Some good news for the Donegal posters on here - just heard that the Donegal V Armagh Ulster Championship game on May 27th will be played at Sean MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The game was switched to Clones, but Donegal appealed and another vote was taken last night at an Ulster Council meeting where the decision went in favour of Donegal.
Quote from: MrC on April 18, 2007, 10:48:54 AM
Some good news for the Donegal posters on here - just heard that the Donegal V Armagh Ulster Championship game on May 27th will be played at Sean MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey. The game was switched to Clones, but Donegal appealed and another vote was taken last night at an Ulster Council meeting where the decision went in favour of Donegal.
That's a coup and a half for Donegal!
The right decision. From the BBC:
----------------
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Ballybofey to host Armagh clash
The venue for the Ulster SFC first round encounter between Donegal and Armagh has been changed back from Clones to Ballybofey.
The Donegal ground was originally scheduled to host the 27 May match but the Ulster Council switched it to Clones as it has a higher capacity.
Donegal officials said they were "disgusted" with the decision.
After a delegation from Donegal put their case to the Ulster Council, they will now host the match.
Donegal Chairman Sean Kelly was angered at the the original decision after substantial work had been done upgrading the MacCumhaill Park venue in Ballybofey.
The Ulster Council made the switch away from Ballybofey after Armagh requested around 17,000 tickets for the game - the capacity at MacCumhaill Park is around 18,500.
The Council also prefers that first round games are not made all-ticket, so that under-16s can get in free and family tickets can be made available at reduced prices.
But Donegal argued that the work done on the venue was based on being able to host major games like this one.
The Ulster final is returning to Clones and probably both semi-finals will be played at the venue.
I suppose its not all bad news as it is going to be shown live on TV. Donegal think they are cursed against Armagh at Clones, so Armagh will have to work harder now also to prove they can beat Donegal anywhere in Ireland.
Excellent news. Hopefully this will mark the end of the everything neutral championship venues. Hard to beat beating teams like Armagh etc on your home turf.
Marvellous news! Well done Sean Kelly!
Quote from: realredhandfan on April 18, 2007, 11:43:03 AM
Excellent news. Hopefully this will mark the end of the everything neutral championship venues. Hard to beat beating teams like Armagh etc on your home turf.
didn't think you were old enough to remember that stuff ;) :D
Even though I'm an Armagh man I'm kind of glad its in Ballybofey now, the right decisions been made. Always wanted the game there and when I heard it was put in Clones I was slightly disappointed. Great town, should be a great weekend.
About time some championship is given back to the counties....why else are most counties pumping big money into bigger county grounds for now if they can't be used. It'll be a handlin getting tickets thats the only thing....but nothing like a cauldron atmosphere!!
the biggest and best fans in ireland will now have to scrap for tickets
bad move ulster council
Sad. Why prevent people going to GAA games?
QuotePosted by: armaghniac
Insert Quote
Sad. Why prevent people going to GAA games?
hae to agree there will be some scramble for tickets! ballybofey will never be able to hold the armagh support!
Armagh "fans" didn't have to scramble for tickets for any of the National League games ???
QuotePosted on: Today at 03:10:24 PMPosted by: Estimator
Insert Quote
Armagh "fans" didn't have to scramble for tickets for any of the National League games
thats cos the national league games werent all ticket!
Pity about the change of venue as I would probably have made it to Clones, but have no chance of getting to Ballybofey.
the capacity at MacCumhaill Park is around 18,500.
The attendance at Clones would have been much higher than this. Thousands of people will be denied the opportunity to watch a Championship game in person.
I remember being told by our club secretary a few years ago that if you were expecting a crowd of more than 60% capacity you had to make it all ticket and if you expected more than 80% you had to (except in exceptional circumstances) look for a bigger ground in the same province. He also said this rule didn't apply in the six counties as it was a health and safety requirement rather than a GAA requirement. Does anyone know anything about this? If its true would it be possible for the game to move again before May
Armagh fury over Ballybofey venue (From BBC)
Armagh chairman Kevin Brady has hit out at the decision to change back the venue for the Ulster SFC first round game against Donegal to Ballybofey.
The Ulster Council's competitions committee voted to rescind their earlier decision to play the game in Clones at a meeting on Tuesday evening.
"We don't understand what has changed since the original decision," said the Armagh chairman.
Armagh expect to get only around 8,000 tickets for the Ballybofey contest.
The Donegal ground was originally scheduled to host the 27 May match but the Ulster Council then switched it to Clones as it has a higher capacity.
Donegal officials said they were "disgusted" with that decision.
However, Donegal asked for a further vote on Tuesday night and the Ulster Council opted to rescind its earlier decision.
The Armagh chairman denied that his county was "hung up on Clones".
"What we are trying to do is to accommodate our supporters who want to go to Ulster Championship matches and particularly families," Brady told BBC Sport.
Armagh had requested 17,000 tickets for the game and the capacity at MacCumhaill Park is around the 18,500 mark.
The Armagh official also said that his county had "health and safety" concerns as a result of the venue switch as well as their unhappiness over the reduced number of tickets.
Mr Brady added that there is "nothing written in stone" about teams drawn first for Ulster Championship games having home venues.
Donegal chairman Sean Kelly had been angered at the the original decision after substantial work had been done upgrading the MacCumhaill Park venue in Ballybofey.
The Council also prefers that first round games are not made all-ticket, so that under-16s can get in free and family tickets can be made available at reduced prices.
But Donegal argued that the work done on the venue was based on being able to host major games like this one.
The Ulster final is returning to Clones and probably both semi-finals will be played at the venue.
Donegal chairman Kelly insisted that Armagh would be "made welcome" but acknowledged that he was "delighted" with the Ulster Council's decision.
"Donegal are always hard to beat in Ballybofey - there's no doubt about that. But Armagh are a tremendous side and they have proven that over the last 10 years.
"I'm happy for the people of Donegal. It's about promoting gaelic games in Donegal."
lads its simple as, should we be fair to the players who train all year and give the a fair crack of the whip of should we focus on generating revenue and pandering to fans, if it is the second then the gaa football championship is a two tier organisation with money dictating advantage and we have seen in dublins case for years, i would perfer to sit outside any day and have mayo playing at home they get a ticket for a bigger venue elsewhere, remember lads do we want the teams put into the hat or do we want the balance sheet to dictate fixtures and its as simple an argument as that
Such a stupid decision! Playing Championship matches on home grounds was probably ok 8/10 years ago when attendances were much smaller; bringing this game to Ballybofey ensures that a lot of Armagh supporters will miss out.
Quote"I'm happy for the people of Donegal. It's about promoting gaelic games in Donegal."
Blinkered bollox!
In recent years, Armagh bate Donegal in Clones, and Armagh bate Donegal in Croke Park. Bating them in Ballybofey will be a pleasant change :)
Quote from: highfielder on April 18, 2007, 07:11:11 PM
lads its simple as, should we be fair to the players who train all year and give the a fair crack of the whip
Yes we should and a neutral venue achieves that.
Quote from: Orior on April 18, 2007, 07:54:54 PM
In recent years, Armagh bate Donegal in Clones, and Armagh bate Donegal in Croke Park. Bating them in Ballybofey will be a pleasant change :)
Hopefully we'll hear plenty of that kind of talk from you Armagh boys over the next few weeks! :)
The attendance when these side met in the first round of the Championship in 2005 at Clones was 26K +. Hopefully if Donegal do the bizzo in the League Final, anticipation will far exceed 2005. You have to be talking at least 10K missing out!
Donegal have bottled it against armagh every year since 2002. as poor as armagh's form has been, the same magee, monaghan, gallagher, hegarty, mcfadden and devenney will have to do something they haven't been able to do before. they'll have to hold their nerve at the mere sight of an orange jersey...
First things first, the game should be in Donegal. No matter what the potential attendance would be, under the current rules as they were pulled out first Donegal have home advantage. This is a matter for the Ulste Council to look at but personally I would not change it as it adds to the occassion, and also strenghtens the "local" aspect of the game which is sometimes lost with minds being drawn to the bottom line.
That being said I think it will actually work to Armagh's advantage in that it has given JK a very useful motivational tool. I can hear the dressing room before the game "They were afraid to play us in Clones, lets ram their home advantage down their throats". Also with Donegal doing so well at the minute, and a possible League title there for them the pressure will be very much on the home side. Can they live with that pressure with a focused Armagh team hyping up the tension on the field?
I know it is a pain for the fans but lets face it a fair few boys will be looking forward to a Saturday nights drinking in different pubs up in Ballybofey :)
I don't think McIver will have any problem motivating Donegal either. All he has to do is play the "Armagh think we're afraid of them" card, which along with home advantage should be all the motivation the Donegal lads need.
BC1 I agree in a way but as Sandy Hill said that was ok 8 /10 years ago. The popularity has grown somewhat since the early nineties when games were played in The Athletic Grounds or Ballybofey.
If it is ok for fans to miss out, what was the point in bringing the Ulster Final to Croke Park this last few years?
Ah sure lads, being played in Ballybofey will just give the Lurgan boys on the Morgans bar bus, more time to drink their carryouts before the match!! ;D ;) ;D
corn I also agree that times have changed but as it stands the home fixture rule stands, so it should in my view be honoured until such times as it has been done away with.
J70, there is no doubt that is also the case but I think it is easier to make the charge that Donegal are afraid to play in Clones
When's the last time Armagh played an AWAY match in the championship folks not including Monaghan in Clones?
How do they normally do when away from home?
I remember some great games in Omagh back in the 80's with the two Grimley sisters and big Houley.
Its only April but I think I can smell Orange fear already and a whole list of excuses getting ready.
"They're all out to get us brigade and we're not over the hill really"
"We've got the BEST & Biggest support in the land"
"We've got WAN All-Ireland to our name but dont think we are respected enuf"
Watch out for the Tinnies in Strabane as they guide you into Tir Connaill
Cant wait to see how Devenney does this year against that Armagh strong FB line
Donegal are a much bigger more direct team this year I believe
Quote from: Fuzzman on April 19, 2007, 01:55:22 PM
When's the last time Armagh played an AWAY match in the championship folks not including Monaghan in Clones?
How do they normally do when away from home?
I remember some great games in Omagh back in the 80's with the two Grimley sisters and big Houley.
Its only April but I think I can smell Orange fear already and a whole list of excuses getting ready.
"They're all out to get us brigade and we're not over the hill really"
"We've got the BEST & Biggest support in the land"
"We've got WAN All-Ireland to our name but dont think we are respected enuf"
Watch out for the Tinnies in Strabane as they guide you into Tir Connaill
Cant wait to see how Devenney does this year against that Armagh strong FB line
Donegal are a much bigger more direct team this year I believe
Yes, because after that pile of sh1te you just spouted we are worried what you believe ::)
Quote"What we are trying to do is to accommodate our supporters who want to go to Ulster Championship matches and particularly families," Brady told BBC Sport
Fair enough, but nobody will stick up for Armagh in this instance because of all the drunken scumbags who come to Clones every year, a lot of whom don't even go to matches.
How did ye get on setting up you Dublin Tyrone Supporters Club ye feckn eejit!!!
A better Question would be...when is the last time Armagh had a home game!!!!!!!!!?????
If your counting Clones as our home ground, then Croker might as well be included too eh??
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on April 19, 2007, 01:38:42 PM
corn I also agree that times have changed but as it stands the home fixture rule stands, so it should in my view be honoured until such times as it has been done away with.
J70, there is no doubt that is also the case but I think it is easier to make the charge that Donegal are afraid to play in Clones
So if it had stayed in Clones, we could have said that Armagh were afraid to play us in Ballybofey?
Personally, I hope this idea that Donegal are afraid to play Armagh anywhere else is trumpeted from the rooftops for the next month!
Scream away boys!
Quote from: The Bottom Brick on April 19, 2007, 02:01:44 PM
Fair enough, but nobody will stick up for Armagh in this instance because of all the drunken scumbags who come to Clones every year, a lot of whom don't even go to matches.
Your an awful buckbag, every county has its fair share of clowns who have no interest in games and show up the rest of the county... >:(
Fuzzman, I'm presuming the "back door" still counts as "the Championship"!, if so we had quite a few AWAY matches in 2003 after Monaghan beat us in the first round of the Ulster Championship. I think if I remember correctly we must have done quite well in those AWAY matches as we made it back to the AI Final that year!
QuoteWe've got WAN All-Ireland to our name but dont think we are respected enuf"
You're mixing us up with Derry. Do you not know your dialects?
"The armagh boys think we're afraid of them"
Aye, we are boss...
In fairness you owe us one, maybe next year :-)
I think it was a mistake switching it back and forwards between Clones and Ballybofey - sounds to me like the Ulster Council couldn't run a bath.
Whilst I'm not overly happy with it being played in a smaller ground, the real disgrace, of course, is that the stadium at Long Kesh will be ready before any revamping of the Athletic Grounds starts.
Its an added bit of hassle ticket wise but hopefully the poeple that were at the league matches should be ok. I can see where both countys are coming from on this one. Thought Brenfi Park might have been a decent compromise - bigger capacity but it isn't effectively Armagh's "home" ground. Add it a proviso that any replay would be in Ballybofey and I would have thought it was a iiar enough compromise. Still the decisions made so its off to Donegal.
The GAA must feel that now with the lolly rolling in from the rugger buggers and the soccer crowd they can go back to the mickey mouse days of holding big games in small arenas thus hurting the players and supporters who are only the life blood of the Organization, believe me, watching games on TV does not compare to watching them in person and this decision is a backward one.
Donegal havent been able to beat us in quite some time, we are their bogey team and I still think we will beat them come May and I see us scoring 3-11 to their 1-14. ;D
conFUZZedMAN
Quote
When's the last time Armagh played an AWAY match in the championship folks not including Monaghan in Clones?
How do they normally do when away from home?
I remember some great games in Omagh back in the 80's with the two Grimley sisters and big Houley.
Its only April but I think I can smell Orange fear already and a whole list of excuses getting ready.
"They're all out to get us brigade and we're not over the hill really"
"We've got the BEST & Biggest support in the land"
"We've got WAN All-Ireland to our name but dont think we are respected enuf"
Watch out for the Tinnies in Strabane as they guide you into Tir Connaill
Cant wait to see how Devenney does this year against that Armagh strong FB line
Donegal are a much bigger more direct team this year I believe
Maybe Joe will field an Under-21 team against Donegal to save the over the hill boys for the second round! Alternatively he might moan about having too many injuries and no "conveyor belt of talent".
but I don't think so :o :o :o :o :o
Firstly, I agree with the decision to have the game in Ballybofey.
Secondly, to put the game in context.....it is the first round of a 'devalued' Ulster Championship. Sad, but true. The back door has seen to it that the Ulster is no longer the be all and end all for those teams who have realistic aspirations comes September.
Draws permitting, Donegal and Armagh will both be around at the business end of the championship i.e. Q/Finals and beyond.
In a strange sort of way, I believe the decision to reverse the original venue decision could very well work against Donegal. It's a bigger game for Donegal than it is for Armagh at this stage.
Any crack abot tickets?? It will be hard to get them for every one who wants to go.If Ballybofey only holes 20,ooo Armagh coud fill that on are own. Maybe even Donegall coud after winning on Sunday.
It shoud never have be moved to Donegal at all. Its too hard to get to and the roads are shite. Clones is your only man to be fare to all the fans and supporters. or casement r Croker for the final. The ulster council need to think of the distances fans have to travel in buses over bad roads an sum supporters that go every match wont get in after a long jorney from hell.
Quote from: Armagh4SamAgain on April 26, 2007, 11:52:56 AM
It shoud never have be moved to Donegal at all. Its too hard to get to and the roads are shite.
Take the Clady shortcut and you'll be grand A4S.
Whats the Clady shortcup Donagh? Are u messin about again? :-[
Quote from: Armagh4SamAgain on April 27, 2007, 10:13:53 AM
Whats the Clady shortcup Donagh? Are u messin about again? :-[
No, I'm not kidding. After you go round the Newtownstewart bypass on the road to Strabane, go up a few mile and look out for a road on your left signposted 'Glebe' or 'Clady' and keep following that through Clady village and over the bridge (border). Take a left at the T-junction and you're into Castlefinn. Ballybofey's just a few miles straight up that road. You bypass Strabane, Lifford etc... and save about 30-45minutes on your journey.
I went that direction a few times Donagh, a great job right enough.
I thought u were messing telling me to take a short cut thru Clady!! I didnt no theres another Clady near Strabane! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Armagh4SamAgain on April 27, 2007, 12:19:02 PM
I thought u were messing telling me to take a short cut thru Clady!! I didnt no theres another Clady near Strabane! ;D ;D ;D
Aka Urney ;)
The game should be in Ballybofey. Maybe within Armagh county board now they will focus on building a quality Athletic grounds replacement or home pitch as they will hopefully see there are advantages to be had in having a high quality county ground. Hopefully!
BRENDAN DEVENNEY OUT FOR 3 MONTHS
Donegal forward Brendan Devenney has been told that his stomach muscle injury will take three months to heal.
The news is a major blow to the new National League champions' Championship prospects ahead of their Ulster SFC opener against Armagh on 27 May.
"I've been told three months, it's a disaster," Devenney told BBC Sport.
The player has been told that an injection might enable him to play and train but he acknowledged that this situation would be "far from ideal".
The St Eunan's clubman underwent a scan this week after retiring hurt in the NFL final against Mayo.
i have a good feeling about this game
back in 2002 we had a quiet exit in the nfl when tymoan won it for the first time
we beat them in the 1st round in ulster and went on to win sam
in 2007 our nfl was low key and donegal have won the nfl for the first time
time to go to ballybofey and show them who is boss
Quote from: continuity tug on April 29, 2007, 03:26:18 PM
i have a good feeling about this game
back in 2002 we had a quiet exit in the nfl when tymoan won it for the first time
we beat them in the 1st round in ulster and went on to win sam
in 2007 our nfl was low key and donegal have won the nfl for the first time
time to go to ballybofey and show them who is boss
Yep, as in 2002, the planets are aligned and everything is in place for Armagh to go on and win Sam this year!
Devenney will be a huge loss, but at least he should be back for the latter stages of the Championship, assuming we're still involved. With Leon Thompson out for the season, however, we've lost two of our speediest forwards. Adrian Sweeney may start yet against Armagh, as Kevin McMenamin might be a wee bit on the tiny side for those big Armagh fellas! Or maybe Michael Doherty will be get a chance, given his dead ball skills.
Massive loss for Donegal if he doesn't make it, I still think he will play against Armagh, allbeit with a painkilling injection or something.
Any truth in the rumour the game will be in Letterkenny rather than Ballybofey
Quote from: David McKeown on April 29, 2007, 09:40:10 PM
Any truth in the rumour the game will be in Letterkenny rather than Ballybofey
:D
Any word on the Devenney situation?
Is he going to take the injections?
i'd say if he takes the injections and plays, he'll be in for some rough treatment when on the ball. lots of hard digs to the stomach (in an attempt to get the ball of course ;) )
hence the phrase, "take the middle out of him!"..... not that i would advocate such behaviour :)
Whats wrong with Thompson????
Quote from: Gaoth Dobhair Abu on May 01, 2007, 12:41:47 PM
Whats wrong with Thompson????
Knee ligaments. He got injured scoring a goal against Limerick.
More devastating news for Armagh, turns out the worst fears for Bellew were correct.
He has done serious cruciate ligament damage and will be out for the whole season!
Quote from: ExiledGael on May 02, 2007, 09:28:44 PM
More devastating news for Armagh, turns out the worst fears for Bellew were correct.
He has done serious cruciate ligament damage and will be out for the whole season!
I'm no expert or anything but I do know the cruciate ligaments are located in the knee. Francie has injured his ankle, so I think you're off the mark on that one Gael. He'll still not make the Donegal game though.
Don't know where the ankle story came from, it was originally a knee scare. I've heard straight from someone who definately knows the story and it's his cruciate ligament, the fourth identical injury in the Armagh panel this year!
QuoteAny word on the Devenney situation?
Is he going to take the injections?
Yeah I was talkin to him and he's taking them alright.
Wake up you plank.
Quote from: ExiledGael on May 02, 2007, 10:33:02 PM
Don't know where the ankle story came from, it was originally a knee scare. I've heard straight from someone who definately knows the story and it's his cruciate ligament, the fourth identical injury in the Armagh panel this year!
The ankle story comes from the Armagh management. As I said on the Armagh thread, I was at the game when Francie was injured. He played on for 5 minutes after he was injured before being replaced. The problem was with his ankle not his knee. Your information is wrong.
Quote from: The Bottom Brick on May 02, 2007, 11:54:07 PM
QuoteAny word on the Devenney situation?
Is he going to take the injections?
Yeah I was talkin to him and he's taking them alright.
Wake up you plank.
What the fcuk are you on about?
Its a shame to see that Francie's going to miss the Donegal match, he'll be sorely missed! ;)
Wrong Donagh... ankle injury was thrown out as a smoke screen. Joe was in the paper yesterday talking about francie's knee injury and that he defo won't play against donegal
Quote from: Uladh on May 03, 2007, 10:15:35 AM
Wrong Donagh... ankle injury was thrown out as a smoke screen. Joe was in the paper yesterday talking about francie's knee injury and that he defo won't play against donegal
If it's not his cruciate, why would they be trying to create a smokes screen? I work with a boy who wrecked his cruciate sking the other week and he says there is no way on earth Francie would have been able to play on with that injury.
QuoteQuote
Any word on the Devenney situation?
Is he going to take the injections?
Yeah I was talkin to him and he's taking them alright.
Wake up you plank.
What the fcuk are you on about?
He's hardly going to come out and tell the world weeks in advance if he's planning to take pain killing injections on the morning of the Armagh match is he?
Quote from: Donagh on May 03, 2007, 10:23:42 AM
Quote from: Uladh on May 03, 2007, 10:15:35 AM
Wrong Donagh... ankle injury was thrown out as a smoke screen. Joe was in the paper yesterday talking about francie's knee injury and that he defo won't play against donegal
If it's not his cruciate, why would they be trying to create a smokes screen? I work with a boy who wrecked his cruciate sking the other week and he says there is no way on earth Francie would have been able to play on with that injury.
There are different types of cruciate injuries.
In Aussie rules, it has happened on occasion were players have walked off with the injury
Now that is brave & f**king hard ;)
Quote from: The Bottom Brick on May 03, 2007, 10:25:28 AM
QuoteQuote
Any word on the Devenney situation?
Is he going to take the injections?
Yeah I was talkin to him and he's taking them alright.
Wake up you plank.
What the fcuk are you on about?
He's hardly going to come out and tell the world weeks in advance if he's planning to take pain killing injections on the morning of the Armagh match is he?
You stupid b4stard, he was the one that mentioned the injury & what he may have to do in order to play against Armagh
From Setanta:
Bellew injury blow for Armagh
Joe Kernan (Inpho)
Joe Kernan (Inpho)
Thursday, 3 May 09:09 BST
Digg This!
Armagh's Francie Bellew has been ruled out of this summer's Senior Football Championship, it was confirmed on Wednesday night.
The Crossmaglen defender suffered a cruciate ligament injury in a club championship match, which rules him out of action for several months at least.
"The cruciate is completely ruptured. He's going to be out for months and month," county boss Joe Kernan confirmed to the Irish Mirror.
"We were living in hope that something would show up that he would work on it and rebuild it instead of having to have the operation. But unfortunately, it's very serious."
It's the fourth such major injury headache for Armagh with Ronan Clarke, Brian Mallon and JP Donnelly also sidelined in the long-term but Kernan is confident that his player will return to inter-county football at some stage.
"He's been our Mr Reliable and this is very hard to take. He's very disappointed himself.
"It's different rebuilding the knee when you're 30 than when you're 21, but we will do everything we can to get Francie back and make sure he gets the best treatment as we do with all our injured players."
The county squad head out to a five-day training session in La Manga this week.
The article is posted on the armagh thread.
Its his cruciate. there are various degrees of damage you can do to your cruciate. of course you can play on. with a partial tear, only very particular movements will expose the weakness (granted when this happens it'll be severe pain). when the knee is then reset the player will then be pain free again until he pressurises the cruciate again.
you also don't necessarily need to have an operation in the case of a partial tear. it's quite common in that case for the player to build up the area around the knee to take the pressure off the cruciate during the critical movements. this can take between 2 and 6 months depending on the extent of the tear and the current muscular makeup of the leg.
it sounds to me like jfrancie has a partial tear and joe is expecting him to be able to play after a period of building up, though that would obviously be after the donegal game.
Obviously more serious than that going by that article above
(http://ni.setanta.com/content/setanta/cms.nsf/article/5c42fa48ec37bf1a802572d0003a171d/$file/McCumhaillPark.jpg)
The venue and the style
any other armagh fans up for a picket of the ulster council office?
Is that french for a facy buffet style lunch?
Quote from: fior gael ultach on May 08, 2007, 01:47:48 PM
any other armagh fans up for a picket of the ulster council office?
Brilliant idea ::)
This is getting f**king worse
Quote from: fior gael ultach on May 08, 2007, 01:47:48 PM
any other armagh fans up for a picket of the ulster council office?
This cannot be serious.
You will have to get your white celtic tracksuit out again TUG
You gotta love him, he's put a smile on my face today...! ;D
i dont see why people are laughing
the ulster gaa council should be promoting gaa games
by playing the armagh game in donegal they are stopping thousands of armagh fans getting in to watch
this match should be in clones
I can see your point about the venue of the game and the number of fans that will get into the game, but FFS saying picket the Ulster Council offices
You are making a bit of a pr1ck of yourself
any truth in the rumour that big Joe is going to ask Tom Mc Creesh or Tomas Cassidy to come out of retirement to play full back considering we dont have any strong men for the full backs job. ::)
McGeeney may play there wihich would be a disaster as he cant mark anyone, There has also been talk of Hughes which would be a disaster because he is a disater.
This game is going to be a disaster. :'(
Who would you have at FB STew,
For me it would be C mcKeeve, best of a bad bunch of candidates.
I just hope the genuine fans who attend club and league games get the tickets. Were the feck were these thousands of fans when Armagh were playing Derry in the league in an Ulster derby at home. Crossmaglen was barely half full.
Ok Tyrone dreamer, bit of an old arguement.
Uusally leads to four pages of Tyrone v Armagh on who has the better support, then we all realise that both counties, like every county in Ireland has die hard fans and championship fans. As of late I am certainly the latter if even anymore.
