Sorry if there already is a thread for this, can't see one! Personally I think that any of 6 teams can win it. Donegal would be my favourites, they've discovered a few players in the league and they are very difficult to beat in the championship. Monaghan would be next, very powerful looking team and going very well in the league. Will take a lot of confidence from last year. Then I would have Derry/Down/Tyrone/Cavan. Derry have been going well in the league and have a gem of a manager. If they get through the tough first round tie with Donegal, I wouldn't be suprised if they won it. You can never rule out tyrone, they have a great set of forwards but need to work on their defence. Down are ticking away nicely in division 2 and are starting to get their full squad back. The big question of the championship is will Cavan be able to translate underage success into seniors. In conclusion, we have a mighty championship ahead of us folks, any team listed could win it, even Armagh could spring a surprise. What's everyone else's views on the USFC ahead? Any players to look out for etc?
Agree very exciting Ulster Championship in store.
For me I'd rate teams in the following order in terms of favourites and potential winners.
Donegal
Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan
Down, Cavan
Armagh
Fermanagh
Antrim
Players to watch for me and could have a big summer include.
Donegal - O. Mac Nailis
Derry - C. O'Boyle
Tyrone - M. Donnelly
Cavan - M.Argue
Personally I would put the order as
Donegal/Derry
Tyrone/Monaghan
Cavan
Armagh/Down
Fermanagh
Antrim
From an Armagh perspective a win over Cavan is possibly the height of our ambition. On saying that we are not as bad as some would make you think. If we have close to a full squad available a bit of luck could see us spring a few surprises.
Don't think we can justify being favourites at this point, we've a lot to prove after last season and an average enough league performance this year. Plus, isn't defending-in-numbers now officially dead? :P
If we put in a good performance and beat Derry, then maybe, but I think we've a lot to prove.
Tyrone to resume their perennial favourites tag for me.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 20, 2014, 09:34:17 PM
Agree very exciting Ulster Championship in store.
For me I'd rate teams in the following order in terms of favourites and potential winners.
Donegal
Derry, Tyrone, Monaghan
Down, Cavan
Armagh
Fermanagh
Antrim
Players to watch for me and could have a big summer include.
Donegal - O. Mac Nailis
Derry - C. O'Boyle
Tyrone - M. Donnelly
Cavan - M.Argue
Yeah definitely! Have enjoyed caolans goal threat this year already, could be the thing that derry sides have lacked the past number of years. I heard argue read up in under 21s, must be a right player. Mattie Donnelly was brilliant for uuj big year ahead for him. I can see enda Lynn having a big year from derry and also young McCurry from tyrone is a classy classy footballer!
Derry / Donegal / Monaghan / Tyrone
Down / Cavan / Armagh
Fermanagh
Antrim
- Armagh could surprise a few the year. The Derry Donegal game will be an interesting one. Tyrone should be safe enough in rd 1 with home advantage and a super forward unit. You'd fear for Antrim, the Saffrons seems like a one legged dog at the minute
Ulster is very open - Derry look good but I wouldn't say they are formediable either. Tyrone defence was very poor in the League,so they will need to tighten up, Monaghan and Donegal meet in the League final, should be interesting game. If Cavan had Gearoid McKiernan last year we probaly would have beaten Monaghan, so he will be a plus going into the championship.
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 20, 2014, 09:56:35 PM
If Cavan had Gearoid McKiernan last year we probaly would have beaten Monaghan, so he will be a plus going into the championship.
If your aunt had testicles she'd be your uncle and if the legitimate goal had stood we'd have gone to beat you by more.
Quote from: babarino on April 20, 2014, 10:22:10 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 20, 2014, 09:56:35 PM
If Cavan had Gearoid McKiernan last year we probaly would have beaten Monaghan, so he will be a plus going into the championship.
If your aunt had testicles she'd be your uncle and if the legitimate goal had stood we'd have gone to beat you by more.
Hopefully we meet this year.
It's Donegal's, Tyrone's, Derry's or Monaghan's to lose.
