Sunday 30th March in Crossmaglen @ 2.30pm
Intriguing game now. Armagh finally found the form that they were promising in the earlier games and about time too. From an orchard point of view we finish with Dublin meath and cork, which is ideal in buidling for the champo (threw that in for the dubs). another competitve game after that, potentially against monaghan would be even better but there's a lot of ifs before that can happen.
i haven't been keeping that big of an eye on the dubs but saw the cavan game on tv and wasn't overly impessed. my thoughts on the dubs haven't changed in recent years... a very mobile and dangerous forward unit but extremely susceptible at the back. armagh's achilles heel has been the full back line this year so if they can tighten that up a fair bit then they can really progress.
Armagh to sneak the win.
Francies return should tighten up the full back line. Armagh by 4 or 5 points.
Armagh will sink -- too many holes and cracks in the ship - the glory days are over :D
Quote from: Oakleafer1993 on March 18, 2008, 11:16:07 AM
Armagh will sink -- too many holes and cracks in the ship - the glory days are over :D
Another knowlegeable poster. Think 3 of the lads that started were over 25 - AOR, MOR and Stevie?
Expect to see Vernon in for this one, he'll need to take his chance or could find himself down the pecking order with the way competition is hotting up. I'd like to see Francie back in at FB eventhough I'm not his biggest fan, sincerely hope that Enda doesn't play.
I'd say unless there is injuries there wont be big changes to the starting team, maybe McGrane (not sure if his suspension is up or not) and McConville to start but not much more. Hard one to call, a point or two in it either way I'd say.
Quote from: Uladh on March 18, 2008, 10:50:11 AM
my thoughts on the dubs haven't changed in recent years... a very mobile and dangerous forward unit but extremely susceptible at the back
Pretty much spot on there.
But I reckon we have enough firepower to cater for the suspect defence in this game.
Ye arent the Armagh of old.
Dubs by two.
Given all the batin and shenanigans of the weekend are we sensible at all to send our lads out agin this dublin team. we haven't much chance and are likely to ship a hape of injuries against them big rough fellas. best to let this one go for fear of what fate might befall the lads.
Quote from: Uladh on March 25, 2008, 10:37:58 PM
Given all the batin and shenanigans of the weekend are we sensible at all to send our lads out agin this dublin team. we haven't much chance and are likely to ship a hape of injuries against them big rough fellas. best to let this one go for fear of what fate might befall the lads.
Nice one Uladh ! If you can't beat them, you can at least psyche them out of it.
sure its only a bundle o cubs we have. we're lookin to the future and a heavy beatin on the pitch and scoreboard will only set the team's development back.
;D Do you remember the late great Eamon Coleman saying one day, I think his Cavan team beat Down ( I'm not certain about that ) but he was asked what he thought of his chances against Armagh - he replied by saying with a cheey grin " I don't think we'll even turn up for that game - sure we've no chance !" ;D
I'd say we are only one more Dirty/Dorty Dub's thread away from a Super Dubs threads out break .
Quote from: Gnevin on March 25, 2008, 10:53:13 PM
I'd say we are only one more Dirty/Dorty Dub's thread away from a Super Dubs threads out break .
Surely you can't be surprised at this reaction given what happened at the weekend, following on from the goading of those teams last year ?
Dublin are a good team who I believe are not suited to this bullshit stuff that obviously Pillar encourages.
Head rules the heart - Dublin by 3
Expecting 10,000 in Cross this Sunday
I'm missing the game - Ripping - Away to Birmingham for a Stag
TnaG are showing deferred coverage of the match
Think they are showing Live - Derry v Galway
Ahh the poor big softies of Northern Football are afraid of the big Dublin bullies...... :P
Might be in the area this Sunday, can you just pay at the gate? Never been but I presume it's not hard place to find, coming from Monaghan. Should be interesting.
Yes pay at the Gate
if you want to get into the seated covered Stand - need to be there an hour beforehand
- 1.30pm
Dont tell Francie he's a big Softie ...
Will many dubs make the journey ???
QuoteDont tell Francie he's a big Softie ...
Will many dubs make the journey Huh
Judging by our recent crowds there'll be as many Dubs as locals
QuoteJudging by our recent crowds there'll be as many Dubs as locals
Given the scale of victory in our last game and using Monaghan as a measure suggesting that we have a chance against Dublin, it would be a pity if more Armagh people don't turn out.
Safety clothing can be collected at the turnstiles - helmets for those spectators sitting next to the Dublin dugout ! ;D ;D
Quote from: Shortso79 on March 25, 2008, 11:02:44 PM
Expecting 10,000 in Cross this Sunday
I'm missing the game - Ripping - Away to Birmingham for a Stag
TnaG are showing deferred coverage of the match
Think they are showing Live - Derry v Galway
I wouldn't mind seeing it myself.
I don't doubt that in the past this game might have been top of TG4 wish list but it's a sign of the times that
again your neighbors Monaghan are top of the bill against the real hard man team from Leinster.
14:00
GAA Beo
Double bill with live coverage of Monaghan v Meath from Clones and deferred coverage of Galway v Derry in the 5th round of the Allianz National Football League. Presented by Micheál Ó Domhnaill with commentary by Brian Tyers and Tomás Ó hAilín.Good luck against the Dubs.
Dublin name unchanged team:
S Cluxton
D Henry, R McConnell, D Murray
P Casey, B Cullen, C Moran
E Fennell, S Ryan
P Flynn, B Brogan, M Vaughan
C Keaney, K Bonner, J Sherlock
Neither Cullen nor Vaughan suspended as both sent off for 2 yellows.
Interesting that Cullen picked at 6.
However Pillar often uses the tactics of naming an unchanged team just to get that formality out of the way. It doesnt mean there won't be any changes come match-time. In particular Alan Brogan and Barry Cahill will be pushing for starting places.
Quote from: orangeman on March 25, 2008, 10:51:24 PM
;D Do you remember the late great Eamon Coleman saying one day, I think his Cavan team beat Down ( I'm not certain about that ) but he was asked what he thought of his chances against Armagh - he replied by saying with a cheey grin " I don't think we'll even turn up for that game - sure we've no chance !" ;D
And Coleman's next line:
"those Armagh boys are very big..." ;D
So if i wanna see Armagh hand out a few beatings to the Dubs (like we did for league game in Croker in 03 ;) ;)) i hafta go the Cross to witness it. No fecking TV coverage WTF
Quote from: illdecide on March 26, 2008, 12:16:05 PM
So if i wanna see Armagh hand out a few beatings to the Dubs (like we did for league game in Croker in 03 ;) ;)) i hafta go the Cross to witness it. No fecking TV coverage WTF
Has it definately changed?
On sunday after the Dubs / Monaghan game it said the Derry game was live & the Armagh game was deferred coverage!
Why the deferred coverage, as the time will have changed why not just play one game at 2pm and the other at 3:45 and show them live. Why are all games at 2:30? Even IllDecide could play his game and come from Lurgan with a later throw in.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on March 26, 2008, 12:20:01 PM
Quote from: illdecide on March 26, 2008, 12:16:05 PM
So if i wanna see Armagh hand out a few beatings to the Dubs (like we did for league game in Croker in 03 ;) ;)) i hafta go the Cross to witness it. No fecking TV coverage WTF
Has it definately changed?
On sunday after the Dubs / Monaghan game it said the Derry game was live & the Armagh game was deferred coverage!
Source - tg.ie
14:00
GAA Beo
Craoladh beo ar an gcluiche idir Muineachán agus Co. na Mí ó Chluain Eois agus craoladh níos deireanaí ar Ghaillimh agus Doire ón gcúigiú babhta de Shraith Náisiúnta Peile Allianz. Á chur i láthair ag Micheál Ó Domhnaill le tráchtaireacht le Brian Tyers agus le Mac Dara Mac Donncha.
I see clarke is rated as very doubtful he'd be a huge loss given his performance last sunday. McGrane coming back in will be invaluable in the ball winning stakes and i'd expect him to start alongside toner at midfield. Any other changes from last week? There might be a temptation to bring McNulty back for this one but i'd like to see McDonnell resist that. The early exchanges sunday may not be pretty and might not be tailor made for either kernan. with that in mind vernon might be in line for a start at wing forward?
McKinney
Shannon Donaghy Moriarty
McKeever O'Rourke Kernan
Toner McGrane
Vernon O'Rourke Courtney
McDonnell Clarke Kernan
I for one am delighted that the game is not on TV Sunday,it will make for a better attendance / atmosphere (The cauldron of Crossmaglen). Now i know that there is the disabled who cant make it to a game (I feel for them), but there are too many GAA (So called supporters) who like to sit back beside the fireside and watch the game....
get off your BACKSIDES and go out and sample the atmosphere, because i am predicting a roller-coaster ride!
Quote from: armaghniac on March 26, 2008, 12:29:42 PM
Why the deferred coverage, as the time will have changed why not just play one game at 2pm and the other at 3:45 and show them live. Why are all games at 2:30? Even IllDecide could play his game and come from Lurgan with a later throw in.
Illdecide can take his time as we no longer have a game on sunday ;) It's parking you're fecking car that does my head in.
Can't get to the match on sunday due to work so Im gutted that it won't be on TG4. It will be tight and hard but Dubs are good enough to win by 3.
And BTW why don't you change the title of this thread? The board was ruined last year with the Super Dubs/Cheeky Dubs shite. Let's not go down that road again.
Whats the story with parking near the ground?
The missus is hitting the third trimester, dont want any long hikes! ;)
Def said after the Dublin-Monghan game that Derry v Meath was live and deferred coverage of the Armagh v Dublin game - very strange !
Quote from: Shortso79 on March 26, 2008, 01:55:42 PM
Def said after the Dublin-Monghan game that Derry v Meath was live and deferred coverage of the Armagh v Dublin game - very strange !
thats bizarre, Derry arent even playing Meath! ;)
whatever happened to the cheeky dubs?
Hopefully Paddy McKeever gets a run out late, 3 ballyhegan men playing for the first time ever
Sorry Derry v Galway
Quote from: Uladh on March 26, 2008, 12:47:59 PM
I see clarke is rated as very doubtful he'd be a huge loss given his performance last sunday. McGrane coming back in will be invaluable in the ball winning stakes and i'd expect him to start alongside toner at midfield. Any other changes from last week? There might be a temptation to bring McNulty back for this one but i'd like to see McDonnell resist that. The early exchanges sunday may not be pretty and might not be tailor made for either kernan. with that in mind vernon might be in line for a start at wing forward?
McKinney
Shannon Donaghy Moriarty
McKeever O'Rourke Kernan
Toner McGrane
Vernon O'Rourke Courtney
McDonnell Clarke Kernan
Charlie played his first full game since injury for the Harps at the weekend, came through it ok, but I reckon he'll not start, maybe come on for the second half.
Really looking forward to welcoming the Dubs to Armagh soil for the first time since the early 90s by my reckoning.
It will draw a massive crowd to Cross no doubt, the place will be bursting at the seams. Arguably the biggest County game in County Armagh for nearly 13 years, since the 1995 Ulster Championship clash with Derry. Question is, is Crossmaglen up to hosting such a momentous fixture, which will attract the biggest away support ever seen in Cross
Quote from: his holiness nb on March 26, 2008, 01:30:32 PM
Whats the story with parking near the ground?
The missus is hitting the third trimester, dont want any long hikes! ;)
Head early, do a u turn at the grounds, point her for home and take the first spot, shouldn't end up too far away...
Tony has posted twice on the GAA board today: Is he lost or does he have a feeling in his waters that Armagh are going to do something this year and he's building up for a year of gloating??? ???
Jaysus, parking's not good. there's no advice we can give you really that'll help. given the missus' condition i'd say they'd allow you in the gate with the car... you'd have to wait an hour after the game to get moving though.
Where do the harps consider vernon's best position these days benny? i think wing forward is the spot for him at county level
I dont know Uladh, he would be MF for us all the time now(and really dominate 90% of the games he plays in), whereas he'd been playing CHB for a right while. I'd still like to see him in the HB line as he is an awesome sight in full flight, but we don't need another HB who loves bombing forward at the expense of actual defending. I cant see any other position for him at the minute other than in the HF line, although most of his time would be spent in MF anyway, but I reckon he'll move into MF proper in a year or two.
Cheers folks.
how did shannon fare up the last day against roscommon?
Doubt there be 2 many changes to be honest after the emphaic win over roscommon. Would be harsh dropping swift after the last day heard he was excellent though mcgrane's experience could be telling. Another option could be swift at ff with clarke a doubt.
would like to see vernon get a run in half forward line, in second half couldnt see him starting.
Would be very worried about finn mo at corner back against pacey cornr forwards will give away frees and that recipe for disaster with vaughan playing.
QuoteI dont know Uladh, he would be MF for us all the time now(and really dominate 90% of the games he plays in), whereas he'd been playing CHB for a right while. I'd still like to see him in the HB line as he is an awesome sight in full flight, but we don't need another HB who loves bombing forward at the expense of actual defending. I cant see any other position for him at the minute other than in the HF line, although most of his time would be spent in MF anyway, but I reckon he'll move into MF proper in a year or two.
Think that's pretty spot on Benny. He's always impressed me at midfield. Excellent at breaking forward but i don't think a half back line of Vernon, McKeever and Kernan is what we need. I think he should start at least 2 of the last 3 games.
Quote from: his holiness nb on March 26, 2008, 01:30:32 PM
Whats the story with parking near the ground?
The missus is hitting the third trimester, dont want any long hikes! ;)
Come off the M1 and head for Castleblayney, turn right in Culloville and it's only a couple of miles into Cross. Drive on into Cross and beside the rear entrance to the pitch there is a youth club who usually allow parking for a few euros. Less than 100 yards to the pitch but go early.
Quote from: charlie stubbs on March 26, 2008, 05:51:01 PM
how did shannon fare up the last day against roscommon?
Doubt there be 2 many changes to be honest after the emphaic win over roscommon. Would be harsh dropping swift after the last day heard he was excellent though mcgrane's experience could be telling. Another option could be swift at ff with clarke a doubt.
would like to see vernon get a run in half forward line, in second half couldnt see him starting.
Would be very worried about finn mo at corner back against pacey cornr forwards will give away frees and that recipe for disaster with vaughan playing.
Ill admit i'm not Finn Mo's biggest fan but did he not hold Thomas Freeman scoreless from play? and if so thats an achievement as Freeman is a class act...It should be a cracker of a game and i'd say C Whelan will start for Dublin but McGrane can handle him alright...
To all Dubs - the match starts at 2pm ;)
Clocks go forward sat night too!
Moriarty has been a bit of a mixed bag thus far. he was excellent against freeman, which shows he has the potential but i have to say he was poor against Cavan & westmeath and awful against roscommon. with mallon and mcnulty (according to today's irish news) apparently injured there are limited options in the full back line so i expect there to be no changes in defence.
I'd say Whelan will come in at midfield, alan brogan at 11 and griffin at 6 from that dublin team that's named. the last three league games are traditionally the ones that teams start to pull together their championship lineups.
Sunday will be a huge test for the new look team. I see the stats in the Irish News this morning about us racking up big scores (distorted by our last outing I know) but more worryingly conceding a lot. How times have changed! Couple of concerns I have would be how our full back line holds up against a sharp Dublin forward line. Francie could be on before half time. Also, I hope the new, more disciplined Ciaran McKeever doesn't get sucked into the verbals and crap that will no doubt happen on Sunday. Him vs. Vaughan has sendings off written all over it. He has been our best back by a street so far but he's not worth a sh1te to us in the stand for the remainder of the league.
Uladh said earlier in the thread about the match not suiting SK and he has a point, but it'll be no more intense that any championship game in the summer so now's the time for him to step up to the plate. He has shown what he can do given time and space but that'll be at a premium on Sunday and it'll be interesting to see how he gets on. Irish News has it in today's paper that Clarke is fit so the only probable change will be McGrane in for Swift (who is unlucky to miss out). A few Harps boys seem to think Charlie Vernon will not start, I'd like to see him play as much of the last three games as possible, ultimately Courtney's spot will be his.
Thought in the first half against Roscommon our FB was exposed on numerous ocassions, without Andy Mallon it always looks dodgy. I hope Bellew starts but you could possibly see Toner at FB and Nippy in MF with McGrane with F Mo making way. It would be a big ask of Shannon in a high pressure game when he's more naturally a HB. Team I'd like to see:
McKinney
Shannon? Bellew/Toner Donaghy
McKeever O'Rourke Kernan
Toner/Nippy McGrane
SK(Vernon if ready) O'Rourke Courtney
McDonnell Clarke Kernan
Good enough assessment there mackers. i'd disagree with the point about McKeever though. he can be the best defender in the country on his day but we need to see more days of focus and discipline like the one he produced against monaghan. if i'm going to be harsh i'll say that everyone (bar moriarty) was good against roscommon and that wasn't difficult! McKeever had a decent game against Monaghan but a poor game against westmeath. Maybe i'm applying too high a standard to him but he can be that good so i suppose we have to. O'Rourke has been comfortably armagh's best defender to date.
the goals they've conceded were disappointing. two to high balls, which arguably wouldn't happen if francie was in situ and one to a concentration lapse from ak. armagh of old gave up goals very rarely and thats a habit i'd like to see them retain!
At the start of the league i'd have liked toner at full back but the more i see him at midfield i think he's the perfect foil for McGrane. he's very john toal like in his work rate, tackling and ball winning. that allows McGrane to concentrate on his game and hopefully pushing forward. It'd be a difficult game for shannon to try and prove himself as an intercounty corner back but i suppose McDonnell has to find these things out now rather than in the last ten minutes of a high pressure championship match in june.
Mallon is a miss but it's also a comfort blanket to know he'll come back in for the big games and McDonnell can go about finding out about the rest without having to leave mallon out.
Quote from: Orior on March 27, 2008, 09:52:00 AM
To all Dubs - the match starts at 2pm ;)
No worries sure as soon as we hit the border will we all dive like lunatics !
As opposed to what you normally do?
Quote from: Gnevin on March 27, 2008, 01:14:07 PM
Quote from: Orior on March 27, 2008, 09:52:00 AM
To all Dubs - the match starts at 2pm ;)
No worries sure as soon as we hit the border will we all dive like lunatics !
Tyrone wannabe ;)
Uladh as far as I know Griffin is still in Australia.
Will be lucky to catch a game at the end of the league.
Sunday is a big match for Armagh but I believe it is more important for the years ahead if certain players are played this week to give them a true test of their worth. By this I mean keeping our full back line will give us an idea as to who may be there for the long haul. There is no use playing a half fit Francie for example and learning nothing about Shannon or Moriarity or Donaghy. Let them play and you may learn more. The same with Stephen Kernan. I believe he has the ability but would like to see how he will cope with a rougher, tighter game. I also think we need to look at Swift again even if for only 30 minutes to see if the last game was a blip or a sign of a player who now knows the manager trusts him and is freer to show his ability. It may prove more beneficial in the long run to play these players and lose, but learn alot than to bring in others and win.
On a different note I believe that some of the problems in our full back line stem from our new approach. The half forwards are holding further up the field and scoring more. Consequently are half back line is further up the field and this is leaving our full back line more exposed. We may conceed more in future unless we can find a happy medium between the blanket defence and going man for man. On the positive we should score more too!
Any mention of an Armagh Team Yet?
Quote from: Onion Bag on March 27, 2008, 04:24:12 PM
Any mention of an Armagh Team Yet?
It's usually after Thursdays nights training session
THROW BALL
A very sensible post from you.
I agree entirely on all aspects
One change. McGrane in for Courtney.
Quote from: mackers on March 27, 2008, 10:54:54 AM
Francie could be on before half time.
If McDonnell's perserverence with Paul Magee at FB for 45 mins in the U-21 game is anything to go by then don't hold your breath for a positional remedy. This young lad was clearly in trouble by the Donegal FF, Griffin, after the first ball went in. He was cleaned completely and was turned inside out, yet McDonnel only saw fit to make a change toward the end. I overheard an older Donegal lady behind me say: "I'm surprised they have left that lad on big Griffin". FFS, it was so obvious.
In saying that, we had many underperforming, even Toner in MF was ineffective. But the problems stemmed from the mismatch between FF and our FB.
I think David McKenna needs to go catching balloons to improve his timing (didn't Beefer have McGrane at this?). So many times last Saturday he rose for ball which soared over his head as he was on the downward descent. Paul McKeown was the only one who looked useful. Forker missed too may chances, despite getting plenty of good ball and he had the beating of his man.
