most successful period of sustained success in the history of the County.We had some amazing days, an some days of pure heartbreak too, but we were " a force".On our day we were as good as anybody, some days we were fractionally better than the best, other days we fell agonisingly just short. Those days are gone. This down team is a decent unit, not exceptional in my humble opinion, who stumbled to last year's All Ireland Final (and could have won it), but they are by no means a great Down team. Honestly down fans how many would be shoe-ins for the 91 or 94 teams (3 maybe 4 at a push), yet they could quite conceivably give us a lesson (dont think so-look what Monaghan di to us last Summer).
So, go along on the 28th, cheer them on and hope for a shock but be realistic.
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on April 19, 2011, 11:01:26 PM
. This down team is a decent unit, not exceptional in my humble opinion, who stumbled to last year's All Ireland Final (and could have won it), but they are by no means a great Down team.
That's about as honest an assessment I could expect from anywhere.
Coming from an Armagh man I have some hope that real perspective has entered the equation.
There is not the kick of a ball between these two teams - they will give us a match to be interested in - no more no less - and Cork will take Sam.
Quote from: Naomh Pol CLG on April 19, 2011, 10:13:33 AM
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 13, 2011, 08:23:50 PM
Agree with those that say its a must see game. Those that may miss it because of a soccer match, concert or wedding isnt a die hard fan of either down or armagh. Skip the wedding, even if its ur own...........
Whilst I concur with the above, and I will be there, I cant understand the Ulster councils thinking. I am also a die-hard Manchester United fan and this would have been a great weekend with the game at Wembly on the Saturday followed by the Championship game on the Sunday....Cant imagine the reasoning for clashing with the biggest Soccer game in the world!
I just had a quick glance at the fixtures for the Ulster Championship and every other game is on a Sunday apart from this one!!
Armaghtothebone - very honest an assessment but you haven't accounted for lads playing out of their skins which they might do. If they do that then Armagh still have good enough players to challenge pretty much every team in the country. I think the biggest problem is your management who have shown no indications that they are capable of organising your team to allow them to bring out that big performance. A lot of your issues relate to the way the team has been approaching games not exactly with the players themselves.
As for the current Down team - Coulter would replace Withnail or Farrell, Marty Clarke or Danny would replace Mason with the other on the bench, Gordon would be good enough to play midfield, McVeigh is easily as good as Collins. i thinkteh best combined team would be:
McVeigh
Magill
Deegan
Higgins
Burns/Rooney or McKernan
Breen
Kane
Gordon
McCartan
Carr
Blaney
Hughes
Linden
Coulter
J McCartan
Quote from: Agent Orange on April 19, 2011, 01:22:08 PM
Is there any reason why the champions league final cant be moved to Sunday.
:D LOL
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Armaghtothebone - very honest an assessment but you haven't accounted for lads playing out of their skins which they might do. If they do that then Armagh still have good enough players to challenge pretty much every team in the country. I think the biggest problem is your management who have shown no indications that they are capable of organising your team to allow them to bring out that big performance. A lot of your issues relate to the way the team has been approaching games not exactly with the players themselves.
As for the current Down team - Coulter would replace Withnail or Farrell, Marty Clarke or Danny would replace Mason with the other on the bench, Gordon would be good enough to play midfield, McVeigh is easily as good as Collins. i thinkteh best combined team would be:
McVeigh
Magill
Deegan
Higgins
Burns/Rooney or McKernan
Breen
Kane
Gordon
McCartan
Carr
Blaney
Hughes
Linden
Coulter
J McCartan
I couldn't see Hughes or Clarke taking Mason's place - for free kicking alone - good post though
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Gordon would be good enough to play midfield,
If he was good enough for midfield he would be playing it now
Quote from: Armaghgael on April 20, 2011, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Gordon would be good enough to play midfield,
If he was good enough for midfield he would be playing it now
Now that is a good post - sums it up.
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Armaghtothebone - very honest an assessment but you haven't accounted for lads playing out of their skins which they might do. If they do that then Armagh still have good enough players to challenge pretty much every team in the country. I think the biggest problem is your management who have shown no indications that they are capable of organising your team to allow them to bring out that big performance. A lot of your issues relate to the way the team has been approaching games not exactly with the players themselves.
As a player I was'nt even good enough to play senior club never mind senior county so I most certainly do not want to appear to be slighting or knocking the current squad. Every one of them tries their damndest when they pull on the orange jersey, gives up more than any of us fans have any right to expect them to, and in many cases do this for years on end without any real prospect of success. But I can not agree with you that we have the players to challenge any team. I wont rehash my previous post, but we are simply not at the very top level of 3 maybe 4/5 teams.
Kerry, the Dubs and the Rebels all beat us at a canter when we as near to full strength as makes no odds.
I I do take your point on Paddy O'Rourke and the seeming lack of a plan but even though as an Armaghman I'd love to be able to blame it all on a Downman, the simple fact is I can't.
Quote from: ogshead on April 20, 2011, 09:51:27 AM
Quote from: Naomh Pol CLG on April 19, 2011, 10:13:33 AM
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 13, 2011, 08:23:50 PM
Agree with those that say its a must see game. Those that may miss it because of a soccer match, concert or wedding isnt a die hard fan of either down or armagh. Skip the wedding, even if its ur own...........
Whilst I concur with the above, and I will be there, I cant understand the Ulster councils thinking. I am also a die-hard Manchester United fan and this would have been a great weekend with the game at Wembly on the Saturday followed by the Championship game on the Sunday....Cant imagine the reasoning for clashing with the biggest Soccer game in the world!
I just had a quick glance at the fixtures for the Ulster Championship and every other game is on a Sunday apart from this one!!
I say it is for TV reasons.
Quote from: Leo on April 20, 2011, 10:57:19 PM
Quote from: Armaghgael on April 20, 2011, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Gordon would be good enough to play midfield,
If he was good enough for midfield he would be playing it now
Now that is a good post - sums it up.
It does not sum it up at all. Furthermore it is far from a good post, it is a short-sighted and badly thought out post.
We don't have Conor Deegan available to us to play Fullback. If Deegan was around today then Gordon WOULD be in midfield. Gordon plays fullback because of a lack of an alternative while we have decent alternatives in midfield. Gordon is good enough to play midfield now and would indeed be playing there if it wasn't for the shear necessity of playing him at fullback. Maybe you haven't noticed but he's not exactly on the bench is he?
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 21, 2011, 08:50:31 AM
Quote from: Leo on April 20, 2011, 10:57:19 PM
Quote from: Armaghgael on April 20, 2011, 10:31:18 PM
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 20, 2011, 11:06:46 AM
Gordon would be good enough to play midfield,
If he was good enough for midfield he would be playing it now
Now that is a good post - sums it up.
It does not sum it up at all. Furthermore it is far from a good post, it is a short-sighted and badly thought out post.
We don't have Conor Deegan available to us to play Fullback. If Deegan was around today then Gordon WOULD be in midfield. Gordon plays fullback because of a lack of an alternative while we have decent alternatives in midfield. Gordon is good enough to play midfield now and would indeed be playing there if it wasn't for the shear necessity of playing him at fullback. Maybe you haven't noticed but he's not exactly on the bench is he?
I know what you are saying, but I can't imagine Anthony Tohill, Greg McCartan or Paul McGrane being used at full back in their prime.
in Fact Dan played that much at full forward, I think you are accomodating him in your midfield.
Still he's a good player, worth accomdating!
Yes but if u look at Downs midfield in 91 and 94 Eamon Burns went from midfield to wing back, Conor Deegan went from Full Back to midfield and Barry Breen went from midfield to CHB.
Dont think Paul is saying that Dan is as good as McGrane, Tohill or McCartan, just that he would be as good a midfielder as possible Breen or Burns were but has to play at FB at the min as he is doing a good job there and there is no alternative for the position whilst there are viable alternatives at midfield, just like maybe Breen and Burns had to do in 94 as there was a lack of alternatives for the CHB and WHB roles. Alot of the time u play where the team needs u most, not necessarily ur best position. On a smaller scale alot of club midfielders never actually get to play there when they play for the county even though that is the position that got them on the county panel in the first place.
For what its worth i would have a fit Amrbose in ahead of Dan at midfield on that team anyway.
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 21, 2011, 01:12:04 PM
Yes but if u look at Downs midfield in 91 and 94 Eamon Burns went from midfield to wing back, Conor Deegan went from Full Back to midfield and Barry Breen went from midfield to CHB.
Dont think Paul is saying that Dan is as good as McGrane, Tohill or McCartan, just that he would be as good a midfielder as possible Breen or Burns were but has to play at FB at the min as he is doing a good job there and there is no alternative for the position whilst there are viable alternatives at midfield, just like maybe Breen and Burns had to do in 94 as there was a lack of alternatives for the CHB and WHB roles. Alot of the time u play where the team needs u most, not necessarily ur best position. On a smaller scale alot of club midfielders never actually get to play there when they play for the county even though that is the position that got them on the county panel in the first place.
For what its worth i would have a fit Amrbose in ahead of Dan at midfield on that team anyway.
So would I!
I don't think I would, I considered Ambrose but I genuinely think Gordon is a better midfielder. But that's just my opinion.
As for Hughes not getting in because Mason would be better at frees, I did think about that and it is possible but I think Hughes is so dynamic and adds so much to the attack through his work rate that I would still select him. And for the frees apart from Ross Carr, didn't Greg McCartan take a lot of frees? So he could do that, allowing Danny to replace Mason.
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
There's no point discussing the game Ulick as the result is a foregone conclusion!
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
It does beat the debate about whether to go to the match or watch the Champion's League Final though..............
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:02:51 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
There's no point discussing the game Ulick as the result is a foregone conclusion!
Is there any chance of getting away from this shite of foregone conclusion, no point armagh turning up, blablabla. Did any down players actually say any of this.
Brakes my balls with the amount of shite talked.
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 21, 2011, 03:19:30 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:02:51 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
There's no point discussing the game Ulick as the result is a foregone conclusion!
Is there any chance of getting away from this shite of foregone conclusion, no point armagh turning up, blablabla. Did any down players actually say any of this.
Brakes my balls with the amount of shite talked.
Breaks mine too!
Quote from: mackers on April 21, 2011, 03:03:52 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
It does beat the debate about whether to go to the match or watch the Champion's League Final though..............
+1
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:21:45 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 21, 2011, 03:19:30 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:02:51 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
There's no point discussing the game Ulick as the result is a foregone conclusion!
Is there any chance of getting away from this shite of foregone conclusion, no point armagh turning up, blablabla. Did any down players actually say any of this.
Brakes my balls with the amount of shite talked.
Breaks mine too!
Stop talking it then !!
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 21, 2011, 03:33:04 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:21:45 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on April 21, 2011, 03:19:30 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 21, 2011, 03:02:51 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
There's no point discussing the game Ulick as the result is a foregone conclusion!
Is there any chance of getting away from this shite of foregone conclusion, no point armagh turning up, blablabla. Did any down players actually say any of this.
Brakes my balls with the amount of shite talked.
Breaks mine too!
Stop talking it then !!
What? Quote right and spell right if you're going to give off :P
As for the game itself I honestly feel that Armagh will struggle. They do not have a settled team, they do not have a settled game style and I don't believe they are all pulling the same way. You could argue that they have home advantage and that must mean something but let's look at the reality. They won 1 game at home during the league and that was against a poor Monaghan side and Armagh had to rely on the last minute point of a corner back to win it. Down on the other hand had a decent league showing, steadied the ship this year after going up with Armagh and comfortably stayed in Division 1. They have a settled gameplan and relatively settled team but more importantly than anything they have a group of players who are more or less doing what McCartan wants them to do. Man for man there is a hair's breadth between the two teams but that is if all is going evenly. As it stands I don't see Armagh winning and think Down will win with some left over in the tank.
Quote from: mackers on April 21, 2011, 03:03:52 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
It does beat the debate about whether to go to the match or watch the Champion's League Final though..............
Good call Macker's. in my defence I was just answering a question by an Armagh poster but I do admit it would be better on another thread.
But what do we talk about regarding the game? Haven't we said pretty much everything:
- Cagey people say there isn't a kick of the ball in it (what's the point in an anonymous debate forum if you won't give your honest prediction? - BrokenCbar has at least come out and given his straight opinion)
- Pessimistic Armagh followers bemoan their manager's contribution (rightly so in my opinion)
- Armagh fans widely debate their best line up (I haven't a clue what's your best line up and I've read all your forums hoping to learn from Armagh fans about your team)
- R. Clarke won't make it, S. Kernan won't get picked, Ambrose won't make it, Coulter is a doubt
- The Down team pretty much picks itself (hence we are left debating fantasy teams!!)
- Down fans range from cautious to wildly optimistic
- Sorry if this is offensive but there has been a lot of sarcasm which isn't constructive. I like to hear other people's opinions but prefer they deliver an intelligent point not just smart-ass ironies that teach you nothing but that the poster has little to say of merit.
Isn't that about it all?
I would like to hear sensible reasons why Armagh fans think they can win (not sarcasm there, just a request for opinions) Through winter the justification was frequently heavily weighted on Ronan Clarke's renaissance but that will not happen now. So where do you see a victory coming from? As I've said it is current form and team cohesion more than anything else that I think is giving Down the edge.
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 21, 2011, 03:57:29 PM
Quote from: mackers on April 21, 2011, 03:03:52 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
It does beat the debate about whether to go to the match or watch the Champion's League Final though..............
Good call Macker's. in my defence I was just answering a question by an Armagh poster but I do admit it would be better on another thread.
But what do we talk about regarding the game? Haven't we said pretty much everything:
- Cagey people say there isn't a kick of the ball in it (what's the point in an anonymous debate forum if you won't give your honest prediction? - BrokenCbar has at least come out and given his straight opinion)
- Pessimistic Armagh followers bemoan their manager's contribution (rightly so in my opinion)
- Armagh fans widely debate their best line up (I haven't a clue what's your best line up and I've read all your forums hoping to learn from Armagh fans about your team)
- R. Clarke won't make it, S. Kernan won't get picked, Ambrose won't make it, Coulter is a doubt
- The Down team pretty much picks itself (hence we are left debating fantasy teams!!)
- Down fans range from cautious to wildly optimistic
- Sorry if this is offensive but there has been a lot of sarcasm which isn't constructive. I like to hear other people's opinions but prefer they deliver an intelligent point not just smart-ass ironies that teach you nothing but that the poster has little to say of merit.
Isn't that about it all?
I would like to hear sensible reasons why Armagh fans think they can win (not sarcasm there, just a request for opinions) Through winter the justification was frequently heavily weighted on Ronan Clarke's renaissance but that will not happen now. So where do you see a victory coming from? As I've said it is current form and team cohesion more than anything else that I think is giving Down the edge.
Why Armagh can win? Because football matches aren't foregone conclusions. If they were we'd all be rich on our winnings from the bookies.
How can Armagh win?
Last year, Down hammered them in the league, yet Armagh won the important one.
This year, it is 1-1 if you include McKenna Cup.
IMO it will come down to:
Who wants it the most, from management right through to players.
Who believes it is their right to win the game
Who will drop the heads first
And finally, who gets the break of the ball
Nothing between them - am really looking forward to it - and for what its worth, for me, theres no spectacle like a GAA championship game between your team and their closest rivals.
I have followed United since I can remember. But still, no contest.
Who cares who wins? When is the last time the ulster championship meant anything ?
Did Down win Ulster last year? Did it do them any harm?
Quote from: seafoid on April 21, 2011, 10:40:34 PM
Who cares who wins? When is the last time the ulster championship meant anything ?
Did Down win Ulster last year? Did it do them any harm?
So, if Mayo beat ye in Connacht it wouldn't hurt? Not one wee bit?
Quote from: BarryBreensBandage on April 21, 2011, 10:36:36 PM
How can Armagh win?
Last year, Down hammered them in the league, yet Armagh won the important one.
This year, it is 1-1 if you include McKenna Cup.
IMO it will come down to:
Who wants it the most, from management right through to players.
Who believes it is their right to win the game
Who will drop the heads first
And finally, who gets the break of the ball
Nothing between them - am really looking forward to it - and for what its worth, for me, theres no spectacle like a GAA championship game between your team and their closest rivals.
I have followed United since I can remember. But still, no contest.
totally right
Having thought long and hard about it, I believe this is going to be one of the hardest beatings Armagh have ever taken in championship history.
Wise up there will be nothing between these two at the end no matter what way the league has gone for either side just hope it goes our way
Seafoid is correct to a certain extent, there's nothing at stake only local bragging rights, another USFC in Armagh would be greeted with a few hurrahs and that's about the height of it. There'd definitely be more benefit to Down pyschologically winning Ulster, think ours are too fresh in the memory to be heralded as some sort of re-emergence or breakthrough. Whisper it but we'd probably be better of with a long developmental run in the back door, although I'm sure it's not something being countenanced at the moment.
While an Ulster title mightn't raise too many pulses in Armagh, I think this match still carries a lot of significance. We've been on a downer for a good twelve months now, if this is compounded by another depressing defeat it'd be difficult to see us hanging on for much longer in the Summer. The discontent over the management would also reach new heights. On the other hand, a win should provide a decent boost heading deeper into the summer, and would probably buy the management a bit of support.
I think the injury to Paddy Bradley has made this match much more significant. Without him, Derry are just average but will be too good for Fermanagh. The winners from the Athletic Grounds will be well up for the semi-final and should make an Ulster Final.
I hope it's Down but the injury to Benny is a concern. However, I expect there will be a few more missing with the number of club games to come in both counties so speculation on the result at this stage is just that- speculation.
Rogers has also been training with the county team and Down boss James McCartan is delighted to have him back. However, McCartan will not be taking any risks with the big midfielder, even though Armagh loom large on the horizon:
"He would be in the doubtful category," says the manager ahead of the May 28th trip to the Athletic Grounds.
"Ambrose played a few minutes for his club last week. He came through it okay. But coming through ten minutes for his club is still a long way away from being involved in an Ulster championship match.
"We are delighted that he came through unscathed, but certainly we wouldn't be putting any pressure on Ambrose to be fit for the Armagh game. He felt grand and was very happy having come through it.
"It's a big step forward but I still think we have to be careful with him. We all know what happened to Dermot Earley in Kildare, so there is certainly an element of caution with Ambrose.
"Obviously he wants to be available for Armagh - he has made that perfectly clear. But to us that would be a bonus.
"His aim is to be available for the Armagh game squad; if that happens, we would be delighted.
On a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game ;D
QuoteOn a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game
I can see why a Down supporter would welcome that.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 04, 2011, 03:09:07 PM
QuoteOn a brighter note, i see there will be a large screen erected in the athletic grounds showing the champions league final during the game
I can see why a Down supporter would welcome that.
would u like to share your insight with the rest of us?
There's no screen going up ye's eejits ::)
But Benny Tierney said there was!
It would need to be a big screen if he is doing the commentary
Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away
Quote from: borderfox on May 06, 2011, 03:11:56 PM
Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away
I cant see any bad refereeing decisions making any difference this time. Sure Armagh have the Cross boys back and possibly Ronan Clarke. They also have natural defenders and being at home will have the bigger support especially due to the Champions League final, afterall theres not too many knocking about Armagh who support the'foreign games'.
QuoteIt would need to be a big screen
I think they should put the big screen in front of the Armagh goals.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 06, 2011, 04:25:12 PM
Quote from: borderfox on May 06, 2011, 03:11:56 PM
Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away
I cant see any bad refereeing decisions making any difference this time. Sure Armagh have the Cross boys back and possibly Ronan Clarke. They also have natural defenders and being at home will have the bigger support especially due to the Champions League final, afterall theres not too many knocking about Armagh who support the'foreign games'.
Aye but dont forget Down are the aristocrats of Ulster football yet haven't won anything of note in 17 years! Surely this will drive Down on, and bear in mind when the ground hardens and your nippy forwards get going you'll be nigh impossible to beat.
Quote from: borderfox on May 06, 2011, 08:29:55 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 06, 2011, 04:25:12 PM
Quote from: borderfox on May 06, 2011, 03:11:56 PM
Heres hoping for a good game which one team wins fair and square with no crappy refereeing decision spoiling the occasion.
In other words keep Sludden away
I cant see any bad refereeing decisions making any difference this time. Sure Armagh have the Cross boys back and possibly Ronan Clarke. They also have natural defenders and being at home will have the bigger support especially due to the Champions League final, afterall theres not too many knocking about Armagh who support the'foreign games'.
Aye but dont forget Down are the aristocrats of Ulster football yet haven't won anything of note in 17 years! Surely this will drive Down on, and bear in mind when the ground hardens and your nippy forwards get going you'll be nigh impossible to beat.
Sure if the ground has'nt hardened in the last 17 years it probably wo'nt this year either!
Although Armagh usually bottle it when it comes to winning All Irelands, they have still been the major force within Ulster over the last decade and it should'nt be any different this year.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 06, 2011, 07:08:40 PM
QuoteIt would need to be a big screen
I think they should put the big screen in front of the Armagh goals.
What a good idea, lets face it with the Orchards natural defenders thats probably gonna be the only way of seeing some action in front of the Armagh goals. Everyone will be able to see Ronan Clarke & Co scoring at will into both goal ends at the same time.
Move it to the Sunday. Go on.
Quote from: Etienne Lantier on April 23, 2011, 12:56:38 AM
Having thought long and hard about it, I believe this is going to be one of the hardest beatings Armagh have ever taken in championship history.
Oh God no
Not as bad as the tanking we gave them in the 1999 Ulster Final
The thought of walking out with my half time ice cream still not eaten.
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 08, 2011, 09:19:28 PM
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Wered you hear that???
Quote from: Armaghgael on May 08, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 08, 2011, 09:19:28 PM
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Wered you hear that???
I was talking to one of our main men's brothers last week and he said that he had asked his brother what the story was with Clarke and he said the response was "F**king forget about Clarke!!". I think the players are sick sore and tired about talking about this subject and want to concentrate on the job in hand. I think that's what we should do on here too.
I always wondered how does the Armagh v Down rivalry compare with that of Tyrone v Derry in the 90's which to me was when it was teetering on the edge as we met so many times.
Has the Down v Armagh games lost a bit of their edge compared to yesteryear?
Has the back door lessened the importance of these games now?
What was Armagh's greatest memory of the Aristro cats & likewise for the Down lads?
I think most Tyrone folk would look back to the 1995 semifinal win with our famous 13 men 1 point win.
well lads I think your sources r wrong , I have been told that clarke is back in training and could be featuring in the championship this year. he ll be playing club game this week so mackers and sandy hill , get your sources right.
Quote from: jobo11 on May 09, 2011, 11:56:51 AM
well lads I think your sources r wrong , I have been told that clarke is back in training and could be featuring in the championship this year. he ll be playing club game this week so mackers and sandy hill , get your sources right.
I have mine right, thanks very much. Where have I said he won't feature this year?
So just to clarify, you're saying he's going to be playing for the Ogs this week............
Quote from: mackers on May 09, 2011, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Armaghgael on May 08, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 08, 2011, 09:19:28 PM
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Wered you hear that???
I was talking to one of our main men's brothers last week and he said that he had asked his brother what the story was with Clarke and he said the response was "F**king forget about Clarke!!". I think the players are sick sore and tired about talking about this subject and want to concentrate on the job in hand. I think that's what we should do on here too.
Could the phrase "F**king forget about Clarke!!" just have been one of exasperation at the constant messiah like status heaped on Clarke? Is there a chance that the guy you were talking too wasn't necessarily saying that Clarke wouldn't play but that you should forget about worrying about him because he feels the team is good enough to win without him and that he felt it insulting to the rest of the panel to be focusing on only one player?
Of course you were there and the conversation was probably more than this one phrase, so was it said in context that Clarke is out?
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 09, 2011, 03:42:45 PM
Quote from: mackers on May 09, 2011, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Armaghgael on May 08, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 08, 2011, 09:19:28 PM
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Wered you hear that???
I was talking to one of our main men's brothers last week and he said that he had asked his brother what the story was with Clarke and he said the response was "F**king forget about Clarke!!". I think the players are sick sore and tired about talking about this subject and want to concentrate on the job in hand. I think that's what we should do on here too.
Could the phrase "F**king forget about Clarke!!" just have been one of exasperation at the constant messiah like status heaped on Clarke? Is there a chance that the guy you were talking too wasn't necessarily saying that Clarke wouldn't play but that you should forget about worrying about him because he feels the team is good enough to win without him and that he felt it insulting to the rest of the panel to be focusing on only one player?
Of course you were there and the conversation was probably more than this one phrase, so was it said in context that Clarke is out?
The highlighted bit is the way I picked it up anyway..............Clarke is definitely out of the Down match and the players would rather get on with the match and stop answering questions about Ronan Clarke's fitness. They feel they can win the match without Clarke.
mackers re clarke i had been told that he was to play a few games with the cliub to get him up to speed but this hasnt happened, whilst he may be on the bench i dont think he will play against down as he will not have had any game practice indeed he does not yet tkae part in the whole of training.
i think you are right in that the rest of the guys on the panel are pissed off with the constant harping on as to whether he is fit or not because they see this as a team effort and not about one man
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 09, 2011, 03:42:45 PM
Quote from: mackers on May 09, 2011, 10:56:11 AM
Quote from: Armaghgael on May 08, 2011, 10:19:24 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 08, 2011, 09:19:28 PM
No major surprise but no Ronan Clarke for Down match and probably for the whole Championship run, long or short.
Wered you hear that???
I was talking to one of our main men's brothers last week and he said that he had asked his brother what the story was with Clarke and he said the response was "F**king forget about Clarke!!". I think the players are sick sore and tired about talking about this subject and want to concentrate on the job in hand. I think that's what we should do on here too.
Could the phrase "F**king forget about Clarke!!" just have been one of exasperation at the constant messiah like status heaped on Clarke? Is there a chance that the guy you were talking too wasn't necessarily saying that Clarke wouldn't play but that you should forget about worrying about him because he feels the team is good enough to win without him and that he felt it insulting to the rest of the panel to be focusing on only one player?
Of course you were there and the conversation was probably more than this one phrase, so was it said in context that Clarke is out?
Maybe they want to forget about Marty Clarke so they can get some sleep before he roasts them.
Ha Ha Ha.
Any word of the big screen for the Champs lge final.
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Ive being following Armagh for years now. I know clarke is not the messiah but he hasn t asked for people to keep asking about him. I think its not his fault. Armagh have the team to beat Down without clarke but it would be a bonus if he is on the bench. I think is getting a lot of game time in timing which would be at a high standard so maybe 10 mins but if not so be it. so mackers stop tryin g to say that there is tension in the team over clarkes injury. totally untrue I would say.
Once again I would be questioning your source or you reading to much into the situation.
Armagh abu
Quote from: jobo11 on May 09, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
Ive being following Armagh for years now. I know clarke is not the messiah but he hasn t asked for people to keep asking about him. I think its not his fault. Armagh have the team to beat Down without clarke but it would be a bonus if he is on the bench. I think is getting a lot of game time in timing which would be at a high standard so maybe 10 mins but if not so be it. so mackers stop tryin g to say that there is tension in the team over clarkes injury. totally untrue I would say.
Once again I would be questioning your source or you reading to much into the situation.
Armagh abu
Woah.................back up the truck there a minute!!!
Not for one second am I insinutating the players are p1ssed off with Ronan Clarke, I'm saying that the players are p1ssed off answering questions about Clarke's fitness. That's a completely different thing.
You can question my source if you want but you seem to be reading things into my posts that aren't there!
Quote from: jobo11 on May 09, 2011, 11:56:51 AM
well lads I think your sources r wrong , I have been told that clarke is back in training and could be featuring in the championship this year. he ll be playing club game this week so mackers and sandy hill , get your sources right.
Seeing you're obviously a man who is well informed I'll hold you to the highlighted bit...........I really hope you're right.
Quote from: jobo11 on May 09, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
Ive being following Armagh for years now. I know clarke is not the messiah but he hasn t asked for people to keep asking about him. I think its not his fault. Armagh have the team to beat Down without clarke but it would be a bonus if he is on the bench. I think is getting a lot of game time in timing which would be at a high standard so maybe 10 mins but if not so be it. so mackers stop tryin g to say that there is tension in the team over clarkes injury. totally untrue I would say.
Once again I would be questioning your source or you reading to much into the situation.
Armagh abu
In defence of Mackers it did sound like the comment was not intended to show animosity to Clarke, just support for the existing team without him. Mackers never said anything about unrest.
There really has been too much said about his return and too much investment put in it. He certainly is/was a superb player but it has been a constant hyperbole all year "When we get Ronan Clarke back!!!". That isn't good enough, the Armagh team expects to win as they are and are not walking around looking for a saviour.
There is no way Ronan Clarke will play anything but a minor role if anything at all.
Coulter has declared that he will be fit to start and Ambrose is in training. But even if neither make it, we expect the fifteen that line out to perform as a team and win.
If i was a Down fan i'd be looking Ronan Clarke to play...a fella who hasn't kicked a ball in 18 months ::)
'Whole stitch up job in the Irish News today, trying to make me seem like a gay. Lets get things straight, Marty Clarke is a bender.'
This is from Ciaran McKeevers twitter page earlier.
What was gist of irish news article then?
Quote from: illdecide on May 09, 2011, 07:52:44 PM
If i was a Down fan i'd be looking Ronan Clarke to play...a fella who hasn't kicked a ball in 18 months ::)
I just want to see a great gaa player getting back on the pitch after the injury he has had
But the icing on the cake would be him putting the sword in you feckers
Quote from: Santino on May 09, 2011, 09:00:06 PM
'Whole stitch up job in the Irish News today, trying to make me seem like a gay. Lets get things straight, Marty Clarke is a bender.'
This is from Ciaran McKeevers twitter page earlier.
What was gist of irish news article then?
Did you seriously think that is really produced by Ciaran McKeever?!
Quote from: Santino on May 09, 2011, 09:00:06 PM
'Whole stitch up job in the Irish News today, trying to make me seem like a gay. Lets get things straight, Marty Clarke is a bender.'
This is from Ciaran McKeevers twitter page earlier.
What was gist of irish news article then?
http://www.hoganstand.com/armagh/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=141148 (http://www.hoganstand.com/armagh/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=141148)
Quote from: naka on May 09, 2011, 09:02:59 PM
Quote from: illdecide on May 09, 2011, 07:52:44 PM
If i was a Down fan i'd be looking Ronan Clarke to play...a fella who hasn't kicked a ball in 18 months ::)
I just want to see a great gaa player getting back on the pitch after the injury he has had
But the icing on the cake would be him putting the sword in you feckers
Of course Clarke not being fit to play against us is clearly not a bad thing for Down. But I want to be clear that I take no pleasure in seeing a young talented player, who was dedicated to his sport, struck down and forced out of the game by injury. Yeah everyone who reads my posts knows It would not hurt me at all to see Armagh lose every game but that doesn't mean I wish bad to any Armagh player. I hope clarke does recover and more importantly I hope whatever his situation, I hope it does not cause him any physical difficulties later in life.
Just as I am sure that when Ambrose rogers was rushed to hospital from Croke Park to have his spleen removed, there would be no Armagh fans who took pleasure in it and like all other GAA fans they would have wished him recovery. Rivalry aside I like to think that unlike some other sports, GAA fans would never rejoice in the serious injury of a player for any team. Because rivalry aside GAA is a brotherhood beyond the sport
Quote from: PAULD123 on April 21, 2011, 03:57:29 PM
Quote from: mackers on April 21, 2011, 03:03:52 PM
Quote from: Ulick on April 21, 2011, 02:23:16 PM
Lads any chance of taking this Down old crocks love-in to a dedicated thread and leave this one for the actual game?
It does beat the debate about whether to go to the match or watch the Champion's League Final though..............
Good call Macker's. in my defence I was just answering a question by an Armagh poster but I do admit it would be better on another thread.
But what do we talk about regarding the game? Haven't we said pretty much everything:
- Cagey people say there isn't a kick of the ball in it (what's the point in an anonymous debate forum if you won't give your honest prediction? - BrokenCbar has at least come out and given his straight opinion)
- Pessimistic Armagh followers bemoan their manager's contribution (rightly so in my opinion)
- Armagh fans widely debate their best line up (I haven't a clue what's your best line up and I've read all your forums hoping to learn from Armagh fans about your team)
- R. Clarke won't make it, S. Kernan won't get picked, Ambrose won't make it, Coulter is a doubt
- The Down team pretty much picks itself (hence we are left debating fantasy teams!!)
- Down fans range from cautious to wildly optimistic
- Sorry if this is offensive but there has been a lot of sarcasm which isn't constructive. I like to hear other people's opinions but prefer they deliver an intelligent point not just smart-ass ironies that teach you nothing but that the poster has little to say of merit.
Isn't that about it all?
I would like to hear sensible reasons why Armagh fans think they can win (not sarcasm there, just a request for opinions) Through winter the justification was frequently heavily weighted on Ronan Clarke's renaissance but that will not happen now. So where do you see a victory coming from? As I've said it is current form and team cohesion more than anything else that I think is giving Down the edge.
