Old rivalries renewed, great to see Armagh v Down happening again. This year's Div 1 v Div 3 didn't matter to Down when it came to a very poor Donegal. Armagh will be favourites, however, as Down supporters of a certain age would remind you, throw a red and black jersey on the field and Armagh are beaten ... thankfully that was put to bed once and for all in 1999.
Serious opportunity for both teams, but I don't see Armagh not navigating this one on Sunday.
Yeah looking forward to this one. Armagh have been playing at a high level recently so are rightly the favourites. I think we are making progress and hope we can give a good account of ourselves.
Comfortable win for Armagh IMO
i think its first time since 2008 either Tyrone or Donegal not in final.
If it's a good day weather-wise could be a bumper attendance in the Buckfast Bowl,a Down team & fans starved of big days out and seemingly on the way back, Armagh with a fanatical fan base and fond of a Clones day trip.
As for the game, I think we're well ahead of Down development wise and should win this one, but I definitely see bigger things ahead for Down assuming they keep Laverty and Clarke on board and don't self implode.
Tickets out today?
Down were given very little credit yesterday for winning. It was all qbout Donegals troubles in the Sunday game. Forgetting Donegals 2 results in league were against the All Ireland finalists. Yes Armagh are on a diff level. Down will be happy with a good solid performance.
Phone hopping mad last night with my Down friends intoxicated with the thought of a crack at the orchard.
For me it's the perfect game for both teams as Down won't fear Armagh and the south Armagh contingent in the panel will
Ensure there is no complacency .
If Down win then Armagh need to forget about the summer because they should be putting this Down team away .
If it's a dry day then clones will be hopping .
In 2017, Armagh went to Newry to meet Down in the Ulster Quarter-final. We were more than quietly confident, but that day the Armagh machine just didn't click into gear. Result was Down 0-15 Armagh 2-7
However, I expect the groundsmen to have mowed the long grass.
Quote from: Orior on April 24, 2023, 10:29:30 AM
In 2017, Armagh went to Newry to meet Down in the Ulster Quarter-final. We were more than quietly confident, but that day the Armagh machine just didn't click into gear. Result was Down 0-15 Armagh 2-7
However, I expect the groundsmen to have mowed the long grass.
Never get it handy against them. What year was it we were up against it only for Murnin to flick one into the net from a long ball? 2019 maybe?
Pressure all on Armagh and Mcgeeney for this game in what's effectively a free shot for Down.
I'm not sure Armagh are as good as people think and Down are better than people give them credit for.
A huge Kilcoo contingent means they have plenty of talent and experience.
Armagh obviously favourites as its Div1 vs Div3, but I think this could be a really tight game and a Down win would not surprise me one bit.
Wouldn't read too much into Downs win yesterday as I expected them to win simply because Donegal were awful. I'd say those Donegal players will have little appetite to return to training for the All Ireland series, they just need to see out the season and start again next year with a clean slate.
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Agreed re Mackin but I rate ONeill
It's a toughie tbf
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Agreed re Mackin but I rate ONeill
It's a toughie tbf
Great problem to have. Hall and McPartlin done rightly so far be surprised if either were dropped. To be brutally honest based off performances this year only, O'Neill doesn't deserve to start. Have a feeling he will have a field day against Down though.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 11:34:32 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Agreed re Mackin but I rate ONeill
It's a toughie tbf
Great problem to have. Hall and McPartlin done rightly so far be surprised if either were dropped. To be brutally honest based off performances this year only, O'Neill doesn't deserve to start. Have a feeling he will have a field day against Down though.
I'd agree with that, I think O'Neill is like a wounded animal at the minute which will make him very dangerous and no better team for him to help him rediscover his form than against Down who despite their defensive structure are actually very poor individually in defence. The fact that Turbitt has taken up the mantle as the main scoring forward should also help. Jemar Hall got a lot of criticism earlier in the League campaign but he has played well in the last 3 matches and deserves to start the next day.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 11:42:41 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 11:34:32 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Agreed re Mackin but I rate ONeill
It's a toughie tbf
Great problem to have. Hall and McPartlin done rightly so far be surprised if either were dropped. To be brutally honest based off performances this year only, O'Neill doesn't deserve to start. Have a feeling he will have a field day against Down though.
I'd agree with that, I think O'Neill is like a wounded animal at the minute which will make him very dangerous and no better team for him to help him rediscover his form than against Down who despite their defensive structure are actually very poor individually in defence. The fact that Turbitt has taken up the mantle as the main scoring forward should also help. Jemar Hall got a lot of criticism earlier in the League campaign but he has played well in the last 3 matches and deserves to start the next day.
Yeah my point exactly. I wonder will he be back on the frees, Turbitt been doing rightly. Bodes well for us that we've won 2 games in Ulster already without him and I think with Turbitt playing as wellas he is it'll take some pressure off Rian.
If we could get the brother back it'd go a long way to sorting our problems at midfield- get the feeling we just don't have enough big ignorant dogs in the middle as seen in the second half the other day and several times in the league.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 11:50:48 AM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 11:42:41 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 11:34:32 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:18:38 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:15:38 AM
Quote from: naka on April 24, 2023, 11:13:36 AM
Quote from: 5times5times on April 24, 2023, 11:06:30 AM
Rafferty
Morgan McKay Forker
Mackin McCambridge McCabe
JarlyOg Crealey
Duffy Grugan Campbell
Turbitt Murnin O'Neill
Bench
McPartlan
Sheridan
Hall
Grimley
Nugent
Kelly
Cumiskey
Mackin
Mc partland for jarly
Conor o Neill for Mackin
On the bench would drop Sheridan and keep Higgins
Harsh to drop Mackin? Not a bad problem to have all the same. Armagh's squad depth should get them over the line.
Agreed re Mackin but I rate ONeill
It's a toughie tbf
Great problem to have. Hall and McPartlin done rightly so far be surprised if either were dropped. To be brutally honest based off performances this year only, O'Neill doesn't deserve to start. Have a feeling he will have a field day against Down though.
I'd agree with that, I think O'Neill is like a wounded animal at the minute which will make him very dangerous and no better team for him to help him rediscover his form than against Down who despite their defensive structure are actually very poor individually in defence. The fact that Turbitt has taken up the mantle as the main scoring forward should also help. Jemar Hall got a lot of criticism earlier in the League campaign but he has played well in the last 3 matches and deserves to start the next day.
Yeah my point exactly. I wonder will he be back on the frees, Turbitt been doing rightly. Bodes well for us that we've won 2 games in Ulster already without him and I think with Turbitt playing as wellas he is it'll take some pressure off Rian.
If we could get the brother back it'd go a long way to sorting our problems at midfield- get the feeling we just don't have enough big ignorant dogs in the middle as seen in the second half the other day and several times in the league.
I'd keep Turbo on the close in free kicks and let Rian hit the longer range ones. The midfield issues have been ongoing, even going back to the Galway game last season it probably cost us that match. McPartland is a good footballer but his main strength isn't in winning primary possession from kick outs, Oisin O'Neill would be a big help if he was fit there. Our 2 best fielders are probably Murnin and Rian O'Neill so we might need at least one of them to drop deeper for kick outs. With Turbitts form it wouldn't surprise me to see Rian O'Neill playing out around the middle third for long spells.
Yeah agreed yellowcard. Crealy a good help for a bit of size in the middle. Need to start being first to more breaking ball as well and vary the kickout a bit when its obviously not working.
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Saturday night in Breffni was grim, and it did take away from the occasion big time, felt more like a league encounter in February. A pity if it's a similar day in Clones.
Anyone with a season ticket logged into their account yet? Tickets on sale for Gerry Arthurs stand but looks like it is unreserved seating as you can't select a seat.
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
40% chance of rain on the bbc website
Who will be assigned to tag Kerr + R.Johnston? Mackin and McCambridge? Down looked fit as fiddles yesterday
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Is he a volunteer? I thought issue was he was getting big coin for doing not very much?
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Is he a volunteer? I thought issue was he was getting big coin for doing not very much?
I'm not sure of the rights and wrongs of it but to go to the bother, not to mention the cost of flying a banner at a championship match is very vindictive. Must be a first at a GAA game. It must have been awfully distracting for anyone at the match as well because the constant buzzing noise on tv was annoying as hell.
Maybe you Down men will club together and buy Eugene Brannigan an up to date pair of Down shorts.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:29:52 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Is he a volunteer? I thought issue was he was getting big coin for doing not very much?
I'm not sure of the rights and wrongs of it but to go to the bother, not to mention the cost of flying a banner at a championship match is very vindictive. Must be a first at a GAA game. It must have been awfully distracting for anyone at the match as well because the constant buzzing noise on tv was annoying as hell.
Agreed. Don't know the man or anything about him or whats going on but definitely thought that was classless to be honest. (Watch the fecking Geezer out plane rolled out if Down beat us!)
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 02:54:15 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:29:52 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Is he a volunteer? I thought issue was he was getting big coin for doing not very much?
