Armagh have been hit with the news that Morgan Fuels has decided to severe all commercial links with them and has withdrawn from its sponsorship of the Athletic Grounds.
The announcement comes just a week after Armagh announced Rainbow Communications as their new jersey sponsors, replacing Morgan Fuels who has supported the county for the last 15-years.
In 2010 Morgan became naming right sponsors of the redeveloped Athletic Grounds but there has been a breakdown in the relationship between the company and the Orchard County board in recent times, with the company suspending their financial support.
Commenting on the decision to server commercial links with Armagh GAA, Hugh Morgan, Managing Director, Morgan Fuels said: "Since 1995 Morgan Fuels has contributed a very significant sum to the support and development of Armagh Football and Hurling, a sum that is well in excess of seven-figures.
"In very recent times, however, we have witnessed a serious decline in the atmosphere prevailing at County level matches, reflected in poor results and the souring of key relationships. As the principal sponsor of the County teams and of the Athletic Grounds, we have been in a very difficult position. Not only have we increasingly found ourselves at odds with the County Board over their failure to provide the branding and corporate hospitality benefits that were to be provided as part of our sponsorship agreements, but even more importantly, over their failure to take decisive and strategic action to stem the decline of Armagh Football.
"Earlier this year, I reluctantly came to the conclusion that, not only were the County Board complacent about Morgan Fuel's continued financial support, but they were failing to use the money to invest in the development of the teams. I sought to bring pressure on the Board by asking them to bring forward a strategy that would equip Armagh Football to go forward with confidence and to strive for the success they had achieved previously. I made it clear that unless such a strategy was developed, the financial support of Morgan Fuels could not be guaranteed. I am sorry to say that my request was ignored and, consequently, I had no option but to suspend our financial support. This impasse has continued for the last 6 months and led to the complete breakdown of our relationship with the County Board.
"On Sunday 28th October my brother-in-law died suddenly and on that same day I received by email a letter from the Chairman of the County Board making reference to my bereavement but informing me that new team sponsors were to be announced imminently, proposing that we could continue to pay for the naming rights to the Athletic Grounds and requesting a meeting the following evening (Monday). This was obviously impossible in the circumstances and showed no respect for me or my family. On Monday evening the County Secretary also sent me a letter by email regarding the sponsorship, again with no thought for my personal circumstances
"I wish everyone associated with Armagh GAA every success going forward and hope that the new sponsorship agreements bring appropriate benefits to the companies involved and the County. Until very recently, I have always enjoyed my association with Armagh and have been proud to play a small part in the County's development and success over these last 17 years."
Armagh's loss could be Louth's Gain!
I thought Gain used to sponsor Waterford?
Interesting, getting his retaliation in first. Theres a shit storm abrewing.
He is a dictator
Coiste Chontae Ard Mhacha are disappointed with Mr. Morgan's response to our new sponsorship arrangements since at all times we endeavour to conduct our affairs with discretion and integrity. While our partnership with Morgan Fuels has been prosperous and mutually respectful for many years; some complications have arisen recently regarding their contractual relationship with Ard Mhacha. Out of respect to Mr. Morgan and the excellent partnership which we have enjoyed with him, we will not get involved in going into detail on this, but wish him and his company well. We would point out however that we did neither initiate, nor end the stadium involvement with his company and we were given to believe that this was to continue until we discovered early last week that Mr. Morgan had decided to bring it to an end. Finally, while we always welcome advice on how to manage our coaching and games, we will continue to ensure that this part of our operation will at all times be under the strategic control of our county board.
The real problem is that Hughie didn't feel that he was being listened to when it came to development plans, structures, choosing managers etc etc. I half expected something like this would happen once it became clear there was a breakdown with Hughie and county board. It happened before after he formed a breakaway club after being ousted from his own club. The county board would be best served to say nothing else on the matter.
Quote from: yellowcard on November 07, 2012, 08:39:05 PM
The real problem is that Hughie didn't feel that he was being listened to when it came to development plans, structures, choosing managers etc etc. I half expected something like this would happen once it became clear there was a breakdown with Hughie and county board. It happened before after he formed a breakaway club after being ousted from his own club. The county board would be best served to say nothing else on the matter.
What clubs would that be ?