Whilst league form would suggest a Down win, you just can't predict a one off championship game. And don't forget Armagh gave Down a bit of a lesson in the League Final last year. Down had the last laugh though...and we're at home. Failing that Barca will stuff United and take the edge of a disappointing evening.
Quote from: Fuzzman on May 09, 2011, 11:41:04 AM
I always wondered how does the Armagh v Down rivalry compare with that of Tyrone v Derry in the 90's which to me was when it was teetering on the edge as we met so many times.
Has the Down v Armagh games lost a bit of their edge compared to yesteryear?
Has the back door lessened the importance of these games now?
What was Armagh's greatest memory of the Aristro cats & likewise for the Down lads?
I think most Tyrone folk would look back to the 1995 semifinal win with our famous 13 men 1 point win.
Depends what end of the county you are in. Tyrone/Armagh would have more bite around Mid/North Armagh.
Quote from: mackers on May 09, 2011, 05:00:53 PM
Quote from: jobo11 on May 09, 2011, 04:40:39 PM
Ive being following Armagh for years now. I know clarke is not the messiah but he hasn t asked for people to keep asking about him. I think its not his fault. Armagh have the team to beat Down without clarke but it would be a bonus if he is on the bench. I think is getting a lot of game time in timing which would be at a high standard so maybe 10 mins but if not so be it. so mackers stop tryin g to say that there is tension in the team over clarkes injury. totally untrue I would say.
Once again I would be questioning your source or you reading to much into the situation.
Armagh abu
Woah.................back up the truck there a minute!!!
Not for one second am I insinutating the players are p1ssed off with Ronan Clarke, I'm saying that the players are p1ssed off answering questions about Clarke's fitness. That's a completely different thing.
You can question my source if you want but you seem to be reading things into my posts that aren't there!
Quite right too. I am still of the opinion that we have unfortunately seen the last of Ronan mores the pity. If he comes back from this it will be a miracle.
Miracle ???People recover from serious injuries all the time.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 10, 2011, 08:34:28 AM
Miracle ???People recover from serious injuries all the time.
I hope you are right but he keeps breaking down.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 10, 2011, 08:34:28 AM
Miracle ???People recover from serious injuries all the time.
You over your paper cut yet? ;)
Apologies to mackers, just heard this morning that clarke has to under go surgery which will determine if he can kick another ball in his life. This is coming from a great source so, I wish him the best and hope to see him on the field again in the near future. On a other note , Armagh played kildare in friendly last night absolutely hammered by 20 points r more I heard on the grape vine so its not looking good. I dont know if result true but has anyone else heard anything.
No need to apologise jobo, that's bad news for Clarke. Hope the operation is a success. Heard that they were playing Kildare last night but didn't hear a result.
F**k thats some hammering, they play West Meath on Sunday
Sadly, Nippy Swift broke his collar bone in the Kildare challenge game.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Quote from: Imposerous on May 13, 2011, 03:02:11 PM
Sadly, Nippy Swift broke his collar bone in the Kildare challenge game.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Ahh FFS
Bad news about Swift. That's a real blow as it further reduces our options in the forward line. I'd love to know the line up for last night, I heard Brendan Donaghy was unavailable due to exams......I hope most of our first team regulars were missing going by that result. :-\
The mood around armagh seems a bit depressing ahead of the down game. No reports from the kildare or westmeath friendly games? My guess of what the Armagh line up will be would be something like:
Hearty
Mallon Donaghy Martin
AKernan McKeever Dyas
Mackin Toner
Vernon MoRourke PDuffy
JClarke McDonnell Mallon
Subs in contention - Moriarty / ADuffy / Lavery / Padden / TKernan
The Down team would probably be a bit easier to predict:
McVeigh
Rafferty Gordon McArdle
Rooney McKernan Garvey
King Fitzpatrick
Hughes Poland Maginn
McComiskey Coulter MClarke
Subs in contention - McCartan / Colgan / JClarke
Quote from: jobo11 on May 13, 2011, 09:44:19 AM
Apologies to mackers, just heard this morning that clarke has to under go surgery which will determine if he can kick another ball in his life. This is coming from a great source so, I wish him the best and hope to see him on the field again in the near future. On a other note , Armagh played kildare in friendly last night absolutely hammered by 20 points r more I heard on the grape vine so its not looking good. I dont know if result true but has anyone else heard anything.
armagh medical/ management have to have a serious look at themselves. clarkie had to wait 14 months from his injury to now be informed he needs an operation. why wasnt it done last year instead of silly rehab work which appears did not work. 14 months of rehab crazy. someones head needs to roll if true.
silly thickness by ulster council in relation to the game. why cant it be played on the sunday evening at 5,6 or 7 as its the bank holiday weekend. from intial reports the crowd could be down to 12/14,000 max a long way of a potential full house of 20,000. saturday work and champions league final will dictate this. rte are now only showing the game defered till 10.30 and im sure would be happy to broadcast live on sunday evening. another shot in the foot by the silly boys in the big office. the bottom line is clubs will feel the pinch as revenues drop less grants for clubs but the big staff and salaries will be paid first. >:(
Quote from: thewanderer on May 16, 2011, 03:59:55 PM
silly thickness by ulster council in relation to the game. why cant it be played on the sunday evening at 5,6 or 7 as its the bank holiday weekend. from intial reports the crowd could be down to 12/14,000 max a long way of a potential full house of 20,000. saturday work and champions league final will dictate this. rte are now only showing the game defered till 10.30 and im sure would be happy to broadcast live on sunday evening. another shot in the foot by the silly boys in the big office. the bottom line is clubs will feel the pinch as revenues drop less grants for clubs but the big staff and salaries will be paid first. >:(
At first I was opposed to switching the game, thinking why should we switch to suit another sport? But I've revised my opinion and I think your points are very good. The clash is with the champion's league final, and also the Magner's league final. As you said it is a bank holiday weekend, so sunday evening is a feasible time. And also, as you have said it makes sense from a TV point of view. Being realistic it would be sensible to move it and it si foolish to stubbornly refuse to change because of a desire not be seen to kow-towing to another sporting event.
On another issue while the fact that Clarke and Swift cannot play is good news for us on the day, I wish them full recoveries and take no pleasure in seeing these lads injured
Quote from: regal on May 16, 2011, 03:38:24 PM
The mood around armagh seems a bit depressing ahead of the down game. No reports from the kildare or westmeath friendly games? My guess of what the Armagh line up will be would be something like:
Hearty
Mallon Donaghy Martin
AKernan McKeever Dyas
Mackin Toner
Vernon MoRourke PDuffy
JClarke McDonnell Mallon
Subs in contention - Moriarty / ADuffy / Lavery / Padden / TKernan
The Down team would probably be a bit easier to predict:
McVeigh
Rafferty Gordon McArdle
Rooney McKernan Garvey
King Fitzpatrick
Hughes Poland Maginn
McComiskey Coulter MClarke
Subs in contention - McCartan / Colgan / JClarke
I think Anto Duffy is injured also so will not be challenging for a place.
Quote from: regal on May 16, 2011, 03:38:24 PM
The mood around armagh seems a bit depressing ahead of the down game. No reports from the kildare or westmeath friendly games? My guess of what the Armagh line up will be would be something like:
Hearty
Mallon Donaghy Martin
AKernan McKeever Dyas
Mackin Toner
Vernon MoRourke PDuffy
JClarke McDonnell Mallon
Subs in contention - Moriarty / ADuffy / Lavery / Padden / TKernan
The Down team would probably be a bit easier to predict:
McVeigh
Rafferty Gordon McArdle
Rooney McKernan Garvey
King Fitzpatrick
Hughes Poland Maginn
McComiskey Coulter MClarke
Subs in contention - McCartan / Colgan / JClarke
Id say that is likely to be very close to the armagh team although i wouldnt be surprised to see Lavery involved at midfield. That is also likely to be the Down forward line, midfield and half back line (injury permitting). Full back line is more hard to call with rafferty, mccardle, and the 2 mccartans battling for 2 positions. My guess is that it will Dan McCartan and Rafferty. Murtagh and Eoin McCartan are also likely to be first forwards coming on ahead of clarke again if fit.
Is this game all ticketed?
you reckon there will be many tubes in utd tops at it?
Quote from: The Worker on May 16, 2011, 09:33:51 PM
Is this game all ticketed?
you reckon there will be many tubes in utd tops at it?
Not as many tubes with Down jersies on!! :P
(or Celtic probably! ;))
oisin( newry democrat) is fairly putting the boot into the guys who turned down joining the panel, he says that armagh are struggling with around 20 players is this true.
i dont know of anybody who would have had a chance of playing turning down armagh but maybe i am mis informed
on a side note desperate news for R Clarke, but should the medical team not have made the call for an operation last summer rather than waste a year in the young man`s football career
regal like the look of your team save for mor at centre half forward, i felt mc kiernan bullied him last time around in newry, dont know who else to play there though
Armagh beat Westmeath 2.14 to 0.10 on Sunday.
Is David mc kenna from cross still on the panel?
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 11:07:56 AM
Is David mc kenna from cross still on the panel?
Yeah
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 09:46:58 AM
oisin( newry democrat) is fairly putting the boot into the guys who turned down joining the panel, he says that armagh are struggling with around 20 players is this true.
i dont know of anybody who would have had a chance of playing turning down armagh but maybe i am mis informed
on a side note desperate news for R Clarke, but should the medical team not have made the call for an operation last summer rather than waste a year in the young man`s football career
regal like the look of your team save for mor at centre half forward, i felt mc kiernan bullied him last time around in newry, dont know who else to play there though
Who declined the offer?
some granemmore lads, some cross also. doesn't like good at moment but we will survive ;D
(http://i56.tinypic.com/k9gnex.jpg)
You'd think they would launch the kit in Down rather than in Armagh. I suppose they want a place where some GAA people live.
Think they wanted to launch it in the county the boasts a great one in a row team
The anxiety of Armagh to claim some territory in the county town of Down smacks of an inferiorty complex suitable to the one_in_a_row brigade.
Quote from: Leo on May 17, 2011, 09:25:21 PM
The anxiety of Armagh to claim some territory in the county town of Down smacks of an inferiorty complex suitable to the one_in_a_row brigade.
Well, you won a couple of all-irelands with Armagh men on the team, didnt ye?
In the absence of Clarke and probably Swift for the whole Championship would there be something to be said for trying to tempt Oisin out of retirement just to fill a whole for this year. Although past his best Armagh arent exactly blessed with good scoring forwards at the minute. Probably too late now for the Down game but something to look at for the qualifiers?
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 17, 2011, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 11:07:56 AM
Is David mc kenna from cross still on the panel?
Yeah
Does he have a chance of starting against our mourne friends
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 10:30:54 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 17, 2011, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 11:07:56 AM
Is David mc kenna from cross still on the panel?
Yeah
Does he have a chance of starting against our mourne friends
We are no friends of yours so you should retract that statement NAKA
Quote from: mackers on May 17, 2011, 10:56:08 AM
Armagh beat Westmeath 2.14 to 0.10 on Sunday.
Who showed up well? Heard Murtagh had an impressive cameo!!
Quote from: Leo on May 17, 2011, 09:25:21 PM
The anxiety of Armagh to claim some territory in the county town of Down smacks of an inferiorty complex suitable to the one_in_a_row brigade.
Surely Downpatrick is the county town? No?
Quote from: orchard 8195 on May 17, 2011, 11:26:38 PM
Quote from: mackers on May 17, 2011, 10:56:08 AM
Armagh beat Westmeath 2.14 to 0.10 on Sunday.
Who showed up well? Heard Murtagh had an impressive cameo!!
Only thing I heard was that Johnny Murtagh scored 2-2.
Danny Hughes speaking out today on the stupidity of the Ulster councils great idea of going head to head with the Champions League final.
seems everyone else has the cop on but the ulster council.
There is still time to move it. I wish they would be brave enough to admit their mistake. The president of their organisation and now a player who will be on the field in the, match along with many other people have called for a time change. I am hoping that the Ulster Council see sense by this weekend and move the date. I'm sure BBC2 don't want to go head to head with the champion's league final
Quote from: here comes 6 on May 17, 2011, 10:41:50 PM
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 10:30:54 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 17, 2011, 11:24:14 AM
Quote from: naka on May 17, 2011, 11:07:56 AM
Is David mc kenna from cross still on the panel?
Yeah
Does he have a chance of starting against our mourne friends
We are no friends of yours so you should retract that statement NAKA
Now now now that's not the way to treat neighbours sure didn't I sympathise with 5sams last September in Croke park after a great days football when you lost your proud record of finals.
finally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148130
Rumours circulating that the Down Co Board presented the Queen with their new jersey today in croker!
Quotefinally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
what about the arrogance of a player who wants games scheduled so that he and his mates can watch TV?
Quote from: armaghniac on May 18, 2011, 06:43:15 PM
Quotefinally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
what about the arrogance of a player who wants games scheduled so that he and his mates can watch TV?
Half the country want to watch the game on tv with his mates, including me. Why not play the game on sunday night, with it being a bank holiday weekend, everybody wins!
Quote from: swagger on May 18, 2011, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on May 18, 2011, 06:43:15 PM
Quotefinally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
what about the arrogance of a player who wants games scheduled so that he and his mates can watch TV?
Half the country want to watch the game on tv with his mates, including me. Why not play the game on sunday night, with it being a bank holiday weekend, everybody wins!
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
Quote from: lfdown2 on May 18, 2011, 10:50:41 PM
Quote from: swagger on May 18, 2011, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on May 18, 2011, 06:43:15 PM
Quotefinally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
what about the arrogance of a player who wants games scheduled so that he and his mates can watch TV?
Half the country want to watch the game on tv with his mates, including me. Why not play the game on sunday night, with it being a bank holiday weekend, everybody wins!
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
Rubbish. This game should be a sell out. This ignorant decision means it will, at least in part, be another embarrassment for the GAA.
Wasn't it said that the definition of a fool os someone who keeps doing the same thing expecting different results. We've been here before, I was one of the thousands in the pubs of Clones in 2002 with a match going on up the road. (If it had been my county playing I would have been in the ground BTW).
Quote from: lfdown2 on May 18, 2011, 10:50:41 PM
Quote from: swagger on May 18, 2011, 07:14:52 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on May 18, 2011, 06:43:15 PM
Quotefinally a player has commented on the ulster councils arrogance...
what about the arrogance of a player who wants games scheduled so that he and his mates can watch TV?
Half the country want to watch the game on tv with his mates, including me. Why not play the game on sunday night, with it being a bank holiday weekend, everybody wins!
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
I agree get over it 2 fluck. The match time is not going to change now. UP THE ORCHARD!!!
I for one am glad it isn't being moved...Less people to see us getting stuffed by Down!! ;)
The ulster council are notorious bell ends they wont change it.
Remember these are the same idots that have the Ulster Final on the 17th July giving the runners up in Ulster 5 days to prepare for the qualifiers.
They are fools and deserve to fall on their faces next weekend.
Quote from: lfdown2 on May 18, 2011, 10:50:41 PM
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
I don't agree, This is a very unusual clash. To have one of the most popularly supported soccer teams playing in the biggest match possible does not happen every year. Also the champion's league final was known about before the championship calendar was made. It was a deliberate and foolish choice to clash with this event. Sense would say that you arrange events around other major events. It should have been scheduled for Sunday where it clashed with nothing. I previously thought we should play it regardless and refuse to be dictated to by other sports but I've changed my mind. That was an arrogant attitude and it does no good.
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 09:44:51 AM
The ulster council are notorious bell ends they wont change it.
Remember these are the same idots that have the Ulster Final on the 17th July giving the runners up in Ulster 5 days to prepare for the qualifiers.
They are fools and deserve to fall on their faces next weekend.
Give over will you. If you feel so strongly about it go watch your beloved Man Utd and forget about the Down match.
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on May 19, 2011, 09:58:34 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 09:44:51 AM
The ulster council are notorious bell ends they wont change it.
Remember these are the same idots that have the Ulster Final on the 17th July giving the runners up in Ulster 5 days to prepare for the qualifiers.
They are fools and deserve to fall on their faces next weekend.
Give over will you. If you feel so strongly about it go watch your beloved Man Utd and forget about the Down match.
Interesting coming from a guy with a man city player as his pic profile. If city by some miracle were in the champions league final. You would be in the same predicament.
I was always going to Watch United if thegames clashed, but the ulster council are idiots.
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 10:04:46 AM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on May 19, 2011, 09:58:34 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 09:44:51 AM
The ulster council are notorious bell ends they wont change it.
Remember these are the same idots that have the Ulster Final on the 17th July giving the runners up in Ulster 5 days to prepare for the qualifiers.
They are fools and deserve to fall on their faces next weekend.
Give over will you. If you feel so strongly about it go watch your beloved Man Utd and forget about the Down match.
Interesting coming from a guy with a man city player as his pic profile. If city by some miracle were in the champions league final. You would be in the same predicament.
I was always going to Watch United if thegames clashed, but the ulster council are idiots.
Well if you have already decided your going to watch the match then stop complaining about it.
Anytime City have played on TV, and my club or county have been playing I have watched them, simple decision.
Personally I have no problem with the game being on the Sat night, Im looking forward to it. If you want to go to the game, go to it. If you want to watch the united game then do that. Its just a matter of prioritising what means more to you. I would be surprised if there wasnt a big crowd at it I think supporters from both counties will be out in force.
On the game itself, the favourite tag that Down are carrying into this game does not sit easy with me, if ever there was a team to give us our comeuppance and bring us back down to earth it would be Armagh. On the other side of the coin im hoping its our watershed moment similar to Armagh in 99 when they hammerred us in Clones and went on to dominate ulster football along with tyrone. This Down team still hasnt won anything but heres hoping we correct that this summer.
My only gripe with this is that im in newcastle england for a stag that weekend, and I better get somewhere to watch the match - Ard Mhacha v An Dun - and with the CL Final being on at the same time that may be hard to do
Have to agree ardhole iif you want to watch the champions league watch it if you want to go to Armagh go to it i for one will be in Armagh without doubt . Everyone looks forward to the summer for the championship at the end of the day its everyones own decision . What would happen if it was clashing with the All Ireland final what game would people choose
Not back to this sh1te again................Snoopdog half of your 312 posts have been on this subject. Would you give it a rest? It's noticeable that most of the crying about this is coming from SOME Down posters................
Ardtole made an excellent point that this is Down's chance to rectify the 99 final as Armagh are at a low ebb......I would've thought any Down man worth his salt would want to be there.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 19, 2011, 09:52:37 AM
Quote from: lfdown2 on May 18, 2011, 10:50:41 PM
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
I don't agree, This is a very unusual clash. To have one of the most popularly supported soccer teams playing in the biggest match possible does not happen every year. Also the champion's league final was known about before the championship calendar was made. It was a deliberate and foolish choice to clash with this event. Sense would say that you arrange events around other major events. It should have been scheduled for Sunday where it clashed with nothing. I previously thought we should play it regardless and refuse to be dictated to by other sports but I've changed my mind. That was an arrogant attitude and it does no good.
Paul most Barca fans have Sky plus and don't really mind, MU fans a bit like Armagh Fans should be grateful.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 19, 2011, 09:52:37 AM
Quote from: lfdown2 on May 18, 2011, 10:50:41 PM
Can we give up on this? Or should we just postpone the Championship until June or July until the premiership is over? Sure we can cancel the whole thing and make do with the league if the world cup is on that year. Simple decision, if you want to see a game in Wembley stay at home and watch it on TV, if not show up at the athletic grounds.
It's not an international bank holiday on Monday!
I don't agree, This is a very unusual clash. To have one of the most popularly supported soccer teams playing in the biggest match possible does not happen every year. Also the champion's league final was known about before the championship calendar was made. It was a deliberate and foolish choice to clash with this event. Sense would say that you arrange events around other major events. It should have been scheduled for Sunday where it clashed with nothing. I previously thought we should play it regardless and refuse to be dictated to by other sports but I've changed my mind. That was an arrogant attitude and it does no good.
On the Sunday both Down and Armagh are in action in the SHC. Cork play Tipp in the hurling at Thurles also so there would be a clash. Whist this may be of no interest to you, the point I am making is the GAA let thier own fixtures clash throughout the summer so they are not going re schedule anything due to the soccer.
I like many others only miss attending county matches when they clash with weddings etc but thats life. When I miss matches it doesn't make me any less 'worth my salt' or any less of a true Down fan. On Saturday week this clash will only be relevant to Utd fans and both Down and Armagh will lose a fair share of several supporters for the evening who will prefer to sit in front of the box with their Utd caps on.
I for one wont miss it for the world - even if my own soccer team had have made it to the CLF.
You hit the nail on the head their joe, ive had to miss down games occassionally due to weddings, work etc. very rarely championship however. The game is on the sat evening, I wish people could just accept that and choose to watch whatever game is more important to them. I still expect a big crowd there, the fact its a derby game, 1st game in the new morgan athletic ground and a championship match it will mean much more to the majority of supporters from both counties that the utd v Barcelona game. Im not naive enough to suggest the cl final wont effect the size of the crowd but I think it is being exaggerated that the crowd could be down by 6 or 7 thousand.
Anyway back to the game itself, it would appear difficult to predict how both teams will line out. Who will Armagh select in the forwards alongside J Clarke and Stevie? And will McCartan stick with last years defence now that Rooney and Garvey are available again.
Heres my selection for Down:
McVeigh
Rafferty
Gordan
B McArdle
Garvey
Rooney
McKernan
King
Fitzpatrick
Hughes
Poland
Maginn
Coulter
Clarke
McComiskey/Laverty
I think Gerard McCartan has done enough to deserve a starting place, I think he would be our best option for picking up Jamie Clarke. It is good that we strength in depth in this position now though. If a corner back picks up an early booking or is getting a rough time of it, there is a replacement ready to come in.
Well played Ulster Council, only the true gaels from both counties will be present for the game.
Quote from: fitzroyalty on May 19, 2011, 02:31:28 PM
Well played Ulster Council, only the true gaels from both counties will be present for the game.
Aye no drunkin bandwagon jumpers, imagine if we were playing Monaghan that Saturday instead. There would b nobody at it! (apart from us few die hards)
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 19, 2011, 01:51:58 PM
I like many others only miss attending county matches when they clash with weddings etc but thats life. When I miss matches it doesn't make me any less 'worth my salt' or any less of a true Down fan.
Obviously when I made the comment I was referring to the guys who are going to miss the match due to the CL final, and not to those who are missing this game (or any game) for a family occasion.
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on May 19, 2011, 10:20:02 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 10:04:46 AM
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on May 19, 2011, 09:58:34 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 19, 2011, 09:44:51 AM
The ulster council are notorious bell ends they wont change it.
Remember these are the same idots that have the Ulster Final on the 17th July giving the runners up in Ulster 5 days to prepare for the qualifiers.
They are fools and deserve to fall on their faces next weekend.
Give over will you. If you feel so strongly about it go watch your beloved Man Utd and forget about the Down match.
Interesting coming from a guy with a man city player as his pic profile. If city by some miracle were in the champions league final. You would be in the same predicament.
I was always going to Watch United if thegames clashed, but the ulster council are idiots.
Well if you have already decided your going to watch the match then stop complaining about it.
Anytime City have played on TV, and my club or county have been playing I have watched them, simple decision.
your right its a simple decision alright.
Well, since no one's providing me any optimism about this upcoming match at the "Morg," I think I'll revert to the mnemonic that distinguishes the venomous coral snake from its harmless lookalike: :"Red on black, happy Jack." In other words, if you see red rings touching black ones, you're safe.
As good an omen as any. Armagh by two. Fangs a lot.
Its been a long time since I was at the Athletic Grounds, what is the crack with car parking in Armagh city. Is their secure parking near the ground?
Is there a minor game next saturday? if so what times throw in
Quote from: The Worker on May 19, 2011, 10:33:30 PM
Is there a minor game next saturday? if so what times throw in
5.45 PM
Quote from: AFS on May 19, 2011, 10:45:34 PM
Quote from: The Worker on May 19, 2011, 10:33:30 PM
Is there a minor game next saturday? if so what times throw in
5.45 PM
good man..anyone following the minor scene this year? who would be favourites for this on league form? how many college players play for each team?
Well, Armagh won the league which is usually a precursor to success in the championship. But Down's College contingent could easily swing it their way. Might not be too inaccurate to suggest that the two best minor sides in the province will be going head to head here.
Quote from: AFS on May 19, 2011, 11:09:56 PM
Well, Armagh won the league which is usually a precursor to success in the championship. But Down's College contingent could easily swing it their way. Might not be too inaccurate to suggest that the two best minor sides in the province will be going head to head here.
Having watched Derry Minors play Tyrone, Armagh and Down in the Ulster League I thought Armagh where the best of the three. That said Derry played poorly against them and the goals Armagh got where the difference between the two teams. Derry played Tyrone early in the group stage and beat them very handy but they should be better than that now. Down where very dissapointing when Derry played them although they only had the College lads back for a week before hand.
I dont think there is much between Armagh, Derry, or Down and whoever comes through that side of the draw will win Ulster. Tyrone should come through on the other side of the draw.
Regarding the minors I think Ulster is really strong Dungannon and Omagh were top teams this year and the College are the national champions, Armagh won the league and Derry looked good till the final. I think anyone from Armagh, Down, Derry or Tyrone could be Ulster champions and anyone could potentially win the All-Ireland.
As for Down senior team, people have said (James included) that defence will be a poser now that Rooney and Garvey are back. But Rooney has started every league game except the first (he was hardly ever away!). Garvey has played in every league game except the first, starting the last three in succession. I can't see there being any debate about those boys starting. The fullbacks are the only big query, anyone of four players could take a spot - Dan McCartan, Gerard McCartan, Rafferty, or McCardle. Personally I think it would be tough luck on both McCardle and Gerard McCartan if they lost their shirts.
Quote from: ardtole on May 19, 2011, 10:04:29 PM
Its been a long time since I was at the Athletic Grounds, what is the crack with car parking in Armagh city. Is their secure parking near the ground?
Car parking available at the rugby club (2-3 min walk to Athletic Grounds), also public car park opposite city hotel, and back of St malacy's chapel....both few mins walk to ground.
thanks groucho
Only 5 days to go to this match between two of the game's biggest rivals, and this thread had slipped to the bottom of the second page ... times have changed!
Then again, most pundits probably feel it's only a matter of the Down men turning up :o Or maybe there is greater interest in Man U.
Quote from: balladmaker on May 23, 2011, 08:33:57 AM
Only 5 days to go to this match between two of the game's biggest rivals, and this thread had slipped to the bottom of the second page ... times have changed!
Then again, most pundits probably feel it's only a matter of the Down men turning up :o Or maybe there is greater interest in Man U.
Those pundits are wrong. I believe in the Down team and believe that we are better than Armagh. But that is based on us hitting top form. If we are below top form I believe we will be beaten.
However our league campaign was encouraging and we are certainly in better form than Armagh. If that remains so then I expect us to win but only if we play at our best level.
The loss of Clarke and Swift has robbed Armagh of a lot of fire power. The fact that Grugan didn't develop fast enough has not helped. The players that will now start for Armagh at half forward do not look in anyway terrifying. Something like - BJP, M O'Rourke, Vernon do not look like a massive problem to our half back line (which is famously not great). In addition I can not see O'Rourke or BJP being successful at stopping our half backs breaking forward.
Armagh certainly have been hampered by injury - Swift, Duffy (?) and Clarke, all big losses
Christ knows what Armagh will do, that is the sad thing. I'm still unconvinced of Down, I reckon last year they could have been a flash in the pan and unless they can actually achieve something tangible this year I dont see my opinion changing. They might be the next big thing thou.
At the minute I'd back Down -2
All along i've held the notion (quietly) that armagh can produce a one off performance to win this game. All hope of that has left me in the last month. The stories of discontent from unusually senior players is alarming. That doesn't make them a bad team but morale and belief in the line can't be anything but woeful.
I think down will win pulling up after armagh have stayed with them for 50 minutes. That is a galling prospect as an armagh man as down have little to fear for us.
Armagh's W.U.M. are busy at work!!!
Quote from: umpire on May 23, 2011, 08:24:47 PM
Armagh's W.U.M. are busy at work!!!
I've read a lot of Duffleking's posts, he is generally very honest and says what he believes. In addition Armagh WUMs are normally glaring sarcasm, not smugly subtle. I believe DK that that is what he genuinely thinks.
I don't share his pessimism. As I said we need to be on top form. But in fairness, we are in a bit of a better place than Armagh are right now to hit that standard.
It's not about me thinking that we have this vastly superior pool of talent to choose from. I simply think we are better because of circumstances. Our circumstances are more optimistic than Armagh's right now. If things had gone differently in the last 3 months this opinion could have been completely the reverse as both sets of players are similar in talent.
But our management is better, our form is better, our team is settled, our injury situation is less severe. It is these reasons that I see us in a better position to win. I think this is fair comment, and not offensive to Armagh supporters because I'm not basing it on a claim (which would be wrong) that their best 15 players aren't good enough.
will it be possible to pay at the gate?
Quote from: DuffleKing on May 23, 2011, 07:50:53 PM
All along i've held the notion (quietly) that armagh can produce a one off performance to win this game. All hope of that has left me in the last month. The stories of discontent from unusually senior players is alarming. That doesn't make them a bad team but morale and belief in the line can't be anything but woeful.
I think down will win pulling up after armagh have stayed with them for 50 minutes. That is a galling prospect as an armagh man as down have little to fear for us.
Sadly I think that analysis is spot on.
PAULD123 I have read a lot of your posts and find you very fairminded and your assessment of the Armagh game for me is spot on. I am an Armagh fan maybe even fanatic but like Duffleking said the problems are there and i would fully concur with his pre game analysis. We do have the players, unfortunately not all fit or in the panel or playing in the right position. Our league form was dubious to say the least . Had we a half forward line of
Jamie Clarke Ronan Clarke Stephen Kernan
Full forward line of Oisin McConville(yes I know controversial) Stephen McDonnell Gareth Swift/Tony Kernan/Brian Mallon/ Micheal O Rourke
Vernon toner...Midfield
Dyas McKeever A Kernan......half backs
Mallon Donaghy Duffy.......Full Backs
Then PaulD123 I would be looking forward to this game and to be honest with an eye even on the Ulster title and further
But that is not the case and will not be the team
that is why ticket sales in Armagh are poor to say the least ,apart from all the other attractions . We do have the players to give it a rattle but as I said they arent playing and thats that.
We may well pull a big one but in many instances it will only paper over the cracks but I will be there cheering my heart out for the orchard. and may the best team win
What about the Minors lads? Could be a cracker of a game. Down will have all their College players and Armagh are league champions. With Derry out The winners will have a serious opportunity to push on for Ulster.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 24, 2011, 08:31:12 AM
What about the Minors lads? Could be a cracker of a game. Down will have all their College players and Armagh are league champions. With Derry out The winners will have a serious opportunity to push on for Ulster.
Obviously all hypothetical but if Armagh were to win this game and the next and make the Ulster Minor final that would be some achievement for the management team. Three Ulster finals in three years. First county to do that since Cavan in 1976 ( I think based on a quick google)
Quote from: umpire on May 23, 2011, 08:24:47 PM
Armagh's W.U.M. are busy at work!!!
I think your right there. This will be Armaghs biggest game in 12 months, all the rumours about unrest in the Armagh camp are nonsense. Armagh did not become a bad side over night, they did not retain Division 1 status (without the Cross lads) by being piss poor and falling out with each other. The Armagh camp will be chomping at the bit for Saturday night, the underdogs tag along with home advantage will see the so called wounded animal bite hard.
At the minute its impossible to predict who will line out in defence for Down with the exception of big Dan and McKernan(not the best CHB in Ireland btw). Our current midfield finds it hard to gather possession for long periods during games and out leader Benny has'nt kicked a ball for six weeks.
Both sets of players know each other so well now, neither team will give an inch.
I don't think home advantage will have a big bearing on the result as Armagh's record at the Athletic Grounds isn't that good. I'd say Armagh will push Down hard for 60 minutes or so but I'd say Down's greater tactical nous and belief in themselves will see them win by 2-3 points. That self belief used to carry us over the line in tight matches, I just don't believe it's there anymore.............hope I'm wrong.
I hope you are right Joe but we seem to be disorganised at the moment with no discernible game plan.
good to see oisin taking a few sessions with the team over these past few weeks,we will have a game plan in place
I dont know much about Armagh, but from having seen Down in the flesh in the qualifiers last year I think they will win this game quite easily. Marty Clarke in my opinion is one of the best in the game at the moment.
Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 24, 2011, 02:07:33 PM
I dont know much about Armagh, but from having seen Down in the flesh in the qualifiers last year I think they will win this game quite easily. Marty Clarke in my opinion is one of the best in the game at the moment.