I'm not sure of the rights and wrongs of it but to go to the bother, not to mention the cost of flying a banner at a championship match is very vindictive. Must be a first at a GAA game. It must have been awfully distracting for anyone at the match as well because the constant buzzing noise on tv was annoying as hell.
Agreed. Don't know the man or anything about him or whats going on but definitely thought that was classless to be honest. (Watch the fecking Geezer out plane rolled out if Down beat us!)
If we get beat by them we could all be looking the nearest plane out of Clones!
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:29:52 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 24, 2023, 02:24:33 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 24, 2023, 02:17:30 PM
Quote from: armaghniac on April 24, 2023, 01:25:53 PM
At this point Met Eireann are predicting heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, which would be a right pain in the aяse and a loss of revenue for the GAA. It is 6 days away, the forecast may change enough to move the rain to a time before or after the game
It would reduce the traffic in Ballybay though.
Just as long as the Down fans aren't flying planes overhead about sacking their own GAA volunteers I think we can manage to put up with a bit of rain.
Is he a volunteer? I thought issue was he was getting big coin for doing not very much?
I'm not sure of the rights and wrongs of it but to go to the bother, not to mention the cost of flying a banner at a championship match is very vindictive. Must be a first at a GAA game. It must have been awfully distracting for anyone at the match as well because the constant buzzing noise on tv was annoying as hell.
County Secretary is a paid position.
Croke Park make a contribution towards paying some chunk of the salary as long as certain conditions are met as regards regarding the hiring process in terms of proper procedure/fair interview process followed etc. I think it was €5k when it started, might have been increased.
At one stage only Cork with Frank Murphy and Clare with Pat Fitzgerald were the only two counties not getting the Croke Park contribution towards the county secretary's salary because both were in place for so long i.e. before the Croke Park contribution scheme was started.
Yeah twas annoying watching it on the television and I would have thought that they would be able to reduce how annoying it was by adjusting levels of microphones. Must have been terrrible at the game.
Also couldn't have picked a worst game or even week to pull this stunt with the way the game went and the fact that the the U20s are in the final.
In Reply to Balladmaker re Season Tickets - Yes Tickets seem to be unreserved in GA Stand, so 1st come 1st served. Need to be there early for a decent seat and at least be covered. Armagh should beat Down with a few points to spare, but really depends which Armagh Team turn up....
Who is the ref?
What's our experience of Conor Lane in the past? Does he let it flow, or more whistle happy?
Quote from: balladmaker on April 25, 2023, 11:19:52 AM
What's our experience of Conor Lane in the past? Does he let it flow, or more whistle happy?
was picky enough this year against Roscommon
I need one more childs ticket for the Pat McGrane stand but they are all sold out. There are tickets for the Eastern Stand (Behind the far goal)
Can you walk from Pat McGrane stand into the Eastern Stand. I think there is no separation?
Did i read on Twitter that the guy responsible for the banner and plane at the Down game was 5 Sams...Is he not on the GAA Board?.
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:46:16 PM
Did i read on Twitter that the guy responsible for the banner and plane at the Down game was 5 Sams...Is he not on the GAA Board?.
5 sams (paddy savage )was a guy on the board historically was he not ?
He passed away
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
Quote from: naka on April 25, 2023, 01:52:42 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:46:16 PM
Did i read on Twitter that the guy responsible for the banner and plane at the Down game was 5 Sams...Is he not on the GAA Board?.
5 sams (paddy savage )was a guy on the board historically was he not ?
He passed away
Did he really...Christ, didn't know. I know an ex lad from the Board who was wild good friends with him too. I'll have to ask him about it...
Here I may not have picked it up properly but there was something with 5Sams in the title on Twitter about that banner. Maybe someone can help out with that...
Is James Morgan off the panel or is that just another rumour?
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:46:16 PM
Did i read on Twitter that the guy responsible for the banner and plane at the Down game was 5 Sams...Is he not on the GAA Board?.
I think the username is 5times.
Quote from: ardtole on April 25, 2023, 02:02:26 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:46:16 PM
Did i read on Twitter that the guy responsible for the banner and plane at the Down game was 5 Sams...Is he not on the GAA Board?.
I think the username is 5times.
Fair enough...I added 2 + 2 and got 5 there lads...apologies. Genuinely couldn't remember.
Quote from: Armamike on April 25, 2023, 02:00:45 PM
Is James Morgan off the panel or is that just another rumour?
Rumour.
Down not gaining promotion from Division three was one of the biggest surprises in the league this year. Was it pre-planned so they'd focus on the Donegal championship match instead? I'm expecting a tougher challenge from Down than Cavan provided who's decision making and shot selection was bottom level stuff. The spine of the Down team is Kilcoo players which will make them a competitive championship outfit. A real banana skin for Armagh here.
"Pre planned?"
Some people around here but way too much stock into how tactical and precise they think managers are and how players respond to this. By "way too much" I'm taking like atomic bomb measures.
These games are about match ups. I dont think we are ready to match up with Armaghs key men. If oran murdock, barry o Hagan were available and Dylan ward and Capolan mooney were added to the squad for next year then I know we could better match up and would be confident of challenging. I still expect us to be competitive though but Armagh will have too much this time.
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
Jesus I wouldn't like to pick from those 8, all good players and honestly don't know what my 6 would be if all fit. McCambridge an excellent man marker and picked up Clifford and Walsh during the league although obviously had plenty of help from the system we played. Paddy Burns another option who usually plays when fit.
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Same with Morgan for Cross he's definitely done that.
Is TK injured or out of favour?
TK was injured vs cavan not sure if he will be fit for sunday
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 26, 2023, 09:23:25 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Same with Morgan for Cross he's definitely done that.
morgan was definitely attacking well against Antrim until he came off
Quote from: naka on April 26, 2023, 11:44:07 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 26, 2023, 09:23:25 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Same with Morgan for Cross he's definitely done that.
morgan was definitely attacking well against Antrim until he came off
Quite the pickle for Geezer, and one he needs to get correct to ensure Armagh get over the line. Down appear to have a bit of speed breaking forward as shown against Donegal so that might play a factor in the starting team. I would imagine Hall will start and pick up the like of Magill and try and limit his impact, as he was excellent last time out. O'Neil has to start also, he needs minutes on the legs going into the round robin, regardless of this result.
I can only see Armagh's main failing being in around midfield. If Armagh are forced to go long with kickouts, Down have every chance of picking off scores directly from Armagh kickouts that could nudge them ahead.
I know Armagh's midfield hasn't been great lately but do Down have the personnel to trouble us, especially if Rian plays out the field?
Don't concede goals (which we've been fairly good at this year) and we win the game imo. Kerr a huge danger man for them.
Down are very similar to Armagh around 8 & 9, they are not great in midfield either so shouln't trouble us too much. I fancy Armagh to in this by 5pts
Quote from: illdecide on April 26, 2023, 04:36:38 PM
Down are very similar to Armagh around 8 & 9, they are not great in midfield either so shouln't trouble us too much. I fancy Armagh to in this by 5pts
chatting to a few friends last night who are Down men and were quite honest.
reality is that if Armagh have any hopes for the Sam Groups they should be winning this by 6-8 points. Down are rebuilding and are short a couple of starters in Mooney, Murdock , the hilltown boy,etc
Armagh have been on this road for 7 years so should have no excuses
Down men will have a spring in their step after last night's U20 win.
Latest weather shows 70% chance of rain around 4pm on Sunday.
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on April 26, 2023, 12:49:17 PM
Quote from: naka on April 26, 2023, 11:44:07 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 26, 2023, 09:23:25 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Same with Morgan for Cross he's definitely done that.
morgan was definitely attacking well against Antrim until he came off
Quite the pickle for Geezer, and one he needs to get correct to ensure Armagh get over the line. Down appear to have a bit of speed breaking forward as shown against Donegal so that might play a factor in the starting team. I would imagine Hall will start and pick up the like of Magill and try and limit his impact, as he was excellent last time out. O'Neil has to start also, he needs minutes on the legs going into the round robin, regardless of this result.
I can only see Armagh's main failing being in around midfield. If Armagh are forced to go long with kickouts, Down have every chance of picking off scores directly from Armagh kickouts that could nudge them ahead.
Down don't push up on kick outs, against Donegal they conceded every kickout since they are weak at midfield. They retreat en masse into defence and then hope to turnover the ball and break quickly with runners. Its basically the Kilcoo blueprint being applied at inter county level which is nothing new at this stage.
Armagh aren't great at midfield either but they won't be exposed in this game and if they can kick quickly over the blanket to an inside combination of Turbitt/Murnin or Turbitt/O'Neill then they can do serious damage as Down are individually quite poor in defence. I expect Armagh will win this game by 6+ points.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 27, 2023, 10:29:23 AM
Quote from: Ethan Tremblay on April 26, 2023, 12:49:17 PM
Quote from: naka on April 26, 2023, 11:44:07 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 26, 2023, 09:23:25 AM
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 26, 2023, 09:13:21 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:59:10 AM
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 26, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Ed Ricketts on April 26, 2023, 12:25:06 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 25, 2023, 01:57:02 PM
Dunno who will start on Sunday but McPartlan deserves another dig at it for his two previous performances. I wouldn't be a big J Hall fan TBH but he has done much better the last few games too and them two probably will start again. I would bench O'Neill and introduce him to the action for the second half or earlier if needed. J Og Burns for me does not deserve to start, he's been injured and was poor enough last week. One thing we do know for starters is the following players will start and fill in the blanks after that...