Likely Armagh Team Vs Donegal
Hearty
Mallon
McNulty
Moriarty
kernan
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Toner
o'rourke
S Kernan
McKeever
McDonnell
Clarke
Marsden
Quote from: Orchard Warrior on May 09, 2007, 11:27:07 AM
Likely Armagh Team Vs Donegal
Hearty
Mallon
McNulty
Moriarty
kernan
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Toner
o'rourke
S Kernan
McKeever
McDonnell
Clarke
Marsden
No Mc Conville??
Did Clarke make a recovery??!!!
If clarke doesn't start, mcconville will.
Quote from: Orchard Warrior on May 09, 2007, 11:27:07 AM
Likely Armagh Team Vs Donegal
Hearty
Mallon
McNulty
Moriarty
kernan
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Toner
o'rourke
S Kernan
McKeever
McDonnell
Clarke
Marsden
Good God. A sub on his club team but playing a pivotal role at centre half forward on the county team.
Eh, pretty sure Ronan Clarke might be injured! McConville will definitley start. I'd say Marsden will be in centre half with loughran in full forward, wouldn't be my pick though.
what 10 -11 of the team with a surname starting with m, thats bound to be a better team sheet than tyrones. I think that Armagh will probably expose Donegal to their knees, and subsequently if Donegal can get a result they are my favourites for the all ireland. Armagh will be as tough as old boots this year and one things for sure neither Tyrone nor Donegal will beat them by more than a point or two. This is undoubtedly the game of the championship helped not hindered by the return to particsan grounds for the Ulster championship. just like the good ole days. Bring it on.
Shite, I've just realised that my Van Morrison tickets for Warrenpoint are the same day as the match. Does anyone know what time the championship match is at. It will hardly be early enough to get to Warrenpoint for 7.30. Oul Van will have to start without me. What time is the game?
Quote from: gander on May 09, 2007, 12:05:27 PM
Eh, pretty sure Ronan Clarke might be injured!
Not what i hear
What time is the game due to start?
BTW I think there's a wee bit of truth in the Clarke rumour, cant see him starting though
Well you seen him run across the field at half time v Down in the league at Cross.
He looked ok to me that day. Have also been chatting to his brother a few weeks ago...he said he was in great shape! Himself & wee Brian were both at the same level roughly!!
Big big difference in running across a field & playing in the white heat of championship football
I had been hearing similar things about Clarke and Mallon myself. Apparently they were talking part fully in the La Manga training, but even if they have recovered it'll still take a while before they're match fit. Either way I doubt we'll see either against Donegal and I'd hope Joe wouldn't be silly enough to play them before they're ready.
I agree with Donagh, if joe rushes these boys back it will hurt them in the long term, Clarke has been injury prone his whole career and so he needs to be treated with kid gloves and i hope he is not back until he is right.
Mallon is a huge loss but the same principle applies, bring them back when they are fit to be back and not before.
I was just saying...for a big man, & to be out for such a time, I thought he was looking in decent shape! - you would expect him to put on weight etc. Fair play to him, he's been looking after himself!
Have to say I wouldn't risk either of them.
What would be the ideal way to get them 'match fit'? Would you suggest a challenge game, some club football??
uladh you`re prob not far off the mark with clarke and mallon, but I think they will start on the subs bench against donegal :o
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on May 09, 2007, 03:41:50 PM
I was just saying...for a big man, & to be out for such a time, I thought he was looking in decent shape! - you would expect him to put on weight etc. Fair play to him, he's been looking after himself!
Have to say I wouldn't risk either of them.
What would be the ideal way to get them 'match fit'? Would you suggest a challenge game, some club football??
:D :D :D
2 More options for Donegal this summer...
Two familiar faces were back in training with the Donegal football panel last night in the shape of Stephen McDermott and Niall McCready. The squad went through their paces in Ballybofey fresh from a weekend break in Castlebar.
Aodh Ruadh's Niall McCready hasn't played under the new regime since Brian McIver took charge in the Autumn of 2005.
He has been in good form for his club Aodh Ruadh and registered a crucial goal from wing half-forward in the Ballyshannon men's club championship win over Ardara ten days ago.
McCready has played most of his county football at corner-back since bursting onto the scene in the mid-nineties.
Meanwhile, Stephen McDermott chipped in with 1-2 for Glenfin in their bank holiday defeat to Killybegs in Fintra and appears to have shaken off a long-running back injury. The midfielder was a peripheral figure for most of 2006 before having to opt-out of the panel this year.
Donegal manager, Brian McIver did emphasise that his core panel of players remains the same for the time being and that the two players are being added to the panel for training purposes and assesment.
Apparently Devenney is going to be back in full training next week! Stomach muscle injury not as bad as initially feared.
Good news, although Enda McNulty has generally done a good job on him in the past.
Would be fantastic if Devenney was back for the Armagh match, but would it not be too soon, should we not save him until the Tyrone match! ;)
Did armagh have a challange match with meath yesterday? did everyone make it thru unscathed!?
They definately played Meath in Meath.
Didn't hear of any injuries or team line outs. - Maybe post on a Meath thread - Hardy??
armagh beat meath 2.12 to 1.12, oisin and stevie scored goals
Clarke will take no part in the game. He won't even be togged out. He didn't even travel to the game yesterday. He's a few weeks off full fitness yet.
Clarke, Mallon and McGrane were training in Cherryvale in Belfast on Saturday morning, looked like a couple of physios/trainers with them. It must have been fitness they were working on as they had to borrow a ball of ours so weren't prepared for ball work.
so by the sounds of it they may not be too far away from coming back into the team??
B Mallon and Clarke are def out, A Mallon is only 50/50 and from what i hear they are not going to risk him. Marsden has tweaked a hamstring and should be fit to play against Donegal but could not be in the best shape as he could not play against Meath yesterday!! the full back line for Armagh yesterday was Moriarity, McNulty and that Granemore lad (can't remember his name, it is monday afterall)
Quote from: Hank Everlast on May 14, 2007, 01:22:17 PM
so by the sounds of it they may not be too far away from coming back into the team??
Theres a long way from a light jog and tentitive kick about to the intensity of clones ! ( sorry Ballybofey )
I was looking forward to see a fully fit clarke this year, as hes had his fair share of injuries for his age. Think its not
an understatement , for Armagh to progress they need clark alongside stevie mc
Devenney's looking very doubtful too...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/6653895.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/6653895.stm)
Devenney pessimistic over fitness
Donegal forward Brendan Devenney is pessimistic about his chances of starting in Sunday week's Ulster SFC clash against holders Armagh.
Devenney told BBC Sport that his stomach muscle injury is proving "quite slow to heal".
The injury may not take three months to heal as had been feared but Devenney is still facing a major battle to be fit for the Ballybofey clash.
"I'm just on a prayer at this stage," added the Donegal forward.
"I'm just resting it up at the moment and to have any hope of being involved against Armagh, I'm going to have to try it out in training by the end of this week.
"It's coming along quite slowly as there is also the fact that I haven't basically trained with the squad for five weeks because of the previous knee injury that I had.
"The healing process is quite slow in that part of the body."
Devenney had a scan on the injury a fortnight ago but he was told that the tear was barely visible because of its depth.
"It's not something that I will be able to take a chance on. It will be need to be 100 per cent."
Devenney suffered the injury while undertaking place-kicking practice prior to the National League semi-final win over Kildare.
He started the National League final win over Mayo but had to be substituted before half-time.
I think either team would be losing the plot if they play semi-injured players. The real action will be in July and you should keep your powder dry until then. Donegal might put some emphasis on beating Armagh, but I'd say the Armagh management are planning to have Clarke play some role and the likes of Marsden being match fit in July, rather than the 6 weeks earlier.
B Mallon and Clarke are def out, A Mallon is only 50/50 and from what i hear they are not going to risk him. Marsden has tweaked a hamstring and should be fit to play against Donegal but could not be in the best shape as he could not play against Meath yesterday!! the full back line for Armagh yesterday was Moriarity, McNulty and that Granemore lad (can't remember his name, it is monday afterall)
andy was playin yesterday against meath from what i hear...
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 14, 2007, 03:41:06 PM
B Mallon and Clarke are def out, A Mallon is only 50/50 and from what i hear they are not going to risk him. Marsden has tweaked a hamstring and should be fit to play against Donegal but could not be in the best shape as he could not play against Meath yesterday!! the full back line for Armagh yesterday was Moriarity, McNulty and that Granemore lad (can't remember his name, it is monday afterall)
andy was playin yesterday against meath from what i hear...
Well then the Armagh doctor is telling me porkies, ill smash his face in the next time i see him :D
u do that..but we dont need any injuries so dont bother..lol
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 14, 2007, 03:41:06 PM
the full back line for Armagh yesterday was Moriarity, McNulty and that Granemore lad (can't remember his name, it is monday afterall)
Please tell me it was Toner and not McClelland :-[ If McClelland is anywhere near the first 15 v Donegal we're doomed.
From Hogan Stand:
Armagh defeat Meath in SF challenge
15 May 2007
Joe Kernan's Armagh side continued their preparations for their Ulster SFC opener against Donegal in Ballybofey on Sunday, 27th of May when on Sunday evening 13th May at the Seneschalstown venue in Co. Meath they defeated the Royal county in an interesting and competitive challenge game on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-11. The game was held to mark the official opening of improved facilities at the Senchalstown venue and drew a big attendance.
Both sides used the occasion to try out some players ahead of their championship games in the coming weeks, and at the end of the game the team managements were delighted with the work-out.
Meath had the better of the opening half and led at the interval by 1-6 to 1-4. The tempo of the game improved from the start of the second-half and Armagh put themselves in the driving seat towards the end of the third quarter thanks to an Oisin McConville goal. Both sides attacked at every opportunity and the closing minutes were exciting as the home side finished strongly. However, Armagh showed why they are still one of the top sides i the country with late points from Tony McClelland and Paul Keenan for a narrow but deserved one goal victory.
Top scorer for the winners were corner-forwards Oisin McConville and Steven McDonnell who finished the game with 1-2 apiece, while attacking wing-half back Aaron Kernan caught the eye scoring three points into the bargain. Many of the 'new faces' on the Armagh side impressed against strong opposition from the Royal county side.
Armagh – C. McKinney; B. Donaghy, E. McNulty, F. Moriarty; A. Kernan (0-3), K. McGeeney, C. McKeever; J. Laverty, K. Toner; P. McKeever (0-1), S. Kernan, Martin O'Rourke (0-1); S. McDonnell (1-2), M. Mackin, O. McConville (1-2).
Subs – P. Keenan (0-1) for Mackin, C. Vernon for Laverty, Michael O'Rourke for McConville, K. Dyas for Donaghy, S. Forker for Martin O'Rourke, T. McClelland (0-1) for McGeeney.
Meath – R. Nolan; C. O'Connor, S. MacGabhann, B. O'Reilly; P. Howard, S. Kenny, S. Sheppard; J. Donegan, N. Crawford; P. Curran, J. Sheridan (0-2), M. Burke; R. Maguire (1-2), C. Ward (0-4), G. Geraghty.
Subs – D. Fay for O'Reilly, M. Ward for Donegan, P. Byrne for Curran, N. McKeigue for O'Connor, S. Bray (0-1) for Ward, N. McLoughlin (0-1) for Burke, B. Murphy for Nolan, E. Harrington for MacGabhann, A. Moyles (0-1) for Crawford, B. Farrell for Maguire.
Referee – Pat McEnaney (Monaghan).
Telling contribution from our centre forward i'm told...
uladh, how did our centre half forward play
Wasn't at it but first hand accounts say the usual
I see Paddy Mc keever scored a point for Armagh in this game. As they say form is temporary; class is permanent.
If we play those half forward and full back line ups against Donegal we're fooked. Badly need Andy Mallon at corner back and Marsden at CHF.
Well i think we can have a fairly good stab at the team we will see line out against donegal now.
however heres wat i wud like to see
C. McKinney,
A. Mallon,
E. McNulty,
F. Moriarty,
A. Kernan,
K. McGeeney,
C. McKeever,
P. McGrane,
K. Toner,
P. McKeever,
M. O'Rourke,
P. Toal,
S. McDonnell,
D. Marsden,
O. McConville.
Subs – P. Keenan, C. Vernon, Michael O'Rourke, K. Dyas, P. Loughran, P. Duffy
Reliably informed that the team will be:
P. Hearty,
A. Mallon,
E. McNulty,
F. Moriarty,
A. Kernan,
K. McGeeney,
C. McKeever,
P. McGrane,
K. Toner,
P. McKeever,
S. Kernan,
M. O'Rourke,
S. McDonnell,
D. Marsden,
O. McConville.
have to say uladh you probably wont be far off, although I dont like the full back,l
It is the CHF I would be more worried about.
Any reports on who played well? Did any of the fringe players do anything to merit a starting position? I presume that the Meath game was the last chance to stake a claim and usually somebody comes up with an eye-catching performance.
The summary i was given in bullet form...
full back line cleaned out
Half back line attacked well but leaked a lot of scores, including mckeever and Geezer,
Midfield pair did very well
played with 5 forwards (mor in around the middle)
half forwards of McKeever and SK were death
Mackin had a horse of a game
Stevie very sharp and oisin disinterested
subs only got a few minutes bar keenan, who got 20 mins but was very very bad.
I thought Oisin scored 1-2? Has Keenan blown his chance now? I thought that he was in with a serious shout for a starting place.
Quote
Reliably informed that the team will be:
P. Hearty,
A. Mallon,
E. McNulty,
F. Moriarty,
A. Kernan,
K. McGeeney,
C. McKeever,
P. McGrane,
K. Toner,
P. McKeever,
S. Kernan,
M. O'Rourke,
S. McDonnell,
D. Marsden,
O. McConville.
man cant start for club but starts for county...
QuotePosted on: Today at 02:34:44 PMPosted by: High Catch
Insert Quote
I thought Oisin scored 1-2? Has Keenan blown his chance now? I thought that he was in with a serious shout for a starting place.
how would keenan have blown his chance, 20 mins in a challenge against meath would hardly count as a chance now would it?
Quote from: High Catch on May 15, 2007, 02:34:44 PM
I thought Oisin scored 1-2? Has Keenan blown his chance now? I thought that he was in with a serious shout for a starting place.
Stevie handed Oisin a goal and he kicked two frees i'm told.
on Keenan, if i can't say anything good, i'll say nothing. best all round i think
I would like to think that wouldn't count as his chance. If Keenan is getting 20 mins and the other subs only getting a few minutes then he must be relatively close to the first 15 then.
Good to hear Stevie is looking sharp anyway. And hopefully Oisin comes good Sunday week.
Thought marsden and mc grane were injured!
Quoteon Keenan, if i can't say anything good, i'll say nothing. best all round i think
what u mean here uladh?
I'm not a fan but i think it's best not to go into it given the email address you left up for a few weeks on your account...
i think it is pretty obvious what he means abu. Is Duffy back fully fit?
QuoteI'm not a fan but i think it's best not to go into it given the email address you left up for a few weeks on your account...
sure what has that got to do with it...this is a board where people voice their opinions..so go ahead..
Read back thru the armagh pages and i'm sure you'll find enough to keep you (un)happy.
I think that team is good enough to get us out of ballyboffey, especially given Donegal's liking for filling their boxers at the sight of our lads.
QuoteRead back thru the armagh pages and i'm sure you'll find enough to keep you (un)happy.
I think that team is good enough to get us out of ballyboffey, especially given Donegal's liking for filling their boxers at the sight of our lads.
i've seen enough of ur comments to notice that ur very negative towards some players that joe kernan obviously feels can do a job for the best of armagh football
Indeed, and its all about opinions. I'm sure Joe knows best.
QuoteIndeed, and its all about opinions. I'm sure Joe knows best.
wel then keenan may well feature in ballybofey
I never said he wouldn't....
i no but u did say
Quotei'll say nothing. best all round i think
And what part of that infers he won't appear in Ballyboffey?
QuoteAnd what part of that infers he won't appear in Ballyboffey?
known of it, but why wont you be man enough to explain ur case regardin keenan, besides should u not be more worried about ladies football pj...
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 15, 2007, 03:26:05 PM
QuoteAnd what part of that infers he won't appear in Ballyboffey?
known of it, but why wont you be man enough to explain ur case regardin keenan
I think he's not any good.
is there any players in lissummon any better?
Noel McElvenna
QuoteNoel McElvenna
he's got the height for full-forward anyway!
I obviously clicked something i shouldn't at some stage this afternoon and fell through a block hole into a parralel universe.
Im lost ::)
Join the club HC
Bebo or Hoganstand has taken over
Well thats three of us
suppose ur goin to say paul mccaffery is better than arron kernan next...
Anyway, what is the story with Duffy? Is he fully fit?
FFS abu, give over - keep your silly wee chats for Bebo
Think Duffy is fully fit all right but not making much of an impression
How come he has had a fall from grace?
Thought he would have been pushing hard for a starting slot
I was thinking that was the case with Duffy. Still not a bad option if an extra bit of pace is needed in the half forward line.
Dont rate Moriarty at all. I think he shouldn't be anywhere near the county squad never mind starting in the first round of the championship. But at the end of the day its not my choice
QuoteI was thinking that was the case with Duffy. Still not a bad option if an extra bit of pace is needed in the half forward line.
think u mean half back line do u not?
tir na nog - arent we all lucky that we dont have have the predicament that joe had with regards to the starting 15!
every club would love to see there players playing and yes im sure with all the other armagh posters on this site that not very many will agree totally with joe's selection next sunday!
at the end of the day this site is about giving your own opinion!
opinion's are like assholes! everyone has one! apart from orla murtagh who has two! her own and she is also married to one!
Sorry i meant half back line, I stand corrected.
The Team i'd put out wouldn't be as follows but the team i'd like to see Joe out in ballyboffey would be
McKinney
McNulty
Toner
Mallon
Dyas
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Loughran
Mackin
Kernan A
O'Rourke
McDonnell
Marsden
McConville
Uladh, Whats the difference between the team you would put out and the team you would like to see Joe put out?
It would be interesting to see how A Kernan would go at centre forward.
aaron kernan should be played as a corner-forward and given the freedom to roam!
when he plays half-back one of the wing half-fowards have to cover him everytime!
team i would like against donegal is:-
mckinney
mallon if available
enda to pick up devenney if he plays
moriarty
duffy if available
mckeever
mcgeeney
mcgrane
toner
m o'rourke
marsden
mcconville
mcdonnell
mackin
aaron kernan
would lavery not be a better option than toner at midfield?
Donegal by 4 or more points
the team I'd go for is:
Hearty
Mallon
Geezer
McNulty
Kernan
McKeever
Dyas
McGrane
Toner
Lavery
Marsden
O'Rourke (or maybe Toal)
McDonnell
McConville
Forker
Team:
Hearty
Mallon
McGeeney
Enda
Aaron
McKeever
Duffy
McGrane
Toner
MOR
Lavery
Toal
Stevie
Marsden
Oisin
Reckon Donegal will be too strong for the Orange men
Forker? Are you taking the piss? I know he's done well for u21s but made no impression in the mckenna cup he's not going to do it in the championship!
Mackin? :D :D :D (It's either laugh or cry)
If Stephen Kernan starts I won't stand at an armagh game until Joe goes!
If Stephen Kernan "stars" will you not be happy enough!!!
:-[
Enjoy your break I assume he will start.
QuoteIf Stephen Kernan "stars" will you not be happy enough!!!
Ig Pigs fly, i'm the pope
No room for Sigerson winner and U21 star Charlie Vernon?
Or just Charlie Vernon as he is known to the rest of us.
regarding stephen kernan..im not 100% sure he was definately very impressive a centre half forward the year the u21's won the all-ireland but has yet to perform for the seniors imho....but he definately has the ability...
Corn02, are you disputing the fact that Charlie is a Sigerson winner & U21 Star?, if not, what exactly is the purpose of your post?
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 08:22:32 AM
regarding stephen kernan..im not 100% sure he was definately very impressive a centre half forward the year the u21's won the all-ireland but has yet to perform for the seniors imho....but he definately has the ability...
So he performed well in the u21s two or three years ago? So he should start the county team for the championship when he can't make his club team?
The wife will welcome this but I'll join Pints club if the no'1 son starts next week, its just beyond belief that a man who cannot get on his club's starting 15 can gain a place on the county team. I mentioned it before but the loss of Grimley has left Joe to make his own rash decisions.
QuotePosted by: pintsofguinness
Insert Quote
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on Today at 08:22:32 AM
regarding stephen kernan..im not 100% sure he was definately very impressive a centre half forward the year the u21's won the all-ireland but has yet to perform for the seniors imho....but he definately has the ability...
So he performed well in the u21s two or three years ago? So he should start the county team for the championship when he can't make his club team?
totallay agree with u pog...john murtagh is a better player than stephen kernan imo...
Quote from: Spiritof98 on May 16, 2007, 08:34:37 AM
The wife will welcome this but I'll join Pints club if the no'1 son starts next week, its just beyond belief that a man who cannot get on his club's starting 15 can gain a place on the county team. I mentioned it before but the loss of Grimley has left Joe to make his own rash decisions.
Can I have your tickets?
QuoteCan I have your tickets?
are u not a member of a club?
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 08:50:16 AM
QuoteCan I have your tickets?
are u not a member of a club?
I am, but I know plenty of people who aren't and love to watch the county play.
Being a member of a club is not going to guarantee a ticket anyway!! Apparently our club will most likely get about 70 tickets for a membership of over 300!!, Maths has never been my strong point but even I realise that means not everyone who is a member will get a ticket & be able to attend the match!!!, let the raffle begin.
QuoteBeing a member of a club is not going to guarantee a ticket anyway!! Apparently our club will most likely get about 70 tickets for a membership of over 300!!, Maths has never been my strong point but even I realise that means not everyone who is a member will get a ticket & be able to attend the match!!!, let the raffle begin.
well in r club commitee members get 1st preferance then playing members, and then ur average club member, therefore as a playing member i will probably get a ticket...
have to say 80/90 tickets per club will prob be enough i normally go to games with family but as it is on tv,travelling to donegal doesnt appeal to MRS so am going alone, a lot of mates are of a similiar mind,
anyway chances are that Mc Grane may not be 100% fit
Same in our club re. committee members & players, but I'm just a bog standard member who attends matches, so I'll be last on the list, not holding out much hope, looks like I'll be waving my flag in front of the TV!
i feel sorry for the many juvenile members of clubs that attend armagh matches it is virtually impossible that they will get tickets above adult members! there is no student concessions or family tickets! that really is excellent public relations for the promotion of the g.a.a. throughout this province!
in our club tickets are normally distributed :- first preference committee members, underage management, lotto sellers, playing members, general members.
alot of people will be extremely disapointed next week when they realise that they will have to stay at home. :-\ :-\ :-\
have to agree with diesel-smuggler on the juvenile's missing out..in fairness its a joke that the game is in ballybofey depriving so many people of attendin the game...
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 10:00:20 AM
have to agree with diesel-smuggler on the juvenile's missing out..in fairness its a joke that the game is in ballybofey depriving so many people of attendin the game...
We've been over this ground already! The games in Ballybofey because Donegal have home advantage!!!!! ::)
i know we have...but its a loss to some many supporter's from both teams...huge mistake by the ulster council...
2004 is a lifetime ago in footballl terms now. anyone who was going to make it through from that panel is well and truely showing for the seniors now. with that criteria in mind, A Mallon, A Kernan, McKeever, B Mallon and arguably duffy, mackin & Moriarty have pushed on. To get any more than that from any one u21 team is reaching anyway and it's notable that Brian Mallon is the only real forward among them. The disappointing lads from that team would include austin, mcnamee, toal, swift, murtagh & s kernan. that said, natural selection would mitigate against a single age group populating a senior team on masse.
wel peadar toal is still there although he is certainly on his way back from injury...would be disappointed with most of ur selection also..
by anyones criteria, toal is at the bottom of that list
Quote from: Uladh on May 16, 2007, 10:57:05 AM
by anyones criteria, toal is at the bottom of that list
take yer redner Uladh!!!! Toal is one of the most naturally gifted footballers in that list, just hasn't produced the goods yet but he has been hampered with a lot of injuries!!! ::)
totally agree with candyman...toal is definately an naturally gifted footballer and definately has a future in county football...prob one of the best player we had on the u21 all-ireland winning squad..
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 09:07:52 AM
QuoteBeing a member of a club is not going to guarantee a ticket anyway!! Apparently our club will most likely get about 70 tickets for a membership of over 300!!, Maths has never been my strong point but even I realise that means not everyone who is a member will get a ticket & be able to attend the match!!!, let the raffle begin.
well in r club commitee members get 1st preferance then playing members, and then ur average club member, therefore as a playing member i will probably get a ticket...
Playing member?????????????????????? Enough said the better bout that one!!! lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
I'm not trying to pick a row but the debate was who has forced their way through and established themselves / contributed on the county senior team. what has austin, mcnamee, toal, swift, murtagh & s kernan contributed to the senior team since 2004?
natural gifts are irrelevent. arguably ryan henderson is as naturally gifted as toal, there are plenty of naturally gifted lads down my local. you can only judge on substance.
QuoteQuote from: ard mhaca abu on Today at 09:07:52 AM
Quote
Being a member of a club is not going to guarantee a ticket anyway!! Apparently our club will most likely get about 70 tickets for a membership of over 300!!, Maths has never been my strong point but even I realise that means not everyone who is a member will get a ticket & be able to attend the match!!!, let the raffle begin.
well in r club commitee members get 1st preferance then playing members, and then ur average club member, therefore as a playing member i will probably get a ticket...
Playing member? Enough said the better bout that one!!! lol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
whats your point in this comment tackle?
Quote from: Uladh on May 16, 2007, 11:06:29 AM
I'm not trying to pick a row but the debate was who has forced their way through and established themselves / contributed on the county senior team. what has austin, mcnamee, toal, swift, murtagh & s kernan contributed to the senior team since 2004?
natural gifts are irrelevent. arguably ryan henderson is as naturally gifted as toal, there are plenty of naturally gifted lads down my local. you can only judge on substance.
thats a valid point Uladh but then again Toal hasn't played much football for the senior team?? Any time he did play he usually chipped in with a point or 2 and thought he linked up well with stevie more than others!! Remember against fermanagh in enniskillen last year he hit 4 points (2from each side and 2 were monsters)....
If the lad was fully fit i'd imagine he'd be starting the high profile games??? :-\
Quote from: Candyman on May 16, 2007, 11:16:11 AM
Toal hasn't played much football for the senior team??
Thats the whole point.