No harm to you but how can you make this type of a judgement will a self admitted lack of knowledge of one of the teams? Idiot talk at the highest order. I actually have lost a lot of my pessimism as the day approaches. As more people right Armagh off, (myself included to as many Down people as will listen :P) the more I think things lie right for Armagh. I think bringing Oisin into the set up is a very positive factor. I think there is a cockiness about the Down support that will work in the favour of Armagh. I know at first hand that isn't reflected in the Down squad but that doesn't mean it can't be said to be the case ;) Get the auld siege mentality going and anything can happen. Whatever about spilits in the camp, and there are splits, the simple fact is that once the players pull on the jersey and run onto the field, the nature of this fixture means that form is shoved out the window. Head would automatically saw Down but there is a sneaking feeling growing in the pit of my stomach(and it is not the reaction to red wine had last night :P) that this could be a day for an upset.
Good man BC1. That's just the injection I need. So what's all this about Oisin. Has he gone to Tir na NOg and come back rejuvenated?
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
McCartan has pitch dimensions checked
Down manager James McCartan has no issue with the size of the pitch at the Athletic Grounds after having it measured ahead of Saturday's Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final against Armagh.
McCartan was surprised to discover the Athletic Grounds pitch is slightly bigger than Páirc Esler in Newry, reasoning that the close proximity of the stands and terraces make the Armagh pitch look smaller than it actually is.
"I think it's just a matter of perspective," he said in the Irish News.
"It's because the pitch is so close to the supporters. Even if you are taking a sideline kick, the players don't get much of a run."
(http://www.scifun.ed.ac.uk/pages/about_us/shows/images/survival-faraway.jpg)
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
??? He has been asked in to do some work with the forwards as a coach and to give some fresh ideas. This is quite common with most teams and you use whatever resources that are available. I think you'll find that I did say that I thought Down would win but that I am not as pesimisstic as I was before. Maybe the Down bravado is not as strong as it was. Maybe they are not as good as they would like to think they are?? Sure with Marty going back to Australia, why the fcuk would he really try? Lets face it the sooner Down are out the sooner he is on the plane ;)
Quote from: Oraisteach on May 24, 2011, 03:25:51 PM
Good man BC1. That's just the injection I need. So what's all this about Oisin. Has he gone to Tir na NOg and come back rejuvenated?
I'm sure he doesn't need to go to Tir na NOg to take a training session or two. He's not that old!!
Quote from: drici on May 24, 2011, 03:49:06 PM
McCartan has pitch dimensions checked
Down manager James McCartan has no issue with the size of the pitch at the Athletic Grounds after having it measured ahead of Saturday's Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final against Armagh.
McCartan was surprised to discover the Athletic Grounds pitch is slightly bigger than Páirc Esler in Newry, reasoning that the close proximity of the stands and terraces make the Armagh pitch look smaller than it actually is.
"I think it's just a matter of perspective," he said in the Irish News.
"It's because the pitch is so close to the supporters. Even if you are taking a sideline kick, the players don't get much of a run."
(http://www.scifun.ed.ac.uk/pages/about_us/shows/images/survival-faraway.jpg)
Wee James not start to panic?
really looking forward to it the closer we get to saturday but not in a cocky way - there will be a piece of paper at most between the two teams come the final whistle.
Armagh are nowhere near as bad as their fans would like us to believe and I for one would be very, very wary of the threat they pose.
Hope to fu*k Coulter is fit!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 24, 2011, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
??? He has been asked in to do some work with the forwards as a coach and to give some fresh ideas. This is quite common with most teams and you use whatever resources that are available. I think you'll find that I did say that I thought Down would win but that I am not as pesimisstic as I was before. Maybe the Down bravado is not as strong as it was. Maybe they are not as good as they would like to think they are?? Sure with Marty going back to Australia, why the fcuk would he really try? Lets face it the sooner Down are out the sooner he is on the plane ;)
You Armagh boys sure have a hard on for our Marty. I never even mentioned the fella yet you could'nt wait to talk about him. If he goes back to Oz then fair enough he'll be a loss. Whilst we are on the subject of former AFL recriuts maybe clarke could bring Dyas back with him he might even get a game for the reserves this time or carry Martys bags for him.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 04:25:37 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 24, 2011, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
??? He has been asked in to do some work with the forwards as a coach and to give some fresh ideas. This is quite common with most teams and you use whatever resources that are available. I think you'll find that I did say that I thought Down would win but that I am not as pesimisstic as I was before. Maybe the Down bravado is not as strong as it was. Maybe they are not as good as they would like to think they are?? Sure with Marty going back to Australia, why the fcuk would he really try? Lets face it the sooner Down are out the sooner he is on the plane ;)
You Armagh boys sure have a hard on for our Marty. I never even mentioned the fella yet you could'nt wait to talk about him. If he goes back to Oz then fair enough he'll be a loss. Whilst we are on the subject of former AFL recriuts maybe clarke could bring Dyas back with him he might even get a game for the reserves this time or carry Martys bags for him.
Too easy ;D
(http://www.panama-sportfishing.com/fishing-reports/May/may_fishing001.jpg)
I think that if Down can get on top by 4-5 points then all these negative thoughts may start to have a bearing on the game. But if we don't pull away Armagh will feel they always have a chance because they know our defence isn't great.
Our biggest problem is that we have continually showed our lack of experience with naive decisions. Not varying kick out (esp. in the AIF), failing to hold possession in the closing minutes when leading, rash challenges, panicky shooting if a clear chance doesn't become available, passing up clear point opportunities trying to look for goals.
If we are matured then we will win.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 24, 2011, 04:41:08 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 04:25:37 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 24, 2011, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
??? He has been asked in to do some work with the forwards as a coach and to give some fresh ideas. This is quite common with most teams and you use whatever resources that are available. I think you'll find that I did say that I thought Down would win but that I am not as pesimisstic as I was before. Maybe the Down bravado is not as strong as it was. Maybe they are not as good as they would like to think they are?? Sure with Marty going back to Australia, why the fcuk would he really try? Lets face it the sooner Down are out the sooner he is on the plane ;)
You Armagh boys sure have a hard on for our Marty. I never even mentioned the fella yet you could'nt wait to talk about him. If he goes back to Oz then fair enough he'll be a loss. Whilst we are on the subject of former AFL recriuts maybe clarke could bring Dyas back with him he might even get a game for the reserves this time or carry Martys bags for him.
Too easy ;D
(http://www.panama-sportfishing.com/fishing-reports/May/may_fishing001.jpg)
You took the bait a long time ago BC ie: after my very first post. Apparently you make a habit of this ;)
As the time gets closer i am begining to get a bad feeling in the guts about this . Ambush springs to mind . Everyone even Armagh people are writing them off and i believe thats not a good sign for ourselves hope i am proved to be wrong . There wont be much in it at the end no matter about all the talk . Never liked going to the Athletic grounds for a game for some reason Banana man right hope Coulter fit
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 24, 2011, 05:44:29 PM
I think that if Down can get on top by 4-5 points then all these negative thoughts may start to have a bearing on the game. But if we don't pull away Armagh will feel they always have a chance because they know our defence isn't great.
Our biggest problem is that we have continually showed our lack of experience with naive decisions. Not varying kick out (esp. in the AIF), failing to hold possession in the closing minutes when leading, rash challenges, panicky shooting if a clear chance doesn't become available, passing up clear point opportunities trying to look for goals.
If we are matured then we will win.
A fairly reasonable assessment of Down there from a Down fan. Yes you do indeed have weaknesses, but for the life of me I cant see us exploiting them. You dont vary your kickouts....either kick it down the middle where we have no decent clean fielder or a good dirty ball winner or do what every team does to us since Wexford in 2008 and kick it short as we will drop 3 men back into the middle.
Rash challenges ....any free inside 30-35 meters on the right hand side will be punished by AK, otherwise you'll be safe enough. I regard Stevie as a god but he's not a free taker and definitely not a 45 taker, when he has to force it to get the distance he cant do it.
Your defence is'nt great....You only need 2 defenders, one for Stevie and one for Jamie. no harm to them but none of our other forwards are "free scoring"
This is not we trying to be "cute" or anything, just an honest opinion on where I think we are.
I also believe that the loss of Swift will be a major blow. He was good for maybe a couple of points and i suspect we could be doing with them on saturday.
Quote from: NP 76 on May 24, 2011, 08:46:47 PM
As the time gets closer i am begining to get a bad feeling in the guts about this . Ambush springs to mind . Everyone even Armagh people are writing them off and i believe thats not a good sign for ourselves hope i am proved to be wrong . There wont be much in it at the end no matter about all the talk . Never liked going to the Athletic grounds for a game for some reason Banana man right hope Coulter fit
You know what your problem is NP? You've just got used to us being rubbish. We all have. But cheer up my friend the future is bright. So dig down and remember the early nineties, remember what it was to believe in ourselves and trust that we would perform to the level we were capable of.
It is time to start believing. To be a winner first you have to train to win, then you have to play to win but only when you belive you will win will you win. Tyrone or Kerry or Cork enter a game and their fans know they are talented enough to win and so expect them to play to that level and therfore win. Armagh were the same up to maybe two years ago.
It may be hard to stomach after years of misery and low expectation but we finally have a good team with good preparation and good performances. It is our time to stand up, aknowledge where we are, and state boldly that we desrevve to be favorites and we belive we will win.
An Dun Abu
Armagh going in as underdogs will do no harm but as has been expressed earlier there are not enough scorers in our HF line with BJP and Mal Mackin probably both starting. We would need 3/4 points from here to be in with a sniff and unfortunately can't see that happening.
Down on the other hand have Maginn/Poland/Hughes who are usually good for a few points each which could prove to be the difference ( unless Stevie and Jamie can nick a goal each).
Could POR pull a master stroke and include Oisin in the squad? Would give Armagh a bit of a lift even if only for 20 mins and surely would be less of a risk than bringing Graham Geraghty back in Meath?
Hope so Paul is the road closed coming home because of this parade does anyone know have heard different stories dont know who to believe .
Down will beat them out the gate on their march to the Ulster title.
Unfortunately they'll be overturned by Mayo in the quarter finals by a point.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 04:25:37 PM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 24, 2011, 03:55:36 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
??? He has been asked in to do some work with the forwards as a coach and to give some fresh ideas. This is quite common with most teams and you use whatever resources that are available. I think you'll find that I did say that I thought Down would win but that I am not as pesimisstic as I was before. Maybe the Down bravado is not as strong as it was. Maybe they are not as good as they would like to think they are?? Sure with Marty going back to Australia, why the fcuk would he really try? Lets face it the sooner Down are out the sooner he is on the plane ;)
You Armagh boys sure have a hard on for our Marty. I never even mentioned the fella yet you could'nt wait to talk about him. If he goes back to Oz then fair enough he'll be a loss. Whilst we are on the subject of former AFL recriuts maybe clarke could bring Dyas back with him he might even get a game for the reserves this time or carry Martys bags for him.
Dyas got a bad injury while he was over in aus. Am sure Marty would carry his own bags, but am sure he is big enough to do it himself.
James Lavery has been added to the Armagh injury list. This means Armagh are further weakened at midfield. Do Armagh supporters think Lavery would have started?? Even if he wouldn't then he would have been a front line substitute. So Mallon, Lavery, Swift & Clarke are all out, I heard somewhere Duffy too. For us Ambrose is up to 40minutes and in fact if really needed could start this match. Rafferty is our only player out, and as has been noted by many people, fullback is now the area we have most choice in.
You have to be realistic if we lost something like Benny, Fitzpatrick, McGinn, Laverty & say McCardle we would be playing ourselves down and talking about Armagh having the edge. We have to accept that everything is going in our favour for this game and that we are the favourites. No point in trying to make a case for Armagh. Armagh are in a much weakened position and if they do beat us then it will be a very bad indictment for us. If they do beat us, then they will beat a near full strength Down side with a three-quarter strength Armagh side.
i heard thomas niblock on bbc radio this morning saying that armagh are blaming slane for the poor ticket sales - i had to laugh at that
Paul123 where did you hear Mallon was injured.
Quote from: naka on May 25, 2011, 09:08:24 AM
Paul123 where did you hear Mallon was injured.
In the IN yesterday that BRIAN Mallon is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
If David McKenna doesn't get a run out with all these injuries he never will. I'll be disappointed if our midfield is anything other than Vernon and Toner. They were playing really well together at the start of the league until they were spilt up. I hear Vincey Martin has played a few challenge games in there but I wouldn't be convinced by that at all.
There has never been so much apathy towards an Armagh match ever!! Even when we had no chance, we travelled in our thousands in the hope of that breakthrough win, and believe it or not we always thought we could push on and win the All-Ireland, every year and this is pre 1998!!
Has the county board lost touch with reality? Is there just no money left in our patrons pockets to attend these games? Is it really the Champions league final or Slane?
I don't have the answer but I know previously I would have fought tooth and nail to get to this match, I have wedding to go to on Saturday just like the Wexford QF '08, i dodged the chapel that day in the hope of getting back to Armagh for the meal, but the monsoon put paid to that idea that day, but the thought hasn't even entered my head this time. I know one thing My Armagh are on a big push to reduce the debt of the County set up, yet we pay 70k a year for a rugby coach to take the team, this is something that doesnt sit easy with me!!
All said, I still think the lads have not become Kilkenny over the winter and we will give Down all the want!!
Quote from: mackers on May 25, 2011, 09:21:20 AM
Quote from: naka on May 25, 2011, 09:08:24 AM
Paul123 where did you hear Mallon was injured.
In the IN yesterday that BRIAN Mallon is a doubt with a hamstring injury.
If David McKenna doesn't get a run out with all these injuries he never will. I'll be disappointed if our midfield is anything other than Vernon and Toner. They were playing really well together at the start of the league until they were spilt up. I hear Vincey Martin has played a few challenge games in there but I wouldn't be convinced by that at all.
HE WAS AT TRAINING LAST NITE
Have we ever seen anything from McKenna to suggest he should be on the panel never mind the team?
I don't think we have realistic options, at this stage, beyond the toner-vernon pairing
Quote from: DuffleKing on May 25, 2011, 10:04:03 AM
Have we ever seen anything from McKenna to suggest he should be on the panel never mind the team?
I don't think we have realistic options, at this stage, beyond the toner-vernon pairing
COUD SEE HIM AT HALF FORWARD
hearty
mallon,donaghy finn
dyas, mc keever,kernan
toner, vernon
mc kenna,billyjo,mallon
clarke,stevie,o rourke
if paul duffy fir mallon may play in centre with duffy playing on wing
training quite intense last nite, playrs really up for it, south armagh boys in particular giving it loads
good to see mc grane helping out on the pitch barking instructions to the midfielders
can see us doing alright
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
If you knew any thing about sports you would recognise a change of voice as being a good thing.
Quote from: naka on May 25, 2011, 09:08:24 AM
Paul123 where did you hear Mallon was injured.
No great insight here at all. I heard it on here. I expect that either Duffleking or Mackers said it (or I would have said yourself) as you guys seem to better informed than most posters. Now in truth, I should have said that Clarke, Swift and Lavery are out with Mallon & Duffy rumoured to be doubtful. Slight slip there, sorry I presented it like I knew something others didn't.
Anyway my point was that Armagh are much weakened, I'm sure you would agree that your bench is now very light in comparison to Down's. Armagh will have little more than the 15 that take the field to rely on. Based on that, if Down can't beat you then it will be a poor show for us. That's not being arrogant; as I said, if you couldn't beat us with a fully fit squad and us missing the likes of Benny, Fitzy, McGinn, Laverty & McCardle then you would be very disappointed.
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 25, 2011, 10:17:43 AM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 24, 2011, 03:30:13 PM
Well there you have it lads, Armagh are right back in it. With Oisin back onboard they're looking like favourites now. Although it can be slightly embarrasing for senior players selected as forwards to be re-trained or told what to do, it is Oisin we are talking about here.
If you knew any thing about sports you would recognise a change of voice as being a good thing.
I did'nt realise he is taking singing lessons.
Sure I know 'things about sport', afterall we are all experts on here!
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 25, 2011, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
Down 1690
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 25, 2011, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
Poorly supported county, it would appear that the last of the the 2002 bandwagon jumpers would prefer the champions league or the Kings of Leon.
Down have sold all their allocation, Armagh have only sold 2500. I think most Armagh fans unfortunately have decided that Down are going to win at a canter and will opt to go to the pub or watch at home keeping an eye on both games. The assertion that it is Slane is ludicrous. As Benny Tierney says in the IN even the Orange Order new better than to clash with the Champions League.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 25, 2011, 12:19:20 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 25, 2011, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
Poorly supported county, it would appear that the last of the the 2002 bandwagon jumpers would prefer the champions league or the Kings of Leon.
Thats rich coming from a Down man, look at the BWJ's last year. Armagh have always been well supported even when we were rubbish. The number of Clubs in Armagh loosing players because of the downturn in construction is obviously a factor.
Quote from: naka on May 25, 2011, 10:16:57 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on May 25, 2011, 10:04:03 AM
Have we ever seen anything from McKenna to suggest he should be on the panel never mind the team?
I don't think we have realistic options, at this stage, beyond the toner-vernon pairing
COUD SEE HIM AT HALF FORWARD
hearty
mallon,donaghy finn
dyas, mc keever,kernan
toner, vernon
mc kenna,billyjo,mallon
clarke,stevie,o rourke
if paul duffy fir mallon may play in centre with duffy playing on wing
training quite intense last nite, playrs really up for it, south armagh boys in particular giving it loads
good to see mc grane helping out on the pitch barking instructions to the midfielders
can see us doing alright
It's great to see Armagh legends like McGrane and McConville in helping out. That bit of news is encouraging. It'll do the current panel the world of good to have these guys around. Feeling a wee bit more postive after reading that. Good man naka. :)
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 25, 2011, 12:19:20 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 25, 2011, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
What's interesting is that I have been offered tickets so far by shamrocks guys, saval guys, could request tickets from Ballyholland
It's a myth down gave sold their allocation because they are struggling like Armagh to shift the tickets
It has been a very poor call by the ulster council but these guys are that stubborn they won't admit their mistake
Poorly supported county, it would appear that the last of the the 2002 bandwagon jumpers would prefer the champions league or the Kings of Leon.
I can't believe people are blaming Slane and Champions league for poor ticket sales. Wise up!! This is Down V Armagh IN Armagh for Christ sake!! I am travelling from Sligo for this game and looking forward to it.
People should stop coming out with BS excuses and simply call a spade a spade. Armagh fans have been spoiled over the last decade. Things take a little dip and you walk away in your droves. Your county needs you more than ever now.
Quote from: naka on May 25, 2011, 12:48:27 PM
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 25, 2011, 12:19:20 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on May 25, 2011, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 11:33:54 AM
Is it true that tickets are not selling for this match? Surely not. This is easily the biggest 1st round tie in the country.
As of Mon night the number of tickets, stand and terrace, issued to Armagh clubs was 1595!
What's interesting is that I have been offered tickets so far by shamrocks guys, saval guys, could request tickets from Ballyholland
It's a myth down gave sold their allocation because they are struggling like Armagh to shift the tickets
It has been a very poor call by the ulster council but these guys are that stubborn they won't admit their mistake
Poorly supported county, it would appear that the last of the the 2002 bandwagon jumpers would prefer the champions league or the Kings of Leon.
I have spoken to a lot of Down folk and the prevailing attitude is that they'll watch this one at home. A lot has to do with the expense and the attitude that the £50 will go a long way to a good night out but there is also a sense that they don't see this as a big enough game to bother with. They will have bigger games to go to this year and that is from people who would be seen as 'true gaels'.
QuoteIt's great to see Armagh legends like McGrane and McConville in helping out. That bit of news is encouraging.
Those men wouldn't countenance losing to Down and hopefully some of the spirit will rub off.
There were 11,000 at the league game in Newry, hard to imagine that more than that will not go to the Championship. But people reckon that tickets will be readily available and will wait to see the weather etc.
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 12:55:48 PM
I can't believe people are blaming Slane and Champions league for poor ticket sales. Wise up!! This is Down V Armagh IN Armagh for Christ sake!! I am travelling from Sligo for this game and looking forward to it.
People should stop coming out with BS excuses and simply call a spade a spade. Armagh fans have been spoiled over the last decade. Things take a little dip and you walk away in your droves. Your county needs you more than ever now.
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 12:55:48 PM
+1
If the ticket sales quoted on this board are correct then it is an absolute disgrace, on both sides. IMO anyone who would prefer to go to the pub and watch this or sit and watch it on the tv are not great supporters of either team. Some Armagh supporters are very negative about their chances and are using this as an excuse not to go. If that was the case for me and it could possibly be my teams only game in Ulster this year and first in our newly developed stadium, i wouldnt miss it for the world.
As for Down supporters, if Down were lucky enought to get to the All Ireland final again and some of the stay at home supporters came looking a ticket, I know where i would tell yas to stick ur ticket request!! Down would have provided at least 25k supporters to the final last year, if we can get at least half of that to go to Armagh there is something wrong!!
Dont know I inserted my comments as a quote from CK but to clarify that 2nd rant was from me not CK!!!
Quote from: ck on May 25, 2011, 12:55:48 PM
I can't believe people are blaming Slane and Champions league for poor ticket sales. Wise up!! This is Down V Armagh IN Armagh for Christ sake!! I am travelling from Sligo for this game and looking forward to it.
People should stop coming out with BS excuses and simply call a spade a spade. Armagh fans have been spoiled over the last decade. Things take a little dip and you walk away in your droves. Your county needs you more than ever now.
Although the comment is correct, a dip in form has a dramatic drop in fair-weather attendee, make no mistake CK, there will be plenty of Down fans taking the cushy option of TV and champion's league football. It's not just Armagh fans that can be accused of being casual with their support. This match clashes with the Champion's league, the Magners league final, Slane and even the Warrenpoint Blues festival, plus the weather won't be great (showers all day predicted). Each one has a varying effect and sometimes cumulative. Each one will reduce the attendance between a few hundred and a few thousand. I've two friends visiting, they would have come to the game with me as neutrals (two more attendees) but instead they are going to the pub to watch United vs Barca.
Only die hard supporters will be there. I expect that the Ulster council will undersell tickets by around 5,000-8,000. That is an income loss of around £90,000 to £120,000. All those tickets would have been taken up by casual supporters and interested neutrals.
The Ulster Council are going to get a bloody nose on this one, and in truth rightly so. It is a bold arrogant move and I think they will learn a lesson from it. From now on a bit more of a global view will be taken when planning fixtures.
I am raging about it because it makes it a better experience when the place is full and there is a real buzz.
Yes I think the Ulster Council can be very headstrong and are no strangers to cutting off their nose to spite their face.
I could be wrong but to me it stinks off "Ahh we are true Gaels and don't have any interest in soccer games etc.
As a neutral, I'd say Down supporters feel they've built a new team and that they are on the up. They got to the AI final last year and the fans are hopeful of more big days out in the sun. They go into the game as favourites and with Armagh's long injury list combined with their non too convincing displays in big games under PoR, I think it was inevitable that most of their non hardline fans would stay away.
For most Armagh fans, they've had a long 10 years of running to matches and paying a fortune for match after match so the hunger and belief in the team is no longer there perhaps. Of course they have a big performance in them and could well beat Down but the fair weather summer only fans think this is a game they could miss. They can watch it for free at home and save a fortune on tickets, food & drink and having to listen to Down fans should they lose in their new playground.
I'd say even if it was on the Sunday, there would still not have been a full house for this game and I'd nearly go as far to say that I bet ye they'll be no full houses this year until maybe the AI final.
People have cut back on their spending big time & if their time is on live TV of course they're gonna go for that option if money is tight.
I hope its a good game anyway and not another damp squib. I don't think it will be.
A good thing about living in England is that I dont get all the prematch buld up, ie who's injured, who might be injured and not playing etc. When I was at home - Lurgan - this used to occupy my mind all day everyday. Now, I just get snippets by coming on here. As a result, Im maybe more optimistic about an Armagh win than others, probably niavely so but who cares.
On a side note, anyone know anywhere in Newcastle, England, thatll be showing the game? Would be much appreciated as Im on a stag do there this weekend and dont wanna miss the BIG game of Saturday night
Unfortunately, I won't be going to this game - and I do class myself as a true fan!
My attendence this year hasn't been as good as usual.
Been to 2 McKenna cup games (Armagh and Antrim),
League -was at Galway,Armagh,Cork,Dublin.
Reasons for missing the games are other events in my life taking priority
Kerry and Monaghan games missed - the Boyfriend is working in Jersey, and i was over visiting these weekends
Saturdays game is being missed because after much deliberation, I've decided i should go to my best friends hen night - I even tried to persuade her to change the date. I had tickets for Slane, but sold them when I discovered it clashed with this game!
Depending on how far Down get this year, I don't see me making it to many games this summer, between hen nights, weddings and back and forward to Jersey, but you never know!
An Dun Abu!
Quote from: tonto1888 on May 25, 2011, 02:56:55 PM
A good thing about living in England is that I dont get all the prematch buld up, ie who's injured, who might be injured and not playing etc. When I was at home - Lurgan - this used to occupy my mind all day everyday. Now, I just get snippets by coming on here. As a result, Im maybe more optimistic about an Armagh win than others, probably niavely so but who cares.
On a side note, anyone know anywhere in Newcastle, England, thatll be showing the game? Would be much appreciated as Im on a stag do there this weekend and dont wanna miss the BIG game of Saturday night
Try Tyneside Irish centre
By the way bear in mind that it is not a case of people choosing soccer over Gaelic. In fact a lot of people are choosing both soccer and Gaelic, over just Gaelic. Both games are on TV live and all you need is a remote control to keep an eye on both. So to my list of distractions I should have also added live TV.
Quote from: maddog on May 25, 2011, 03:15:13 PM
Quote from: tonto1888 on May 25, 2011, 02:56:55 PM
A good thing about living in England is that I dont get all the prematch buld up, ie who's injured, who might be injured and not playing etc. When I was at home - Lurgan - this used to occupy my mind all day everyday. Now, I just get snippets by coming on here. As a result, Im maybe more optimistic about an Armagh win than others, probably niavely so but who cares.
On a side note, anyone know anywhere in Newcastle, England, thatll be showing the game? Would be much appreciated as Im on a stag do there this weekend and dont wanna miss the BIG game of Saturday night
Try Tyneside Irish centre
let'd be frank if your enjoying newcastle properly you won't be too worried about Down or Armagh - i know i wouldn't be!
QuoteThey can watch it for free at home and save a fortune on tickets, food & drink and having to listen to Down fans should they lose in their new playground.
Tickets are a cost for sure, but you don't really need to stock up on food when going from Armagh to the game, you could just eat at home. Not real need for hotel accommodation either.
I love the way people would be insulted if not thought of as a true gael, big tickle gents.
Tyneside Irish Centre is a complete shit hole, do not go there!
Trying to work out where would show it; check Jurys Inn Hotel for advice; they should point you in the right direction
Kings of Leon blamed for slow ticket sales
25 May 2011
Ulster SFC ticket sales are slow in Armagh and it could be Kings of Leon's fault.
The Orchard County's Saturday night meeting with Down at The Athletic Grounds is clashing not just with the Champions League but also with the Followill siblings' much-anticipated appearance at Slane Castle.
Armagh officer Joe Jordan tells today's Irish News: "All the young ones are going to it. Tickets for it sold in about half an hour.
"I can't help noticing that the young ones are all talking about it, so that's a big issue.
"I thought at the start of the year that the championship would be a good indicator of the state of the country financially. You have the fact of the match being on television and the Champions League final, but the rock concert in Slane is a bigger downturn in sales.
"It just happens to be a complicated weekend with the TV, the Champions League plus Slane and the recession.
"I thought - even allowing for the recession - you would have 8,000 from Armagh and 8,000 from Down. We will know better today but at this stage we would be looking at well below 5,000."
http://www.hoganstand.com/Armagh/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148521
They had a piece on joe jordan's comments on the sports show on newstalk radio this evening - basically laughing at him
collected my tickets tonite--our club has sold 55 in armagh
the REASON IS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ffs had my pick of any tickets i wanted
out of my family my brother and his four kids all over 17 are watching both matches in the pub,
my other brother wont go cos doing newry marathon and doesnt want to go on piss
my two brother in laws( down men) watching games in pub
out of potentially18 people there is only me and my two kids
sums up the major mistake the gaa have made
but feckit--"I THINK WE WILL WIN BY THREE"
I was offered two CL final tickets today, maybe Kings of Leon are the big issue.
Lads I'm in Cork atm; is the main Newry - Armagh road closed, just heard from someone it is one way at the mo?? :-\ Coming from Ardglass would it be better to go via the motorway rather than trying to go the Newry route? Thanks in advance! :)
The main Newry-Armagh Rd is closed at Markethill. Traffic is being diverted towards Hamiltonsbawn. There arent many GAA fans in that area.
Neither is Ballynahinch/Lisburn to get on the motorway! Will keep the heads down and floor it! Motorway it is so!
Quote from: Shortso79 on May 25, 2011, 09:18:28 PM
Kings of Leon blamed for slow ticket sales
25 May 2011
Ulster SFC ticket sales are slow in Armagh and it could be Kings of Leon's fault.
The Orchard County's Saturday night meeting with Down at The Athletic Grounds is clashing not just with the Champions League but also with the Followill siblings' much-anticipated appearance at Slane Castle.
Armagh officer Joe Jordan tells today's Irish News: "All the young ones are going to it. Tickets for it sold in about half an hour.
"I can't help noticing that the young ones are all talking about it, so that's a big issue.
"I thought at the start of the year that the championship would be a good indicator of the state of the country financially. You have the fact of the match being on television and the Champions League final, but the rock concert in Slane is a bigger downturn in sales.
"It just happens to be a complicated weekend with the TV, the Champions League plus Slane and the recession.
"I thought - even allowing for the recession - you would have 8,000 from Armagh and 8,000 from Down. We will know better today but at this stage we would be looking at well below 5,000."
http://www.hoganstand.com/Armagh/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148521
Don't Kings of Leon have a song called "Fans"?
Think this is more a case of Jordan not wanting to admit that the CL is the main reason. If the game had been on the Sunday a lot of these variables would have been removed. Was it originally moved for TV? What benefit was there for the Ulster Council in moving from a Sat to a Sun?
Not going myself as I have a communion on that day but I haven't heard this used as an excuse yet.
Will Armagh hand the rest of their allocation over to the Down County Board now that Armagh dont need them and that Down have run out?
Folks - I'll be in the States Saturday night and I checked with Setanta to see if they are streaming the match - They are, but when I went to buy it a notice popped up stating it wasn't available in my region - Will 5 FM be broadcasting it?
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 25, 2011, 10:36:07 PM
The main Newry-Armagh Rd is closed at Markethill. Traffic is being diverted towards Hamiltonsbawn. There arent many GAA fans in that area.
I was thinking of turning at Markethill and heading to Armagh via the Keady road, thought that may be quieter, especially if the official diversion is the other way. Can anyone tell me if you can get into Markethill, or is the road closed before Markethill?
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 26, 2011, 08:53:54 AM
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 25, 2011, 10:36:07 PM
The main Newry-Armagh Rd is closed at Markethill. Traffic is being diverted towards Hamiltonsbawn. There arent many GAA fans in that area.
I was thinking of turning at Markethill and heading to Armagh via the Keady road, thought that may be quieter, especially if the official diversion is the other way. Can anyone tell me if you can get into Markethill, or is the road closed before Markethill?
Yes you can get into Markethill OK. Follow the signs for Keady but you don't have to go all the way to Keady. Probably 4 or 5 miles out the Keady Road out of Markethill you will cross the main Armagh-Newtownhamilton Road at Ferla crossroads. Just take right for Armagh instead of going across the crossroads for Keady. Don't bank on that road being any quieter though as that is the road that a lot of South Armagh supporters will be using so allow a bit of time for that.
Fella I know is looking some tickets for this game, is there any left? And if so , where could he pick them up?
Go raibh míle maith agat :)
Quote from: antrimlad on May 26, 2011, 11:15:30 AM
Fella I know is looking some tickets for this game, is there any left? And if so , where could he pick them up?
Go raibh míle maith agat :)
plenty about try "gaa.ie" the official gaa website
Im glad this game has shown the Armagh "faithful" up for what they are. Their first championship game back in the Athletic Grounds and no buzz, no capacity, no sell-out and no soul. If truth be told, the Armagh Buckfast Brigade would prefer to go to Clones every year for the "craic". I pity the Armagh team, they deserve more respect.
Quote from: naka on May 26, 2011, 11:28:30 AM
Quote from: antrimlad on May 26, 2011, 11:15:30 AM
Fella I know is looking some tickets for this game, is there any left? And if so , where could he pick them up?
Go raibh míle maith agat :)
plenty about try "gaa.ie" the official gaa website
Thanks ;D
Quote from: mackers on May 26, 2011, 10:27:53 AM
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 26, 2011, 08:53:54 AM
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 25, 2011, 10:36:07 PM
The main Newry-Armagh Rd is closed at Markethill. Traffic is being diverted towards Hamiltonsbawn. There arent many GAA fans in that area.
I was thinking of turning at Markethill and heading to Armagh via the Keady road, thought that may be quieter, especially if the official diversion is the other way. Can anyone tell me if you can get into Markethill, or is the road closed before Markethill?