Rafferty
McKay
Forker
Mackin
McCambridge (injury doubt)
McCabe
Crealey
Grugan
Campbell
Turbitt
Murnin
From the 11 above i expect to see...
McPartlan
Hall
Morgan or J Og Burns (Morgan was out for last weeks game)
O'Neill or Nugent
I think Conor O'Neill is pretty much nailed on when fit these days. Along with Forker, Mackin & JOB in defence.
When all other options are fit, I think it's two max from McKay, McCabe, McCambridge & Morgan. Maybe not quite enough transitional pace and threat going forward to carry too many of those four.
Conor O'Neill nailed on but McKay isn't, are you serious? McKay is one of the first names on the teamsheet.
I think Morgan has to start if fit, he looked really good last year and it would be good to set the tone against Down.
McKay is good no question, and will likely start every game he's fit for this year.
My point is more that O'Neill (and Forker, and Mackin, and Burns) carry with them another dimension going forward. That ability to be a genuine threat at pace on the transition is vital for a team that wants to play like this Armagh team wants to play.
I'm not sure how much of that sort of threat you get from McKay, Morgan, McCambridge, etc. - so I reckon there's a limit to the number of these guys you can carry and still play the type of football you want to play.
McCambridge carries a big attacking threat when he plays for CE. Granted he plays a a different kind of role for Armagh but he does have that in his locker
Same with Morgan for Cross he's definitely done that.
morgan was definitely attacking well against Antrim until he came off
Quite the pickle for Geezer, and one he needs to get correct to ensure Armagh get over the line. Down appear to have a bit of speed breaking forward as shown against Donegal so that might play a factor in the starting team. I would imagine Hall will start and pick up the like of Magill and try and limit his impact, as he was excellent last time out. O'Neil has to start also, he needs minutes on the legs going into the round robin, regardless of this result.
I can only see Armagh's main failing being in around midfield. If Armagh are forced to go long with kickouts, Down have every chance of picking off scores directly from Armagh kickouts that could nudge them ahead.
Down don't push up on kick outs, against Donegal they conceded every kickout since they are weak at midfield. They retreat en masse into defence and then hope to turnover the ball and break quickly with runners. Its basically the Kilcoo blueprint being applied at inter county level which is nothing new at this stage.
Armagh aren't great at midfield either but they won't be exposed in this game and if they can kick quickly over the blanket to an inside combination of Turbitt/Murnin or Turbitt/O'Neill then they can do serious damage as Down are individually quite poor in defence. I expect Armagh will win this game by 6+ points.
Agh fair enough, I watched glimpses of the Down/Donegal match so never picked up on that, i'm just analyzing Armagh's weakest link which is midfield for kickouts. Heres hoping the weather doesn't ruin what should be a good game.
Armagh name same team that started agsinst Cavan
Rian, Mc Cambridge and James Morgan start on the bench
No news on Grimley not Tiernan Kelly
Would have started Rian tbh to get the miles in the legs, although hard to drop anyone after last week.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2023, 07:35:24 AM
Would have started Rian tbh to get the miles in the legs, although hard to drop anyone after last week.
at least four more matchs and hopefully more,
If Risn not fully fit then bring him on with 20/25 minutes left, would like Morgan starting but not sure who he replaces at the moment
Grimley/Kelly are injured I assume ?
Definitely starting to get strength in depth just need midfield to function .
No excuse come Sunday none at all !
Quote from: naka on April 28, 2023, 09:34:22 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2023, 07:35:24 AM
Would have started Rian tbh to get the miles in the legs, although hard to drop anyone after last week.
at least four more matchs and hopefully more,
If Risn not fully fit then bring him on with 20/25 minutes left, would like Morgan starting but not sure who he replaces at the moment
Grimley/Kelly are injured I assume ?
Definitely starting to get strength in depth just need midfield to function .
No excuse come Sunday none at all !
McCambridge must still be carrying that knock as well, would have liked him to pick up one of their dangermen. Was listening to AK on the sideline eye the other day and kind of agree with him, would let Rian do his fitness work running around Clones to have him primed for (hopefully) an Ulster final and then the sweet 16's or whatever we're calling them. His long range kicking ability would obviously be an addition agains the Down blanket.
Think the named team will start though and confident that it is well able to get the job done, strong bench obviously as well.
A lot of talent in that Armagh forward line if they can get the balance right
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
Think with Downs blanket, us not having a full deck and the fact it is a derby and also it's us will mean a hammering isn't gonna happen as much as I'd love to see one. ;)
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now laguish in Division 3.
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Come off it, they are on an upward trajectory alright but talk of them going all the way is a long way off. I think if they get beat on Sunday though they'll have a great chance of winning the Tailteann Cup which they could use as a springboard along with a few good U-20s coming through.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 28, 2023, 04:13:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Come off it, they are on an upward trajectory alright but talk of them going all the way is a long way off. I think if they get beat on Sunday though they'll have a great chance of winning the Tailteann Cup which they could use as a springboard along with a few good U-20s coming through.
They'll be at the top table in the not too distant future if they play their cards right. Unbelievable talent coming out of Burren especially and Laverty is a very, very shrewd operator. They will be a force soon.
Quote from: Armagh18 on April 28, 2023, 05:32:53 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 28, 2023, 04:13:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Come off it, they are on an upward trajectory alright but talk of them going all the way is a long way off. I think if they get beat on Sunday though they'll have a great chance of winning the Tailteann Cup which they could use as a springboard along with a few good U-20s coming through.
They'll be at the top table in the not too distant future if they play their cards right. Unbelievable talent coming out of Burren especially and Laverty is a very, very shrewd operator. They will be a force soon.
If you mean challenging to win All Irelands then it is a huge leap to go from where Down presently are to competing at the level of Dublin or Kerry. They probably are where Derry were about 2 years ago so with proper structure and buy in it is definitely possible that they could get themselves up to division one level fairly soon but there is no guarantee either.
For all the talent coming out of Burren they have done very little at senior level in recent years though I suspect that a bit like Glen in Derry and once they win one title, they could go on to dominate in Down and possibly Ulster. However the correlation between having a very good club side and a strong county team isn't that strong so I wouldn't put too much credence on that. You only have to look at Kilcoos success and how Down have still hovered around division 2/3 standard for a good few years now.
Laverty trying to double job won't work in the long term either if he is serious about the senior team although I suspect that he is using the U-20's as a longer term development tool for the senior team project. You certainly can't argue with his track record to date although senior county management is more about having organisational, communication and business type skills than technical coaching so it remains to be seen if he is just a very good coach.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 28, 2023, 04:13:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Come off it, they are on an upward trajectory alright but talk of them going all the way is a long way off. I think if they get beat on Sunday though they'll have a great chance of winning the Tailteann Cup which they could use as a springboard along with a few good U-20s coming through.
This team may not have it but when the next one comes along ...
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 05:51:04 PM
Quote from: yellowcard on April 28, 2023, 04:13:35 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 28, 2023, 04:00:04 PM
Quote from: Orior on April 28, 2023, 03:38:26 PM
Quote from: Truth hurts on April 28, 2023, 11:41:17 AM
I fear for us on Sunday as if Armagh click they will be too strong. They hate us and will want to set down a marker.
I wouldn't use that noun.
Perhaps 'pity' as Down were once great, but now languish in Division 3.
Down are like Galway. They can go though decades of mediocrity but once they get a decent team together they can go all the way.
Come off it, they are on an upward trajectory alright but talk of them going all the way is a long way off. I think if they get beat on Sunday though they'll have a great chance of winning the Tailteann Cup which they could use as a springboard along with a few good U-20s coming through.
This team may not have it but when the next one comes along ...
Down are on an upward cycle and it's great to see
Let's hope the u20s stay in the country because I know a fair few down men who deserve to see their team at the top table
That saying
I hope we hammer them on Sunday
I dunno if Down are on the up, tomorrow will tell more. Can't really read much into last week and they couldn't get out of division 3.
There is no doubt that Down have improved immeasurably since last year, we mightnt have got promoted, but Laverty used around 40 players over the 7 games.
We go into tomorrow's game as underdogs and we are also missing, our top midfielder in Murdock, our main attacker in O'Hagan and arguably our best wing back in Mooney. Ryan Magill is also unavailable and he played in the majority of league games.
Despite that Laverty has competition for places in most areas bar possibly midfield and full forward. OHagan and Murdock in particular are huge losses for Down, I was confident last week of beating Donegal and hopefully we can get over the line tomorrow.
Tomorrow's game will give a clearer insight into just how far we have improved under Laverty, Donegal were there for the taking last week and this week Armagh are under serious pressure. McGeeney hasn't made an ulster final in 9 attempts and if Armagh don't get over the line tomorrow the criticism from within will be fierce.