Dirty washing out for all to see. Classy. ::)
As with all things, there are 2 sides to every story - & then there's the truth.
If a major sponsor believes they have a say in strategy and development then it will notbsit well with any county board. Having said that they are entitled to question the nature of investment of their cash. Behind closed doors.
Great respect for these issues to be discussed behind closed doors. Would have worked on other non gaa threads aswell
Delighted to see that very few people are buying into what Morgan's been trying to sell with his press release, Co Board have played it well.
In what Universe are sponsors given a say in the running of County teams?
They should, but the question is does he, or should he, have a major input into what that development plan is? A sponsor's money doesn't necessarily give him a large say on how the county board actually conducts its business. Of course if he isn't happy with how his money is being used, he is within his rights to spend it elsewhere.
I remember being at a NFL match in Crossmaglen and Mr Morgan was on the pitch during the warm-up before the game carrying a big bag of balls. He watched the match from the sideline sitting beside the County secretary or selectors.
I've never seen any other sponsor take on such a role.
arouind the time our ma were winnin/competing for trophies hughie supposedly had a say in who was o the panel - nothin to do wit picking the team or subs but who was on the panel.
btw
he is wel entitled to see that his money is spent wisely and frm the outside it dont look like this way. have they even the players to do better than currently? every county cant have a jim mcginness
killean were the breakaway club if i am correct that he formed after havin issues with killeavy
I am amazed with what people are saying about sponsors having a say in a management capacity or making decision for the CB, astonishing.
What would Dublin make of Vodafone interfering with the Dublin setup, or the Kerry Group interfering with how Kerry are setup. Sponsors DO NOT have a say in the running of a county team, that is the job of the counties GAA board. If he doesn't approve of the setup then bye bye, thank you for your investment in Armagh football over the years and you then part ways amicably. Did Morgan do that, No.
Remember Peter McDonnell's comments when he left Armagh? - He stated that people were interfering with the management of Armagh and it made his position as manager untenable.
Thank you for the years of sponsorship Morgan, but what you said yesterday was pathetic.
As for the spending of money, you can question where the money is going. Another thing you can ask yourself is whether his interference in management has had something to do with Armagh's decline. He is supposedly one of the reason why Grimley never got the job and now he has got it, he has withdrawn his sponsorship.
This is a story that should never have been given the oxygen of publicity
It certainly is bad timing - and a poor start for the relationship with the new sponsors. Id be anxious if i was Rainbow Telecom.
It is a slight on the investment and benevolence of Morgan Fuels - regardless of the press release yesterday.
It doesnt look good from the Armagh County Board perspective - in fact no one comes out of this smelling like roses.
The statements from both have been well crafted legal documents which suggests worse is to come.
It doesnt look good for Ulster GAA ultimately.
Sponsors should have absolutely NO SAY Whatsoever in team affairs - they can ask where the money is going adn how it is to be used in terms of team development, but in my opinion thats it.
County Boards should also be cognisant of the relationship with sponsors and how it needs to work in partnership...a contract of doos and don'ts tends to work for most other businesses, so that there are no shocks, on either side.
Im a tyrone man, and i was always envious that you had such a strong relationship with Morgan - both have done well out of it.
Move on, and wash the rest of the dirty linen behind closed doors.
Fundamentally any organisation such as the GAA needs to avoid the scenario where some big shot pumps money in and then wants it all their way. County Boards are elected and entrusted with a job to do. As a rank and file member, I wouldn't want some sponsor ruling the roost, just because he can afford to put more money in than I can.
Sponsors put money into events and teams so that their name is more recognisable and the more successful the team the better. It just doesn't work the way Morgan thinks it should work (unless a team or event got mixed up in something unethical).
Can someone answer this... maybe I'm wrong but I'll fire on anyway
Was the Athletic grounds (technically) named after Hugh Morgan's father due to a rule that GAA grounds can only be named after the deceased?
Following on from this, does the statements from Hugh Morgan & Armagh County Board citing naming right not mean this rule has been "openly" broken (even though everyone knew it was broken anyway).
And will Armagh County Board now rename the Athletic Grounds?
While we're asking questions...
What does Hughie Morgan have the first clue about strategy and development when he doesnt have a clue about Football!
Armagh are better off without him.