McKenna Cup performances mean nothing. there's been a whole lotta lads played well there. i remember a young fella from newtown doing rightly in a mckenna cup game and there was a full page article about him in the irish news on the tuesday. he was off the panel completely by the weekend!
that would be u21 corner forward kevin orourke..would it?
Excellent abu
Straight to the top of the class ::)
i always was up there regarding county football fullback...
Eh no... about 2/3 years ago there was a lad from the underdogs playing in the mckenna cup. scored a few frees and the papers have nothing to write about at that time of year
barry murray he's useless play wing-half back from newtown now...
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 11:26:35 AM
i always was up there regarding county football fullback...
:D :D
FFS abu - you dont read the IN much
When are the holidays over?
thats the one
QuoteFFS abu - you dont read the IN much
When are the holidays over?
and how do u work that one out?
holidays what u mean?
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 11:39:29 AM
QuoteFFS abu - you dont read the IN much
When are the holidays over?
and how do u work that one out?
holidays what u mean?
P7's computer day.... :D
Quote from: Candyman on May 16, 2007, 11:43:28 AM
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 16, 2007, 11:39:29 AM
QuoteFFS abu - you dont read the IN much
When are the holidays over?
and how do u work that one out?
holidays what u mean?
P7's computer day.... :D
:D :D
ha good one lads...
ach don't get all sensative abu.. its only a bit of craic!!! tell ye what i'll send ye my love on bebo for the day to cheer ye up, how does that sound????
:D :D :D
excellent but how do u know who i am?
your in the same class as my son.... :D :D :D
:D :D :D good one candyman
as i said yesterday club members would like nothing better than to see their own clubmen in the starting 15 next sunday in ballybofey!
peadar toal is one of the most naturally gifted footballers on his day! same can be said for paul keenan from cruppen. these two lads have been on the senior panel now for 2 or 3 seasons and in fairness to them injuries haven't been nice to them and also when fit the haven't been given the same opportunities as stephan kernan has! when the did get the opportunity they have done well for the county. against fermanagh last year peadar toal scored 4 of the nicest points you will ever see in a game of football and this year i thought that paul keenan was one of the better performers that we had in the national league.
regardless of who starts or who doesn't players should not be criticised by certain posters on this board! the effort and committment that they give to the armagh senior team especially those who are on the bench should be commended! these players sacrifice their own club team as from now til armagh's involvement ends this summer cannot participate in any club activity apart from club championship which also puts a burden on smaller clubs who depend on these players as match winners for themselves!
Quote from: Rma13 on May 16, 2007, 08:23:27 AM
Corn02, are you disputing the fact that Charlie is a Sigerson winner & U21 Star?, if not, what exactly is the purpose of your post?
No not disputing it but is that how you address him everytime you mention him?
Diesel smuggler, you seemed to forget the Ulster Council alloow free entry for U16s on non ticket days, that is good public relations for me. In the last finals at Croke Park there is also plenty of family tickets available.
Well done Ard... i mean diesel smuggler
at least you didn't leave your private email up for public consumption when you registered this time!
under 16's wishing to attend the match next sunday in ballybofey will need a ticket at the full-price!
because of the capacity of ballybofey no family tickets are being issued!
aghdavoyle think you got your wires crossed there mate!
Quote from: diesel-smuggler on May 16, 2007, 01:40:44 PM
as i said yesterday club members would like nothing better than to see their own clubmen in the starting 15 next sunday in ballybofey!
peadar toal is one of the most naturally gifted footballers on his day! same can be said for paul keenan from cruppen. these two lads have been on the senior panel now for 2 or 3 seasons and in fairness to them injuries haven't been nice to them and also when fit the haven't been given the same opportunities as stephan kernan has! when the did get the opportunity they have done well for the county. against fermanagh last year peadar toal scored 4 of the nicest points you will ever see in a game of football and this year i thought that paul keenan was one of the better performers that we had in the national league.
regardless of who starts or who doesn't players should not be criticised by certain posters on this board! the effort and committment that they give to the armagh senior team especially those who are on the bench should be commended! these players sacrifice their own club team as from now til armagh's involvement ends this summer cannot participate in any club activity apart from club championship which also puts a burden on smaller clubs who depend on these players as match winners for themselves!
Ooops
Is there one rule for you and a different rule for everyone else on this board?
im not criticising stephen kernan! i just pointing out the already known fact that he got more than his fair share of opportunities above other members of the team!
if stephen is selected to start next sunday i will be going to support him and the rest of the team!
That is my point Diesel, The Ulster Council could not provide anything due to limited tickets, but when there is the space available for concessions they are excellent in this department in my opinion, well most of the time.
No corn 02, this is not how I address him, but I think the point that was being made by the poster was to question why someone with these acheivements was not being discussed as a prospective start for the Donegal match, your subsequent post had no real relevance!
Correct Corn, IMHO
With space restrictions in place due to the venue it is nigh impossible to give concessions.
they didnt take that into consideration with moving the ulster final to croke park for the past 3 seasons when all they seen was € € € €
its the club secretary's that i pity having to tell underage members that it is impossible to issue any tickets to them!
armagh got 8000, 2000 of them are distributed between orchard club members and friends of armagh. the other 6000 will be distributed throughout clubs. the clubs with the bigger membership will suffer the most. this is a nightmare situation for clubs in armagh that have adult membership of 250 or more. there will be some craic next week to hear of all the rows that have taken place in different clubs over tickets!
Quote from: diesel-smuggler on May 16, 2007, 02:44:45 PM
they didnt take that into consideration with moving the ulster final to croke park for the past 3 seasons when all they seen was € € € €
its the club secretary's that i pity having to tell underage members that it is impossible to issue any tickets to them!
armagh got 8000, 2000 of them are distributed between orchard club members and friends of armagh. the other 6000 will be distributed throughout clubs. the clubs with the bigger membership will suffer the most. this is a nightmare situation for clubs in armagh that have adult membership of 250 or more. there will be some craic next week to hear of all the rows that have taken place in different clubs over tickets!
We've been through this before but the Ulster final is held at a neutral venue - hence being able to move it to CP ::)
RMA13, so does everyone who won a sigerson and play for U21 deserve to start. We all know who C Vernon is, so no need for the introduction before his name, so in essence your reply to me had no relevance.
Diesel, you criticise the Ulster Council for moving the game to Ballybofey because not everyone will see it, yet you also criticise them for moving to Croke Park to allow more people to see the final?
This is all becoming very repetitive and very petty. We are covering old ground on this topic lads. :-\
Is pettiness not what forums are based on?
Did I state anywhere that Charlie or any of those with a sigerson or Under21 deserved to start?, I just stated that the poster was pointing out that someone with these achievements should be in the mix for a starting place. Also, if as you've pointed out, "we all know who Charlie Vernon is" then why did you need to respond to the poster by saying that he's "Charlie Vernon to the rest of us"? For the record there may actually be people in other counties who are not aware of Charlie Vernon (yet) or his achievements!
This forum certainly is.
Quote from: Rma13 on May 16, 2007, 03:05:57 PM
Did I state anywhere that Charlie or any of those with a sigerson or Under21 deserved to start?, I just stated that the poster was pointing out that someone with these achievements should be in the mix for a starting place. Also, if as you've pointed out, "we all know who Charlie Vernon is" then why did you need to respond to the poster by saying that he's "Charlie Vernon to the rest of us"? For the record there may actually be people in other counties who are not aware of Charlie Vernon (yet) or his achievements!
Awww FFS
This is the biggest load of bollix in a while
Quote from: full back on May 16, 2007, 03:09:25 PM
Quote from: Rma13 on May 16, 2007, 03:05:57 PM
Did I state anywhere that Charlie or any of those with a sigerson or Under21 deserved to start?, I just stated that the poster was pointing out that someone with these achievements should be in the mix for a starting place. Also, if as you've pointed out, "we all know who Charlie Vernon is" then why did you need to respond to the poster by saying that he's "Charlie Vernon to the rest of us"? For the record there may actually be people in other counties who are not aware of Charlie Vernon (yet) or his achievements!
Awww FFS
This is the biggest load of bollix in a while
My thoughts exactly.
ack lads, dont be feelin depressed on usnow.. ;D
Fcuk off back to Bebo abu (oops, nearly gave out your real name there ;))
Aw jesus RMA 13 are you his mother? I'll leave it.
Im beginning to think he actually is Charlie.
Now abu, dont go sending PM's :D
BTW, do the Donegal contingent think Devenney will be playing or is there any word on it?
After all, this is what tis thread should be about
wel u obviously arent gonna answer me anyhow...
i heard devenney is making great progress on his injury and is in contention for a starting place!
county board are distributing tickets to all clubs tomorrow night :-\
Heard from a weebirdie that Devenney may make the bench, but still tight.
Took a race down to Senchalstown last Sunday evening. Thankfully the rain held off allowing for a good workout. A few observations: I have been a critic of Martin O'Rourke in the past - and although only a challenge game - he was impressive: doing the things he is often feted for but really rarely delivers consistently. Where he was most impressive was in and around the half and full back lines where he showed excellent reading of the game and picked up a lot more ball that when sweeping round the middle. I would love to see him sitting back in this role against Donegal and breaking forward only when he can – which on Sunday he did sporadically, but to great effect. With Francie missing and Aaron's forays we a extra and constant presence in this area.
I'm afraid Fin Mo wasn't great and a bad handling error allowed Meath in for their first goal. McKinney did nothing wrong in nets, but Hearty was the much bigger and vocal presence in the 2nd half. He also pulled off a great reaction save from Sheridan towards the end. Thought Ciaran McKeever did a good harrying job at wing-back and looked much more at home than in the centre.
Toner – wholly committed – and Lavery did well against a very big midfield. I would have confidence in either partnering McGrane. Neil Gallagher and Cassidy will be a tough test aerially and physically.
I'm afraid Stephen Kernan was poor. At times he looked frightened and although he will start (the team has been named to the players) I fear he will be cruelly exposed by McGee. Paddy McKeever was very poor indeed. Our half forward problems remain the most stark.
Stevie was very good without stretching himself and Oisin showed glimpses of class when he was bothered. Mal Mackin, who limped off, was totally ineffective. I know it's unfair to compare most with Clarke in that role, but I can't recall when Mackin had a game where you could say he's county material (last year's McKenna Cup game for the Poly?). He has all the attributes bar pace, perhaps, like Swift he's not up to it.
Imposerous, excellent report. Did any of the subs make an impact? How did McGeeney play?
Imposerous, what did you think of Meath? Bearing in mind we're playing the Lilies on Sunday.
When is the new Armagh jersey out. And can it be got in Belfaast city centre.
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 17, 2007, 11:32:18 AM
When is the new Armagh jersey out. And can it be got in Belfaast city centre.
Next Thursday from O'Neill's on Kennedy Way. What's the word on tickets Fiodoir - have you put your name down yet?
I haven't had time to scratch me proverbials of late. Have to get down to the club - though I got an offer to sit in the commentary box with my contacts ;D
You sort the jerseys (I'm still medium!) and I'll sort out a request for the tickets (x4) - apparently, some Donegal /Tyrone/Derry and South-east Antrim chaps want to travel on the Vengabus - soon, I hope, to be sponsored by 2 ex-county players................
Donagh - is your name down cos I just got thru to the club - tickets probably to be given out next Thursday night, 24th May.
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 17, 2007, 11:37:42 AM
I got an offer to sit in the commentary box with my contacts ;D
Will Jimmy let you sit on his knee?
My contact is Tigger. Maybe I should sit on his mouth.
Err, that sounds worse than it was meant
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 17, 2007, 11:37:42 AM
Donagh - is your name down cos I just got thru to the club - tickets probably to be given out next Thursday night, 24th May.
Cheers, have been up to my eyes here all week. Told the bro to put my name down for the bus as well, have a feeling he may have omitted my name ;)
I asked for 4 but if I get 2 that's a result - mind, one has to go to thon goose lad.
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 17, 2007, 12:53:05 PM
I asked for 4 but if I get 2 that's a result - mind, one has to go to thon goose lad.
Ah lads don't be worrying about tickets now, sure it'll be a long way to travel just to be disappointed! ;D
It's not true that the armagh team has been named to the players but its easy enough to work out.
Hearty
Mallon
McNulty
Moriarty
kernan
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Toner
o'rourke
S Kernan
McKeever
McDonnell
Marsden
McConville
With the obvious exception, the personnel may be as strong as whats currently available for selection.
Quote from: Gaoth Dobhair Abu on May 17, 2007, 01:04:01 PM
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 17, 2007, 12:53:05 PM
I asked for 4 but if I get 2 that's a result - mind, one has to go to thon goose lad.
Ah lads don't be worrying about tickets now, sure it'll be a long way to travel just to be disappointed! ;D
further for you, 3-counties
Quote from: Orchard Warrior on May 17, 2007, 01:09:56 PM
With the obvious exception, the personnel may be as strong as whats currently available for selection.
What might the obvious exception be ?
???
Perhaps he meant exceptions?
Bellew, Clarke & Mallon
Does James Lavery have an injury at the minute? I would have thought he would have been most likely to partner McGrane in the middle of the field!
james lavery and kieran toner were the midfield partnership against meath so i assume he's not injured...
FFS lads will someone who was at the Meath game please tell me if meath were any use! >:( Couldn't go as there was a junior game on that evening. I'm looking for impartial opinions on Meaths prospects going into the Kildare game. Don't make me come up there! :o
It looks Jinxy as though Imposerous was the only one among us who actually was at the game.
for what its worth i heard meath were fairly experimental. moyles came on second half and was excellent and GG played the second half in defence and was v v good
Quote from: Uladh on May 17, 2007, 06:53:14 PM
It looks Jinxy as though Imposerous was the only one among us who actually was at the game.
for what its worth i heard meath were fairly experimental. moyles came on second half and was excellent and GG played the second half in defence and was v v good
Seriously? I hadn't heard that till now. I know he has an allstar as a half-back but I can't quite fathom why they'd play him back there now. Imposerous, if you are out there can you shed any light on this?
The boys were training over in Dromintee there and had a challenge match.
Best were O Rourke, Lavery and McDonnell. S Kernan kicked over some nice scores but was defensively a disaster, his man (P Duffy) even managed a goal and set up countless attacks.
Our team on Sunday week is as likely to have as weak a half forward line as you'll see all summer.
Don't get me wrong MOR deserves his place and is a terrific worker but he isn't going to kick you many points.
in training and against meath, the team lined out with the full forward coming out to form a 2 man half forward line with the chf, and the 2 wing half forwards supporting the half backs with the breaking ball in around midfield...
So will they line out like this for example, this isnt my preferred team just sometin i thought of quickly
Hearty
Mo Enda Andy
Mc Keever Geezer A kernan
Mc Keever Mc Grane Lavery MOR
Marsden Keenan
Stevie Oisin
yeah something like that...against meath it was
mckinney
mallon enda mo
a kernan geezer mckeever
p mckeever toner lavery mor
s kernan marsden
stevie oisin
I like pictures but not words so that explains it better! thanks!
It occurs to me that there must be a better corner back option in the county than moriarty. he's a wholehearted footballer but just isnt good enough at this level. duffy would be a better option, even given his inability to tackle. i had high hopes for donaghy at the start of the year but the u21 campaign put that to bed. imho paul McCormack is stll one of the best defenders in the county should be starting corner back next sunday.
so do u think this system will work? personally i think we'll need alot of speed if they are to play a 2 man half forward line...
re: uladh i think duffy would be wasted in corner back cos he has the natural ability to go forward with full effect...
of course duffy is no corner back, but someone has to do a job there. if moriarty starts, someone else will be coming in after 15 minutes.
QuoteRe: Donegal v Armagh Championship game
« Reply #285 on: Today at 10:24:06 AM »
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
of course duffy is no corner back, but someone has to do a job there. if moriarty starts, someone else will be coming in after 15 minutes.
thought finn done alright during the national league...
He wasn't good enough for sigerson football so thats not a good indicator for starters. apart from a commendable performance during a thrashing in portlaois i thought he was very poor through the league.
QuoteHe wasn't good enough for sigerson football so thats not a good indicator for starters. apart from a commendable performance during a thrashing in portlaois i thought he was very poor through the league.
sure he was marking micheal o'rourke in the sigerson final...
That was my point. he got an absolute roasting in the semi final and then o'rourke had a virtual field day on him in the final. Neither men are establish county players and it's likely he'd have to mark mcfadden or mcmennamin on sunday week.
to be fair to both of them...think micheal had an excellent game that day and wouldve probably giving most corner backs in the country a headache that day...
Quote from: Uladh on May 18, 2007, 10:32:47 AM
He wasn't good enough for sigerson football so thats not a good indicator for starters. apart from a commendable performance during a thrashing in portlaois i thought he was very poor through the league.
Finn mo had a bad day that day. but alot of poly men had that day also! Uladh think ure bein slightly harsh on finn there. Although not an established county player yet, he done ok during the league while playin alot of football and carrying an injury also. He was one of the main men on the u21 AI side in 2004! Duffy could do a job in there yes especially on wazza but there is no guarantee hellc be playin so it up in the air!
Sorry, Jinky, I replied further yesterday but my message failed to post. The match was held-up by 15 mins to allow McAnaeaney to get there from the Longford Westmeath game – you'd have thought that a local ref could have handled this. The game itself was pretty free-flowing and there were some nice passages of play from both teams. Obviously with your Champo game only a week away the challenges were not as full-blooded as they'll be on Sunday, but it was still a robust. Meath's movement and support play was very good indeed (but Armagh were able to intercept several moves) and they were finding it difficult to work to ball into the full forward line. Meath then took some very nice scores from distance. Your half back line were competent, but then were faced by Paddy McKeever and S Kernan (Martin O Rourke played in the hole and deeper). Very tall mid-field. Your No 8 wouldn't have looked out of place on 5th Avenue, so I was glad to see our two young lads compete aireally here. Sorry I am unable to name your players as I was slightly late in and then there was a fire and a space ship.... Ah, feck it, I didn't want to pay €3! The recognisable GG started at full forward but played in the half back line attacking with great purpose. When was the last time he played in that position?
The point i was making is that neither o'rourke nor andy moran are established intercounty forwards an he wasn't within an ass's roar of coping with either.
It's obivious you guys are friends with Finnian and it blinds you 's in giving an opinion on his performances, he was poor in the Sigerson Final, you claim a lot of the Poly team was yet it went to extra time, agree that Duffy could do a job in CB but IMO a fully fit Duffy has to play further up the field and maybe there's a place for him in the half forwards in front of Kernan or maybe vice versa.
Tackle, AMA any chance of not using nicknames, Im getting confused on this dizzy friday.
QuoteIMO a fully fit Duffy has to play further up the field and maybe there's a place for him in the half forwards in front of Kernan or maybe vice versa.
to be honest i think arron is a better footballer than duffy, but everyone is entitled to their opinion..
I think he meant the more obvious kernan...
Anyway, the corner back position is a major headache and we are all operating under the assumption that enda ill be on the top of his game too, which hasn't always been the case recently.
Quotewe are all operating under the assumption that enda ill be on the top of his game too, which hasn't always been the case recently
enda usually rises his game against donegal, but he normally picks up devenney though he might not be fit for next week...
I have to agree with the scepticism on Moriarty's ability. I'm afriad McFadden would dominate him. I'd like to see Duffy in corner back. He may not have the height to deal with McFadden (as in O'Sullivan last year) but I'd have more confidence in him than Finn Mo. While he probably is better suited further up the field, Duffy is more versatile than any other of the starting half backs so why hamper them when Duffy can do the job effectively in the corner without having to compromising others.
By the way, Andy Mallon did not play on Sunday from what I can remember. The full back line was Donaghy, McNulty and Moririty.
On Paul McCormack, good player, good defender, but felt his lack of pace often left him exposed.
the team I'd like to see against Donegal (considering known injuries):
Hearty
A Mallon Toner Duffy
McKeever Geezer A Kernan
McGrane/Lavery
Vernon Marsden O'Rourke
McDonnell Keenan McConville
O'Rourke to sit much deeper than usual with a more defend and break brief than usual.
Keenan to be given 20 mins to see if his hieght and pace can trouble Campbell. Neither Loughran nor Mackin have convinced in FF - not that Keenan did against Galway, but he seems a more flexible and mobile. I thought Loughran was very robotic in FF - at one point he couldn't contort his body to take a score with his left in front of the posts in the 2nd half against Westmeath. At least Keenan can kick with either foot, and with space and quick thinking needed at Champo pace I'd like to see Keenan tried for this reason. By the way, on Sunday Ithought he had bulked up considerably.
Assuming that the likely starting line up will include S Kernan and P McKeever in the half fowards the prognosis for the Donegal game isn't looking good at this point imo - neither player in the recent past have shown that they are willing or capable of defending from the front. I have visions of the Donegal half back line attacking at will and setting up countless attacks. We definetely need players like Vernon and Toal fit on the bench to come on when (rather than if!) needed. Playing Toner at midfield ahead of Lavery would be a bit of a surprise. Both are good options, but Lavery has had a bit more experience there this year. McGeeney at CHB is a more reliable presence than McKeever there. McGeeney's obviously keeping himself fit as always but i'd worry that he would be able to cope in terms of mobility still. Forker could be a useful sub at corner forward if needed - the lad really improved as the year went on with the under 21s and his confidence levels should be high.
QuoteHearty
A Mallon Toner Duffy
McKeever Geezer A Kernan
McGrane/Lavery
Vernon Marsden O'Rourke
McDonnell Keenan McConville
no room for enda?
QuoteBy the way, on Sunday Ithought he had bulked up considerably.
must be the weights comin out in him..lol
Paddy McKeever will rise to the challenge lads...don't worry!
Armagh by-pass the half forward line....this is why they don't look outstanding on the day!
I would consider playing Ciaran McKeever in corner back to mark McFadden, whilst moving Duffy back to wing back. McKeever's distribution isn't as good as Duffy's, yetr he seems a better/stronger marker!
but would mckeever be reliable enough marking mcfadden in the full back line...in my opinion he might give away too many free in front of goal..allowing donegal the opportunity to score easy free's...
Lads yis are assumming that McFadden will be playing in the corner forward position. He played in FF in the league final, and I think he will be staying there with Devenny on the wing. I'd have Geezer or Toner in full back with enda in the corner.
McKeever marked Stephen O'Neil in 2005 AI Semi and had a great game
My team would be:
Hearty
Mallon, Toner, McNulty
Aaron, Geezer, Duffy / Dyas
McGrane, Lavery
Toner, Marsden, Martin OR
Stevie, Loughran / Keenan Oisin
Tend to agree that the half forward line looks dodgey. Not sure about Vernon. Incredibly strong and fit but no distribution
QuoteI'd have Geezer or Toner in full back with enda in the corner.
think id rather see toner in full back as geezer's distribution but be more felt further up the field..
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 18, 2007, 12:24:32 PM
QuoteI'd have Geezer or Toner in full back with enda in the corner.
think id rather see toner in full back as geezer's distribution but be more felt further up the field..
In all the practise games in La Manga Geezer was not used once in the full back line. So rule that out
Look at Uladh's team from a few pages back, I would imagine this will be a close to the mark as you can get.
Quote from: illdecide on May 18, 2007, 01:12:44 PM
Quote from: ard mhaca abu on May 18, 2007, 12:24:32 PM
QuoteI'd have Geezer or Toner in full back with enda in the corner.
think id rather see toner in full back as geezer's distribution but be more felt further up the field..
In all the practise games in La Manga Geezer was not used once in the full back line. So rule that out
....& Stephen was used in centre forward... :o
Quote....& Stephen was used in centre forward...
do u think this is a good move?
Quote from: Imposerous on May 18, 2007, 11:05:36 AM
Sorry, Jinky, I replied further yesterday but my message failed to post. The match was held-up by 15 mins to allow McAnaeaney to get there from the Longford Westmeath game – you'd have thought that a local ref could have handled this. The game itself was pretty free-flowing and there were some nice passages of play from both teams. Obviously with your Champo game only a week away the challenges were not as full-blooded as they'll be on Sunday, but it was still a robust. Meath's movement and support play was very good indeed (but Armagh were able to intercept several moves) and they were finding it difficult to work to ball into the full forward line. Meath then took some very nice scores from distance. Your half back line were competent, but then were faced by Paddy McKeever and S Kernan (Martin O Rourke played in the hole and deeper). Very tall mid-field. Your No 8 wouldn't have looked out of place on 5th Avenue, so I was glad to see our two young lads compete aireally here. Sorry I am unable to name your players as I was slightly late in and then there was a fire and a space ship.... Ah, feck it, I didn't want to pay €3! The recognisable GG started at full forward but played in the half back line attacking with great purpose. When was the last time he played in that position?
Much obliged. I can't be sure but I think '95 was the last year GG lined out as a half-back for championship. I actually like to see him hanging around the midfield diamond where he can drift around and pick up ball. Thanks for the report.
Disagree about Vernon and his distribution. On Sunday (oh yeah, did I mention I was there!) he collected the ball in the half back line spotted S Kernan free (clearly his man decided he wasn't worth marking ;D) and he delivered a quick long accurate ball into his chest from which he scored. He also distributed very well in the Harps game against Cross recently. In fact he was the stand out Harps player on view that day. As Corn pointed out, the team Uladh mentioned is almost cvertainly the team likely to start. Is Stephen Kernan likely to contribute more over the 70 mins (in any position) than Charlie Vernon. I have yet to see that evidence, whether he has more ability or not.
Sorry Spirit, kinda forgot about Enda. Would have A Mallon, Toner and Enda as the 3 full backs with Enda the McFadden brief. While the full back is a mountainous position to expect a young lad to scale, Toner has shown that he puts everything on the line, and is a very strong tackler without conceding too many unncessary frees. We haven't won the All ireland for 5 years. Surely it was evident that the team needed a few positional tweaks. The personnel are there but will Joe's team show the vision and will he take the brave decisions needed in order to have this team operate at its optimum?
Be careful in your praise of Charlie Vernon Imposerous, you could be accused of being either him or his mother!!
I am Charlie Vernon... and so is my wife ;D.
Should that not be "be careful in your praise of Sigerson winner and U21 star Charlie Vernon"?
Quote from: corn02 on May 18, 2007, 03:51:46 PM
Should that not be "be careful in your praise of Sigerson winner and U21 star Charlie Vernon"?