Quote from: babarino on April 20, 2014, 10:22:10 PM
Quote from: rodney trotter on April 20, 2014, 09:56:35 PM
If Cavan had Gearoid McKiernan last year we probaly would have beaten Monaghan, so he will be a plus going into the championship.
If your aunt had testicles she'd be your uncle and if the legitimate goal had stood we'd have gone to beat you by more.
I'm betting your Aunt does have testicles.
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Will be keeping a look out this summer for Donegal's Darach O'Connor. He's a son of Former Roscommon legend, John 'Jigger' O'Connor. I think he's only around 19, but have been hearing good things about him.
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Getting rid of Grimley is not going to dramatically propel us to AI contenders. We have a very average squad. It wouldn't matter who was in charge.
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
I know by now, even a Mr Magoo can spot that their wily cynical ways are not having the same effect of old, but I wouldn't go so far as to call Tyrone a farce.
Last year the two favourites were Donegal and Tyrone, who were paired against each other in the first round and both came a cropper.
This year the top 2 favourites, Donegal and Derry, meet in the 1st round. Surely history will repeat itself.
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 02:12:00 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Getting rid of Grimley is not going to dramatically propel us to AI contenders. We have a very average squad. It wouldn't matter who was in charge.
It would be a start he is as inept as the team, looks totally confused at every game. Sooner he is gone the better.
Seems to be big interest in the 1st round between donegal and Derry. All tickets that went on sale online are sold out already and the supervalue stores in donegal have sold their allocation. Will be an interesting game which could all cone down to the amount of primary ball each full forward line can get.
Is setup to be an interesting ulster championship with at least 5 teams really fancying their chances at winning it
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 04:34:04 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 02:12:00 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Getting rid of Grimley is not going to dramatically propel us to AI contenders. We have a very average squad. It wouldn't matter who was in charge.
It would be a start he is as inept as the team, looks totally confused at every game. Sooner he is gone the better.
We'll be winning feck all the next 4 or 5 years with the players we have. Grimley is no big shakes (unless he's running for his dinner), but even the best managers around would go nowhere with Armagh.
The Donegal match really disgusted me, and I am really considering not paying £20 to watch more of the same shite against Cavan. They really were brutal. We haven't a hope of beating Cavan, and we'll only win a qualifier or two if we're drawn against The likes of London or Carlow. Even then, I wouldn't be confident. We have dropped so far in the last few years, it has become embarrassing.
Realy looking forward to this years Ulster championship. When was the last time at least 5 teams had genuine chances of winning it? Early '90's?
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 11:59:56 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 04:34:04 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 02:12:00 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Getting rid of Grimley is not going to dramatically propel us to AI contenders. We have a very average squad. It wouldn't matter who was in charge.
It would be a start he is as inept as the team, looks totally confused at every game. Sooner he is gone the better.
We'll be winning feck all the next 4 or 5 years with the players we have. Grimley is no big shakes (unless he's running for his dinner), but even the best managers around would go nowhere with Armagh.
The Donegal match really disgusted me, and I am really considering not paying £20 to watch more of the same shite against Cavan. They really were brutal. We haven't a hope of beating Cavan, and we'll only win a qualifier or two if we're drawn against The likes of London or Carlow. Even then, I wouldn't be confident. We have dropped so far in the last few years, it has become embarrassing.
But Benny, we've seen what can be achieved in the championship with a manager who has a game plan to suit players who maybe are not world beaters.
We'll know a lot more about the state of three of Ulster's top dogs after this weekend.
At this juncture, among the serious contenders the three home teams to win - Derry, the form team in Ulster this year, to beat Donegal, Tyrone to take Down and not the surprise some might think, Armagh to beat Cavan.
Quote from: omagh_gael on April 22, 2014, 08:18:20 PM
Realy looking forward to this years Ulster championship. When was the last time at least 5 teams had genuine chances of winning it? Early '90's?
Who are your 5 contenders? I'd right off Fermanagh and Antrim. A Cavan win in Armagh would put them in contention.