I don't think Charlie Vernon's natural position is MF. I've seen him from underage, but don't think he'll boss intercounty midfields. However, as Benny says bursting forward from HB he is a powerful sight indeed. HF is the only place I can see him being accommodated in the county senior team. While SJK has performed well to date, I don't think Vernon would be as anonomous for the periods Kernan can go missing.
Just seen the team and panel there on the Armagh website, Does anyone know has Brian Mc Cone from Ballymacnab been dropped from the panel all together, he not listed at all
Armagh team
mckinney
shannon donaghy moriarity
kernan o rourke mc keever
swift toner
s kernan, m orourke mc grane
mc donnell clarke kernan
Midfield mayhem on Sunday then.
Quote from: bennydorano on March 28, 2008, 09:18:07 AM
Midfield mayhem on Sunday then.
I remember Big Paul playing half forward line in his earlier days (a lot at club level too...) Not a big point scorer but he used to be good for a goal fairly regularly!
Think that's a fair enough team. It'll be a big confidence boost for Swift to have retained his place (Jaysus Throwball you talk more sense on a discussion board than you do when you're at a match ;)). Obviously McGrane will man midfield as well or him and Nippy will swap places.
We now a relativlely good squad with Oisin,Charlie Vernon and Brian Mallon to come in the forward line if things aren't working well up front and Francie to shore up the FB line if required (and Andy mallon when fit).
Wish Brendan Crossan would p1ss off, putting the kiss of death on us in the Irish News. It's still early days to be blowing smoke up our arses and Sunday could prove that yet!
I'm not convinced that naming McGrane in the half fowards is a sensible move. in his earlier county days he usd start at 10 or 11 to play as an auxillary midfielder but it never worked. he just didn't get into games. unless he does actually line out in the middle of course. himself and swift would be a natural switch?
Interesting to see how the two kernans cope with the physical aspect of the game on sunday, with what will be close to a championship paced match. also, this game is a very big test for shannon, donaghy, moriarty and swift and their credentials for championship football. is thereanything to be read into the fact that hearty hasn't featured yet? i was half expecting him to get a run sunday.
Quote from: Onion Bag on March 28, 2008, 08:28:03 AM
Just seen the team and panel there on the Armagh website, Does anyone know has Brian Mc Cone from Ballymacnab been dropped from the panel all together, he not listed at all
Is Courtney off the team and the panel?
Paul Kernan on an Armagh Senior Panel :o it got to be an error, if not how the hell did he manage that he is one of the most overrated players in Cross & in Armagh yet to see him play well.
what does brndan crossans article say?
armagh team and panel according to website for sundays game
Didn't know Barry McDonald was on the panel??
Has Gerard McCooy featured in any of the league games yet?
Quote from: topgun on March 28, 2008, 10:47:39 AM
armagh team and panel according to website for sundays game
The bould Francie has not been named in the subs. Does anyone know if he took a knock in training. Was looking forward to him teaching Conal Keaney a lesson
I dont't think the subs on Sunday will be strictly as appears on the squad list.
Mhacadoir, under a banner headline of "the future's bright, the future's orange" he assesses the change in style of play under the new manager (fair enough) but a few statements like "Armagh are in a better position than Tyrone" will only put pressure on. Next thing we'll be taking the flak that Monaghan have over the last few weeks about "not being as good as they thought they were". To be fair very few in Armagh are talking up the team in the same way as very few in Monaghan talked up their team.
I'd rather keep the head low for a while yet and let Paddy Heaney continue to talk crap about Derry.
cheers mackers... i agree, i think we are in a better position not getting talked up, the whole Armagh are finished talk never did us any harm before.
Quote from: High Catch on March 28, 2008, 11:40:59 AM
I dont't think the subs on Sunday will be strictly as appears on the squad list.
It would appear that way alright...
Mackers as you are well aware none of us talk any sense when a match is on! Still hope for a win on Sunday.
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 28, 2008, 01:58:55 PM
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
Put that fishing rod away you! ;)
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 28, 2008, 01:58:55 PM
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
The same Paul Casey who was headbutted by Galvin in the All-Ireland semi last year right in front of the linesman and "as usual" nothing was done?
Quote from: heffo on March 28, 2008, 02:12:01 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 28, 2008, 01:58:55 PM
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
The same Paul Casey who was headbutted by Galvin in the All-Ireland semi last year right in front of the linesman and "as usual" nothing was done?
Wonder why he head butted him?
Casey is the McMenimin of Dublin! - A better footballer with his mouth shut!
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on March 28, 2008, 02:14:52 PM
Quote from: heffo on March 28, 2008, 02:12:01 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 28, 2008, 01:58:55 PM
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
The same Paul Casey who was headbutted by Galvin in the All-Ireland semi last year right in front of the linesman and "as usual" nothing was done?
Wonder why he head butted him?
Probably the same thing Freeman did Sunday
the only wonder about casey is that he gets a game
Quote from: AFS on March 28, 2008, 02:19:07 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on March 28, 2008, 01:58:55 PM
Lads
Keep an eye out for the Dub defenders targeting your younger team members.
They seem to have a policy of trying to scare them by hitting them hard and often off the ball to stop them having a good game
Paul Casey really went to town on young Mulgrew back in Battle of Omagh from the off and as usual lineman stood and did nothing.
I'm not saying they're the only team that does this but just wondered would they be up to the same in Bandit country.
Would any Dorty Dubs have the nerve to try anything with Francie sitting, raring to go just yards away. The Vinny Corey incident in Cross' match against Clontibret last year has proven that Francie doesn't even have to be playing to scare the shit out of the opposition.
What happened between Corey and Bellew that day?
Bellew the terminator... :D :D You's lads are some craic I'm sure if Francie read some of these posts he'd be embarrassed the way people talk about him like he's some kind of indestructible machine. If he gets the right thump he'll fall just like everyone else my friend (sorry to burst you're bubble)
Quote from: AFS on March 28, 2008, 03:56:33 PM
Quote from: illdecide on March 28, 2008, 03:54:14 PM
Bellew the terminator... :D :D You's lads are some craic I'm sure if Francie read some of these posts he'd be embarrassed the way people talk about him like he's some kind of indestructible machine. If he gets the right thump he'll fall just like everyone else my friend (sorry to burst you're bubble)
I'll believe it when I see it :P
Tell ya what it would be some scrap with Francie and my BA :D :D
QuoteI'll believe it when I see it
Even Francie is afraid of John Donaldson!
However hopefully Sunday's game won't be another battle of Omagh but more like Armagh v Dublin 2002, where Armagh wins a game with some good scores.
Quote from: AFS on March 28, 2008, 03:56:33 PM
Quote from: illdecide on March 28, 2008, 03:54:14 PM
Bellew the terminator... :D :D You's lads are some craic I'm sure if Francie read some of these posts he'd be embarrassed the way people talk about him like he's some kind of indestructible machine. If he gets the right thump he'll fall just like everyone else my friend (sorry to burst you're bubble)
I'll believe it when I see it :P
look out the video of the all-ireland semi 2005 when Sean Cavanagh leaves him on his arse just before tyrones first goal. Francie is a classic old style full back but as ill decide says if hit right he will drop like anyone else
Not this sh1t again. Ye Tyrone boys are unbelievable!!! Cavanagh hit Bellew a frontal charge at high speed when he wasn't prepared for it. Get over it for fcuk's sake. I'm surprised they don't have a monument up for it in the Moy the way some of ye ding on about it! If Bellew and Cavanagh went for a 50/50 challenge I know who my money would be on.
Quote from: mackers on March 28, 2008, 05:26:52 PM
Not this sh1t again. Ye Tyrone boys are unbelievable!!! Cavanagh hit Bellew a frontal charge at high speed when he wasn't prepared for it. Get over it for fcuk's sake. I'm surprised they don't have a monument up for it in the Moy the way some of ye ding on about it! If Bellew and Cavanagh went for a 50/50 challenge I know who my money would be on.
ABSOLUTE BALLIX MACKERS ... That was the fairest shoulder challenge I've ever seen in my life and you are the first Armagh man in 3 years to whinge about it, and this is from a Tyrone man who actually admires Francie :'(
QuoteEven Francie is afraid of John Donaldson!
Even John Donaldson is afraid of John Donaldson!
Quote from: red hander on March 28, 2008, 05:52:11 PM
Quote from: mackers on March 28, 2008, 05:26:52 PM
Not this sh1t again. Ye Tyrone boys are unbelievable!!! Cavanagh hit Bellew a frontal charge at high speed when he wasn't prepared for it. Get over it for fcuk's sake. I'm surprised they don't have a monument up for it in the Moy the way some of ye ding on about it! If Bellew and Cavanagh went for a 50/50 challenge I know who my money would be on.
ABSOLUTE BALLIX MACKERS ... That was the fairest shoulder challenge I've ever seen in my life and you are the first Armagh man in 3 years to whinge about it, and this is from a Tyrone man who actually admires Francie :'(
Christ it's bad when yous are bragging about one of your players hitting an armagh man a shoulder ::)
and Sean, wing mirror, Cavanagh of all people! :D
Quote from: pintsofguinness on March 28, 2008, 06:53:21 PM
Quote from: red hander on March 28, 2008, 05:52:11 PM
Quote from: mackers on March 28, 2008, 05:26:52 PM
Not this sh1t again. Ye Tyrone boys are unbelievable!!! Cavanagh hit Bellew a frontal charge at high speed when he wasn't prepared for it. Get over it for fcuk's sake. I'm surprised they don't have a monument up for it in the Moy the way some of ye ding on about it! If Bellew and Cavanagh went for a 50/50 challenge I know who my money would be on.
ABSOLUTE BALLIX MACKERS ... That was the fairest shoulder challenge I've ever seen in my life and you are the first Armagh man in 3 years to whinge about it, and this is from a Tyrone man who actually admires Francie :'(
Christ it's bad when yous are bragging about one of your players hitting an armagh man a shoulder ::)
and Sean, wing mirror, Cavanagh of all people! :D
:D :D :D
Quote from: pintsofguinness on March 28, 2008, 06:53:21 PM
Quote from: red hander on March 28, 2008, 05:52:11 PM
Quote from: mackers on March 28, 2008, 05:26:52 PM
Not this sh1t again. Ye Tyrone boys are unbelievable!!! Cavanagh hit Bellew a frontal charge at high speed when he wasn't prepared for it. Get over it for fcuk's sake. I'm surprised they don't have a monument up for it in the Moy the way some of ye ding on about it! If Bellew and Cavanagh went for a 50/50 challenge I know who my money would be on.
ABSOLUTE BALLIX MACKERS ... That was the fairest shoulder challenge I've ever seen in my life and you are the first Armagh man in 3 years to whinge about it, and this is from a Tyrone man who actually admires Francie :'(
Christ it's bad when yous are bragging about one of your players hitting an armagh man a shoulder ::)
and Sean, wing mirror, Cavanagh of all people! :D
Here PoG, that shoulder probably won us the All-Ireland... ;)
Some people say Cavanagh ended the myth of Bellew in 05 when he burried him in a 50 50 clash (Bellew has barely played since) but I think Canavan had already ended it in Omagh in the 03 league game. Francie ran 10 yards to do Canavan but was left on his arse after the collision while Canavan ran on and sat Mugsy up for a goal.
How'd you lads end up in division 2?
We actually didn't finish in the bottom two if memory serves me right and ended up here because of league restructuring. Anyway Tyrone won't get relegated.
Shoulder/ frontal charge, whatever, who cares.
Quite surprised about that Corey story and would find it hard to believe to be honest.
The match on Sunday has draw written all over it. It is goin to be a huge task for a fairly inexperienced full back line. if they are below par we will probably lose, if they come out on top and all three play well, we should win.
Does anybody else think that this should have been all ticket? I am expecting the biggest crowd ever seen in Cross and I have seen it pretty full. The Cork League match in 03 was packed to the rafters, and if we get a bigger crowd on Sunday, it will be hard to see/satnd.
Should be a good game. The Armagh full back line looks pretty inexperienced and there seems to be mixed reports about them. The forward line looks pretty dangerous though. Will be interesting to see how Swift and Toner cope with a physically strong Dublin midfield, though they'll be helped by McGranes presence. Very hard one to call and Id imagine Cross will be pretty full. Is the game definately not being showed deferred now on tg4?
The Water Boy versus the Stats Boy.
Odd anyone?
I'd go for the Stats man again ! ;D ;D
Quote from: orangeman on March 28, 2008, 10:09:31 PM
I'd go for the Stats man again ! ;D ;D
Are you saying Galvin was a softer target than Freeman. Careful now >:(
Quote from: Frank Casey on March 28, 2008, 10:11:37 PM
Quote from: orangeman on March 28, 2008, 10:09:31 PM
I'd go for the Stats man again ! ;D ;D
Are you saying Galvin was a softer target than Freeman. Careful now >:(
Not at all - in fact Freeman has been well softened up by Stato after last weekend !
I've a feeling there'll be clipboards and pencils flying everywhere for this one.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 28, 2008, 10:58:36 PM
I've a feeling there'll be clipboards and pencils flying everywhere for this one.
There must have been video cameras, pencils, note books etc in Parnellgate ! There could be smuggled diesel everywhere on Sunday ! ;D
Crossmaglengate could be bigger than all the previous "gates" put together. The Dubs will be under the microscope bigtime and I've a feeling the Armagh boys will test their mettle early doors.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 28, 2008, 11:09:49 PM
Crossmaglengate could be bigger than all the previous "gates" put together. The Dubs will be under the microscope bigtime and I've a feeling the Armagh boys will test their mettle early doors.
But you know Jinxy that the Dubs under Pillar simply WON'T back down - they're afraid of nobody and being so close to the Monaghan border, they might have time on the way to the match to go and look for a few of those Monaghan lads and give them another beating !! I can just see Pillar now planning this hit and run raid - apologies afterwards of course !!!!! ;D ;D ;D
I for one would like to extend a long overdue welcome to Armagh to our Dublin friends for Sunday.I can't see where all the confidence in Armagh is coming from,Dublin are a completely different proposition to anything that Armagh have played this year,if Armagh can match them and be there at the finish I will be delighted!
Quote from: bigpaul on March 28, 2008, 11:23:22 PM
I for one would like to extend a long overdue welcome to Armagh to our Dublin friends for Sunday.I can't see where all the confidence in Armagh is coming from,Dublin are a completely different proposition to anything that Armagh have played this year,if Armagh can match them and be there at the finish I will be delighted!
Sure what are ye talkin about? The last Dublin fella that ventured into armagh in a combative way was captain kelly with a sh!tload of free state guns to get the row goin right!!! Sure didn Charlie get elected on the back of it. ;)
Quote from: jodyb on March 28, 2008, 11:31:20 PM
Quote from: bigpaul on March 28, 2008, 11:23:22 PM
I for one would like to extend a long overdue welcome to Armagh to our Dublin friends for Sunday.I can't see where all the confidence in Armagh is coming from,Dublin are a completely different proposition to anything that Armagh have played this year,if Armagh can match them and be there at the finish I will be delighted!
Sure what are ye talkin about? The last Dublin fella that ventured into armagh in a combative way was captain kelly with a sh!tload of free state guns to get the row goin right!!! Sure didn Charlie get elected on the back of it. ;)
Sure the country was never as well off with Charlie in charge - ok he got a few quid for himself but he helped everybody out - didn't he look after the pensioners well ?
I predict both teams will be down a man by the end. My money is on Whelan and McKeever. Straight red for Whelo, 2 yellows for McKeever.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 28, 2008, 11:34:43 PM
I predict both teams will be down a man by the end. My money is on Whelan and McKeever. Straight red for Whelo, 2 yellows for McKeever.
Whelo doesn't do red cards ! No matter what he does - refs just give him a wee lecture and he apologises and promises to be good .
Jackeens might be advised that if you travel from the M1 to Culloville, rather than turning on the Shelagh road, that the left hand side of the road is in Monaghan for a few metres. Please attend to any calls of nature there.
Mc Keever hasn't even looked like getting a yellow this year,will have to be severely provoked in my opinion!
Quote from: armaghniac on March 28, 2008, 11:42:45 PM
Jackeens might be advised that if you travel from the M1 to Culloville, rather than turning on the Shelagh road, that the left hand side of the road is in Monaghan for a few metres. Please attend to any calls of nature there.
Or if you feel you need to issue any further apologies, please do so before the match !! ;)
Word is that Whelo is breaking in a new set of gloves.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qdi-J6-fL._AA280_.jpg)
Who is going to put them on for him ?
I wouldn't fancy a slap from him on Sunday if he's going to wear these ! ;D
He has his own squire.
Quote from: Jinxy on March 28, 2008, 11:48:43 PM
Word is that Whelo is breaking in a new set of gloves.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qdi-J6-fL._AA280_.jpg)
You'd wanna have plenty of vaseline to pull your w!re with those.. What's a w@nker like Whelahan gonna do??
Quote from: jodyb on March 29, 2008, 12:11:37 AM
Quote from: Jinxy on March 28, 2008, 11:48:43 PM
Word is that Whelo is breaking in a new set of gloves.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Qdi-J6-fL._AA280_.jpg)
You'd wanna have plenty of vaseline to pull your w!re with those.. What's a w@nker like Whelahan gonna do??
Would vaseline be any good ? ;D ;D
see barry mc donald(big mcdoo) listed among the subs for armagh for sun. That means of the starting all ireland under 21 winning team only mcnamee and wilson who are available have been involved at some stage. Austin and Toal both injured and i am sure Toal will be part of the squad if he can find his form and gehis attitude right. Good to see these players getting a chance as i doubt this would have happened under big joe
Is this game on the radio at all at all?
I have heard that the game has been called off, no reason given. do not travel
Reason given. Referee says that the pitch is unsuitable. Most people are out of the ground now. No refunds given but free entry to the replay. The stand was already full by this stage.
Quote from: onlyonefut on March 30, 2008, 02:02:16 PM
Reason given. Referee says that the pitch is unsuitable. Most people are out of the ground now. No refunds given but free entry to the replay. The stand was already full by this stage.
Thats great, the decision couldnt have been made BEFORE thousands of people spent their hard earned money to travel to the game. The GAA look to be as competent as the IFA on this one. Ridiculous.
Why couldnt they have said that there would be an early morning pitch inspection so that people would have known there was a chance the game might be called off?
I hope the association learns from this. A decision should be made no later than 9:00AM to deternmine wether a game is going to be played or not, if I had been in the stands I would have been very pissed off.
Looks like alot of pitches need a bit of work on their drainage systems. Couldnt have been that much rain coming down. Perhaps the GAA get to work on upgrading pitches around the country, suppose it was done a few were done lately
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2008, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: onlyonefut on March 30, 2008, 02:02:16 PM
Reason given. Referee says that the pitch is unsuitable. Most people are out of the ground now. No refunds given but free entry to the replay. The stand was already full by this stage.
Thats great, the decision couldnt have been made BEFORE thousands of people spent their hard earned money to travel to the game. The GAA look to be as competent as the IFA on this one. Ridiculous.
Why couldnt they have said that there would be an early morning pitch inspection so that people would have known there was a chance the game might be called off?
I hope the association learns from this. A decision should be made no later than 9:00AM to deternmine wether a game is going to be played or not, if I had been in the stands I would have been very pissed off.
Repeat of the mess a couple of weeks ago at Parnell Park..... except this time it's the Dubs that travelled a wasted 60miles.
This is just too late notice..... i'm sure it wasn't just last nights rain that caused it!!!
At least they switched venues for the Monaghan Vs Meath game on time!!!! But this should have been also done for the Armagh-Dublin game.
Should have went out to the 'bridge.
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2008, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: onlyonefut on March 30, 2008, 02:02:16 PM
Reason given. Referee says that the pitch is unsuitable. Most people are out of the ground now. No refunds given but free entry to the replay. The stand was already full by this stage.
Thats great, the decision couldnt have been made BEFORE thousands of people spent their hard earned money to travel to the game. The GAA look to be as competent as the IFA on this one. Ridiculous.
Why couldnt they have said that there would be an early morning pitch inspection so that people would have known there was a chance the game might be called off?
I hope the association learns from this. A decision should be made no later than 9:00AM to deternmine wether a game is going to be played or not, if I had been in the stands I would have been very pissed off.