Yes you can get into Markethill OK. Follow the signs for Keady but you don't have to go all the way to Keady. Probably 4 or 5 miles out the Keady Road out of Markethill you will cross the main Armagh-Newtownhamilton Road at Ferla crossroads. Just take right for Armagh instead of going across the crossroads for Keady. Don't bank on that road being any quieter though as that is the road that a lot of South Armagh supporters will be using so allow a bit of time for that.
Thanks Mackers, after all the heated debates you and I have had I appreciate the helpful advice. If I drove via Tandragee and headed via Richhill direction I could approach Armagh via Craigavon road, do you think this would be a quieter entry in to the city?
I would be interested to know your team prediction (and anyone else's). Down's team is pretty obvious to anyone except perhaps one corner back slot.
QuoteIf I drove via Tandragee and headed via Richhill direction I could approach Armagh via Craigavon road, do you think this would be a quieter entry in to the city?
I would have thought the quietest entry to Armagh would be the Newry road, if you can regain it by using a local road, having identified the exact extent of the diversion.
One advantage of the soccer crowd staying away is that it is not be necessary to park in Keady or Ballymacnab.
Just read on the hoganstand (yes I'm bored), that Marty Clarke is flying back out to Aus for a wee holiday.
Is this common knowledge?
Is there talk of him getting a new contract or is it just a break away?
What does he work at?
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148554 (http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148554)
Sorry if this has been mentioned before.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 26, 2011, 12:09:41 PM
Quote from: mackers on May 26, 2011, 10:27:53 AM
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 26, 2011, 08:53:54 AM
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 25, 2011, 10:36:07 PM
The main Newry-Armagh Rd is closed at Markethill. Traffic is being diverted towards Hamiltonsbawn. There arent many GAA fans in that area.
I was thinking of turning at Markethill and heading to Armagh via the Keady road, thought that may be quieter, especially if the official diversion is the other way. Can anyone tell me if you can get into Markethill, or is the road closed before Markethill?
Yes you can get into Markethill OK. Follow the signs for Keady but you don't have to go all the way to Keady. Probably 4 or 5 miles out the Keady Road out of Markethill you will cross the main Armagh-Newtownhamilton Road at Ferla crossroads. Just take right for Armagh instead of going across the crossroads for Keady. Don't bank on that road being any quieter though as that is the road that a lot of South Armagh supporters will be using so allow a bit of time for that.
Thanks Mackers, after all the heated debates you and I have had I appreciate the helpful advice. If I drove via Tandragee and headed via Richhill direction I could approach Armagh via Craigavon road, do you think this would be a quieter entry in to the city?
I would be interested to know your team prediction (and anyone else's). Down's team is pretty obvious to anyone except perhaps one corner back slot.
Wudn't see you stuck Paul..............if you take my directions from Markethill onto the main Armagh Newtownhamilton Road you can cut across to the Newry Road via the Drumgraw Road which is a local road off to the right of the main road a couple of miles before you hit Armagh. As armaghniac says it would probably be the quietest route into Armagh.
As regards my stab at the team I would take a guess at the following:
Hearty
A Mallon Donaghy Finn Mo
AK McKeever Kevin Dyas
Vernon Toner
David McKenna / P Duffy Miceal O'Rourke Malachy Mackin
Jamie Clarke Stevie J Murtagh
I'm presuming that B Mallon isn't fit to play otherwise he would slot in for Johnny Murtagh (who I wouldn't pick myself..........just think the management will). We have a good goalkeeper and I'd be confident about five of our six backs (Finn Mo is a square peg in a round hole and his tackling is too rash).
Our midfield is a very good partnership but our forward line bar two players is way short of the mark. I'm hoping for strong direct running from good ball carriers in CV, Malachy Mackin and David McKenna unsettling Down's defensive system and creating space for Clarke and McDonnell. With those two in our side I wouldn't rule us out and I'm presuming Oisin has been working on a system to get the proper service into them. In fairness both Miceal O'Rourke and Dyas can deliver quality ball.
If you get as far as the golf Driving range and B and B on your left you have gone about 300 yards too far. Turn and the Drumgaw Road is the first on the left. You can travel to the end of the Drumgaw Road or take the first left of it as both will take you back on to the Newry Road.
Mackers I would not be surprised to see Murtagh on?! Think it is possible for Paul Duffy to play corner back as I think he played there in the challenge against Westmeath.
I'm hoping for strong direct running from good ball carriers in CV, Malachy Mackin and David McKenna unsettling Down's defensive system and creating space for Clarke and McDonnell.
Unfortunately CV and MM are not good ball carriers. They lose the ball every time they run into a tackle and they are unable to get their heads up to look whats happening around them.
Quote from: downgirl on May 25, 2011, 10:39:06 PM
Neither is Ballynahinch/Lisburn to get on the motorway! Will keep the heads down and floor it! Motorway it is so!
The shortest way for you is Castlewellan -> Banbridge -> Tandragee -> Armagh.
Quote from: Fuzzman on May 26, 2011, 01:54:07 PM
Just read on the hoganstand (yes I'm bored), that Marty Clarke is flying back out to Aus for a wee holiday.
Is this common knowledge?
Is there talk of him getting a new contract or is it just a break away?
What does he work at?
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148554 (http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=148554)
Sorry if this has been mentioned before.
works as a coaching office for county board
aye common knowledge he is heading back out to talk to a club(s) and will be gone after this season....
Quoteaye common knowledge he is heading back out to talk to a club(s) and will be gone after this season....
hopefully we can give him cause to stay there after Saturday.
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 11:29:19 AM
Im glad this game has shown the Armagh "faithful" up for what they are. Their first championship game back in the Athletic Grounds and no buzz, no capacity, no sell-out and no soul. If truth be told, the Armagh Buckfast Brigade would prefer to go to Clones every year for the "craic". I pity the Armagh team, they deserve more respect.
Don't talk sh**e. Is there no recession in Tyrone? I and many others have followed Armagh when it was 1 day out a year. Its not so long ago Tyrone were in the same boat. Armagh have always had a loyal core of fans look at the McKenna Cup and League. But there are many factors here not least the ticket price. But hey I'm glad the recession and immigration hasn't hit Moortown.
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 02:18:26 PM
I'm hoping for strong direct running from good ball carriers in CV, Malachy Mackin and David McKenna unsettling Down's defensive system and creating space for Clarke and McDonnell.
Unfortunately CV and MM are not good ball carriers. They lose the ball every time they run into a tackle and they are unable to get their heads up to look whats happening around them.
Vernon is strong on the ball you obviously haven't seen much of him.
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 26, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 11:29:19 AM
Im glad this game has shown the Armagh "faithful" up for what they are. Their first championship game back in the Athletic Grounds and no buzz, no capacity, no sell-out and no soul. If truth be told, the Armagh Buckfast Brigade would prefer to go to Clones every year for the "craic". I pity the Armagh team, they deserve more respect.
Don't talk sh**e. Is there no recession in Tyrone? I and many others have followed Armagh when it was 1 day out a year. Its not so long ago Tyrone were in the same boat. Armagh have always had a loyal core of fans look at the McKenna Cup and League. But there are many factors here not least the ticket price. But hey I'm glad the recession and immigration hasn't hit Moortown.
The recession will be a far distant memory whenever the few true Armagh supporters, and many more Down supporters are making their way to the game, their sunshine loving compatriats will be staying on in the pub to watch their heros in Wembley. Likewise, in Slane, the Buckfast birgade will be in full voice. Unfortunately for the likes of McKeever, McDonnell and co they will feel outnumbered in their championship baptism of The Athletic Grounds. Best Supporters Ever? Dont make me f*cking laugh!
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 03:44:41 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 26, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 11:29:19 AM
Im glad this game has shown the Armagh "faithful" up for what they are. Their first championship game back in the Athletic Grounds and no buzz, no capacity, no sell-out and no soul. If truth be told, the Armagh Buckfast Brigade would prefer to go to Clones every year for the "craic". I pity the Armagh team, they deserve more respect.
Don't talk sh**e. Is there no recession in Tyrone? I and many others have followed Armagh when it was 1 day out a year. Its not so long ago Tyrone were in the same boat. Armagh have always had a loyal core of fans look at the McKenna Cup and League. But there are many factors here not least the ticket price. But hey I'm glad the recession and immigration hasn't hit Moortown.
The recession will be a far distant memory whenever the few true Armagh supporters, and many more Down supporters are making their way to the game, their sunshine loving compatriats will be staying on in the pub to watch their heros in Wembley. Likewise, in Slane, the Buckfast birgade will be in full voice. Unfortunately for the likes of McKeever, McDonnell and co they will feel outnumbered in their championship baptism of The Athletic Grounds. Best Supporters Ever? Dont make me f*cking laugh!
registered April 2011----has to be Oneill
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 02:18:26 PM
I'm hoping for strong direct running from good ball carriers in CV, Malachy Mackin and David McKenna unsettling Down's defensive system and creating space for Clarke and McDonnell.
Unfortunately CV and MM are not good ball carriers. They lose the ball every time they run into a tackle and they are unable to get their heads up to look whats happening around them.
We'll have to agree to disagree.......I think Charlie and Malachy both carry the ball well. Charlie's problems occur when he is bottled up, I'd agree at times his decision making is poor but if he has green grass in front of him he can carry to great effect. I think his ball carrying into the wind in Castlebar won us that league match for example. His point against Derry last year in Celtic Park with Fergal Doherty hanging off him is another.
If we just kick long ball into Stevie and Clarke every time we'll be easily stopped, Down will probably create a ring of defenders round the two of them. It's up to us to draw the defenders out from them and we have the ball carriers to do so.
Appleisapples, you'd be best advised to ignore yet another Tyrone WUM.
Quote from: mackers on May 26, 2011, 03:51:03 PM
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 02:18:26 PM
I'm hoping for strong direct running from good ball carriers in CV, Malachy Mackin and David McKenna unsettling Down's defensive system and creating space for Clarke and McDonnell.
Unfortunately CV and MM are not good ball carriers. They lose the ball every time they run into a tackle and they are unable to get their heads up to look whats happening around them.
We'll have to agree to disagree.......I think Charlie and Malachy both carry the ball well. Charlie's problems occur when he is bottled up, I'd agree at times his decision making is poor but if he has green grass in front of him he can carry to great effect. I think his ball carrying into the wind in Castlebar won us that league match for example. His point against Derry last year in Celtic Park with Fergal Doherty hanging off him is another.
If we just kick long ball into Stevie and Clarke every time we'll be easily stopped, Down will probably create a ring of defenders round the two of them. It's up to us to draw the defenders out from them and we have the ball carriers to do so.
Appleisapples, you'd be best advised to ignore yet another Tyrone WUM.
When I saw the reply I figured that out.
Its alright lads, there is healthy contingent of Tyrone Supporters making the trip to the Athletic Grounds. Maybe we will create a bit of atmosphere for you.
Maybe The Morgan's Unlaundered Fuel Athletic Grounds will be sold out but it wont be because of the bandwagon Armagh clique!!
Are both teams announced tonight?
Quote from Ambrose Rodgers in yesterdays papers
"I have never played on a winning Down side against Armagh in the championship and that tells its own story. As a matter of fact, we have fallen apart against Armagh in recent years. It will take a lot of hard work and a bit of luck for us to get one over them this time."
For the record, Down's last championship win against the orchard county was in 1992
Quote from: western exile on May 26, 2011, 04:33:33 PM
Quote from Ambrose Rodgers in yesterdays papers
"I have never played on a winning Down side against Armagh in the championship and that tells its own story. As a matter of fact, we have fallen apart against Armagh in recent years. It will take a lot of hard work and a bit of luck for us to get one over them this time."
For the record, Down's last championship win against the orchard county was in 1992
long may it continue ;)
the closer to the game the more confident I feel
armagh by 3
I think Mackers is correct Down will seek to build a defensive ring around Clarke & McDonnell. If the lads are deployed at 14 & 15 this will play into our hands. If they take a corner each then it will be more difficult. Long balls in will either slow down their progress if they are low, as they will be surrounded, or give big Dan his best chance to pick them off if they are high.
It is obvious that Armagh would therefore want to carry the ball at Down but that requires getting out of a congested midfield area where McGinn will be sent to forage and both Clarke & Hughes will track back to close down the Armagh HF line. This being precisely to allow the defending described above to work.
That's the theory it will come down to who is most successful at implementing their strategy.
In attack, everyone knows what Down will do. All six forwards will attack together, trying to work the ball into a point scoring opportunity. The Armagh defence will spend a lot of time chasing shadows. However, as has been seen, if a defence sticks at this accepting that chasing and chasing is required then our forwards do eventually run out of options (as in the Dublin match). Athleticism, patience and hard work can close our attack down.
Moortown, i dread to think of what abuse you will be dishing out to armagh and down players on saturday considering how you treat your own county players .... joe mcmahon
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 26, 2011, 03:37:00 PM
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 11:29:19 AM
Im glad this game has shown the Armagh "faithful" up for what they are. Their first championship game back in the Athletic Grounds and no buzz, no capacity, no sell-out and no soul. If truth be told, the Armagh Buckfast Brigade would prefer to go to Clones every year for the "craic". I pity the Armagh team, they deserve more respect.
Don't talk sh**e. Is there no recession in Tyrone? I and many others have followed Armagh when it was 1 day out a year. Its not so long ago Tyrone were in the same boat. Armagh have always had a loyal core of fans look at the McKenna Cup and League. But there are many factors here not least the ticket price. But hey I'm glad the recession and immigration hasn't hit Moortown.
I don't think they'll ever have to worry about that Apples, permanent checkpoint on the Ardboe border just in case.
All logic says Down pulling up, so I reckon Yer Ma to sneak it 7-6 on a dirty night.
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 05:08:06 PM
Moortown, i dread to think of what abuse you will be dishing out to armagh and down players on saturday considering how you treat your own county players .... joe mcmahon
Jesus, the Arnagh faithful have a short short memory. Can you even remeber when you last won an all-ireland?
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/armagh-gaa-starrsquos-jaw-rebuilt-after-assault-on-pitch-14844874.html
At least Joe McMahon wasn't a cub! But sure ApplesisApples wouldn't even know about that incident. He is a bandwagon supporter personified. Reading thropugh his posts he doesn't have a club, doesn't know what club Paul Duffy plays for and admits that he doesn't attend any club games. Will probably see it is raining outside on Saturday and will lie up in the armchair/stool to watch the CL Final. I'll be at the game, will be good to see who we must play in the Ulster Final as lets face it the Derry in-breds are not going to provide much resistance in the semis. I just think its a crying shame that on the championship baptism that the new grounds cant be christened with a full house!
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 05:35:32 PM
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 05:08:06 PM
Moortown, i dread to think of what abuse you will be dishing out to armagh and down players on saturday considering how you treat your own county players .... joe mcmahon
Jesus, the Arnagh faithful have a short short memory. Can you even remeber when you last won an all-ireland?
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/armagh-gaa-starrsquos-jaw-rebuilt-after-assault-on-pitch-14844874.html
At least Joe McMahon wasn't a cub! But sure ApplesisApples wouldn't even know about that incident. He is a bandwagon supporter personified. Reading thropugh his posts he doesn't have a club, doesn't know what club Paul Duffy plays for and admits that he doesn't attend any club games. Will probably see it is raining outside on Saturday and will lie up in the armchair/stool to watch the CL Final. I'll be at the game, will be good to see who we must play in the Ulster Final as lets face it the Derry in-breds are not going to provide much resistance in the semis. I just think its a crying shame that on the championship baptism that the new grounds cant be christened with a full house!
You can hardly talk, most people would group clubs like Moortown/Culloville in the same category i.e. a shower of complete breeds! ;)
Anyway I'm glad you'll be joining us, you Derry/Tyrone wans think you's have a rivalry, wait til ya see pure hatred.
Only 14 tickets taken by Crossmaglen.
12 Sold by Silverbridge, 6 by Dromintee, Cullyhanna thought they were tickets to Slane and were looking for more until they realised their mistake. Whitecross and Belleek are joining forces to buy a big screen to show the champions league, they may show the other game during the half time break. Carrickcruppen sold 4 to a Down man living in Camlough and the Colgans bought a few from Lissummon.
Down haven't beaten Armagh in the Championship since 1992 i'm going for another Armagh win.
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 26, 2011, 08:19:34 PM
Down haven't beaten Armagh in the Championship since 1992 i'm going for another Armagh win.
How many times did they meet between 1992 and now.
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 26, 2011, 08:22:55 PM
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 26, 2011, 08:19:34 PM
Down haven't beaten Armagh in the Championship since 1992 i'm going for another Armagh win.
How many times did they meet between 1992 and now.
4 or 5 games i think.
1999 Clones, 2001ish Casement, 2008 Clones.....
In the championship, Armagh beat Down in 1998 (Clones, USC prelim round), 1999 (Clones USC final), 2001 (Casement Park, 1st round qualifier) and 2008 (Clones USC semi).
Can't even give away free tickets for this so it's not just the price. Would it sell out if it wasn't on the TV?
1. Paul Hearty Crossmaglen
2. Andy Mallon Pearse Og
3. Brendan Donaghy Clonmore
4. Kevin Dyas Dromintee
5. Aaron Kernan Crossmaglen
6. Ciaran Mc Keever St. Patrick's
7. Paul Duffy Pearse Og
8. Kieran Toner Granemore
9. Charlie Vernon Armagh Harps
10 Tony Kernan Crossmaglen
11 Billy Joe Padden Carrickcruppin
12. Malachy Mackin St. Patrick's
13. Micheal O'Rourke Dromintee
14. Steven McDonnell Killeavy
15. Jamie Clarke Crossmaglen
That is a damn good Armagh team we need to firing on all cylinders to beat them .How has team preparation been? Is everyone putting a big effort in ? How did the training weekend go? I would be a bit worried about our play maker he had a poor All-Ireland final and rumour has it his socialising since has left a lot to be desired.But let's hope he proves all those doubters wrong and goes out and does us proud.We need a big game from him and I feel he will have a big game !
Quote from: Agent Orange on May 26, 2011, 08:14:52 PM
12 Sold by Silverbridge, 6 by Dromintee, Cullyhanna thought they were tickets to Slane and were looking for more until they realised their mistake. Whitecross and Belleek are joining forces to buy a big screen to show the champions league, they may show the other game during the half time break. Carrickcruppen sold 4 to a Down man living in Camlough and the Colgans bought a few from Lissummon.
:D
Quote from: thegael on May 26, 2011, 10:48:29 PM
That is a damn good Armagh team we need to firing on all cylinders to beat them .How has team preparation been? Is everyone putting a big effort in ? How did the training weekend go? I would be a bit worried about our play maker he had a poor All-Ireland final and rumour has it his socialising since has left a lot to be desired.But let's hope he proves all those doubters wrong and goes out and does us proud.We need a big game from him and I feel he will have a big game !
Pretty well. Myself and the boys put in a good solid couple of day's drinking last weekend and we're all set for pints in Armagh at 3pm on Saturday. Such a question to ask!
I can confirm TAC did indeed have an impressive couple of days drinking on training weekend recently
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 26, 2011, 05:35:32 PM
Quote from: regal on May 26, 2011, 05:08:06 PM
Moortown, i dread to think of what abuse you will be dishing out to armagh and down players on saturday considering how you treat your own county players .... joe mcmahon
Jesus, the Arnagh faithful have a short short memory. Can you even remeber when you last won an all-ireland?
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/armagh-gaa-starrsquos-jaw-rebuilt-after-assault-on-pitch-14844874.html
At least Joe McMahon wasn't a cub! But sure ApplesisApples wouldn't even know about that incident. He is a bandwagon supporter personified. Reading thropugh his posts he doesn't have a club, doesn't know what club Paul Duffy plays for and admits that he doesn't attend any club games. Will probably see it is raining outside on Saturday and will lie up in the armchair/stool to watch the CL Final. I'll be at the game, will be good to see who we must play in the Ulster Final as lets face it the Derry in-breds are not going to provide much resistance in the semis. I just think its a crying shame that on the championship baptism that the new grounds cant be christened with a full house!
Can't let this go.
I do attend Club Games.
I am aware who Duffy plays for and I'll be there on Saturday. I have a nice dry stand ticket so no worries.
Can't be arsed answering the rest of your WU.
Paul Hearty
Andy Mallon Brendan Donaghy Kevin Dyas
Aaron Kernan Ciaran Mc Keever Paul Duffy
Kieran Toner Charlie Vernon
Tony Kernan Billy Joe Padden Malachy Mackin
Micheal O'Rourke Steven McDonnell Jamie Clarke
[/quote]
I'm wondering what Armagh fans think of the team? I'm surprised Dyas has been moved to corner back, looks a little like a waste of his attacking potential. Not surprised Padden is CHF but also not frightened by it, see him as a work horse but not that great, no better than several other Armagh players but O'Rourke seems to really fancy him. What about the forwards, do you think this is a good combination? I don't know enough about how they all play to state an opinion.
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 12, 2011, 08:54:02 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 10, 2011, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: pearseog on February 09, 2011, 10:14:11 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 09, 2011, 01:44:32 PM
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on February 09, 2011, 11:15:08 AM
Quote from: PatDaly on February 07, 2011, 06:53:50 PM
Anyone care to comment on Brian Mallon's performance? Why does he continually make the starting 15? What exactly did he contribute to the team on Saturday night?
Brian Mallon is a super footballer! He's most affective in the full forward line, but he's not going to play well if the right ball isn't given to him... much like anyone you put in there! - In the first half v Down the ball was low & in front... he won every ball & Down had to switch men on him. The ball stopped coming in & he was pulled out to half forwards to do the donkey work again.
Apples... Duffy is a line breaker! Antother supreme talent! He starts most of our attacks & is very direct & comfortable on the ball - which is a refreshing change, from those players 'dilly dallying' & playing backwards passing!!
Can get very frustrating reading reviews on here about players giving their all!
As I stated before its all about opinion, if you are frustrated then don't use the board, I don't expect everyone to agree with my assessment but there you go....my assessment. You will never hear me question anyone's effort either for club or county, players don't set out to play badly...it just happens.
yea but theres posting opinions and then theres being blind. duffy started most of armaghs attacks on saturday night and when the defence got the ball you can see them looking for paul to link defence and attack. you also speak of AK's "vision and playmaking skills". paul is twice the player in that department IMO. you then say that paul is shaky in defence. one of the reasons AK was moved to CHF was because of his poor defensive skills. i can only imagine that that you have tainted opinions of pearse og or just paul himself
Not at all, as I said that is my opinion I respect your right to disagree, please respect mine. I didn't even know he was an og's player.
Whats your problem, I don't get to see much club football.
Ten players from south Armagh will start, they will be up for it,Paul 123 the game is no longer as simple as lining out players are tasked to Mark opponents
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 27, 2011, 08:26:40 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 12, 2011, 08:54:02 AM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 10, 2011, 05:49:12 PM
Quote from: pearseog on February 09, 2011, 10:14:11 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on February 09, 2011, 01:44:32 PM
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on February 09, 2011, 11:15:08 AM
Quote from: PatDaly on February 07, 2011, 06:53:50 PM
Anyone care to comment on Brian Mallon's performance? Why does he continually make the starting 15? What exactly did he contribute to the team on Saturday night?
Brian Mallon is a super footballer! He's most affective in the full forward line, but he's not going to play well if the right ball isn't given to him... much like anyone you put in there! - In the first half v Down the ball was low & in front... he won every ball & Down had to switch men on him. The ball stopped coming in & he was pulled out to half forwards to do the donkey work again.
Apples... Duffy is a line breaker! Antother supreme talent! He starts most of our attacks & is very direct & comfortable on the ball - which is a refreshing change, from those players 'dilly dallying' & playing backwards passing!!
Can get very frustrating reading reviews on here about players giving their all!
As I stated before its all about opinion, if you are frustrated then don't use the board, I don't expect everyone to agree with my assessment but there you go....my assessment. You will never hear me question anyone's effort either for club or county, players don't set out to play badly...it just happens.
yea but theres posting opinions and then theres being blind. duffy started most of armaghs attacks on saturday night and when the defence got the ball you can see them looking for paul to link defence and attack. you also speak of AK's "vision and playmaking skills". paul is twice the player in that department IMO. you then say that paul is shaky in defence. one of the reasons AK was moved to CHF was because of his poor defensive skills. i can only imagine that that you have tainted opinions of pearse og or just paul himself
Not at all, as I said that is my opinion I respect your right to disagree, please respect mine. I didn't even know he was an og's player.
Whats your problem, I don't get to see much club football.
Emphasis on the much
Definitely an emphasis on the much, if you can't tell where one of your starting 15 plays his club ball and him being the star man in their club championship success two years ago. Typical "move over let me on the bandwagon" supporter; makes me sick!!!
Quote from: Moortown Spuds on May 27, 2011, 09:00:40 AM
Definitely an emphasis on the much, if you can't tell where one of your starting 15 plays his club ball and him being the star man in their club championship success two years ago. Typical "move over let me on the bandwagon" supporter; makes me sick!!!
There are many other ways of serving the GAA other than going to club football once a week and in fact I would devote at least 4 nights a week and many days to the GAA. I don't have to justify my position as an Armagh fan to a WUM from Tyrone. I hope you don't choke on your own vomit. For the record I have been to most McKenna Cup, NFL this year and every year from the 60's. You don't have to support a club team to follow your County...but I do and devote a lot of time to it too. Continue with your vitriol if you wish. I should have heeded earlier advice and ignored you.
Quite right AIA, you should have ignored me as a wiser man than me once said; Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt?
Because your posts here and on the other thread with Pints has confirmed for all that you sir are indeed a fool!
Best of luck to both teams on Saturday, the championship starts in ernest and I'm looking forward to a derby game to get things going. Do not let me down!!! Is it only me or can anyone see a nip and tuck game? Im thinking Duffy (Ogs player apple) could be key. If he can put in his normal performance and keep Hughes on the backfoot I think Armagh just might sneak it.
I'd say BJP will play sweeper and not CHF, if this is the case it will Duffy and AK licence to bomb forward. I'd be surprised if Dyas stayed in the corner and will be used to follow whatever Down corner forward is given the roving role. Toner will provide a defensive barrier when Down have the ball also.
TK is an interesting one. I suppose there would be an argument to say he was one of Cross's most effective players in their AI campaign. He gets through a mountain of work and can win break ball which we need. He needs to do something he hasn't done before though....and that's to play well in a county shirt. He is the man for the long range free kicks also.
Happy enough with team. Think its the best one available to us atm even though i still dont rate bjp. On another note got my ticket last night and the club could only get terrace tickets for the Dalton end which i assume is behind the nets. Will i be able to walk round to the drumarg end or else just hand over my ticket at the drumarg end turnstiles? Would rather be covered in case of rain plus rather watch match from around the middle of the field. Ps im one of these recession hit supporters so i couldnt really afford to stump up the extra tener for the seating.
Quote from: orchard 8195 on May 27, 2011, 10:20:51 AM
Happy enough with team. Think its the best one available to us atm even though i still dont rate bjp. On another note got my ticket last night and the club could only get terrace tickets for the Dalton end which i assume is behind the nets. Will i be able to walk round to the drumarg end or else just hand over my ticket at the drumarg end turnstiles? Would rather be covered in case of rain plus rather watch match from around the middle of the field. Ps im one of these recession hit supporters so i couldnt really afford to stump up the extra tener for the seating.
Orchard, do you go to many games? If so then you should consider the season ticket. I paid £65, and for that got in to all the national league games (7, but I only went to 6), also free entry to the national league final (even though we weren't playing in it) and I got my ticket in the covered stand for this game. So basically that is entry to covered stand to nine games for an average of only £7 per game.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 27, 2011, 10:31:36 AM
Quote from: orchard 8195 on May 27, 2011, 10:20:51 AM
Happy enough with team. Think its the best one available to us atm even though i still dont rate bjp. On another note got my ticket last night and the club could only get terrace tickets for the Dalton end which i assume is behind the nets. Will i be able to walk round to the drumarg end or else just hand over my ticket at the drumarg end turnstiles? Would rather be covered in case of rain plus rather watch match from around the middle of the field. Ps im one of these recession hit supporters so i couldnt really afford to stump up the extra tener for the seating.
Orchard, do you go to many games? If so then you should consider the season ticket. I paid £65, and for that got in to all the national league games (7, but I only went to 6), also free entry to the national league final (even though we weren't playing in it) and I got my ticket in the covered stand for this game. So basically that is entry to covered stand to nine games for an average of only £7 per game.
Miss v few matches Paul and prob will get season ticket in the future. More pissed off with the county boards allocation of tickets considering my club only got Dalton end terrace tickets and was wondering if i could use this ticket to get into Drumarg end anyway? Or is there the possibility of walking round to the Drumarg end like you can in any other match in the Athletic Grounds and as its looking like therell be plenty of free space.
Tony Kernan could be worth a couple of points from frees, while being comparable with the alternatives in general play. There have been several games recently where Armagh were scoring 2 or 3 points from frees when they should have been getting 4 or 5. Jamie Clarke and Stevie can win few frees as the backs will find them hard to deal with.
At the other end it is critical that the Armagh backs are disciplined and that there is no moving the ball up because of slabbering.
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 27, 2011, 08:22:53 AM
Paul Hearty
Andy Mallon Brendan Donaghy Kevin Dyas
Aaron Kernan Ciaran Mc Keever Paul Duffy
Kieran Toner Charlie Vernon
Tony Kernan Billy Joe Padden Malachy Mackin
Micheal O'Rourke Steven McDonnell Jamie Clarke
I'm wondering what Armagh fans think of the team? I'm surprised Dyas has been moved to corner back, looks a little like a waste of his attacking potential. Not surprised Padden is CHF but also not frightened by it, see him as a work horse but not that great, no better than several other Armagh players but O'Rourke seems to really fancy him. What about the forwards, do you think this is a good combination? I don't know enough about how they all play to state an opinion.
[/quote]
Cant tspeak for others but Im happy with that side. I really do think we'll spring a surpriseon Sat night.
Is Brian Mallon injured as i would have him in ahead of mackin / padden? Dyas wont play corner back but it will be interesting to see who each of the defenders will pick up. Possibly:
A.Mallon - McComisky
Donaghy - Coulter
Dyas - Maginn
AKernan - Hughes
McKeever - MClarke
Duffy - Poland
i would fancy armagh to come out on top of most os these battles.
Quote from: regal on May 27, 2011, 12:34:06 PM
Is Brian Mallon injured as i would have him in ahead of mackin / padden? Dyas wont play corner back but it will be interesting to see who each of the defenders will pick up. Possibly:
A.Mallon - McComisky
Donaghy - Coulter
Dyas - Maginn
AKernan - Hughes
McKeever - MClarke
Duffy - Poland
i would fancy armagh to come out on top of most os these battles.
I to would expect that to happen because all mckeever for example will want to do is lye on top of clarke all night ans the rest of the defenders will follow suit
Quote from: regal on May 27, 2011, 12:34:06 PM
AKernan - Hughes
A potential disaster. Kernan and Duffy are the two to be kept away from Hughes.
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 27, 2011, 12:56:10 PM
Quote from: regal on May 27, 2011, 12:34:06 PM
AKernan - Hughes
A potential disaster. Kernan and Duffy are the two to be kept away from Hughes.
it could be a straight attempt to beat like with like ?!
the only way for kernan and duff to come close to hughes and clarke is to ensure that get the same kind of ball supply
Mallon will be put on hughes.
Quote from: Abble on May 27, 2011, 01:18:54 PM
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 27, 2011, 12:56:10 PM
Quote from: regal on May 27, 2011, 12:34:06 PM
AKernan - Hughes
A potential disaster. Kernan and Duffy are the two to be kept away from Hughes.
it could be a straight attempt to beat like with like ?!
A fair point, but it's comparing a half forward and a half back, a hb losing out a battle defensively is a lot worse that a hf on the back foot.
I'd pair....
McKeever on Clarke
Donaghy on Coulter
Mallon on McComiskey
Dyas on Hughes - Padden to double up here
Duffy on Poland
Kernan on McGinn
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 27, 2011, 01:34:46 PM
Quote from: Abble on May 27, 2011, 01:18:54 PM
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 27, 2011, 12:56:10 PM
Quote from: regal on May 27, 2011, 12:34:06 PM
AKernan - Hughes
A potential disaster. Kernan and Duffy are the two to be kept away from Hughes.
it could be a straight attempt to beat like with like ?!
A fair point, but it's comparing a half forward and a half back, a hb losing out a battle defensively is a lot worse that a hf on the back foot.
I'd pair....
McKeever on Clarke
Donaghy on Coulter
Mallon on McComiskey
Dyas on Hughes - Padden to double up here
Duffy on Poland
Kernan on McGinn
That would be what I would go with too. We can't leave AK on Hughes, he's every bit as important to Down as Clarke. Hope Brendan Donaghy has rediscovered his form.