Quote from: ardtole on April 29, 2023, 04:06:21 PM
There is no doubt that Down have improved immeasurably since last year, we mightnt have got promoted, but Laverty used around 40 players over the 7 games.
We go into tomorrow's game as underdogs and we are also missing, our top midfielder in Murdock, our main attacker in O'Hagan and arguably our best wing back in Mooney. Ryan Magill is also unavailable and he played in the majority of league games.
Despite that Laverty has competition for places in most areas bar possibly midfield and full forward. OHagan and Murdock in particular are huge losses for Down, I was confident last week of beating Donegal and hopefully we can get over the line tomorrow.
Tomorrow's game will give a clearer insight into just how far we have improved under Laverty, Donegal were there for the taking last week and this week Armagh are under serious pressure. McGeeney hasn't made an ulster final in 9 attempts and if Armagh don't get over the line tomorrow the criticism from within will be fierce.
Both teams in an Ulster Semi-Final are under pressure ... more so Down if they want to make it into the All Ireland series, Armagh are already there ... yes, it's time for Armagh to deliver and reach a final. Watching Derry today, they look formidable, but would make for a cracking contest in the Ulster Final. 30% chance of rain for the match tomorrow, hopefully it stays dry. Safe travels all, looking forward to it!
You can butter it up whatever way you want but tomorrow is a shot to nothing for Laverty and a potential banana skin for McGeeney.
Quote from: ardtole on April 29, 2023, 10:50:14 PM
You can butter it up whatever way you want but tomorrow is a shot to nothing for Laverty and a potential banana skin for McGeeney.
Not a shot to nothing. I'd say Laverty and his players would prefer Ulster final spot and three All Ireland group games to follow than play in the Tailteann Cup.
Last two Ulster championship meetings.
2019 - Armagh 2-17 Down 3-13 (after extra time)
2017 - Down 0-15 Armagh 2-7
I don't dispute that for a minute.
Quote from: ardtole on April 29, 2023, 10:50:14 PM
You can butter it up whatever way you want but tomorrow is a shot to nothing for Laverty and a potential banana skin for McGeeney.
Not buttering anything up. I expect Armagh to win with more than a few to spare.
Quote from: ardtole on April 29, 2023, 11:26:45 PM
I don't dispute that for a minute.
I get what you are saying Ardtole and it's the way people in Down see it, we should be beating Donegal the state they are in and we did.. If we beat Armagh brilliant, if not then we aren't going to turn on the team like we have in the past - We'll go into the B Champ and hopefully to go deep into it and use it as a springboard for National League next year.
Could be a a few years development before we get into being a threat but we've good u20s to come in over next few years
Armagh are considerably further down the line than us in their development. For Down it feels like this is the start of our journey and with the progress of our u20s it feels like there is a bit of substance and backbone to the squad and county set up in general.
Will Down be disappointed if we dont get over the line today, of course we will. But I think most supporters feel we are on the right track for the first time in a long time and there will be a certain consolation with that.
We are also going into this game without Barry O'Hagan which has been a huge blow for us (probably the reason we didn't get promoted), but I also think Barry's injury has disrupted Pat Haverns season to a certain extent because they had built up a very effective partnership and sometimes its only when someone is missing you realise just how many scoring opportunities they created as well as scored.
With Odhran Murdock missing too due to the u20s ruling it definitely hurts us at midfield. It's the one area we don't have much strength in depth and injuries to Mark Walsh and Owen Costello haven't helped either.
Regardless I'm still looking forward to the game this afternoon and even though we have a few setbacks I still give us a good chance of another upset.
If Armagh have anything about them they will go and lay down a marker today.
Armagh have been a bit unlucky with the weather in the last two weeks, this will reduce the crowd and atmosphere.
I expect Armagh to win by 4-5pts today but expecting and reality are two different matters. The weather will only effect the numbers going to the game and not really the outcome of the game as both teams are evenly matched size wise and if anything Armagh came thru a game v Cavan in bad conditions which i expected to suit Cavan more so can't see some rain hampering Armagh. For me Armagh's bench is the stronger of the two and if things are not going to plan Armagh can spice it up. Some will say we have better players on the bench than what's starting so that's a major positive. Lets hope it's a happy journey home for the Armagh wans and a safe journey home for all...May the best team win
For those of us in South Armagh it will be slow journey home anyhow, when Down are playing.
Down have a free hit agsinst a team weighed down by ridiculous expectation due to the odd good performance here and there. The hype around armagh has now brought them to a place where if they lose to the midgets from the mournes they will eat themselves from within.
It will be interesting to watch how they cope with the favourites tag and not have to go chasing down a result in the last 10mins relying on Riiiiiians frees. Will they go out and go for the win or will they come out cagey, beat the chest, get bogged down in nonsense and stumble over the line unconvincingly.
Today's bet is for armagh +3, down to score a goal and Riiiiian and mccabe both to get booked. Maybe nugent too.
What's the story with Nugent? Co-captain but always on the bench. Is he still coming back from an injury or just out of form!
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on April 30, 2023, 11:37:43 AM
Down have a free hit agsinst a team weighed down by ridiculous expectation due to the odd good performance here and there. The hype around armagh has now brought them to a place where if they lose to the midgets from the mournes they will eat themselves from within.
It will be interesting to watch how they cope with the favourites tag and not have to go chasing down a result in the last 10mins relying on Riiiiiians frees. Will they go out and go for the win or will they come out cagey, beat the chest, get bogged down in nonsense and stumble over the line unconvincingly.
Today's bet is for armagh +3, down to score a goal and Riiiiian and mccabe both to get booked. Maybe nugent too.
Some rare stuff in this post.
Firstly, can't see any signs of hype.
We are a div.1 team playing a div.3 team
On paper we should win. I haven't seen any prophecy of an annihilation or such like.
Down beat a VERY poor Donegal team so it's impossible to say where they really are.
Down usually give us a decent game (1999 Ulster Final notwithstanding) so do t see it being the cakewalk Antrim or Cavan were.
As for eating ourselves from within, hardly likely. We have come to accept our lot (sometimes we underperform) sometimes we play really well.
Whatever happens today we'll turn up for the group games.
I'm not buying it.
If armagh dont put down away convincingly youse are on the road to nowhere. After all you managed to beat the dubs in croke Park last year and are dining at the top table now mixing it regularly with the best of them. A team of runts from down should pose no problem.
Granted armagh are getting no younger, the underage has been a sham for years, mcgeeney should really go but county board too scared too deal with it. I think there'll be a degree of unrest through the county if they don't get over this banana skin unscathed.
Quote from: square_ball on April 30, 2023, 11:40:30 AM
What's the story with Nugent? Co-captain but always on the bench. Is he still coming back from an injury or just out of form!
Nugent wouldn't strike fear into a defence.
Armagh seem like an unknown with a bit of an identity crisis this season. a top tier team in ireland on their day but i still dont have faith in them showing up consistently.
Down by 1.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 01:03:47 PM
Quote from: square_ball on April 30, 2023, 11:40:30 AM
What's the story with Nugent? Co-captain but always on the bench. Is he still coming back from an injury or just out of form!
Nugent wouldn't strike fear into a defence.
Nugent was very good last year, seems to be playing catch-up with missing most of the league through injury.
Derby games usually are tight but would expect Armagh to win this easily enough.
Heavens have opened in Clones. Wet conditions can be a good leveler and add something extra to the game
Armagh are the bigger team, playing at a higher level, Down still unknown as Donegal has literally fell through the floor and are going the Direction Derry did in 2015.
Rian starting for soupy. Anthony Doherty and donagh mcaleenan make way for shane annett and patrick brannigan
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 01:03:47 PM
Quote from: square_ball on April 30, 2023, 11:40:30 AM
What's the story with Nugent? Co-captain but always on the bench. Is he still coming back from an injury or just out of form!
Nugent wouldn't strike fear into a defence.
Peter Teague from Tyrone would say different. Don't think he's a top tier forward by any stretch of the imagination but think he's decent enough any time I've seen him.
Armagh already working on their 'high ball in' tactic in prep for the Ulster Final against Derry. ;)
Quote from: Estimator on April 30, 2023, 04:12:01 PM
Armagh already working on their 'high ball in' tactic in prep for the Ulster Final against Derry. ;)
Armagh have been brutal here so far!
Goal for Armagh from a high ball. 1-3 to 0-2. 21 mins played
Are the Armagh fans doing a soccer chant when Kane kicks it out. Cringe. Must be the Lurgan bhoys on tour!
What a goal
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 04:26:36 PM
Are the Armagh fans doing a soccer chant when Kane kicks it out. Cringe. Must be the Lurgan bhoys on tour!
That was a lurgan boy on tour right there
Quote from: tonto1888 on April 30, 2023, 04:27:43 PM
What a goal
Showed plenty of strength, not the best of defending by Down though. 2-3 to 0-3 29 mins gone,
Crap game so far.
Quote from: clarshack on April 30, 2023, 04:32:27 PM
Crap game so far.