I was expecting a big crowd and so I made a point of going very early and was in the stand from 1 o'clock, and I am pissed off! Really inept by the GAA and inexcusable. Have just heard that the re-fixture is for Wed week at 6.30pm in Cross.
Wednesday week in Cross re-fixture is
And pints yes they should have refixed for Carrickcruppen early in day
Like Sandy Hill I was in the stands from 1pm. I just feel for the Dubs who travelled. I know there was heavy hail around midday but the inspection should have been made at least an hour and a half earlier, RTE seem to think that the inspection was only made around 1pm. Heard on RTE that Osin said that he had often played on worse in Cross.
The Cross publicians will make out like (excuse the pun) bandits.
I am sure that Devvie and Joe McKenna can expect some early trade to help swell the coffers, just really suits the publicians and that is about it really.
Surely a better date that a Wednesday evening could have been found? One thing for sure the large crowd that was headin today will all not be back on a wed evening,pity cause i like a lot of others was lookin fwd to 2days game..
The curse of the Longford refs continue to haunt us.....I understand player safety but for GOD SAKE FAHY ::) get out of your bed a little earlier and call the descision if it has to be made in the morning hence avoiding the chaos that followed today!! >:(
Quote from: holylandsniper on March 30, 2008, 03:18:59 PM
Wednesday week in Cross re-fixture is
And pints yes they should have refixed for Carrickcruppen early in day
Cruppen's field would be as bad surely? but I can guarantee your shoes would hardly be wet if you walked through the new field at the 'bridge now.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on March 30, 2008, 03:16:32 PM
Quote from: stew on March 30, 2008, 02:08:19 PM
Quote from: onlyonefut on March 30, 2008, 02:02:16 PM
Reason given. Referee says that the pitch is unsuitable. Most people are out of the ground now. No refunds given but free entry to the replay. The stand was already full by this stage.
Thats great, the decision couldnt have been made BEFORE thousands of people spent their hard earned money to travel to the game. The GAA look to be as competent as the IFA on this one. Ridiculous.
Why couldnt they have said that there would be an early morning pitch inspection so that people would have known there was a chance the game might be called off?
I hope the association learns from this. A decision should be made no later than 9:00AM to deternmine wether a game is going to be played or not, if I had been in the stands I would have been very pissed off.
I was expecting a big crowd and so I made a point of going very early and was in the stand from 1 o'clock, and I am pissed off! Really inept by the GAA and inexcusable. Have just heard that the re-fixture is for Wed week at 6.30pm in Cross.
6.30 ! sure you'd have to leave Dublin at 3.30 to beat all the traffic ! This is some farce , RTE reported that the ref only inspected the pitch at 1.45. 45 minutes before throw in ! ::) Osiin said he's played on the pitch when it was far worse !
Lads was their much rain up your way today?
Absolutely not good enough. Such a fecking weekend. Was in the ground today as well, what other sport would this happen in. I'm almost embarrassed for the GAA at this stage. Pitch inspection in morning of match and that's it, on or off from an early stage. Would put you off going near a game. There must have been 5000 at least in the ground already.
At least they decided from an early stage about the game in Omagh. That didn't help stupid old me though who went straight to Omagh for seven after a day away. That admittedly was my fault for not checking after the bad weather but today was a joke, and not a funny one.
Stewards at the ground who confirmed it to me today were fuming, saying they were on the pitch no time ago and it was 'the best'. RTE radio said the pitch inspection was at 1.40, and that there was no word of an earlier inspection.
There was one really bad hail shower as I approached Cross, for about ten minutes. Other than that I seen no rain.
Pain in the hole, a steward at the gate said it was called off late as the ref never turned up till half one!!!
A complete waste of the afternoon. Was in the stand by 1. THe stand was completely fulll by half one and the rest of the ground was starting to fill. Then they let us all know that the match was cancelled and we weren't getting any money back. A complete disgrace.
Very annoyed with County board today not just for the game being called off but for the shameless money grabbing. Went into the concessionary turnstile with my uncle and asked for a student and OAP and was told there was no concessions for the league which given this was my fifth game I know this not to be true. So 32 Euro and no refund and I'm not likely to make the refixture. I know I wasn't the only one hit by this as I heard a few people complaining their kids were being charged full whack. I wouldn't mind the money so much if it didn't seem it had been jacked up for this game where there were a large number of reserved seats.
Quote from: David McKeown on March 30, 2008, 04:52:19 PM
Very annoyed with County board today not just for the game being called off but for the shameless money grabbing. Went into the concessionary turnstile with my uncle and asked for a student and OAP and was told there was no concessions for the league which given this was my fifth game I know this not to be true. So 32 Euro and no refund and I'm not likely to make the refixture. I know I wasn't the only one hit by this as I heard a few people complaining their kids were being charged full whack. I wouldn't mind the money so much if it didn't seem it had been jacked up for this game where there were a large number of reserved seats.
That's a disgrace. Thank God I found out literally as I entered the gates as the re-fixture doesn't suit me either. I've been to national league games in a number of counties now and there's been a student and oap rate at every one. This should be raised with somebody. Why does the GAA need to do this to people?
Quote from: David McKeown on March 30, 2008, 04:52:19 PM
Very annoyed with County board today not just for the game being called off but for the shameless money grabbing. Went into the concessionary turnstile with my uncle and asked for a student and OAP and was told there was no concessions for the league which given this was my fifth game I know this not to be true. So 32 Euro and no refund and I'm not likely to make the refixture. I know I wasn't the only one hit by this as I heard a few people complaining their kids were being charged full whack. I wouldn't mind the money so much if it didn't seem it had been jacked up for this game where there were a large number of reserved seats.
That is a disgrace, I think that you will fnd the board will give refunds to those who cant make the replay, they have to surely, dont they???
I turned back before I got to the ground, as word had got through. Not having seen the pitch, I can't comment on the state of it, but to be fair, the safety of the players takes priority over all else. Certainly in Armagh City, there has been a lot of rain over the last 24 hours, and that continued right up until we left at 1.15 pm (in heavy pulses as the weathermen like to say :)). Indeed the match in Newry last night between Down and Longford was postponed.
I'm open to correction on this, but it appears to me that for all the redevelopment that has taken place over the years at Cross, the pitch largely remains the same, and is not unlike Croke Park before the new pitch was installed, i.e. it is a well looked after field. In my opinion, as a surface, it would not be in the top ten in the County, and is certainly not County standard.
As for concessions, there definitely has been OAP rates at previous games this year - if it was withdrawn for this game, then that is an absolute disgrace.
From Hoganstand
Armagh selector Benny Tierney was unhappy when the match referee made a late call to postpone the Orchard County's NFL clash with Dublin.
The match was called off just 40 minutes before the proposed throw-in time, with thousands of patrons having already taken their places inside the Crossmaglen venue.
The former Armagh goalkeeper insisted: "I played in a lot worse places. I think that game could have gone ahead today.
"A lot of people have travelled up from Dublin and to make their way to the ground and then pay in, it's disappointing.
"It just goes to prove that we are an amateur organisation."
The game, which generated great excitement in the host county, has been re-scheduled for Wednesday evening, April 9, with a 6.30 start.
How many is going to be at a game on a Wednesday night at 6.30?
For f**k sake the south armagh ones will get it tight to get home from work and go never mind anyone else!
Genius! ::)
What a joke! This is ridiculous - I didn't think it could be any worse than Parnell Park, but 40 mins before the start is a complete sham. Surely someone from Armagh (an Armagh ref if needs be) can tell the game's ref that the ground is unplayable early in the day?
Dublin will be even more disgusted by this, hard getting out of Dublin at best of times never mind that time of the evening.
Sounds like it was decided in a flash with no regard given to any supporters.
absaloute joke all round - GAA should be ashamed. im just wondering, where is Armagh secondary ground? davitt park? im ot sure where else in Armagh could have held such a crowd. still though, its a digrace to let people assume the games on till 1.40. very reminiscent of league semi against mayo a few years ago in hyde park
Quote from: hardstation on March 30, 2008, 05:27:14 PM
Any proof that you were there?
Only proof I would have would be the program which as it has effectively cost me 35 Euro was very over priced
In regard to the pitch it looked fine from a distance and the ball looked like it wad bouncing normally. Also the Armagh team seemed to have no problem with it when they came out onto it at 2 for a training session or warm down after the game had been abandoned. That said I had to abandon an underage soccer game I was refereeing in Antrim yesterday.
simply won't be travelling from dublin for that - i mean 6.30pm? - they simply expect the players to take a day off work as well-hardly fair on either set of players. i'm sure armagh will have a crowd there but we won't unfortunately- i was really looking forward to that today.
Typical of the GAA to shoot themselves in the foot like this....couldn't run a bath comes to mind!
And why is the refixture at 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening....I can't see how 6.30pm suits too many people. Especially for a big game such as Armagh v Dublin, the attendance will only be a small fraction of what it should have been on a Sunday afternoon. You can rule out all the Dubs for a start, followed by a sizeable percentage of the Armagh people who will have to work till evening time, never mind having to make their way home. If it has to be a Wednesday, why 6.30pm? Surely 7.30pm would have been more suitable.
cross doesn't have lights i dont think? probably why they have put it for half 6. couldn't play it at half 7
I thought there was a rule passed at congress that in the event of a doubt over the game in question a local referee could carry out a pitch inspection which in turn would prevent all this mayhem?
Worked out alright for myself as we found out just as we were pulling in to park. Very disappointing though. The one thing I would say was that the weather seemed very localised. I'd be about 2 miles outside Cullyhanna and we had a brave heavy rain before the match but travelling up the road, the orad was dry and there didn't seem to have been any rain in Cullyhanna itself and then the road was soaking elsewhere. Didn't see the pitch so I'm loath to comment on whether or not it shoulda been postponed.
QuoteAnd why is the refixture at 6.30pm on a Wednesday evening....I can't see how 6.30pm suits too many people. Especially for a big game such as Armagh v Dublin, the attendance will only be a small fraction of what it should have been on a Sunday afternoon. You can rule out all the Dubs for a start, followed by a sizeable percentage of the Armagh people who will have to work till evening time, never mind having to make their way home. If it has to be a Wednesday, why 6.30pm? Surely 7.30pm would have been more suitable.
I assume the reason its at 6 30 rather than 7 30 is that there's no pitch in Armagh with floodnights due to the delays with the floodlights. Maybe moving to Newry would have been an option but since there was a match called off there last night I can't see them having been allowed to go there.
QuoteThe ridiculous on off scheduling of the league hasn't helped either as we've effectively run out of free weekends at this point, nescessitating a Wednesday game.
Good point AFS, the 3 weeks in a row of games should have been earlier in the league rather than the last 3 weekends.
QuoteNever mind the supporters, what about the players?
Most will need to get time off work and make it to Cross in time for prep before the game, play until about 8-00 pm, change, shower and have their meal before heading home close to 10 pm and still have work to get to starting early the next morning. GAA may have behaved in an "amateur" way in their behaviour today but someone should remember that the players are also amateurs.
Did anyone ask them if they were OK with a 6-30 pm game which is becoming a must win game. The schedule now gives the Armagh players 3 very important games in 9 days.
Out of interest TYP, when would you have fixed the game for? (assume that the postponement today was justified)
Was in cross myself at 2 and heard that the game was called off as I walked up through the town. Spoke to someone who had walked on the field later on and said that it was fine. From what I hear the referee was the only person who didnt fancy playing the game. Apparently the stewards were pleading with him to give it another while as there had only just been a shower but he just got into his car and cleared off. Armagh county bord will have lost a fortune from this as probably up to six or seven thousand people didnt get as far as the turnstiles to pay in.
QuoteAye, why not play it on the 19/20 April. Neither Armagh nor Dublin are still in the U21 so that won't matter.
Because, on grounds of fairness, all teams need to finish their fixtures on the same day otherwise there could be an advantage in terms of promotion or relegation.
Today was an absolute disgrace. I travelled with the wife and nephew up to Cross from Kildare, paid 45euro at the gate, bought 2 programmes at 6euro, totalling 51euro to be told less than 5mins later that it was off and wouldnt be getting a refund, FECKING FURIOUS!!!!! >:( >:(
And 6.30pm on a wednesday suits who exactly?? The Armagh County Board, as they wont have 10% of what was there today and therefore can pocket the dough. My own family wont even be able to make it and they only live 20mins from Cross. The County Board should be made give a large sum to a childrens charity
The Grab All Association strikes again!!
Quotepaid 45euro at the gate, bought 2 programmes at 6euro, totalling 51euro to be told less than 5mins later that it was off and wouldnt be getting a refund
Surely ppl are entitled to a refund if they wish?
Dont think so OTB
Course they are, people paid in to see a game and didn't get one.
QuoteDont think so OTB
Why not? Surely if they had refixed the game for like for like i.e. 2.30pm on a Sunday afternoon, then no refunds today would have been not so bad. But the fact that they fix it for a Wednesday at 6.30pm which suits no one, is an absolute disgrace and as a result, refunds should be given!
Did someone not tell ref it was in Crossmaglen not Clones, a good source tells me he was in clones before he went to Cross.
I'm sure people do have the right to a refund. If you went to a concert and the artist didn't perform, you'd be entitled to a refund..... the problem is, you'd need a ticket - without one, you have no proof. At the same time, I'm sure if you took the necessary steps, you could get yourself a refund. I wonder what would have happened had some people refused to leave the ground until they were refunded? The law would obviously be on their side.
Something needs to be done about this - the payment on the gate without a ticket is such an antiquated way of doing things in this day and age. Not only does it leave the GAA open to ridicule in situations like this, but it also leaves fans out of pocket (and in this case, the very keen ones that were in the ground 40 minutes before the throw-in!). In addition, if this was a proper business, it would be unthinkable to have cash on the gate with no means of verifying what is being taken - it's the same as cashing up in a bar or a shop without a till-roll, assuming all the cash is handed over and all accounted for at the end of the day.
The most ridiculous thing about all this is that such problems can be so easily remedied!
Quote from: holylandsniper on March 30, 2008, 10:20:29 PM
Did someone not tell ref it was in Crossmaglen not Clones, a good source tells me he was in clones before he went to Cross.
True, the ref went to Clones by mistake. You couldn't make it up!
You're not serious are you?
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 30, 2008, 10:43:23 PM
I'm sure people do have the right to a refund. If you went to a concert and the artist didn't perform, you'd be entitled to a refund..... the problem is, you'd need a ticket - without one, you have no proof. At the same time, I'm sure if you took the necessary steps, you could get yourself a refund. I wonder what would have happened had some people refused to leave the ground until they were refunded? The law would obviously be on their side.
Something needs to be done about this - the payment on the gate without a ticket is such an antiquated way of doing things in this day and age. Not only does it leave the GAA open to ridicule in situations like this, but it also leaves fans out of pocket (and in this case, the very keen ones that were in the ground 40 minutes before the throw-in!). In addition, if this was a proper business, it would be unthinkable to have cash on the gate with no means of verifying what is being taken - it's the same as cashing up in a bar or a shop without a till-roll, assuming all the cash is handed over and all accounted for at the end of the day.
The most ridiculous thing about all this is that such problems can be so easily remedied!
the scary thing is the association is at the mercy on people being honest with this type of draconian accounting. How hard would it be for some guy to stick three or four grand in his pocket given the acounting practices on match day??? The GAA need to tighten up their financial practices when it comes to the gate at games, this is ridiculous.
For an organisation that is so concerned with finances the GAA have always had a cavalier approach towards cash control. In the days of the guys with the bags handing out tickets off a roll you might have expected that there would have been a reconciliation between the cash and the number of tickets issued. Not a bit of it.
On the matter in hand I was at Cross today entering by the Cullavile Road end. As we approached the turnstile the was some confusion as to wether the match was off. They were still taking money. i asked the man behind the stile if the match was off. He replied that no one had told him officially that the match was off. They were still prepared to take money at this stage. Surely as soon as the match was called off either officially or unofficially the stile men should have been communicated with immediately to tell them to take no more money.
Also the association or the county board should have a contingency in place to ensure that refunds could be made where appropriate. But maybe the paying public do not matter.
This doesn't reflect well on the GAA. The notion of a ref going to Clones is laughable, why would Armagh v Dublin be in Clones? The fixtures are in every paper, Aertel, radio and wherever. While games have to be called off to protect players this must be done in a proper way. There should be early inspections and short term weather forecasting is quite accurate and this should be factored into the decision. The Cross pitch is not great, but it wasn't that bad for the Cavan game, when it only stopped raining just before the game. In this case there was no more rain and the pitch would have dried in half an hour.
The 6:30pm time is a poor solution. If it a dark wet evening it will have to stopped again for lack of light. While on a Sunday you can get from any part of Dublin to Cross in 90 mins, you cannot do that on a workday evening, and even most Armagh people would find it hard to make it. A Sunday should have been left towards the end of the league for postponements. Even now this should be changed, while the aim may be to have all of the final round games at the same time, this can still break down if there is rain somewhere. In any case, promotion and relegation has already been rendered somewhat unfair by the concessions to Cork. There is nothing particularly sacred about the date of the Div 2 final, it hardly of enormous importance. A free game when people can't attend is a sad substitute for a proper refund.
All in all it is a pity that one of most important games to be played in Cross hasn't gone ahead. These big games will in the Armagh if the Athletic grounds is ever finished and there will be little or no atmosphere at the refixed game.
Quote from: hardstation on March 31, 2008, 12:09:49 AM
Quote from: armaghniac on March 30, 2008, 11:54:53 PM
This doesn't reflect well on the GAA. The notion of a ref going to Clones is laughable, why would Armagh v Dublin be in Clones? The fixtures are in every paper, Aertel, radio and wherever.
Exactly. How the feck does that happen?
I'm surprised that referees, who are to referee games in Casement, have not ended up in Portglenone.
A complete and utter shambles - typical of the GAA !
Keystones Cops wouldn't even describe this. Joke
Refixed for Wed evening at 6.30 - A huge crowd will be here I'm sure. Another day off work/college for lads on the panels then is it ? Absolute shambles
A complete and utter joke. I paid £22 for myself and my wife and arrived in good time to get a seat.Lo and behold the match was called off (I later heard there was a ladies game played on the pitch yesterday morning) and no refunds. >:( I won't be able to make the refixture as I will be at Liverpool Airport waiting for a flight home. Ironically those who came early yesterday were penalised. Felt really sorry for Dubs fans yesterday, though by the looks of things the Cross Social Club bar was doing a roaring trade.
FFS there should be a pitch inspection prior to opening the gates to the paying public and if there is even a reasonable doubt, the game should be postponed.
Also instead of paying managers huge "expenses", players grants etc, jetting off to Spain for training camps, County Boards should be investing money in County pitches, ensuring that they have drainage facilities that are capable of withstanding a heavy shower or two.
The GAA is lucky they have such tolerant followers. Anywhere else yesterday where people paid good money and then were told that they show was off and there were no refunds , and a riot would have ensued. Is there any other sport which treats its fans and paying public with such contempt, and gets away with it.
freebie next time according to Irish News
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2008, 09:21:23 AM
freebie next time according to Irish News
Not having a pop at you at all, but 'big deal'! That's no consolation or compensation to those who won't be able to go to the game next week.
Perhaps the GAA should invest in a Jon Joe Sat Nav for this gent. The Brits should have a lot of detailed maps of the cross area which they are no longer using perhaps the GAA should approach them to buy these as a job lot. Incidental will he be the referee for the rematch? How the hell can he be considered in any way efficient as a referee if he can't find his way to the town where the game is being played.
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 31, 2008, 09:26:50 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on March 31, 2008, 09:21:23 AM
freebie next time according to Irish News
Not having a pop at you at all, but 'big deal'! That's no consolation or compensation to those who won't be able to go to the game next week.
Not having a pop at you either, but will it not be music to the pockets of those who don't like paying in to matches ?? ;) :D
Is it really true that the referee went to Clones. Maybe he went on to Scotstown as well before heading for Crossmaglen. You can understand a ref having an accident or a car breaking down, but going to the wrong county. Do umpires not usually travel with the ref. Did they all head for Clones?. Talk about the wrong venue, Paisley & Co. would say that he was in the wrong country!!!.
Quote from: Onlooker on March 31, 2008, 11:10:35 AM
Is it really true that the referee went to Clones. Maybe he went on to Scotstown as well before heading for Crossmaglen. You can understand a ref having an accident or a car breaking down, but going to the wrong county. Do umpires not usually travel with the ref. Did they all head for Clones?. Talk about the wrong venue, Paisley & Co. would say that he was in the wrong country!!!.