:D
1. Hearty
2. Andy Mallon 3. Kieran McGeeney 4. Ciaran McKeever
5. Aaron Kernan 6. Kieran Toner 7. Kevin Dyas
8. Paul McGrane 9. James Lavery
10. Martin O'Rourke 11. Charlie Vernon 12. Peadar Toal
13. Stevie McDonnell 14. Diarmuid Marsden 15. Oisin McConville
Quote from: full back on May 18, 2007, 03:56:27 PM
Quote from: corn02 on May 18, 2007, 03:51:46 PM
Should that not be "be careful in your praise of Sigerson winner and U21 star Charlie Vernon"?
:D
Don't get me wrong. I think he is a terrific footballer. Just think for a long time now he has benefitted from being stronger than his opponent and so distribution wasn't a problem. This was certainly the case against Tyrone U21s and Down seniors in the league. Having said that he was very good in the u21 final. Perhaps the likes of Vernon is seen as the great white hope to replace the industry of Geezer, etc when they retire in ten years time and so the suffer from heightened expectation.
Was not a dig at you Bro, you would need to read back a few posts to get it.
In a reverse of normal trends, the closer this game gets the less confident i'm becoming of an armagh win for some reason. From a long way out, donegal's lack of bottle against armagh has previously given me a sort of comfort blanket to wrap myself in. The more i look at the two teams that will line out, the more i realise that donegal more than anyone are equipped to expose armagh's weaknesses.
Neil Gallagher will likely break even with McGrane so young toner will have to produce a big performace against Cassidy to give us the lion's share of possession we'll need to win this one. marty o'rourke's work in this sector could be crucial but donegal have some very good break ball winners of their own. With McConville playing up front alongside Stevie, we're gonna need a lot of frees to keep the scoreboard ticking over. oisin is no longer capable of creating scores one on one with intercounty defenders and Stevie will likely be double teamed.
With McKeever and kernan in the half forward line they offer a serious lack of workrate and marsden might be the only effective player we have in that area. i can see donegal breaking at will from their half back line, especially against those first two fellas. given that thats what donegal do best, armagh could be in serious difficulties here.
In the absence of Devenny, Donegal's best six forwards are probably hegarty, kavanagh, roper, mcfadden, toye plus one from McMenamin, Bonner & Sweeney. Sweeney hasn't produced it against armagh and McMenamin is too small to start so i think they'll go for bonner. on the plus side, all of those forwards have consistently failed to fire against previous armagh defences and the psychological aspect of these games can be vital. on the other hand, they offer serious running and scoring power and on a bad day could tear us to shreads running from deep.
given that donegal will play two forwards, McFadden plus one, and make it a race from the midfield malaise to support them, i am fairly worried. we have a couple of defenders who can be seriously exploited by this gameplan.
From an armagh point of view, we are going to struggle badly for scores. of the 5 forwards, Kernan and mckeever can probably be discounted from play. McDonnell will produce the goods if he gets the service but again the fear would be a laboured build up with half backs constantly carrying the ball and starving stevie. McConville has massive talent but i have only seen very small glimmers of it in the last two years. his fprm has been to generally be anonymous through games and add one or two eye catching moments in the second half. that won't do on sunday.
To have a consistent scoring threat, McGrane is going to have to produce an attacking performance of heroic proportions and we need a massive game from marsden. he'll need to be on top of his game because given McGeeney's passing so far this year, there is noone else able to get the ball to McDonnell early and in the areas he needs it, and Diarmaid will need to contribute 3/4 points from play for armagh to win. unfortunately, that diamaid marsden hasn't played for armagh for nearly three years now.
The chink in donegal's armour could be their lack of an effective partner for McFadden up front and if they can't win the ball inside they can't get runners feeding off.
Armagh can win but they'll need to score maybe 2--08 and shut donegal down to do it.
How can you get tickets for Sunday's game in Ballybofey ? Is it all ticket ?
Yeah its all ticket. You should be able to get tickets off your local club if they haven't been given out already
Uladh, your analysis seems to be predicated on S Kernan, starting. I really can't see it happening in this game especially with Vernon on the bench.
if a man who cannot command a starting position for his club can start for armagh there is something seriously wrong. i think armagh can win on sunday, donegal have built themselves up for a big fall.
A Donegal man was telling me on Friday night how much he was looking forward to Fermanagh sneaking a win yesterday – must have had a eye on the Ulster Final. ;D
perhaps donegal men should concentrate on getting out of ballbofey with a win this week before talk of ulster finals. armagh wont be going up the road to make up the numbers. its a disgrace the game isnt in clones and taking armagh all the way to ballybofey could do alot to fire them up!
Look on the bright side at least most of them we dicks about 16 years of age (the Clones Brigade) won't be falling over the top of you drunk because most of them won't get tickets.
Quote from: illdecide on May 21, 2007, 01:10:25 PM
Look on the bright side at least most of them we dicks about 16 years of age (the Clones Brigade) won't be falling over the top of you drunk because most of them won't get tickets.
aye but its all good craic, then raceys to laceys after
Quoteaye but its all good craic, then raceys to laceys after
absolutely nd mini laceys before hand...
Quote from: qub la la la on May 21, 2007, 12:13:02 PM
perhaps donegal men should concentrate on getting out of ballbofey with a win this week before talk of ulster finals. armagh wont be going up the road to make up the numbers. its a disgrace the game isnt in clones and taking armagh all the way to ballybofey could do alot to fire them up!
FFS, somebody somewhere makes a remark about Fermanagh, and suddenly Donegal are taking Armagh for granted! Get a grip will ye. Any Donegal person with half a clue about the game will be nervous about this given our recent history against you. We know we're good enough, especially given the absence of several of your key players, but we've folded on several occasions in recent years when we had the opportunity to beat you, so I doubt if anyone is taking anything for granted. On the other hand, there does seem to be a vibe amongst a few Armagh supporters that it is inevitable that we will lie down again. We'll see. Can't wait for Sunday myself!
As for "taking armagh all the way to ballybofey", this is the first time since 1999 that Donegal supporters haven't had to travel a much longer distance than Armagh for our meetings, so spare us your ridiculous complaints. Ticket numbers is one thing, but crying about the distance you have to travel is just childish.
Your right its wild craic that when somone throws up right beside you and you get dashed with the vomit. You couldn't beat it, the smell of stale beer and cidar the whole way home
jesus long is the day a donegal man would cry about having to journey to croke park!!
Quote from: qub la la la on May 21, 2007, 12:13:02 PM
perhaps donegal men should concentrate on getting out of ballbofey with a win this week before talk of ulster finals. armagh wont be going up the road to make up the numbers. its a disgrace the game isnt in clones and taking armagh all the way to ballybofey could do alot to fire them up!
Hows it a disgrace ye dose! Armagh have no devine right to choose where the game is played!
Quote from: Donagh on May 21, 2007, 11:31:24 AM
Uladh, your analysis seems to be predicated on S Kernan, starting. I really can't see it happening in this game especially with Vernon on the bench.
Care to offer me odds Donagh? Joe has jumped through a lot of hoops and crossed a lot of people to ensure that stephen can play at number 11 for armagh and he's not going to miss his opportunity.
It sounds likely, after hearing bits & pieces from La Manga. He also started there against Meath.
What nights are the lads training this week? - Tuesday & Thursday's before a game isn't it?
- Has it returned to Callanbridge yet...or are they doing the rounds still?
stephen kernan will be centre half forward on sunday
Quote from: naka on May 21, 2007, 02:06:45 PM
stephen kernan will be centre half forward on sunday
Wouldn't it be interesting if he was and he had a stormer, there would be some guys with red faces on this board :D
If Shaq Throws enough free throws he'll score eventually. he'd still be shit at free throws.
What price the tickets anyone?
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 21, 2007, 04:06:19 PM
What price the tickets anyone?
from Donegal site:
"The prices for tickets are as follows:
€27/£18 Covered Stand
€25/£17 Uncovered Stand
€18/£12 Terrace
Please note there are no concession tickets available".
I've been saying long before Donegal won the NFL that we would get a gubbing in this fixture, if anything, I'm even more pessimistic. If S Kernan starts if could get embarassing(I don't think he will start), but you never know he might have a stormer. Toner will be starting from what I've heard and I don't expect McGeeney to start. What's the chances of Ginny ann loughran starting at FF :-[ Joe defintely favours a target man of some description, there aren't many options, Lavery or possibly even Toner?
The one big thing going for us is that we are being witten off, it's manna from heaven for Big Joe- an ideal motivating tool. Team I'd expect to see:
Hearty
Mallon, Toner,McNulty
AK, McKeever, Duffy
MCGrane, Lavery
PMcKeever, Marsden, MOR
Oisin, Loughran, McDonnell
I'd love to see Michael O'Rourke in the FF line, but that's not going to happen. I'd also love to see Vernon play(and he will at some stage I'd imagine), but in the HB line not the forwards.
You're deluding yourself Benny... the team is hearty, mallon, mcnulty, moriarty, kernan, mcgeeney, mckeever, mcgrane, toner, McKeever, kernan, o'rourke, mcdonnell, Marsden, McConville. no room for debate... thats the team, god help us.
uladh you have impaccable sources, but tthere may be injuries that u havent counted on :-\
Can't wait for Sunday, have been to the two Cavan v Down matches over the last two weeks, so hopefully I'll see some decent football this weekend.
Wouldn't write Armagh off (as I have watched them beat us the last 5-6 years) but I believe that Donegal have a confidence this year that has been lacking in the past. Devenney (if he doesn't play) will be a big loss, but other then that we have a near full strength team, Armagh have a number of key players missing, this I feel may prove decisive.
Tickets have been a nightmare, I'm getting mine from Carlow!!!!!
There's an interview with oisin on orchardcounty.com where he says Toner will be startin g midfield. Anyone know why the likes of McKenna and Hanratty from cross are not in the squad?
QuoteAnyone know why the likes of McKenna and Hanratty from cross are not in the squad?
Hanratty didn't play particularly well in the U-21, McKenna's day will come.
Not every Armagh fan is against Stephen Kernan - the more intelligent Armagh supporters recognise that he is a very talented footballer. He was indeed central to the U-21 All-Ireland winning team, his ability to deliver inch perfect passes being one of the strongest parts of his game. He also had a telling contribution when introduced in the All-Ireland club final. The lad plays on the greatest gaelic football club team in Ireland (or the world to be sensationalist) so he more than merits his place in the Armagh squad.
If Armagh people have an issue with any of the Kernan lads you bet it is because of petty local club rivalries.
If Joe Kernan decides to include Stephen Kernan in the starting 15 then that's reason enough for him to be in the team. I've total faith that Joe makes decisions that he thinks are the best for the team and for Armagh football.
I would also suggest to any of the so called fans that like to mock managers sons from the sidelines that you would be far better staying away from the match and let genuine supporters get on with supporting the team.
The cowardly slanging that some managers sons have endured is pathetic, the people that indulge in such activity do so via the anonymity of web forums or safety of a crowd.
What age is Stephen Kernan? I remember Paddy Heaney predicting that Armagh would bring him on in the 2nd half v Tyrone in the All-Ireland semi of 05 to kill Tyrone off. Joe didn't. I remember Kernan hitting 1-3 from CHF in the All-Ireland U21 final the previous year. Looked very useful.
Good luck to Donegal by the way....
You've been a lone voice in favour of blindly endorsing everything Big Joe does for quite a while now. intelligent posters, as you put it, are able to make their own minds up thanks very much.
Stephen kernan has been on the senior panel for four years now and i'm still waiting to see one of these inch perfect passes. come to think of it i'm still waiting on him to win a 50:50 ball.
petty club rivalries? thats why his crossmaglen clubmates (a club reknowned for standing up for their own) openly ridicule him for all of the things repeated ad nauseum on here....
Quote from: HalfFitHalfBack on May 21, 2007, 10:36:41 PM
If Armagh people have an issue with any of the Kernan lads you bet it is because of petty local club rivalries.
I'm sorry HalfBack, but I was one of his biggest defenders on this board last year. He's had more than enough opportunity to show us what he can do, but at senior county level he's looked like a lost lamb. Time to move on and give others a chance...
I dont think John Rafferty would let Joe play favourites when they're not able.
Grimely's brand new world out from under Joe's wing did not get off to a good start.
Quote from: HalfFitHalfBack on May 21, 2007, 10:36:41 PM
He also had a telling contribution when introduced in the All-Ireland club final.
Brought on meaning he didn't start for his club! yet he can take one of the most pivotal positions on his county team ??? Like Donagh I've actually defended him a fair bit on here and I wouldn't be for writing him off just yet, but he's plainly not up to it at the minute (and I'll be delighted if he proves me wrong on Sunday).
Uladh I sincerely hope you are wrong with that lineup. F Mo?? holy jaysus
According to the Donegal News today, McIvor is hopeful that Devenney and Rory Kavanagh will be fit to take part. I can't see Devenney being fully fit and totally sharp after missing a month of training however. We're not short of options if Kavanagh isn't fully fit however.
I wonder will McIvor stick with Paddy Campbell at full-back? He had a hard time with Clarke last year. Will Marsden or whichever big man Armagh put in there be any easier?
I presume Lacey will take McDonnell, having kept him pretty quiet last time out, which leaves Neil McGee to follow McConville.
This time last year we hadn't a notion what team McIvor would pick to face Down. Not much easier this time, although the options fill one with a lot more optimism than they did in the lead-up to that Down game, when it looked like a team full of youngsters could be on the end of an embarrassing home defeat. Who knew this time last year that Rory Kavanagh would suddenly emerge from being a bit-part player to one of the main score-getters on the team during the Ulster Championship? Or that Barry Dunnion would fill Kevin Cassidy's shoes so admirably that the Goath Dobhair man would be freed up to give us some hope of a top-class midfield partnership for the first time in over a decade? Devenney didn't look like coming back, while we didn't know what would happen with Colm McFadden. Instead, a year on, thanks to McIvor's work, we have numerous options in the half-back, half-forward lines, and to a lesser extent (in terms of class), the full forwards. Not as many in the full-backs, although the apparent return of Niall McCready and the fact that Eamon McGee can't get a place in the half-backs gives us a bit of cover.
Have to say I feeling fairly optimistic about this one, although that is tempered by the fact that I was also feeling optimistic before facing Armagh in 2005 and ahem... 2004! :D
Unless all these Armagh men make miraculous recoveries, we will never have a better chance. Let's hope we can live up to the expectation, for once.
Quote from: HalfFitHalfBack on May 21, 2007, 10:36:41 PM
If Joe Kernan decides to include Stephen Kernan in the starting 15 then that's reason enough for him to be in the team. I've total faith that Joe makes decisions that he thinks are the best for the team and for Armagh football.
Yes, you are correct. I am sure the reason that Aidan O'Rourke isn't on the squad is that it "is best for Armagh football". Also if Joe had his was Geezer wouldn't be there on Sunday.
According to the Indo
Devenney (stomach muscles), Roper (hamstring) and Neil McGee (dead leg) all took part in county training last Thursday, but the trio sat out a training match afterwards.
Insiders believe that Roper is the biggest doubt but say all three will be given a late fitness test, possibly not until the 11th hour, as manager Brian McIver does not want to risk exacerbating any of their injuries.
No word of Rory Kav, so presume he's raring to go.
Quote from: Uladh on May 21, 2007, 04:54:53 PM
You're deluding yourself Benny... the team is hearty, mallon, mcnulty, moriarty, kernan, mcgeeney, mckeever, mcgrane, toner, McKeever, kernan, o'rourke, mcdonnell, Marsden, McConville. no room for debate... thats the team, god help us.
That is definately the team. Armagh will play 3-3-4-2-2 with Marsden and S Kernan the 2-man half forward line.
I firmly believe that Stephen Kernan will show on Sunday exactly why he was picked. All he needs is the confidencle in his undoubted ability.
I genuinely hope you're right bandit because if all four forwards aren't firing, armagh are going to struggle big time.
J70:
Looking at the possible matchups, i'd assume campbell will pick up McConville and he's probably exactly what donegal need for that job. a sticky, physical marker will probably keep oisin out of the game. a this stage in his career oisin would need a mcgee or someone similar who might switch off or want to get on the bal coming out of defence, so he could take his opportunities to ghost off him. marsden will play in the half forward line. on a similar subject, s kernan could get a lot of handy ball off monaghan if he's any way loose on him. kernan will drift into midfield looking for hand passes.
Our glimmer of hope is that you don't have the players to directly exploit our full back line. assuming mcivor will draw mallon out the field, moriarty and mcnulty aren't the las line you'd hope for but I don't think anyone you can play in there can win the ball, take their man on and score sufficiently well.
Quote from: thebandit on May 22, 2007, 10:02:02 AM
That is definately the team. Armagh will play 3-3-4-2-2 with Marsden and S Kernan the 2-man half forward line.
Donegal will play a similar formation though probably closer to 3-3-6-0-2. the interesting thing is that if defenders stay with their forwards, the notional 3 - 3 at the back for both teams can't happen.
Quote from: HalfFitHalfBack on May 21, 2007, 10:36:41 PM
He also had a telling contribution when introduced in the All-Ireland club final....
If Armagh people have an issue with any of the Kernan lads you bet it is because of petty local club rivalries.
how can you justify saying that he deserves his place on the county team when there are 15 better players on the cross team????
its not an issue with the kernan lads, its just stephen is not county standard! aaron is a quality footballer and i hope he continues to play the way he his
Have to agree that I think S Kernan isn't up to county standard, but if/when he starts on Sunday he'll hopefully prove us all wrong. Dont think anyone should be giving him, or any other armagh player abuse during a match, if your not going to support the team dont bother going.
whilst I agree with your sentiments entirely Gander, I feel that Joe has placed a considerabe amount of pressure on his son by playing him in such a pivotal position, I feel that if he suffers like against fermanagh in clones it could destroy his confidence although all being told the word is that he wouldnt be lacking in that department.
Any updates on injuries? Will Clarke or Mallon be on the bench?
Quote from: Smokin Joe on May 22, 2007, 07:03:20 AM
Yes, you are correct. I am sure the reason that Aidan O'Rourke isn't on the squad is that it "is best for Armagh football". Also if Joe had his was Geezer wouldn't be there on Sunday.
Ah now, you can't blame Joe kernan if a player retires
Clarke will not be on the bench on Sunday, he is 7 weeks ahead of schedule but had a small setback last week but still well ahead in his progress!
is the match on tv??? unfortunaately il not be able to make it to the match now...
QuoteAny updates on injuries? Will Clarke or Mallon be on the bench?
Not too sure if Brian will even make the bench, I think theres still another month or so left in his recovery.
as far as i know it is one of the matches on live on sunday!!! i hope so as an armagh man playing in down, it is quite hard for me to get tickets for any of the matches!!
Its the biggest game of the weekend. Of course its on live!
Plus, Setanta Broadband North America show the RTE coverage and they have it down as the second live game (Cork hurling first?).
The Hurling is on at 2:00 and then Armagh game is on live at 4:00
cheers..
guys the closer to the game the more confident I am, Armagh will put out a team good enough to do the biz, happy to call it as an armagh victory by 3 or more :o
I get the feeling this is going to end with an Armagh victory. Mayo blazed themselves through the league losing to Donegal in the final and then went out like a damp squib to Galway last week. What's the chances of Donegal doing exactly the same? I know Donegal have been impressive this year and have been the best team around this year but they did play very disappointingly in the Mckenna Cup final. Armagh (like Galway last week v Mayo) may just have the measure of them.
How's everyone getting to the match? Trying to decide whether to get the bus leaving from our club or to drive..I was thinking that driving would be a nightmare with traffic and parking, would you need to leave early to beat the traffic down the road?
go down on the saturday evening, stay in a wee B+B and make the most of it.
22 May 2007
Donegal boss Brian McIver remains hopeful that star attacker Brendan Devenney will be fit to face Armagh in Sunday's Ulster SFC first round clash.
Devenney suffered a stomach muscle injury before the National League semi-final against Kildare last month, and remains a major doubt for the MacCumhaill Park showdown.
"The thing about the injury is that, at this stage, it really is something beyond anybody's control," McIver said.
"Thankfully he was moving very well last week in training and provided there is no reaction we hope that he's in a position to play next Sunday."
McIver is happy to report no fresh injury worries ahead of the meeting with the 2002 All-Ireland champions.
"Of course, we were concerned about picking up injuries, and thankfully everybody seems to have come through reasonably unscathed. There are a few wee minor things but we're hoping that they will be clear for this week."
22 May 2007
Diarmuid Marsden is poised to complete his remarkable return to inter-county football by starting Sunday's Ulster SFC opener against Donegal at Ballybofey.
The 33-year-old attacker retired from the inter-county game in 2005, but made a sensational return to the Armagh squad last February and it is believed that he could start Sunday's game at half forward, with Charlie Vernon vying for the same position.
With the exception of long-term injury victims Francie Bellew, Ronan Clarke, JP Donnelly and Brian Mallon, Orchard County boss Joe Kernan will have a full squad to choose from for Sunday's game.
"The only injuries at the minute are the long-term injuries – JP, Francie, Ronan and Brian. You're afraid all the time, because those injuries come from nowhere," Kernan said.
"They're not from bad tackles, they just happen in matches and at training. It's just scary what can happen but, touch wood, we're over that and we'll have a team that, bar those four men, is in good health heading into the match."
QuoteAh now, you can't blame Joe kernan if a player retires
Could be wrong but don't think this is the case.
I think Sunday will be the day when we are shown up for what we are, an aging side well past it's prime, the full back slot is going to come under some serious scruitiny and will be found wanting.
Midfield simply has to be won if we are to have any chance at all and we also need to pick up more than our fair share of breaking ball around that sector and we need to get it into stevie's hands as often as possible although I have a feeling Donegal will be closing him down at every opportunity.
I hope Toal gets a run out as his long range score taking is excellent and he will give us another option from distance and McGeeney needs to be involved as well, his experience is invaluable and he is a calming influence and that is what we are going to need come Sunday.
Mallon is a massive loss for us as is Clarke but Francie might be the man most missed and it will be interesting to see how we get on without him.
For us to win Marsden will need to have a stormer and stevie will have to cut loose as we dont have the firepower up front we once had.
Prediction. Donegal 2-14 Armagh 0-11 :(
I know you're missing Francie Bellew, Stew, but how often do Armagh give up a score like 2-14?
Going on past meetings, 12 or 13 points will win this game, maybe even with a couple to spare.
Quote from: J70 on May 22, 2007, 09:19:16 PM
I know you're missing Francie Bellew, Stew, but how often do Armagh give up a score like 2-14?
Just picking up where we left of last year. Ticket sales seem to have been slow enough this evening...
Stephen Kernan will hit two good points on Sunday, enough for the media to drool over him and his defenders on here to feel justified in supporting him.
Stephen Kernans man will set up numerous attacks, win balls ahead of him that he will have no right to win. Stephen Kernan will not track back but this is the type of play that is overlooked by what you score.
Hence someones amazingly stupid statement that Liam O Hare and Stephen Kernan are better than Martin O Rourke.
Quote from: Donagh on May 22, 2007, 09:37:44 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 22, 2007, 09:19:16 PM
I know you're missing Francie Bellew, Stew, but how often do Armagh give up a score like 2-14?
Just picking up where we left of last year. Ticket sales seem to have been slow enough this evening...
The Kerry game doesn't really constitute a trend now does it? :P
realistically if donegal can't beat armagh minus clarke and bellew -they shouldn't be considered all-ireland contenders- donegal by 5- 0-14 to 0-9
Quote from: INDIANA on May 22, 2007, 10:22:01 PM
realistically if donegal can't beat armagh minus clarke and bellew -they shouldn't be considered all-ireland contenders
Probably, although teams have recovered from defeats to go on and win it several times before (all those teams were proven teams though).
Quote from: J70 on May 22, 2007, 11:18:36 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on May 22, 2007, 10:22:01 PM
realistically if donegal can't beat armagh minus clarke and bellew -they shouldn't be considered all-ireland contenders
are they all-ireland contenders???
Eh mallon is a huge loss as well boys. :-[
Quote from: qub la la la on May 22, 2007, 11:36:33 PM
Quote from: J70 on May 22, 2007, 11:18:36 PM
Quote from: INDIANA on May 22, 2007, 10:22:01 PM
realistically if donegal can't beat armagh minus clarke and bellew -they shouldn't be considered all-ireland contenders
are they all-ireland contenders???
According to quite a few of the pundits, yes.
If Devenney doesn't start J70, who would you expect to play up with McFadden?
Just to up the ante....this Sunday is the unofficial Ulster Final...whoever wins will be crowned Ulster Champions in July.....who disagrees?
Quote from: Uladh on May 23, 2007, 12:02:10 AM
If Devenney doesn't start J70, who would you expect to play up with McFadden?
Its hard to know. Kevin McMenamin seems to have been the third choice full-forward for most of the season so far and is a decent free-taker, but he is tiny! Michael Doherty is a far bigger lad and a superb freetaker, but he wouldn't be as much of a threat from general play, and anyway, he hasn't played much this year. Adrian Sweeney is a possibility, but he is totally left-footed like McFadden. Rory Kavanagh has tended to play more in the half-forwards, but he can take scores as well and is a big man, so he's another option. Basically, I haven't a bloody clue! The stories coming out seem to point to Devenney making it though. Even if he does make it, and is fully fit and sharp, he's still going to have to get the better of Enda McNulty, which is something he hasn't done in a very long time!
P Hearty,
A Mallon, E McNulty, F Moriarty,
A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever,
P McGrane, J Lavery,
M O'Rourke, D Marsden, P McKeever,
S McDonnell, P Loughran, O McConville
- as per Irish Star
(team to be confirmed on tonight)
definitely not available for selection due to long-term injuries are: Ronan Clarke, JP Donnelly, Brian Mallon and Francie Bellew. Peadar Toal will not be in contention for selection either as he won't be back to full training until next week. Andy Mallon is back and is 100% fit. There do not appear to be any other injury worries.
This is the team that will finish, kernan will get his wee dig at geezer by taking him off, steven kernan will be on at some stage and lougran will need a big improvement in his performances to stay on the pitch.
P Hearty,
A Mallon, E McNulty, F Moriarty,
A Kernan, C McKeever, duffy
P McGrane, Toner,
M O'Rourke, vernon , s kernan,
S McDonnell,D Marsden , O McConville
Dont really know why, but im not feeling as pessimistic as most from armagh, think we might just take it by a point or two.