Tough conditions. Armagh have a handful of players who can change a game, Down 2. Lane being Lane, consistently inconsistent. Down need to make every chance count which isn't happening and will obviously need a goal or 4
Half time Armagh 2-4 Down 0-6.
Armagh will take that 4 point half time lead against a Down side showing plenty of effort. Weather conditions makes it a difficult game, ball like a bar of soap, more high balls into the square should be kicked in.
Down have firmly put Turbitt and O'Neill to bed and are still down by 4. I'm hopeful for a big second half, but this doesn't augur well.
Watching this, am starting to wonder how bad Donegal are. Down shooting from silly position, 1st Goal lucky enough, 2nd Goal very poor from Down, Lad never should got his shot off. Derry beat either by 8+
Down have a real chance here, in the 2nd half, unless Armagh play to their undoubted strengths.
Armagh not playing well but were still in control for most of that half. Down apart from the last 5 minutes are clueless in an attacking sense but I hope we are more ruthless than the previous match and can put the game to bed early in this half. The high balls are working 2 fold, creating a few goal chances and also forcing Down defence to retreat further so hopefully more of the same this half.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 30, 2023, 04:49:35 PM
Watching this, am starting to wonder how bad Donegal are. Down shooting from silly position, 1st Goal lucky enough, 2nd Goal very poor from Down, Lad never should got his shot off. Derry beat either by 8+
2 teams battling in awful conditions and you're declaring Derry would tank Armagh? Behave!
Conor Lane moves a free forward about 20 metres.
The standard kilcoo head injuries coming out now.
2 phantom face holders by 2 kilcoo men. Shock.
The flailing arm and poor tackling technique from nearly every Armagh player makes it easy for those lads to be able to do that.
Still doesn't excuse the pricks for doing it!
45 minutes today for Rafferty lying down holding face. A lot longer than usual.
Another goal for Armagh, high ball in again. 3-6 to 0-6
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2023, 05:09:31 PM
45 minutes today for Rafferty lying down holding face. A lot longer than usual.
In fairness that was a closed fist
Another poor goal, Armagh literally have zero tactics, Kick in a high ball about the height of it. What points Armagh score from play, 2 in 50mins.
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 05:10:56 PM
Quote from: mrdeeds on April 30, 2023, 05:09:31 PM
45 minutes today for Rafferty lying down holding face. A lot longer than usual.
In fairness that was a closed fist
It was in fairness. Still held his face higher up than where touched. I've yet to see a game where he isn't lying down holding his face.
They're gona bombard Lynch in the final :-\
Armagh will already know their game plan against Derry whose Achilles heel is also high balls into defence.
When u on about that, Rafferty got hit high chest under chin and down holding the bck of his head?
3/3 for kilcoo lads and phantom face breakers.
I really thought Down were on the verge of provincial and indeed national silverware.
Down shockingly poor, miss simple chances, easy to see why they didn't get out of Division 3.
Kilcoo boys seriously unlucky to be getting so many bangs to the head.
4th goal for Armagh, Rian O'Neill very good play. 13 points between the sides with 13 minutes to play and whatever added time to come.
Great finish by O'Neill but more schoolboy defending and goalkeeping by Down. It's been a long time since Armagh were as ruthless in putting the game to bed.
Bobo isn't inter-county standard.. Need to unearth a GK in the county
Philly McMahon is a fan of the singing and jeering. p***k.
Full time Armagh 4-10 Down 0-12. Armagh into their first Ulster final since 2008 and it will be the first Derry v Armagh Ulster final since 2000.
Down looked every inch a div 3 team today. They didn't help themselves with a lot of bad misses. It's hard to assess Armagh on that game.
Job done for Armagh, goals wins games. The injuries especially Andrew Murnin makes things troublesome against hot favourites Derry next.
Quote from: OakLeaf on April 30, 2023, 05:38:01 PM
Down looked every inch a div 3 team today. They didn't help themselves with a lot of bad misses. It's hard to assess Armagh on that game.
We will need to raise our game for the final
Quote from: CK_Redhand on April 30, 2023, 05:31:32 PM
Philly McMahon is a fan of the singing and jeering. p***k.
He must be getting paid by the word. He hasn't shut up for most of the game.
Down's game plan was to burst holes with raw speed. Armagh's game plan was to stop Down punching holes in them by playing 5 centre half backs and taking the man out by the roots as needed. Armagh's game plan worked much better, and was aided by a referee who doesn't quite grapple tactical fouling.
——
When Armagh kick direct ball into their forwards, they are almost impossible to stop. Why Armagh don't just keep doing that, I don't know.
Quote from: OakLeaf on April 30, 2023, 05:38:01 PM
Down looked every inch a div 3 team today. They didn't help themselves with a lot of bad misses. It's hard to assess Armagh on that game.
After the first half was going to write that i could never in a month of sundays see them beat Derry. Look conditions were terrible and Armagh looked a lot better in the second half. They are never going to get the easy goal chances that they did today but they do have some classy forwards and they can definitely worry that Derry defence.
As for us, clear difference in quality, pace and speed of thought between the sides. Need to get ourselves promoted next year and be competing against better quality opposition.
Again Armagh win not playing particularly well which is both worrying and a good thing. We were so much better in the 2nd half when Steffan Campbell came on, he sprayed some beautiful passes about and gave us a different dimension. Jason Duffy had an excellent game, Greg McCabe so solid as well. Good for Rian O'Neill to get a full game under his belt, Turbitt well marshalled today, hopefully Murnin's knock is minor as those 3 lads in the FF line would certainly make Rory's palms sweat
Derry will obviously be a different kettle of fish, I see they are 1/2 on favourites with Armagh 6/4. Being the underdog should suit us but that's counter balanced by our greater need for victory I suppose.
Quote from: grounded on April 30, 2023, 05:51:27 PM
After the first half was going to write that i could never in a month of sundays see them beat Derry. Look conditions were terrible and Armagh looked a lot better in the second half. They are never going to get the easy goal chances that they did today but they do have some classy forwards and they can definitely worry that Derry defence.
As for us, clear difference in quality, pace and speed of thought between the sides. Need to get ourselves promoted next year and be competing against better quality opposition.
Derry were at the same stage three or four years ago, as Down are now. Down are definitely on an upward trajectory. Promotion is vital though. A learning experience today. Armagh v Derry will be tight. Derry have improved from last year but are still relatively inexperienced at the top level.
What do Armagh need to do to beat Derry ?
Quote from: seafoid on April 30, 2023, 06:31:59 PM
What do Armagh need to do to beat Derry ?
Outscore them.
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
Quote from: yellowcard on April 30, 2023, 05:13:26 PM
Armagh will already know their game plan against Derry whose Achilles heel is also high balls into defence.
Every defence, and I mean every defence has problems under the high ball.
Only reason they aren't found out is it's not tried half enough. All about playing safe and keeping possession nowadays.
In saying that, the high ball in could be the new fad in gaelic football this year.
You've heard it here first!
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
Won't happen.
Derry won't change their entire structure and strategy for armagh.
You can guarantee Rogers will remain outfield.
But the way derry play, anyone could be anywhere at any time.
I hesitate to use the term, but it looks like a "total football" approach.
That said, goals are leaking in this year, but we are scoring more heavily from all over the field.
I think derry will back themselves to outscore armagh by doing g what we do.
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
He could. Mc Cluskey likes to attack.
What better way to put Turbitt on the back foot?
I thought O'Neill was average enough today, still looks off the pace with that Quad injury, couldn't be fully over it.
Quote from: marty34 on April 30, 2023, 07:21:00 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
He could. Mc Cluskey likes to attack.
What better way to put Turbitt on the back foot?
Armagh won't get the space they had today.
Mckaigue will go man to man on who ever Gallagher perceives to be the greatest threat, after that Derry will attack from the back.
Armagh look very fit, whereas I think monaghan ran out of steam a bit
Has the makings of a good game.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 30, 2023, 07:26:28 PM
I thought O'Neill was average enough today, still looks off the pace with that Quad injury, couldn't be fully over it.
He's average more often than not
Quote from: marty34 on April 30, 2023, 07:21:00 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
He could. Mc Cluskey likes to attack.
What better way to put Turbitt on the back foot?
Not the same after Water edited his post ;D
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:41:20 PM
Quote from: marty34 on April 30, 2023, 07:21:00 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
He could. Mc Cluskey likes to attack.
What better way to put Turbitt on the back foot?
Not the same after Water edited his post ;D
Sorry, excuse me 8) ;)
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:41:51 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:41:20 PM
Quote from: marty34 on April 30, 2023, 07:21:00 PM
Quote from: JoG2 on April 30, 2023, 07:12:16 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on April 30, 2023, 07:11:06 PM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 30, 2023, 06:38:44 PM
Im sure Derry would loathe to move Rodgers back into the FB line but if Armagh line out with Turbitt, Murnin and Rian in thre they'll have to consider it. No team likes the high ball in, Derry didnt look great under it yesterday.
Rodger's is much better at midfield than FB and think Gallagher won't want him anywhere near FB
McCluskey will shut down Turbitt, Chrissy likewise on Murnin. Can see McGrogan tracking O'Neill. He's the conundrum!