Its an absolute joke that this got out in the public domain and shows on both side the egos want fed instead of the better of Armagh football!
Quote from: Armaghgeddon on November 08, 2012, 12:56:53 PM
I am amazed with what people are saying about sponsors having a say in a management capacity or making decision for the CB, astonishing.
What would Dublin make of Vodafone interfering with the Dublin setup, or the Kerry Group interfering with how Kerry are setup. Sponsors DO NOT have a say in the running of a county team, that is the job of the counties GAA board. If he doesn't approve of the setup then bye bye, thank you for your investment in Armagh football over the years and you then part ways amicably. Did Morgan do that, No.
Remember Peter McDonnell's comments when he left Armagh? - He stated that people were interfering with the management of Armagh and it made his position as manager untenable.
Thank you for the years of sponsorship Morgan, but what you said yesterday was pathetic.
As for the spending of money, you can question where the money is going. Another thing you can ask yourself is whether his interference in management has had something to do with Armagh's decline. He is supposedly one of the reason why Grimley never got the job and now he has got it, he has withdrawn his sponsorship.
This is my problem with PMcD - he talked in riddles (as he ususally does) about what was going on at the end of his time with armagh. He should remember the main reason he got the job was that our then sponsor was intent on not giving it to Paul Grimley. PMcD should have came out at the time and said what was going on instead of adding to the cloak and dagger stories.
Whilst I think Hugh Morgan should be thanked for his 'sponsorship' of armagh it's probably best for the armagh county board (although probably not finanially) to step away for the good of armagh football.
I don't know if Hugh has any involvement with Crossmaglen but hopefully the county team and cross players can all put their shoulder to the wheel for the good of armagh football.
Credit to the County Chairman
Quote from: cornerback on November 08, 2012, 01:42:40 PM
Can someone answer this... maybe I'm wrong but I'll fire on anyway
Was the Athletic grounds (technically) named after Hugh Morgan's father due to a rule that GAA grounds can only be named after the deceased?
Following on from this, does the statements from Hugh Morgan & Armagh County Board citing naming right not mean this rule has been "openly" broken (even though everyone knew it was broken anyway).
And will Armagh County Board now rename the Athletic Grounds?
Well Cavan are in trouble then unless there is actually someone called Kingspan..
Tayto Park
Quote from: johnneycool on November 08, 2012, 02:36:04 PM
Quote from: cornerback on November 08, 2012, 01:42:40 PM
Can someone answer this... maybe I'm wrong but I'll fire on anyway
Was the Athletic grounds (technically) named after Hugh Morgan's father due to a rule that GAA grounds can only be named after the deceased?
Following on from this, does the statements from Hugh Morgan & Armagh County Board citing naming right not mean this rule has been "openly" broken (even though everyone knew it was broken anyway).
And will Armagh County Board now rename the Athletic Grounds?
Well Cavan are in trouble then unless there is actually someone called Kingspan..
Good point!
http://www.cavangaa.ie/kingspan-breffni-park.html (http://www.cavangaa.ie/kingspan-breffni-park.html)
"In 2002 Cavan Co Board successfully negotiated naming rights for Breffni Park. The Board teamed up with main sponsor Kingspan and through the generosity of Brendan Murtagh Breffni Park became known as Kingspan Breffni Park for a ten-year period in a deal which was worth €400,000 to Cavan GAA. This was the first sponsorship of its kind in the country and it remains the only one so far. It was a win-win for both sponsor and Cavan GAA, because the financial benefit accruing enabled Cavan Co Board to part- finance the completion of the terracing on all sides of the pitch and eliminate dangerous grass banks to facilitate spectator safety. This took place in 2003 and 2004 with Aidan Elliot again the contractor"
But I knew I'd seen somewhere about this "rule"
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/gaa-armaghs-groundbreaking-name-deal-15155956.html (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/gaa-armaghs-groundbreaking-name-deal-15155956.html)
"Under GAA rules, grounds cannot be named after a living person and Hugh Morgan is the current owner of the Morgan Group.
However Croke Park officials are believed to have accepted that the company is named after Hugh Morgan's late father."
Its 10 years on now , I haven't heard if they are renewing it or what the will happen.
Quote from: cornerback on November 08, 2012, 01:42:40 PM
And will Armagh County Board now rename the Athletic Grounds?