Donegal, Tyrone, Derry Monaghan and Cavan
Quote from: rrhf on April 22, 2014, 10:32:43 PM
Donegal, Tyrone, Derry Monaghan and Cavan
Not so sure about dismissing Down's chances. They do have quality, have been there or thereabouts recently and have a home tie if they cause an upset in Omagh.
There can only be one of Tyrone/Monaghan/Down, in the semi final.
If Down get through Tyrone, then surely they won't get past Monaghan;)
It's a tough championship draw for Down.
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Derry
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Monaghan
Semi Finals:
Derry vs Fermanagh: Derry
Cavan vs Monaghan: Monaghan
Final:
Derry vs Monaghan: Derry
son i can see you havent suffered the defeats i have following derry the past 25yrs, i dont look by Donegal to be honest and even that at the minute would favour Donegal
Quote from: quiganmaster on April 22, 2014, 11:31:13 PM
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Derry
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Monaghan
Semi Finals:
Derry vs Fermanagh: Derry
Cavan vs Monaghan: Monaghan
Final:
Derry vs Monaghan: Derry
I'd agree that Derry should get to Clones, but if it's against Monaghan, which I wouldn't be so sure about, we should make it 2 in a row.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 22, 2014, 11:34:45 PM
son i can see you havent suffered the defeats i have following derry the past 25yrs, i dont look by Donegal to be honest and even that at the minute would favour Donegal
Wouldn't know about the last 25 years just a few short of it though! This was just the way I want it to work out and it probably won't with how competitive the ulster championship is. Donegal is a huge task, but I think we may just nip it by a point or two with home advantages saying that even if we get past them, Fermanagh are a savage of a team to play in the ulster semi final....2008.....
Can Derry replicate league form in the c'ship? In previous years they didn't. Derry Donegal is too clos to call. Really looking forward to it. Should be interesting.
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone unfortunately
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs tyrone: Donegal
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 11:59:56 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 04:34:04 PM
Quote from: BennyCake on April 21, 2014, 02:12:00 PM
Quote from: Black Card on April 21, 2014, 12:35:23 PM
Quote from: Itchy on April 21, 2014, 11:29:12 AM
The mad thing is that out of 2 of the favourites, Derry & Donegal, one will be out in the first round. I believe Cavan are better than Armagh but I wouldn't be surprised if Armagh won. Monaghan will be hard bet and obviously Tyrone are still a force. I think Donegal will win Ulster.
You would be alone there, Armagh are totally inept all over. First round exit, maybe one qualifier win and then get rid of Grimley!
Getting rid of Grimley is not going to dramatically propel us to AI contenders. We have a very average squad. It wouldn't matter who was in charge.
It would be a start he is as inept as the team, looks totally confused at every game. Sooner he is gone the better.
We'll be winning feck all the next 4 or 5 years with the players we have. Grimley is no big shakes (unless he's running for his dinner), but even the best managers around would go nowhere with Armagh.
The Donegal match really disgusted me, and I am really considering not paying £20 to watch more of the same shite against Cavan. They really were brutal. We haven't a hope of beating Cavan, and we'll only win a qualifier or two if we're drawn against The likes of London or Carlow. Even then, I wouldn't be confident. We have dropped so far in the last few years, it has become embarrassing.
Totally agree - was going through my old programmes and ticket stubs with my son from the noughties busting with pride, be a long time before he see's Armagh close to a final.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Personally I think whoever wins the Derry v Donegal game will win Ulster. Most anticipated Ulster Championship in a long time I think,
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Because as usual you are completely blinkered when it comes to Tyrone. You have no defence!!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Because as usual you are completely blinkered when it comes to Tyrone. You have no defence!!