Mad tactics even for Gallagher!
He could. Mc Cluskey likes to attack.
What better way to put Turbitt on the back foot?
Not the same after Water edited his post ;D
Sorry, excuse me 8) ;)
Quote from: seafoid on April 30, 2023, 06:31:59 PM
What do Armagh need to do to beat Derry ?
Score more than 14 times!
It's amazing how people can see the same game differently. I thought Down were very poor today and looked far more intent on fouling and hitting off the ball. I thought Armagh looked comfortable through out and were working on tactics for the next day.
I thought the ref was poor and kept Down in the contest.
That said a lot to improve on for the next day. Also thought O'Neill had a great game linking the play.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 30, 2023, 08:11:17 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 30, 2023, 06:31:59 PM
What do Armagh need to do to beat Derry ?
Score more than 14 times!
6-8 or 7-7 should do it , you'd imagine ;)
Quote from: Mario on April 30, 2023, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 30, 2023, 07:26:28 PM
I thought O'Neill was average enough today, still looks off the pace with that Quad injury, couldn't be fully over it.
He's average more often than not
Hope Gallagher thinks the same
Quote from: David McKeown on April 30, 2023, 08:15:54 PM
It's amazing how people can see the same game differently. I thought Down were very poor today and looked far more intent on fouling and hitting off the ball. I thought Armagh looked comfortable through out and were working on tactics for the next day.
I thought the ref was poor and kept Down in the contest.
That said a lot to improve on for the next day. Also thought O'Neill had a great game linking the play.
Have to agree with most of that.
Tactically I think Down tried to snuff out a number of Armagh key players. Unfortunately for them other Armagh players stood up and they had no one good enough yet to mark Murnin.
Interesting for a team people say got favours from the referee I can only remember Armagh scoring one free.
Men against boys. Some of the chat from Down fans in the lead up was laughable.
O'Neill bar an occasional moment was average enough. If we don't get him firing I'm not sure we can beat Derry.
Murnin is unreal.
Down players don't need much of an excuse to hit the deck and hold their faces like they'd been cleaned. Two or three were absolutely laughable.
Down as bad as the previous years, no real improvement going on today's match.
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Average age of those you mentioned would have been 17 maybe. They come out for the Clones games. Not ones you'd see at the league games.
That a sorta excuse? , who else do we see at this crap.
Let's not get all high and mighty. Lot of scummy stuff from Down fans today including one disgusting chant about an Armagh player.
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 30, 2023, 11:09:39 PM
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Not defending their antics , but that's the fairweather Buckfast crowd. That's the sort of crowd the cameras focus on when a team is winning , and the commentators saying what great noise and atmosphere these fans are bringing . Me arse. A big boot up the hole , that's what they need. It's s shame for the genuine Armagh fans who behave and bring great atmosphere to matches. That sort of crap tarnishes a whole county
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 30, 2023, 11:09:39 PM
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Boy those grapes are sour!!
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 30, 2023, 09:08:16 PM
Men against boys. Some of the chat from Down fans in the lead up was laughable.
O'Neill bar an occasional moment was average enough. If we don't get him firing I'm not sure we can beat Derry.
Murnin is unreal.
Down players don't need much of an excuse to hit the deck and hold their faces like they'd been cleaned. Two or three were absolutely laughable.
Not hard to tell where that influence comes from.
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on April 30, 2023, 11:41:55 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 30, 2023, 11:09:39 PM
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Boy those grapes are sour!!
Fortified more like!
Quote from: Brick Tamlin on April 30, 2023, 11:58:06 AM
I'm not buying it.
If armagh dont put down away convincingly youse are on the road to nowhere. After all you managed to beat the dubs in croke Park last year and are dining at the top table now mixing it regularly with the best of them. A team of runts from down should pose no problem.
Granted armagh are getting no younger, the underage has been a sham for years, mcgeeney should really go but county board too scared too deal with it. I think there'll be a degree of unrest through the county if they don't get over this banana skin unscathed.
Someone was in the early house.
Quote from: onefaircounty on April 30, 2023, 09:08:16 PM
Men against boys. Some of the chat from Down fans in the lead up was laughable.
O'Neill bar an occasional moment was average enough. If we don't get him firing I'm not sure we can beat Derry.
Murnin is unreal.
Down players don't need much of an excuse to hit the deck and hold their faces like they'd been cleaned. Two or three were absolutely laughable.
Rian was as good as he needed to be. Goal was class and if we can launch a few in against Derry there are goals to be had as well. Down were terrible so I wouldnt read much into yesterday. Great to be in a final at long last
Didnt hear any chats from Down supporters that were inappropriate. Saw one incident of a red flare being aimed at stewards which was totally unacceptable. Dont think those ones did any harm from what I saw otherwise and added great atmosphere for both sides. The singing of the anthem was first class on the hill as well.
Handy win. Good to be back in the final. Need a lot of improvement to beat Derry.
Quote from: AustinPowers on April 30, 2023, 11:34:50 PM
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 30, 2023, 11:09:39 PM
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Not defending their antics , but that's the fairweather Buckfast crowd. That's the sort of crowd the cameras focus on when a team is winning , and the commentators saying what great noise and atmosphere these fans are bringing . Me arse. A big boot up the hole , that's what they need. It's s shame for the genuine Armagh fans who behave and bring great atmosphere to matches. That sort of crap tarnishes a whole county
Gaa should start to breathalyse certain supoorters on the way in at big matches.
Croke Park is the same on big days, especially football. The bus brigade arrive in full and gather together at the highest point and the language and chants are disgraceful. They direct filthy chants to the opposing keeper on the kickouts. Then they start fighting with themselves and other supporters.
Totally agree. I had 3 youngsters with me and I questioned bringing them to a big game again. Not that I will have a choice following Down. The language was disgraceful. The flares don't bother me . The turnstiles in could've been better organised. The Buckfast brigade were in full swing. GAA really need to stamp that out. How can alcohol be smuggled into a ground? . To be honest its not a family occasion with that element there. Booing the opposition is not the GAA way. Yes they're young and out for a good time, we've all had a few drinks before games and behaved. I suppose 90% of the time it's the way they are brought up.
Quote from: snoopdog on May 01, 2023, 08:58:08 AM
Totally agree. I had 3 youngsters with me and I questioned bringing them to a big game again. Not that I will have a choice following Down. The language was disgraceful. The flares don't bother me . The turnstiles in could've been better organised. The Buckfast brigade were in full swing. GAA really need to stamp that out. How can alcohol be smuggled into a ground? . To be honest its not a family occasion with that element there. Booing the opposition is not the GAA way. Yes they're young and out for a good time, we've all had a few drinks before games and behaved. I suppose 90% of the time it's the way they are brought up.
Boozed up Armagh n Derry fans for the final. The hill could be messy!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 01, 2023, 09:02:23 AM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 01, 2023, 08:58:08 AM
Totally agree. I had 3 youngsters with me and I questioned bringing them to a big game again. Not that I will have a choice following Down. The language was disgraceful. The flares don't bother me . The turnstiles in could've been better organised. The Buckfast brigade were in full swing. GAA really need to stamp that out. How can alcohol be smuggled into a ground? . To be honest its not a family occasion with that element there. Booing the opposition is not the GAA way. Yes they're young and out for a good time, we've all had a few drinks before games and behaved. I suppose 90% of the time it's the way they are brought up.
Boozed up Armagh n Derry fans for the final. The hill could be messy!
Could be a better watch than the game. ;D
Quote from: SHEEDY on April 30, 2023, 11:09:39 PM
On the hill today and have to say Armagh have some of the scummiest 'supporters' I've ever seen at a gaa match, following club and county for years up and down the country and never seen as many people put out of the ground by the guards ever. Throwing flares and smoke bombs, firing plastic bottles at opposition fans, fighting and general soccer style chanting, it definitely wasn't a comfortable place to be at times. Most will have to watch the match again on Monday cos they've no idea what happened today.
Never ceases to amaze me how this narrative gets thrown around so often, i.e. the implication is that there is one set of supporters doing it. I was stood a few yards from Down supporters holding smoke flares and was nearly choked by the smoke. A middle aged slug beside me, from Down, his opening gambit (two minutes in) was "f**king Armagh tramps!" when Down were awarded their first free. He wasn't there for the last fifteen minutes. Another group to my right were so pissed up, that they dropped and smashed a full bottle of wine and a bottle of beer on the Hill - the beer exploded sending glass scattering.
I have no doubt that what you described happened - there were many Armagh fans I saw doing similar - but try and not be so one-eyed about the thing. It just makes you look bitter.
As for the match, ideal scenario for Armagh. A win over the neighbours but plenty still to work on, which should hopefully concentrate minds. If I'm honest, I think we will be really up against it in the Final - Derry look to have really improved from last year and are playing with the confidence brought on by being Ulster Champions.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 01, 2023, 07:35:09 AM
Didnt hear any chats from Down supporters that were inappropriate.