It's always had the same name and noone in Armagh ever used anything other than the Athletic Grounds
Quote from: Joxer on November 08, 2012, 02:16:45 PM
While we're asking questions...
What does Hughie Morgan have the first clue about strategy and development when he doesnt have a clue about Football!
Armagh are better off without him.
Its an absolute joke that this got out in the public domain and shows on both side the egos want fed instead of the better of Armagh football!
He wouldn't have the first clue. Wasn't even a casual football fan before he started sponsoring.
The only fault i'd have with the county board in the whole dealings is that they responded. I'd have said nothing
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 08, 2012, 05:47:24 PM
The only fault i'd have with the county board in the whole dealings is that they responded. I'd have said nothing
There is an argument alright for saying nothing.
However, given the bitter and personal nature of the original statement and the specific allegations made, I feel that on balance it was better to respond. And for what it's worth, the response was masterful. Succinct, without emotion and entirely professional. The high moral ground has been taken and the potential for a very public, messy spat has been avoided.
And reading through this thread, boy have there have been one or two nails which have been smashed firmly on the head in posts made today!! ;)
Hugh Morgan is a successful business man. Armagh should thank him for all that he has done for football. He makes a great play on his support for hurling but in fact hurling got little from the deal, and I note that his statement refers to the development of football and the senior county team. The bottom line is, no sponsor no matter how generous should be allowed to demand that any county board consult him on the matters Hughie was looking to be consulted on. Hughie also forgets that as a fan as well as sponsor he had unprecedented access to the team even going on some of the team holidays, again you would not see this with other county sponsors. I think the County Board have handled this correctly and if Hughie wants to take his bag of balls and run sorry to see it but that's life.
Quote from: Rufus T Firefly on November 08, 2012, 07:41:50 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 08, 2012, 05:47:24 PM
The only fault i'd have with the county board in the whole dealings is that they responded. I'd have said nothing
There is an argument alright for saying nothing.
However, given the bitter and personal nature of the original statement and the specific allegations made, I feel that on balance it was better to respond. And for what it's worth, the response was masterful. Succinct, without emotion and entirely professional. The high moral ground has been taken and the potential for a very public, messy spat has been avoided.
And reading through this thread, boy have there have been one or two nails which have been smashed firmly on the head in posts made today!! ;)
+1
If Hugh Morgan had orange blood running through his veins then he wouldn't have made this statement. The county board had to reply in the face of his statement but did so in a dignified manner and I'm sure they'll leave it at that. It was common knowledge that Hughie was too involved in stuff he shouldn't have been and the strong personalities at the head of the county board probably decided enough was enough (rightly so). In fairness a lot of time and energy is put into the underage structures within the county producing highly competitive minor teams for the last number of years.
Quote from: Applesisapples on November 09, 2012, 08:54:45 AM
The bottom line is, no sponsor no matter how generous should be allowed to demand that any county board consult him on the matters Hughie was looking to be consulted on.
Correct
(http://www.oneills.com/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/265x/7bc563c4a34b97d9c7fba60d6553fdd2/l/o/london-glc-blue-jersey-1.jpg)
Maybe they should look elsewhere for Sponsorship.
Quote from: cornerback on November 08, 2012, 03:15:50 PM
But I knew I'd seen somewhere about this "rule"
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/gaa-armaghs-groundbreaking-name-deal-15155956.html (http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/gaa/gaa-armaghs-groundbreaking-name-deal-15155956.html)
"Under GAA rules, grounds cannot be named after a living person and Hugh Morgan is the current owner of the Morgan Group.
However Croke Park officials are believed to have accepted that the company is named after Hugh Morgan's late father."
That sentence is a paradox, or in laymans terms, a load of bollocks. Its named after the company, which is a seperate entity, and which the reporter seems to acknowledge by saying they accepted the company is named after the father - as its a company in the first place, why does it matter who it was named after and if they're living or dead??! Stupid journalist
The main thing for me, is why in under fek would the county board accept naming of its historical county ground after someone of his reputation for a start. a man who has done nothing for the game in my view, (apart from putting in his 100,000s). if someone (sponsor) thinks he has that high an authority within a certain sport, club/county because they sponsor it then something is very very wrong.