Tyrones defence wasn't overly brilliant during the league but a lot of new players were introduced and becoming accustomed to the highest standard doesn't happen over night. I would be hopeful of the defence being stronger come the summer especially with the possible additon of the two McMahons and Gormley. I honestly just feel that Derry did well in the league due to them being ahead of the rest from the start in terms of preparation and fitness and can't really see them doing anything significant in Ulster. Tyrone (without a defence as you say) beat them handy enough in the McKenna Cup and were comfortable as well in the league until a bit of youthful inexperience caught up with them at the end and allowed Derry to snatch the draw.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Because as usual you are completely blinkered when it comes to Tyrone. You have no defence!!
It would be fairly blinkered to not have Tyrone down as one of the favorites. They were a semi final team last year, and apart from Derry, were the only Ulster team up against Div 1 forwards. Plus they have a returning Gormley and McMahons (Hopefully).
I'd have Donegal Tyrone and Derry on the same footing, then Monaghan, then Down and Cavan. Then Armagh and fermanagh, and finally Antrim.
Have a feeling that Cavan could be a dark horse this year.
Derry v Tyrone tie this year in the Championship would be very tasty indeed. Tyrone are tried and proven and will be about at the business end of the Championship, i've no doubt about that. Derry, well we are no longer under the radar but I don't agree that it's our fitness that has given us an advantage, the organisation, workrate and confidence McIver has instilled is reaping dividends.
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 AM
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Luck?? Explain that one.
Walter from what I seen, I felt that you'se met one or two teams on an off day. Most notably Dublin. I suppose we will know more about that on Sunday. I would also expect a Tyrone team leading Derry by 7 points early in the second half to close the game out. A wee bit of luck is crucial for any successful side to be fair.
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 10:06:50 AM
Walter from what I seen, I felt that you'se met one or two teams on an off day. Most notably Dublin. I suppose we will know more about that on Sunday. I would also expect a Tyrone team leading Derry by 7 points early in the second half to close the game out. A wee bit of luck is crucial for any successful side to be fair.
That's the biggest pile of rubbish. Every team have off days, no team goes out and plays well every single game with a certain degree of consistency, that isn't luck on Derry's part. The only 'luck' Derry have had this year is with injuries (in comparison to previous years) or lack of. SLM aside we have escapaed relatively unscathed in the league and opening rounds of club fixtures.
Dublin side v Derry.
S Cluxton; S George, P McMahon (0-01), M Fitzsimons; D Nelson, J Cooper, D Daly; D O'Mahony, MD Macauley (0-01); B Cullen, A Brogan (0-06), D Byrne; P Hudson (0-02, 1f), E O'Gara, P Andrews (0-02).
Dublin side v Tyrone.
S Currie; J Cooper, R O'Carroll, P McMahon (0-01); J McCarthy (1-00), K Nolan, J McCaffrey; MD Macauley (1-00), T Brady; J Whelan (1-01), D Connolly (0-05, 3f), B Cullen (0-01); K McManamon (0-01), E O'Gara, A Brogan (0-1).
You could argue the Dublin side that lined out against Tyrone was slightly stronger, mind you Cluxton wasnt playing. Tyrone got their fair bit of luck against Kildare. Had they not won that they could have been in contention for relegation.
No one in Derry is getting carried away with themselves. Fact remains we have underperformed in the championship over the years. If we can get past Donegal I think we can go far.
Massive IF against Donegal, I'd be very wary of them especially with Jim getting a good look at our team prior to the game.
Quote from: DennistheMenace on April 23, 2014, 10:41:20 AM
Massive IF against Donegal, I'd be very wary of them especially with Jim getting a good look at our team prior to the game.
Without doubt but will we not get a look at them on Sunday. Surely Donegal will field a strong side on Sunday and want revenge from last years Ulster final.
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:31:27 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Because as usual you are completely blinkered when it comes to Tyrone. You have no defence!!
Tyrones defence wasn't overly brilliant during the league but a lot of new players were introduced and becoming accustomed to the highest standard doesn't happen over night. I would be hopeful of the defence being stronger come the summer especially with the possible additon of the two McMahons and Gormley. I honestly just feel that Derry did well in the league due to them being ahead of the rest from the start in terms of preparation and fitness and can't really see them doing anything significant in Ulster. Tyrone (without a defence as you say) beat them handy enough in the McKenna Cup and were comfortable as well in the league until a bit of youthful inexperience caught up with them at the end and allowed Derry to snatch the draw.