It was being chanted by a fair group outside the ground prior to throw in. Pretty disgusting.
I have no problem with lads having a few beers, being loud. Chants. It adds to it.
There is a balancing act though and so often in Clones, youngsters fall off the other side.
The booing is bad though and Armagh over the last few years have been especially bad for it.
Walking up through the Hill yesterday felt a bit uncomfortable. Nothing was going on per se, just not the most pleasent atmosphere for kids.
There were no Guards from the square right down to the barrier that I could see. Nothing, I could see, went on so maybe not a massive deal. But just a few about maybe to keep an eye on things would help.
Quote from: onefaircounty on May 01, 2023, 11:01:30 AM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 01, 2023, 07:35:09 AM
Didnt hear any chats from Down supporters that were inappropriate.
It was being chanted by a fair group outside the ground prior to throw in. Pretty disgusting.
I have no problem with lads having a few beers, being loud. Chants. It adds to it.
There is a balancing act though and so often in Clones, youngsters fall off the other side.
The booing is bad though and Armagh over the last few years have been especially bad for it.
Walking up through the Hill yesterday felt a bit uncomfortable. Nothing was going on per se, just not the most pleasent atmosphere for kids.
There were no Guards from the square right down to the barrier that I could see. Nothing, I could see, went on so maybe not a massive deal. But just a few about maybe to keep an eye on things would help.
Didn't hear it but could unfortunately probably take a good guess as to what it was. Didn't see anything that went too far other than the red flare being thrown at stewards but no doubt there were idiots who went too far as usual. Anyway wouldnt let the minority take away from a superb day out, great atmosphere despite the weather.
Re the boozing by supporters the 4pm start probably did not help yesterday and same no doubt will apply on Ulster final day.
Quote from: LC on May 01, 2023, 11:52:27 AM
Re the boozing by supporters the 4pm start probably did not help yesterday and same no doubt will apply on Ulster final day.
And the Celtic Rangers game being on before. And the fact that you need to leave 5 hours early to battle through traffic to get to the kip lol
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 30, 2023, 11:17:11 PM
That a sorta excuse? , who else do we see at this crap.
Not making any excuses for bad behaviour. The ones that Sheedy mentions tend to appear out of hibernation for the Clones games. But we also have one of the strongest support bases with packed home games and massive away support in the league. That doesn't seem to get much of a mention and shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush.
Quote from: Armamike on May 01, 2023, 12:48:27 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on April 30, 2023, 11:17:11 PM
That a sorta excuse? , who else do we see at this crap.
Not making any excuses for bad behaviour. The ones that Sheedy mentions tend to appear out of hibernation for the Clones games. But we also have one of the strongest support bases with packed home games and massive away support in the league. That doesn't seem to get much of a mention and shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush.
We've the best fans in Ireland bar none. Few idiots with too much drink in them shouldnt be what we're talking about. Didn't see anything scummy happening on the hill, other than the red flare thrown at stewards, not saying it didnt happen though.
If the atmosphere was great, it didn't come across on BBC. Just looked like a wet aul day and the crowd sound was very muffled, complete silence at times. Maybe something BBC could look at. It was a bit better on TSG. You want the commentator competing with the roar, not talking over it.
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
Armagh and Derry are currently in the limelight but who will be 5 years from now ?
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
Judging. By underage Teams I say Tyrone, Derry, maybe Down. Hard to judge, Cavan won 4 U-21 (need check maybe 3) in Ulster, they come good for only a few yrs off that lot, so 5 yrs is hard to call. 5yrs ago Derry were going to Division 4.
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:32:07 PM
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
clearly saying Armagh. Clown.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 01, 2023, 07:40:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:32:07 PM
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
clearly saying Armagh. Clown.
I think its a mixture of both. 1st verse the ra, 2nd verse Armagh
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 07:12:54 PM
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
Excuse you, we have degenerates from all over the county not just Lurgan!
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:50:28 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 01, 2023, 07:40:30 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:32:07 PM
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
clearly saying Armagh. Clown.
I think its a mixture of both. 1st verse the ra, 2nd verse Armagh
You'd near think they were try to deflect from one of their founding members being a rabid sectarian murderer!
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 07:12:54 PM
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
Lurgan getting an awful lot of bad press in this thread. We are a good bunch really
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 07:12:54 PM
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
The fact that there were thousands of Armagh fans in Kerry for a League game this year.
Ditto the Hyde, for the Roscommon game.
And many many more examples.
Been at away games where Armagh fans outnumbered home fans 5 or 6 to1.
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on May 01, 2023, 09:54:55 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 07:12:54 PM
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
The fact that there were thousands of Armagh fans in Kerry for a League game this year.
Ditto the Hyde, for the Roscommon game.
And many many more examples.
Been at away games where Armagh fans outnumbered home fans 5 or 6 to1.
There were as many at the Armagh - Monaghan league game as the Derry - Monaghan championship game.
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
i was standing beside a wee w@nker (someone told me he was from Portadown) who lit a flare up and was waving it all over the place with orange dye flying all over the place. I gave off to him and he threw the flare in the direction of the stand below the Hill if it reached that far. He just legged it afterwards, I've seen him at matches before and I'll watch out for him again. Swear if I'd have got the hold of him I'd have gave a thump or two. TBH the Guards do feck all about it as there's usually about half a dozen there. You can clearly see they're full so why let them in thru the turnstiles in the first place 🤷♂️. I'm no party pooper and I like to see the young ones enjoy themselves but when they know they're not gonna get into the match and turned away maybe it'll put them off going
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 10:23:25 PM
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
Still leaves a fair few.
Was at an Armagh match in Kilmallock a few years ago when the Armagh fans outnumbered the Limerick fans about 100 to 1. All through the Divisions Armagh have a solid core support.
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 10:23:25 PM
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
That would be the same as every team. That said I remember travelling round the country i the division 3 days and grounds being full of Armagh ones
Quote from: tonto1888 on May 02, 2023, 06:48:28 AM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 10:23:25 PM
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
That would be the same as every team. That said I remember travelling round the country i the division 3 days and grounds being full of Armagh ones
Is this cos your club sides are muck? (Bar the obvious one) 😂
Quote from: illdecide on May 01, 2023, 11:05:04 PM
i was standing beside a wee w@nker (someone told me he was from Portadown) who lit a flare up and was waving it all over the place with orange dye flying all over the place. I gave off to him and he threw the flare in the direction of the stand below the Hill if it reached that far. He just legged it afterwards, I've seen him at matches before and I'll watch out for him again. Swear if I'd have got the hold of him I'd have gave a thump or two. TBH the Guards do feck all about it as there's usually about half a dozen there. You can clearly see they're full so why let them in thru the turnstiles in the first place 🤷♂️. I'm no party pooper and I like to see the young ones enjoy themselves but when they know they're not gonna get into the match and turned away maybe it'll put them off going
Every county has them. Seems to be a knock on from social media. Who can be the maddest, bestest craic. Hopefully get a wee video of them doing something stupid to show how mad they are!! Whatever happened to just getting quietly drunk after the game and falling into a ditch when out for a p!ss on the way home and annoying no one.
Quote from: trueblue1234 on May 02, 2023, 09:28:59 AM
Quote from: illdecide on May 01, 2023, 11:05:04 PM
i was standing beside a wee w@nker (someone told me he was from Portadown) who lit a flare up and was waving it all over the place with orange dye flying all over the place. I gave off to him and he threw the flare in the direction of the stand below the Hill if it reached that far. He just legged it afterwards, I've seen him at matches before and I'll watch out for him again. Swear if I'd have got the hold of him I'd have gave a thump or two. TBH the Guards do feck all about it as there's usually about half a dozen there. You can clearly see they're full so why let them in thru the turnstiles in the first place 🤷♂️. I'm no party pooper and I like to see the young ones enjoy themselves but when they know they're not gonna get into the match and turned away maybe it'll put them off going
Every county has them. Seems to be a knock on from social media. Who can be the maddest, bestest craic. Hopefully get a wee video of them doing something stupid to show how mad they are!! Whatever happened to just getting quietly drunk after the game and falling into a ditch when out for a p!ss on the way home and annoying no one.
Yeah that's about right sadly
It's the same with people videoing someone watching a match at home. Them effing and blinding , jumping up and down , kicking the furniture etc. Going mad because they know they're being videoed. The world has gone simple
Its always the Lurgan and Portadown factions in Armagh, those good living south Armagh boys never get drunk :)
Quote from: Truth hurts on May 02, 2023, 10:00:07 AM
Its always the Lurgan and Portadown factions in Armagh, those good living south Armagh boys never get drunk :)
Well they retain some dignity while drunk and have been a GAA game before.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 02, 2023, 10:03:50 AM
Quote from: Truth hurts on May 02, 2023, 10:00:07 AM
Its always the Lurgan and Portadown factions in Armagh, those good living south Armagh boys never get drunk :)
Well they retain some dignity while drunk and have been a GAA game before.
We don't claim those boys, North Armagh is a different county. (We'll keep Forker, Murnin and the other players though;))
Quote from: Throw ball on May 01, 2023, 11:35:15 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 10:23:25 PM
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
Still leaves a fair few.