I've seen it at club level though, some bucko sponsors a club, next thing you might see the son getting a jersey, as handy as you like, at all levels. various persuasions are at play and the same can be seen at county level also in many different aspects.
There are some dark arts at play with various sponsors and before getting involved with the likes, you need strong people at the helm to ward them off from most matters. Because envelopes are getting handed over left, right and centre some people though will fall for it and the next thing is, that sponsor thinks they're half running the show !
there is a whole can of worms behind this though and its been brewing, hopefully with Morgan out of the way now, things can move on and certain players from the same neck of the woods as Morgan are also prepared to move on. Hopefully now also, Grimley can take better control, i dont think he's the type to be walked over easily, so hopefully he (and his team) can pull the whole thing together again and Armagh can start making major progress
Quote from: Abble on November 09, 2012, 02:54:43 PM
The main thing for me, is why in under fek would the county board accept naming of its historical county ground after someone of his reputation for a start. a man who has done nothing for the game in my view, (apart from putting in his 100,000s). if someone (sponsor) thinks he has that high an authority within a certain sport, club/county because they sponsor it then something is very very wrong.
I've seen it at club level though, some bucko sponsors a club, next thing you might see the son getting a jersey, as handy as you like, at all levels. various persuasions are at play and the same can be seen at county level also in many different aspects.
There are some dark arts at play with various sponsors and before getting involved with the likes, you need strong people at the helm to ward them off from most matters. Because envelopes are getting handed over left, right and centre some people though will fall for it and the next thing is, that sponsor thinks they're half running the show !
there is a whole can of worms behind this though and its been brewing, hopefully with Morgan out of the way now, things can move on and certain players from the same neck of the woods as Morgan are also prepared to move on. Hopefully now also, Grimley can take better control, i dont think he's the type to be walked over easily, so hopefully he (and his team) can pull the whole thing together again and Armagh can start making major progress
Doesn't have to be the sponsor, committee members son's, chairman's son - it's all too common place.
well fuk that.. i'm going to have to buy at least four new jerseys now. great chance to hit the o'neills shop the old ones will be on the bargain rail. anyway hughie hughie.. this guys money is certainly making waves first he scuppers the fans favourite as manager doing kildare a favour then he sabotages a presidential candidate doing the whole country a favour.. and now he throws the dummy out and does armagh a favour? or does he have a point peter mc donnell was a very poor manager, paddy o rourke did what every down man has wanted to do for nearly a hundred years.. finish armagh. some of the decisions taken by our county board certainly havent covered them in glory. like the rugby coach contract. hughies tantrum comes at a time when something needs to happen. i see grimeys panel in the paper the monaghan man is still in the picture unless something serious has happened since the summer then we still dont have a midfield! i'm not sure that pouring money into armagh at the moment would be sound business practice especially if its not making you happy. maybe down will let him carry the minors footballs for a few hundred thousand he still sponsors them i take it
Quote from: mackers on November 09, 2012, 09:09:55 AM
Quote from: Rufus T Firefly on November 08, 2012, 07:41:50 PM
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 08, 2012, 05:47:24 PM
The only fault i'd have with the county board in the whole dealings is that they responded. I'd have said nothing
There is an argument alright for saying nothing.
However, given the bitter and personal nature of the original statement and the specific allegations made, I feel that on balance it was better to respond. And for what it's worth, the response was masterful. Succinct, without emotion and entirely professional. The high moral ground has been taken and the potential for a very public, messy spat has been avoided.
And reading through this thread, boy have there have been one or two nails which have been smashed firmly on the head in posts made today!! ;)
+1
If Hugh Morgan had orange blood running through his veins then he wouldn't have made this statement. The county board had to reply in the face of his statement but did so in a dignified manner and I'm sure they'll leave it at that. It was common knowledge that Hughie was too involved in stuff he shouldn't have been and the strong personalities at the head of the county board probably decided enough was enough (rightly so). In fairness a lot of time and energy is put into the underage structures within the county producing highly competitive minor teams for the last number of years.
Totally agree with these sentiments. Morgan put a lot into Armagh football over the years but he also got a lot out of it - it was a 2 way thing. Sponsorship is about raising the company profile and getting a long term financial return from that increased exposure. It's also about putting something back to the local community. I don't know much about Hughie's business but i'd say there's a fair chance his business gained a lot from his association with the county team over the years.