Somebody said, they seen the on the strand in Salthill yesterday morning, leaving one of the gusthouses there - maybe he was just last leaving for the venue ??
In the Armagh county board's defence... not something i type regularly... they will suffer a fair financial loss from the way things have panned out, so i doubt the free wed night game would be their first choice.
on the wed night game, its just not on. the only way supporters from dublin will make it will be by taking ahalf day off work and a lot of armagh supporters will need to duck out early. the attendance will be a fraction of what would have made for the cracking atmosphere sunday would have been. armagh players will need to take a half day off work and dublin players will need the whole day. if its a dark evening, the game will not be finished. the solution is that the final round of league games should be the week later and all refixtures on the weekend of the scheduled last round.
all of this was avoidable because those who were on the pitch say there was no question of it being unplayable. there was a heavy shower as the ref arrived at 1.30 and there was surface water when he inspected at 1.45. the cross stewards, who happen to know their own pitch, pleaded with him to push the game til 2.45 and give the pitch a half hour, assuring him it drains very fast. he refused and said he was making the call.
at 2.15 there was hardly gloves needed on it.
Word was muted around the stand from about 1.45 that the game was off - yet my father who was on the gate was only told after 2pm to stop taking money and letting people in - a total disgrace - if there was any doubt at whatever time, the gates should of been closed until clarification arrived.
Quote from: Apple Top on March 31, 2008, 12:05:00 PM
Word was muted around the stand from about 1.45 that the game was off - yet my father who was on the gate was only told after 2pm to stop taking money and letting people in - a total disgrace - if there was any doubt at whatever time, the gates should of been closed until clarification arrived.
Good move ? I'd say it was a free for all at the turnstiles ! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: Uladh on March 31, 2008, 12:01:52 PM
In the Armagh county board's defence... not something i type regularly... they will suffer a fair financial loss from the way things have panned out, so i doubt the free wed night game would be their first choice.
Suffer a loss? Okay, so they won't have a big attendance next day out, but they already have the money from yesterday's patrons in the bank (or at least their pockets :P )
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 31, 2008, 01:01:10 PM
Quote from: Uladh on March 31, 2008, 12:01:52 PM
In the Armagh county board's defence... not something i type regularly... they will suffer a fair financial loss from the way things have panned out, so i doubt the free wed night game would be their first choice.
Suffer a loss? Okay, so they won't have a big attendance next day out, but they already have the money from yesterday's patrons in the bank (or at least their pockets :P )
Their pockets ?? I hear the declared attendance was 450 paid up patrons ! ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: orangeman on March 31, 2008, 01:10:19 PM
Their pockets ?? I hear the declared attendance was 450 paid up patrons ! ;D ;D ;D
I was joking of course - although last year's Casement event showed just how robust their lodgement arrangements were. I'm sure arrangements have been improved since then.
However, 2 separate stories on Hoganstand.com put the attendance at both 1,500 and 3,000. Given a €10 ticket price (and i'm sure this is
very conservative - especially considering that most patrons were in the stand, i.e. the most expensive area!), that's a potential difference of €15,000!
Was at the game before 1.30. Noticed some water lying beside the second dugout which could have proved dangerous but thought a bit of time and a fork may sort this out. Does feel as if I have thown my money away though as will have to leave work early to make the refixture and those who arrived later will get in free as well. Contingencies will have to be put in place to stop this in future. However, if the referee thought it was unsafe it would be negligent of him to let the match go ahead. Also, why was it left to the chief steward to announce the game was off or has he another function with the County Board.
Just checked gaa.ie and see a statement has been issued about the postponement of yesterday's Dublin v Monaghan game. Think Benny Tierney's radio comments may be close to the truth.
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2008, 09:20:30 AM
though by the looks of things the Cross Social Club bar was doing a roaring trade.
Had to laugh, we were up the end where they were serving tea and coffee, plenty of room up that end, I wonder why the other end was so full?? ;)
Quote from: Throw ball on March 31, 2008, 01:25:26 PM
Was at the game before 1.30. Noticed some water lying beside the second dugout which could have proved dangerous but thought a bit of time and a fork may sort this out. Does feel as if I have thown my money away though as will have to leave work early to make the refixture and those who arrived later will get in free as well. Contingencies will have to be put in place to stop this in future. However, if the referee thought it was unsafe it would be negligent of him to let the match go ahead. Also, why was it left to the chief steward to announce the game was off or has he another function with the County Board.
Just checked gaa.ie and see a statement has been issued about the postponement of yesterday's Dublin v Monaghan game. Think Benny Tierney's radio comments may be close to the truth.
Which were ??
Nice to see a press release on the GAA's official site manages to refer to the wrong match in the title!
http://www.gaa.ie/plugins/newsfeed.cgi?rm=content&plugin_data_id=22416
News
Dublin v Monaghan ( ::) ) postponement
Mar 31, 2008
photo
Monday, March 31.
In a statement issued today the GAA said that it understood the frustration caused to Dublin and Armagh supporters due to the enforced postponement of yesterday's Allianz National Football League game in Crossmaglen.
It confirmed that the pitch was considered playable up to noon. The pitch remained playable subsequent to this but following continuous rain and hail from noon the referee decided that the pitch was unplayable at approximately 1.30pm. His decision was on health and safety grounds and he conveyed this to the event organisers.
The match referee has sole responsibility for any decision taken relative to the suitability of a pitch from a premise of health and safety and his decision is final.
The Association fully understands the desire and aspiration of everybody associated with the teams to play the game but fully supports the referee in his decision as the health and safety of the players has to be paramount and take precedence over other exigencies irrespective of how pressing these may be.
The event organisers, the Armagh County Board considered that it would be logistically impossible to organise and administer a refund operation for supporters on the day as admission was by cash payment at the stiles.
It is estimated that there was approximately 1,500 in the ground where an attendance of approximately 8,000 – 10,000 would normally be expected. It was considered that the only option was to admit all supporters into the ground free at the rescheduled fixture. This has provisionally been arranged for Wednesday the 9th April but requires to be fully considered and confirmed by the CCCC at it's meeting tomorrow.
The GAA has said that it understands and fully accepts the annoyance and inconvenience experienced by supporters but states that in the circumstances there is no more that it cold meaningfully do.
2 things, there were more than 1,500 in there, miles more.
Also how did the ref know the pitch was playable at noon if he was in Omagh at the time???
Even the steward at the gate told me he wasnt there till half one!!! ::) >:(
QuoteThis has provisionally been arranged for Wednesday the 9th April but requires to be fully considered and confirmed by the CCCC at it's meeting tomorrow.
They could mitigate the damage by moving the refixture to Sunday 20th April, then most people could come.
Concerns about finishing the league on the same day are a bit odd as scoring difference is already messed up by the Cork thing.
Quotethere were more than 1,500 in there, miles more.
perhaps some of the different estimates have to do with the number to get a refund, those with league season tickets etc might not have paid cash anyhow.
Why could those who piad in not have been given a ticket to get into the rescheduled fixture ?
Quote from: orangeman on March 31, 2008, 01:10:19 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 31, 2008, 01:01:10 PM
Quote from: Uladh on March 31, 2008, 12:01:52 PM
In the Armagh county board's defence... not something i type regularly... they will suffer a fair financial loss from the way things have panned out, so i doubt the free wed night game would be their first choice.
Suffer a loss? Okay, so they won't have a big attendance next day out, but they already have the money from yesterday's patrons in the bank (or at least their pockets :P )
Their pockets ?? I hear the declared attendance was 450 paid up patrons ! ;D ;D ;D
Is that all? I feel gutted for the county board and wished I hadnt turned around on my journey. Where should I send my entrance fee?
Why could the pitch not have been inspected by the referee BEFORE the entrance stiles were opened. This would have solved the problem of upwards of 2000 patrons having to pay in without any returns.
Can anyone confirm that there were no facilities for concessions for students and OAP's?
Quote from: hardstation on March 31, 2008, 03:00:40 PM
Quote from: Armagh Exile on March 31, 2008, 02:50:10 PM
Why could the pitch not have been inspected by the referee BEFORE the entrance stiles were opened. This would have solved the problem of upwards of 2000 patrons having to pay in without any returns.
This is what happens when you have a ref who doesn't know stork from butter and turns up at half 1.
He was in the Sperrin restaurant in Omagh and defintely asked for butter with his spuds !
Quote from: orangeman on March 31, 2008, 01:10:19 PM
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 31, 2008, 01:01:10 PM
Quote from: Uladh on March 31, 2008, 12:01:52 PM
In the Armagh county board's defence... not something i type regularly... they will suffer a fair financial loss from the way things have panned out, so i doubt the free wed night game would be their first choice.
Suffer a loss? Okay, so they won't have a big attendance next day out, but they already have the money from yesterday's patrons in the bank (or at least their pockets :P )
Their pockets ?? I hear the declared attendance was 450 paid up patrons ! ;D ;D ;D
Absolute rubbish. Was just at the gates and could see in to the stand side. There were thousands of people already in the ground, my guess would be up on four thousand at least. Never ever trust the GAA on attendance figures of any kind.
I was also in the process of being told there was no student or oap rate when i heard of postponement, thankfully for me.
Someone here yesterday suggested even children had to pay full price?
Simple question. Is there any other sporting organisation in the world where the paying customers are treated so shabbily?
The stand was full yesterday prior to the postponement and there was an announcement to this effect ffs.
does anyone know if andy mallon is near fitness for next weeks games
How many does that stand side hold? Have seen various GAA sources quoting the number of fans who had paid in, to my mind they are simply lying.
Quote from: Armagh Exile on March 31, 2008, 02:50:10 PM
Why could the pitch not have been inspected by the referee BEFORE the entrance stiles were opened. This would have solved the problem of upwards of 2000 patrons having to pay in without any returns.
Can anyone confirm that there were no facilities for concessions for students and OAP's?
Ans 1 - He could not have inspected the Cross pitch because he was in Clones,
Ans 2 - There were concessions for kids and OAPs.
students and oap were allowed in at the cheaper rate of £4.
Unreal
How the fcuk can he make the mistake of going to the wrong ground?
Naka,
I was talking to charlie vernon at the Roscommon game and said it could be six weeks for Andy Mallon. Hopefully its sooner.
Quote from: Maguire01 on March 31, 2008, 01:36:38 PM
Nice to see a press release on the GAA's official site manages to refer to the wrong match in the title!
4 hours later, they still haven't noticed!
Love the way the GAA bring out a new logo to convey a new image, well it doesnt change a damn thing of course. You can put a chimp in a tuxedo but it will still behave like a chimp. People talk about professionalism in the association, there are serious problems arising and the GAA really needs to create a strong infracstructural foundation of pitches, facilities and business plans where progress in terms of TV rights and catering for large crowds and taking in huge sums of money is sustainable.
Because at the moment it looks like a house of cards ready to fall. What sponser or broadcaster will tolerate cancelled games, indisicipline, appeals. Its all well and good Nicky Brennan telling people how great and modern everything is etc, but this weekend is an example of how back ward things are outside of Croke park.
Couple of things:
Walking into the ground I asked a Crossmaglen steward what the pitch was like and he said as long as a another heavy shower stayed away that it would be fine. They had being out on the pitch with pitchforks and had most of the access water away.
A boyo with a handset came across the pitch waving his hands that the game was off 10 mins before it came over the PA system.
This was then only before the Dublin bus pulled over to the gate 5 mins before it was announced
Before anyone could get a chance to get out of the ground, The Dublin team were all on the bus ready to go.
Farcial to say the least! At the minute, I think the GAA is a laughable organisation!!
I know this isn't going to be a popular view but to be honest, in the circumstances, I'm not really sure what else the Armagh County Board could have done. Organising refunds on the spot to thousands of people would have put those giving money back under serious pressure. As for the date of the re-fixture, its been dictated by circumstances beyod Armagh's control.
The way to deal with these issues is for a ticket to be issued with payment so that refunds could be given at a later date if people can't make the re-fixture.
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on March 31, 2008, 09:44:53 PM
I know this isn't going to be a popular view but to be honest, in the circumstances, I'm not really sure what else the Armagh County Board could have done. Organising refunds on the spot to thousands of people would have put those giving money back under serious pressure. As for the date of the re-fixture, its been dictated by circumstances beyod Armagh's control.
The way to deal with these issues is for a ticket to be issued with payment so that refunds could be given at a later date if people can't make the re-fixture.
I don't think anyone can blame the Armagh county board for what happened. The stewarding was excellent all the way out to the main rd.
They posted directions to the ground on hill16.ie.
They didn't want the game called off - had the ref been there on time, it could have avoided some inconvenience.
I think most accept that it would be chaos trying to refund without proof - the issue is that such a situation should never arise in the first place.
From hoganstand.com:
QuoteDivision 2 final could be put back
01 April 2008
The NFL Division 2 final could be delayed after last Sunday's postponed clash between Armagh and Dublin in Crossmaglen.
The match was called off just 40 minutes before the scheduled throw-in time by Longford referee Derek Fahy after he declared the pitch unplayable. The game has been provisionally rescheduled for Wednesday week with a 6.30 throw-in time, but that could yet change after doubts were raised about playing it on a midweek evening when sufficient light could not be guaranteed (Crossmaglen does not have floodlights capable of staging a NFL game).
Consideration for supporters was also being weighed up prior to Tuesday morning's Central Competition Controls Committee meeting that will make a final decision on the re-fixture. Should a midweek date be deemed unsuitable, the only option left for the CCCC would be to play the game on the weekend of April 19/20 when the Division 2 final is due to take place.
And if the result of the Armagh/Dublin tie impacts on who competes in the final, then the date for the final will have to be pushed back by a week to the weekend of April 26/27.
Makes sense to allow all who wish to attend, to do so!
However, will they still have no gate?
There'll be some crowd at it!
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 01, 2008, 12:18:39 PM
There'll be some crowd at it!
Too right there would - i'd head myself, as a neutral, with no other games being played that weekend.... although depending on the outcomes of the other rounds, this could be a meaningless challenge game at that stage (i.e. Dublin already into final and Armagh safe from relegation = pointless match).
Cross hasn't that big a capacity, if Armagh do well enough in their next games to suggest that they could beat Dublin then quite a crowd might show up if there was free admission. Even if not too many Dubs came if Dublin were already qualified, If Dublin were playing Monaghan in the Div 2 final, you could have hundreds from Monaghan having a look.
Quote from: T Fearon on March 31, 2008, 04:34:37 PM
Simple question. Is there any other sporting organisation in the world where the paying customers are treated so shabbily?
The stand was full yesterday prior to the postponement and there was an announcement to this effect ffs.
You're not telling me you actually PAID in to Crossmaglen on Sunday?
Quote from: TacadoirArdMhacha on March 31, 2008, 09:44:53 PM
I know this isn't going to be a popular view but to be honest, in the circumstances, I'm not really sure what else the Armagh County Board could have done. Organising refunds on the spot to thousands of people would have put those giving money back under serious pressure. As for the date of the re-fixture, its been dictated by circumstances beyod Armagh's control.
The way to deal with these issues is for a ticket to be issued with payment so that refunds could be given at a later date if people can't make the re-fixture.
Same thing happened at Casement park last year when Antrim played Derry. My mate had paid £12 each for him and the wife in to the match. When he went after the match was called off for a refund as he was in Spain the next wk he was told "sure you will get in next wk for free" even after explaining that he would not be here they still just didn't understand then wonder why people get annoyed. Someone from the Ulster council gave him a card and then didn't have the decency to answer his e-mails or phone calls .. There is no reason why some sort of ticket could not have been given out espically if they knew the game was going to be in doubt. Or even let the people in for free and let the GAA lose out for once.
I see this was desribed on Aretel yesterday as an "imbroglio", ie the headline stated "GAA apologises to Armagh and Dulin fans for imbroglio"
There you are. We can rest safe in the knowledge that we have been imbroglioised and the GAA is sorry ???
.
Quote from: T Fearon on April 01, 2008, 04:29:28 PM
I see this was desribed on Aretel yesterday as an "imbroglio", ie the headline stated "GAA apologises to Armagh and Dulin fans for imbroglio"
There you are. We can rest safe in the knowledge that we have been imbroglioised and the GAA is sorry ???
.
tony stop trying to increase you're GAA posts... ;) :D
Hoganstand.com:
QuoteRe-fixture dates
01 April 2008
Following a meeting of the Central Competitions Control Committee on Tuesday (April 1st), the GAA have confirmed the following:
The NFL Division 2 game between Armagh V. Dublin has been re-fixed for Sunday, April 13th at 2.30 p.m. in Crossmaglen while the Division 3 Down V. Limerick game will take place in Newry on the same date also at 2.30 p.m.
The CCCC have also confirmed that Round 7 of the NFL, Division 2 and Division 3, have now been rescheduled for Sunday, April 20th.
The finals in Division 1, 2, 3 and 4 will go ahead as scheduled on April 27th unless there is a need for a play-off in Division 2, in accordance with Riail 116 (c) of the Official Guide.
In the event that a play-off is required, it will be played on Sunday April 27th with the Division 2 final then scheduled for the week-end of May 3rd.
Armagh v Dublin game refixed for Sunday 13 April (2.30) in Crossmaglen.
Quote from: Armagh Exile on April 01, 2008, 05:26:30 PM
Armagh v Dublin game refixed for Sunday 13 April (2.30) in Crossmaglen.
Is it still free in ? ;D
Dubs v Armagh rescheduled for April 13
Following a meeting of the Central Competitions Control Committee on Tuesay afternoon, the GAA have confirmed the following;
The NFL Division 2 game between Armagh v Dublin has been re-fixed for Sunday, April 13 at 2.30 p.m. in Crossmaglen while the Division 3 Down v Limerick game will take place in Newry on the same date also at 2.30 p.m.
The CCCC have also confirmed that Round 7 of the NFL, Division 2 and Division 3, have now been rescheduled for Sunday, April 20.
The finals in Division 1, 2, 3 and 4 will go ahead as scheduled on April 27 unless there is a need for a play-off in Division 2, in accordance with Riail 116 (c) of the Official Guide.
In the event that a play-off is required, it will be played on Sunday April 27 with the Division 2 final then scheduled for the week-end of May 3.
There's been a lot of abusive messages directed at the gaa over this but player safety had to take priority and this refixture should keep most people happy. Wonder will it still be free in though. Would cost the county board a fortune and there would be real question marks over whether Cross could hold the crowd if the weather was anyway decent. Could it be all ticket with reduced prices?
How is it going to cost them? Sure they're paying no-one - what big expenses would there be? They'll make up for any by selling programmes/mars bars/tayto/club orange at crazy prices (not to mention the money brought into the general area - pubs, restaurants, shops etc from a second big crowd). I doubt they'll be out of pocket.
Armagh county board seem to be rowing back on the "free-in" proposal. They are now saying they have no authority to make it free entrance, and that its a decision for Croke Park.
Quote from: Hound on April 01, 2008, 06:40:35 PM
Armagh county board seem to be rowing back on the "free-in" proposal. They are now saying they have no authority to make it free entrance, and that its a decision for Croke Park.
Bad form. But I think for crowd safety its not a bad idea.
Money should have been returned on the last day.
Maguire01 I had meant it would cost the county board a fortune in terms of lost revenue considering the huge crowd that is expected for the fixture, didnt mean the cost to run the game.
Wasn't Dublin V Meath meant to be on this date , is that now the week after?
Quote from: Tyrone Dreamer on April 01, 2008, 06:51:24 PM
Maguire01 I had meant it would cost the county board a fortune in terms of lost revenue considering the huge crowd that is expected for the fixture, didnt mean the cost to run the game.
I wouldn't shed too many tears - they have the money from the first day from anything between 450(!) and 3,000 punters (including any money they spent as well as the admission charge) and they'll make plenty of money out of the re-fixture.
A solution to the free game/overcrowding problem would be to sell tickets but also make them valid for the following weeks game. This would be essentially free to the fan that goes to all games, while still restricting numbers.
Please note that the Armagh v Dublin clash will be an all-ticket event. Tickets will be distributed through the participating counties only. There will be no charge for these tickets.
Following a meeting of the Central Competitions Control Committee on Tuesay afternoon, the GAA have confirmed the following;
The NFL Division 2 game between Armagh v Dublin has been re-fixed for Sunday, April 13 at 2.30 p.m. in Crossmaglen while the Division 3 Down v Limerick game will take place in Newry on the same date also at 2.30 p.m.