That is one of the most disrespectful posts I've seen on this board. How did tyrone get past derry handy enough in th McKenna cup? Thought derry were all over them to be fair! Derry also had numerous youngsters on in that game. In the league derry got them game back against tyrone through hard work, organisation and their fitness levels. Suppose beating kerry in Killarney was luck also? Lucky enough not to be beaten by 15 I mean... And sure tyrone had no luck at all against Kildare... And sure derry were lucky enough with the sending off of fergal Doherty against mayo....
I'm not saying derry will win Sam, or even the Anglo Celtic cup, but you have to give credit where credit due, derry have been brilliant in the league and long may it continue.
Quote from: quiganmaster on April 23, 2014, 11:48:36 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:31:27 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 09:20:10 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 23, 2014, 08:27:20 AM
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 23, 2014, 08:22:30 AM
Come championship time I would have Tyrone and Donegal as favourites. Derry would be next on the ladder closely followed by Monaghan.
Has Fay Devlin and Chris Lawn returned to the fold or what??
Why would anyone think any different?
Preliminary Round:
Down vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Quarter Finals:
Derry vs Donegal: Donegal
Armagh vs Cavan: Cavan
Antrim vs Fermanagh: Fermanagh
Tyrone vs Monaghan: Tyrone
Semi Finals:
Donegal vs Fermanagh: Donegal
Cavan vs tyrone: Tyrone
Final:
Donegal vs Tyrone: Tyrone
Because as usual you are completely blinkered when it comes to Tyrone. You have no defence!!
Tyrones defence wasn't overly brilliant during the league but a lot of new players were introduced and becoming accustomed to the highest standard doesn't happen over night. I would be hopeful of the defence being stronger come the summer especially with the possible additon of the two McMahons and Gormley. I honestly just feel that Derry did well in the league due to them being ahead of the rest from the start in terms of preparation and fitness and can't really see them doing anything significant in Ulster. Tyrone (without a defence as you say) beat them handy enough in the McKenna Cup and were comfortable as well in the league until a bit of youthful inexperience caught up with them at the end and allowed Derry to snatch the draw.
That is one of the most disrespectful posts I've seen on this board. How did tyrone get past derry handy enough in th McKenna cup? Thought derry were all over them to be fair! Derry also had numerous youngsters on in that game. In the league derry got them game back against tyrone through hard work, organisation and their fitness levels. Suppose beating kerry in Killarney was luck also? Lucky enough not to be beaten by 15 I mean... And sure tyrone had no luck at all against Kildare... And sure derry were lucky enough with the sending off of fergal Doherty against mayo....
I'm not saying derry will win Sam, or even the Anglo Celtic cup, but you have to give credit where credit due, derry have been brilliant in the league and long may it continue.
I never said Derry were lucky, they have performed brilliantly in the league so far and got what they have deserved. I could be wrong, but I have seen teams peak for the league before when the other teams are not necessarily at the same stage preparation wise. If they continue this into next month against Donegal then I will have been proved wrong, but at the minute I have a feeling they have a lot to prove come championship.
Derry are the great unknowns this year. No one knows where their cap lies, they could easily find themselves in an AISF or they could be in the first round of the qualifiers. Tyrone and Donegal are known quantities, for better or worse.
My 2 biggest fears are:
* Derry coming up against the Donegal defence having played against teams basically trying to out score each other in open matches with one on one at the back. Though to a certain extent, we have had the experience of Mayo dropping a sweeper in to curtail the runs of players at speed off the shoulder. The match at Celtic will match an attacking team fornenst the ultra defensive team and will be fascinating. Hopefully there is a huge crowd in
* Tyrone. These pesky hooers will have something up their sleeve which will be unveiled during the Ulster championship. ..I'm excited
we could know after a possible trimming this weekend
http://www.hoganstand.com/down/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=215104 (http://www.hoganstand.com/down/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=215104)
sneaky bast1d getting armagh in under the radar again.