Regardless of that, he shot himself in the foot with that statement. The running of the county team and the development of football in the county is not within his remit as a sponsor and the County Board were right to make that clear in their statement. Where he's coming from anyway - anyone who knows anything about Armagh football knows the good work that has been going on for a few years now at underage and the plans for development that are in place.
Whilst i'm delighted that this long overdue move has been made, i'm not in agreement with much else in terms of the view on development work in recent years.
The academy initiative - and attempt to professionalise and link the whole development chain - is an exciting proxspect. very exciting if run properly. however the "work done in recent years at underage" is non existent and this has to be reversed. the development suads and particularly the coaching at minor & under twenty one has been inept and we may reap that particular whirlwind in the medium term.
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 09, 2012, 10:18:06 PM
Whilst i'm delighted that this long overdue move has been made, i'm not in agreement with much else in terms of the view on development work in recent years.
The academy initiative - and attempt to professionalise and link the whole development chain - is an exciting proxspect. very exciting if run properly. however the "work done in recent years at underage" is non existent and this has to be reversed. the development suads and particularly the coaching at minor & under twenty one has been inept and we may reap that particular whirlwind in the medium term.
The new sponsors might fund a few spelling lessons for youse boys while they're at it ;) ;)
Quote from: DuffleKing on November 09, 2012, 10:18:06 PM
Whilst i'm delighted that this long overdue move has been made, i'm not in agreement with much else in terms of the view on development work in recent years.
The academy initiative - and attempt to professionalise and link the whole development chain - is an exciting proxspect. very exciting if run properly. however the "work done in recent years at underage" is non existent and this has to be reversed. the development suads and particularly the coaching at minor & under twenty one has been inept and we may reap that particular whirlwind in the medium term.
Are you talking about the strategy/structures or the implementation? Two different things. Morgan seemed to be having a go at the CB for no strategy. The CB has introduced development squads and other structures and initiatives over the years and more recently the academy initiative etc. For Morgan to say there has been no strategy is simply not true.
There has been no strategy save keeping the show on the road.
The approach to our county minors in isolation is a good example. Given the depth of coaching talent in the county, the level and capability of the people put in place to develop these players has been poor. There has also been no structure to the skills & playing development of players under the guidance of county coaches from 14 to 19.
Have the Development squads from U14s been done away with?
There are two u14 development squads under the academy umbrella - north and south regions
Am I missing something? What's ur gripe then?
My gripe is what has gone on for the last 4 years. It's been less than poor. As i said above, the new academy and the attempt at some joined up thinking and and the potential of adding quality coaching input is very exciting from where we are now.
POR did a job that no one else genuinely wanted, blooded new players, wasn't a great success, but thinking anyone else would have done a Mc Guinness type job with the resources available is delusional. Peaks & troughs are the Armagh way, always has been, people should be a tad more realistic in their outlooks. In my experience people brought up during the glory years (or who became interested in GAA in that era) seem particularly unrealistic ( not a dig at you).
The development squads delivered a minor AI title, to say the youth structures were or are off is a bit cheeky imo. Unless you think annual youth success is an Armagh birthright.
I agree with the general point about peaks and troughs, but you can still make a case that we have not realised our full potential in the last few years. Some of the senior performances were well below par. While the minors have been a bit unlucky, after some U-21 success mid decade, recent U-21 seasons haven't been great, even with a AI winning minor team to build from.
QuotePeaks & troughs are the Armagh way, always has been, people should be a tad more realistic in their outlooks.
Fancy players who don't defend and who have a drink after a game has always been the Donegal way. Ways can be changed.
Peaks and troughs are there because above-average talented groups of players appear together in Armagh cyclically - big difference. We are not endowed with an endless supply of talent.
Quote from: bennydorano on November 10, 2012, 04:39:48 PM
POR did a job that no one else genuinely wanted, blooded new players, wasn't a great success, but thinking anyone else would have done a Mc Guinness type job with the resources available is delusional. Peaks & troughs are the Armagh way, always has been, people should be a tad more realistic in their outlooks. In my experience people brought up during the glory years (or who became interested in GAA in that era) seem particularly unrealistic ( not a dig at you).