Quote from: here comes 6 on May 27, 2011, 12:43:19 PM
I to would expect that to happen because all mckeever for example will want to do is lye on top of clarke all night ans the rest of the defenders will follow suit
WTF??? :D
Is this on TV?
It's also live on RTE.ie
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 27, 2011, 03:01:18 PM
It's also live on RTE.ie
How can those outside Ireland view this?
down team to play armagh;
1 b mc veigh
2 d mc cartan
3 d gordon
4 b mc ardle
5 g mc cartan
6 k mc kernan
7 d rooney
8 k king
9 p fitzpatrick
10 d hughes
11 m clarke
12 m poland
13 j clarke
14 b coulter
15 p mc comiskey
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 27, 2011, 03:05:36 PM
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 27, 2011, 03:01:18 PM
It's also live on RTE.ie
How can those outside Ireland view this?
Someone needs to stream it & if i find a link i'll post it.
The Down forward line has one change compared to the one we were speculating on earlier with John Clarke in there at CF. Would it be fair to assume that he will stay on the edge of the square with Benny roving out the field a little?
If so Armagh will have to re-jig the defensive pack. I'd presume that Donaghy will stay at FB and we'll need somebody else to take Coulter. Earlier I'd suggested that Kevin Dyas would come out the field with whichever of the Down FF line would be giving the roving role. I'd worry that Kevin might be a little inexperienced for Benny.
On the flip side I think Dan McCartan is a big weak link in the Down FB line and that if he is left on Stevie or Clarke there could be scores to be got there.
The Down team, like our own, is along expected lines.
really surprised at the inclusion of jc and daniel mc cartan, would feel that this has actually weakened Down and give us some more hope.
Think the latter was always going to happen, but JC is more of a surprise. Indeed Garvey has been named at wing back on the down website so not sure which is true!
McKeever=Coulter(If fit)
Dyas=Hughes
Mallon=M Clarke
14 of that Down line-up started the All Ireland.
Quote from: Armaghgael on May 27, 2011, 03:56:49 PM
McKeever=Coulter(If fit)
Dyas=Hughes
Mallon=M Clarke
Wouldn't think so. Mallon will mark McComiskey.
There's a bit of confusion over the team as the official website says one thing in text and another on the team list. Garvey may or may not start, it could be G.McCartan according to the official team list.
I think McGinn is a huge loss, all league he has done a mountain of work in regaining possession in midfield.
I don't think the shirt numbers dictate exactly where players will stay, I expect Coulter will try to draw the defence out for direct balls to Clarke & McComiskey.
I personally have always defended John Clarke. He hasn't the individual skills of the likes of Murtagh or speed of Laverty but I think he moves a defence better than anyone in our team. He creates space for others to exploit and Marty seems to play better when he is there because Marty uses him as a target man.
Pity Ambrose didn't make it but then we all knew that already.
Dan McCartan is an out and out man marker but does give away fouls. I would have preferred to see G.McCartan get a chance. But of well, James has done a magnificent job and we have to have faith in him.
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 27, 2011, 04:04:01 PM
14 of that Down line-up started the All Ireland.
How did they get on with that anyhow? :P
I always liked John myself Paul. I think he does alot of work that he doesnt get credit for . I myself would of went for Murtagh at full forward as he will run at Donaghy something John wont do . Rony cleaned Donaghy out in the league by doing this hope he gets a run sat night . As you say Paul we have faith in James
Quote from: Blowitupref on May 27, 2011, 04:04:01 PM
14 of that Down line-up started the All Ireland[
Are you talking about the team on the discussion board or the one on the Down hoganstand page
From the Ulster Council.
A limited number of Terraced Tickets will be available for purchase before tomorrow's Ulster SFC Quarter Final between Armagh & Down at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, Armagh.
Tickets can be purchased from the Mobile Ticket Unit at Drumarg Villas in Armagh from 4.30pm.
Please note that all seated tickets for this game are sold out.
That is beside the Atheltic Grounds?!
Quote14 of that Down line-up started the All Ireland.
Foregone conclusion, so. Armagh should just go and watch TV.
Quote from: 5 Sams on May 27, 2011, 05:29:09 PM
From the Ulster Council.
A limited number of Terraced Tickets will be available for purchase before tomorrow's Ulster SFC Quarter Final between Armagh & Down at the Morgan Athletic Grounds, Armagh.
Tickets can be purchased from the Mobile Ticket Unit at Drumarg Villas in Armagh from 4.30pm.
Please note that all seated tickets for this game are sold out.
limited number= about 6,000
Naka Is that number a fact or speculation? I know the earlier numbers suggested here in terms of applications by clubs were just wrong. Our club ended up with a lot of tickets for behind the goals because the county board were saying tickets were scarce enough
Just kidding but county board guy told me that they reckon about 14k will be at it but he also told me a different team from that listed
Quote from: armaghniac on May 27, 2011, 06:03:16 PM
Quote14 of that Down line-up started the All Ireland.
Foregone conclusion, so. Armagh should just go and watch TV.
Or even see of they can blag some tickets for Slane ;D
Quote from: naka on May 27, 2011, 06:46:34 PM
Just kidding but county board guy told me that they reckon about 14k will be at it but he also told me a different team from that listed
Sorry it was a genuine question Naka, I just know of a few clubs who were complaining they were only being given tickets behind the goal and I would hate to think the county board had better ones for general sale. I also know only 1/6 of the tickets for the seated area went to Armagh clubs with the rest going to season ticket holders, Down clubs and players etc
Dont no why some of yas are surprised that Dan McCartan is starting, he was always going to be there or there abouts, who were yas expecting to start.
John Clarke is a different matter, shocked mcginn isnt starting and even more shocked that it is clarke that is starting ahead of him. As previously mentioned murtagh gave donaghy the run around in newry and would have been my choice but sure james knows what he is doing and maybe clarke has been showing up well in the recent challenge matches.
Have a bad feeling about the game the closer it gets. I expect Armagh to win midfield and it is asking an awful lot for big dan to keep stevie as quiet as he did in Newry. Im waiting for Jamie Clarke to produce at the very highest level ( await the backlash) but if he does and Armagh win midfield, Down will be in trouble. After all we only bt them by a point in newry and now they have a few cross boys back and are playing in their own back yard.
The only thing that is keeping me positive is the fact that in my opinion this is possible the worst championship half forward line armagh have produced in a long time!! It may not matter though if the long ball to stevie and jamie is working out.
All in all its going to be as tight as a ducks arse!!!
Defo a tight one
Disappointed Garvey didn't make it as POR has selected players in his own image - we need someone like Conor to get in among them. Daniel may have his limitations but we need a hallion in there somewhere. Have absolutely no worries about starting John Clarke- never lets us down.
Am a bit worried about what Jamie Clarke could do - looking forward to seeing him in a county championship game- but overall ,Armagh are a limited side. If they squeeze home, Derry will be delighted.If we make it, I would have a major hope of winning Ulster.Is section 103 central ?
Quote from: Dubh driocht on May 27, 2011, 08:17:59 PM
Defo a tight one
Disappointed Garvey didn't make it as POR has selected players in his own image - we need someone like Conor to get in among them. Daniel may have his limitations but we need a hallion in there somewhere. Have absolutely no worries about starting John Clarke- never lets us down.
Am a bit worried about what Jamie Clarke could do - looking forward to seeing him in a county championship game- but overall ,Armagh are a limited side. If they squeeze home, Derry will be delighted.If we make it, I would have a major hope of winning Ulster.Is section 103 central ?
So if Armagh win it, Derry will win the semi, and if Down win they'll win Ulster..................interesting analysis.
If we're a limited team then you shouldn't have any problem beating us........i
Paddy Kielty sporting the Down polo shirt on a Question of Sport at the minute
QuoteIs section 103 central ?
It is just behind the big screen showing the sport Down people are really interested in.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 27, 2011, 08:40:22 PM
QuoteIs section 103 central ?
It is just behind the big screen showing the sport Down people are really interested in.
cant believe armagh are putting it on never thought i'd see the day
garvey and maginn are apparently injured and wont make it. hope thats wrong as both would be definite options of the bench. bit surprised murtagh didnt get the nod but john clarke never lets us down and should be good for a few scores. anybody got any info on ambrose? would he be called on if needed?
McCartan Still Worried About Pitch Dimensions
Down manager James McCartan still has issues with the size of the pitch at the Athletic Grounds after having it measured ahead of Saturday's Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final against Armagh.
McCartan was surprised to discover the Athletic Grounds pitch is slightly bigger than Páirc Esler in Newry, reasoning that the close proximity of the stands and terraces make the Armagh pitch look smaller than it actually is.
"I think it's just a matter of perspective," he said in the Irish News. "I'm a lot smaller than the average men and so is Danny Hughes and McComiskey. Armagh have a lot of big players and that means they have an unfair advantage when the ball is above head height."
"Also, the pitch is so close to the supporters and although the Down fans have an air of aristocracy, the Armagh support would be more agricultural and hence may be off-putting for our more refined members of our squad. Even if you are taking a sideline kick, you can detect an unpalatable aura off the home support. I just hope that the size of people and the physiological make-up of their fans won't provide an excuse after the game."
Paddy O'Rourke was not available for comment but friends have intimated he agrees which won't go down well with the farmers.
QuoteEven if you are taking a sideline kick, you can detect an unpalatable aura off the home support.
Yes indeed. We are leaving the first couple of rows of seats free and a group of Dorsey people is going to move and up down the line and sit near free-takers.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 27, 2011, 09:55:12 PM
QuoteEven if you are taking a sideline kick, you can detect an unpalatable aura off the home support.
Yes indeed. We are leaving the first couple of rows of seats free and a group of Dorsey people is going to move and up down the line and sit near free-takers.
sounds like they'll have a good choice of seats
have armagh county board issued the request for supporters to attend the game like they did in the 1980s? it would be a shame if things slipped that far
i think news of poor performances in challenges has dampened the usually optimistic orange army, so much for fortress athletic grounds ::)
Quote from: lawnseed on May 27, 2011, 10:37:46 PM
i think news of poor performances in challenges has dampened the usually optimistic orange army, so much for fortress athletic grounds ::)
My optimism has been dampened since 2nd October 2009.
To be fair, I'm content with the team named and hopes its the side that actually starts. Down aren't that far ahead of us throughout most of the team but they are a team playing with confidence who trust and respect their manager and who have the benefit of a truely gifted football in Martin Clarke.
All logic and rationale suggests Down should win by a few yet Ulster Championship derbies don't always adhere to the tenets of reason. We could win and we might win but sadly I don't expect us to.
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on May 27, 2011, 11:10:16 PM
I'm dirtying myself for saying this, but this thread would be better if it was Fearonised...
Indeed. We've struggled to rise ourselves to the level of spite that was apparent in the 2009 Ulster semi-final thread.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on May 27, 2011, 10:57:21 PM
Quote from: lawnseed on May 27, 2011, 10:37:46 PM
i think news of poor performances in challenges has dampened the usually optimistic orange army, so much for fortress athletic grounds ::)
My optimism has been dampened since 2nd October 2009.
To be fair, I'm content with the team named and hopes its the side that actually starts. Down aren't that far ahead of us throughout most of the team but they are a team playing with confidence who trust and respect their manager and who have the benefit of a truely gifted football in Martin Clarke.
All logic and rationale suggests Down should win by a few yet Ulster Championship derbies don't always adhere to the tenets of reason. We could win and we might win but sadly I don't expect us to.
Some are more positive over the last day or 2 but not to rain on anyone parade here but there is still a massive uphill battle to be fought here. The alleged fractures that are supposed to be about the team do not heal easily. That is a fairly strong team that Down have named with 14 of the team that started the AI final last year. They have been playing well and unless we forget Armagh have not been lighting up the world with their performances.
The Armagh team is probably as close to the strongest 15 that are available. It's not the team I would play but there are some decent options on the bench, but unfortunately, no real game changers. Lest anyone be under any false impression there are 9 players playing who lost to Galway, 11 that lost to Kerry and 13 that lost to Cork. This is not a team that has won big games of late and losing is as much a habit as winning is. I hope more than most that we win as I live in the heart of the Mournes and listen to it every day but I find it hard to see where it will come from. I do not apologise for being a realist, I simply call it as I see it and am not blinded by Orange tinted glasses!
I agree with BC. I think Armagh are heading for a century of All-Ireland failure.
Quote from: ONeill on May 27, 2011, 11:29:56 PM
I agree with BC. I think Armagh are heading for a century of All-Ireland failure.
f**k off O'Neill ye sarky ****!
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on May 27, 2011, 11:10:16 PM
I'm dirtying myself for saying this, but this thread would be better if it was Fearonised...
@TonyFearon
Off to bed now! Hopefully this time tomorrow Armagh will be in the Ulster Championship semi final and Barca will have the European Cup!
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Quote from: hardstation on May 27, 2011, 11:52:53 PM
Come on Árd Macha! For all that is Irish, good and holy, blatter the clean shite out of those bastids!
Art Mac Cumhaigh v Maggie Ritchie.
Árd Macha v Down.
Ritchie me hole. many drunken nights hanging over his grave!
QuoteAg Úirchill an Chreagáin sea chodail mé aréir faoi bhrón
'S le héirí na maidne tháinig ainnir fá mo dhéin le póig
Bhí gríosghrua ghartha aici agus loinnir ina céibh mar ór
'S gurbh é íocshláinte an domhain bheith ag amharc ar an ríoghain óir
Ó a fhialfhir charthannaigh ná caitear thusa i néalta bróin
Ach éirigh go tapaidh agus aistrigh liom siar sa ród
Go tír dheas na meala nach bhfuair Gaillibh inti réim go fóill
'S gheobhair aoibhneas ar hallaí a' mo mhealladhsa le siamsa ceoil
'Sé mo ghéarghoin tinnis gur theastaigh uainn Gaeil Thír Eoghain
Agus oidhrí an Fheadha gan seaghais faoi líg dár gcomhair
Géaga glandaite Néill Fhrasaigh nach dtréigfeadh an ceol
'S chuirfeadh éideadh fán Nollaig ar na hollaimh bheadh ag géilleadh dóibh
A théagair 's a chuisle más cinniúin duit mé mar stór
Tabhair léagsa is gealladh sula rachaidh muid ar aghaidh sa ród
Má éagaim fán tSionainn i gCríoch Mhanainn nó fán Éigipt Mhór
Gurb' i gCill chumhra an Chreagáin a leagfar mé i gcré faoi fhód
At Lifetime yes I slept last night with sorrow with the rising of the morning the maiden came to me with a kiss Ballygar gríosghrua she was a pier and gleam like gold world it was medicinal to watch the queen gold From fhialfhir charthannaigh than throw me in sadness clouds
But that quickly passed and I moved back on the road In countries south of honey did not yet extend it Gaillibh And I'll find joy in halls of;my musical entertainment mhealladhsa He is my ghéarghoin illnesses that we wanted Tyrone Gaels And heirs of the Fheadha not let our seaghais for O'Neill glandaite limbs Fhrasaigh dtréigfeadh not the music
And I would éideadh about December of Professors would grant them in the channel if you cinniúin I treasure Give léagsa as promised before we go forward on the road If Shannon éagaim Territories under or about Egypt Great Man in Kilkenny chumhra Creggan I laid in clay Jaw
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 12:06:45 AM
At Lifetime yes I slept last night with sorrow with the rising of the morning the maiden came to me with a kiss Ballygar gríosghrua she was a pier and gleam like gold world it was medicinal to watch the queen gold From fhialfhir charthannaigh than throw me in sadness clouds
But that quickly passed and I moved back on the road In countries south of honey did not yet extend it Gaillibh And I'll find joy in halls of;my musical entertainment mhealladhsa He is my ghéarghoin illnesses that we wanted Tyrone Gaels And heirs of the Fheadha not let our seaghais for O'Neill glandaite limbs Fhrasaigh dtréigfeadh not the music
And I would éideadh about December of Professors would grant them in the channel if you cinniúin I treasure Give léagsa as promised before we go forward on the road If Shannon éagaim Territories under or about Egypt Great Man in Kilkenny chumhra Creggan I laid in clay Jaw
Good effort, have ye ever come down to see you great, great, great, great, great, great etc etc grandfathers grave? There is a familial similairity :P
Quote from: hardstation on May 28, 2011, 12:12:11 AM
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 12:06:45 AM
At Lifetime yes I slept last night with sorrow with the rising of the morning the maiden came to me with a kiss Ballygar gríosghrua she was a pier and gleam like gold world it was medicinal to watch the queen gold From fhialfhir charthannaigh than throw me in sadness clouds
But that quickly passed and I moved back on the road In countries south of honey did not yet extend it Gaillibh And I'll find joy in halls of;my musical entertainment mhealladhsa He is my ghéarghoin illnesses that we wanted Tyrone Gaels And heirs of the Fheadha not let our seaghais for O'Neill glandaite limbs Fhrasaigh dtréigfeadh not the music
And I would éideadh about December of Professors would grant them in the channel if you cinniúin I treasure Give léagsa as promised before we go forward on the road If Shannon éagaim Territories under or about Egypt Great Man in Kilkenny chumhra Creggan I laid in clay Jaw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytbFB2OICn4
Oh dear...
Some clown
Quote from: hardstation on May 27, 2011, 11:12:16 PM
Last year, Down were very lucky to beat Donegal. Both teams were dung and to be honest, Down should have been bate out the gate. Tyrone beat Down in Casement, easily. Down went in through the back door and got Kerry in Croke Park. Kerry were sitting ducks, imo. Both Sligo and Antrim could have done a number on them the year before. Down beat them and got their gander up. They got to the AI final. They were lucky, IMO, without taking away from them.
I can't see them doing anywhere near as well as they did last year. Armagh will beat them and all will be well in the world.
Last year Armagh were duffed by Monaghan who were beyond dung. Armagh were were bate out the gate in that game with ease. Next up were the gutless dubs who played terribly yet still treated Armagh like whipping days that day for another embarrasing defeat for Armagh. Even the sitting ducks of Kerry were only in Armaghs wildest dreams as the mighty men from Mourne marched on. To sum Armagh up they were shite and all was well in the world.
For Armagh, I can't see them doing anywhere near as well as they did last year, the likes of Antrim or Sligo will be probably do a number on them in the qualifiers and all welll be well in the world.
Quote from: hardstation on May 28, 2011, 12:20:16 AM
A completely self obsessed hoor who has a lot to say but only some of which is of any worth.
Art Mac Cumhaigh, that is, not Jarleth.
This particular Aisling/Political poem is outstanding.
Even more so when your trying to wow a woman under the shadow of the Church at midnight and you half cut singing it to her!!!
Quote from: hardstation on May 28, 2011, 12:26:08 AM
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 28, 2011, 12:21:45 AM
Quote from: hardstation on May 28, 2011, 12:20:16 AM
A completely self obsessed hoor who has a lot to say but only some of which is of any worth.
Art Mac Cumhaigh, that is, not Jarleth.
This particular Aisling/Political poem is outstanding.
Even more so when your trying to wow a woman under the shadow of the Church at midnight and you half cut singing it to her!!!
I know that you know this but I'll say it anyway. It wasn't a woman. It was a ladyboy, dressed up like Ireland. He got so far before realising ,then he pulled back, which in hindsight is very noble. Fianna Fail just turned him/her over and done her up the hole.
Mushrooms again, probably.
I know that you know that I know that you know that at 16years of age I wouldn't care if Artie was chatting up a rabid water rat, I had a clear run at a target and I simply soften the impact ;D
Quote from: hardstation on May 28, 2011, 12:33:11 AM
Now on to Redmond O'Hanlon. Is he still open for a pint?
You'd have to ask Orior about him, we stick to our own ye know!
Is it true to say that Crossmaglen's success, whilst initially instilling a belief in Armagh football which culminated in an All-Ire in '02, ultimately destroyed their legacy? Although they made heroes out of limited footballers at club level, has the Rangers' success actually hammered Armagh when it comes to summer inter-county football?
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 12:38:13 AM
Is it true to say that Crossmaglen's success, whilst initially instilling a belief in Armagh football which culminated in an All-Ire in '02, ultimately destroyed their legacy? Although they made heroes out of limited footballers at club level, has the Rangers' success actually hammered Armagh when it comes to summer inter-county football?
no
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on May 27, 2011, 11:19:55 PM
Quote from: Fionntamhnach on May 27, 2011, 11:10:16 PM
I'm dirtying myself for saying this, but this thread would be better if it was Fearonised...
Indeed. We've struggled to rise ourselves to the level of spite that was apparent in the 2009 Ulster semi-final thread.
Where is Tony anyway? Is he banned or has he just got a job?
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on May 28, 2011, 12:19:28 AM
Quote from: hardstation on May 27, 2011, 11:12:16 PM
Last year, Down were very lucky to beat Donegal. Both teams were dung and to be honest, Down should have been bate out the gate. Tyrone beat Down in Casement, easily. Down went in through the back door and got Kerry in Croke Park. Kerry were sitting ducks, imo. Both Sligo and Antrim could have done a number on them the year before. Down beat them and got their gander up. They got to the AI final. They were lucky, IMO, without taking away from them.
I can't see them doing anywhere near as well as they did last year. Armagh will beat them and all will be well in the world.
Last year Armagh were duffed by Monaghan who were beyond dung. Armagh were were bate out the gate in that game with ease. Next up were the gutless dubs who played terribly yet still treated Armagh like whipping days that day for another embarrasing defeat for Armagh. Even the sitting ducks of Kerry were only in Armaghs wildest dreams as the mighty men from Mourne marched on. To sum Armagh up they were shite and all was well in the world.
For Armagh, I can't see them doing anywhere near as well as they did last year, the likes of Antrim or Sligo will be probably do a number on them in the qualifiers and all welll be well in the world.
Gwannn ye boy ye Joe tell it like it is. Really loving the smug and sometimes unstated over confidence of the Down posters.
does anyone know if this game will be covered on a rte or bbc radio station tonight ?
Quote from: blueannavy on May 28, 2011, 09:02:12 AM
does anyone know if this game will be covered on a rte or bbc radio station tonight ?
BBC medium wave
The loser waits a month for their next game. I think the 25th of June is the first round of qualifiers.
This game has draw written all over it.
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 09:08:37 AM
I think the 25th of June is the first round of qualifiers.
Two days earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndO72ZlR4uc
cheers apples
come on lads. today is the day. lets bate them out the gate. AN DUN ABU
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 12:38:13 AM
Is it true to say that Crossmaglen's success, whilst initially instilling a belief in Armagh football which culminated in an All-Ire in '02, ultimately destroyed their legacy? Although they made heroes out of limited footballers at club level, has the Rangers' success actually hammered Armagh when it comes to summer inter-county football?
I think there's an element of truth in that to be honest. Too often Armagh managers have been hampered by an inability to best anything resembling their strongest side until the final couple of matches of the League.
Good luck to Down today lets hope we come out of here a victors good luck lads
Feel quite confident that the orchard will do the biz tonite
Anyone fancy a ticket swap. I have a covered stand ticket section 111 Row 0 seat 19 and want to go to the terrace with the real supporters!
Getting close now. C'mon Armagh!
wat times the throw in for the minor and senior games?
Quote from: amallon on May 28, 2011, 03:01:39 PM
Anyone fancy a ticket swap. I have a covered stand ticket section 111 Row 0 seat 19 and want to go to the terrace with the real supporters!
I think I read there will be ticket booths, you could chance your arm and ask to swap there.
C'mannn Armaaaaaaagh!
May Paddy O'Rourke be the only happy Down man by 9PM.
According to twitter on the Down GAA website
http://www.downgaa.net/
Down minors 4-01 Armagh 0-02
HT Armagh minors 0-05 Down 4.01 Armagh defence not up to it
Quote from: PatDaly on May 28, 2011, 06:10:31 PM
According to twitter on the Down GAA website
http://www.downgaa.net/
Down minors 4-01 Armagh 0-02
Sounds like a score from an under-10 game!
Quote from: omagh_gael on May 28, 2011, 06:28:51 PM
Quote from: PatDaly on May 28, 2011, 06:10:31 PM
According to twitter on the Down GAA website
http://www.downgaa.net/
Down minors 4-01 Armagh 0-02
is there a strong breeze for Down?
Sounds like a score from an under-10 game!
Some comeback for Armagh minors! 3-11 to 5-04
Quote from: Archie Mitchell on May 28, 2011, 07:03:07 PM
Some comeback for Armagh minors! 3-11 to 5-04
Hopefully the senior game is as good.
Heavy shower of rain there now. Getting closer to throw in and I'm leaning towards a two point win for the orchard. Get a feeling it will be one of those evenings when it'll be hard to put away a sticky, in your face team like Armagh.
Decent crowd which is good to see.
Armagh on a high
Armagh 1-1 Dyas point. Clarke goal. T kernan playing well.
Down 0-2 poland free clarke free.
Good game. J Clarke v dangerous.
1-02 to 0-02
Jamie Clarke player of the season to date after 10 minutes.
Down don't wanna know here. Armagh like rabbid dogs. Armagh for Sam!
Edit: hold the horses, Down back in it. Some game. Holy god Sidebottom just after coming out with a gem "Crackin' from Mackin!"
God the BBC coverage is making me pine for RTE.
Stop showing replays while the game is on! >:(
Quote from: Jinxy on May 28, 2011, 07:52:04 PM
God the BBC coverage is making me pine for RTE.
Stop showing replays while the game is on! >:(
This is actually one of their better efforts. Sidebottom has a horrible commentating style, really hard to listen to the way the tone of his voice moves up-down-up-down.
Not much wrong with Gaelic Football now pundits.
Excellent game on a wet slippy pitch.
Very enjoyable game so far in difficult conditions.
A lot of excellent shooting and foot-passing.
Well done to both sides.
Was very worried there for a while, but Down have started to get their playmakers on the ball and we're now on top.
Armagh are surprisingly good tactically and every one of them is playing well. Dyas outstanding.
Great game.
I have to say I am pleasantly surprised with how well Armagh are playing. Great purpose and the look of a gameplan. Noticeable that once MOR drifted out of the game the Armagh attack don't look just as dangerous. Just a shame those feckers have just equalised in Wembley >:(
Great game. Can we get the GAA to issue a fatwah on sidearse?
edit: was poland's goal illegal, ie he threw it from hand to hand?
Any chance of a score update lads?
Would someone tell Benny it's ok to take your point every now and again.
Armagh 1-11 down 1-10 55mins gone
Arma 1-11 Down 1-9
Coulter gone off - 17 mins left
Arma 1-11 Down 1-10
15 mins left
Arma 1-13 Down 1-10
11 mins left.
Intense game.
Armagh have Down's number. BJP with 3 from play. Four in it, Benny off and not lookig good.
Arma 1-14 Down 1-10
8 mins to go
Mayo man Billy joe playing very well.
Arma 1-14 Down 1-10
5 mins left
One of the worst displays of kickouts I've seen.
Loving that Peter Canavan still won't engage in Sidebottom's attempts to fill in with non-football drivel.
Arma 1-15 Down 1-10
Heading into additional time
Quote from: Rois on May 28, 2011, 08:56:35 PM
Loving that Peter Canavan still won't engage in Sidebottom's attempts to fill in with non-football drivel.
You would think Canavan was the lead commentator.
Hard to see Down matching last year again as long as they are stuck with that set of backs. BJP is a hard worker but he is one of the most markable 11s in the country and they've let him run riot tonight.
Exciting game Armagh continue their good record over Down in the championship
Arma 1-15 Down 1-10
Done and dusted, Armagh deserved winners, dominated last quarter.
Lovely stuff. Haven't looked this fluent in a long time. Great to see Padden show so well for the ball.
Fair play to Armagh. Nothing cynical, no puke football. Just hungrier, more clinical, and better on the night.
Down weren't balanced enough. It took their halfbacks 20 minutes to realise they were defenders. Kallum didn't offer enough protection. Too many half forwards on the field, made stranger again by Coulter playing long spells there. It's not back to the drawing board, but Wee James needs shooters in the FF line, and defenders I'm the HB line. As mentioned above, mcVeigh's kickouts were apalling.
Havent seen a more pleasing display of football from an Armagh side for the last couple of years. Every player played till the end, they looked like they had the stamina and work ethic. IF Ronan ever does come back (which I doubt) Armagh are going to be an exciting team to watch.
Very happy to be proven wrong and I will hold my hands up. Great performance with a lot of excellent individual performances. Defence did well although they did foul a lot. Mallon was excellent Donaghy was good in last 15 mins in particular. Aaron did well. MF did well, Vernon won a lot of vital ball. The HF played well. Tony got a lot of ball and used in cleverly. Mackin and BJP did a lot of work and scored vital scores. FF line excellent. Jamie and McDonnell did very well and MOR gave a great shift. Great understanding between Jamie and TK throughout the game. I hope they can build on that and beat Derry.
Disappointing game by Down, Armagh deserved the win.
We really do need Ambrose back and Benny to be fully fit
I thought Marty did not play well today, we will see in the next week or 2 if the rumors are true
Not really any positives to take from the game, we just not seem to be as up for it as Armagh
I think we can regroup in the qualifiers but still not the way i wanted the year to start
Fair play to Armagh played well and were good to watch today
Good game ,best team won, little or no puke football by two teams who had the right attitude.
Enjoyable viewing for a Neutral .
As the young folks say, Ulick just checked into the Gas Lamp with the biggest grin ever ;-)
Two excellent games there tonight with Armagh deserving of both wins. Have to hold my hands up and admit I was wrong about a few players in particular Mackin who I thought was close to man of the match.
I also thought the ref was poor and seemed to not be looking at large chunks of the match and seemed to be very far away from the action for other points
can anyone clarify this for me. Did Wee James have every Burren man on the field tonight that is only the panel
Putting manners on Down never gets old does it.
Agent O'Rourke indeed.
That was a great game to watch.
Thought Down were very flat and will improve. Armagh are limited but played their wee hearts out. I'd imagine Down would hammer them if they meet in August.
thoroughly deserved win for armagh-much more committed,especially in the tackle,
credit must go to por on his team preparation/game execution
Down back to earth with a bump-most personal duels lost and john clarke gamble totally lost
Great win for Armagh, against 16 men too, ref was feckin awful. Minor game was also a great spectacle, probably the best game I have witnessed at that level, young McGeown showed a calm head to help haul them to victory.
Hard to tell what went on with the Down players, honestly expected them to win by at least 2/3, the hunger from Armagh was unreal though. Great win.
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 10:39:03 PM
That was a great game to watch.
Thought Down were very flat and will improve. Armagh are limited but played their wee hearts out. I'd imagine Down would hammer them if they meet in August.
You boys will see them in august in the back door after we come out of ulster
Keep knocking us
One of the best days following Armagh in a long while. The minors with a comeback Leinster would be proud of and the seniors putting the aristocrats back in their box. A lot of men answered a lot of critics tonight. Mal Mackin, BJ Padden, Paddy O'Rourke, etc can be very proud of this evening. Fair fucks to them.
Quote from: Highlander3 on May 28, 2011, 09:14:28 PM
Disappointing game by Down, Armagh deserved the win.
We really do need Ambrose back and Benny to be fully fit
I thought Marty did not play well today, we will see in the next week or 2 if the rumors are true
Not really any positives to take from the game, we just not seem to be as up for it as Armagh
I think we can regroup in the qualifiers but still not the way i wanted the year to start
Fair play to Armagh played well and were good to watch today
What are the rumours?
Did POR use any subs apart from Clarke at the end?
Quote from: Ulick on May 28, 2011, 09:37:15 PM
As the young folks say, Ulick just checked into the Gas Lamp with the biggest grin ever ;-)
Jeez Ulick you'll be the only Armagh man in there. Eastern Bloc.
Wasn't optimistic about getting a result tonight but full credit to the players and Paddy O'Rourke on tonights display.
Down were a bit flat as someone has said but that shouldn't take away from our best display in a few years, particularly having a half forward line again. When is the last time 5 out of our 6 forwards scored in a big game?
So many postives, Dyas, Donaghy back on form, Aaron Kernan back in his rightful postion and Charlie standing up to be counted in the last 15 mins.
I don't know how Armagh could have been so much hungrier than Down, none of the Down players have an Ulster medal.
One swallow doesn't make a summer but a performance at that level would beat Derry.
Minor game must have been some game as well. Good night all round.
Quote from: JimStynes on May 28, 2011, 11:28:17 PM
Quote from: Highlander3 on May 28, 2011, 09:14:28 PM
Disappointing game by Down, Armagh deserved the win.
We really do need Ambrose back and Benny to be fully fit
I thought Marty did not play well today, we will see in the next week or 2 if the rumors are true
Not really any positives to take from the game, we just not seem to be as up for it as Armagh
I think we can regroup in the qualifiers but still not the way i wanted the year to start
Fair play to Armagh played well and were good to watch today
What are the rumours?
That he is going to announce that he is going back to Oz
What an evening for Armagh football!!! You can stick your Champion's League finals..........minors showed great composure to come back and look a real good team. Hopefully they can have a successful summer.
Tonight's performance is all the more amazing when you think that our main man up front had an off night. Best on the night were AK, BJP and Malachy Mackin.