Wonder wat the odds are on a draw with the reply back in Clones!!
lads realistically we all know that good teams have a certain lifespan and this is probably the last year for most of that team! if someone was to say to us back in 1998 that the next 8 or 9 years that armagh would dominate ulster football, become one of the best teams in ireland we would have settled for that! 6 ulster titles, a national league and an all-ireland title is some achievment for the players that have been there since 1999.
donegal will be doing their utmost to stop armagh on sunday alot of armagh posters on this site are very pessimistic about the result! big joe in his final year as manager will also be putting out all the stops to keep his great record in ulster championship football in tact. i was reading in the irish news yesterday that armagh have lost only 1 of their last 18 games in the ulster championship. so lets hope that this sunday it remains 1 out of 19.
armagh to win by 2 points!
Quote from: balladmaker on May 23, 2007, 12:18:14 AM
Just to up the ante....this Sunday is the unofficial Ulster Final...whoever wins will be crowned Ulster Champions in July.....who disagrees?
Whoever wins the 'Battle of Ballybofey' will get firmly trounced by Tyrone in the semi.
Wha........the same Tyrone that scraped past Fermanagh on Sunday with Mickey Harte nearly pulling out his scabby beard?
shame, Donagh!
Quote from: Fiodoir Ard Mhacha on May 23, 2007, 09:37:28 AM
Wha........the same Tyrone that scraped past Fermanagh on Sunday with Mickey Harte nearly pulling out his scabby beard?
shame, Donagh!
Sunday will be a war of attrition with red cards and stretchers all over the place whereas the fresher Tymone will have a few more back from injury.
Hank
If its a capacity crowd on Sunday and a draw, then should the replay not be back in Crossmaglen. I know it would completely incapable of holding a match that size but surely Armagh should be entitled to home advantage as well
Armagh never deserve home advantage the way they have pissed about regarding a good ground.
In Armagh the take up of tickets has been very very slow, are the Clubs in the North experiencing the same?
I know we got slightly more tickets than we were expecting but we only got 2 stand tickets, the rest were all terrace. This is probably going to stop quite a few people from going within our club and now everyone who wants one should be able to get a ticket. Not sure what if any we will be sending on to other clubs.
Quote from: Hank Everlast on May 23, 2007, 08:34:54 AM
P Hearty,
A Mallon, E McNulty, F Moriarty,
A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever,
P McGrane, J Lavery,
M O'Rourke, D Marsden, P McKeever,
S McDonnell, P Loughran, O McConville
- as per Irish Star
(team to be confirmed on tonight)
definitely not available for selection due to long-term injuries are: Ronan Clarke, JP Donnelly, Brian Mallon and Francie Bellew. Peadar Toal will not be in contention for selection either as he won't be back to full training until next week. Andy Mallon is back and is 100% fit. There do not appear to be any other injury worries.
Assuming that is the final selection, it doesn't look that weak to me. Anyone who is predicting a big Donegal win needs their head examined!
Will Loughran play full-forward, or will he be pulled back into midfield?
Tha won't be the team J70. Close enough though.
we got 6 stand tickets and 140 for the terraces, and talking to the chairman on mon night he reckons anybody in the club who wanted a ticket will get one. So obviously the hundreds that would normally attend Croke and Clones are not going!!
even though both counties got approx 10k tickets each its apparent that the split to each county between terrace/seating is not so even.
ie. i've heard 3 instances now where clubs in armagh are getting approx 130 tickets with around 10 of these being seated, clearly to be given to elderly or children and with that kinda distribution obviously a lot of people are just not going to be able to go EVEN THOUGH the demand should be huge.
why can these dumbwits who are in charge of our games not promote the thing a bit better. ok, i understand there was the issue of the 20k capacity at ballybofey which i dont really have an issue with BUT why oh why could they not have made sure that if 10k people are going from armagh and 10k people are going from armagh that both are looked after EQUALLY?!
wat changes could you see corn??
Quote from: Hank Everlast on May 23, 2007, 08:34:54 AM
P Hearty,
A Mallon, E McNulty, F Moriarty,
A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever,
P McGrane, J Lavery,
M O'Rourke, D Marsden, P McKeever,
S McDonnell, P Loughran, O McConville
- as per Irish Star
(team to be confirmed on tonight)
stephen kernan will start the game, loughran will miss out
definitely not available for selection due to long-term injuries are: Ronan Clarke, JP Donnelly, Brian Mallon and Francie Bellew. Peadar Toal will not be in contention for selection either as he won't be back to full training until next week. Andy Mallon is back and is 100% fit. There do not appear to be any other injury worries.
S Kernan and Probably Toner in for Laveryn and Loughran, although Lavery played well in training the other night when I saw it.
I think if Armagh play Marsden, McDonnel and Oisin in the FF line then Donegal will have their work cut out
Suppose it depends on quality of ball going into them
Thought Donegal's midfield v Mayo in NFL final was very dominant.
On another note
Does anyone think that clubs should ask members to retain ticket stubs and use this later in the season (If required of course) to prioritise ticket allocation after committee, players etc.
i just dont see joe throwing steven in from the start, it is leaving him and steven open for slaughter if (or when ) he under performs!
toner or lavery is probably a 50-50 at the mo.
its widely known that s kernan WILL start at number 11.
BBC report Devenny is winning his fitness battle. I'd say McNulty will be testing his stomach muscles in the first few minutes :-*
Hank he will start, believe it or not Joe is that stupid.
Tickets sent back from our club too.
A lot of lads round our way have stopped following the county over the last 2/3 years for various reasons, including pricing, the general treatment of club football in armagh and more recently the Joe factor.
Our senior team is training on sunday and there wasn't single dissenting voice wanting to go to ballyboffey.
corn02,
how did stephen fare at training,my info is that he is playing quite well
hope the county board are taking note of the clubs that are returning tickets.
come the 3rd sunday in september when armagh are in the all-ireland final it will be interesting to see how many clubs are sending tickets back :D :D :D :D
our club is requesting more tickets tonight!
Quote from: Aghdavoyle on May 23, 2007, 02:37:45 PM
Tickets sent back from our club too.
A lot of lads round our way have stopped following the county over the last 2/3 years for various reasons, including pricing, the general treatment of club football in armagh and more recently the Joe factor.
Our senior team is training on sunday and there wasn't single dissenting voice wanting to go to ballyboffey.
Very suprised by the apathy within Armagh. Do people think this will be joes last year ?
I think this is the first year that i have noticed IMO such dissention against the management and the county team. Its not that long ago that joe kernan was just one step down from god. If the dissatisfaction expressed by some is widespread it doesnt bode well
Diesel Smuggler, pardon my ignorance, but what club do you belong to?
I wouldnt say it is that widespread TBH Bensars
A lot of it is to do with what club you are from as well
have to say a brisk trade in tickets at my club last nite, whilst confidence mightn`t be high for sunday, most guys feel we have a great chance come september
In the star today when asked about a recall for last year's 2nd and 3rd choice full backs Aidan O'Rourke & Tony McEntee, who both played when Bellew was injured, Kernan said "In fairness, when men say they are gone, they are gone and that's it. we wish they were there they made that decision and we are not going to be going back every week if somebody has a proble."
Whats the story here lads? Two fellas any other county in ulster would love to have in their defence.
Malone, that is part of the reason Joe is not so popular anymore.
Naka, as I stated in one of the threads, S Kernan will throw over a couple of beuatiful scores but his laziness is unbelievable. On Sunday compare the work rate of the number 10 for Armagh and the number 11. If McIver has his tatcics right, the Donegal CHB will be key.
Agree Corn but maybe S Kernan is told not to track back. Surely Armagh couldn't have their 3 half forwards spending most of their time in their own half back line.
Corn - I'm afraid I don't think Stephen will throw over any scores. He may welll have the ability (limited in my view), but I think the intensity of the game will show him up - especially his workrate. He should be given 20 mins tops.
whats your club high catch?
Heard the team lads a couple of hours ago:
Hearty
Mallon
DONAGHY!
McNulty
Kernan
McGeeney
McKeever
McGrane
Toner
O'Rourke
KERNAN - COME ON STEVEN!!!!!!!!!!
McKeever
McDonnell
Marsden
McConville
Strong full forward line...hope they get enough supply Steven could be vital along with the ball winners in midfield!
Not sure about Donaghy in full back line...didnt impress me in previous outings for seniors or U21s.
He has been playing there in training marking stevie and oisin an odd time. Also had a reasonable game in Laois in what was a poor armagh performance.
While there isn't a big range of proven alternatives for half forward, and Kernan might be OK, it is difficult to see Donaghy filling Francies boots, but I very much hope he does.
If Donegal are ever to beat us this is their chance and the real crunch for Armagh comes from July. However the last time DOnegal were strong favourites was the 2004 Ulster final, which was probably Paddy Mckeevers best game for Armagh, so here's hoping.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 23, 2007, 10:35:40 PM
If Donegal are ever to beat us this is their chance and the real crunch for Armagh comes from July. However the last time DOnegal were strong favourites was the 2004 Ulster final, which was probably Paddy Mckeevers best game for Armagh, so here's hoping.
Hopefully the Donegal lads have at this stage learned their lesson that victories have to be fought for and earned on the field, and that a team like Armagh are going to lie down for no one. They were completely unprepared for the intensity of Armagh's approach in the 2004 final and it showed in a performance where no Donegal player outside of the under-siege full-back line looked prepared to fight for the ball. From McIvor's approach so far, I would doubt that complacency or poor preparation should be an issue, but I suppose you never know what a team's attitude is until the ball is thrown in. It will be interesting to see if Donegal can reel Armagh in this time if they get three or four points up in the second half, because Armagh have tended to just do enough to keep Donegal at arm's length in those situations in several of the meetings over recent years.
Jezuz youse Armagh boys really don't like not being favourites!
Not overly happy about Donegal being favourites either but will have to live with it.
Yez aren't unbeatable by the way, yeah we have a piss poor record against youse recently but to start saying that even if Donegal win, Armagh will still finish better in the Championship is just over confidence and asking for a big fall - Tyrone v Laois ring any bells!! :P
Tír Connaill Abú
Complacency is always a danger, Donegal's complacency in 2004 lead to Armagh's complacency which lead to Fermanagh winning.
While GAA people know better you never know what loose talk is around players. The Armagh management will be happy enough to be out of the limelight.
Quotebut to start saying that even if Donegal win, Armagh will still finish better in the Championship
Donegal winning does not prevent Armagh doing better in the Championship, that depends on how we play later on, not on how we play on Sunday. In 2003 we did better than Monaghan, in 2004 we did no better against Fermanagh than Donegal, in 2005 we beat Tyrone but they did better.
Quote from: corn02 on May 23, 2007, 04:42:53 PM
Malone, that is part of the reason Joe is not so popular anymore.
Naka, as I stated in one of the threads, S Kernan will throw over a couple of beuatiful scores but his laziness is unbelievable. On Sunday compare the work rate of the number 10 for Armagh and the number 11. If McIver has his tatcics right, the Donegal CHB will be key.
Not singling you out Corn as 2 or 3 people have mentioned workrate, but the notion that
all HF's have to be workhorses is a total nonsense IMO, one really good one is plenty, Tyrone have Dooher, Kerry Galvin and Armagh O'Rourke. A CHF should be the focal point of
attack, his defensive duties should be minimal. Having said that Kernan is just not good enough at the minute.
I can't believe that Donaghy will start at FB, I hope that's a joke, he wasn't the strongest link in the U21 defence, has something changed in the past month or so ??? Toner FB, Lavery into MF seems simple to me.
We are fcuked. Donegal will score three goals at least this Sunday. ??? ??? :( :o :o :o :o
SK needs to be sat down on the bench were he belongs, and i mean the cross bench.
This is going to get ugly real fast and we are doomed.
Quote from: stew on May 24, 2007, 03:27:31 AM
We are fcuked. Donegal will score three goals at least this Sunday. ??? ??? :( :o :o :o :o
SK needs to be sat down on the bench were he belongs, and i mean the cross bench.
This is going to get ugly real fast and we are doomed.
Stew, you seem to be of the opinion that Francie Bellew and Ronan Clarke were holding this otherwise brittle, mediocre, aging Armagh team together between the two of them!
Do you really think men like McGrane, McGeeney, McConville and Marsden are past it?
Quote from: bennydorano on May 24, 2007, 12:11:46 AM
Quote from: corn02 on May 23, 2007, 04:42:53 PM
Malone, that is part of the reason Joe is not so popular anymore.
Naka, as I stated in one of the threads, S Kernan will throw over a couple of beuatiful scores but his laziness is unbelievable. On Sunday compare the work rate of the number 10 for Armagh and the number 11. If McIver has his tatcics right, the Donegal CHB will be key.
Not singling you out Corn as 2 or 3 people have mentioned workrate, but the notion that all HF's have to be workhorses is a total nonsense IMO, one really good one is plenty, Tyrone have Dooher, Kerry Galvin and Armagh O'Rourke. A CHF should be the focal point of attack, his defensive duties should be minimal. Having said that Kernan is just not good enough at the minute.
I can't believe that Donaghy will start at FB, I hope that's a joke, he wasn't the strongest link in the U21 defence, has something changed in the past month or so ??? Toner FB, Lavery into MF seems simple to me.
The Irish Times is reporting that same line-up for Armagh:
ARMAGH (SFC v Donegal): P Hearty; E McNulty, B Donaghy, A Mallon; A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever; K Toner, P McGrane; P McKeever, S Kernan, M O'Rourke; S McDonnell, D Marsden, O McConville.
Does Kernan have a habit of changing the announced team?
Quote from: Gaoth Dobhair Abu on May 23, 2007, 10:53:28 PM
Jezuz youse Armagh boys really don't like not being favourites!
Not overly happy about Donegal being favourites either but will have to live with it.
Yez aren't unbeatable by the way, yeah we have a piss poor record against youse recently but to start saying that even if Donegal win, Armagh will still finish better in the Championship is just over confidence and asking for a big fall - Tyrone v Laois ring any bells!! :P
Tír Connaill Abú
It's the complete opposite amigo, we love it when our opponents are favourites and we love it when every one knocks us back and says we're past it. Then we get to prove everyone wrong, Armagh do not like going into games as favourites! We always play better as the underdogs
Quote from: armaghniac on May 23, 2007, 10:35:40 PM
However the last time DOnegal were strong favourites was the 2004 Ulster final, which was probably Paddy Mckeevers best game for Armagh, so here's hoping.
Incorrect. Armagh were favourites for the Ulster final in Croke Park in 2004. I know because I backed us that day and we were odds on.
Surprised by Donaghy's inclusion. But i would not be surprised to see Toner revert to full back at Lavery come in at centre field.
I don't think Toner is the man for full back from what I have seen of him this year. I would have put Mc Nulty or mallon there and moved one of the half back line into the corners and brought in someone there.
Donaghy for moriarty must have been a twelfth hour change. It's much of a muchness either way. either would have been a weak link. Donaghy had a very poor run with the u21s this year, getting roastings against tyrone, Derry, Monaghan and Cork unfortunately. He must be showing up well in training.
Joe wouldn't have a habit of changing personnel before throwin and rest assured that's the 15 that'll start barring injury.
We're gonna leak goals.
uladh, as i previously said your source is impeccable save for injuries!!!!!
we got 220 tickets but i don't think 100 were taken up. word last night was that co board weren't taking them back.
So what happens to the tickets? Is it just up to your club to get rid of them?
Quotewe got 220 tickets but i don't think 100 were taken up.
Is there an anti-Armagh sentiment in Dromintee? Perhaps the naysayers have seen the weather forecast
Sunday: Rather cold and windy in many areas on Sunday with fresh or strong and gusty northeast winds and heavy rain affecting most places for a time, though possibly the rain more showery in nature in some northwestern and northern areas and the rain will turn showery in other areas later in the day and Sunday night.
actually think that armagh potentially have a better full forward line even minus clarke than donegal do- if they get enough ball.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 24, 2007, 12:09:37 PM
Quotewe got 220 tickets but i don't think 100 were taken up.
Is there an anti-Armagh sentiment in Dromintee?
I dont think you would be too far away there armaghniac
quite dissapointed with the amount of negativity going around at the minute amongst posters
im just curious to find out are those posters who previously stated that they would stay away if stephen kernan was starting the game going to remain true to their word?
to be honest im not a stephen kernan fan but i will still give him my 100% support on sunday along with the other players who represent armagh at both senior and minor level!
The County board took back the tickets, I know this for fact.
Defientely not an anti Armagh sentiment in our Parish, we have three quality players on the squad. I am looking forward to Sunday, very little talk about the minor match by the way? Would two hours get you to Donegal from the border?
Benny I see where your coming from but I do not mean being defensive minded in the O Rourke sense and to a degree McKeever. I mean tracking back in the simple form as in if your man if bursting up the field follow him and try and win back poccession.
all clubs had been given the option to return any tickets last night in the ceannaras. from what i have been told from alot of clubs have sent tickets back and also heard whether untrue or not that there had been 2 clubs in the county that never took any tickets at all!
i have warmed to the fact that the game is in ballybofey now at first i was against it on the grounds that everyone might not have got a ticket, although i am well aggrieved that there are not any concessions for u16's and pensioners with regards to pricing.
QuoteTwo fellas any other county in ulster would love to have in their defence
erm....................................no thank you
QuoteYez aren't unbeatable by the way, yeah we have a piss poor record against youse recently but to start saying that even if Donegal win, Armagh will still finish better in the Championship is just over confidence and asking for a big fall - Tyrone v Laois ring any bells!!
how did we get dragged into this????? Anyhow - given last years injury list and the performances up to that point - losing to Laois was not really a big upset.
2003 Fermanagh (0-10) v Donegal (0-6)
2004 Fermanagh (1-10) v Donegal (0-12)
2005 Cavan (1-11) v Donegal (1-10)
Now those were suprising.............................................. :D
omagh is about 45 minutes from armagh city.
Ballyboffey another 45 from omagh. Thats taking into consideration match traffic.
Handiest way is head for derry from omagh. 17 mile from omagh follow the sign for clady. Through clady, across the bridge/border you come to a T Junction. Turn left anfd then straight all the way
Haven't been since 1999 , Taxi!
Dont know anything of that young Full back Donaghy.
Whats the chances of Kernan moving one of his twin CHB's to full back - either McGeeney or McKeever?
I'd say either would do a decent job there...
Have Donegal announced their team?
Hope the weather is good on Sunday - as this could be a cracker of a game if so..
Quote from: diesel-smuggler on May 24, 2007, 01:13:01 PM
i am well aggrieved that there are not any concessions for u16's and pensioners with regards to pricing.
I'm sure you could get an advance on your pocket money
By the way... Donagh... you owe me money... how much did i put on with you?
I think armagh are going to win this game by two points. then get a crack at tyrone in the semis. donegal will be hard to put away, but if the forward line get the ball they need in, and if marsden, mcconville and mcdonnell are on top form, they will be hard to stop. surprised that paul duffy isnt starting.
It is a game I will not be prediciting. Two teams evenly matched, two teams tipped by many, the game is nicely poised. We can talk about location, bogey teams or whatever. Now it will just come down to the two teams, for me there is not a favourite.
maybe he wasnt showing to well at training. i saw him play for the ogs against the clans few weeks back and he was poor enuf.
How would armagh do if McGrane was injured and didn't play sunday?
Quote from: Uladh on May 24, 2007, 04:04:43 PM
How would armagh do if McGrane was injured and didn't play sunday?
Are you saying he is injured?
did i say that?
Just looking for a simple scenario prediction
There certainly are rumours going around that McGrane is injured although the latest is that he will play.
Quote from: Uladh on May 24, 2007, 04:13:56 PM
did i say that?
Just looking for a simple scenario prediction
No but i thought that was what you were inferring. I guess Loughran would come in for him at midfield, and we would quite likely be fooked.
Did Stephen Kernan even start for Crossmaglen in the All-Ireland Club championship final???
GOD BLESS US ALL
Quote from: Uladh on May 24, 2007, 03:10:58 PM
By the way... Donagh... you owe me money... how much did i put on with you?
I politely ignored your request for a bet as refraining from gambling was a lesson I learned early in life!
Its all right... i won enough on meeeeeeeeeeelan to do me over the weekend and inevitable lapse on monday
Quote from: tyroneman on May 24, 2007, 01:47:28 PM
QuoteTwo fellas any other county in ulster would love to have in their defence
erm....................................no thank you
Looking at the teams who have played in the ulster championship so far....
Cavan - no full back, no centre half
Down - No full back, no centre half
Fermangh - no centre half
Tyrone - no full back
i said i would if s k starts on sunday i won't be there and i wont.
See you in the qualifiers Pint!
===========
===========
Injured Armagh duo close to return
Thursday, 24 May 15:42 BST
Armagh Senior football manager Joe Kernan is hopeful that Ronan Clarke and Brian Mallon could yet play a part in this year's championship.
The news comes as a welcome boost to the Ulstermen ahead of Sunday's clash with Donegal in an Ulster SFC quarter-final at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.
Both players suffered cruciate knee ligament damage last season and are notable absentees from the Orchard County's starting XV this weekend.
Kernan was forced to recall the retired Diarmuid Marsden to the county colours after a spate of injuries to several key players left his squad looking increasingly threadbare. Championship debutant Brendan Donaghy plays at full back, replacing the injured Francie Bellew, while Kieran Toner will partner Paul McGrane in midfield in an unfamiliar-looking Armagh team.
Should Armagh defeat the National League champions on Sunday, an Ulster semi-final clash with arch-rivals Tyrone on June 17 awaits. The provincial decider is scheduled for July 15 and represents a reasonable comeback date for the injured duo.
'They are nearly at full pace in training and you are talking six to eight weeks before they are back in full match conditions,' Kernan said to the Irish Daily Star.
In the event of a defeat against Donegal, the first round qualifiers take place on July 7.
To be serious for one moment, I've no idea how this match is going to go. Donegal should start favourites, but might bottle it. Armagh will enjoy the underdog tag, and if things click, we could enjoy a 4 point win. On the other hand...
Either way, it should be an intriguing encounter. I cant beliveve Armagh will be as bad as they were in the National League. If we continue that form, then we'll either get tanked or win by a point with a lucky goal the final kick of the game.
If I'm pressed into a prediction then:
Donegal 1-14 Armagh 0-9
Donegal wides 15
Donegal kicks into keepers arms 3
Donegal yellow cards 4
Donegal red cards 1
Armagh wides 8
Armagh kicks into keepers arms 8
Armagh yellow cards 3
Armagh red cards 2
i won't be at an armagh game for a while donagh.
I see John Bannon's refereeing on Sunday. :P
Quote from: J70 on May 24, 2007, 10:09:50 PM
I see John Bannon's refereeing on Sunday. :P
That's the major factor decided, then, and I'm not joking. Donegal win.
Agreed Hardy. Bannon always favours the perceived smaller team. Final nail in our coffin.
Couldn't decide between the two until I heard that.
Home win for sure
What? Sure didnt Armagh win the All-Ireland when Bannon was the referee! I'd say it favours Armagh.
However we still expect a McKeever to get red.
Isn't Bannon supposed to support the underdog, that's Armagh. He'll need to moderate the excess of the all conquering Donegal leviathan, egged on by a rabid home crowd, especially as we won't have Francie to defend us.
I'd suggest that Joe should inform all players, especially McKeever's, that if they get a red card that he will sit on their head on the bus on the way home.
Quote from: Orior on May 24, 2007, 10:34:20 PM
What? Sure didnt Armagh win the All-Ireland when Bannon was the referee!
and who were the perceived smaller team that day?
Ah Bannon :-\, I remember him reffing our championship semi final against Armagh in 99 0r 2000, when Armagh won the Ulster title for thr first time in God knows how long...anyway..he gave Armagh a free that in my opinion won them the game. Henry Downey hit as fair a shoulder tackle, was it Mc keever or Marsden...and one of the best shoulder tackles that I have seen in a long time...only for that tool Bannon :-\ to award a 30 yard tap over free to put Armagh in front with 5 minutes to go. Turned the game that one decision.
Do not complain about getting Bannon :-\...he has done ye many favours.
The refereeing decisions will balance out. We'd be as well discussing the linesmen and umpires.
John Bannon's not the worst of referees folks, has off days and on days, but generally steady. Won't forget how a few of my countylads gave him awful stick about leaving his guide-dog outside the ground at Cormac's last County game against Longford, where he was an 'innocent' spectator -- never took a fizz out of him, and fair dues to him :D
Only ref in the country I don't like to see is Bannon. Still remember my first words after the final whistle in the All Ireland final of 2002 (when I thought he was brutal to both teams). They werent anything to do with being ecstatic about the sucess. They were F You Bannon we did it anyway. Terribbly inconsistent ref in my opinion.
Prediction....
Armagh 2-8 v 1-14 Donegal
mcdonnell and mcconville goals only thing to keep the score line anyway close!
I heard last night that Ronan Clarke has had a serious setback and will not kick a ball again until next season :o :(
Stil no word of a donegal team? Jaysus, they couldn't be panicing already could they?
Donegal team will be named at 1pm
Thats a bit strange. common sense would indicate that assuming they trained last night, the team was named yesterday evening. what could be gained from not announcing the team til lunchtime today?
uladh according to the papers today mcivor was awaiting on the results from fitness tests this morning on two donegal players and therefore is delaying the naming of the donegal team til 1pm
Who were the 2 players?
Devenney & Roper
QuoteI heard last night that Ronan Clarke has had a serious setback and will not kick a ball again until next season
I heard that myself during the week. Hope it's only a rumour :'(
Will all Armagh fans going to the game be in the ground before the minor game? I think they deserve the support and plenty of orange colour needs to be brought to Ballyboffey by 2.15pm ???
Yes shall be travelling to see both games, flags being brought down from the attic tonight in preparation for Sunday.
Donegal team:
Roper didn't make it. I'm surprised to see McMenamin start. Maybe Kavanagh isn't fit either.
1 Paul Durcan Na Ceithre Maistri
2 Neil McGee Gaoth Dobhair
3 Paddy Campbell Naomh Conaill
4 Karl Lacy Na Ceithre Maistri
5 Paddy McConigley Gaeil Fhanada
6 Barry Monaghan Na Ceithre Maistri
7 Barry Dunnion Na Ceithre Maistri
8 Neil Gallagher Gleann Sulai
9 Gaoth Dobhair Kevin Cassidy
10 Ciaran Bonner Gleann Sulai
11 Michael Hegarty Cill Chartha
12 Christy Toye Naomh Michael
13 Colm McFadden Naomh Michael
14 Brendan Devenney Naomh Adhamhain
15 Kevin McMenamin An Tearman
QuoteGaoth Dobhair
He'll be some midfielder with a name like that! :P
Strong team!