Quote from: Aristo 60 on April 29, 2014, 01:56:49 PM
http://www.hoganstand.com/down/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=215104 (http://www.hoganstand.com/down/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=215104)
sneaky bast1d getting armagh in under the radar again.
Or he just knows they are sh1t.
Is that glowing example of everything that is good about Ulster on here? I'm referring to Ulster's answer to Mahatma Gandhi, Ulsterman, of Hogan Stand fame?
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 AM
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Just seen this and I couldn't agree. Best or not is subjective, but "by a country mile" is simply not true.
Quote from: Schkite on April 29, 2014, 02:32:31 PM
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 AM
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Just seen this and I couldn't agree. Best or not is subjective, but "by a country mile" is simply not true.
K. Hughes cant be far off the best at present!
IMO the best forward in Ulster is Jamie Clarke. If he was playing for one of the top teams he would be unstoppable. Michael Murphy simply doesn't score enough from play. McFadden would be more important to Donegal.
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 29, 2014, 02:45:53 PM
IMO the best forward in Ulster is Jamie Clarke. If he was playing for one of the top teams he would be unstoppable. Michael Murphy simply doesn't score enough from play. McFadden would be more important to Donegal.
Chrikers, thats a big call. Murphy is an incredible player, a top 5er in the country. Donegals problem is they dont have 2 of him. He would be ruling all scoring charts if left in on the square and had decent ball going in. The fact that he spends a good portion of each match dropping into midfield helping out limits his scoring.
K Hughes and J Clarke are completely different footballers
Quote from: nrico2006 on April 29, 2014, 02:45:53 PM
IMO the best forward in Ulster is Jamie Clarke. If he was playing for one of the top teams he would be unstoppable. Michael Murphy simply doesn't score enough from play. McFadden would be more important to Donegal.
Disagree. Murphy is used variously as a ball-winning, scoring forward, a playmaker and a midfielder. Not his fault he doesn't get the opportunities McFadden does.
Poland - Down
Murphy - Donegal
McManus - Monaghan
Clarke - Armagh
You could nearly have an argument about all these players saying they're the best in the province, but they usually play in different ways
Not sure what to make of Ulster right now. It's certainly the most equitable province at the moment, but does that make it the best provincial championship? Is any team in Ulster going to win Sam? I highly doubt it. The top four contenders are all outside of Ulster in my opinion. Winning Streak is equitable and unpredictable, but I don't go out of my way to see it.
Quote from: our_fella on April 29, 2014, 03:40:28 PM
Poland - DownMurphy - Donegal
McManus - Monaghan
Clarke - Armagh
You could nearly have an argument about all these players saying they're the best in the province, but they usually play in different ways
Hows things Mark?
Quote from: Banter Panther on April 29, 2014, 03:57:15 PM
Not sure what to make of Ulster right now. It's certainly the most equitable province at the moment, but does that make it the best provincial championship? Is any team in Ulster going to win Sam? I highly doubt it. The top four contenders are all outside of Ulster in my opinion. Winning Streak is equitable and unpredictable, but I don't go out of my way to see it.
With half the division 1 teams next year made up of Ulster counties, i'd think that is a decent barometer to what province is the best.
Quote from: oakleafgael on April 29, 2014, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: our_fella on April 29, 2014, 03:40:28 PM
Poland - DownMurphy - Donegal
McManus - Monaghan
Clarke - Armagh
You could nearly have an argument about all these players saying they're the best in the province, but they usually play in different ways
Hows things Mark?
I have to say that was definitely one out of left field there!!
You're forgetting a certain E Bradley...
Quote from: screenexile on April 29, 2014, 04:02:41 PM
Quote from: oakleafgael on April 29, 2014, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: our_fella on April 29, 2014, 03:40:28 PM
Poland - DownMurphy - Donegal
McManus - Monaghan
Clarke - Armagh
You could nearly have an argument about all these players saying they're the best in the province, but they usually play in different ways
Hows things Mark?