Andy Mallon and Brendan Donaghy had outstanding displays and both appear to be coming back to their best. Charlie came good at the end after a shaky start with Toner poor enough all the way through.
Jamie Clarke is lethal and we know that there's more to come from him.
Rumours were floating about that we were flying in training but I took it as the usual pre-championship bullsh1t......but obviously those rumours were on the money. It's important that while we can't help but enjoy the night that the team re-focuses immediately and keep the performance levels up.
I can't help but think of some Down posters contributions to Armagh threads earlier in the spring............ ;D
Does this mean the anti PoR brigade will pipe down for a bit????
I thought Armagh were tremendous. Vernon, O'Rourke, Padden, 'Crackin' Mackin,Clarke were excellent.
Armagh have a real chance to win Ulster, they will beat Derry easy and give right lash at whoever comes through the other side.
I'd say he'll be glad of the break there, McKeever never let up, immense - proud to be at the match today - Armagh were so up for it - 13 or 14 of that Down team played in an all-ireland final last year and were made to look average!!
good win for armagh tonite but alot of the armagh posters on this site should be ashamed of themselves with what has been written the past few weeks regarding some of there players and especially the management team. Probably going to get slated for this but armagh fans are some of the worst for putting down their team that I have ever come across on this board
Quote from: maigheo on May 29, 2011, 12:35:31 AM
good win for armagh tonite but alot of the armagh posters on this site should be ashamed of themselves with what has been written the past few weeks regarding some of there players and especially the management team. Probably going to get slated for this but armagh fans are some of the worst for putting down their team that I have ever come across on this board
Dry them.
Left work early in Sligo, rain, crowds, traffic... why did I feckin bother. Then I get to Morgan Athletic grounds and it all became worthwhile. WHAT A GAME! Two terrific teams playing in a free open positive manner (Jim McGuinness take note!!!!)
I thought Down slightly shaded it in terms of posession but Armagh were the more efficient and clinical. Clarke was worth the journey on his own, pure class. Padden totally surprised me too. Wee James got a few decisions on the line badly wrong. I can't understand why he plays Dan his brother. A very average looking player.
Armagh deserved it all. Paddy O'Rourke and his management team needed that badly.
Down far from finished yet though!
Quote from: maigheo on May 29, 2011, 12:35:31 AM
good win for armagh tonite but alot of the armagh posters on this site should be ashamed of themselves with what has been written the past few weeks regarding some of there players and especially the management team. Probably going to get slated for this but armagh fans are some of the worst for putting down their team that I have ever come across on this board
You're probably right,but more to the point,your/our boy done well !!!!!!!
Quote from: fitzroyalty on May 28, 2011, 11:10:51 PM
Great win for Armagh, against 16 men too, ref was feckin awful. Minor game was also a great spectacle, probably the best game I have witnessed at that level, young McGeown showed a calm head to help haul them to victory.
Hard to tell what went on with the Down players, honestly expected them to win by at least 2/3, the hunger from Armagh was unreal though. Great win.
Is that the same ref who failed to give Benny a free when he fielded the ball superbly and was pummelled to the ground by two Armagh players?
Is that the same ref who filed to give a penalty when Benny was blatantly pushed in the back on the square in front of goal?
You were a better team and won at a canter.
Leave the childish ref-baiting out of it.
QuoteIs that the same ref who filed to give a penalty when Benny was blatantly pushed in the back on the square in front of goal?
The push was outside the area by several yards, so no penalty was neccessary ... a free in at most
Quote from: fitzroyalty on May 28, 2011, 11:10:51 PM
Great win for Armagh, against 16 men too, ref was feckin awful. Minor game was also a great spectacle, probably the best game I have witnessed at that level, young McGeown showed a calm head to help haul them to victory.
Hard to tell what went on with the Down players, honestly expected them to win by at least 2/3, the hunger from Armagh was unreal though. Great win.
As a neutral I didn't think he had that bad a game. I was watching it again on RTE's deferred coverage and heard McStay saying he had a great game. I never rate what McStay says too highly so maybe I missed something.
When at the game I thought the referee made seven mistakes,having just watched the match on television it is clear he only made three,the biggest being Brendan Donaghy's push on Benny Coulter just outside the large box!
Quote from: balladmaker on May 29, 2011, 12:50:53 AM
QuoteIs that the same ref who filed to give a penalty when Benny was blatantly pushed in the back on the square in front of goal?
The push was outside the area by several yards, so no penalty was neccessary ... a free in at most
Well at least you acknowledged the push - which the "biased" ref didn't - point made I think.
Great match. Well done Armagh. Delighted for Padden. Even though a Rossie I always admired his attitude and work ethic. Vernon fairly stood up and was counted at the end.
A wee Down perspective on an Armagh night:
B McVeigh 6 Good on the basics, serious issues on the kick-out
D McCartan 3 Brother where art thou? Sometimes passion just isn't enough.
D Gordon 5 Time to end this silly experiment – back to the centre where he is direly needed
B McArdle 6 Could do a job at 3 – gritty performance
D Rooney 6 Curate's egg stuff, good & bad – would put him at 6
K McKernan 6 Same old story we all ignore – great going forward, defensive nightmare, we can't afford a marquee player at no. 6
G McCartan 5 There is surely better outside Burren - but he was not the worst
K King 3 When he is bad he is very very bad but when he is good he is wicked – he was wickedly bad tonight , game lad but it was not game on tonight
P Fitzpatrick 3 Don't want to be too hard on a good prospect but did he turn up?
D Hughes 5 POR did his homework well – without Hughes we are toothless – a few forays but otherwise man-marked out of it
M Clarke 6 Still mixing the brilliant with the bizarre
M Poland 7 It defies all logic that he should be so good but he is
J Clarke 3 Great club player, lovely lad, great in the winter leagues – come May he is lost - would he get anywhere near the Cork team? No, didn't think so.
B Coulter 8 One leg or two he is the business, why oh why was he playing half back for half the first half? That gave Armagh the start they built on.
P McComiskey7 He knows if he even scores a hat-trick he will be taken off
C Maginn 7 Big impact
The rest of the substitutions owed more to panic than tactics
So my man of the match didn't even play three quarters of the game....
Time for bed
How do you only award your two midfielders 3? Bizarre in my opinion!
He's right about Benny though. Coulter was wasted for the majority of the game. Maybe it was an experiment.
I think Derry will be comfortable enough against Armagh. Brennan has more brains in his sock the POR has as a manager.
Quote from: Leo on May 29, 2011, 12:57:38 AM
Quote from: balladmaker on May 29, 2011, 12:50:53 AM
QuoteIs that the same ref who filed to give a penalty when Benny was blatantly pushed in the back on the square in front of goal?
The push was outside the area by several yards, so no penalty was neccessary ... a free in at most
Well at least you acknowledged the push - which the "biased" ref didn't - point made I think.
I didnt think the ref was biased I just thought he was quite poor, having now seen the game again on the TV I might have been a little harsh, although as I said earlier there were a large number of times he seemed very far away from the action and quite a few times he seemed to have turned his back to the play
Quote from: ONeill on May 29, 2011, 01:19:36 AM
He's right about Benny though. Coulter was wasted for the majority of the game. Maybe it was an experiment.
I think Derry will be comfortable enough against Armagh. Brennan has more brains in his sock the POR has as a manager.
Why would one carry one's brain in one's sock?
McCartan's deluded loyalty to his 'adopted' club Burren cost us the game tonight. The Anton McCardle substitution took the complete piss. I'm sure his intro must have deflated the other 14 players on the field. 5 points down and time running out and who do we bring on? Anton McCardle not even a decent Burren player. 6 Burren players played.
I'd have left Benny Coulter on, on one leg before I've have brought any of the other forward subs on. Jerome and James need to ditch their club and family loyalties if Down are to have any sort of a half decent summer.
P.S All of the Down team need to have a look at themselves tonight. Very few of them can say they performed. The season isn't over but management and players need to get things sorted.
No wonder Burren and Bryansford were afraid to play each other they are both crap
Quote from: mackers on May 29, 2011, 12:24:08 AM
.....I can't help but think of some Down posters contributions to Armagh threads earlier in the spring............ ;D
I think it's only fair that I come on to accept this comment and accept it with dignity because it is mostly me you are talking about Mackers.
Armagh were clearly better and deserved to win
We were utterly awful
I don't think Armagh fans will think that they saw a great Armagh display by any means, it was a very good display, but I am sure Armagh fans will still be looking for improvement. Doesn't that just show how bad we were. We were torn apart by an Armagh team that didn't even perform to the highest level. I'm not slagging off Armagh here, just the opposite, they didn't have to play any better to totally blow us a way.
My god Armagh destroyed, no, obliterated our midfield. They at one stage retrieved 10 kickouts in a row. In every area they were probably better, but it was at least a close contest. But midfield turned it from close to almost run-away.
That said there are a few minor points that are worth mentioning but please don't anyone take this as sour grapes or even think I consider them in any way critical. The only important thing is that we were well beaten by a much better team on the night.
1. The ref was not great, behind play a lot and hesitant. But he didn't do anything terribly wrong. The only gripe I have is that he stonewall refused to give frees to Benny, There were four obvious ones including the much talked about goal chance/push. I wonder if he has some history with Benny? No probs giving frees to other Down players.
2. That goal chance came at a very critical time and could have influenced the game, it should have been a yellow card and an easy free.
3. The other goal chance was such bad luck, it went right through Mallon's(?) legs, so could easily have gone in.
4. Blah blah blah, yeah I know it probably sounds boring and you're probably thinking it's the same old tired excuse but in twenty years I have never seen Down play well in the rain. Yeah I know it's a pathetic excuse but I can only say what I see. You will only see if we are any good on a dry hard pitch
But like I said, though the above are significant influences, I hold them in no critical importance. Armagh were much better and greatly deserved their victory. I am totally gutted but at least it was fair and indisputable.
Bit of talk on here about the 'foul' on Coulter, I am still not convinced there was that much in it, but regardless I thought the ref played an advantage there as Coulter was still able to get a shot away one on one with the keeper. The fact that Hearty saved it doesnt mean it should come back for a free, had Coulter scored there I am sure no down fan would have wanted it brought back for a free
If fit Paul Murphy should have been thrown in. A tank who takes no prisoners who should have been sent to talk to that McKeever mouth piece
My opinions on what happened, and it's not good enough to simply say there were too many Burren men on the pitch
1. My god Armagh destroyed, no, obliterated our midfield. They at one stage, in the second half, retrieved 10 kickouts in a row. In every area they were probably better, but it was at least a close contest. But midfield turned it from close to almost run-away
2. Armagh showed a fight that Down didn't. We didn't want it enough. It doesn't matter about James's substitutions. No one was as up for it as his Armagh counterpart except maybe Benny.
3. This sounds like a cheap excuse, but it is true that we did have a major off-night. That is the worst I've seen us play in nearly two years.
4. The ref was not great, behind play a lot and hesitant. But he didn't do anything terribly wrong. The only gripe I have is that he stonewall refused to give frees to Benny, There were four obvious ones including the much talked about goal chance/push. I wonder if he has some history with Benny? No probs giving frees to other Down players.
5. That goal chance came at a very critical time and could have influenced the game, it should have been a yellow card and an easy free.
6. The other goal chance was such bad luck, it went right through Mallon's(?) legs, so could easily have gone in.
7. Blah blah blah, yeah I know it probably sounds boring and you're probably thinking it's the same old tired excuse but in twenty years I have never seen Down play well in the rain. Yeah I know it's a pathetic excuse but I can only say what I see. You will only see if we are any good on a dry hard pitch
And all this can't go in the Armagh v Down thread because?
Because it mentions self gratification you gimp.
I love drunken posts.
Quote from: ziggysego on May 29, 2011, 03:31:52 AM
I love drunken posts.
His first posts for 3 years something must have got on his tits?
just home here lads. havent even looked at comments and will 2mara when im sober but by frig that would do ur heart good looking at that game 2night. everyone died for the orange and white. biggest critic ever of the mayo man and he was outstanding. so good, so much passion its unreal throughout the team. who was motm, im gonna be contraversial and give it to mackin.
I only saw brief highlights of the match but Billy Joe Padden looked like a superstar during the game. This being a guy who I would usually equate to a Mayo version of Mattie Clancy without the goal scoring ability.
Is he just playing on a better team/system or has he suddenly got a lot better?
I only saw brief highlights of the match but Billy Joe Padden looked like a superstar during the game. This being a guy who I would usually equate to a Mayo version of Mattie Clancy without the goal scoring ability.
Is he just playing on a better team/system or has he suddenly got a lot better?
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 04:17:31 AM
I only saw brief highlights of the match but Billy Joe Padden looked like a superstar during the game. This being a guy who I would usually equate to a Mayo version of Mattie Clancy without the goal scoring ability.
Is he just playing on a better team/system or has he suddenly got a lot better?
Billy Joe is very strong, has good hands, and works his arse off.
Still not dying about him, he didn't do anything special during the league, but he played a hell of a role tonight. A vital cog in attack.
Quote from: bigpaul on May 29, 2011, 01:08:34 AM
How do you only award your two midfielders 3? Bizarre in my opinion!
Snap. Thought the Down midfield killed us for about 15 minutes each side of half time. King seemed very decent during these periods. Our midfield might have edged it overall, but it's not as if they were completely dominant.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 04:15:44 AM
I only saw brief highlights of the match but Billy Joe Padden looked like a superstar during the game. This being a guy who I would usually equate to a Mayo version of Mattie Clancy without the goal scoring ability.
Is he just playing on a better team/system or has he suddenly got a lot better?
No longer has the psychological burden of a Mayo Jersey on his back.
Quote from: Dinny Breen on May 29, 2011, 08:33:10 AM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 04:15:44 AM
I only saw brief highlights of the match but Billy Joe Padden looked like a superstar during the game. This being a guy who I would usually equate to a Mayo version of Mattie Clancy without the goal scoring ability.
Is he just playing on a better team/system or has he suddenly got a lot better?
No longer has the psychological burden of a Mayo Jersey on his back.
There could be a lot to be said for that along with the lack of expectation to be his fathers son, if you know what I mean. He has talent and it showed last night where he wasn't expected to be something he's not.
Quote from: AFS on May 29, 2011, 05:05:09 AM
Quote from: bigpaul on May 29, 2011, 01:08:34 AM
How do you only award your two midfielders 3? Bizarre in my opinion!
Snap. Thought the Down midfield killed us for about 15 minutes each side of half time. King seemed very decent during these periods. Our midfield might have edged it overall, but it's not as if they were completely dominant.
I would agree there. I felt over the 60 minutes King and Toner moreorless cancelled each other out and that was good for us as King is their main ball winner and a lot of stuff is launched from him winning primary possession. Ftizpatrick was good in the first half and won a lot of ball in key areas but CV picked it up big time in the second half and won a lot of vital ball.
Quote from: AFS on May 29, 2011, 05:05:09 AM
Quote from: bigpaul on May 29, 2011, 01:08:34 AM
How do you only award your two midfielders 3? Bizarre in my opinion!
Snap. Thought the Down midfield killed us for about 15 minutes each side of half time. King seemed very decent during these periods. Our midfield might have edged it overall, but it's not as if they were completely dominant.
Watched it again on TV - Down midfield completely over-run. Meanwhile Dan Gordon, one of the best midfielders in the country, looks more and more like a square peg in a round hole.
Why down lost?
Armagh have better players...
Dont normally post on here,
However, congrats to Armagh. The took a lot of people by suprise & they fully deserved their win. A few lads raised their game, BJ Padden & Mal Mackin were very good IMO.
Armagh were hungry & POR's hate for certain members of the down county board was cascaded down into the players passion for the win.
Down didnt get out of the blocks in all areas of the park, Martin Clarke had an off night, danny hughes was exceptionally quiet, Mark Poland was good & won a fair bit of breaking ball.
I am sorry to say I dont rate Dan McCartan, or Eoin McCartan who I understand dosent get a full game for Burren (I many be incorrect there). either way, I dont rate them.
Big Dan needs out of full back & into the middle of the park again, we need to find a replacement though
Back door again & Ulster is wide open.
Dissapointed
Quote from: ONeill on May 28, 2011, 10:39:03 PM
That was a great game to watch.
Thought Down were very flat and will improve. Armagh are limited but played their wee hearts out. I'd imagine Down would hammer them if they meet in August.
typical idiotic post from you. dont think either team would hammer other armagh pulled away at the end lastnight.
Quote from: tyroneman on May 29, 2011, 12:25:13 AM
Does this mean the anti PoR brigade will pipe down for a bit????
I thought Armagh were tremendous. Vernon, O'Rourke, Padden, 'Crackin' Mackin,Clarke were excellent.
Armagh have a real chance to win Ulster, they will beat Derry easy and give right lash at whoever comes through the other side.
i doubt derry be a easy game.
Just watched the BBC coverage on sky + and did anyone else notice Martin McHughs constant referral to the fact that Down can't play well in the rain. I think McHugh is usually on the money but this is stuff of myth and legend.
Jarlath was like a child on Christmas morning. First time in 11 years he didnt back Armagh and you could see the surprise and delight written all over him.
I'm just curious but why is there such a rush to deify Martin Clarke?
A good player, certainly, but nowhere near the 'legend' status the commentators and papers seem to have bestowed upon him. He has won nothing in Senior Inter County football but seems to have everyone in raptures.
Last night he was in McKeevers pocket, just as he was in O'Leary's pocket in the AIF, neither did he do anything to trouble Tyrone in Ulster last year. 3 key games, 3 games in which he did very little.
Now before the Down fellas go off on one, I believe he is very talented and has huge
potential but simply has not delivered on this, where it has mattered, so far.
And this is not necessarily all his fault either.
It seems apparent he is under pressure to be a 9/10 player every game, where a little less hype might help him immeasurably. Hughes and Coulter arguably bring more to the team and need to be the key men to take some of the pressure away form Clarke, last night they too were poor (Benny less so) and so all heads turned to Martin to see how he would carry Down through.
Far far too much expected of such a young player at this stage.
Were the Down lads happy with Wee James's tactics and substitutions last night? Thought he looked bewildered at times.
As I said before - very impressed with Armagh and good to see the bullsh*t about PoR knocked back a little. I'm sure a loss against Derry will have the get PoR out bandwagon in full tilt again but that team seem to have responsed for him.
Quotei doubt derry be a easy game.
It will be easier than last night for Armagh. Derry's defence is nowhere near quick enough to cope with Clarke and Armagh should have the men to keep Bradley jnr, Gilligan etc out of action, provided that aul Armagh cockiness doesn't start to creep in.........
Quote from: DuffleKing on May 29, 2011, 09:18:55 AM
Why down lost?
Armagh have better players...
Disagree. Down have a few limited defenders who were found out up against the quality of Clarke. Down have as many players if not more of top quality. Wee James just needs to find a few more hardened defenders. I think his brother is very limited.
doubt armagh will be "cocky", where has this came from?
Marty Clarke suffered from the rain more than others......his wing-mirrors were hard to see out of :D
I enjoyed the two games in Armagh last night the seniors and the miniors two very enjoyable games.Jamie Clarke was class worked very well.McKeever did great marking Marty Clarke.ABilly Joe Paden great game aswell.Aaron Kernan had a nice game to.Charlie Veron had some great catches in the midfield.
Poor defence
Armagh just far better team
Armagh were the faster
Bad midfield ( in my own opinion)
Quotedoubt armagh will be "cocky", where has this came from?
Armagh in their pomp, with McConville, Geezer, McGrane the Twins etc etc were cocky, in a good way (for them); they played with a swagger and truly believed they were among the best teams in Ireland - and rightly so. They had the medals to back it up. Cockiness worked for them, it scared (most of) the opposition and gave them a headstart in games. Made them feel invincible.
I don't believe this Armagh team have anywhere near the standard of players the team of 2001-2005/6 had so it would be a mistake to start believing any hype based on 1 game,albeit a convincing win against the aul enemy, instead they should simply keep doing what they are doing - stay as much under the radar as possible and work very very hard for each other.
Psychologically I think this Armagh team have more to gain from that feeling of being written off and of being seen as underdogs than they do from swaggering into matches where they do not have the 1-15 to match the opposition (further down the summer).
Confidence, belief, yes -take all that from yesterday but it will be a short summer if that old cockiness replaces the hunger to prove people wrong.
Well done Armagh -players and mangement, took us all by suprise. A fantastic performance, the cohesion of the team and the total tactical annihilation of Down from the Armagh line really are suprising when you look at our league performances this year. There was obviously a forensic approach taken to Down's gameplan and we countered it fantastically well and excelled at our own game. Games like that could be the making of this team, the murmurs of discontent will be replaced with confidence in the set up. I just hope we haven't peaked too soon, we looked like a team that was going into their 3rd or 4th championship game, fantastically fit, sharp and cohesive. As for Down I've commented 2 or 3 times on this thread alone that they dont convince me, trouble all over the defence and a very average MF.
Some great performances with perhaps only Stevie having an off night, Jamie would probably be most people's MOTM but I would find it hard to chooose between Dyas, Andy Mallon and Donaghy for it.
Great performance from Armagh - played really well. Hard to believe how bad Down were though. Hard to know whether down will come abck through the qualifiers. And with all he talk of Clarke going back to Oz- Down are in a spot of bother.
Gives Armagh something to build with. Ulster is so open anyone could win it this year.
Overall standard of the game was really good especially from Armagh.
Will be interesting to read the apologists now on the Armagh management.
Quote from: tyroneman on May 29, 2011, 10:37:49 AM
Quotedoubt armagh will be "cocky", where has this came from?
Armagh in their pomp, with McConville, Geezer, McGrane the Twins etc etc were cocky, in a good way (for them); they played with a swagger and truly believed they were among the best teams in Ireland - and rightly so. They had the medals to back it up. Cockiness worked for them, it scared (most of) the opposition and gave them a headstart in games. Made them feel invincible.
I don't believe this Armagh team have anywhere near the standard of players the team of 2001-2005/6 had so it would be a mistake to start believing any hype based on 1 game,albeit a convincing win against the aul enemy, instead they should simply keep doing what they are doing - stay as much under the radar as possible and work very very hard for each other.
Psychologically I think this Armagh team have more to gain from that feeling of being written off and of being seen as underdogs than they do from swaggering into matches where they do not have the 1-15 to match the opposition (further down the summer).
Confidence, belief, yes -take all that from yesterday but it will be a short summer if that old cockiness replaces the hunger to prove people wrong.
and these players are retired...
Quote from: INDIANA on May 29, 2011, 11:44:41 AM
Great performance from Armagh - played really well. Hard to believe how bad Down were though. Hard to know whether down will come abck through the qualifiers. And with all he talk of Clarke going back to Oz- Down are in a spot of bother.
Gives Armagh something to build with. Ulster is so open anyone could win it this year.
Overall standard of the game was really good especially from Armagh.
Will be interesting to read the apologists now on the Armagh management.
criticism of por was fully justified during league, tho he got it spot on last night. Dont think an apology required, we pay our hard earned money into games and are entitled to opinions. imo por isnt the man for the job, great display lastnight though and fair play to players and management
Quote from: charlie stubbs on May 29, 2011, 11:50:25 AM
Quote from: INDIANA on May 29, 2011, 11:44:41 AM
Great performance from Armagh - played really well. Hard to believe how bad Down were though. Hard to know whether down will come abck through the qualifiers. And with all he talk of Clarke going back to Oz- Down are in a spot of bother.
Gives Armagh something to build with. Ulster is so open anyone could win it this year.
Overall standard of the game was really good especially from Armagh.
Will be interesting to read the apologists now on the Armagh management.
criticism of por was fully justified during league, tho he got it spot on last night. Dont think an apology required, we pay our hard earned money into games and are entitled to opinions. imo por isnt the man for the job, great display lastnight though and fair play to players and management
He's not the man for the job but got his side shorn of several key players to produce armagh's best championship performance in about 5 years. Ok then.
Quoteand these players are retired...
er..yes, they are
My point was that THIS Armagh team should be careful not fall into the trap of overconfidence after 1 game.
The Armagh team which preceded this one were very cocky...but had the chops to back it up. Sometimes younger teams like to think they have a right to (or are obliged to) trade off the image of their predecessors without having any solid reason to (the Down aristocrats being an example - maybe this Down team bought into that one also?).
Down probably underestiated armagh, though think conditions also helped.
Fair play Armagh, I had a sneaky feeling they would pull a performance out for the Down game, and so they did. Hunger was the difference between the teams, and without trying to overstate his ability, Jamie Clarke is one of the very best forwards in Ireland without a doubt. He has a massive few years ahead of him in the Armagh and Cross jerseys.
Last night's victory will mean little when they face Derry on June 19th, one game at a time, and Armagh still have an awful lot to improve on.
The hunger was back for the Down game, now for keeping it going. Congrats to POR, was obvious from his reaction how much he needed that victory last night.
cracking game, well done armagh, the anti por tread will be quite now :P
Quote from: Take Your Points on May 29, 2011, 12:53:41 PM
Quote from: get up there on May 29, 2011, 12:21:35 PM
cracking game, well done armagh, the anti por tread will be quite now :P
Quite what?
At the end of the day, there has been no change in the management and tactical abilities of POR. Last night's win cannot be attributed to him or his managerial skills.
Are you seriously suggesting that Paddy O'Rourke can take no credit for Armagh's win last night? None?
Quote from: Take Your Points on May 29, 2011, 12:53:41 PM
Quote from: get up there on May 29, 2011, 12:21:35 PM
cracking game, well done armagh, the anti por tread will be quite now :P
Quite what?
At the end of the day, there has been no change in the management and tactical abilities of POR. Last night's win cannot be attributed to him or his managerial skills.
Damned if you do and damned if you don't.
Quote from: Take Your Points on May 29, 2011, 01:26:19 PM
Quote from: attheraces on May 29, 2011, 01:16:33 PM
Quote from: Take Your Points on May 29, 2011, 12:53:41 PM
Quote from: get up there on May 29, 2011, 12:21:35 PM
cracking game, well done armagh, the anti por tread will be quite now :P
Quite what?
At the end of the day, there has been no change in the management and tactical abilities of POR. Last night's win cannot be attributed to him or his managerial skills.
Ok, only thing is
Are you seriously suggesting that Paddy O'Rourke can take no credit for Armagh's win last night? None?
At some stage Donal Murtagh who is a tried and tested AI winning manager had to come to the fore. This in combination with the input of forwards and midfiled coaches and finally some payback on the huge amount being paid to a conditioning coach. The major 'tactic' from last night was an Armagh team at long last playing with 6 forwards and getting the backs to stand up and take on their opposite numbers, something that many Armagh posters on this Board has implored management to do for quite a few years. There were no sweepers to in place to protect the full backs.
Yes, and Donal Murtagh and all the backroom team deserve plaudits for contributing to the victory. But at the end of the day Paddy O'Rourke is the manager and the main man in the management setup, so to give his backroom staff and assistants plaudits and deny him any praise is laughable. At the end of the day Armagh have beaten last year's AI finalists when a lot of people did not expect them to, it is fine slating a manager when things are going bad and calling for change, but when that change does come about (as you have admitted yourself) at least show the humility to give credit where credit is due.
I am still to be convinced about POR as the manager to take this team where it needs to be. I don't think it is a coincidence that the forwards played better after Oisin was brought in, nor do I see it a coincidence that CV played a strong game after McGrane being there for some work. Maybe this is a trend that POR will continue, it was something that JK did with us in Cross quite a lot, he realised he didn't know everything. If POR tales this approach and manages in a Clive Woodward style then I would welcome that. If he can do that then he deserves to be recognised as a good manager. One swallow does not make a summer though.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 29, 2011, 10:59:27 AM
Well done Armagh -players and mangement, took us all by suprise. A fantastic performance, the cohesion of the team and the total tactical annihilation of Down from the Armagh line really are suprising when you look at our league performances this year. There was obviously a forensic approach taken to Down's gameplan and we countered it fantastically well and excelled at our own game. Games like that could be the making of this team, the murmurs of discontent will be replaced with confidence in the set up. I just hope we haven't peaked too soon, we looked like a team that was going into their 3rd or 4th championship game, fantastically fit, sharp and cohesive. As for Down I've commented 2 or 3 times on this thread alone that they dont convince me, trouble all over the defence and a very average MF.
Some great performances with perhaps only Stevie having an off night, Jamie would probably be most people's MOTM but I would find it hard to chooose between Dyas, Andy Mallon and Donaghy for it.
Wouldnt agree there, while he wasnt the best in his scoring ability he set a few points up...that point in the second half where he just knocked the ball down to BJP (think it was him) was just amazing, there is now alot of confidence amongst out forwards.
37 pages on 1 game of football. An Ulster first round game. Jaysus Christ it wasnt that exciting
Still, the Armagh / Tyrone stranglehold on Ulster looks set to carry on this season too
Quote from: tyroneman on May 29, 2011, 12:06:11 PM
Quoteand these players are retired...
er..yes, they are
My point was that THIS Armagh team should be careful not fall into the trap of overconfidence after 1 game.
The Armagh team which preceded this one were very cocky...but had the chops to back it up. Sometimes younger teams like to think they have a right to (or are obliged to) trade off the image of their predecessors without having any solid reason to (the Down aristocrats being an example - maybe this Down team bought into that one also?).
Why would Armagh get cocky, they put to the sword last night a down side that were simply a flash in the pan. So Armagh have again beaten a mediorce Down side again. Nice but no cigars being smoked just yet. At last Armagh play with 6 forwards and hey guess what - they looked like a side that could win a few games.
Down players should take a good hard look at themselves after last night .Poor performance bar Maginn and Poland but at the end of the day beaten by a better organised hungrier team all over the field . Best team won by a mile
Best Armagh performance in a half dozen years IMO. All the more sweeter that in came against Down team which was hotly tipped to 'bate us out the gate'. Fair play to the boys and the management team they got the tactics spot on and we horsed Down out of it all over the field.
Championship football is whats important, not league victory's in February.
That was a very enjoyable game and a very good performance from Armagh, the best I have seen from them in a long while.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 29, 2011, 02:03:31 PM
I am still to be convinced about POR as the manager to take this team where it needs to be. I don't think it is a coincidence that the forwards played better after Oisin was brought in, nor do I see it a coincidence that CV played a strong game after McGrane being there for some work. Maybe this is a trend that POR will continue, it was something that JK did with us in Cross quite a lot, he realised he didn't know everything. If POR tales this approach and manages in a Clive Woodward style then I would welcome that. If he can do that then he deserves to be recognised as a good manager. One swallow does not make a summer though.
100%. agree with that completely
Good win for Armagh - great to see BJP playing well.
Good win for Armagh, totally deserved, we were distinctly second best in every area of the pitch.
A few thoughts:
1. Referee was excellent. When a ref makes about 5 mistakes, none big, during a match, and correctly over-rules his linesmen a couple of times, he's done pretty much all any reasonable man or woman can expect. Anyone still bitching about a referee after such a game should try to referee a match, even just once in their life.
2. Down's full back line. Hmmmmm - whats to say that has not already been said or known? Not fast enough. Could Kevin Duffin have replaced Dan McCartan even after 20 mins? Easy for me to say after the event... Its a pity Dee Rafferty was injured, would probably have been the most suited to marking Jamie Clarke. But he is what you'd call our only 'fast and nimble' defender, the rest being somewhat bigger and stronger, but much more likely to be burned over 5 yards or turned inside out. Its a serious problem within the county for a number of years now, even in '94 our backs were of the bigger/stronger variety rather than nimble and fast.
3. Down's half back line. Kevin McKernan did all right. He was tasked with a difficult job, trying to mark his man, and at the same time somehow shield the full back line. A number of times he made some excellent tackles/interceptions, but then made a bit of a hash of the clearance. Also offered a good switch ball for forward moves breaking down. I think the other two wing backs could have sat back more and helped cover the full backs.
4. Midfield. Kalum King had a down and up day... dropped a few but also fielded some lovely ball. As always, not too mobile, but knows to move the ball fast from initial catch. He needs a sidekick to do a lot of the running, Pete Fitz didn't really show in that regard.
5. Half-forwards. Danny off-day. Looked much better balanced with Maginn on, him Poland and Clarke had decent possession interplay. However for long spells, the only option for a half back was Marty Clarke, the other runners were often non-existent.
6. Full-forward line. Definitely more dangerous with Benny in it. Paul McComiskey has the skills and a helluva lot of potential, but I often wonder about his decision making, not just on the ball (did very little wrong on the ball yest), but off it - I'm not convinced by his runs and showing for the ball. Maybe being a touch insensitive, but is that something he has never had to learn with Dundrum with him being so much better than the standard of player they normally play against? Definitely worth sticking with though, as he is one of the better forwards in the county.
John Clarke is a good club footballer, a real good club footballer, one of the best club footballers in the county. But... he isn't a hard ground county player.
7. The armagh goal - am I the only one that thought big McVeigh couldn't have come out and cleaned house? The initial ball in did drop on the edge of the wee box...
Footnotes:
I was impressed with the Down minor centre-half back, again made a number of excellently timed tackles and seemed mighty quick. Pity Caolan Mooney is off to Oz, as we all know, looks a real prospect.