Please note that the Armagh v Dublin clash will be an all-ticket event. Tickets will be distributed through the participating counties only. There will be no charge for these tickets.
The CCCC have also confirmed that Round 7 of the NFL, Division 2 and Division 3, have now been rescheduled for Sunday, April 20.
The finals in Division 1, 2, 3 and 4 will go ahead as scheduled on April 27 unless there is a need for a play-off in Division 2, in accordance with Riail 116 (c) of the Official Guide.
In the event that a play-off is required, it will be played on Sunday April 27 with the Division 2 final then scheduled for the week-end of May 3.
http://www.hill16.ie/viewstoryhill16.asp?id=9828&mainheading=Word+on+The+Hill&viewstory=yes
Quote from: T Fearon on April 01, 2008, 04:29:28 PM
I see this was desribed on Aretel yesterday as an "imbroglio", ie the headline stated "GAA apologises to Armagh and Dulin fans for imbroglio"
I miss Natalie Imbroglio- she was lovely.
whats Aretel? is it teletext in Ballyoran?
It's still on Aertel at the minute too, credit to the community.
QuotePlease note that the Armagh v Dublin clash will be an all-ticket event. Tickets will be distributed through the participating counties only. There will be no charge for these tickets.
Putting a lot of pressure on the clubs there.
Round 2 of the Boyle Transport All County Leagues, scheduled for Sunday 13 th April , will now take place on Saturday 12 th April at 6.00pm . This decision has been reached by the CCC to ensure no clash with the Armagh v Cork fixture on 13 th April at Crossmaglen.
QuoteRound 2 of the Boyle Transport All County Leagues, scheduled for Sunday 13 th April , will now take place on Saturday 12 th April at 6.00pm . This decision has been reached by the CCC to ensure no clash with the Armagh v Cork fixture on 13 th April at Crossmaglen.
Are Armagh not playing Dublin that day though?!
It is the Dubs allright, but I assume the other content is correct as it came from the Co Board.
I said the first game should of been all-ticket as a precautionary reason, I am delighted the second match has been deemed an all-ticket affair. If it had not been, and Armagh had beaten Meath, there could of been serious health and safety issues.
What can Cross hold about 11,000? A free gate and a big interest would see that figure pushed to the maximum.
I was just approaching the ground when I heard, was gutted as I had not looked forward to a game of football as much in a long time.
No disrespect to Cross (The venue is a credit facility wise), but the pitch is not County standard. It always has been a heavy pitch and if we could just transport Cruppens pitch in we would be flying.
The County board could do no more. If issuing refunds back through the turnstiles, it only takes a lock of students to ask for the full whack back and the stewards will be coming up short. How could a steward tell if a person paid in as a student or not?
On refelction it is a sad state on our county; after years of success, we are still very much in the lower leagues, facility wise.
In Tyrone, you buy a ticket, then pass the ticket through the turnstiles.
This system stops those at the turnstyles pocketing any money & also, allows refunds if a situ like this arises!
Exactly the way it should be done, or even people at turnstiles issuing a coloured ticket/stub to all who pay, then when refund is needed you produce ticket to get refund, no ticket no refund and have 1 colour for full pay & one for concession prices. This also a way making sure correct money is there as if tickets were numbered the amount of tickets gone should tell how much money was brought in.
Uladh i know this thread has been going a while but do you not think you're showing a lack of respect for Dublin when you call the thread "Dorty Dubs". I think you should change it to Armagh v Dublin.
Bit tongue in cheek i think, I laughed anyway.
Ach i'll decide, allow me my little indulgences. There were a spate of dorty dubs threads long before they were cheeky dubs!
Quote from: corn02 on April 02, 2008, 09:28:33 AM
I said the first game should of been all-ticket as a precautionary reason, I am delighted the second match has been deemed an all-ticket affair. If it had not been, and Armagh had beaten Meath, there could of been serious health and safety issues.
What can Cross hold about 11,000? A free gate and a big interest would see that figure pushed to the maximum.
I was just approaching the ground when I heard, was gutted as I had not looked forward to a game of football as much in a long time.
No disrespect to Cross (The venue is a credit facility wise), but the pitch is not County standard. It always has been a heavy pitch and if we could just transport Cruppens pitch in we would be flying.
The County board could do no more. If issuing refunds back through the turnstiles, it only takes a lock of students to ask for the full whack back and the stewards will be coming up short. How could a steward tell if a person paid in as a student or not?
On refelction it is a sad state on our county; after years of success, we are still very much in the lower leagues, facility wise.
Given that some of the turnstiles were saying there where no concessions through out the league, it would have been a disaster as any students who did pay full price would have needed full money back
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2008, 11:00:34 AM
Uladh i know this thread has been going a while but do you not think you're showing a lack of respect for Dublin when you call the thread "Dorty Dubs". I think you should change it to Armagh v Dublin.
Aye Uladh, change it back to the cheeky Dubs
Quote from: Uladh on April 02, 2008, 11:33:02 AM
Ach i'll decide, allow me my little indulgences. There were a spate of dorty dubs threads long before they were cheeky dubs!
Ach i know but i'm afraid of us getting closed down if were out of order ;) :D Look what happened Orchard County :o
Quote from: orangeman on April 01, 2008, 05:33:03 PM
Quote from: Armagh Exile on April 01, 2008, 05:26:30 PM
Armagh v Dublin game refixed for Sunday 13 April (2.30) in Crossmaglen.
Is it still free in ? ;D
AH BOLLOX, I had flights home for the Meath-Dublin game, for f**k sake, >:( really pissed off now, even had friends coming over with me for the game, well thats a load of shite, when is the Meath Dublin game going to be played??
Just goes to show you cant put any faith in the GAA fixture lists.
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2008, 11:00:34 AM
Uladh i know this thread has been going a while but do you not think you're showing a lack of respect for Dublin when you call the thread "Dorty Dubs". I think you should change it to Armagh v Dublin.
Naw Uladh thinks this it the height of good natured banter. How ever when we have 7+ Super Dubs thread in response to all the Dirty/Cheeky Dubs threads he or his like will then start whinging ::)
I doubt he is to be fair, and if he does it is only on the wind up.
POG, I see someone else has raised the issue of the slant in Silverbridge's pitch elsewhere, surely you can not deny it anymore. ;)
Quote from: Gnevin on April 02, 2008, 12:03:18 PM
Quote from: illdecide on April 02, 2008, 11:00:34 AM
Uladh i know this thread has been going a while but do you not think you're showing a lack of respect for Dublin when you call the thread "Dorty Dubs". I think you should change it to Armagh v Dublin.
Naw Uladh thinks this it the height of good natured banter. How ever when we have 7+ Super Dubs thread in response to all the Dirty/Cheeky Dubs threads he or his like will then start whinging ::)
definately not changing it now...
Did i read correctly in yesterdays paper that the GAA are going to punish county boards who cannot host a game to poor ground & facilities, in the wake of the recent cancellation of number of national league games
Maybe this will push Armagh and another few county boards who have no proper county ground into sorting out their problems
Also what punishment is there for a referee who turns up to wrong pitch, and also the one who costs teams valuable points/wins
Say Armagh have 7000 tickets for the Game, and the dubs 2000, wot happens if more members than tickets are looking to attend now that they're FREE..
What procedure will clubs follow to ensure all full members get tickets... ??? ???
for example say the Harps get 150tickets and they have 400 football members, and 200 turn up looking tickets, what happens next?????????? ??? ???
Ebay might have 1 day postings i suspect with no postage - pick up only >:(
Quote from: fcuksake on April 03, 2008, 01:02:40 AM
Say Armagh have 7000 tickets for the Game, and the dubs 2000, wot happens if more members than tickets are looking to attend now that they're FREE..
What procedure will clubs follow to ensure all full members get tickets... ??? ???
for example say the Harps get 150tickets and they have 400 football members, and 200 turn up looking tickets, what happens next?????????? ??? ???
Ebay might have 1 day postings i suspect with no postage - pick up only >:(
It'll have to be first come first served I'd say, nothing much else that can be done.
Probably done in the same manner as All-Irelands etc, names from a hat, I doubt demand will be that extreme.
If it does happen to sell out, many who paid in and are not associated with clubs, will miss out.
One thing for certain I noticed as I sat in the stand for an hour awaiting my drive home, Dublin brought some amazing looking women!
The problems I can see with free tickets for the next day are:-
1. Many children will miss out.
2. Many who paid in the last day may also miss out.
3. There will be those who take up the ticket because it is free but wake up on the Sunday morning with a hangover or see a spot of rain and decide not to bother thus depriving others of a ticket.
4. We may get more of the 'buckfast bricade' who think it will be a good day out!
Although laudable to offer free tickets it may have made more sense to have a nominal charge of say a fiver to try ensure genuine supporters get a ticket. Alternatively they could have transfered the match to Clones: afterall Armagh wanted that last year v Donegal so that more supporters could see the game! (I know this was never an option)
Quote from: Apple Top on April 03, 2008, 01:23:04 PM
One thing for certain I noticed as I sat in the stand for an hour awaiting my drive home, Dublin brought some amazing looking women!
Well said apple top, i noticed that myself, Jasus the Dub talent was 100%
Quote from: Onion Bag on April 03, 2008, 02:58:51 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 03, 2008, 01:23:04 PM
One thing for certain I noticed as I sat in the stand for an hour awaiting my drive home, Dublin brought some amazing looking women!
Well said apple top, i noticed that myself, Jasus the Dub talent was 100%
Were youse looking at my bleedin missus?? >:(
Were youse looking at my bleedin missus?? >:(
[/quote]
So it was your missus's monthly :o - too much info!
Quote from: Throw ball on April 03, 2008, 01:24:02 PM
Alternatively they could have transfered the match to Clones: afterall Armagh wanted that last year v Donegal so that more supporters could see the game! (I know this was never an option)
Yeah, but the difference is that this is a home game, so from that point of view, they'd be in a better position to move it to Clones. But they're not going to move it, as they'll actually lose money by doing this as it'd be a free gate and they'd have to pay some of the last day's takings over to Monaghan County Board for the use of Clones.
Quote from: Imposerous on April 03, 2008, 06:43:54 PM
Were youse looking at my bleedin missus?? >:(
So it was your missus's monthly :o - too much info!
[/quote]
Christ, too far man, too far ;)
I think this refixed game could cause all sorts of problems with large numbers turning up just because it's free. Maybe it should be moved to a ground with a larger capacity on safety grounds. What about Navan or Newry if you don't fancy Clones.
It is all ticket.
Crossmaglen Rangers had a meeting last night and the prices for the day are as follows :
Admission to Social Club : £ 5 or € 10
Pint : £ 5 or € 10
Piss : Free to Northerners € 5 to Dublin supporters.
Please note that no statisticians or video analysis people will be allowed near the sidelines - a temporary sin bin will be in place for the day and all sinning Dub fans can attend confession before, during and after the game. A plenary indulgence for all the lost Sam Maguires of the past few years can be obtained by attending confession on this day. Cost of confession is minimum € 10
Quote from: orangeman on April 04, 2008, 03:08:54 PM
all sinning Dub fans can attend confession before, during and after the game. A plenary indulgence for all the lost Sam Maguires of the past few years can be obtained by attending confession on this day. Cost of confession is minimum € 10
Is that a flat fee? What if some of us have sinned more than others?
Quote from: heffo on April 04, 2008, 03:33:05 PM
Quote from: orangeman on April 04, 2008, 03:08:54 PM
all sinning Dub fans can attend confession before, during and after the game. A plenary indulgence for all the lost Sam Maguires of the past few years can be obtained by attending confession on this day. Cost of confession is minimum € 10
Is that a flat fee? What if some of us have sinned more than others?
I think they just took an average !!!!!!! One size fits all ! ;D ;D ;D
QuoteA plenary indulgence for all the lost Sam Maguires of the past few years
There will be a big queue from both sets of supporters if thats the case :P
Whats the story with the Tickets lads?
Quote from: Gnevin on April 06, 2008, 07:11:30 PM
Whats the story with the Tickets lads?
Through the clubs, although Armagh Co Board have come up with this - "non-members of clubs who were at the first game can go to their local club to get a ticket" That should be easy to police ::)
Quote from: bennydorano on April 06, 2008, 08:57:31 PM
Quote from: Gnevin on April 06, 2008, 07:11:30 PM
Whats the story with the Tickets lads?
Through the clubs, although Armagh Co Board have come up with this - "non-members of clubs who were at the first game can go to their local club to get a ticket" That should be easy to police ::)
Oh for f**k sake!
Will there be the same Armagh interest now anyway, after yesterday's result?
QuoteThrough the clubs, although Armagh Co Board have come up with this - "non-members of clubs who were at the first game can go to their local club to get a ticket"
An absolute farce. Personally we'd just parked in Crossmaglen when the game was called off but I don't we'd have any less right to go to the next match than anyone else. I've heard clubs aren't even going to have enough tickets for their own members. Clubs aregoing to put under a lot of pressure through no fault of their own.
There should have been County Board Officials disturbing tickets to travelling supporters last night in Navan. OK you wouldn't have gotten everybody and some Meath people might have ended up with tickets but it'd be a start.
How many tickets are being sent down south?
TAM, would not have mattered if they were distributing tickets last night, you wouldn't have found them. You had some trouble getting to the gorund last night, walking down the wrong side streets.
A new week and hopefully a new performance!
Navan is gone and best forgotten from an Armagh point of view and a strong league finish is required now to give us all hope for the Ulster Championship.
It's unfair to drop lads who have been doing well on the back of one performance but there have been consustently poor performances too.
For Sunday i'd like to see
McKinney
McNulty
Donaghy
Shannon
McKeever
O'Rourke
Kernan
Toner
McGrane
Vernon
Mallon
O'Rourke
McDonnell
Clarke
Kernan
uladh, note your comments but thought both shannon and t kerna were very poor last sat evening,
would like to see some radical changes, with m o rourke dropped also.
play duffy( a mallon come summer) in the corner to see what he can do,play bmallon wing half forward with mc grane centrehalf and a midfield of lavery and toner.
also play oisin in the corner to put a bit of pressure on t kernan
MC kinney
duffy, donaghy mc nulty
aor a orourke, mc keever
toner lavery
vernon, mc grane, mallon
mc donnell, clarke, oisin
lets experiment at this stage because from what I `ve seen to date it will be a short summer
Things have been bad enough naka without having to start with 14!
To lose Marty O'Rourke from the team would be a dissaster!
He's the only player that seems capable of picking up breaking ball in the last 2 years!
Naka, really hope that you are nowhere near Peter McDonnell when he's picking the team!! Martin O'Rourke's worth to this team was shown clearly on Sat night, if he doesn't get break ball nobody gets break ball. Unsure of the reason for his performace on Sat, maybe he was injured. Personnel is obviously important but what I want to see is a movement away from a reliance on the long ball. Jesus but it was hard to watch on Saturday night, It has been well covered on the Meath thread but horsing ball on top of Darren Fay with covering defenders around him was completely pointless and over the previous two matches it hadn't been used much. If we get beat in the next two matches but are competitive and try to continue to develop on the Monaghan and Roscommon performances then I'll be happy. To develop this I feel Stephen Kernan is central as what little good ball was delivered to Clarke and McDonnell on Sat night he did it.
Mackers the depression must really have set in if it took you from Saturday to now to mention the match. MOR appeared very subdued on Sat but I still thought he was our best forward. SK did make a contribution but disappeared somewhat in the second half. In the first half Swift was the only other player I saw pass the ball into the forwards instead of just hitting a big long ball. TK had a bad day with the frees but I remember Oisin having bad days in his early career too. He has to get more chances. At the minute the goalkeeping is a worry as not only have the three used this year dropped clangers but there does not seem to be any strategy to the kickouts. Still hope to be there on Sunday to see a great performance and depresson gone!
Maybe its a year too soon for Tony K? He is a hell of a free taker and saved the points against cavan. like all free takers he'll hasve bad days but i wouldn't have any worries about his ability in that department. the issue i can see is that he has not contributed from play. can we afford to carry a player for frees alone? surely we can get stevie back to his free taking consistency and make room for the threat that a brian mallon, paddy mcKeever or Miceal O'Rourke might be able to add?
That said, if tony can be handled right i think he will become acclimatised to the physicality of county football in time
guys, I am just looking for different permutations, Uladh should have put AK in as half back,
i see vernon as a mor type player and feel that tk is still too young to start, maybe when the game loosens up, with regard to sk i believe mallon is a better player and should start in front of him,
What's the story with Miceal O'Rourke, he hasn't got a sniff. A Player I expect big things of.
Lads so far Armagh have been shite. I think we can count our selves lucky that Cavan and Roscommon are in our group or we'd be relegated. I hope i'm wrong but on form we'll get nothing from Dublin and Cork. As for the championship, there are a few more to come in when they regain fitness but i cannot see us still involved in August never mind September
QuoteTAM, would not have mattered if they were distributing tickets last night, you wouldn't have found them. You had some trouble getting to the gorund last night, walking down the wrong side streets.
Well done Corn, you've worked out who I am, do ya want a feckin medal?! Its not as though the pitch had signposts and sure I got there in the end.........
Quote
McKinney
McNulty
Donaghy
Shannon
McKeever
O'Rourke
Kernan
Toner
McGrane
Vernon
Mallon
O'Rourke
McDonnell
Clarke
Kernan
I'd be inclined to agree with the most of that Uladh. Maybe start Francie ahead of Enda to try to get him back up to speed.
Also would agree witht hose above saying Miceal O'Rourke should be given a chance.
Dubs v Armagh..
S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, S O'Shaughnessy; P Casey, B Cullen, G Brennan; E Fennell, P Flynn; C Moran, B Brogan, M Vaughan; J Sherlock, C Keaney, K Bonner.
Pillar is certainly using the whole panel during this years league - at least there will be plenty of options from the bench this year in the champo..ten more changes this week.
Cahill, Alan Brogan, Ryan, Whelan, Quinn & Connolly on the bench among others.
Thats a strong enough team, i think shane pulled up wit an injury the last day so thats why he isnt being risked, glad to see Fennell get another shot hopefully he stakes another claim!
It will be interesting to see if they line out as named, i doubt it! As heffo said theres a very stong bench to come in! Glad to see Pillar is finally giving the whole panel some game time during the league, it only took him 3 years ::)
Quote from: heffo on April 08, 2008, 09:45:46 PM
Dubs v Armagh..
S Cluxton; D Henry, R McConnell, S O'Shaughnessy; P Casey, B Cullen, G Brennan; E Fennell, P Flynn; C Moran, B Brogan, M Vaughan; J Sherlock, C Keaney, K Bonner.
Pillar is certainly using the whole panel during this years league - at least there will be plenty of options from the bench this year in the champo..ten more changes this week.
Cahill, Alan Brogan, Ryan, Whelan, Quinn & Connolly on the bench among others.
A good enough team I think to still win the match and what a bench to launch into the fray if required.....more valid options for the championship this season with Shocko (back in favour), Brennan, Fennell, Flynn, Connolly, McMenamon etc all new and with McConnell, Brogan more experienced....
to a point dsfm we have more options- it's div 2 not 1 remember. only dublin have the potential to be at the business end of the all-ireland this year from div 2 - none of the others will be in my view- unless meath get back to last year's form. so while we have a few more options - i don't believe it's as proven as you think it is and i would still have question marks over certain guys starting on sunday. don;t get carried away by beating struggling teams like cavan/westmeath and roscommon
I hope Collie Moran won't really line-up in the half forwards. Half-back or else the bench IMO. Otherwise no complaints with the team, a fair few lads getting a fair crack at it this year.
Quote from: AFS on April 08, 2008, 07:13:22 PM
Lads, how can anyone say that its maybe a year too early for T Kernan? He's 22 ffs, if he's not up to it now he never will be.
I see some people suggesting P Duffy should get a run out. I doubt this is going to happen as he was standing with the supporters in Navan so he must be carrying some sort of injury.
Paul Duffy was playn for the ogs in the league on sunday and im near sure he played for them the week before as well so he cant be that badly injured, the ogs had all their county men on bar mallon and loughran..
Quote from: INDIANA on April 09, 2008, 12:20:21 AM
to a point dsfm we have more options- it's div 2 not 1 remember. only dublin have the potential to be at the business end of the all-ireland this year from div 2 - none of the others will be in my view- unless meath get back to last year's form. so while we have a few more options - i don't believe it's as proven as you think it is and i would still have question marks over certain guys starting on sunday. don;t get carried away by beating struggling teams like cavan/westmeath and roscommon
Maybe you could explain to me IGNORAMUS how Westmeath are struggling this year???