Was at an Armagh match in Kilmallock a few years ago when the Armagh fans outnumbered the Limerick fans about 100 to 1. All through the Divisions Armagh have a solid core support.
Outnumbering Limerick football fans at a match. Armagh are gargantuan.
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 02, 2023, 10:13:58 AM
Quote from: Throw ball on May 01, 2023, 11:35:15 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 10:23:25 PM
Yeah and when Armagh weren't going well few years ago, over half were nowhere to be seen.
Still leaves a fair few.
Was at an Armagh match in Kilmallock a few years ago when the Armagh fans outnumbered the Limerick fans about 100 to 1. All through the Divisions Armagh have a solid core support.
Outnumbering Limerick football fans at a match. Armagh are gargantuan.
LOL There would be more at a Clady home game that a Limerick football match
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 01, 2023, 07:12:54 PM
Best fans in Ireland, what draws you to that conclusion, there a certain element come out of Lurgan I wouldn't want at any game. thought Mayo got the best fans myself.
I'd actually would agree with you on that point about Mayo. They've been through thin and thin and yet stick loyally with their team.
The issue of who has the best fans is always going to be very subjective and is likely to be influenced by who you like / dislike. Armagh always had a core support of I'd guess 3-4,000 supporters and when things start going well the bandwagon really does grow.
However in the last two years or so that core Armagh support has really grown in size, with many more now regularly attending all matches and many prepared to travel long distances. That culminated in the match down in Kerry when it was estimated that there were between 5-6,000 supporters present in Tralee for a league game.
I hate that drive to Clones and I hate the whole ground in general. It is a kip of a place. The sooner they get a first class stadium built in Casement the better.
Quote from: JimStynes on May 02, 2023, 11:41:28 AM
I hate that drive to Clones and I hate the whole ground in general. It is a kip of a place. The sooner they get a first class stadium built in Casement the better.
It has suffered from little to no investment in the place with Casement hanging over it and it shows.
Quote from: JimStynes on May 02, 2023, 11:41:28 AM
I hate that drive to Clones and I hate the whole ground in general. It is a kip of a place. The sooner they get a first class stadium built in Casement the better.
I concur...Place is a nightmare to get in and out off and a run down stadium that needs some investment. The sooner Casement Pk is built the better for everyone. All this talk about Lurgan and Portadown drunks. You are all fools if you think it's just them towns, they certainly have their fair share of them but every town in Ireland have the 16-19 year olds going buck mad at these games. Obviously the bigger the town the more bampots you get.
The ground in Clones really has been let go. All the county grounds in Ulster are now better. The turnstiles were a joke. Toilets, less said the better. Roll on the new casement.
For all the negative talk about Clones- yes its old and run but that adds to the magic of it. Call it soul or whatever but there is something special about it. The miles of traffic crawling for miles, the struggle for parking, the walk from whatever field you manage to get parked in, the noise and colour in the town, the struggle to get a pint in a plastic up and fhe bad burger and the walk up that hill. Then the ancient benches and the stink of the toilets. All that stuff that seems annoying at the time but when you look back adds to the occasion.
Some memories for anyone from Ulster on here and probably a lot of that would be lost at a shiny new Casement.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 02, 2023, 12:03:26 PM
For all the negative talk about Clones- yes its old and run but that adds to the magic of it. Call it soul or whatever but there is something special about it. The miles of traffic crawling for miles, the struggle for parking, the walk from whatever field you manage to get parked in, the noise and colour in the town, the struggle to get a pint in a plastic up and fhe bad burger and the walk up that hill. Then the ancient benches and the stink of the toilets. All that stuff that seems annoying at the time but when you look back adds to the occasion.
Some memories for anyone from Ulster on here and probably a lot of that would be lost at a shiny new Casement.
I take it you are a single man with no children ;D
An utter nightmare. Last year the sun shone. I hope it does the same this year!
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 02, 2023, 12:20:47 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 02, 2023, 12:03:26 PM
For all the negative talk about Clones- yes its old and run but that adds to the magic of it. Call it soul or whatever but there is something special about it. The miles of traffic crawling for miles, the struggle for parking, the walk from whatever field you manage to get parked in, the noise and colour in the town, the struggle to get a pint in a plastic up and fhe bad burger and the walk up that hill. Then the ancient benches and the stink of the toilets. All that stuff that seems annoying at the time but when you look back adds to the occasion.
Some memories for anyone from Ulster on here and probably a lot of that would be lost at a shiny new Casement.
I take it you are a single man with no children ;D
An utter nightmare. Last year the sun shone. I hope it does the same this year!
Great memories on a sunny day. But god its a miserable hole on a wet dreary day like last Sunday.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 02, 2023, 12:03:26 PM
For all the negative talk about Clones- yes its old and run but that adds to the magic of it. Call it soul or whatever but there is something special about it. The miles of traffic crawling for miles, the struggle for parking, the walk from whatever field you manage to get parked in, the noise and colour in the town, the struggle to get a pint in a plastic up and fhe bad burger and the walk up that hill. Then the ancient benches and the stink of the toilets. All that stuff that seems annoying at the time but when you look back adds to the occasion.
Some memories for anyone from Ulster on here and probably a lot of that would be lost at a shiny new Casement.
All great as a young fella but I hate the thought of going to games in it now. I'd rather they brought the final to Croke Park than have to go to Clones.
Quote from: snoopdog on May 02, 2023, 12:22:45 PM
Quote from: Walter Cronc on May 02, 2023, 12:20:47 PM
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 02, 2023, 12:03:26 PM
For all the negative talk about Clones- yes its old and run but that adds to the magic of it. Call it soul or whatever but there is something special about it. The miles of traffic crawling for miles, the struggle for parking, the walk from whatever field you manage to get parked in, the noise and colour in the town, the struggle to get a pint in a plastic up and fhe bad burger and the walk up that hill. Then the ancient benches and the stink of the toilets. All that stuff that seems annoying at the time but when you look back adds to the occasion.
Some memories for anyone from Ulster on here and probably a lot of that would be lost at a shiny new Casement.
I take it you are a single man with no children ;D
An utter nightmare. Last year the sun shone. I hope it does the same this year!
Great memories on a sunny day. But god its a miserable hole on a wet dreary day like last Sunday.
Think the fact Armagh were winning cancelled out any negativity about the weather, was too happy to through to a final to care about the soaking lol.
Quote from: snoopdog on May 02, 2023, 11:51:24 AM
The ground in Clones really has been let go. All the county grounds in Ulster are now better. The turnstiles were a joke. Toilets, less said the better. Roll on the new casement.
This a function of Casement waiting in the wings, of course. If there was no Casement project then there would have been upgrades in Clones in recent years.
That said, the jacks behind the Gerry Arthurs stand were adequate for a stadium.
Going to Croke park is fine if you have a good crowd, not likely with Derry in the final.
Quote from: armaghniac on May 02, 2023, 12:38:33 PM
Quote from: snoopdog on May 02, 2023, 11:51:24 AM
The ground in Clones really has been let go. All the county grounds in Ulster are now better. The turnstiles were a joke. Toilets, less said the better. Roll on the new casement.
This a function of Casement waiting in the wings, of course. If there was no Casement project then there would have been upgrades in Clones in recent years.
That said, the jacks behind the Gerry Arthurs stand were adequate for a stadium.
Going to Croke park is fine if you have a good crowd, not likely with Derry in the final.
We would take a serious serious crowd to croker for a final I think.
Yous are like Leeds United fans, Armagh would've took 30,000. But will hold the hands up, serious numbers going back as far as I can remember. The crowds at Tyrone Armagh in the noughties were class
Armagh 18, u no worry about taking a crowd to Croker for a final, neither any other Ulster team
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 02, 2023, 02:12:18 PM
Armagh 18, u no worry about taking a crowd to Croker for a final, neither any other Ulster team
I assume he meant for an Ulster final
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:32:07 PM
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
What absolute bullshit only to be expected from the DUP who would no a thing or two about one sided narratives.
Quote from: Applesisapples on May 02, 2023, 05:52:22 PM
Quote from: RedHand88 on May 01, 2023, 07:32:07 PM
https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742 (https://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/national/mla-calls-for-serious-conversation-after-video-emerges-of-armagh-gaa-fans-pro-ira-chants-during-victory-over-down-4125742)
What absolute bullshit only to be expected from the DUP who would no a thing or two about one sided narratives.
Who reads the Newsletter anyway?
Lowry, Allister and Bryson articles - not a chance.
Quote from: tonto1888 on May 02, 2023, 05:40:52 PM
Quote from: Wildweasel74 on May 02, 2023, 02:12:18 PM
Armagh 18, u no worry about taking a crowd to Croker for a final, neither any other Ulster team
I assume he meant for an Ulster final
That's what the conversation was, yes
BBC happy with its viewship
https://www.irishnews.com/sport/2023/05/08/news/coverage_of_armagh-down_ulster_championship_breaks_six-figure_barrier_on_bbc-3263450/