Midfield. Kalum King had a down and up day- did king not take a blow to the head in 1st half ? from where i was he looked as if he was about to collapse-surely had an effect.
overall down lacked the aggression which mackin,mc keever,donaghy showed in winning their personal battles thus putting down on the back foot
Fair play to Paddy O'Rourke - he seems a quality fella (and as the season progresses he will hopefully prove himself as a quality manager). I thought all the armagh players won their personal battles. I have been critical of the likes of vernon, mackin and padden in the past but they really proved a lot of doubters wrong last night. I was shocked to see andy mallon going to mark hughes (i would have kept him closer to his own goals) but he was superb, as was duffy / donaghy in the full back line. If vernon, mackin and padden can reproduce against derry we will win, but thats a big if. Jamie Clarke will go on to become Armagh greatest ever forward. A big statement, but true.
As for James McCartan. Fair him to him (and tally / mciver) for getting this down team to within 2 points of an all ireland last year because they are fairly crap. But ask st galls / ballinderry / burren players whether they rate him as a good manager and they will say no. Ambrose Rogers will bring a massive improvement as would Aidan Carr and moving dan gordon up the pitch.
Quote from: borderfox on May 29, 2011, 04:32:25 PM
Best Armagh performance in a half dozen years IMO. All the more sweeter that in came against Down team which was hotly tipped to 'bate us out the gate'. Fair play to the boys and the management team they got the tactics spot on and we horsed Down out of it all over the field.
Championship football is whats important, not league victory's in February.
Half a dozen years would take you back to 2005. The semi that year was us and Tyrone at the absolute pinacle, unquestionably 2 of the 3 best teams in the country then.
What a night last night was, starting with the best minor game i've seen. To come back from 4 goals down.all credit to team and mentors who made some inspired changes.
I saw it with my own eyes and still I cant believe it. Players were excellent, it all went our way and I'm on cloud nine.
Fair play to the Down fans they took it in style.
As an aside thats 5 times in a row we've beaten Down in the championship
Does that mean we get to keep them???
Went to the game more in hope than expectation. Very pleased today.
Brokencrossbar has it spot on
While i agree with a lot of BCB"s post it's churlish in the extreme not to give POR a lot of credit for last night, you cant have it both ways, he takes the flack for poor shows he should get the credit for the good. Unless of course like all Armagh conspiracies there's a real brains behind the scenes - who normally avoid the stick when things go wrong.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 29, 2011, 08:57:04 PM
While i agree with a lot of BCB"s post it's churlish in the extreme not to give POR a lot of credit for last night, you cant have it both ways, he takes the flack for poor shows he should get the credit for the good. Unless of course like all Armagh conspiracies there's a real brains behind the scenes - who normally avoid the stick when things go wrong.
Benny he is a very good players man and I will give him that. There is a serious amount of work to do yet and the players know that. Tus maith leath na h-oibre as the phrase goes. It is simply the first round and while I don't ascribe to what some believe that the team gel inspite of POR I do think he has work to keep them together.
Quote from: regal on May 29, 2011, 08:24:33 PM
Fair play to Paddy O'Rourke - he seems a quality fella (and as the season progresses he will hopefully prove himself as a quality manager). I thought all the armagh players won their personal battles. I have been critical of the likes of vernon, mackin and padden in the past but they really proved a lot of doubters wrong last night. I was shocked to see andy mallon going to mark hughes (i would have kept him closer to his own goals) but he was superb, as was duffy / donaghy in the full back line. If vernon, mackin and padden can reproduce against derry we will win, but thats a big if. Jamie Clarke will go on to become Armagh greatest ever forward. A big statement, but true.
As for James McCartan. Fair him to him (and tally / mciver) for getting this down team to within 2 points of an all ireland last year because they are fairly crap. But ask st galls / ballinderry / burren players whether they rate him as a good manager and they will say no. Ambrose Rogers will bring a massive improvement as would Aidan Carr and moving dan gordon up the pitch.
I think Armagh got the defensive match-ups spot on, the players are there it was just getting them where there strengths would work for them. It took the pressure to defend off the mid-field and half forwards allowing them more opportunity to get the ball into a top quality full forward line. Scores from Mackin, BJP, Kernan showed a more attack minded team.
A really heartening performance from Armagh and a big well done to the players and management team. POR has got a lot of stick but some of the performances have been dire. Supporters will give a manager and the team a break even if results aren't great, as long as the team go out and have a real go and try to be positive. Not many people saw that performance coming. Judging by the league performances there must have been a lot of work done in training the past few weeks and the addition of the Crossmaglen players obviously helped. For the first time in a couple of years they looked like they were well drilled, motivated and hungry. The really pleasing thing was that they threw off the shackles and just went for it. The forwards kept a good line which helped the shape and balance of the team and the backs were left to take their man on, try to get out in front and win their own battle without the safety net of a sweeper covering for them. There was a spell in the game when Stevie McD started to drop very deep and that was worrying, i thought the team was going to lose its shape at that stage (Stevie has a bad habit of that imo). That performance is a benchmark for the team now looking to the next game against Derry so they've no excuse for going back to some of the negative and inept stuff we saw in the league. As for Down i was really surprised how they faded away badly in the last 15 minutes. I don't know if it was fitness, mental or whatever, but there wasn't much resistance shown.
Unbelievable minor game. Don't think i've ever seen a team come back from 11 or 12 points like that in a serious game. That will instill a great level of confidence in them.
best armagh performance for some time very encouraging, if the lads can keep that up i can see a decent season to look forward to. great to see an end to the 25 handpasses infront of hearty and more importantly little or no back passing. this certainly was'nt expected i understand oisin has taken a hand in coaching the forwards we had him at our club for a couple of sessions- hes brilliant!
ps i thought the ref did quite well
Quote from: sammymaguire on May 29, 2011, 02:49:45 PM
37 pages on 1 game of football. An Ulster first round game. Jaysus Christ it wasnt that exciting
Still, the Armagh / Tyrone stranglehold on Ulster looks set to carry on this season too
Sorry Sammy for Armagh people who were expecting a hiding it was that exciting
Quote from: maigheo on May 29, 2011, 12:35:31 AM
good win for armagh tonite but alot of the armagh posters on this site should be ashamed of themselves with what has been written the past few weeks regarding some of there players and especially the management team. Probably going to get slated for this but armagh fans are some of the worst for putting down their team that I have ever come across on this board
We have had so many false dawns. Armagh fans have been rightly critical of some of the tactics used over the last two seasons and frankly some performances have not been up to the mark. Saturday evening saw a return to the style of football POR had them playing in the McKenna Cup and league of last year. This culminated in victory over Down in the Div 2 final. However when we went to Celtic Park this had degenerated into the over defensive restrictive performance that saw us just manage to get over Derry through Jamie's individual brilliance. Lets hope they take the confidence from this to continue in the same vein. Having followed Cross's progress this year the more I see of Jamie Clarke the more impressed I have become. But well done AK, McKeever and Charlie they showed the detractors both in side and out that they are the real deal. I must also say that Paul Duffy, BJP and Mal Mackin have given me some food for thought as well. But we need to kick on from here and do the same against Derry. As to Down's performance Marty Clarke was outstanding and undeserving of the criticism levelled by some posters, he kept Down in it.
Hugely enjoyable game Sat night, pick of the three that were on the box and the other two were damn good games to boot. Good to see Armagh return to their diagonal kicking game, nobody does it as well. Decent performance from Down, think they have a better 15 than what they started with though, what was wrong with Benny? Also has to be said that they refereeing was excellent, as close to top marks as you can possibly get, the game really benefited.
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 30, 2011, 12:02:32 PM
Quote from: maigheo on May 29, 2011, 12:35:31 AM
good win for armagh tonite but alot of the armagh posters on this site should be ashamed of themselves with what has been written the past few weeks regarding some of there players and especially the management team. Probably going to get slated for this but armagh fans are some of the worst for putting down their team that I have ever come across on this board
We have had so many false dawns. Armagh fans have been rightly critical of some of the tactics used over the last two seasons and frankly some performances have not been up to the mark. Saturday evening saw a return to the style of football POR had them playing in the McKenna Cup and league of last year. This culminated in victory over Down in the Div 2 final. However when we went to Celtic Park this had degenerated into the over defensive restrictive performance that saw us just manage to get over Derry through Jamie's individual brilliance. Lets hope they take the confidence from this to continue in the same vein. Having followed Cross's progress this year the more I see of Jamie Clarke the more impressed I have become. But well done AK, McKeever and Charlie they showed the detractors both in side and out that they are the real deal. I must also say that Paul Duffy, BJP and Mal Mackin have given me some food for thought as well. But we need to kick on from here and do the same against Derry. As to Down's performance Marty Clarke was outstanding and undeserving of the criticism levelled by some posters, he kept Down in it.
He needs a crash course in kick passing! Must say I really enjoyed this game (helped by the fact that I had a good bet on them @ 6/4). Nobody on the Armagh team disappointed and it's not very often that can be said. Great to see the move away from the defensive mindset with the switch to attacking football. Stevie had a quiet day by his standards and yet we managed 1-15, 1-11 from play. J Clarke is probably be one of the best the County has ever produced; a joy to watch.
As enjoyable an Armagh match that I have attended in a long long time. Like many of the posters I hope Armagh sticks with this formation, philosophy & attractive brand of football. I'd rather go down playing like this than being beatin by a point if dour defensive encounters. Armagh to a man were brilliant. Jamie Clarke was absolutely brilliant, the way he flicked the ball up with his toe in the second half was worth the entrance fee alone. There was so much fanatastic play and skills form both sides they were a credit. Most memorable were Clarkes goal, Bennys superb catch, Poland amazing Goal, a couple of fetchs from andy mallon, and Marty Clarke pick up and score in the first half.
The defence were great, Donaghy & Mallon in particular. Armaghs most reliables (Mc Keever & Stevie) had probably their quitest games to date. I though Tony Kernan brough a lot to the HF line and it was certainly mackin & BJP's best games in an armagh jersey.
Down have a great forward unit, but have huge problems in the full back line & their mid field is just not mobile enough. I'd bring mc cartan out and get rodgers in their asap. Down have definetly the personal to regroup and come back through the qualifiers
Well done Armagh, also a greta atmosphere at the match, followed by a few victory pints. Happy camper this morning reading the reports in the Irish News... Bring on Derry
QuoteWe have had so many false dawns. Armagh fans have been rightly critical of some of the tactics used over the last two seasons and frankly some performances have not been up to the mark. Saturday evening saw a return to the style of football POR had them playing in the McKenna Cup and league of last year. This culminated in victory over Down in the Div 2 final. However when we went to Celtic Park this had degenerated into the over defensive restrictive performance that saw us just manage to get over Derry through Jamie's individual brilliance. Lets hope they take the confidence from this to continue in the same vein. Having followed Cross's progress this year the more I see of Jamie Clarke the more impressed I have become. But well done AK, McKeever and Charlie they showed the detractors both in side and out that they are the real deal. I must also say that Paul Duffy, BJP and Mal Mackin have given me some food for thought as well. But we need to kick on from here and do the same against Derry.
I very much agree ApplesisApples, last year was a disappointment when a decent performance in Croke Pk turned into a sterile one in Derry and a disgraceful one in Casement. Let's hope that we stick by the progress this year.
Eugene Mc Gee believes in the Indo.
The ability to surprise is the greatest thing about sport and maybe that is why we will remember Saturday night's Ulster clash between Armagh and Down as easily the best game of the championship so far.
This game will stand as a testimony to how fine a game Gaelic football is when it is played by both teams in the proper spirit.
Foot-passing predominated and this applied particularly to Armagh. That in itself was the biggest surprise of the evening. The result, of course, was also a huge surprise because we had been led to believe that this was an Armagh team in decay, simply awaiting transportation to the kn**ker's yard. Their league campaign did give credence to that belief.
For me, a huge and pleasant surprise was the decision by the Armagh management to return to old-style man-to-man marking in defence as opposed to the modern craze of so-called blanket defence. This time, Armagh did not utilise 12 players back in defence every time Down won possession but, instead, each Armagh back was assigned to a Down forward and stayed with him all the time.
It would be revolutionary nowadays but for the fact that it was the way football was played for over 100 years until many of the managers decided they looked more intelligent if they opted for the massed defence. Saturday showed the stupidity of that.
The man-marking performance by Andy Mallon on Down's leading forward, Daniel Hughes, was a classic example of this skill. Clearly, Down underestimated the powerful effect of each Armagh defender largely confining himself to an opposing Down forward. And even with their tight-marking duties as defenders, Kevin Dyas and Aaron Kernan still were able to go forward and score three points between them from play.
control
There were many other reasons for this fine Armagh victory, most notably the control exerted by their excellent midfield pairing of Charlie Vernon and Kieran Toner. They did lapse for short periods, but when the game was there to be won in the final quarter, it was Armagh who took over possession and it was little wonder that we have the astonishing statistic that in the final 25 minutes of the game Armagh outscored Down by seven points to one.
Armagh overall were far hungrier for this battle which by previous Armagh-Down championship encounters was relatively tame, with hardly a decent wallop in the game.
But the football skill level was so high from both counties that it was a total surprise to get a game of such grandeur, especially since it was played in atrocious conditions of rain and some wind. It is in games like this that we should appreciate the wonderful skills that our Gaelic footballers perform even in terrible conditions and under the personal pressures that many of the players had to endure in this ultra-keen derby, especially around the Newry area.
No top-class game like this would be complete without individual genius and on Saturday the sublime skills of Jamie Clarke from Crossmaglen stood out like a lighthouse. His goal after just three minutes was pure class because of his clever anticipation in a crowded area that enabled him to receive a pass from his clubmate Tony Kernan.
It was a score that seemed to unhinge the entire Down defence and must raise serious questions about their defensive approach.
Marty Clarke too gave an exhibition of free-taking which sets him apart these days but his overall performance otherwise did not do justice to his reputation. Former Mayo player Billy Joe Padden showed how well the change of scenery worked for him with three excellent points from play.
James McCartan will not be happy with the performance of his players individually or collectively.
They got off to a bad start but later in the first half McCartan did some team revamping which paid off and temporarily seemed to change the game in Down's direction. The introduction of sub Conor McGinn was the key decision as he seemed to have a presence which many of his team-mates lacked. But the three-point rally proved to be futile as the second half belonged to Armagh after an early flurry of points from Down.
This is a huge psychological blow for Down as they set out for the qualifiers and they have now gone 17 years without an Ulster title. Armagh have a new lease of life and the presence of Oisin McConville as a forwards coach is probably the main reason for that.
What a magnificent night Saturday was. I feel somewhat foolish given my fairly trenchent criticism of Paddy O'Rourke this year and last but I'm happy to admit that for at least this night, he had Armagh playing attractive football, believing in themselves and delivering a high class display.
Before the match, I would have been surprised about the prospect of a 5 point victory but a 5 point victory with Stevie McDonell playing a relatively peripheral role would have astounded me. The much maligned half forward line was excellent to a man but it was the passion and commitment of the entire side which secured the victory. I think we simply wanted it a bit more and it was one of those nights were everything went right for us. There are no guarentees of further success but at least we had one night to be proud of this year.
Quote from: Tony Baloney on May 28, 2011, 11:37:10 PM
Quote from: Ulick on May 28, 2011, 09:37:15 PM
As the young folks say, Ulick just checked into the Gas Lamp with the biggest grin ever ;-)
Jeez Ulick you'll be the only Armagh man in there. Eastern Bloc.
No quite the only Armag man Tony. Run down past Red Neds, which looked like the Tokyo underground at rush hour. Headed for the Gas Lamp and now sorry I missed the legend of the Board that is Ulick. Were you (Ulick) in the group with an ex Armagh footballer from Lurgan?
James McCartan is convinced that the wrong type of caravan training caused Down to lose out to arch rivals Armagh in Saturday night's Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter Final.
'I've lived in a caravan for the majority of my adult life. I brought the squad to the caravan site in Killough on the Tuesday night before the big match as preparation.
I put the whole thirty five of them between the players and substitutes and various trainer/doctor types/hangers-on into a 20 footer by six footer. Stuck the RiverDance music on the tape recorder and got them all high kicking in a confined space as I imagined the Armagh defence would be.
Unfortunately I 'd picked out a high wind resistant caravan for the training whereas the wind on the night was much different'.
James who can light a fire using only a lighter and firelighters and a bag of sticks that he bought in McAnerneys upon leaving the Athletic Grounds on Saturday night says, 'All Day Breakfast In A Tin does anybody. I'd be having none of your John McCloskey type fancy dan food for my players. And around the camp fire is the only place to eat. That's what Senior Football Championship and caravanning are all about'.
Armagh progress to play Derry in the Ulster Senior Football Championship Semi Final. The match is due to be shown on RTÉ2 with a throw in at 2-00pm on June 19th.
There's a serious lack of debate amongst Down fans here as to there own team's performance. Are there no Down posters or are they in hiding? :D
What would you like us to debate.
We were beaten by the better team on the day. A team that was hungrier and wanted it that bit more.
A team who had more players deliver on the night. Down didnt deliver, simple really.
Nothing much else to say.
For what its worth i still think there isnt a kick of the ball bewteen the teams and im not wholly concerned with Down losing. I know there is talent in the squad and the right man is in charge and as a Down man im happy enough with that. Some would lose sight of the progress that Down football has made in the last 3 years. the test is now to see have we got the collective balls to bounce back.
Well done to Armagh. Yiz are still a shower but well done on saturday nights victory. Decent rivalries are what makes the GAA.
Drici, that post was a brutal attempt at humour.
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on May 31, 2011, 02:57:04 PM
What would you like us to debate.
We were beaten by the better team on the day. A team that was hungrier and wanted it that bit more.
A team who had more players deliver on the night. Down didnt deliver, simple really.
Nothing much else to say.
For what its worth i still think there isnt a kick of the ball bewteen the teams and im not wholly concerned with Down losing. I know there is talent in the squad and the right man is in charge and as a Down man im happy enough with that. Some would lose sight of the progress that Down football has made in the last 3 years. the test is now to see have we got the collective balls to bounce back.
Well done to Armagh. Yiz are still a shower but well done on saturday nights victory. Decent rivalries are what makes the GAA.
Drici, that post was a brutal attempt at humour.
I accept and agree with most of your post. I note though that most of the debate seems to involve only Armagh posters and was just wondering why?
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 31, 2011, 02:16:17 PM
There's a serious lack of debate amongst Down fans here as to there own team's performance. Are there no Down posters or are they in hiding? :D
I am happy to debate what happened top Down, sadly for me I think we can only debate what happened to Down by first talking about what happened to Armagh, who suddenly found confidence and hunger.
The only important thing is that we were well beaten by a much better team on the night. Armagh destroyed, no, obliterated our midfield. They at one stage retrieved 10 kickouts in a row. In every area they were probably better, but it was at least a close contest. But midfield turned it from close, to almost run-away
Saturday had several problems, player selection was certainly one. Anton McCardle should not have been brought on. Laverty is a player for fast dry pitches, where he can use his pace. Dan McCartan should have been taken off and replaced, as he was having an off-day.
While Gordon should not be moved to midfield due to his effectiveness at fullback, he certainly should have a more fluid role, moving to midfield to help out when things are going badly. If he had gone there for the middle of 2nd half we would have stopped the Armagh momentum and probably have edged the game. While our attack is fluid, our defence is rigid, players get given a location to play in and stay there. But in attack the forwards alternate position for large periods of the game.
But lets face it the biggest problem was that only one team came with the burning desire to win. Armagh fought harder for possession.
All tactical discussions aside what Down need is simply to enter games with passionate determination, we have the skill in our team to then beat most teams. I'm not a believer in the old adage that sometimes a defeat is a good thing. But hopefully Armagh have taught us a lesson in desire. If the lads can learn from it and approach their games from now on with that hunger then we will not be toop far away
Of course (and I'm not saying this is fair excuse, or it is reasonable) a dry pitch would have made, and will make, a hell of a difference to this Down team. Blah blah blah, yeah I know it probably sounds boring and you're probably thinking it's the same old tired excuse but in over twenty years I have never seen Down play well in the rain. Yeah I know it's a pathetic excuse but I can only say what I see. You will only see if we are any good on a dry hard pitch
Quote from: PAULD123 on May 31, 2011, 05:32:36 PM
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 31, 2011, 02:16:17 PM
There's a serious lack of debate amongst Down fans here as to there own team's performance. Are there no Down posters or are they in hiding? :D
I am happy to debate what happened top Down, sadly for me I think we can only debate what happened to Down by first talking about what happened to Armagh
The only important thing is that we were well beaten by a much better team on the night. Armagh destroyed, no, obliterated our midfield. They at one stage retrieved 10 kickouts in a row. In every area they were probably better, but it was at least a close contest. But midfield turned it from close, to almost run-away
Saturday had several problems, player selection was certainly one. Anton McCardle should not have been brought on. Laverty is a player for fast dry pitches, where he can use his pace. Dan McCartan should have been taken off and replaced, as he was having an off-day.
While Gordon should not be moved to midfield due to his effectiveness at fullback, he certainly should have a more fluid role, moving to midfield to help out when things are going badly. If he had gone there for the middle of 2nd half we would have stopped the Armagh momentum and probably have edged the game. While our attack is fluid, our defence is rigid, players get given a location to play in and stay there. But in attack the forwards alternate position for large periods of the game.
But lets face it the biggest problem was that only one team came with the burning desire to win. Armagh fought harder for possession.
All tactical discussions aside what Down need is simply to enter games with passionate determination, we have the skill in our team to then beat most teams. I'm not a believer in the old adage that sometimes a defeat is a good thing. But hopefully Armagh have taught us a lesson in desire. If the lads can learn from it and approach their games from now on with that hunger then we will not be toop far away
Of course (and I'm not saying this is fair excuse, or it is reasonable) a dry pitch would have made, and will make, a hell of a difference to this Down team. Blah blah blah, yeah I know it probably sounds boring and you're probably thinking it's the same old tired excuse but in over twenty years I have never seen Down play well in the rain. Yeah I know it's a pathetic excuse but I can only say what I see. You will only see if we are any good on a dry hard pitch
Sorry i know its got nothing to do with this present team but did down not win their last All-Ireland on a horribly wet day in 94?
I saw Down beat Donegal on an atrociously wet day in 95 or 96 (Ulster QF)
Down absolutely battered Monaghan this year in the league on a wet dreary night as well.
Can't remember the Donegal game. was it 1996 when we beat them by 2 points in the preliminary? As for the Monaghan game, we didn't so much play well as Monaghan were atrocious. Only two Monaghan forwards scored and they didn't get their first point from play until the 33rd minute. There is the odd rare victory in bad weather but generally we have not done well in the rain
Okay if the opposition are awful then yeah fair enough we do have a good chance of playing decent. Perhaps more accurately I should have said that Down rarely play well in the rain and consistently struggle more in those conditions than teams of comparable ability.
In 1994 we were 1-11 to 0-8 points up round about the time it started to rain heavily. Dublin then came roaring back and we were holding on in the end after having survived saving a penalty. So for that game I would say we won it in the dry but nearly lost it in the wet.
Yes maybe the Donegal game was a preliminary. That was a hard tight match in the pouring rain.
Last years All Ireland final was a wet enough day and I thought Down played some exceptional football that day only to lose by the minimum to a far more experienced team.(allied to the fact that tactics let you down in the last 25 minutes that day).
I suppose if you really believe Down aren't as good in the rain you could just hope for a good summer weather wise with little or no rain on Saturday/Sundays from now until September, So your fast nippy little forwards can run riot with a dry ball.
Sadly, it is true that Down have seldom played decent championship football in wet conditions over the last couple of decades. We beat Donegal during a downpour at Clones in 96, but they had a man sent over in the first minute, their goalkeeper was judged to have carried a harmless ball over his line and we were hanging on by a point at the end. The only other success in really bad weather I can recall was against Laois at Newry in the 09 qualifiers. Perhaps that will all change in this year's open draw.
Quote from: borderfox on May 31, 2011, 08:27:48 PM
Yes maybe the Donegal game was a preliminary. That was a hard tight match in the pouring rain.
Last years All Ireland final was a wet enough day and I thought Down played some exceptional football that day only to lose by the minimum to a far more experienced team.(allied to the fact that tactics let you down in the last 25 minutes that day).
I suppose if you really believe Down aren't as good in the rain you could just hope for a good summer weather wise with little or no rain on Saturday/Sundays from now until September, So your fast nippy little forwards can run riot with a dry ball.
I know you were being sarcastic but sadly that is genuinely what I hope for!!!! It deosn't make me happy but it's true.
As for last year we had a 5 point lead in the relatively dry first half and a 4 point lead before it started pouring. After that we were outscored 7 points to 1 in the lashing rain. Sure we rallied but couldn't break their line often enough and certainly not as often as I believe (just my opinion) we would have done if Hughes, McComiskey and Murtagh had been able to use their pace to best effect.
I think if any real Down fan was at Saturdays match you would have to hold your hands up and admit we were soundly beaten by the better team , on the night . Armagh were hungrier , more decisive , and in the closing stages looked marginally fitter ( probably due to the fact the were leading and had their tails up ) . The management has come in for some flack and dan mc cartan has been at the center of most of the derision , I honestly think wee James did nt want to risk putting a rookie ( Gerard mc Cartan on J Clarke from the start it could destroy a young fellas confidence in a big game like that to receive a roasting . It was crazy expecting Dan to mark him, he's not quick enough but unlike a lot of posters on here I think he can do a job for us if paired up with the correct player ( he didn't let us down last year on the run to the final and a lot of people would do well to remember that ) however this decision gave us a mountain to climb . Once C Maginn came on we looked a far more balanced unit and started to claw our way back .I also found the decision to start with John Clarke a big risk given the man has hardly played all year but maybe playing benny out the field a bit James wanted a bit of a physical presence on the square , I thought we should have started with murtagh though . It's clear midfield is the problem area , we could rectify this by moving big dan out but IMO that would create an even bigger prob in FB , the best hope is we get Ambrose back soon !! All things considered if you look at last year we struggled past Donegal , lost to Tyrone and crawled past 2 qualifier teams it was nt until Sligo that everything clicked and the floodgates opened . If James can get things calmed down we get Dee Raff , Conor Garvey & Ambrose back as well as benny, maginn and a few others fully fit we will be grand ; these same lads did us proud last year and can again this year and I'd love another crack at Armagh later in the year once we get into our stride
Quote from: John o connor on May 31, 2011, 09:33:29 PM
I think if any real Down fan was at Saturdays match you would have to hold your hands up and admit we were soundly beaten by the better team , on the night . Armagh were hungrier , more decisive , and in the closing stages looked marginally fitter ( probably due to the fact the were leading and had their tails up ) . The management has come in for some flack and dan mc cartan has been at the center of most of the derision , I honestly think wee James did nt want to risk putting a rookie ( Gerard mc Cartan on J Clarke from the start it could destroy a young fellas confidence in a big game like that to receive a roasting . It was crazy expecting Dan to mark him, he's not quick enough but unlike a lot of posters on here I think he can do a job for us if paired up with the correct player ( he didn't let us down last year on the run to the final and a lot of people would do well to remember that ) however this decision gave us a mountain to climb . Once C Maginn came on we looked a far more balanced unit and started to claw our way back .I also found the decision to start with John Clarke a big risk given the man has hardly played all year but maybe playing benny out the field a bit James wanted a bit of a physical presence on the square , I thought we should have started with murtagh though . It's clear midfield is the problem area , we could rectify this by moving big dan out but IMO that would create an even bigger prob in FB , the best hope is we get Ambrose back soon !! All things considered if you look at last year we struggled past Donegal , lost to Tyrone and crawled past 2 qualifier teams it was nt until Sligo that everything clicked and the floodgates opened . If James can get things calmed down we get Dee Raff , Conor Garvey & Ambrose back as well as benny, maginn and a few others fully fit we will be grand ; these same lads did us proud last year and can again this year and I'd love another crack at Armagh later in the year once we get into our stride
[/quote
I would agree with this completely
Quote from: Mourne Rover on May 31, 2011, 08:37:38 PM
Sadly, it is true that Down have seldom played decent championship football in wet conditions over the last couple of decades. We beat Donegal during a downpour at Clones in 96, but they had a man sent over in the first minute, their goalkeeper was judged to have carried a harmless ball over his line and we were hanging on by a point at the end. The only other success in really bad weather I can recall was against Laois at Newry in the 09 qualifiers. Perhaps that will all change in this year's open draw.
This must be due to the tropical climate east of the Clanrye, whereas we are used to the monsoon conditions west of the river.
Didn't Down beat Armagh in the 1st round in 1991 in a rainstorm of biblical proportions? Remember Jim McConville missing an open goal which may have changed the result.
Quote from: Orangemac on May 31, 2011, 11:35:09 PM
Quote from: Mourne Rover on May 31, 2011, 08:37:38 PM
Sadly, it is true that Down have seldom played decent championship football in wet conditions over the last couple of decades. We beat Donegal during a downpour at Clones in 96, but they had a man sent over in the first minute, their goalkeeper was judged to have carried a harmless ball over his line and we were hanging on by a point at the end. The only other success in really bad weather I can recall was against Laois at Newry in the 09 qualifiers. Perhaps that will all change in this year's open draw.
This must be due to the tropical climate east of the Clanrye, whereas we are used to the monsoon conditions west of the river.
Didn't Down beat Armagh in the 1st round in 1991 in a rainstorm of biblical proportions? Remember Jim McConville missing an open goal which may have changed the result.
yeah we won that game, I didn't say we never win in the rain, I said we never (revised to rarely) play well in wet conditions. We probably should have lost in 1991, certainly we played very bad football, both teams did. In fact as we were coming out my uncle remarked to me with a sarcastic chuckle - "Well, we didn't see any All-Ireland champions today"
By the way I agree with everything John O'Connor said, except that I think we shouldn't get hung up on rigid defenisive positions, If midfield is struggling Gordon should be able to temporarily step forward to assist. It isn't required that he make a permenant switch, just be able to help out in the periods where it's going against us.
It looks like I'll have to consider the going now for football bets. Can the Down lads be a bit more specific - firm, good-to-firm, good? Minimum reading on the going stick would be even better.
Next fundraising campaign in Down should be to raise money to put a roof on Parc Esler (aka Millenium stadium). Never heard such rubbish ::)
Quote from: Hardy on June 01, 2011, 08:49:02 AM
It looks like I'll have to consider the going now for football bets. Can the Down lads be a bit more specific - firm, good-to-firm, good? Minimum reading on the going stick would be even better.
How about Soft ? (in the head)
James McCartan has denied that his Down team can only play in fair weather with a dry sod underneath.
'There was an Armagh family on holidays in the next caravan and they used to put bread on me roof at night so the seagulls would come clattering down on the tin at dawn and wake me up.
One day it lashed so heavy it even scared the seagulls off.
We went to training in it and the boys were scoring from all angles in their wet gear.
I made them an All Day Breakfast In A Tin each afterwards to celebrate.'
Down now enter the Qualifiers in the All Ireland Series. The First Round is due to be played on June 25th.
Again Drici, a brutal attempt at humour.
Quote from: drici on June 01, 2011, 10:03:06 AM
James McCartan has denied that his Down team can only play in fair weather with a dry sod underneath.
'There was an Armagh family on holidays in the next caravan and they used to put bread on me roof at night so the seagulls would come clattering down on the tin at dawn and wake me up.
One day it lashed so heavy it even scared the seagulls off.
We went to training in it and the boys were scoring from all angles in their wet gear.
I made them an All Day Breakfast In A Tin each afterwards to celebrate.'
Down now enter the Qualifiers in the All Ireland Series. The First Round is due to be played on June 25th.
Absolutely terrible. Please tell me that is not your attempt at humour!
Didn't Down beat Kerry in wet conditions last July?
Yeah Drici dont be taking the piss out of the Down lads, they've a fierce puss on them these days.
Okay, I think this has gone on long enough. I stated the observation I have made after attending many many games. One I am disappointed in. It looks like I was making a pathetic excuse for our loss. I was certainly not, it may be true we suffer badly from rain but It isn't good enough. I look at weather forecasts before matches and if a downpour is predicted I fear the worst (and usually we get it). But in no way would I think it justifies us losing. I was never saying that. It is embarrassing and unacceptable that we seem to lose performance so badly in these conditions but not in any way an excuse. A top team should be able to play in all conditions.
Secondly this debate has gone on long enough because it has totally distracted from what we should be talking about. Which I think should either be giving credit to Armagh for playing so well, or talking about where Down could be improved. Armagh fans deserve to be allowed to enjoy the fact that their players put in a terrific performance that could be shown as an example to any team. In fairness they played very good and their desire was top drawer.
Paul, as an armagh exile living in Down, the number of people genuinely using the weather as a reason for your defeat is amazing. This is the first I have ever heard of it and just found it unbelievable. Wouldn't know the stats obviously but surely in our climate Down have won games in all weather :-\
Quote from: cornafean on June 01, 2011, 10:19:40 AM
Didn't Down beat Kerry in wet conditions last July?