Duffy didn't play for the ogs at the weekend
Naka, I'm all for looking at different options as well, but it's just Martin O'Rourke is now central to the team, I take your point about Vernon hopefully being a ball winner but we need O'Rourke in the trenches as well. Not sold on Duffy as a corner back as he was dropped for his poor defending from the half back line earlier, mightn't be the smartest thing to put him in the full back line. I think desparate times call for McKeever to go back to the Full Back line in Andy Mallon's absence.
from hoganstand:
Rebels to experiment against Armagh
08 April 2008
With their NFL Division 2 status secured for another year, Cork will field an experimental team in their rearranged final round game against Armagh on April 20.
The Rebels' two-point victory over a previously unbeaten Monaghan side on Saturday, coupled with Cavan's defeat to Westmeath, has staved off the threat of relegation. And following the county board's decision to back down on plans to bring forward the first round of county senior championship matches from the weekend of April 19-20 to this weekend, senior manager Conor Counihan has agreed to release several of his players for club duty.
This should ease a few worries especially if we lose to Dublin. A depleted Cork side at home should be beatable.
mackers fair comment although if both MOR and Vernon were in the half forward line I think we would struggle for scores in same, I worry for the summer because I just dont see any of the new kids stepping up to the plate,
for me sk still flatters to deceive as does donaghy, I do believe that TK will start come the championship and hard ground but he must contribute more in open play( he reminds me a little of john toner in the early nineties)
looking at the forward line its back to the situation that if you stop clarke and mc donnell we will lose simple as that
full back line is also struggling and we really need AM back as well as a fit Francie, for me enda also needs to step up a gear because he has given away too many frees in the games he has played to date,
all in all 2 matches left and there are still more questions than answers
Bring back Paddy McKeever! ;)
Quote from: Uladh on April 09, 2008, 10:08:42 AM
Duffy didn't play for the ogs at the weekend
Uladh he definetly did play.... played well in at wing half back
Quote from: Hank Everlast on April 09, 2008, 01:09:57 PM
Quote from: Uladh on April 09, 2008, 10:08:42 AM
Duffy didn't play for the ogs at the weekend
Uladh he definetly did play.... played well in at wing half back
Duffy did play, he was marking Eamonn Quinn
apologies croi i meant they won't be at the business end of the all-ireland this year. I just think a lot of the best teams(not all) are in div 1 and that thereis a drop in standard to div 2, something which a lot of our fans tend to forget at times
AFS, that's a fair shot at a team there. The full back line looks more solid (what about Toner at FB and moving McKeever to the corner instead of Enda?), Lavery is really the only midfield contender who hasn't had a chance yet. The forward line would have a few more scores in it than some of the previous lineups.
The half back line has three very good footballers but what about the defensive duties? I'd be concerned particularly about the two wing backs that they may be caught out.
For every solution there is a problem! :-\
Is this game going to be on TG4?
Quote from: maddog on April 09, 2008, 02:13:52 PM
Is this game going to be on TG4?
Unfortunatly not.
Quote from: INDIANA on April 09, 2008, 01:28:57 PM
apologies croi i meant they won't be at the business end of the all-ireland this year. I just think a lot of the best teams(not all) are in div 1 and that thereis a drop in standard to div 2, something which a lot of our fans tend to forget at times
Well hopefully we'll prove u wrong, if we had a couple more forwards I'd be confident we would. At the start of the year I didn't think there was much between the two division but it hasn't panned out that way. The division 1 teams have been beating each other and Laois and Kildare and look fairly evenly matched. The Dubs look like they're gonna win Division 2 at a canter with ourselves and Monaghan going to fight it out on the last day for the other spot. The rest of the division have really disappointed, Cork with their off field problems and always thought that Eastmeath would struggle this year compared to last year. Armagh under new management have really surprised me as to how poor they are, loads of room for improvement though. I don't think any team in Div 2 (apart from maybe Monaghan) have played close to Championship pace so there might be a few surprises in store for you. Cork probably have the best chance to turn their season around.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 09, 2008, 11:16:54 AM
Bring back Paddy McKeever! ;)
Please Goats do shave, we need to look ahead not back. Paddy hasn't played well in an armagh jersey for some time at best is a good impact sub when defences tire.
In fairness, while that may be the case Paddy was carrying an injury.
The Dublin game would be ideal for him IMHO.
ps welcome n00b
QuoteWell done Corn, you've worked out who I am, do ya want a feckin medal?! Its not as though the pitch had signposts and sure I got there in the end.........
Wind your neck in TAM, it's only a bit of slagging, you are not working for the secret service or anything.
Where can we get free tickets for the match ?
Ticketmaster or directly from vicar st
Quote from: INDIANA on April 09, 2008, 12:20:21 AM
to a point dsfm we have more options- it's div 2 not 1 remember. only dublin have the potential to be at the business end of the all-ireland this year from div 2 - none of the others will be in my view- unless meath get back to last year's form. so while we have a few more options - i don't believe it's as proven as you think it is and i would still have question marks over certain guys starting on sunday. don;t get carried away by beating struggling teams like cavan/westmeath and roscommon
Indiana - 3 of last years semi-finalists are in Div 2.....Meath knocked out Tyrone from Div 1, Dublin knocked out Derry and Laois etc, Monaghan beat Derry etc etc....I see no reason why people think Div 1 is in anyway stronger....
Guys like Brennan/Connolly etc are around and doing it in club championships etc....
all of those teams bar meath were div 1 last year.
- i think monaghan are suffering from second year syndrome. If Cork didn't play in Munster we wouldn't see them in the all-ireland semis too often - it's nearly 20 years since they won an all ireland despite the soft draw. all the teams in munster bar kerry are div 3/4 teams. indicates to me mediocrity.
I've watched the games on tv and div 1 is a higher pace- no question in my view.
Club championship is a lot slower than county level. Connolly has the talent but whetehr the application is there is another thing. I don't think Caffrey will pick Brennan and bar injury 14 of the championship side is effectively picked. I would prefer to have seen some of the fringe guys tested in div 1- the standard is better in my view.
Tickets were being given out in Parnell Park yesterday, plenty left according to the fella there at 6pm yesterday, not much interest he said.
However he did say they got 3000 there, wonder how many the clubs got.
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them, what about the guy who wakes up with a hangover and decides not to go, what can he do.!
What's all this about tickets? Sure I paid in the last day, are they really looking more money?
tickets are free!
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them
So I shouldnt take them and if I havent a game myself, tough luck, you dont get to go, despite travelling up last time?
You cant compare deciding to waste a ticket over a hangover with having to play yourself in a game announced after the tickets were handed out!
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 03:30:58 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them
So I shouldnt take them and if I havent a game myself, tough luck, you dont get to go, despite travelling up last time?
You cant compare deciding to waste a ticket over a hangover with having to play yourself in a game announced after the tickets were handed out!
You shouldn't take them if you aren't going to use them, would you buy tickets that you thought you had 50% chance of not using, I think not.
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 03:43:10 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 03:30:58 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them
So I shouldnt take them and if I havent a game myself, tough luck, you dont get to go, despite travelling up last time?
You cant compare deciding to waste a ticket over a hangover with having to play yourself in a game announced after the tickets were handed out!
You shouldn't take them if you aren't going to use them, would you buy tickets that you thought you had 50% chance of not using, I think not.
Probably not, but as he said he's already paid in the last day at cross so he's intitled to get a free one.
Quote from: gander on April 10, 2008, 05:05:47 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 03:43:10 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 03:30:58 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them
So I shouldnt take them and if I havent a game myself, tough luck, you dont get to go, despite travelling up last time?
You cant compare deciding to waste a ticket over a hangover with having to play yourself in a game announced after the tickets were handed out!
You shouldn't take them if you aren't going to use them, would you buy tickets that you thought you had 50% chance of not using, I think not.
Probably not, but as he said he's already paid in the last day at cross so he's intitled to get a free one.
Everyone who paid in last time at Cross is entitled to get one free but that just ain't going happen. This person is taking tickets based on 50% chance of him going therefore stopping others attending, if he was paying and had 50% chance of going or being lumbered with tickets he wouldn't be getting tickets, the fact that he is entitled to tickets, because he paid in last time, does not entitle him to squander them.
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 05:16:47 PM
Quote from: gander on April 10, 2008, 05:05:47 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 03:43:10 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 03:30:58 PM
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 02:14:15 PM
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 10, 2008, 01:33:43 PM
Quote from: Travis T O Justice on April 10, 2008, 01:28:46 PM
I think it's ludacris that this isn't being covered by TG4 given the teams involved and the fact that it's all ticket - how many Dubs and Armagh fans who went the first time can't make the second trip and how much more interest has been generated because of the initial fiasco.
Whatever clown in programming is responsible for game selection needs his P45 stuck up his hole.
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
Not take the tickets and therefore not waste them
So I shouldnt take them and if I havent a game myself, tough luck, you dont get to go, despite travelling up last time?
You cant compare deciding to waste a ticket over a hangover with having to play yourself in a game announced after the tickets were handed out!
You shouldn't take them if you aren't going to use them, would you buy tickets that you thought you had 50% chance of not using, I think not.
Probably not, but as he said he's already paid in the last day at cross so he's intitled to get a free one.
Everyone who paid in last time at Cross is entitled to get one free but that just ain't going happen. This person is taking tickets based on 50% chance of him going therefore stopping others attending, if he was paying and had 50% chance of going or being lumbered with tickets he wouldn't be getting tickets, the fact that he is entitled to tickets, because he paid in last time, does not entitle him to squander them.
If I have a game I will post on here and on the Dubs website where any genuine fans who are stuck for a ticket can come and collect my tickets.
Also, if I had to pay for the tickets yesterday I would. I paid for a parnell pass and have missed games due to club commitments so thats you little presumption about me just taking them because they are free out the window.
Is that ok with you Apple top?
Why do you care if it's ok by me, by the way you have fair changed you're tune.
[quote author=his holiness nb link=topic=7208.msg274421#msg274421 date=1207830823
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
[/quote]
::)
mmm, Apple Top, 25 posts, hounding his holiness, who could u be??? ;D
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 05:42:30 PM
Why do you care if it's ok by me, by the way you have fair changed you're tune.
[quote author=his holiness nb link=topic=7208.msg274421#msg274421 date=1207830823
Its a joke, I have tickets, but wont know till tonight if I will have a game myself on saturday night or sunday.
So wasted tickets if I play sunday. Of course what can you do?
I couldnt wait till tomorrow to get the tickets as they might not be giving them out at this stage, and theres no Dubs where I live to pass them on.
::)
[/quote]
I dont care, it was sarcasm.
How has my tune changed by the way? :-\
There isnt any Dubs near where I live. But I clearly said if anyone was stuck they could come to me to collect them. I'm a ten minute diversion off the route to Crossmaglen so it wouldnt be a big deal.
My tune hasnt changed at all.
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on April 10, 2008, 06:18:07 PM
mmm, Apple Top, 25 posts, hounding his holiness, who could u be??? ;D
Couldnt be snowed under, hes lasted a month without getting banned! ;D
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on April 10, 2008, 06:18:07 PM
mmm, Apple Top, 25 posts, hounding his holiness, who could u be??? ;D
Sorry are there people on this board that you aren't allowed to talk to?
Quote from: Apple Top on April 10, 2008, 07:18:35 PM
Quote from: Croí na hÉireann on April 10, 2008, 06:18:07 PM
mmm, Apple Top, 25 posts, hounding his holiness, who could u be??? ;D
Sorry are there people on this board that you aren't allowed to talk to?
Nope, he just thought you were an old poster under a new name who was a bit of an eegit and liked to hound a few posters, one of whom was me.
Hey appletop - welcome back :D
:-*
Quote from: pintsofguinness on April 10, 2008, 09:30:17 PM
Hey appletop - welcome back :D
:-*
Thanks and there's me not on my hols until July.
AppleTop, will you wise up. HisHoliness is spot on, how can he help it?
To His Holiness
Had you far to walk the last day or did you park in the youth club as advised.
Which road did you take.
Ignore apple top.
Reliably informed the team is as follows -
Hearty :'(
Moriarty :(
Donaghy :)
Kernan P :o
McKeever ;D
O'Rourke ;D
Kernan ;D
McGrane ;D
Vernon :-X
Kernan >:(
McKeever ???
O'Rourke ;D
McDonnell ;D
Clarke ;D
Kernan :)
And then there were 4..........
That's a huge step up for Paul Kernan if Uladh's team is correct.
Judging on the current options, Paul is worth a run.
A big ask of Charlie Vernon imo
Lads i've seen a lot of cross lately and i think that lad McKeown should be tried out at corner back. Well impressed with him at club level not sure how he'd do at inter county but there is only one way to find out. Is he even on the county panel?
Quote from: illdecide on April 11, 2008, 10:55:52 AM
Lads i've seen a lot of cross lately and i think that lad McKeown should be tried out at corner back. Well impressed with him at club level not sure how he'd do at inter county but there is only one way to find out. Is he even on the county panel?
Both of them are...
Realistically, Paddy provides a scoring threat from the half forward line, something we miss a lot.
His distribution is also first class. If he starts at centre forward, I'll be happy, I think this is his best position!
He's very strong & we'll need his experience against a physical Dub side!
His break from the starting XV will have him hungry, I predict a MOTM performance! ;)
I hear a couple of boys were dropped of the panel - the 2 Mullaghbawn lads, Quinn & Smyth, with more to follow soon.
I'd agree that it is a big ask of Vernon, (at the minute HF line is his best option) he doesn't seem to be in the best of form since he returned from injury, he really has to take his chance or he faces another year of being a bit part player (which isn't the end of the world for a 21/22 year old I suppose). The FB line looks ripe for another good humping too. The forward line looks decent but alot will depend on the service they get and the tactics employed.
Armagh GAA website has the panel up for Sunday
Different to what Uladh is telling us
Hopefully its right ;D
Heres the address - it won't allow me to copy >:(
http://www.armagh-gaa.com/
Shannon CB
Toner MF
(http://i26.tinypic.com/ajy1ap.jpg)
Quote from: crossfire on April 10, 2008, 10:14:48 PM
To His Holiness
Had you far to walk the last day or did you park in the youth club as advised.
Which road did you take.
Ignore apple top.
Came up to Dundalk and turned left, then it was signed for the match traffic, cheers for the tip.
Parked in the school, only a short stroll to the ground, did nicely.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 11, 2008, 10:58:26 AM
Quote from: illdecide on April 11, 2008, 10:55:52 AM
Lads i've seen a lot of cross lately and i think that lad McKeown should be tried out at corner back. Well impressed with him at club level not sure how he'd do at inter county but there is only one way to find out. Is he even on the county panel?
Both of them are...
I said McKeown not McKenna there does not seem to be any Cross men on the county panel with the name McKeown ???
Uladh's original team is correct.
Quote from: bennydorano on April 11, 2008, 11:10:32 AM
I hear a couple of boys were dropped of the panel - the 2 Mullaghbawn lads, Quinn & Smyth, with more to follow soon.
Aye the Mullaghbawn boys are gone as is Mal Mackin, few more to go nx week, squeaky bum time ;D
Any spare tickets for the game on Sunday lads ?
Sorry Orangeman, no game sunday for me so I'm free not to squander the tickets I only took cause they were free ;D
TO ILLDECIDE
Brendan Mc keown aka "skinney" is on the county panel. He normally plays at number 7 for Cross.
You may be referring to his cousin Paul Mckeown who played at number 4 against Clans last Sunday.
Paul was a County minor in 2005 and 2006 and is a good prospect
Find it interesting that over the last couple of years Armagh have struggled in the half forward line and yet this Sunday in our biggest match so far it looks as if our half forwards are going to be the same three that played the last two matches under big Joe. Does this signal a return to the old playing style or will the style of play management seem to be trying to adopt suit these players better? Also, giving Aaron' s poor free taking over the last few matches will Paddy be given the responsibility to take the frees from his side. Looking forward to a good game on Sunday. Hope it does not rain too much before then as I do not fancy going to Cross again for Mr Fahy to call it of just before throw in!
is lavery injured ?
Quote from: corn02 on April 11, 2008, 12:57:58 PM
Uladh's original team is correct.
That is the team I heard last night.
For quite some time I have felt that Paddy McKeever
should have a big part to play in the future of this team, and not simply be some peripheral squad figure like he has been in recent years. It is matches and chances like this, that will determine whether he will make the breakthrough back to a first 15 player. I realy hope he takes it, but I have my doubts.
Rufus
Paddy McKeever hasn't had a great, or even a good game for Armagh for quite some time. The last game I can recall where he looked a starting 15 player was in after he came back from Australia a coupleof years ago. He looked lean and hungry (and a little more tanned). But he really hasn't delivered top draer performances. Perhaps Armagh simply don't have the talent.
But I don't have to tell you Rufus, if young Mr Toal put his mind to it he has the talent to be the fist name on the sheet. If only :-\.
Quote from: Skiddybadoo on April 11, 2008, 10:08:07 PM
Rufus
Paddy McKeever hasn't had a great, or even a good game for Armagh for quite some time. The last game I can recall where he looked a starting 15 player was in after he came back from Australia a coupleof years ago. He looked lean and hungry (and a little more tanned). But he really hasn't delivered top draer performances. Perhaps Armagh simply don't have the talent.
But I don't have to tell you Rufus, if young Mr Toal put his mind to it he has the talent to be the fist name on the sheet. If only :-\.
Don't disagree with that at all - sometimes it is easy to forget that Paddy was a raw 19 year old when we made the breakthrough in 1999, and was our best forward when we bowed out to Meath. He was also a regular on our All Ireland winning side, aged 22. Off the top of my head, he is the only player from that team who lost their place when they really should have been in his prime. I always felt that, with all our greats finishing one by one, that he was going to have to step up to the plate, take responsibility, and grab a position like centre half forward, and be a future leader of the team. It does not look likely.
A couple of years ago when Nippy and Peadar were first called onto the panel, my dream was to have an all Harps half forward line (kinda knew Charlie would make the squad in time). I still live in hope. Apologies to others, this is best kept to the Harps thread.
Paddy McKeever, Phillip Loughran and John Toal were all involved in the heyday of Armagh and of an age to have a few years in front of them. While Toal's sad injury is a clear reason that he is no longer around, it is a pity that Loughran and McKeever do not live up to the promise they once showed.
Anyhow if someone wants to make their mark, then against Dublin is not a bad time to do it!
26 pages on this game, and the game still hasn't taken place :D
Lots of rain down these parts today, the back garden looks pretty waterlogged. What it like up in Armagh?
No rain up here fella though showers given tomorrow. i'd imagine if any ref calls off the armagh or down games tomorrow he'll not be needing his whistle much this summer.
Is the same eejit from longford down to ref this time round?
on the game, Cross is very small for a county pitch and i think McDonnell has missed a chance to play a side capable of "traditional" armagh football, which would give the Dubs a lot of problems. There are some huge Armagh men on the bench, like Loughran and O'Neill, who can operate very handily in the forward line. The dublin defence (like most) struggle with height and physique and i reckon before the game is over both those men will be on.
Uladh - They have to get the ball first and having just big guys is a major disadvantage if you don't ahve the ball and won't be much use in geting back defending when Dublin have the ball...
eh, big guys are fairly useful for winning the ball. anyway, armagh haven't much trouble in that department against dublin in recent years
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 11, 2008, 11:02:06 AM
Realistically, Paddy provides a scoring threat from the half forward line, something we miss a lot.
His distribution is also first class. If he starts at centre forward, I'll be happy, I think this is his best position!
He's very strong & we'll need his experience against a physical Dub side!
His break from the starting XV will have him hungry, I predict a MOTM performance! ;)
I predict he will judas somebody and get sent off. Great footballer but a liability also.
Dublin are said to have ten changes from the side that hammered Roscommon. Armagh might be able to win this game after all. ;)
QuoteThere are some huge Armagh men on the bench, like Loughran and O'Neill, who can operate very handily in the forward line.
Give me O'Neill, but, and I've said this before, Loughran hasn't the heart for full-blooded inter county football! Why is James Lavery not even a sub tomorrow?
Vernon defintely starting.