I have to say that was definitely one out of left field there!!
You're forgetting a certain E Bradley...
Is it really?? He destroyed Derry in the 1st game at Celtic Park last year. Few better 11's (in the playmaker role) in Ulster. I wouldnt exactly call Lynch a playmaker, more a powerhouse!
Quote from: Banter Panther on April 29, 2014, 03:57:15 PM
Not sure what to make of Ulster right now. It's certainly the most equitable province at the moment, but does that make it the best provincial championship? Is any team in Ulster going to win Sam? I highly doubt it. The top four contenders are all outside of Ulster in my opinion. Winning Streak is equitable and unpredictable, but I don't go out of my way to see it.
Leinster - 1 horse race
Munster - 1/2 horse race
Connaght - 1 horse race
Ulster - 4/5 horse race with half Div 1 made up of Ulster teams would make be believe its the best. The winner of Sam most likely to come from the 1 horse race Leinster championship
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 29, 2014, 02:39:18 PM
Quote from: Schkite on April 29, 2014, 02:32:31 PM
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 AM
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Just seen this and I couldn't agree. Best or not is subjective, but "by a country mile" is simply not true.
K. Hughes cant be far off the best at present!
Kieran has improved a good bit yes, but McManus is undoubtedly our top forward. Again, they're fairly different players, Hughes is a fine target man with a great pair of hands and very strong, but can still be wasteful at times. He missed a few in the first half yesterday for example. On the other hand it was nearly one of McManus's quieter days on the ball, but he is so efficient. Aside from the free he missed(which I thought Beggan should have come up for at that distance) I don't think he wasted anything, and took 3 fine scores from play.
Quote from: screenexile on April 29, 2014, 04:02:41 PM
Quote from: oakleafgael on April 29, 2014, 03:58:52 PM
Quote from: our_fella on April 29, 2014, 03:40:28 PM
Poland - DownMurphy - Donegal
McManus - Monaghan
Clarke - Armagh
You could nearly have an argument about all these players saying they're the best in the province, but they usually play in different ways
Hows things Mark?
I have to say that was definitely one out of left field there!!
You're forgetting a certain E Bradley...
+1 ......
......E Bradley is in an (Irish) league of his own ::)
Murphy the best player in Ulster and in the top 3 in the country, burn out possible counting against him, no matter how good you are you go through lean spells, just ask B Brogan, he was poor for long spells last year but came good when it mattered
Just reading back through this thread & the Ulster Championship panning out as most of us expected (except maybe for the Derry lads)
Maybe its not as unpredictable as we make it out to be.
Quote from: God14 on April 23, 2014, 09:46:25 AM
Donegal are the team to beat. They will have recovered from the hangover from Sam in 12. They retain that defensive system that will smother the life out of any attack in Ulster, and the boast the No.1 forward in the province - by a country mile as well.
Id be tempted to completely rule Derry out of the equation altogether. It was obvious that they were well ahead of everyone else in their physical preparations this year. Participating in the O'Fiaich (sp) Cup before Christmas, and busting a gut in the McKenna cup. Their players openly admit they feared humiliation in Division 1 so that extra training, adrenalin & a dollop of luck has taken them to the League final. That will only take you so far. Id predict a short summer for them, closely followed by calls for the return of the Bradleys.
Tyrone will be tough to beat in Ulster. For my money they have the most resources available to any County attackwise, but too many questions & problems to be sorted out in Defence & Midfield. To be honest I think Tyrone may have went backwards a little from last year. I think they will come up short against Donegal or possibly Monaghan (who are due a bit of luck against Tyrone) in the latter stages.
Will be keeping a close eye on the development of Cavan. The rest of the teams are capable of winning a match, but not the championship
I predict Donegal to triumph, in a reverse of last years final versus Monaghan.
Well boys, things have went according to plan. A few derry WANs didn't like the wisdom of god14 & the above post and challenged the legitimacy of it. Wonder wil they have the courage to address the facts now.
How's the development of Cavan getting on?