Jaysus, I thought Mc Menamin was out for a lengthy period of time ???
exciting full forward line. Normally we play with 2 full forwards, but that sounds like it could be 3 up top
Quote from: Louis the Red on May 25, 2007, 12:10:49 PM
QuoteI heard last night that Ronan Clarke has had a serious setback and will not kick a ball again until next season
I heard that myself during the week. Hope it's only a rumour :'(
true all too true I'm afraid. He has wrecked his knee again and will be in a full leg cast again. I think the injury was caused during some plyometric training and is a huge set back for the team.
He has signed himself off the panel as far as I have been told and will not play football until next year at least.....
Quote from: full back on May 25, 2007, 01:40:45 PM
Jaysus, I thought Mc Menamin was out for a lengthy period of time ???
You're probably thinking of Leon Thompson, who is out for the season.
Yep, was indeed J70 (are they the same type of player)
Cheers
Uladh? Tell us it's not true!!!
Not true donagh
Where is the bullsh1t coming from Uladh?
Quote from: full back on May 25, 2007, 02:36:39 PM
Yep, was indeed J70 (are they the same type of player)
Cheers
Being an exile, I haven't seen too much of McMenamin up close. Both seem to be small fast corner forwards, although from what I've seen so far, McMenamin is probably the better finisher. He is tiny though! Thompson is very quick and will drag a back all over the place and win a lot of ball.
I certainly hope reports of Clarke's injury are not true (or exaggerated) unfortunately I'm pretty sure that it is true and not unlike Francie's "ankle injury" it'll come out eventually.
bennydorano how good is your source
If true that is devastating for Clarke. Maybe rushing back this year would have been dangerous to him.
If the worst fears are right at least he can write off this year's football and give himself no hurried targets, just concentrate on rehabilitation, and hopefully he can get back to himself eventually
I see Gaelic Life have been mining this thread for quotes for their message board section of their preview, using a statement of mine on Devenney and McNulty!
I hope they're not basing too much of their analysis of the internet ramblings of doubtful authorities like myself!
Clarke was never going to be playing in the championship the year before the setback and he sure as hell wont be playing now, this kid has played too much football and wont have a county career left by the time he hits 28 the way he is going, he is very injury prone.
We are clean fecked the year, if we make it to the quarters it will be some acheivement.
Who is Donegal's sub goalkeeper?
Quote1 Kernan
2 Kernan
3 Kernan
4 Kernan
5 Kernan
6 Kernan
7 Kernan
8 Kernan
9 Kernan
10 Kernan
11 Kernan
12 Kernan
13 Kernan
14 Kernan
15 Kernan
Not everyone's choice, but good enough to beat Down.
Quote from: Armagh Exile on May 25, 2007, 09:15:52 PM
Who is Donegal's sub goalkeeper?
Michael Boyle (Termon)
I have to wish Armagh good luck tomorrow but I think they will struggle.Despite all the "Hardest la Manga" stuff, I think Donegal have more powerful men ( power being strength and speed).Francie will be sorely missed and his leadership was clearly absent when we(Down) should have got a draw in Cross.Teams seem to come in waves and , I have to admit, a fine Armagh side have hit the shore while Donegal have the lads from the Guinness ad at their peak.
I saw that J70.
I am not too sure about that Clarke story, I will await confirmation before getting depressed.
Is there going to be alive feed on the internet ? if so where ?
I very briefly seen Clarke this morning and I don't think that he was in a full leg cast (though I can't be certain).
Lads whereabouts in Ballybofey is the pitch, what's the street address or whatever? I might be up that neck of the woods on Sunday...
Quote from: cavanmaniac on May 26, 2007, 01:56:06 PM
Lads whereabouts in Ballybofey is the pitch, what's the street address or whatever? I might be up that neck of the woods on Sunday...
if your coming from Donegal Town direction the pitch is on the left hand side of the road just before you come to the bridge can't miss it. ;)
Yep, just across the road from the Mc Elhinneys store.
Just looking at a map here, is it right in the middle of the town so? I'll be comng from Lifford direction?
I'm assuming parking will be at a premium, any tips?
It's right in the middle between Ballybofey and Stranorlar, on your right just over the bridge (coming from Lifford). There's parking opposite in the shopping complex but you might be best pointing your car back towards Lifford and parking where you can in Stranorlar.
It's a pity he wasn't asked how can he possibly justify playing his son who isn't making his club team!!!!!!
Fair enough point POG....but joe kernan is an absolute legend in Armagh and i for one would rather have him managing my team than another opposistion county...Reading through that article only tells a little bit of the story with regards to the dedication of these fellas, so lets get behind them (Even Stephen) and prove that Armagh havnt gone away!!
QuoteFair enough point POG....but joe kernan is an absolute legend in Armagh
In your eyes maybe.
And in Joe's eyes!
well thats my opinion and thats yours but sure that the point of the board....moving on lol, does anyone think joe will make any last minute changes to the team named?
Yes, seemingly Joe feels Donaghy is not up to it and has drafted Patricia into his place, Ross is on stand-by.
From Friday's Donegal News on match-day arrangements.
QuoteShuttle busses to operate on Sunday
By Chris McNulty
Sunday's match is an all ticket affair and entry to Sean MacCumhaill Park is by ticket ONLY. Patrons are asked to arrive early and are advised to have their tickets ready for inspection and to follow stewards' instructions at all times.
Parking restrictions will be in place in the Twin Towns with shuttle busses in operation from the Lifford, Donegal Town and Glenfin roads.
Speaking this week, Ballybofey-based Garda Sergeant and Sean MacCumhaills Chairman Terry O'Reilly appealed for supporters to arrive early and to 'make use of the area they're coming from.'
"We would ask people to park outside the town and we would advise them to expect delays on the way home. The intention at the moment would be to allow no movement of traffic through the town after the match as it would be too dangerous with 20,000 people looking to get out," he said.
"We would ask people to make use of the area that they are travelling from and turn the cars to face home to avoid delays," he added.
It has been confirmed that the shuttle busses will be in operation from the three roads on the Lifford, Donegal Town and Glenfin sides of the Twin Towns and patrons are advised to avail of this service.
Meanwhile, busses will be allowed to park on the Mart Road for Sunday's game.
What is everyones problem with stephan kernan, just because he the managers son doesnt mean to say he shouldnt get a chance. give the lad a break and let him play some county football to see what he's like. if he plays a stormer on sunday will all the so called supporters be calling him to be dropped for the next match.
Ard Mhacha Abu
QuoteWhat is everyones problem with stephan kernan,
HE'S NOT MAKING HIS CLUB TEAM!!!!!
HE'S NOT COUNTY STANDARD!!!!!
HE'S THERE BECAUSE DADDY'S THE MANAGER!!!!!
Quotegive the lad a break and let him play some county football to see what he's like.
Sure why don't we give everyone in the county a chance? You know, just to see what they're like! ::)
we will see tomorrow.......
to put an end to rumours regarding ronan clarke - he and brian mallon done a full training session along with the rest of the team last night and has suffered no set-back whatsoever!
Ronan Clarke will not play one minute of championship football this year, he is out for the year, let it go.
I know a few boys from the ogs and they are telling me he has no chance and thats good enough for me.
I am nervous as hell, I will watch the game tomorrow and will pray we are not killed altogether, this donegal team are the one that will win sam the year imo and they scare the hell out of me, that said Armagh are very hard to beat and they will be up for it and they will relish the underdog tag.
Pog, Joe is an Armagh legend, three AI club titles under his belt and the only manager who ever brought us Sam. Absolute legend but definitely has blinkers on when it comes to his sons.
I wouldn't completely write off Armagh, they are the best team in the country to stop the other team from playing their best football, but still Donegal look good
Stew, why do you say that Joe has 'blinkers on when it comes to his sons'? To my knowledge the only two of his sons that he has played are Aaron and Steven ! Is there still a debate going on somewhere about Aaron? As for posters on this board questioning Joe Kernan's integrity when it comes to Armagh football , I think they should be ashamed of themselves ! If they can stand up and say that they have contributed half as much as 'Big Joe' I would be amazed !
GOOD NEWS FOR ARMAGH, BERTIE AHERN SAYS THAT PENSIONS CAN BE FASTTRACKED FOR GAA PLAYERS THAT ARE GETTING ON IN YEARS.
Good luck anyway.
ARMAGH 1 09
donegal 1 14
Is this match on the internet?
Five FM are doing a live commentary on the match - 100.5 FM or you can stream it from http://www.fivefm.co.uk/
Damian McCullough - best commentator ever ! Listen to him he's a laugh. You wouldn't know he supports Armagh !
Leaving for the Match at 11am.
Atmosphere will be electric !
Hopefully the match will live up to the expectations and kick start this ulster championship.
Come On Armagh !!
armagh to win by 3,donegals bubble to finally burst!
Minor Latest Score
ESB Ulster Minor Football Championship
Donegal 0-05 0-04 Armagh
Prediction for the Senior game : Donegal 1-11 Armagh 2-7.
Quote from: new devil on May 27, 2007, 01:28:33 PM
armagh to win by 3,donegals bubble to finally burst!
Aramagh will struggle to day and its the old back door for them Donegal by five
Devenney's not fit after all. Kavanagh in for him, Roper in for McMenamin. :(
FFs armagh's wides are desperate.
If Donegal stop trying to hand pass it down the field we could be in trouble.
Could some of you throw an odd update on here as i can't get any of my Radio links to work :(
2 - 2 with 22 minutes gone
3 - 2 with 23 minutes McFadden free
Armagh were on top for the first ten or 15 minutes but had some desperate wides. Donegal were trying to handpass the ball down the field and were being smothered. They seem to have stopped that now.
4 - 2 another mcfadden free
4 - 3 Mcconville free
4 - 4 Mcdonnell
5 - 4 Toye
Half time
To be honest, they look like two poor teams. Armagh look better but aren't taking their chances, Donegal are.
Great, cheers Pint
5-4 half time. Armagh will be very disappointed with some of their wides. Campbell and Lacey are doing well on their men, but McDonnell and McConville have a lot of space to operate in at their end of the field and could create a goal chance or two. They definitely miss Clarke in that respect, as he would be doing better on the high balls. Donegal need to start moving it a bit quicker and stop trying to drive through the middle all the time.
Agree with the half time views. Armagh better so far but have wasted chances. Still look more likely to get a goal and that could be key. Donegal will be able to deliver a bit longer with the wind.
Bannon is brutal. What about the free "where the all lands" that rolled 30 yards and was taken from there!
5 - 5 marsden
GOOOAAAAAALLLL McConville
0-5 - 1-5
0-6 to 1-5 - mcfadden free
0-6 to 1-6 - stephen kernan - first thing he done
0-6 to 1-7 - Geezer
Roper off Sweeney on
0-7 to 1-7 McFadden Free
Hegarty off Devenny on
0-7 to 1-8 McDonnell
58 minutes gone
0-8 to 1-8 - Sweeney
M O'Rourke off Mal Mackin on - God Help us.
I can only assume O'Rourke is injured.
0-9 to 1-8 McFadden Free
64 minutes
Bonner off McMenamin on
Goal - Cassidy from high ball in - through hearty's hands (Actually Devenny's goal - cassidy didn't touch it)
FOR f**k SAKE!!
1-9 to 1-8
69 minutes - 3 minutes injury time
It's over. ::)
Armagh out, hope we get them in the qualifiers
what are you smoking.
Poor game but at the same time always interesting. I thought Donegal were very lucky to win that, Armagh looked more likely all through the second half and was it not for a terrible mistake by Hearty they would have got the win. What were Donegal thinking kicking possesion twice near the end of injury time as well...they could do with getting a bit more cute! Armagh looked strong for most of that game and if they can get a few games in the qualifiers and get some momentum they might well take some stopping later in the summer....cant believe a Mayo fan wants to take them on ??? Donegal will be looking to improve on that performance I think.
Better team lost. We definitely got out of jail, but we played shite and stayed with Armagh to give ourselves the chance. We'll need a lot more going forward the next day.
Be carefull what you wish for, Mayo weren't exactly world beaters last weekend ;)
Hard luck Lads, had them on the ropes. McFadden is usually good for one game in the championship
and it wasn't today, guess what that means :(
Two words sum it up.
DODGY KEEPER!! ;D :D
Would have preferred to play Armagh tho as Tyrone v Armagh always has an added edge.
Pints you need to get out more. Spending the game on the PC while your team is playin. ::)
Yep, happier to have Donegal on those displays -- very lucky to come away with a win there, still they all count, and congrats to them.
Raging, I had Armagh at 3/1 to win on live bet on PP. :(
QuotePints you need to get out more. Spending the game on the PC while your team is playin.
::)
And there's me thinking I was doing one of your county men a good turn.
It was much appreciated, don't mind him
Feckity feck.
Despite this deafeat, rumours of Armagh's demise are greatly exaggerated.
cant believe a Mayo fan wants to take them on "
ahh! mayo fans the art of self delusion.
Donegal got out of jail- armagh by far the better team and should have been further ahead at half-time. Armagh by no means finished and no-one will want to draw them in the qualifiers. I thought armagh maybe ran out of legs in the last 10 but at least donega; kept going but the short passing game in the second half while playing with the wind- nearly proved to be their undoing. i thought donegal were awful up front aside from mc fadden. Midfield kept them in the game.
Two questions arise from this game.
How good are Donegal?
How good are Armagh?
Neither answered today.
well done Donegal! But you have to say the better team were bet today. Donegal still lack guile or cuteness and this will tell as the bar rises over the next couple of months. The back door teams will not be happy to see Armagh in so soon. Armagh looked to be over the line comfortaby today but for the freak last minute goal. They will not be phased by the back door. Donegal have now a genuine chance of winning Ulster given Tyrones much publicised injury crisis. My only concern for them is that they have had to peak early for their League triump and todays Ulster chp tie and the wind may be out of them come August. Anyway to all Donegal fans congrats!
Quote from: Over the Bar on May 27, 2007, 06:16:35 PM
Two questions arise from this game.
How good are Donegal?
How good are Armagh?
Neither answered today.
Armagh are better than are being given credit for even without Clarke and B. Mallon
Donegal, not convinced as they have been playing with as near to a championship 15 since February,
steam rolling everyone in the league. Funny when they meet a team with as equal a starting fifteen on the first day out, they're lucky to survive :-\
Strong panel no doubt but can they get it done on the big stage? time will tell........
M O'Rourke is some tr**p ... must surely get a ban for pushing donegal manager.
QuoteM O'Rourke is some tr**p ... must surely get a ban for pushing donegal manager.
Don't go putting your rent money on it........
Usual 'advert' for Ulster Football today. Not much skill, plenty of application and big hits going in.
Thought Bannon again was poor - very very fussy on some matters then lets an awful lot go 2 minutes later. Players don't know where they stand with him.
Would love to copyright the word 'intensity' as it's all the RTE pundits can come up with watching Ulster this past decade.
Armagh suprised me a great deal - looked far and away the better team in the second half and cutely kept the physical levels high in the first to take the sting our of Donegal. Heartyy will have nightmares about that goal for years to come though.
The only danger for us is that Donegal will hardly play as bad again.........................
Mayo v Armagh is a nailed on cert if Dublin avoid the qualifiers -otherwise it's an Orange and Blue replay.
Good luck to Armagh in the Tommy Murphy. Should take it.
I am heartsick, we had them dead to rights again and our own keeper throws one into the back of the net, this was a game we could have won comfortably but as long as they can get up for the first round qualifier Armagh will be hard to beat, I am delighted that Armagh showed they are still a force to be reckoned with and I really want Mayo now that they have had a poster on here slabbering about them wanting us, I will put a hundred on Armagh at evens if that draw comes out of the hat.
I am looking forward to the comments on Stephen Kernan, they should be interesting.
Good luck to Donegal in the Uster and i hope you knock it into the tyronies in the semi final.
Donegal to win the Ulsterin a canter, we will hopefully meet them again at the business end of the season, i hope to feck they hammer their next opponent.
Armagh have to take heart from their display tho. Most of their own fans had written them off so they've got over the first hurdle of proving the doubters from within their own county wrong. From this they should regroup and get to the quarters if they can avoid some of the better back-door teams.
QuoteDonegal to win the Ulsterin a canter, we will hopefully meet them again at the business end of the season, i hope to feck they hammer their next opponent.
Somehow I'd expect Tyrone is the last opponent Big Joe would want in the qualifiers..........
Which teams are you referring to as "better back door teams"?
Quote from: heganboy on May 27, 2007, 06:55:57 PM
Which teams are you referring to as "better back door teams"?
Cavan, Clare and London.
Armagh were really unlucky today. Just one of those things - you cannot legislate for a complete clusterfuck like that from Hearty. Never thought Armagh would lose this until the goal. Armagh will still have a bit to say in this championship and teams will do well to avoid them.
O'Rourke shouldn't have reacted but I wonder what McIvor said. Managers are just as responsible as the players on the pitch and I'd hope that action would be taken against the manager as well if it was proven that he did say something. A push wasn't much, it's not the end of the world but he should be disciplined as an example.
Due to living in London I haven't seen any league football but when I saw Armagh's first fifteen I was very surprised at all the pessimism floating around, and fully expected them to win (that said I'm still amazed that Paddy Mckeever gets his game, as he contributed very little any time I have watched Armagh over the last number of years - maybe I'm missing something). They were the better team today and I don't see anyone looking forward to playing them.
Disappointing result for Armagh. The misses in the first half I just put down to rustiness. I was more annoyed with the latter part of the second. Only one point in the last 20 minutes was a poor return given how much possession we had.
Quote from: stew on May 27, 2007, 06:50:47 PM
Donegal to win the Ulsterin a canter, we will hopefully meet them again at the business end of the season, i hope to feck they hammer their next opponent.
Now Now Stew, no call for that, we
are your neighbours ;)
Just back from Ballybofey. Disappointing to lose in that fashion.
Brendan Donaghy had a stormer as did McGrane.
No comment on Bannon's failure ti give Kavanagh a second yellow card in the first half for his clotheslining of Padd McKeever.
Stevie was off the pace the first half, did better the second but we always knew we'd struggle for scores given our 6 forwards.
SK, hardly won a ball, but as usual Martin O'Rourke is always the first man called ashore.
Quote from: Smokin Joe on May 27, 2007, 07:26:31 PM
Ju
No comment on Bannon's failure ti give Kavanagh a second yellow card in the first half for his clotheslining of Padd McKeever.
Kavanagh deserved a second yellow, but youse have got away with similar situations plenty of times against us in the past.
QuoteSK, hardly won a ball, but as usual Martin O'Rourke is always the first man called ashore.
That was a joke, O'Rourke was playing well I thought, certainly the best of the half fowards. Replaced by Mal Mackin who actually had the ball lifted out of his hands at the very end. I think that was his first touch as well?
I think I've made my feelings known on Stephen Kernan.
I'm still wondering how we came away with a win today - but we've had so much disappointment v Armagh in recent years that I think we were due a break.
Donegal's forwards will need big improvement for the next day, but I doubt we will come up against as committed and tough defending for the rest of the year (unless we meet Armagh again!). So I think we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic over the next few mths. At least we had some great options to spring from the bench today (Devenney, Sweeney, Wappa) which will always lift the fans and the players.
Best for Donegal today I thought were McFadden (for the frees), Neil Gallagher, Durcan, and the defence as a whole played quite well I thought. Awful were M Hegarty (not worth his place against the big teams), and not much better was Toye.
Thought the ref was a shambles, but bad for both teams. Armagh could complain particularly about McConagley not getting sent off, and the "free from where the ball lands" debacle.
I'm sure the Armagh team and supporters are sick tnt, they didnt deserve to lose, but if they keep playing like that they will have plenty to say in the latter stages.
Quote from: stew on May 27, 2007, 06:50:47 PM
Donegal to win the Ulsterin a canter, we will hopefully meet them again at the business end of the season, i hope to feck they hammer their next opponent.
Jeez Stew that's a bit harsh. After all we've been through since 2001?
Quote from: aodhruadh on May 27, 2007, 07:35:38 PM
I'm still wondering how we came away with a win today - but we've had so much disappointment v Armagh in recent years that I think we were due a break.
Donegal's forwards will need big improvement for the next day, but I doubt we will come up against as committed and tough defending for the rest of the year (unless we meet Armagh again!). So I think we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic over the next few mths. At least we had some great options to spring from the bench today (Devenney, Sweeney, Wappa) which will always lift the fans and the players.
Best for Donegal today I thought were McFadden (for the frees), Neil Gallagher, Durcan, and the defence as a whole played quite well I thought. Awful were M Hegarty (not worth his place against the big teams), and not much better was Toye.
Thought the ref was a shambles, but bad for both teams. Armagh could complain particularly about McConagley not getting sent off, and the "free from where the ball lands" debacle.
I'm sure the Armagh team and supporters are sick tnt, they didnt deserve to lose, but if they keep playing like that they will have plenty to say in the latter stages.
Definitely agree about the Armagh defense - the passage of defensive play that lead to their goal was astonishing.
Apart from the win, the silver lining from today is that the hype will cool a little. For the next few weeks, we will be written off as serious contenders, and if Tyrone get Mulligan, O'Neill and so on back, we will go into the next match as definite underdogs. Devenney should be fit by then as well. Speaking of Hegarty, I'd say there is a good chance Adrian Sweeney might start at centre forward instead of him.
Adrian definitely deserves a start J70. He seems to have put in a lot of effort last winter and judging by his point today and in the league final, he's itching to get back in the team.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on May 27, 2007, 07:31:08 PM
I think I've made my feelings known on Stephen Kernan.
stephen kernan = not up to it
aaron kernan = best in ireland
QuoteWhich teams are you referring to as "better back door teams"?
?
Quoteaaron kernan = best in ireland
I like his style but still think he would be a better half-foward who tracks back than a half-back who likes going forward.
Frustrating sort of game.Thought Armagh had done enough but a 2 point lead is always dangerous.For Donegal, Roper and Bonner haven't the brains to play the game Mc Iver wants- you are never going to run through Armagh tackles- and their loss of possession should have been punished more.Their full-back line did well while the half-back line had little to do as Armagh's half-forward line is very poor.The old brigade plus Donaghy were Armagh's best although the full-forward line missed easy scores.As Down are only in the first round proper, a defeat to Monaghan could put us in with the teams mentioned earlier and I think it's a bit early to write the post-mortem report on our neighbours yet.
I had a real fear about our full back line heading into today's game but they were immense. As I already stated above I thought that Donaghy had a great game, undoubtedly this was helped by him playing out the field rather than standing under a high ball. Just a pity that his decision to shoot near the end was made, and hopefully this won't effect his confidence the next day.
McGrane was immense but sadly lacked support from Toner. We hardly won a breaking ball during the whole of the second half, and this was ultimately our downfall. I think Stephen Kernan won one ball all day (the 2nd half restart) but there seems to be no point analysing this position as Joe appears to be a stubborn man.
Taking away the goal we scored 8 points. That is a very skinny lead to defend and while our defence was heroic today I am afraid that until Clarke gets back in full fitness I don't see us having a very successful year, depsite the first impressions after today's game.
We just need some more creativity, and I don't think we have it.
Finally a word on the tremendous minor game. Armagh had a fabulous 2nd half performance against a massive Donegal team. And a special mention to the 3 Tulysaran lads who all shone.
I'm gutted by the defeat but i'm more optimistic for our championship campaign than I was a few minutes before throw in. Our league form wasn't great and maybe ,living abroad, I listened to the media a bit too much beforehand.
I thougt Armagh were the better team and defensively we were excellent. We made some savage tackles, I ddn't know much about Donaghy beforehand but was impressed with what I saw ( when was the last time Armagh had a galloping full back???? ;) ) I thought we missed Clarke today but our forwards had enough ball to win the game. They will improve as the ability is there. We were sloppy in the shorts passes though and played ourselves into trouble too many times.
Bannon was brutal! Gave alot of soft frees and then didn't blow when worse fouls were being commited.
Congratulations to Donegal you were due it, I hope you go on to lift the Ulster.
I've a got a weird feeling we are certs to draw Mayo,will be interesting to see how the players react to the defeat
QuoteDonegal to win the Ulsterin a canter, we will hopefully meet them again at the business end of the season, i hope to feck they hammer their next opponent.
Ach it's sad that yeh have to look to the misery of other counties to keep yerself feeling good. From that performace neither side would win Ulster at a canter. That's not saying Tyrone will have it in them to beat Donegal with our injury situ but a canter????
Way on, lick the wounds, fill the aul car with diesel and start packin the sangwidges for the long roads ahead....
As for young Stevie Kernan....excellent player - keep him at CHF for the rest of the Championship :D
Quoteaaron kernan = best in ireland
aye..best Kernan playing for armagh at wing back in Ireland..maybe.. :D :D :D :D
Coming from a Tyrone man you may see this as strange...but watching todays game I would have preferred to play Armagh in the next round.
Everyone is talking about their tackling (blanket defence when tyrone do it is disgusting but today on RTE described as passionate-dont see the difference) How many times did we see donegal man surrounded by 4/5 Armagh men? There should be 4 other Donegal players available to recieve the ball, but so many times no one made themselves avaiable. Tyrone support each other and wouldnt let one man carry the ball into the tackle without options.
Tyrone would have wiped Armagh out with counter-attack play.
Should still be a good game verus Donegal!
A few bullet points:
Armagh defended heroicly. the tackling from McGeeney, McKeever and McNulty was an absolute privilage to witness.
McGeeney is a machine.
we lack any real threat up front without clarke. they keep feeding stevie wee dinky balls in front when he wants it over the top. oisin's legs are long gone unfortunately.
Steven Kernan. Jesus H Christ. a full 70 minutes, but credit to the rest of the lads for producing the goods with a man less.
Great aerial battle between Gallagher and McGrane, Which i think McGrane just shaded.
Armagh never got a ball round the middle third after o'rourke was inexplicably called ashore.
Aaron carried the ball forward well in the second half but got roasted by roper in the first half.
Marsden does the running of 5 men.
Donegal were naive in the extreme leaving 2 on 2 in 60 yards of space for the whole game, but armagh hadn't the players to exploit it.
was surprised to see dunnion go off.. thought he was causing problems overlapping.
why is mcconaghy (sp) playing in front of eamon mcgee?
Donegal lack a real marquee scoring threat up front but the shape sweeney looked to be in he could do a hell of a job.
ironic that 2 years ago mcivor was o'rourke's club manager
Donegal seemed very green today. I think Armagh have a psychological edge on them (as they do with most teams) and Donegal sought to take the ball into contact and reverted to their pre-2006/2007 style of football. It was like the league success never happened. I hope they get confidence from the win and open their shoulders now and start to play a bit.