The development squads delivered a minor AI title, to say the youth structures were or are off is a bit cheeky imo. Unless you think annual youth success is an Armagh birthright.
Well there's not too much benefit to anyone in getting into the specifics here but it'll be 4 years from we won an all ireland minor next time they play and a couple of years before that since there was decent development squad work done imho. That's quite a void of coaching and development when those batches come through together. Hopefully the new approach will get good coaches in charge of the key development phases.
I wasn't referring to senior football in any shape or form but i will say that it's plainly untrue to say that por did a job noone else wanted or did anything approaching a competent job. He did his best though, i wouldn;t contest that. The fault lies with the people who put him there and with the people who left him there. Not sure we've addressed that particular decline either but if the Academy is well resourced and staffed then we'll have addressed the most fundamental issue as a starting point.
Hughie doesn't waste any time. :P
Fairly predictable.
Did Sean Gallagher arrange this? Perhaps Cavan is next!
The Orange blood coursing through his veins has turned Red, he's been cured!
Good man Hughie, you're welcome aboard 8)
Quote from: mattockranger on November 07, 2012, 02:53:28 PM
Armagh's loss could be Louth's Gain!
quite Predictable alright.....wonder what the figure will be exactly
I hope the Louth Co Board spend his money correctly!
Who is the current Louth Manager?
It's an Armagh 1 2 then.
1. 2. 3. with former Armagh coach McGurn involved too
but interestingly there could be a 4.
in the form of a player
Quote from: mattockranger on November 21, 2012, 10:27:23 AM
1. 2. 3. with former Armagh coach McGurn involved too
but interestingly there could be a 4.
in the form of a player
Who's that?
Quote from: yellowcard on November 21, 2012, 10:49:06 AM
Quote from: mattockranger on November 21, 2012, 10:27:23 AM
1. 2. 3. with former Armagh coach McGurn involved too
but interestingly there could be a 4.
in the form of a player
Who's that?
A former Crossmaglen half forward?
Quote from: thebandit on November 21, 2012, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 21, 2012, 10:49:06 AM
Quote from: mattockranger on November 21, 2012, 10:27:23 AM
1. 2. 3. with former Armagh coach McGurn involved too
but interestingly there could be a 4.
in the form of a player
Who's that?
A former Crossmaglen half forward?
... Aidan Short could maybe get a game for louth
Quote from: thebandit on November 21, 2012, 12:19:40 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on November 21, 2012, 10:49:06 AM
Quote from: mattockranger on November 21, 2012, 10:27:23 AM
1. 2. 3. with former Armagh coach McGurn involved too
but interestingly there could be a 4.
in the form of a player
Who's that?
A former Crossmaglen half forward?
If its Johnny Murtagh sure he has already played for Louth afaik.
No not Murtagh
but a former underage starlet is seemingly being coaxed
Quote from: mattockranger on November 22, 2012, 09:48:15 AM
No not Murtagh
but a former underage starlet is seemingly being coaxed
Tasker?
Is there an injunction out which prevents him from being named?
Tasker is indeed the rumoured player
do you know anymore yellowcard?
Quote from: mattockranger on November 22, 2012, 01:11:51 PM
Tasker is indeed the rumoured player
do you know anymore yellowcard?
I heard he was transferring to Dundalk Gaels about 6 months ago after a sabbatical from his own club Cullyhanna. However he is back playing with Cullyhanna U21s so I would be surprised if the rumours are true. Very talented player but I'm not even sure if he has the desire to play county football. Don't know any more than that.
Quote from: yellowcard on November 22, 2012, 01:26:49 PM
Quote from: mattockranger on November 22, 2012, 01:11:51 PM
Tasker is indeed the rumoured player
do you know anymore yellowcard?
I heard he was transferring to Dundalk Gaels about 6 months ago after a sabbatical from his own club Cullyhanna. However he is back playing with Cullyhanna U21s so I would be surprised if the rumours are true. Very talented player but I'm not even sure if he has the desire to play county football. Don't know any more than that.
I'd agree with the bit in bold. He seems to be unable to commit himself to a full year's football with his club never mind the commitment required for inter county football. I'd be surprised and very disappointed if this rumour is true.