Paddy McKeever played against us last week and scored a great goal from play but his distribution didnt look county standard to me and his 4 points all came from handy frees. That said I still think he deserves his chance this weekend to show what he can do
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 13, 2008, 10:21:12 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on April 13, 2008, 08:53:46 AM
Vernon defintely starting.
Instead of who?
Toner
One of the Dublin full forward line is going to get it handy today with the other switch, JK will be happy/Good to see he hasnt left us for good ::) :(
armagh 0-1 Dublin 1-1
Armagh 0-05 Dublin 1-02
A nine point win for Armagh - who would have thought it! So, have the doom-mongers written off Armagh too soon, yet again...... or have Dublin received a reality check?
whoever thinmks armagh have no chance of ulster title are living in dreamland
tyrone, donegal (maybe) and monaghan wont be far away either
derry will get a good measure of themselves in league final v kerry
One more thing - Armagh may now have thrown Division 2 into disarray - we're still looking at the possibility of play-offs now!
Who seen red?
Just back from the game myself. I thought it was quite entertaining and played in good spirit. (A few little scuffles but nothing major - I'm not sure what A. Brogan got sent off for cuz i was watching another scuffle down in the corner)
Here are a few of the points which are probably of zero use but sure here it goes:
- Fennell was outsanding in the first half, destroyed McGrane totally and should have been left on him when Whelan came on as McGrane started to have an influence on the game a bit more.
- Whelan is dirty :o
- Aaron Kernan was good in the second half comig out of defense but B.Brogan (Dubs best forward) must have scored 1-2/1-3 from play,
- Vaughan hardly touched the ball and McKeever was obviously out to ruffle him up (which he done by the book from what I could see)
- Dublin's full back line was shocking, Clarke absolutely destroyed McConnell. I think he's a fantastic player. If Shane Lennon plays half as well as that in the championship we'd be in with a shout. McDonnell mixed the good with the bad bbut finished up with a goal and a few points.
- I liked the look of P. McKeever today, sprayed the ball around well but that was in large part to C. Moran (who was terrible and hardly touched the ball) dropping back in front of the full back line for the entire match. The Armagh crowd didn't seem too confident in his free-taking though :D
- M. O'Rourke must have covered every blade of grass and won a mountain of ball.
- A lot of Dublin's big players didn't show - Cullen (who IMO hasn't played well in 2-3 years), Keaney, Moran, Vaughan etc.
- The referee was good in the first half but seemed to give Dublin a lot in the 2nd.
- P. Andrews gave McDonnell a rough time of it in the second half
Quote from: pedro on April 13, 2008, 05:14:09 PM
Here are a few of the points which are probably of zero use but sure here it goes:
- Whelan is dirty :o
this is hardly news ;D - well done to armagh
Quote from: pedro on April 13, 2008, 05:14:09 PM
Just back from the game myself. I thought it was quite entertaining and played in good spirit. (A few little scuffles but nothing major - I'm not sure what A. Brogan got sent off for cuz i was watching another scuffle down in the corner)
Here are a few of the points which are probably of zero use but sure here it goes:
- Fennell was outsanding in the first half, destroyed McGrane totally and should have been left on him when Whelan came on as McGrane started to have an influence on the game a bit more.
- Whelan is dirty :o
- Aaron Kernan was good in the second half comig out of defense but B.Brogan (Dubs best forward) must have scored 1-2/1-3 from play,
- Vaughan hardly touched the ball and McKeever was obviously out to ruffle him up (which he done by the book from what I could see)
- Dublin's full back line was shocking, Clarke absolutely destroyed McConnell. I think he's a fantastic player. If Shane Lennon plays half as well as that in the championship we'd be in with a shout. McDonnell mixed the good with the bad bbut finished up with a goal and a few points.
- I liked the look of P. McKeever today, sprayed the ball around well but that was in large part to C. Moran (who was terrible and hardly touched the ball) dropping back in front of the full back line for the entire match. The Armagh crowd didn't seem too confident in his free-taking though :D
- M. O'Rourke must have covered every blade of grass and won a mountain of ball.
- A lot of Dublin's big players didn't show - Cullen (who IMO hasn't played well in 2-3 years), Keaney, Moran, Vaughan etc.
- The referee was good in the first half but seemed to give Dublin a lot in the 2nd.
- P. Andrews gave McDonnell a rough time of it in the second half
It wouldn't be the first time in the league Dublin have sacrificed midfield domination in order to facilitate Whelo. Why change things when they are going well?
A very good win over a lacklustre Dubs, got the distinct impression they weren't interested. Hard to know where to start. apart from a howler to let in the Dubs for their goal F Mo did ok, donaghy continues to shine, didn't know what to make of PK, looked ok, composed enough but certainly wouldn't be ousting Andy Mallon. The HB line was VG again, Ciaran McKeever never gave Vaughan a kick(of the ball), AOR was his usual coolness personified, A Kernan excellent throughout. I dont think we one a clean catch a MF the whole game, McGrane was really cleaned out by 'Feno', Vernon appeared nervous to begin with, but came into the game very well, scored a screamer of a goal after a great run for MF and one-two with Clarke, on another day he could have had 1-4. The forwards all played well with MOR my MOTM, The Dub's have a FB line that makes ours look fantastic! Clarke and McDonnell ran them ragged.
Mcgrane's performance would be a big worry, but he was the only man going for high ball, with both keepers targeting MCGrane and Fenelly? the ball rarely went near Vernon and his opposite number. I still say that Toner is nailed on to be McGrane's partner, vernon could excel in there as a HF/3rd MF'er. Hearty did nothing wrong today, but I lost all confidence in him a long time ago.
Getting closer to championship time now and the team should be starting to take shape, mine at the minute would be:
MCKinney
McNulty :-\, Donaghy, Mallon
AK, AOR, CMCK
McGrane, Toner
MOR, SK, Vernon
TK, CLarke, McDonnell
At game today and glad to say have to eat my words re Paddy McKeever thought he had a good game in what was the best display from an armagh half forward line in sometime. They worked hard and also their distribution was top class into the boys inside.
As an Armagh man living in Down it is great that Pete McGrath was a wee bit hasty with his prediction in the Gaelic Life this week!!! There is plenty of talent in our squad at the minute so as I heard one man say before 'We haven't gone away you know' ;)
Glad i made the long trip up again today, and thank God there was a game. Good to see Armagh up for a match, always seem to lift themselves for the Dubs. Dont know about the Dubs being lacklustre, surely they would wanted to have got the Armagh monkey off their backs. Armagh still have a way to go before they can be considered as contenders for Ulster or more come the summer, but definitely more encouraging and hopeful than this time last week
Really delighted with the performance today. Have to say that I didn't expect us to win today, never mind win by 9 points and the win was made all the more remarkable by the fact that we gifted Dublin a goal start and barely caught a ball at midfield all day (for the second week running).
Really good display and we showed a sharpness in attack that simply wasn't there against Meath. Thought Martin O'Rourke was excellent, popping up all over the pitch winning ball. McDonnell missed 1 or 2 but himself and Clarke looked dangerous throughout. Vernon started quietly but scored a superb second half goal. Didn't catch too much at midfield but those driving runs of his are great to look at. Tony Kernan was quiet enough but Stephen took a couple of nice points and found McDonnell well for the second goal. Paddy McKeever had a good game as well.
All in all, it was a very encouraging performance and if we play like this in the summer we'll go further than might have been expected. Dublin were very poor though, particularly Vaughan who was completely anonymous. Full back line is still my biggest worry.
Be interesting to see what team he plays next week with nothing to play for. Tempting to give a few fringe players a run but probably best to play the championship team, or as close to it as possible.
Quote
MCKinney
McNulty , Donaghy, Mallon
AK, AOR, CMCK
McGrane, Toner
MOR, SK, Vernon
TK, CLarke, McDonnell
Was thinking along similar lines myself benny although I think I'd start Francie next week and depending on how he comes though, I'd prefer him over Enda. Would go for Brian Mallon ahead of SK as well depending on how bad his injury is.
Clarke looked like he pulled a hamstring for the last goal. Vernon fairly made his mark with the best goal I've seen this year so far. More superb scores from Stevie and a good return by Paddy McK (has he lost a bit of weight?). FB line is still the weak spot but was good to see Ak making a few turnovers.
Clarke was clearly hurt before the goal so fair play to him to score it, hopefully its not too bad an injury but he left with ice on his calf. Tony Kernan looked in very bad shape being carried off after the game. As far as Clarkes goal went it looked about 2 foot wide when Clarke and I had a pretty good view
I had a good view of it too and it was definitely wide but McConnell was nowhere near him for it in anyway.
Fair play to armagh, better team won on the day if they can maintain that level of performance and especially the form of clarke and mcdonell they'll be in the mix-up!!
An excellent performance. I know Dublinwere not at full strength, but you would haveto be a hard one to pick fault with that Armagh performance.
Hearty was solid, could not do anything with the goal and maybe should have varied the kick outs when Fennell was cleaning midfield.
Full back line - was it Donaghy or Finn Mo who frigged up for the goal, I thought it was Donaghy. I was going to say Donaghy had a poor one and Finn Mo done well but I may have to reverse it. Donaghy did try to break the ball too often when he should have tried the catch. Paul Kernan was not great for me, if the service had of been better he could of been in trouble.
Half back line - Solid. Aaron came into it well in the second half and AOR was good as usual. Vaughan did not want a piece of McKeever, would this be a worry to the Dubliun fans? When he came up against a physical opponent he shyed away. He was gettinga lot of stick from the Dub fans round where I was, mainly for being yellow.
Midfield-Vernon done well in the first half, but for every good thing he done, his next move was bad. A couple of wides and fumbles were not encouraging, but his second half performance was.
McGrane was cleaned out, pure and simple. Two weeks running and we talk about who will partner him? Maybe it may be time to blood two new midfielders.
At the same time, Fennel (who was easily Dublin's best player) went missing in the critical stage due to Whelan / blood sub.
Half forward line - Fantastic. McKeever suited the number 11 slot. He was not about the running, he just got the ball and picked the passes, excellent performance. Kernan worked his socks off, his best performance to date. Excellent tracking back and ended up with two? scores I think.
O'Rourke was immense throughout. Think of the amount of times he was on the ball and then think about how many mistakes he made. First class.
Full forward line - Kernan was ok, still needs to get involved more in open play, was a bit sloppy today. His injury looked bad and hopefully he will be back soon.
Clarke and McDonnell were excellent. Stevie gave his two markers the proverbial roasting. He ran them ragged. Calrke was out in front every time and due to MOR putting in excellent ball they benefited.
Overall - With that work rate that was on show today, we will sttill be there or there abouts. SK and Paddy McKeever were helping out MOR in the ball winning department. Qucik sharp football. Direct, with little hand passing in the defence paid off.
MOTM - Martin O'Rourke.
QuoteFull back line - was it Donaghy or Finn Mo who frigged up for the goal,
Moriarty I thought though I wrongly attributed the mistake last week to him. Bad bad error anyway.
Quote from: Stevie Nicks on April 13, 2008, 07:23:33 PM
At game today and glad to say have to eat my words re Paddy McKeever thought he had a good game in what was the best display from an armagh half forward line in sometime. They worked hard and also their distribution was top class into the boys inside.
As an Armagh man living in Down it is great that Pete McGrath was a wee bit hasty with his prediction in the Gaelic Life this week!!! There is plenty of talent in our squad at the minute so as I heard one man say before 'We haven't gone away you know' ;)
I am delighted McKeever proved me wrong however McGrane is obviously not at the races and this is troubling, especiall as the championship is just around the corner. is he carrying an injury or what is wrong with him? you cant go that bad that quickly!
O'Rourke had a blinder from all acounts and to win a game that comprehensively against Dublin is a great result, especially when you consider that we did it despite getting killed in the midfield sector.
Maybe we should sit Mcgrane for a week and start vernon and toner in the middle and see what happens, I am not saying we should drop McGrane but it would be nice to find out if we have options that work if he doesnt find his form soon.
Totally agree Stew, if it backfires, it will backfire in a meaningless game.
Quote from: pedro on April 13, 2008, 05:14:09 PM
Just back from the game myself. I thought it was quite entertaining and played in good spirit. (A few little scuffles but nothing major - I'm not sure what A. Brogan got sent off for cuz i was watching another scuffle down in the corner)
Here are a few of the points which are probably of zero use but sure here it goes:
- Fennell was outsanding in the first half, destroyed McGrane totally and should have been left on him when Whelan came on as McGrane started to have an influence on the game a bit more.
- Whelan is dirty :o
- Aaron Kernan was good in the second half comig out of defense but B.Brogan (Dubs best forward) must have scored 1-2/1-3 from play,
- Vaughan hardly touched the ball and McKeever was obviously out to ruffle him up (which he done by the book from what I could see)
- Dublin's full back line was shocking, Clarke absolutely destroyed McConnell. I think he's a fantastic player. If Shane Lennon plays half as well as that in the championship we'd be in with a shout. McDonnell mixed the good with the bad bbut finished up with a goal and a few points.
- I liked the look of P. McKeever today, sprayed the ball around well but that was in large part to C. Moran (who was terrible and hardly touched the ball) dropping back in front of the full back line for the entire match. The Armagh crowd didn't seem too confident in his free-taking though :D
- M. O'Rourke must have covered every blade of grass and won a mountain of ball.
- A lot of Dublin's big players didn't show - Cullen (who IMO hasn't played well in 2-3 years), Keaney, Moran, Vaughan etc.
- The referee was good in the first half but seemed to give Dublin a lot in the 2nd.
- P. Andrews gave McDonnell a rough time of it in the second half
You're joking ?????????? ;D ;D ;D
Overall - With that work rate that was on show today, we will sttill be there or there abouts. SK and Paddy McKeever were helping out MOR in the ball winning department. Qucik sharp football. Direct, with little hand passing in the defence paid off.
That is the kind of fotball we should be playing, not that short handpass shite that allows the opposition to close us down quickly. We have the speed and power up front to wreak havoc when we play intelligent balls into space and we are a better team playing this way as today proved. There is no comparison which style suits us more and the league results bear this out.
I keep arguing with a mate about our chances over the next few years, he thinks we are pure ket and i think we have a lot of talent there to challenge for an AI title. The next few months will be interesting to say the least. :)
A huge result for Armagh today - well done - if they can keep this up, they'll be a force again !
Good win for a Armagh , has news of their demise being great exaggerated ?
If the ref blew his poxy whistle one more time >:( > Everything was a free , a complete clown .
Just out of interest does anyone know what Brogan got red for? Had a good vierw and was mostly handbags, Paul Kernan took a bit of a slap but that was it, not even sure if that was Brogan.
Quote from: corn02 on April 13, 2008, 10:47:13 PM
Vaughan did not want a piece of McKeever, would this be a worry to the Dubliun fans? When he came up against a physical opponent he shyed away. He was gettinga lot of stick from the Dub fans round where I was, mainly for being yellow.
Vaughan is under strict instruction from Caffrey not to retaliate after getting two yellows the last time he played.
There is a diferrence between being physical and dirty.
Quote from: Hound on April 14, 2008, 07:43:00 AM
Quote from: corn02 on April 13, 2008, 10:47:13 PM
Vaughan did not want a piece of McKeever, would this be a worry to the Dubliun fans? When he came up against a physical opponent he shyed away. He was gettinga lot of stick from the Dub fans round where I was, mainly for being yellow.
Vaughan is under strict instruction from Caffrey not to retaliate after getting two yellows the last time he played.
Vaughan never stands up and fights, he just throws sly digs and elbows when his opponent is defenceless. See Freeman in Monaghan game for a perfect example
Quote from: corn02 on April 14, 2008, 08:54:20 AM
There is a diferrence between being physical and dirty.
Of course there is.
Marco isnt the greatest at taking instruction. "Keep disciplined and don't retaliate" could well have equalled "avoid all physical confrontation" in his mind, especially as he was getting so much "hassle" from his marker.
Quote from: EugeneGeraghty on April 14, 2008, 09:02:10 AM
Quote from: Hound on April 14, 2008, 07:43:00 AM
Quote from: corn02 on April 13, 2008, 10:47:13 PM
Vaughan did not want a piece of McKeever, would this be a worry to the Dubliun fans? When he came up against a physical opponent he shyed away. He was gettinga lot of stick from the Dub fans round where I was, mainly for being yellow.
Vaughan is under strict instruction from Caffrey not to retaliate after getting two yellows the last time he played.
Vaughan never stands up and fights, he just throws sly digs and elbows when his opponent is defenceless. See Freeman in Monaghan game for a perfect example
Says the know-nothing expert who's seen him play 2 or 3 times in his life.
Vaughan receives a hell of a lot more punishment than he gives.
Isn't football a wonderful game? I wonder if I was at the same match as some of the previous posters based on their comments.
Paul Kernan took a serious roasting, especially for a brief period in the second half when Alan Brogan came on (before McDonnell switch Kieran McKeever onto him). How some posters think he had a good game makes me shudder.
Stephen Kernan had a great day at the office. I don't believe that any other man on the picth would have picked Stevie out for Armagh's 2nd goal. They would have taken the score themselves. His vision really is unquestionable.
Paddy McKeever had a very good 70 minutes. The question for me is whether he can string two performances together like that.
Like everyone said midfield is a real worry. Charlie Vernon should have a place on the 15, but not at midfield - in that regard he is exactly like Sean Cavanagh. I wonder would corner forward be an option with him playing round the middle - though obviously that has us back to playing the 2 man FF line, but perhaps that is a price we can pay for a man who can carry the ball as well as Charlie can (we'll excuse the few fumbles and dodgy toe to hand yesterday).
So does anoyone know how we can go from Roscommon performance to Meath and then to Dublin, surely it can't all be down to playing in Crossmaglen???????
tis amazing to see the praise stephen kernan is getting- considering the disgraceful ritual and systematic abuse he received from his fans last year. How ironic he is now one of their key players! A lot of Armagh fans must feel pretty stupid now.
sk palyed well yesterday I think most peoples gripes last year were that he was being played at centre half forward and as a player he wasnt up to that role.
was mightily impressed with Armagh yesterday and if we could sort out our full back line and a partner for mcgrane then we are going places.
Another worry also is that ak`s man scored 1-2 from play( altho the goal wasn`t ak`s fault)
with regard to vernon I have to say he took his goal well but had 2 horrible wides before then, would worry about finding a place on the team for him as we already have similiar types in mor and pmck( who was excellent )
It's not a matter of feeling stupid indianna, everyone is entitled to their opinion on particular players and for some S Kernan wasn't making the grade. This abuse was coming at a time when Armagh were not breaking any delf and the fans were frustrated. It was also a fact that Kernan wasn't doing anything special so the fans were fully entitled to air their views on the matter. Stephen Kernan is always going to be a roughly average player who will give it 100% percent when he goes onto the pitch. This is all we can ask of the lad. I never personally criticised him because it was his first couple of years on the panel and sometimes players require a settling in period. To say Armagh fans should now feel stupid is over the top as Stephen really hasn't produced anything remarkable he has still only been his hard working self. So i'll praise him when he does well and if he doesn't then he doesn't but he certainly isn't the worst on the Armagh panel, I could think of six or seven that he should start ahaed of.
Hearty :) Did not have much to do
Moriarty :-\ Looks like a boy amongst men, but did ok. Andy Mallon will take his place
Donaghy :-\ Again did ok, but I think the whole full back line got away with it
P Kernan :-[ Roasted in the second half, did ok in the first half
A Kernan :D A class act
AOR ;D The best distributor of a ball in Ireland. His year off seems to have done him good
McKeever ;D Tortured Vaughan, and was brilliant throughout. Seems to have found a bit of pace
McGrane :-\ Just ok
Vernon :-\ Got cleaned out of it twice in 1st half, which could explain some wobbly moments
S Kernan ;D Delighted to see him play brilliantly.
Paddy ;D A strong confident performance
MOR ;D Brilliant
Stevie ;D Won two converted frees in the 1st half due to his tenacious tacking. Played a holy terror
Clarke ;D Obviously not fit, but still scored 1-3
T Kernan :D A brave footballer, good enough display.
I think we seen today why Big Joe felt he had to go. SK is a fantastic footballer, and I notice that the sniping has stopped since PMcD has taken over. TK is no Oisin, but give the lad time, he can put the ball over the bar, and that's what we need. I now think with the 6 forwards that started today and Oisin as an impact sub with 15 mins to go, we can frighten the life out of any defence in Ireland. Can see no place for B Mallon in that half forward line though. If Paddy plays like that against Cork he will start in the C'Ship
Indiana, don't think Armagh supporters will take any advice from you following your rant about Crossmaglen and the raving last week about the standard in Division 2. What do you think about it now? ;)
As usual found the Dub supporters to be good sports both in victory and defeat but you are the fly in the ointment.