In the lead up to this game I was expecting Donegal to win this game, at the end of the game I was surprised that Donegal had won. Armagh were more the superior team and at times, had ran circles around Donegal.
Donegal had plenty of chances, but missed them. Too many foolish shots for points and too many quick free, without any thinking behind it.
Whilst Tyrone have a lot of room for improve, if this is how Donegal will play, we won't fear them.
That said, congratulations Donegal. That's one demon lead to rest now.
Quote from: Uladh on May 27, 2007, 09:05:21 PM
Donegal lack a real marquee scoring threat up front but the shape sweeney looked to be in he could do a hell of a job.
I'd say there are very, very few forwards who could have put on a display against that Armagh defence today. There was just no room or time. The likes of Devenney must have been sitting on the bench green with envy seeing the space that the Armagh forward pair had around them at times in the first half today.
I would expect to see Sweeney in serious consideration for a starting place the next day though.
Quote from: ziggysego on May 27, 2007, 09:17:48 PM
In the lead up to this game I was expecting Donegal to win this game, at the end of the game I was surprised that Donegal had won. Armagh were more the superior team and at times, had ran circles around Donegal.
Donegal had plenty of chances, but missed them. Too many foolish shots for points and too many quick free, without any thinking behind it.
Whilst Tyrone have a lot of room for improve, if this is how Donegal will play, we won't fear them.
That said, congratulations Donegal. That's one demon lead to rest now.
I'd say Donegal can't play much worse than they did today. The only thing is that Tyrone probably would not let them off the hook, although they almost did that last week with Fermanagh. Maybe the mental thing was a factor for Donegal today with Armagh.
Couple of interesting points which I'd like to hear the Armagh brethren's views on.
1. Joe Kernan deflecting by laying a degree of blame on the 2000 or so Armagh fans who stayed away. (Pints was that you?)
2. Jarlath Burns descibing Stephen Kernan's contribution as "superb".
comments?
I thought perhaps Joe took O'Rouke off because he was tiring and he had a yellow card. The real shame was that he brought on Mackin. Was that the best replacement we had? What about Charlie Five? I mean Charlie V.
With regard Stephen Kernan, he did make a few very good passes and scored a good point. However he didnt orchestrate and command the centre half forward like McEntee used to do.
I was glad to see Paddy McKeever staying on the whole 70 (I think he did anyway). Both he and Marsden were good running at the defence.
The scarey thing is, our forwards will be much sharper next day. Mayo beware.
BTW, no hint of a square ball with the Donegal goal?
Home from match about an hour, still cant believe were not playing tyrone in the semis an looking for a four in a row. we were robbed today, donegal were lucky to get out of jail. shows that league form cannot be taken into account, the finalist, mayo are out and donegal should be.
donaghy had a stormer and if he plays like that in the rest of the games then bellew will find it hard to get his place again.
hearty was unlucky with that ball, nut he cannot be blamed, armagh kicked too many wide balls.
turning point in the game was the ball the donegal goalie caught from mcconvilles free. would have put us 4pts up.
Scenie route here we go! :)
Just home, sweet jesus did S Kernan play the full seventy minutes or did the sun mess with my head?
How can this be explained? Is Kernan paying Jarlath Burns. He lost pocession on numerous occassions, twenty yards passes were going no where near the target and the worse for me was the likes of McDonnell and McConville seemed like they did not want to use him.
Best for Armagh were the whole defence. All of them were excellent. O Rourke and Mardsen done a lot of work, Stevie done well off the scraps but McConville got hurt five minutes from half time and it destroyed his game.
O Rourke coming off and Kernan staying on, what is the story?
QuoteBTW, no hint of a square ball with the Donegal goal?
I thought that initially but on replays it looked like Hearty flapped it into his own net. Don't think he even was aware of Devenney's presence until after the ball was in the net. The best measure is usually the players reactions and interestingly no Armagh player cried foul so it seems they all realised it was Hearty's gaffe.
No question of square ball.
did anyone else think that there was far too many supporters allowed into the ground today? was very crammed. i was behind the goal at the top end and a man wasnt feeling well and fainted, was hard for the emergency service to get him!
Agree with the verdicts on Marsden. An excellent forward who does so much to make those around him look even better.
One of my favourite players of this past ten years, great to see him back and still running defenders into the ground (still thank god his fisted effort against us hit the crossbar in Croke Park in 2004).
Donaghy looks like a real find!
Just back from the game there myself and I wouldn't agree with some of the comments on here. I thought O'Rourke and Kernan had fine games as did Mc Nulty. I did however think Mc Conville was poor apart from the goal and that Hearty was a disaster waiting to happen as he almost did the same thing a moment before. Goal was a square ball but it shouldnt have mattered our scoring was very poor today. We need another scoring forward.
On another note can someone please tell Martin McHugh that simply because Armagh didnt complain about it being a square ball does not some how alter the rule about it being a square ball. One other thing can an umpire actually point out a sqaure ball?
take your points all the things you have said i totally agree with. another danngerouse element was the fans who were on top of the turnstills at the river end. would be a disaster if a fight started or the roof caved in.
Good luck to donegal in the ulster champsionship anyway and also armagh may have an ulster title if the minor team can do something.
take your points gave an accurate account in his judgement of armagh players today!
the only two factual things that can come out of this result is:-
1) armagh won't win ulster and
2) donegal won't win the all-ireland.
thought the armagh management have alot to answer for today, armagh had been on top for the first 10 minutes of the second half mcconvilles goal and a few points from stephen kernan and kieran mcgeeney put armagh in control and instead of bringing on fresh legs to maintain the intensity, joe kernan decided to leave things in the hope that armagh can defend the lead. what is the idea of having a panel of players if you are not going to use any? james lavery was introduced way too late! mal mackin is not someone who you would expect to get some scores for you in the forward line.
don't know what big joe does be thinking in some of these after match press interviews - how is the fans to blame? im not blaming hearty for his mistake as more than enough down through the years he pulled armagh out of a hole.
was more than happy with the armagh performance today and whoever we get in the next round i would like the management to make more use of the panel, fresher legs could have made the difference by getting a few more scores when we had been 3 or 4 points up. it sickens me to see a shot dropping into the keepers hands or players trying to score from impossible angels on a few occasions today our forwards took the wrong option instead of taking an extra pass towards goal and getting into the scoring zone!
Had to say I was not happy with the stewarding in the ground today. I was in the terrace and at the end of the game as I was leaving a suffered a small non epilectic seizure as I am prone to. When the one fan who noticed I was in distress asked the steward to open the gate so I could get out of the crush, he said no and told me to hurry along to get out of the way of the crowd as i was slowing them down. Thankfully it was only a small attack
Disappointing to lose any game like that. Terrible mistake from Hearty, square ball or not an intercounty goalkeeper has to deal with that sort of hopeful effort.
There were definately a lot of positives to take from the match but I was quite disappointed in the way we let Donegal take the iniative in the last 10 minutes. 4 points up, we should have gone on to win comfortably but we went out of the game completely at midfield and allowed DOnegal back into a game they had no right to win. Even though the goal was a fluke, with 3 or so minutes left I was real worried we'd let them get the couple of points they needed for the draw.
On the plus side, I thought the half back line was immense. McGeeney played very well, Kernan was excellent both defensively and going forward and provided a real link between back and forwards while Ciaran McKeever defended very well. The power with which he tackles is super and he wins clean ball off the attacker on a great percentage of his tackles.
The half forwards were poor I thought, I agree that Martin O'Rourkes a liability. I cant remember him getting sent off yet for Armagh but how he's managed it is a miracle. McKeever was ok but nothing special and while it wasn't the worst game I've seen Stephen Kernan play, its still hard to see how he's keeping some of the lads on the bench out of the team. I'd certainly much prefer Marsden in centre half forward with the likes of Vernon to play in a withdrawn role. Great to see Diarmaid playing so well, thought he was excellent. Oisin was quiet but took the goal well. I was disappointed in the quality of the ball coming into McDonnell, the ball wasn't being played in quickly enough. McDonnell would start a run from the 13 but bvy the time the ball was played he was 30 yeards or more from goal. Took 2 nice points though.
All in all, I'm still pretty hopeful we can make the quarters. 6 weeks now and, assuming the rumours or huge setbacks aren't true, maybe Mallon and Clarke will have a chance to make an impact, if only from the bench. No bad teams in the qualifiers any more though. Is it true that the rule has changed and you can play a team you've already played in the qualifiers? If so, were Tyrone to beat Donegal I'd fancy us a second day.
On the venue, where I was standing was fine int erms of volume of people though I did notice that there quite a view people standing on top of the turnstiles watching the match and I'd heard that some poeple with tickets hadnt got in. Not sure how true this is though?
Think Joe's points on BBC were fair enough. It was only slightly more than a 2 hour drive to Ballybofey, I'd have thought that more than 6,000 would have made the effort.
I thought Armagh put on one of the finest defensive displays today I have ever seen and deserved to win the match - also you CAN'T blame the management - the fact is if Paul Hearty hadn't dropped the ball into his own net, then Armagh and Joe Kernan would have been lauded as great lads - there's a fine line between success and failure and fans are very fickle - I thought Armagh were superbly prepared - so stop moaning about management - the goalie dropped the ball - SIMPLE !
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on May 28, 2007, 12:02:30 AM
Disappointing to lose any game like that. Terrible mistake from Hearty, square ball or not an intercounty goalkeeper has to deal with that sort of hopeful effort.
There were definately a lot of positives to take from the match but I was quite disappointed in the way we let Donegal take the iniative in the last 10 minutes. 4 points up, we should have gone on to win comfortably but we went out of the game completely at midfield and allowed DOnegal back into a game they had no right to win. Even though the goal was a fluke, with 3 or so minutes left I was real worried we'd let them get the couple of points they needed for the draw.
On the plus side, I thought the half back line was immense. McGeeney played very well, Kernan was excellent both defensively and going forward and provided a real link between back and forwards while Ciaran McKeever defended very well. The power with which he tackles is super and he wins clean ball off the attacker on a great percentage of his tackles.
The half forwards were poor I thought, I agree that Martin O'Rourkes a liability. I cant remember him getting sent off yet for Armagh but how he's managed it is a miracle. McKeever was ok but nothing special and while it wasn't the worst game I've seen Stephen Kernan play, its still hard to see how he's keeping some of the lads on the bench out of the team. I'd certainly much prefer Marsden in centre half forward with the likes of Vernon to play in a withdrawn role. Great to see Diarmaid playing so well, thought he was excellent. Oisin was quiet but took the goal well. I was disappointed in the quality of the ball coming into McDonnell, the ball wasn't being played in quickly enough. McDonnell would start a run from the 13 but bvy the time the ball was played he was 30 yeards or more from goal. Took 2 nice points though.
All in all, I'm still pretty hopeful we can make the quarters. 6 weeks now and, assuming the rumours or huge setbacks aren't true, maybe Mallon and Clarke will have a chance to make an impact, if only from the bench. No bad teams in the qualifiers any more though. Is it true that the rule has changed and you can play a team you've already played in the qualifiers? If so, were Tyrone to beat Donegal I'd fancy us a second day.
On the venue, where I was standing was fine int erms of volume of people though I did notice that there quite a view people standing on top of the turnstiles watching the match and I'd heard that some poeple with tickets hadnt got in. Not sure how true this is though?
Think Joe's points on BBC were fair enough. It was only slightly more than a 2 hour drive to Ballybofey, I'd have thought that more than 6,000 would have made the effort.
Donegal definitely were the stronger team over the last ten minutes. Maybe Armagh were content to foul and force them to shoot from out the field and felt they would be safe enough if they didn't give up a goal chance. We nearly caught youse last year in a similar situation, except Hearty made the last minute save when Stephen McDermott got through one-on-one.
I almost feel guilty that we won in that manner, but f**k it, we've lost plenty matches over the years that we should have won but gave up through poor shooting and/or defensive/goalkeeper mistakes. And we've given Armagh at least three goals that I can think of through goalkeeping mistakes over the past five years, some of them very important in terms of how the match developed and finished. The fact is that good as Armagh were today defensively, they, as a team, couldn't finish the job and left themselves open to what happened. Nine times out of ten they would have seen it out, but that's the way it goes.
We're going to be on the end of a backlash now I would think, but that's to be expected when you're hyped up and don't live up to it. Its up to our boys to prove the many doubters we will have wrong.
I thought Enda McNulty had a great game for us. It just goes to show that people can watch the same game and go away with different impressions.
Did anyone else feel that Ciairan McKeever looked a totally different player at wing half back than Number 6? He appeared to be back to the standard he set when he first burst on to the team.
Geezer. How can anyone have tried to cut him adrift from the panel last Autumn? He is still very capable at this level.
orangeman you cant blame the management for level of preparation towards the game but the management must shoulder the blame where substitutions are concerned! im beginning to wonder has john rafferty got any say in the team selection.
i seen rafferty make ruthless substitutions when he managed st. gall's he substituted players soon after the start of the game when they didn't seem up for it. i would like to think that he has some input into the team selection.
martin o'rourke is never going to win you a game but what you will get from him is a dogged hard-working performance and he will win you some frees, paddy mckeever fought hard yesterday but more often than enough in other armagh performances his attitude and temperament let him down. to me the centre half forward position is the most important place on the team and stephan kernan just didn't cut it for me. ok he scored a nice point but was wasteful in his distribution of balls into the full-forward line with mcdonnell and mcconville often having to run 30 yards from goal to receive the ball in.
what annoyed me most about yesterday's game was aaron kernan's option to try and shoot for a point with the outside of the left foot from an impossible angel with oisin in a more pointable position in front of goals screaming out for a pass!
you can say what you like about the match officials but they had an absolute stinker yesterday bannon's failure to send gallagher (i think) off, his decision to award the donegal goal,in the first half donegal had been awarded a free-kick for their 2nd score after a late challenge where the ball lands, the ball rolled a good 40 yards along the ground after it dropped and they took a quick free from it resulting in a score, surely the ball should have been brought back! the man formally known as gerry kinneavy giving a sideline ball then waving play-on resulting in an armagh attack being overturned for an up-ball
What a sh1t journey home yesterday >:(
For years Armagh teams have been able to comfortably close out games, its not often Armagh lose a 4 point lead with 15 odd mins left.
The defence were very good esp the half back line. Geezer & Kernan attacked at every opportunity & Mc Keever played his best game in some time without any of the fouling, needling his man etc.
Midfield struggled at the beginning of the game with Gallagher having some great catches, but as the game wore on Mc Grane eventually got the better of him.
BTW, I thought Cassidy had a very very quiet/poor game, what did the Donegal posters think?
We lost the game up front IMO. Too many wides & balls dropping short. Indeed when the 2 man FF line did get the ball on many occasions there was no one getting up quickly enough to support them.
I know he comes in for a fierce amount of stick, esp on this board, but I honestly thought S Kernan was our best half forward.
On the day we were the best team, but on countless occasions we have got the rub of the green against Donegal, so they were due a bit of lady luck
I also thought S. Kernan was the best of a poor half forward line.
I also thought that Joe's outburst against those Armagh fans who didn't travel left alot to be desired. Sure if there had been another 20,000 turned up, they still wouldn't have stopped Hearty's f**k up! Joe needs to direct his attention to the on field performance, as well as his substition decisions or lack of them, rather than making a dick of himself on the BBC.
Best team lost, but they missed enough in the first half that, if scored, would have made the Hearty blunder irrevelant.
It was a square ball, but that is irrevelant, the keeper should have had it.
I don't think there will be much panic in the Armagh camp, they should have won but didn't against one of the strongest teams in Ulster. Hearty won't make a mistake like that again, Marden won't miss a point like the one he missed again this season. No one will want Armagh in the qualifers, I'd go as far to say it will be championship over time for whoever meets them.
Donegal have every chance against Tyrone who didn't scare too many with their showing against Fermanagh.
I can't believe people think that SK had any sort of good game. Would you tell me what he done? I remember him taking the point, badly misplacing a pass to oisin and it ending up going out at the corner, receiving the ball a few times and hand passing to the person closest to him. And to those people are you seriously suggesting he's the best chf in the county?
I didn't think Toner was in the game at all and I couldn't understand how he lasted 70 minutes he's capable of a lot more though.
As for Joe criticising fans, he should take a look in the mirror. It's a pity there's no one to tell him a few home truths.
Quote from: pintsofguinness on May 28, 2007, 11:30:07 AM
I can't believe people think that SK had any sort of good game. Would you tell me what he done? I remember him taking the point, badly misplacing a pass to oisin and it ending up going out at the corner, receiving the ball a few times and hand passing to the person closest to him. And to those people are you seriously suggesting he's the best chf in the county?
I didn't think Toner was in the game at all and I couldn't understand how he lasted 70 minutes he's capable of a lot more though.
As for Joe criticising fans, he should take a look in the mirror. It's a pity there's no one to tell him a few home truths.
If you read my post again pog, it says that SK was the best of the half forward line.
At the minute I think it is pretty clear that no one knows who is the best chf in the county, bar yourself of course ;)
QuoteIf you read my post again pog, it says that SK was the best of the half forward line.
At the minute I think it is pretty clear that no one knows who is the best chf in the county, bar yourself of course
:)
I still can't agree with you, look at the amount of ball martin o'rourke picked up (and I'm not a fan of his) compared to Sk. Even Paddy McKeever was better. Even Mal coward Mackin would have done better!!
Ironically one of our better performances in recent years, with few if any real failures. Oisin Mc Conville must surely be one of the best finishers (if not the best) Ulster has ever produced.On the bright side I think we have invested far too much effort in recent years winning what are now meaningless Ulster titles (2005 springs to mind) to the detriment of our performances in the latter stages of the All Ireland series, and yesterday's defeat may well be a blessing in disguise
Also what was big Joe on about? You couldn't have put a cat in the ground yesterday at the end of the Minor Game never mind any more fans. :o
After getting over the intial feelings of being totally gutted I am feeling very optimistic about Armagh's performance; strangely, I think it is a result that both teams will come on from. I was very very disappointed with Donegal, they didn't (or maybe weren't allowed to) perform at all, before the game I genuinely did expect a comfortable Donegal victory but Amagh's performance was excellent.
Young Donaghy deserves all the credit in the world for a fantastic debut (and I didn't want him there), Toner was a bit peripheral but did oviously did enough as Cassidy was non-existant! As for Stephen Kernan, I thought a borderline performance, some of the balls he gave were good, got a nice score, but I lost count of the number of times he was disposessed. I actually think the game was lost with the switching of Mal Mackin for O'Rourke, now I didn't think O'Rourke was overly good, but MAckin is just plain awful IMO, he contributed nothing bar running around with his chest puffed out looking a booking. McGrane and McGeeney are still all their daddies, absolutely amazing and when they eventually do go it will be a long road back. I amazed that McNulty is coming in for some stick, I thought he and every other defender were excellent, there wont be a better defensive perfomance this year.
I defintely think we'll still be there come the business end after yesterday's performance, Donegal with a significant monkey of their back can only improve and I'd expect them to there as well. A kind draw in the first qualifier would still be nice.
The Ronan Clarke injury story is 100% true btw. Didn't notice him there yesterday, did anybody see him??
Stephen Kernan was total crap!!i knew wen he got a point that was him on for te game that's eactly what JK wanted...he was rubbish and evidence of how stupid this man can be is the fact that in the 72nd minute he decided to do a terrible tckle(his fisrt of the match ironically) and take 2 donegal men down giving them an excuse to lie down!!
Also Paul Hearty has himself to blame, no county goalie should drop the ball into the back of the net in the 69th minute, if you watch the tape back the ball literally goes straight through his hands, I believe amallon said Hearty wont make this mistake again!It should never hav happened full stop!!!
Also is Joe ever going to take off his Cross tinted glasses and realise that in the second half Oisin McConville couldn't bend for a ball, Joe never has and never will make changes and give players on the bench a chance! Look how Donaghy and Toner settled in, they were as good as the usual players, Joe should catch himself on and let us see what players on the bench can do, taking on a young forward half way through the second half, there wouldn't have been just a 3 point lead that could have been and was ended by a kick of the ball(and a fumle by a very stupid man!)
Armagh were clearly the better team and have just lost an Ulster because Donegal aren't going anywhere fast!!!!
Agree Benny, O Rourke could of been vital in the last ten to win a few frees or break ball, sure Kernan loves him.
Did not notice anything too dangerous about the crowding, usual packed match. Although up behind the far nets as you say did appear pretty full.
What exactly did Joe say, he is a fool of a man, hopefully this is his last year.
Not muc talk of the minor match, all week I said they would get tanked, gladfully admit I was wrong. I think Paul Kelly said not one of those players had tasted County Minor championship because the older ones were so strong last year whilst Donegal had a player who played in the McKenna Cup! Great perfromances from number 4 and number 10 especially. Francis Hanratty spent most of the first half worrying about his haiur and boots and trying to hit impossible passes. In the second half he started to become a link man winning and laying off to forwards running on and he looked excellent for it.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 28, 2007, 11:53:44 AM
The Ronan Clarke injury story is 100% true btw. Didn't notice him there yesterday, did anybody see him??
Clarkie was there alright with the team. He didn't seem to be limping badly.
Quote from: corn02 on May 28, 2007, 12:04:12 PM
Great perfromances from number 4 and number 10 especially.
Agree Corn. Those were 2 of the Tullysaran lads. Good to see them doing well on the big stage after coming from such a small club.
Seen Clarke at the match yesterday, wasn't limping in the slightest! definitley no leg cast on anyway, he even ran into the dug out at the start of the second half.
Armagh are now 20/1 to win Sam with Paddy Power & Ladbrokes - I'm seriously thinking of putting something on with those odds. I thought they were impressive enough yesterday, considering their shit league form and they can only get stronger especially in the forward line.
QuoteWhat exactly did Joe say, he is a fool of a man, hopefully this is his last year.
Something about 2000 armagh fans not turning up (by all accounts I don't know where they would have went) and he yapped about this a bit and said he hoped the fans that did turn up would get the good tickets the next day.
QuoteAgree Corn. Those were 2 of the Tullysaran lads. Good to see them doing well on the big stage after coming from such a small club.
I seen the captain kicking a hell of a point on the championship last night, didn't you say he was from Tullysaran Joe?
I think the Clarke rumours are greatly exaggerated.
Smoking Joe, alot of mid and North ones on the team so I knew very little, they were excellent. They was another one too? Was it that McClelland fellow with the ginger hair? Tullysaran must have a very good minor team. It is the first time in years I have seen an Armagh team deploy a running game from defence. No question of winning a ball and launching it, the defender on the ball always made a gallop to the half forward line. As dangerous as it can be it had great results yesterday.
QuoteSomething about 2000 armagh fans not turning up (by all accounts I don't know where they would have went) and he yapped about this a bit and said he hoped the fans that did turn up would get the good tickets the next day.
He was giving off because Armagh had returned 2000 tickets, not because they didn't turn up on the day. I think it's a good point from Joe considering all the crying people did about the game being in Ballybofey in the first place. You can't be the best fans in Ireland and then not bother travelling a few hours to see your county in the first round of the Championship. I also agree what he said about fans who did turn up getting preference the next day. They went to the bother of travelling to Ballybofey and should be done out of a ticket by someone who'll go to the next game cos it's in Clones or Casment.
PH - a few wobbly kick outs and a calamity at the end
AM - solid as a rock
BD - good debut, pity about his attempt for the equaliser at the end
EMcN - solid
AK - very good
KMcG - very good
CMcK - solid
PMcG - very good
KT - not much of an impact
MOR - usual self, missed in later stages of game
SK - didn't do enough, nice point
PMcK - good enough, wasted some ball though in first half
OMcC - frees not as good as usual, coolness personified for goal
DM - very good, shooting could be sharper
SMcD - not his usual excellance but good enough
Quote from: pintsofguinness on May 28, 2007, 12:14:22 PM
QuoteWhat exactly did Joe say, he is a fool of a man, hopefully this is his last year.
Something about 2000 armagh fans not turning up (by all accounts I don't know where they would have went) and he yapped about this a bit and said he hoped the fans that did turn up would get the good tickets the next day.
QuoteAgree Corn. Those were 2 of the Tullysaran lads. Good to see them doing well on the big stage after coming from such a small club.
I seen the captain kicking a hell of a point on the championship last night, didn't you say he was from Tullysaran Joe?
he was indeed pints
Quote from: corn02 on May 28, 2007, 12:19:20 PM
I think the Clarke rumours are greatly exaggerated.
Smoking Joe, alot of mid and North ones on the team so I knew very little, they were excellent. They was another one too? Was it that McClelland fellow with the ginger hair? Tullysaran must have a very good minor team. It is the first time in years I have seen an Armagh team deploy a running game from defence. No question of winning a ball and launching it, the defender on the ball always made a gallop to the half forward line. As dangerous as it can be it had great results yesterday.
The 3 Tullysaran lads were Barry McKenna (the small ginger Number 4), Ryan Conlon (the ginger Numbr 5) and the captain David Comiskey (Number 10).
They should have a good minor team this year, bearing in mind that Clan na gael beat them by a point in the county U16 final 2 years ago, after Tullysaran despatched no less than Crossmaglen in the semi final.
I agree with what you say about their brand of football - it was breathtaking, and that's probably what beat the physically bigger Donegal team.
As the ground was stuffed to bursting yesterday I assume that the 2000 returned tickets must have made their way to Donegal to be distributed. Can any of the Donegal posters confirm that - do you get a 2nd raft of tickets later on during the week?
Quote from: Fear Boirche on May 28, 2007, 12:23:31 PM
QuoteSomething about 2000 armagh fans not turning up (by all accounts I don't know where they would have went) and he yapped about this a bit and said he hoped the fans that did turn up would get the good tickets the next day.
He was giving off because Armagh had returned 2000 tickets, not because they didn't turn up on the day. I think it's a good point from Joe considering all the crying people did about the game being in Ballybofey in the first place. You can't be the best fans in Ireland and then not bother travelling a few hours to see your county in the first round of the Championship. I also agree what he said about fans who did turn up getting preference the next day. They went to the bother of travelling to Ballybofey and should be done out of a ticket by someone who'll go to the next game cos it's in Clones or Casment.
He actaully said 2000 fans didn't turn up - but I think we all got his point. Of course anyone that was there should get first preference the next day but I'd like to think he realises he's got bigger problems than tickets being sent back.
I love the way on Orchard County they think Stephen was just super yesterday. Lay off Stephen he is one of us, you can not say bad things about an Armagh player. ::)
Don't get me started on orchardcounty corn - it's some blessing I can't post over there.