It was fairly sunny last year check out the highlights on youtube. There were a few showers I think, but the pitch was in great shape and most of the game was dry. In fact it was pretty much ideal conditions for football.
Quote from: Stevie Nicks on June 01, 2011, 10:36:04 AM
Paul, as an armagh exile living in Down, the number of people genuinely using the weather as a reason for your defeat is amazing. This is the first I have ever heard of it and just found it unbelievable. Wouldn't know the stats obviously but surely in our climate Down have won games in all weather :-\
No sadly it's true. But it's not an excuse, I do want to be clear about that. It is annoying, but even when I started following Down I was told by older supporters that we need a dry pitch. It's crazy and makes no sense but it is something I have observed myself. By the way I work in Dublin and even a lot of the lads in the South said it to me - "sure you never played good in the wet". I agree though that it is unbelievable. But they shouldn't make it an excuse, it can not be used as a reason for our loss (just a sad fact)
As I said, claiming Armagh only beat us because it was wet does a great disservice to the performance of the Armagh team and in particular their attitude which was significantly better than the Down players. We lost because Armagh were a better team on the night and played with a much greater desire. I hope if we take anything from that game it is the need to really want to win. I wouldn't say Armagh taught us a football lesson but I think they did teach us an attitude lesson.
(http://www.green-events.co.uk/gallery/1184147317_1.jpg)
Down team training to include all weather conditions in future.
Stevie, I can see no one using the rain as an excuse for the Down defeat, as the best team won at the Athletic Grounds by a country mile and would have done so in any weather . There is a separate and stictly factual point to be made that Down have a poor recent record on wet days in the championship. You suggest that we must have won matches in all conditions, but, in the USC over the last 15 years, that is simply wrong. It is probably through coincidence, and may well have a bigger effect on supporters than players, so hopefully it will be put to bed this summer.
Quote from: hardstation on June 01, 2011, 11:40:07 AM
"We're more than prepared for Down, so we are." says Baker.
(http://www.toy-tma.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Super-Soaker-50.jpg)
Would be some craic if the opposing fans all brought waterguns to the match. Down cant play in the wet.
This theory that down dont play well in the rain is a load of balls and the only people ive heard or seen mention it is Paul and martin mchugh. Down happen to get beat by teams when it is raining because the other team are simply better than them on the day or just better than them full stop. Its pretty much the same case as when it is not raining. I dont no what the ratio is for win/lose in the rain but it would likely to be more to do with the ability of the team or who their opponents are.
The statement that Down dont play well in the rain brings unnecessary attention from the likes Antrim supporters who have nothing else to look forward to other than get a dig at Down at every possible oppurtunity.
On a side note am still waiting for one of these little posts from Hardstation to be actually funny, embarrassingly poor to date!!! Dont give up ur day job son, if u have one that is
Epic Fail.
Nothing worse/more embarrassing than attempts at humour being frankly unfunny and the audience pointing it out to you.
Quote from: hardstation on June 01, 2011, 01:29:23 PM
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on June 01, 2011, 01:27:25 PM
Epic Fail.
Nothing worse/more embarrassing than attempts at humour being frankly unfunny and the audience pointing it out to you.
Yis were stuffed. Get over it.
Great comeback
As ive stated in my previous post, the loss really doesnt bother me that much.
Ye dont perform ye dont win. Armagh performed and Down didnt.
Im happy enough at Down footballs progress to date.
And i also dont agree that we were stuffed.
But if it makes you feel any better work away there, keep patting yourself on the back with your wee graphics and crackin 'jokes'.
Sometimes when ye win/ose it pays to maintain your dignity and do it with a bit of class, no matter how euphoric or indeed disappointing the result may be.
I have indeed been called manys a thing down through the year and on occasion sour oul c*nt has been one of them.
But really you try too much, i assure you that im spitting no feathers.
Armagh were fantastic and deserved their win.
Down will now have to go back to the drawing board whilst Armagh march on. Those are the facts.
Its nice that Armagh are doing so well and i wish youse all the best.
Good to see Armagh back with a good win. For a while there the board was very quiet as they ( the Armagh faithful) knew they could'nt really say much. The board will be much better with the more confident apple munchers still in the thick of into the summer.
Quote from: hardstation on June 01, 2011, 01:36:44 PM
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on June 01, 2011, 01:34:51 PM
As ive stated in my previous post, the loss really doesnt bother me that much.Ye dont perform ye dont win. Armagh performed and Down didnt.
Im happy enough at Down footballs progress to date.
And i also dont agree that we were stuffed.
But if it makes you feel any better work away there, keep patting yourself on the back with your wee graphics and crackin 'jokes'.
Sometimes when ye win/ose it pays to maintain your dignity and do it with a bit of class, no matter how euphoric or indeed disappointing the result may be.
:D
You're spitting feathers, ya sour cnut.
Does ur hatred of down stem from jealously,frustration or did someone from down actually steal ur dummy??
Most likely the dummy as ur doing an awful lot of slabbering
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 01, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
This theory that down dont play well in the rain is a load of balls and the only people ive heard or seen mention it is Paul and martin mchugh. Down happen to get beat by teams when it is raining because the other team are simply better than them on the day or just better than them full stop. Its pretty much the same case as when it is not raining. I dont no what the ratio is for win/lose in the rain but it would likely to be more to do with the ability of the team or who their opponents are.
The statement that Down dont play well in the rain brings unnecessary attention from the likes Antrim supporters who have nothing else to look forward to other than get a dig at Down at every possible oppurtunity.
On a side note am still waiting for one of these little posts from Hardstation to be actually funny, embarrassingly poor to date!!! Dont give up ur day job son, if u have one that is
Well if you don't know the facts then how can you say it is a load of balls? Just because you use profanities doesn't make your point correct, just like if you write it in capitals doesn't give it any more veracity. Actually admitting you don't know the facts just makes your initial statement sound boorish. What have you based your comment on? At least I have admitted my opinion is based on anecdotal evidence but have answered each time someone has asked about a particular match. But by all means you just stick to swearing, I'm sure everyone will be convinced by that
On the side point I think Hardstation's pictures were amusing. It won't be long before Armagh are beaten and we win again. For now they deserve to enjoy the victory, it was a big one and they did well. Armagh haven't suddenly become serious AI contenders and we haven't suddenly become donkeys. That's partly because Hardstation - we weren't stuffed
I don't know what's funnier, the fact that he has caught so many of the Down lads with his incessant fishing or the fact that he isn't even an Armagh man :D We know that there isn't a kick of the ball between the 2 teams and we had some fortune on Saturday night. Things went well for us and things were not great for Down. There are many reasons why this is the case but I reckon the weather was not the main one. It was a contributory factor but not the main one. Anyway, I think it is time to move on from this game and focus on the next one, Armagh hopefully to push on through to the Ulster final and Down to scramble around with the other beaten teams to avoid the nasty away draws. :D
I wanted things to settle down before posting my comments on the match (Its been raining and I normally post better replies on a dry day).
First of all well done Armagh the better and hungrier team won. The obvious thing about Armaghs performance on Saturday night was that it was orchestrated by a Down man. Armagh won the game 'playing the Down way' with some great attacking football. I hope now that other counties will adopt this brand of football, the GAA will be better for it.
As for Down, there is now a month or so for the players to get ready for the qualifiers, the squad will now have to regroup with some having time now to work on their fitness. The managment now also have time to work on the things that went wrong on Saturday night.
As for what lays ahead for both teams now who knows? Down will need to get thier heads right for the next match regardless of how good or bad the opposition if they want to kick on in the qualifiers. As for Armagh, an Ulster title will seem a realistic target but will the likes of Mackin, T Kernan, Vernon, and M O'Rourke play as well again as they did on Saturday? It would seem unlikely? Will B J Padden with his huge frame be in the right place at the right time as often against Derry (hey)?
All I can say is Wicklow revenge is sweet, we're coming to to get ye.
Quote from: hardstation on June 01, 2011, 01:36:44 PM
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on June 01, 2011, 01:34:51 PM
As ive stated in my previous post, the loss really doesnt bother me that much.Ye dont perform ye dont win. Armagh performed and Down didnt.
Im happy enough at Down footballs progress to date.
And i also dont agree that we were stuffed.
But if it makes you feel any better work away there, keep patting yourself on the back with your wee graphics and crackin 'jokes'.
Sometimes when ye win/ose it pays to maintain your dignity and do it with a bit of class, no matter how euphoric or indeed disappointing the result may be.
:D
You're spitting feathers, ya sour cnut.
Even when Armagh are winning the chip appears on the shoulder. Armagh fans - the Linfield fans of GAA. Enjoy the moment lads and allow yourselves a bit of happiness every now and again for the odd win.
Please please give up on this rain thing before u make urself look even worse and more importantly make the down footballers look like a laughing stock.
Did down get beat by tyrone last year because it was too sunny???
Was it only light rain in newry this year when they beat monaghon??
I'm not going to argue with u as between por having nothing to do with armaghs win on saturday and down not being able to play in the rain, frankly I can't take u seriously.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on June 01, 2011, 02:21:40 PM
I wanted things to settle down before posting my comments on the match (Its been raining and I normally post better replies on a dry day).
First of all well done Armagh the better and hungrier team won. The obvious thing about Armaghs performance on Saturday night was that it was orchestrated by a Down man. Armagh won the game 'playing the Down way' with some great attacking football. I hope now that other counties will adopt this brand of football, the GAA will be better for it.
As for Down, there is now a month or so for the players to get ready for the qualifiers, the squad will now have to regroup with some having time now to work on their fitness. The managment now also have time to work on the things that went wrong on Saturday night.
As for what lays ahead for both teams now who knows? Down will need to get thier heads right for the next match regardless of how good or bad the opposition if they want to kick on in the qualifiers. As for Armagh, an Ulster title will seem a realistic target but will the likes of Mackin, T Kernan, Vernon, and M O'Rourke play as well again as they did on Saturday? It would seem unlikely? Will B J Padden with his huge frame be in the right place at the right time as often against Derry (hey)?
All I can say is Wicklow revenge is sweet, we're coming to to get ye.
LOL Finally after a year someone has said it. So if that is the view you take you are admitting that Armagh are a better attacking team than Down and also have better players than Down and we can also play 'the down way' in the rain - and dont blame injuries because Armagh have injured players.
'Even when Armagh are winning the chip appears on the shoulder. Armagh fans - the Linfield fans of GAA. Enjoy the moment lads and allow yourselves a bit of happiness every now and again for the odd win.'
Oh the irony! still hurting I see lol. :D
Quote from: borderfox on June 01, 2011, 02:46:21 PM
'Even when Armagh are winning the chip appears on the shoulder. Armagh fans - the Linfield fans of GAA. Enjoy the moment lads and allow yourselves a bit of happiness every now and again for the odd win.'
Oh the irony! still hurting I see lol. :D
Thats just you second reply on this post where is your hilarious first reply? Are you embarrassed by your little rant?
Just relax B/F, relax.
Talk about throwing a dog a bone ;)
Sometimes less is more! ;)
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 01, 2011, 02:32:42 PM
Please please give up on this rain thing before u make urself look even worse and more importantly make the down footballers look like a laughing stock.
Did down get beat by tyrone last year because it was too sunny???
Was it only light rain in newry this year when they beat monaghon??
I'm not going to argue with u as between por having nothing to do with armaghs win on saturday and down not being able to play in the rain, frankly I can't take u seriously.
I have stated time again that we lost because Armagh wiped out our midfield, played better and had more desire. I have only ever said that as a side point we rarely play well in the rain. But of course if you wish to be obtuse (as is normal for you) and pretend that I didn't say that and continue with unbalanced postings then there is nothing I can do. It's up to you if you wish to behave like an Armagh fan, I can't stop you, but then again perhaps you are an Armagh fan now like your beloved Paddy, did you pick yourself up an orange baseball cap too on Saturday?
There is nothing that you have said with respect to the county team and your Burren tinted visors that I could ever take seriously. You just don't like me because I think POR is not a good manager and I think he has acted with a complete lack of dignity since taking over the Armagh job. Armagh fans want a manager to win they don't need him to become a fan like them. Do the job by all means but you don't have to act like you belong to Armagh now, no one in Armagh is buying that anyway.
you do however have a good knowledge of the county club scene and much better than my own I will give you that.
When you are as sucessful as we have been it's no wonder counties who have won very little in comparison are jealous, we ll see who's still playing come aug / sept time ! Hardstation you d need to spend more time on jobfinder and less on here son if your not careful you ll miss you benefit cheque
You're bound to be from Lurgan or its hinterland.
One of the stinkin shiny variety.
Quote from: Joe Umbrella (hey) on June 01, 2011, 02:28:57 PM
Quote from: hardstation on June 01, 2011, 01:36:44 PM
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on June 01, 2011, 01:34:51 PM
As ive stated in my previous post, the loss really doesnt bother me that much.Ye dont perform ye dont win. Armagh performed and Down didnt.
Im happy enough at Down footballs progress to date.
And i also dont agree that we were stuffed.
But if it makes you feel any better work away there, keep patting yourself on the back with your wee graphics and crackin 'jokes'.
Sometimes when ye win/ose it pays to maintain your dignity and do it with a bit of class, no matter how euphoric or indeed disappointing the result may be.
:D
You're spitting feathers, ya sour cnut.
Even when Armagh are winning the chip appears on the shoulder. Armagh fans - the Linfield fans of GAA. Enjoy the moment lads and allow yourselves a bit of happiness every now and again for the odd win.
17 years of relative happiness can't bate it (even out the gate).
Quote from: John o connor on June 01, 2011, 03:31:33 PM
When you are as sucessful as we have been it's no wonder counties who have won very little in comparison are jealous, we ll see who's still playing come aug / sept time ! Hardstation you d need to spend more time on jobfinder and less on here son if your not careful you ll miss you benefit cheque
John, there's a number of your fellow Down posters need to spend a little MORE time on here before posting if they think HS is an Armagh man.
Quote from: PAULD123 on June 01, 2011, 02:06:17 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 01, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
This theory that down dont play well in the rain is a load of balls and the only people ive heard or seen mention it is Paul and martin mchugh. Down happen to get beat by teams when it is raining because the other team are simply better than them on the day or just better than them full stop. Its pretty much the same case as when it is not raining. I dont no what the ratio is for win/lose in the rain but it would likely to be more to do with the ability of the team or who their opponents are.
The statement that Down dont play well in the rain brings unnecessary attention from the likes Antrim supporters who have nothing else to look forward to other than get a dig at Down at every possible oppurtunity.
On a side note am still waiting for one of these little posts from Hardstation to be actually funny, embarrassingly poor to date!!! Dont give up ur day job son, if u have one that is
Well if you don't know the facts then how can you say it is a load of balls? Just because you use profanities doesn't make your point correct, just like if you write it in capitals doesn't give it any more veracity. Actually admitting you don't know the facts just makes your initial statement sound boorish. What have you based your comment on? At least I have admitted my opinion is based on anecdotal evidence but have answered each time someone has asked about a particular match. But by all means you just stick to swearing, I'm sure everyone will be convinced by that
On the side point I think Hardstation's pictures were amusing. It won't be long before Armagh are beaten and we win again. For now they deserve to enjoy the victory, it was a big one and they did well. Armagh haven't suddenly become serious AI contenders and we haven't suddenly become donkeys. That's partly because Hardstation - we weren't stuffed
I find it funny it' still early June and the Ourmagh boy's are popping the champagne allready.There's a long season ahead and it would be great to see Down turn the tables on them later in the year.While there's no doubt that Armagh have been better than Down post 1994 Down are still ulsters most successsful county along with Cavan.So will the Ourmagh lad's adjust there attitude untill they win a second all ireland nevermind 5 . ;D
Quote from: Corcaigh Abu on June 01, 2011, 05:11:23 PM
Quote from: PAULD123 on June 01, 2011, 02:06:17 PM
Quote from: whitegoodman on June 01, 2011, 01:22:00 PM
This theory that down dont play well in the rain is a load of balls and the only people ive heard or seen mention it is Paul and martin mchugh. Down happen to get beat by teams when it is raining because the other team are simply better than them on the day or just better than them full stop. Its pretty much the same case as when it is not raining. I dont no what the ratio is for win/lose in the rain but it would likely to be more to do with the ability of the team or who their opponents are.
The statement that Down dont play well in the rain brings unnecessary attention from the likes Antrim supporters who have nothing else to look forward to other than get a dig at Down at every possible oppurtunity.
On a side note am still waiting for one of these little posts from Hardstation to be actually funny, embarrassingly poor to date!!! Dont give up ur day job son, if u have one that is
Well if you don't know the facts then how can you say it is a load of balls? Just because you use profanities doesn't make your point correct, just like if you write it in capitals doesn't give it any more veracity. Actually admitting you don't know the facts just makes your initial statement sound boorish. What have you based your comment on? At least I have admitted my opinion is based on anecdotal evidence but have answered each time someone has asked about a particular match. But by all means you just stick to swearing, I'm sure everyone will be convinced by that
On the side point I think Hardstation's pictures were amusing. It won't be long before Armagh are beaten and we win again. For now they deserve to enjoy the victory, it was a big one and they did well. Armagh haven't suddenly become serious AI contenders and we haven't suddenly become donkeys. That's partly because Hardstation - we weren't stuffed
I find it funny it' still early June and the Ourmagh boy's are popping the champagne allready.There's a long season ahead and it would be great to see Down turn the tables on them later in the year.While there's no doubt that Armagh have been better than Down post 1994 Down are still ulsters most successsful county along with Cavan.So will the Ourmagh lad's adjust there attitude untill they win a second all ireland nevermind 5 . ;D
They are not and never have been Ulsters most successfull county. Not in terms of Senior football anyway
QuoteEven when Armagh are winning the chip appears on the shoulder. Armagh fans - the Linfield fans of GAA.
Down people have a great interest in soccer.
QuoteSo will the Ourmagh lad's adjust there attitude untill they win a second all ireland nevermind 5
Why shouldn't we celebrate our 5 successive championship victories over the forces of evil?
Since Down people are such experts in the past, perhaps they would like to tell us how long ago Down beat Armagh 5 times in row?
f**k sake boys this is embarrassing. Take two seconds to check HS's posts and you will realise where he is from!
Internet messageboard 101.
Well done to Armagh who were good and despite my initial pre-match assessment, should go on to beat Derry and will be in with a big shout for an Ulster title.
The two main things than surprised me were Andy Mallon's eclipse of Danny Hughes and the excellent performances form the 3 half-forwards.
The only surprises from Down were starting Daniel on Jamey Clarke ( a reminder of the NFL final when Aidan Brannigan started on Stevie Mc Donnell and Stevie had a point in 20 seconds which set the tone) and not starting Conor Maginn- I had thought he was injured but if he could play 50 minutes it should have been the first 50 minutes).
John O'C is bang on the money- no need for panic but we do need a few favourable draws to get us to a 'Sligo scenario'.Meanwhile it will be a 13th year of Armagh/Tyrone Ulster domination.
You can throw league form out the window when it comes to games like this, Armagh were never going to allow themselves to be embarassed at home at the hands of Down.
Down are obviously a very talented side and we could meet them again and they will have learned a lot from this game but Armagh will take heart in the fact they won every sector despite Stevie being for him, sub par.
Derry next, tough game but Armagh will be rarin to go.
just got a read of john morrison in the gazette of course he knew all along that we would win easy ::) what a pity in his match write up he failed to mention micheal o rourke at all. i thought he was good enough to warrant some praise
Couple of points
1. Maybe Stevie had a poor game because Gordon actually is not such a bad fullback as he has slated to be. That's twice he's played Stevie and on both occasions Stevie has "been a bit below his usual standards"
2. We can try to calm ourselves down all we like with reassuring statements that we are still a good team with good prospects but realistically until we will do nothing unless midfield is sorted out.
Any defence will struggle if their midfield loses 20 minutes of possession and any forward line will struggle when feeding off scraps. But if we sort midfield then our forwards will get the ammunition to damage any team and scoring around 17 points per game would be realistic (the total needed to win most matches). Similarly if we sort midfield much less opposition attacks would be mounted and keeping the opposition to a maximum of 15-16 points would also be realistic.
Quote from: PAULD123 on March 01, 2011, 08:35:49 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 01, 2011, 12:33:08 AM
Mallon's form has dipped but he's an exceptional man marker. Donaghy is the best full back in ulster at least. McKeever is a class apart. those three are defenders of the highest quality - rare to have in the same team. Dyas has the potential to be our best player. AK and duffy are very good attacking half backs. crossmaglen captain McKeown has tremendous potential too
Donaghy is good, McKeever is good. Mallon was roasted by Down speed and will be roasted again by a fast forward. You didn't even mention Moriarty, hardly surprising given his error count. Kernan is a decent attacker but is hardly a top class defender. Duffy is more interested in trying to get sneaky hits in than playing football. So in fact given Mallon's loss of speed Armagh have in fact two good defenders - Donaghy and McKeever, so as long as the opposition only have two good attackers they'll be fine.
Down have similar defensive issues but our solution is to turn them all into real footballers and train them to work as a unit so as to provide backup.
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 01, 2011, 09:48:54 AM
I don't know why i'm answering you but i suppose there has to be newsround to go with newsnight.
A defence is not built on 6 out and out stoppers. in that regard we have 3 of the best who can also play football - that's 1 or 2 more than most decent defences. take down for example - no defenders individually at that level. other defenders in ulster at that level i would say justin McMahon, Karl Lacey, Darren Hughes, Barry Owens and a firing conor gormley.
Like a forward line, individual talent is not enough. Armagh are not defending as a unit and those three individuals are not playing well at the minute. Both i put at the door of management.
the other defenders on the squad are at least county standard. if you don't think moriarty, dyas, duffy, ak or McKeown can't do a good job on the three lesser threats in any forward line, particularly with the first three in place, then i don't know.
by the way - anyone who says that mallon is struggling because of pace is very poorly informed.
Quote from: PAULD123 on March 01, 2011, 12:28:29 PM
So according to Dufflelking Armagh only need three defenders. Well done, that will take care of teams that only have three attackers. Of course it would need those opposition teams to be awful decent and play their only three decent attackers at CHF for McKeever to mark, Full Forward for Donaghy to mark and one in the corner for Mallon to Mark. I'm sure the rest of the county managers will have no problem accommodating you on this one.
God forbid they may actually put of a strong half forward line like Coulter-Clarke-Hughes. That would just be unfair on poor Donaghy having to waste his time marking the "Weaker" forward Ronan Murtagh who incidentally caught everything on Saturday and scored two points from play against him.
And it would be a disgrace if Cork decided to play a full-forward line of Goulding-O'Connor-Sheehan. Surely one of these boys should be placed at CHF for McKeever to mark, mind you Cork would probably be happy to move Pearse O'Neill in form the right wing to centre just to accommodate McKeever. They wouldn't be so selfish as to have him up against Duffy who is not meant to be defending in Duffleking's system.
Come on now don't be silly. You don't get to choose where the "lesser threats" come from, nor do you get to dictate that the opposition are only allowed to play three good attackers. If you play two non-defensive wing backs then your wings will get torn apart by the top 4-5 teams in the country.
Quote from: PAULD123 on March 02, 2011, 08:03:04 AM
Quote from: DuffleKing on March 01, 2011, 11:48:42 PM
The lord jaysus.
You are making my point for me chap.
More complete tosh from you DK, do you never learn. So I'm making your point for you that Down's average defence is no worse than Armagh's is that so?
DK - McKernan and Gordan are laughably bad defenders
DK - We could actually ship you a load of defenders from beyond our panel who would start for down.
DK - Gordon is filling a hole at full back for down...we prefer our full backs to be able to tackle and stay with a forward when he turns
DK - Armagh have the players. they have better defenders than anyone
Exactly how is that you making the point that your defence is no better than ours? Once again you don't even think before you write something. Everyone can see that you have continually made idle boasts and unsubstantiated claims that Down's defence is "Laughbly bad" while Armagh's is "Better than Anyone". Catch a grip you look like a fool more and more with each post. Best you go away and hide, come back in May when the dust has settled and people have forgotten your ridiculous posts (most of which came afer you lost, yes LOST)
Quote from: DuffleKing on February 24, 2011, 12:32:36 AM
Quote from: redandblackareback on February 23, 2011, 11:05:42 PM
Lets be honest here, on saturday night you have one changing room with a management team who have their team playing to a structured game plan, they have possibly the best football trainer in the country, one of the most knowledgable men in the province and a very astute manager. In the other changing room you have a weight lifter and two men who are extremely limited tactically and a manager whose heart cant possibly be in winning no matter what any Armagh man thinks.
There wont be any shocks, it will simply be a straight forward win for Down by maybe 5/6 points depending on how much Armagh open out towards the end when their chasing the game against a well organised counter attacking down team. Its difficult to know where Down are right now but last weeks game will have helped Garvey and Rooney and brought a bit more stability to a defence who played very well last year, I do feel that after a win this saturday if we can take 3 or 4 points from our next 6 we could be looking at the top 2.. Ambitious but we were the 2nd best team in ireland last year!
Don't disagree with too much of that - bar the over estimation of Tally & McIvor - unfortunately. I do believe, however, that armagh posess better players and on any given day, gameplan & organization can be over ridden by pure performance (down beating tyrone in the marshes). Sadly, we are lumbered with this management for the forseeable future and i think the the players are good enough to produce a decent championship run - which will mean another year with them.
Anyway - Armagh by 3!
Very good Duffle King. ;D
Quote from: PAULD123 on June 02, 2011, 09:42:56 AM
Couple of points
1. Maybe Stevie had a poor game because Gordon actually is not such a bad fullback as he has slated to be. That's twice he's played Stevie and on both occasions Stevie has "been a bit below his usual standards"
2. We can try to calm ourselves down all we like with reassuring statements that we are still a good team with good prospects but realistically until we will do nothing unless midfield is sorted out.
Any defence will struggle if their midfield loses 20 minutes of possession and any forward line will struggle when feeding off scraps. But if we sort midfield then our forwards will get the ammunition to damage any team and scoring around 17 points per game would be realistic (the total needed to win most matches). Similarly if we sort midfield much less opposition attacks would be mounted and keeping the opposition to a maximum of 15-16 points would also be realistic.
Id say you need to get Dan Gordon back into midfield asap.The thing is before last years all ireland final i was worried that Peter Fitzpatrick and Kalum King would cause us problems but we destroyed Downs midfield in that final.Yet we only won by a point mainly i think because we didn't convert our goal chances which is my main worry about our team.If it's not meant to be for us to retain our trophy i would love to see Down replace us as champions.However i can't see you getting as far as an all ireland semi final mainly because that you're backs are too lose and that to build on the progresss you made last year you needed to win an Ulster title.With that said you might get some momentum going in the qualifiers and who know's what can happen then.
Stephen McDonald had a good game, yes he was well marshalled at times but he create chances and space. His understanding with Clarke was also good.
Good post Duffleking.
A league victory in February means SFA when it comes to the Ulster championship. Some of these Down boys really do get carried away with league victories lol.
Quote from: borderfox on June 02, 2011, 09:33:45 PM
Good post Duffleking.
A league victory in February means SFA when it comes to the Ulster championship. Some of these Down boys really do get carried away with league victories lol.
Fair enough, nothing I can say at the moment as it was all said on the pitch on Saturday night. All I will say is that if you don't want to end up with similar egg on your face to that on mine, then you want to be careful how much you gloat now. To paraphrase your own statement - a first round victory in May means SFA when it comes to the third Sunday in September!
Most Armagh posters have been sensible enough to praise their team for the terrific performance without making boasts or gloating. If you want to point out my mistake in doing so in February, then you also might want to learn from it.
Remember one victory does not make you suddenly the best team in Ireland nor does one loss make us the worst.
Don't worry Paul I'm not getting carried away with an Ulster QF win. Armagh people know only too well not to get carried away with a first round victory. Forgive me for getting a bit of scoffing in after an unforeseen victory over our nearest and dearest. I am sure you would feel the same if the shoe was on the other foot!
Paul , I found you have been quite gracious in defeat and While I dont have the same rivalry with Down that some of my fellow countymen on here have (Tyrone are the enemy ) we in Armagh in the majority were hoping while Down were expecting.
If we meet again it's literally a whole new ball game. That game, if it occurs, will have a dynamic of its own.
I would not get carried away with the win at all other than to say it was the style of football that pleased me as much as the result. Down will need to sit tight for the next few weeks . There is no need for any knee-jerk reaction. Players need to remain loyal and focused and not walk away. i have heard of one or two leaving the panel. Maybe thats inevitable .
The Tyrone defeat last year was just as galling and the backoor loomed large . Yet look where that ended.
. Derry are sitting in the wings and how we play against them will give me a truer reflection of where we are at. The roles are now reversed . We will no doubt be installed as favourites . If we play a similar type game with a favourable result then I can see this Armagh team going places . If we revert to type ..ie last year and league .the victory over Down will be nothing more than a one of game to settle bragging rights for a few months . For Armagh the picture is much bigger than a victory over a fairly good Down team.
Sustainability is the key word. . Have we ended this awful term that is levelled at us "a team in transition". Those transitional days are over . This is the team .
Good luck to Down (genuinely) I have always admired ur style . I hope we have a long summer but Derry will be a tough nut to crack.
Quote from: borderfox on June 03, 2011, 10:05:36 AM
Don't worry Paul I'm not getting carried away with an Ulster QF win. Armagh people know only too well not to get carried away with a first round victory. Forgive me for getting a bit of scoffing in after an unforeseen victory over our nearest and dearest. I am sure you would feel the same if the shoe was on the other foot!
If the shoe was on the other foot?, No, Borderfox I don't think I would be a bit scoffing. I think I would be a holy nightmare. In fact, I would probably be bombarding the board with jovial and scathing attacks on everything from the quality of the opposition players to the taste of the apples!!!! but then that's the kind of childish thwart I am.
However as much as I may be ungracious in victory, thankfully I am gracious in defeat. We deserved to lose, no debate, Armagh played better and most importantly with far greater desire. As I have said, if Down get taught one lesson by Armagh I hope it is the fantastic desire to win that was shown.
Oh, and I accept the slagging from yourself and Duffleking, guess it was coming my way, I am just surprised it took DK so long to get it in. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and accept what's coming to you!
Lads a genuine question
When was the last time Armagh lost an Ulster semifinal?
Quote from: Fuzzman on June 03, 2011, 02:51:35 PM
Lads a genuine question
When was the last time Armagh lost an Ulster semifinal?
Derry in 1998 as far as I can remember after beating Down in the first round. Derry went on to beat Donegal in the final.
Quote from: PAULD123 on June 03, 2011, 12:58:36 PM
Quote from: borderfox on June 03, 2011, 10:05:36 AM
Don't worry Paul I'm not getting carried away with an Ulster QF win. Armagh people know only too well not to get carried away with a first round victory. Forgive me for getting a bit of scoffing in after an unforeseen victory over our nearest and dearest. I am sure you would feel the same if the shoe was on the other foot!
If the shoe was on the other foot?, No, Borderfox I don't think I would be a bit scoffing. I think I would be a holy nightmare. In fact, I would probably be bombarding the board with jovial and scathing attacks on everything from the quality of the opposition players to the taste of the apples!!!! but then that's the kind of childish thwart I am.
However as much as I may be ungracious in victory, thankfully I am gracious in defeat. We deserved to lose, no debate, Armagh played better and most importantly with far greater desire. As I have said, if Down get taught one lesson by Armagh I hope it is the fantastic desire to win that was shown.
Oh, and I accept the slagging from yourself and Duffleking, guess it was coming my way, I am just surprised it took DK so long to get it in. Sometimes you just have to hold your hands up and accept what's coming to you!
Fair play Paul. Its the good natured banter that helps make the Armagh/Down rivalry great. Its our turn today next time round chances are itll be yours to dish out ;)
Mourne forward John Clarke has quit inter-county football after saying his "heart wasn't in it" following the Ulster SFC defeat to Armagh.
The 28-year An Riocht clubman added that he has left the county set-up "on good terms".
"I wouldn't be one for doing things half-hearted and if I wasn't going back fully committed with my heart in it, there was probably no point," he said.
However, Clarke has not ruled out a future return to the county colours.
"After the Armagh game it just got to the point where I just thought it wouldn't be fair to continue," he told the Irish News.
"I believed I would be doing myself an injustice and I'd be doing the team an injustice.
"I thought the time was right for the time being anyway - never say never in football - but as of now I've played my last game for Down.
"I've got a lot of time for (manager) James McCartan and I think the feeling is mutual, so I've left on good terms."
Clarke, the older brother of Down star Martin, also took a swipe at critics on internet discussion forums in the wake of the five-point loss to Armagh last month.
"You get a lot of criticism, you don't mind people criticising you to your face, but you do have your critics who sit behind computer screens and are on discussion boards, which is cowardly," he said.
"Players and managers alike take a lot of abuse. That's not the reason why I'm retiring, but there's criticism and there's criticism."
"but there's criticism and there's criticism."
Which is also called criticism ;D