Here is a different slant on the Hearty fumble:
I was standing in the front row directly behind the armagh dug out yesterday. During the team's warm up there was a panic that Hearty had left his cap in the dressing room. One of the back room team gave his hat to the water carrier to give to Hearty, but the message that came back was that Hearty wanted his own cap.
Interesting he never wore a cap all day (I am pretty sure of this).
The sun may well have been an issue (as my burnt forehead attests to this morning) for the ball he missed, but also the previous McFadden point that just dropped over the bar which he appeared to be struggling with.
This may well all be speculation, but let's hope a small matter such as not being able to find his own cap and refusing to wear another one didn't contribute to the late goal.
Of course, perhaps the sun didn't affect the keepers at all as Durcan didn't wear one either - I just thought it was interesting that such a fuss was made on the Armagh sideline about getting Hearty's own cap and then he never wore it.
There is no different slant on the Hearty fumble or ****up!the man let the ball go through his hands lost the match sun or no sun he should of had it in his hands!!!end of!
i thought Toner did very well a young fella coming into the match and he made some catches which were up to the standard of McGrane.
As a neutral kinda supporting Donegal I thought it was a crap game to watch but as Tohill said it had huge intensity. Big Deal. Horrible to watch.
I was shocked how McIvor hadn't told Donegal to release the ball much faster even when playing into the wind but maybe he thought they could draw frees from the usual over robust Armagh defenders. I got very frustrated watching Doengal continually carrying the ball into 3 man tackles and spilling it again and again. I know it was very windy but surely quick low passes into space can overcome this if your forwards are making good runs.
I can see why some people compare Armagh to Chelsea as they strangle ever game they play and unfortunately my native Tyrone have dispensed with some of their attacking flare for this more negative football with getting more bodies behind the ball all the time.
I think that's why we rarely see high scores now in Ulster football and is it now time to change tact and go for more route one football again.
We want goals and points from all angles. Fast passage of passing play and not play on the break. In fairness watching other province football is a lot easier on the eye.
I hope the Donegal v Tyrone match is very open and that there is little swarming or double marking. I'd rather it was 3.13 to 2-16 draw than 0-07 to 0-06 win.
Thought the best point yesterday was scored by Marsden as Armagh won the throw-in and within 2/3 quick passes it was over the bar.
I hate to agree with the Southern softies and especially W*nker Spillane but I'm getting a bit tired of these defensive battles and swarm tackling.
Yes it's great when your defenders stays disciplined and get the attacker blown up for two long but as they said on the Sunday game last nite most Refs can't decide any more is it overcarrying or one on the line tackle too much.
Thought McDonnell was well held yesterday but was that cos poor ball going into him? Meath or Mayo for the qualiifers?
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42977000/jpg/_42977589_goal.jpg)
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42977000/jpg/_42977587_goal2.jpg)
The goal.
McIvers reaction:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42977000/jpg/_42977595_mciver.jpg)
Cassidy's reaction:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42978000/jpg/_42978199_cassidy300.jpg)
Kernan's reaction:
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42978000/jpg/_42978201_kernan_300.jpg)
Well rumours of Armagh's demise are exaggerated. I agree with Joe K on that. However his rant at the missing supporters or the 2000 tickets sent back is over the top. Joe has always been one for keeping any disagreements in the team in house. Now missing supoorters are fair game and held up to his scorn. As one poster, earlier in this thread, said the supporters who were there made enough noise. It seems to me that his frustration with what happened and didn't happen on the field was translated into an attack on supporters. It is the supporters missing and there in attendance that have helped Armagh over the years and been part of a great journey.
Now in the cold light of day, I would hope that Joe is a big enough man to retract his comments.
Disappointing way to lose the game, but the Armagh performance was heartening - there is a lot to build on there for the qualifiers route. The team looked to be in good shape, well prepared and organised. The full back and half back lines were immense and midfield did well. Great to see young Donaghy do so well, fair play to him (proved a lot of people wrong and i hope he can keep it up). As said here already, the defensive play was really good.
The game was lost for Armagh in the forward line, a combination of some poor shooting by the full forwards (particularly first half) and the lack of support from the half forwards. I didn't think any of the half forwards justified staying on the pitch for the full 70 mins. Joe Kernan had options on the bench and he could have brought on Vernon and Lavery or Toal (if fit?) to add another dimension there. Very disappointing that he waited until the 58th minute to do something, but that is Joe Kernan's form - he is a very conservative, predictable and stubborn manager. Young Lavery could easiliy have been brought on early in the second half for Toner to let him get some championship game time (though Toner did ok). Why was he only introduced on 68 mins - what heroics did Kernan expect him to produce at that stage? If we had have gotten a bit more out of the half forwards Armagh would have beaten Donegal easily. I'm not sure if its tactics or personnel, all i know is if the half forwards don't get up to support the 2 front men, then Armagh will continue to struggle to score more than 1-8 in any game. The Armagh goal came from one of McKeever's few forays forward.
For the next day i'd like to see Vernon or Toal tried out. Give them a chance in the championship to see what they're made of. Toal would inject a lot of pace into the half forwards, which is badly needed to help support the 2 front men.
Hearty should be dropped for the next game (what are the chances of that though) - that was a horrible blunder (the sun had nothing to do with it - as anyone behind his goals can testify to) and to make matters worse, his kickout after the goal went straight out over the line. McKinney deserves a chance.
Final point - Ballybofey is a nightmare to get to and even worse to get out of!
Fuzzman, you mightn't like to watch good defending but unfortunately that's what wins games.
2 or 3 years ago Cork beat Galway in a QF match at Croke Park, the socre taking was a joy to behold as both teams rackec up monster scores. After the game the pundits were taking of Cork as possible All Ireland winners. They were comprehensively beaten the next day (may have been Kerry, I'm not sure).
The point is in that Cork v Galway game there was no defensive play all day, there was no tackling or close marking. You had a shootout which looked nice to watch, but when it came to the next day, Cork's lack of a defence meant they stood no chance.
At the moment it appears you either defend and try to win or play lovely football with the expctation that you'll win feck all.
Toal wasn't togged out yesterday.
If rumours are true he appears to have problems with his application.
Mike, i was in the door at 7.05pm yesterday, there's nothing wrong with Ballybofey ;)
Quote[unfortunately my native Tyrone have dispensed with some of their attacking flare for this more negative football with getting more bodies behind the ball all the time. quote]
Fuzzman, we'll not get into an argument with Tyrone men about using swarming tactics then.
Joe - i'd well believe that - my mistake was parking too close to the ground. The traffic didn't move for well over an hour!
Slightly off the topic, Like the new Armagh jersey's. Not available online anywhere from what i could see (not on O'Niells.com or thegaastore.com or breathegaa.ie . wouldnt mind picking one up some time. anyone know how i might get one.
QuoteSlightly off the topic, Like the new Armagh jersey's. Not available online anywhere from what i could see (not on O'Niells.com or thegaastore.com or breathegaa.ie . wouldnt mind picking one up some time. anyone know how i might get one.
Change your surname to Kernan....then you'll get an original county jersey, as Big Joe will be on the phone to see if you are a relative! A county debut will beckon...
I think never kickt a ball's pictures of the goal show that it was definitely a square ball, but Hearty should have held it.
To me Cassidy was well inside the square before the ball came in.
But is it a square ball if he doesn't touch it or the keeper?
Must admit that , as a neutral, Armagh continue to surprise and impress me. I have developed a tremendous amount of respect for the way they continually put their shoulders to the wheel and keep pushing against a steep hill. (Metaphorically speaking of course :) )
Yesterday they were far, far better than I expected, even allowing for the unbelievable naivité (sp?) of the Donegal half backs/midfield/half forwards when they had the ball. I think it is fairly safe to say, after nigh on 10 years of watching Armagh, that it is almost impossible to solo the ball through their tackles. It is footballing suicide. The only modicum of success the Donegal lads had was when they played quick, early and direct aimed passes into the full forward line. At least then the likes of McFadden and later Devenney and The wee lad that came on were able to be out in front and win ball. I don't know, watching on TV, how much of this over carrying was due to a lack of movement up front, but certainly the one sure way of losing a ball versus Armagh is by trying to solo through Kieran McGeeney or someone like that.
A few other random observations.
Donegal seem to be fairly strong around the middle, in terms of winning primary possession. A more direct use of the ball after that may have made yesterday a good bit more comfortable.
Armagh's forward line is the one area where I think they have problems. Without the fulcrum that is Ronan Clarke, they seem a little heavy legged and predicatable, apart from that brilliantly worked point for Stephen Kernan.
Why does Martin O'Rourke feel the need to do a Drogba whenever he is hit?
Donegal will improve from this game, but a whole re-look at their attacking strategy is needed before they run themselves into another swarming cul de sac like Tyrone.
Armagh will be the plague draw in the Qualifiers.
Well done Donegal, but well done also to Armagh. A (in)famous phrase springs to mind when I think of them today. "They haven't gone away you know".
Quote from: timmykelleher on May 28, 2007, 01:53:06 PM
To me Cassidy was well inside the square before the ball came in.
But is it a square ball if he doesn't touch it or the keeper?
RULE 4 - TECHNICAL FOULS
4.9 For an attacking player to enter opponents' small rectangle before the ball enters it during play.
Exception
(i) If an attacking player legally enters the small rectangle, and the ball is played from that area but is returned before the attacking player has time to leave the area, provided he does not play the ball or interfere with the defence, a foul is not committed.
(ii) When a point is scored from outside the small rectangle and the ball is sufficiently high to be out of reach of all players, the score shall be allowed even though an attacking player may have been within the small rectangle before the ball - provided that the player in question does not interfere with the defence.
The rule mentions "an attacking player", it doesn't have to be the scorer. Neither of the two exceptions applies.
Quote from: dec on May 28, 2007, 01:51:29 PM
I think never kickt a ball's pictures of the goal show that it was definitely a square ball, but Hearty should have held it.
Eh,
How can a still photograph be conclusive?
The ball was ballooned into the air and Cassidy was sprinting the whole time. It was a tough call for the officials and with Cassidy not touching Hearty they give it. I'd say most referees would have give it on the spur of the moment.
There'll be more obvious f**k ups as the year goes on.
Dissapointing result for what was a pretty decent performance, though all ideas that the brains of the set up has left for cavan proved correct, when yet again Joe K proved that Plan B doesnt exist, same subs made as previous years things go wrong bring of McGranes Midfield partner and Martin O Rourke, leave a below par Oisin MCConville on ineffective Stephen Kernan and not so great paddy mc keever, oh yes, bring on mal mackin..mal was never a forward never mind a scoring threat what the aim was when bringing him on, who knows...what can any player do in two minutes on the field,not a thing..And as a previous poster said, now that our stephen got a point yesterday he's on team for rest of the year
Defence performed very well. Some people might say last minute mistake could happen to anyone but county keeper of his standard it should not happen. what is the point in bring all these players into the panel who are young fit and got great ability, and letting them sit onn sideline yesterday..so they can top up theyre tan?
QuoteJarlath Burns descibing Stephen Kernan's contribution as "superb".
Typical ...
And on the Joe comments on the attendance, yeh Joe blame the crowd, so your saying Armagh would have won with another few thousand at game, yes was disappointing to see the crowd so small but no way is that any reason that armagh lost and that you f***ed up.
I've seen square balls given where attackers haven't even gone into the square. Martin Mchugh said last nite that the rule should be done away with.
Quote from: cavan4ever on May 28, 2007, 02:05:28 PM
I've seen square balls given where attackers haven't even gone into the square. Martin Mchugh said last nite that the rule should be done away with.
I don't agree, if you get rid of the rule you'll end up with a bunch of forwards crowding round the keeper at 45s and close in frees.
Ì agree with Martin McHugh, but dec is also right - you'd have to replace it with something.
It is practically impossible for anyone to decide, even with the aid of slow-motion replays, never mind in real time, whether a ball arriving by air from the right reaches the square before or after a forward arriving overland from the left. Impossible.
I'm not sure how you'd replace this GAA version of offside, but you'd have to have something to stop all thirty players crowding into the goalmouth. Maybe make the small square a complete exclusion zone for the opposition? It's a free out if you enter the square at all, ever, no matter where the ball is.
Quote from: dec on May 28, 2007, 01:51:29 PM
I think never kickt a ball's pictures of the goal show that it was definitely a square ball, but Hearty should have held it.
I'm not saying it wasn't a square ball, but I don't think those pictures prove anything either way. The ball dropped from a big height, so it was probably in the square for a second or two before it went through Hearty's hands. TV is probably the only way of proving it.
I wouldn't agree witha complete exclusion zone Hardy. if a goalkeeper spills a ball out his hands I don't think it should be against the rules for a forward to put it in the net. Yesterday's incident was a square ball it seems from last night's footage but regardless of that, Hearty should have cuaght the ball, that was the crucial issue which cost the goal.
I'd have liked to have seen Vernon brought on as well but I think the main problem is that we don't have that many genuine inside forwards on the bench. Miceal O'Rourke perhaps?
That's a good point, TAM.
Rather than start a side debate here, I think I'll start a thread to get views on the rule.
Barry has posted the video on Orchardcounty.
http://www.orchardcounty.com/images/ArmvDon.wmv (http://www.orchardcounty.com/images/ArmvDon.wmv)
I'd say it was a square ball, although the camera following the ball makes it hard to see where Cassidy was. Standing behind that goal yesterday I thought it was a square ball, although Hearty might haver dropped it anyhow, someone running it at you could be a distraction.
Anyone know when the qualifier draws are being made? Will it be this Sunday or next?
QuoteAnyone know when the qualifier draws are being made? Will it be this Sunday or next?
Probably neither, there are several relevant games to play yet, I imagine the draw will be in 4 or 5 weeks.
Ok lets be honest here, Armagh were obviously by far the better team throughout - Donegal wont go far with that team. Could someone tell me why there is a panel of 30 for County team if Kernan is only going to use 'certain' players everytime. Why did he think that we needed 4 midfielders at the end of the game, and none of them can score?????? Why did Oisin McC stay on for the ful second half, he dd nothing, i dont know if he was injured or what was the story but he should have been taken off. S Kernan, typical after he scored that one point he was never coming off, bad performance did nothing else, should have been off for a SCORING forward. Armagh are playng with a half forward line that cant score. so bascially we are dependng on three forwards to do all the work, NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!! What about the subs surely there are a few players on the sideline that could be put on. Joe needs to wise himself up.
Point on the slagging off the fans, did Mulgrew slag off his supporters after 12,000 ppl turned up in Clones to watch Fermanagh/Tyrone NO!!! Joe doesnt want to take responsibility for his actions am i not right in saying that at the start of the year he blamed the players for loosing a game. What a joke. Those 2000 ppl didnt put on Mal Mackin when we needed forwards, those 2000 ppl didnt make Hearty drop that ball. NO!!!
QuoteWhy did Oisin McC stay on for the ful second half, he dd nothing
Coulda swore I saw him scoring a crucial goal.
Oisin's one of the last people I'd take off simply because, regardless of how he's played for the previous 69 minutes, if he gets the ball in scoring range a point down, there's no better man to slot it over the bar. Look at the Cross drawn AIF this year. If Donaghy had slipped the ball outside to Oisin instead of shooting himself with a minute to go there's a decent chance we'd be headed for CLones this weekend.
yeh a goal that he was lucky to get, i said why did he stay on the FULL SECOND HALF, obviously you read that wrong there, i didnt c him doing anything else after that did you??? thats the prob with JK he wont ever take OMC off unless he has to be stretchered off. Yellow and black tinted glasses yet again. Why leave him on cause he MIGHT do something, wise up.
Miceal O'Rourke would have been an excellent sub to bring on, but not as a HF in a game like that, he's defo better in the FF line. I wouldn't have taken of MCConville either, he's a go to player when the chips are down.
REgarding the minor game I wouldn't be getting carried away, to say it was 'breathless' football is abit wide of the mark, Donegal bossed the game for long periods and I thought Armagh won without any great particular rhyme or reason, didn't think it was much of a game and I'd expect Tyrone to wipe the floor with them, they are also physically very small.
Peadar Toal is still injured, although I heard he was due to be back in training this week he's unlikely even to play for Harps in the champo next weekend.
Have to say I agree with Joe Kernan about the Armagh fans.
Using Charlie Mulgrew is a stupid analogy. Fermanagh have the smallest GAA playing and supporting population in the country so he could never expect a huge support. Tyrone should have been disappointed with their crowd
Anyway, the point Kernan made was that 2000 tickets had to be returned as Armagh couldn't sell them, after all their complaints about the ridiculous choice of small venue, and availability of tickets a lot of their fans couldn't be bothered travelling an hour or two to support their team, quite a few of which seem to be on here
QuoteWhy leave him on cause he MIGHT do something, wise up.
Name a player on the bench who was more likely to get a few scores towards the end of the match than Oisin McConville?
The point about Joe and Cross is occasionally valid but in this case its completely unfair.
Any truth in the rumour that David McKenna has been added to Armagh Senior Panel?
Hopball, McConville on his worst day is still a far bigger threat than all but two of our players, he wasnt playing well but set us up to win with his goal only for hearty to throw one in the net and we lost as a result. McConville has nerves of steel and he is a winner, to take him off makes no sense at all unless he was injured and could not go, he wasnt and joe kept him on, you should be bitching about Stephen Kernan.
As was posted earlier, this pic would suggest that the sun was definitely in Hearty's eyes.
(http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42977000/jpg/_42977589_goal.jpg)
I think Donegal deserve more credit than they're getting. Who on earth beats Armagh when they're relatively off-form whilst Armagh clicking at times?
It was interesting reading the Irish News ratings totals:
Armagh defence = 48
Donegal defence = 39
Armagh midfield = 14.5
Donegal midfield = 13.5
Armagh attack = 41
Donegal attack = 37.5
The only area where Donegal bettered their opponents was between the posts - Durcan 7 Hearty 5.
We're missing something......
A total fluke goal, that's what you're missing!!
I wouldn't be for slating Hearty, sh*t happens, McKinney did the exact same in the League in Cross this year.
Any word On Ronan Clarke?
Was travelling in Newry on Sunday morning when I saw the dippers had about 20 cars pulled over. First time I've seen them in ages as funnily enough on match day. Sly hoors!
Ronan and brian will be a while yet, think they are pretty much at the same stage. when can we expect armagh to be playn there next match?
Quote from: Hank Everlast on May 29, 2007, 09:57:28 AM
Ronan and brian will be a while yet, think they are pretty much at the same stage. when can we expect armagh to be playn there next match?
7th July
don`t think either will be ready for next game,
Donaghy did well with the ball. he's a good distributer - something i hadn't seen before as i'd only seen him playing in the full back line. those people lauding him as a replacement for francie obviously didn't notice he was playing around the middle third. the reservations before the game were about him playing in the full back line and still apply if he ever has to.
There were only 2 half forwards. Marsden and Kernan. pundits who classed mckeever and o'rourke as half forwards should be sacked for gross incompetence.
McKeever was also dropping into the middle third to leave space for the two half forwards.
How anyone who went to the game could think martin o'rourke was playing in the half forward line is beyond me. He's obviously the extra defender when the opposition attack. ffs most times when donegal were carrying the ball across the half back line, he was 30 yards goal side of his own half back line.
Oisin should always be on the pitch for the last ten minutes, but he should be coming on for them. carrying him for 60 minutes to ensure he's there isn't on.
I thought there were as many armagh supporters in the ground as donegal.
The only thing to take from the irish news ratings is that there is one less tree in the rain forest for no good reason.
TYP - thank god you only watch football in your school and not coach. i don't think there's any points you made about the game i agree with.
QuoteThe Ronan Clarke injury story is 100% true btw. Didn't notice him there yesterday, did anybody see him??
He was there, himself, Francie, JP, Peader & wee Brian all dandered over the field & sat just over from myself. They all scaled the steps handy enough. None of them looked to be limping!
I was chatting to the brother & he said that it was all rumours...& they were wrong. There's no change to Ronan..."he's flying!".
I wouldn't fault any member of the Armagh senior team . I thought the battled as hard as they could...& were unlcuky in the end.
I would agree that the minors were superb. I hope plenty will go till Clones in 3 weeks to support them! & yes the 3 Tullysaran lads were excellent. Very brave lads for the size of them.
have to agree bout the tullysaran lads, watched the minors play middletown last nite and they were trailing by 4 pointswith 15 minutes to go, the 3 county boys were then introduced and they won by 7 or 8 points!! definite quality there
I wouldn't be too harsh on Hearty, yes it was a bad mistake but it happens to the outfield players all the time and nothing is said. Plus he made to fantastice saves in the westmeath match in the league, if he hadn't we'd be in division 3 next year.
Donaghy and Toner, played excellent. Because they were given the chance to, if the other subs were given any chance to show, i am sure some of them could play just as well and be in the running for a starting place. The point is that OMC knows that his position is not under threat no matter how bad he plays. This is where the prob arises, most of the players on are too comfortable in the knowledge that they are safe.
why the f**k was the minor championship on last night when county minors playing sunday? where is the sense with that?
What do you expect POG, in Armagh minor and Under 21 Championships are irrelevant.
everything other than the county team are irrelevant it would seem.
There was only one Minor Championship game last night. St Peter's and Tir na nOg and I don't think there was any county players involved.
The 1st round of the MFC takes place next Monday night.
I believe there was more than that hardy, I could be wrong though?
By the way forget the square ball on Sunday what about the throw ball by the player who passed to Devenney? :P
QuoteThere was only one Minor Championship game last night. St Peter's and Tir na nOg and I don't think there was any county players involved.
The 1st round of the MFC takes place next Monday night.
Not sure on championship, but league games were played with county players.
With Armagh now in the qualifiers, and having got over the defeat of Sunday past, I couldn't believe it when I read that the first round of qualifiers is not until July 7th.
That is some lay off for Armagh, which might not be a bad thing considering the injury situation. However, if memory serves me right, the games in the qualifiers will come thick and fast in July (assuming we continue to win of course). Sunday may have been a blessing in disguise. I have always thought that another Ulster would serve no purpose for Armagh. Yes, it would be great to be still in the Ulster Championship, but come August and the Q/Finals, if Armagh are still in the hunt.....last Sunday will have been irrelevant.
With such a long time until the Qualifiers would a few rounds of the club championship now be played before Armaghs next game.
For once a Kerryman talking a bit of sense.
Some comments from Jack O'Connor, Kerry:
In a strange way the result from Ballybofey on Sunday could be a positive for both teams.
Armagh don't need another Ulster championship. In fact, Stephen McDonnell has admitted he knows well where his Celtic Cross is, but he isn't too sure about the Ulster medals. They can take a lot of heart from Sunday.
By any objective analysis they were the better team. They have a system which means they will be hard to beat. When Ronan Clarke and Brian Mallon come back they will be a handful for anyone.
For Donegal the result was everything. They were fortuitous, but they stuck with it in the face of Armagh's relentless tackling. They need to settle their forward line, though, and getting Brendan Devenney back is crucial to them.
They tried to run the ball through Armagh on Sunday and that was playing into their hands or in most cases their bodies. Armagh have so much gym work done they are going around looking for fellas to bounce off. Why give them the opportunity? To beat Armagh you have to kick the ball.
And when you do you have to have fellas inside who show over and back relentlessly for that ball. That's the key. The irony is that on one of the few times they kicked the ball in Donegal got the vital goal.
When Armagh sit down to think of it this week they will wonder what was the big deal about coming through the battlefield of Ulster anyway. They have a few injuries. They've six weeks to the qualifiers.
They can work under the radar. Get men back. It will work well. The nearest they came to getting their second All-Ireland was being beaten in Ulster by Monaghan in 2003.
Winning an All-Ireland is about coming good at the right time. It's a long year. You want to time your form for quarter-final time onwards. A nice draw in the first round of the qualifiers and Armagh will be serious.
People forget that last year against Kerry they played great football and we only put them away for good when we got a breakaway goal from Darren O'Sullivan. Anyone who thinks that Armagh are gone away are mistaken. The question that Armagh's situation creates is with a championship only starting at the quarter-final stage is it worth winning a provincial championship anymore?
I would guess within five years we will have a different championship format, something along Champions League lines. I know the GAA hate copying other codes, but if it makes the product more attractive and exciting to hell with the begrudgers.
There's no doubt that looking at the draw from a long way out, and given Armagh's recent history, the back door offered the most realistic route to the all ireland semis.
The performance in Ballyboffey rather than the result should give everyone involved the reassurance needed, and maybe that was necessary, that Armagh can still beat anyone in the championship if they play.
believe me armagh will improve. No one will want us in the back door draw.
Quote from: corn02 on May 28, 2007, 12:43:56 PM
I love the way on Orchard County they think Stephen was just super yesterday. Lay off Stephen he is one of us, you can not say bad things about an Armagh player. ::)
There is probably more logic to the defence of Steven Kernan on 'orchardcounty' than there is to the criticism of him on this site!!!
Personally thought it was a great game, played out pretty much as I expected. Armagh were dogged in defence but played some great running football at times. Donegal seemed to have lost their new found confidence when faced with the orange shirts and before the goal they never looked like winners, so they've still to prove their championship pedigree. They'll have a point to prove against Tymone and contrary to my previous prediction I'd expect them to win. Whether they have the discipline to take the Anglo Celt (from Derry ;)) I very much doubt, though I'll be supporting them all the way.
Joe seemed to got it half right with Donaghy and Toner but allowing S Kernan to last the seventy and bringing on Mackin beggars belief. Geezer and McGrane are still the men – was an absolute privilege at times to watch them pick balls out of the air. The only problem now will be to get competitive challenge games before the 7th.
Quote from: Donagh on June 02, 2007, 12:18:21 AM
Personally thought it was a great game, played out pretty much as I expected. Armagh were dogged in defence but played some great running football at times. Donegal seemed to have lost their new found confidence when faced with the orange shirts and before the goal they never looked like winners, so they've still to prove their championship pedigree. They'll have a point to prove against Tymone and contrary to my previous prediction I'd expect them to win. Whether they have the discipline to take the Anglo Celt (from Derry ;)) I very much doubt, though I'll be supporting them all the way.
Joe seemed to got it half right with Donaghy and Toner but allowing S Kernan to last the seventy and bringing on Mackin beggars belief. Geezer and McGrane are still the men – was an absolute privilege at times to watch them pick balls out of the air. The only problem now will be to get competitive challenge games before the 7th.
Agree with everything you say Donagh, except the Derry thing, we'll take them as well! ;)
Hope you do Gwee. Noticed you didn't come back on Wednesday – shame... ;)