Few comments on the game, I'm starting to feel like Finn Mo's big brother but the goal was not his fault!! It was Donaghy's fault,although he is the only one of the current FB line that will feature in the championship. The HB line was, as usual, first class. I would venture that we have as good as a HB line as we have ever had.
Midfield is a concern, wouldn't be too hard on McGrane though, as he's being left to fend against bigger men on his own (what would he give for a John Toal at this point?),Fennell is a big lad who can fetch ball along the lines of both Meath midfielders last week.
I have dinged on enough about MOR and his importance to this team, but the HF line is beginning to take shape round him. SK is the best passer of a ball we have and although they may not be bosom buddies they are forming a fairly good partnership. P McKeever played the football we know he CAN play and hopefully he will continue to prove it. To be fair to him and the other much maligned HFs we have had in the past, he may actually get a chance to play a bit of ball under McDonnell rather than acting as an auxiliary back like he was under Kernan.
Charlie Vernon had a poor enough day but he showed what he can bring to the party with that goal, there is nothing a defence can do with him once he gets up and running and I believe he must be the third member of our half forward line as those runs can draw defenders out from in front of McDonnell and Clarke.
Clarke and McDonnell are again getting the plaudits and rightly so but the standard of ball going in yesterday and in the Roscommon game is in marked contrast to the standard of ball they received in the Meath game.
I said after the Roscommon game that although Roscommon were poor we would have beaten most teams in Ireland with that display and yesterday was the same but with the Meath game stuck in between we are not world beaters just yet.
Finally, I thought it very cute of a Meath man to give Armagh all the motivation they needed prior to a game with the Dubs with his post match comments last week!
Hearty Did not have much to do - inaccurate kick outs are a problem, yes it is good to get ball out that distance but with his kicks they are 50/50 balls every time
Moriarty Fault for goal, was ok apart from that though Andy when fit(any word when that will be) will have no trouble getting place back
Donaghy Solid, great catch second half, can't see anyone taking his place come championship
P Kernan Awful, how come he was taken off every scoring forward, and not taking off the field, should not be on squad
A Kernan Good performance against good opposition
AOR Very good, his confidence, coolness and ability while on the ball is one reason he shouldnt be dropped, along with MOR two of this years stars so far
McKeever Very good, though Vaughan didn't want to know, spent more time running away from him than he spent looking for the ball. Great to see him running out of defence with ball with such confidence
McGrane Just ok
Vernon Apart from great goal he did noting, gave away ball every time and almost certain he was about to be taken off start second half before he got goal
S Kernan Good improvement while attacking but still lacking ability to track back and actually defend/tackle
Paddy A good performance from a big game player, though his shooting at times was wayward i.e. Clarkes goal was a poor attempt on target from him but lucky Clarke rescued it
MOR Awesome
Stevie Good to see old stevie back
Clarke If he manages to score 1.3 and still not fully right, cant wait to see him fully fit
T Kernan Awesome point he scored. Offers little from play, still lacking experience hope more experience leads to more work from open play
FAO AFS
QuoteP Kernan - Didn't put a foot wrong. Will start again the next day and another assured performance will put him in the frame for a championship spot.
Where you at the game AFS?
The goal was definitely Finn Mo's fault.
Quote from: mackers on April 14, 2008, 10:24:08 AM
Indiana, don't think Armagh supporters will take any advice from you following your rant about Crossmaglen and the raving last week about the standard in Division 2. What do you think about it now? ;)
As usual found the Dub supporters to be good sports both in victory and defeat but you are the fly in the ointment.
Few comments on the game, I'm starting to feel like Finn Mo's big brother but the goal was not his fault!! It was Donaghy's fault,although he is the only one of the current FB line that will feature in the championship. The HB line was, as usual, first class. I would venture that we have as good as a HB line as we have ever had.
Midfield is a concern, wouldn't be too hard on McGrane though, as he's being left to fend against bigger men on his own (what would he give for a John Toal at this point?),Fennell is a big lad who can fetch ball along the lines of both Meath midfielders last week.
I have dinged on enough about MOR and his importance to this team, but the HF line is beginning to take shape round him. SK is the best passer of a ball we have and although they may not be bosom buddies they are forming a fairly good partnership. P McKeever played the football we know he CAN play and hopefully he will continue to prove it. To be fair to him and the other much maligned HFs we have had in the past, he may actually get a chance to play a bit of ball under McDonnell rather than acting as an auxiliary back like he was under Kernan.
Charlie Vernon had a poor enough day but he showed what he can bring to the party with that goal, there is nothing a defence can do with him once he gets up and running and I believe he must be the third member of our half forward line as those runs can draw defenders out from in front of McDonnell and Clarke.
Clarke and McDonnell are again getting the plaudits and rightly so but the standard of ball going in yesterday and in the Roscommon game is in marked contrast to the standard of ball they received in the Meath game.
I said after the Roscommon game that although Roscommon were poor we would have beaten most teams in Ireland with that display and yesterday was the same but with the Meath game stuck in between we are not world beaters just yet.
Finally, I thought it very cute of a Meath man to give Armagh all the motivation they needed prior to a game with the Dubs with his post match comments last week!
Was I at a different match??? Please elaborate Mackers.... ???
There is confusion about whether it was finn or donaghy who misjudged the ball between their legs for the dub goal.
It was definitely finn.
CORRECTO!!! i was down at that end and it was def FINN...
Well you see macker if you mastered the art of reading i've consistently said this dublin team won't win an all-ireland and i believe armagh won't win anything either this year. I also believe Crossmaglen as i've said as a national force are finished and washed up -that's something i firmly believe will be proven over time. The standard in divsion 2 is poor and none of the teams in it will win the all-ireland. if you want to put your money where your mouth is feel free to pm me and we can put a wager on my predictions.
I wouldn;t get too excited lads- we were awful but mc connell and murray don't play in the full back line at club level never mind county level. Clarke and mc donnell are unlikely to come up against such inexperience against the likes of derry later on in the year. Anyone who watched the kerry performance realised where sam is going.
neither dublin or armagh will get within 8 points of kerry come championship time- or at any stage in the near future. There are two different levels at inter county football now.
Kerry and the also rans.
Quote from: INDIANA on April 14, 2008, 09:22:59 AM
tis amazing to see the praise stephen kernan is getting- considering the disgraceful ritual and systematic abuse he received from his fans last year. How ironic he is now one of their key players! A lot of Armagh fans must feel pretty stupid now.
No doubt about that Indiana - he was given dog's abuse on this board - I think it was more to do with his father picking him than SK himself -
Apologies on a postcard to Crossmaglen please, C/O Kernan Estate Agents ! ;)
Candyman, sorry I thought it was Donaghy that was at fault for the goal, if you had a better view than me then you're right.
Indiana that last post was typical of the condescending sh1te that you come out with, where did I say that I thought Armagh were going to win the AI? Where have any of the Armagh posters got "over excited"? You're not too handy at the old reading yourself.
You can hold your opinion about Crossmaglen if you like, but it's the way that you put it at the time that I'm getting at. Stating that it was their arrogance that brought about their defeat in the semi. Arrogance or the fact that they're a spent force, which is it??
The fact that Stephen Kernan is getting a run of games now is making all the difference in the world to him, he's back to the level of performance he had on u21 team of 2004. Where I had the problem over the last number of years was that the lad was being forced into the team when he simply wasn't playing well enough. FACT. I never said he wasn't a good enough footballer. Due to injury he hadn't even broke into the Crossmaglen team.
i disagree mackers - the level of abuse that lad got last year i thought went beyond the pale. in fact it was so bad at times the website could easily have been shut down. I'm glad for the guy -he's really given the two fingers to his "so called fans" in the best way possible and more power to him. He's an extremely good footballer and how anyone thought he wasn't up to that standard musn't know much about gaelic Football.
I'm simply saying mackers- that clarke and mc donnell will never get that sort of room against a good team. Longford ripped us asunder as well in the o byrne cup final. Dublin's full back line has been shaky all year- the chickens came home to roost yesterday and now we face into a championship with more problems then we've had in a long time- with so many regulars out of form. If we can't perform in div 2 -we haven't a prayer against the likes of kerry.
I was staggered by kerry watching the re-run- galway are a good side- but i've rarely seen such a ritual demolition by a team that is still missing 3-4 of its regualr team- a frigtening prospect for the rest of us.
Smokin Joe, have to agree. I thought P Kernan was very poor yesterday and as I already stated, proper ball in would have left him in big trouble.
Holylandsniper, have to disagree with your point about SK defending. Thought he was excellent in that regard yesterday and the point in which he broke up play in his own half and managed to get up the field and put over was typical of his display yesterday.
Didn't see the game but I am delighted for Stephen that he is finally being appreciated for what he can do. I have always defended him on here nad that is not just because he is a team mate(sorry former :P) He is a damn fine footballer and now he has been gioven time to develop in theb team he is showing his true form. His vision and passing is excellent and despite what people on here say he works hard tracking back. He may not win loads of break ball but he will filed ball that comes to him and in fairness MOR wins enough break ball for 2 men! The difference in the treatment that was dished out to him and that which is being meted on Tony is unreal. Some people find it hard to see the big picture about things like this and get caught up in petty club/personality bickerings that in my view make them look stupid in the long run.
Fair play to Armagh, the better side won without a doubt.
There where some awfully dubious decisions going against the Dubs (a goal and 3pts I counted due to bad decisions) and the red card. Should have been one off each team or none. But despite that, the ref certainly didnt make 9 points of a difference, Armagh fully deserved it.
And good hosts too!
I think yesterdays match was the first proper football match I have seen in the league this year. The sun was shining and the ground firming up meaning there was less petty fouls. The referee blew less frees than I saw in previous games (although I do not know how he came to some decisions) which let a game develop. Although Dublin had an inexperienced full back line they tried to use Collie Moran as a sweeper to cover for this with some success. At the time I felt Armagh were then playing into Dublin's hands with there attacking play, however, the turnovers and breakball won by Armagh would suggest this was not the case. Although Armagh won well I thought MOR was the only player that played as well as he can (as he has done all year). We also had a number of players who were well below par. Our full back line came under alot of pressure without a covering defender but despite reservations about a couple of them they did improve as the game went on. Although we might not win anything this year we can see progress which will hopefully let us win something in the future. I am now just hoping someone can beat Kerry - as long as it is not Tyrone!!
Quote from: mackers on April 14, 2008, 10:24:08 AM
Finally, I thought it very cute of a Meath man to give Armagh all the motivation they needed prior to a game with the Dubs with his post match comments last week!
I hope you're not suggesting the "white flag" comment was anything more sinister than an honest assessment by Coyler. ;)
I agree with a lot of what has been said here. For me the reasons why we played so well against Roscommon (excepting the opposition's ability), was that we were putting excellent ball into the forward. We did that today again, and it is the reason why I'd have Stephen and Tony Kernan start: they have vision and creativity and can weight the right kind of crisp pass the forward line needs.
Tony K covers a lot of ground and drags his marker with him creating a lot of space. I don't think these qualities should be overlooked in the overall contribution he can make.
It's because of these two that the forward line as a whole as looked a lot more cohesive as a unit.
I have criticised Martin O'Rourke in the past, but he has proved that he is indispensable. Fantastic performance. But he needs creative movement to benefit from the balls he wins for frees (some dubiously won ) and break ball. Again, back to the Kernans.
While P McKeever was good, the Dublin game was the type of physical game that needed his presence. Some of his passing was good, but some didn't quite come off (but you could see what he was attempting) and a few times I thought he took the wrong option or wasn't quick enough to release. But he had a very good game. As someone said, we'll see if he is as effective next day.
Midfield: I had stated before that this is the game I would have played McGrane in for his physicality. He was cleaned out of it, but put himself about well. He had an awful game against Meath. Totally obliterated, fouled his man, from which came the first Meath goal, and lobbed big high punts on top of McDonnell and Clarke. It harked back to the old days and wasn't working. Against Dublin he off-loaded the ball to supporting runners rather than aimless punts. Leave the distribution to others.
Vernon was clearly rattled by his fumbled solo and missed score. He was nervous and it showed in that I have seen him take on people more in similar circumstances to today, but he looked for the cross field pass. Only in the second half did we see what he can offer – those powerful surging runs. He can get into scoring positions (thought one of his second half shots did curl in for a score) or, because he is so strong and hard to dispossess, he can win frees in the scoring zone. He does not have the height for intercounty midfield. In fact we have no towering midfielders apart from Loughran and McKenna, but I don't think we'll see either of them this year.
Always been a fan of A O'Rourke. Cool, composed, intelligent, strong, and great passing. A bit more pace and he'd be the one of the best CHBs around.
I thought it was quite a good defensive display from Aaron, despite what his man did from play, but he comes into his own strutting forward with the ball at full tilt, with the poise of a ballerina (or was that Enda in the tights? ).
C McKeever. Brilliant, pretty much as always. Totally committed footballer.
With the complementing abilities of our HBs, I'd be hard pressed to name a better HB line in the country, Kerry's possibly.
Full back line. Donaghy doesn't fail to deliver despite my feelings of uncertainty.
Finn Mo, I'm afraid doesn't do it for me, even though he has performed reasonably over the campaign. Paul Kernan, tries hard but I think we have better.
How would a full back line of Mallon, Bellew and Donaghy work. Is it too late for young Paul McKeown to get a run out? I'd have him way before Moriarty or Kernan.
In any case, our performances will depend on the kind of game we play. We have the players, but the movement and passing are key. Is that too simple?
Indiana, BC1 has hit the nail on the head, most of his biggest detractors on the site were from rival clubs and let their prejudices get in the way. Most supporters would have seen the football that he had in him but he was playing no club football through no fault of his own (through injuries and being on the county panel). He was being played on the county team when he couldn't do himself justice and he was being left open to the "critics" who believed it to be nepotism.
On your point on Clarke and McDonnell I would look at it with an Armagh slant, obviously, and say that there aren't many full back lines that could cope with them if they're getting the right quality of ball (remember these boys have done it against the Kerrys of this world). Against Meath in Navan we were kicking high aimless ball on top of them and Darren Fay, that ain't going to work. We have to move away from that as they are being surrounded by backs expecting it. Against yourselves and Roscommon the ball was put in front of them to run onto.
I think what our new manager is doing, to be fair to him, is trying to move us on from Kernan's "Plan A" which served us well in the past but teams have worked it out.
Throwball, you deserted us yesterday, where you over with the snobby boys in the stand? ;)
Jinxy, from what I know of Meath men, they don't say something like that without good reason. ;D
Quote from: his holiness nb on April 14, 2008, 01:14:45 PM
Fair play to Armagh, the better side won without a doubt.
There where some awfully dubious decisions going against the Dubs (a goal and 3pts I counted due to bad decisions) and the red card. Should have been one off each team or none. But despite that, the ref certainly didnt make 9 points of a difference, Armagh fully deserved it.
And good hosts too!
An analysis of the individual performances on the Dublin team would be appreciated HHNB, if you get a chance
No Mackers never been a snob. Was up about the 14 at the top goals as I had the young fella with me and he could not see further down. The aul fella even made it as well. No golf yesterday!
I hope to God no one accuses the Dubs of waving the white flag in Crossmaglen. :o
I can tell you something now Indianna if Armagh were paired with Kerry in the All Ireland series there would be no 8 points in it. Championship football is a different animal. There would be no team in the country beat Armagh or Dublin for that matter by 8 points. No matter how well a team are playing in the league. It is proven that certain teams don't want to peek to soon so they have a mediocre league campaign and go on to do well in the championship. I don't believe Armagh will win an All Ireland this year but they will be tough enough to beat and you can rest assured any team that draws them will not be taking them lightly. When championship comes around then the dollars will go down.
QuoteAll-Ireland SFC 2008 Outright Betting -- Top contenders according to Paddy Power
Kerry 11 - 8
Dublin 7 - 2
Tyrone 8 - 1
Cork 12 - 1
Galway 12 - 1
Mayo 14 - 1
Monaghan 20 - 1
Armagh 20 - 1
Derry 20 - 1
Meath 25 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Obviously Monaghan's draw and Armagh's hammering of Dublin don't cut much ice with Paddy Power!
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 14, 2008, 02:28:32 PM
QuoteAll-Ireland SFC 2008 Outright Betting -- Top contenders according to Paddy Power
Kerry 11 - 8
Dublin 7 - 2
Tyrone 8 - 1
Cork 12 - 1
Galway 12 - 1
Mayo 14 - 1
Monaghan 20 - 1
Armagh 20 - 1
Derry 20 - 1
Meath 25 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Obviously Monaghan's draw and Armagh's hammering of Dublin don't cut much ice with Paddy Power!
[/b]
Nor does it seem that Derry have won many friends in the bookmaking fraternity either - available at a very generous 20-1 !
I wonder would Paddy Power lay me 20's on the NFL final with Kerry - I'd have a bit of that if they did !
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 14, 2008, 02:28:32 PM
QuoteAll-Ireland SFC 2008 Outright Betting -- Top contenders according to Paddy Power
Kerry 11 - 8
Dublin 7 - 2
Tyrone 8 - 1
Cork 12 - 1
Galway 12 - 1
Mayo 14 - 1
Monaghan 20 - 1
Armagh 20 - 1
Derry 20 - 1
Meath 25 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Obviously Monaghan's draw and Armagh's hammering of Dublin don't cut much ice with Paddy Power!
I would imagine those odd's are influenced more by the amount of money layed on Dublin than any other reason..
Armagh were well worth their win yesterday, McDonnell & Clarke looked very strong.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 14, 2008, 02:28:32 PM
QuoteAll-Ireland SFC 2008 Outright Betting -- Top contenders according to Paddy Power
Kerry 11 - 8
Dublin 7 - 2
Tyrone 8 - 1
Cork 12 - 1
Galway 12 - 1
Mayo 14 - 1
Monaghan 20 - 1
Armagh 20 - 1
Derry 20 - 1
Meath 25 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Obviously Monaghan's draw and Armagh's hammering of Dublin don't cut much ice with Paddy Power!
Think they have clipped 5 points off us
From a bookies perspective, Armagh's defeat of Dublin has to be put in context with Meath beating us the week before and our failure to reach the top of Div 2. But we were 25/1 and 22/1 and are now 20/1 so some notice has been taken. There is still 22/1 on Betfair. I posted something last week to the effect that Armagh gave up in the second half, so perhaps they were listening to me rather than Coyle. The Meath game seems a bit of an outlier, perhaps the cancelled game the previous week led to some change in training routine which caused the problem. Yesterday was much more encouraging, as many people had pointed out if Clarke and McDonnell are going well and get some decent ball they are hard to stop. Better backs would cut down the damage, but we don't need to win by 9 points, only 1. We did gave away a soft goal, shades of 1977 there, and we'll have to stop doing this. MOR not only did his usual high intensity coverage of the pitch, but is now doing better when he wins the ball, delivering better passes. C McKeever is now keeping the head and playing football, something he is extremely good at. P McKeever had a decent game, but historically he doesn't have a run of these, but we all hope that he'll start now.
In the Indo, Eugene McGee said "any team hoping to win the Ulster championship will need to be up very early in the morning to catch this impressive set of Armagh players", there is reason to think that he may be right.
jesus kerry are good odds aren't they?- i mean for a foregone conclusion you simply won't get better odds than that.
Quote from: orangeman on April 14, 2008, 02:43:59 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 14, 2008, 02:28:32 PM
QuoteAll-Ireland SFC 2008 Outright Betting -- Top contenders according to Paddy Power
Kerry 11 - 8
Dublin 7 - 2
Tyrone 8 - 1
Cork 12 - 1
Galway 12 - 1
Mayo 14 - 1
Monaghan 20 - 1
Armagh 20 - 1
Derry 20 - 1
Meath 25 - 1
Donegal 28 - 1
Obviously Monaghan's draw and Armagh's hammering of Dublin don't cut much ice with Paddy Power!
[/b]
Nor does it seem that Derry have won many friends in the bookmaking fraternity either - available at a very generous 20-1 !
I wonder would Paddy Power lay me 20's on the NFL final with Kerry - I'd have a bit of that if they did !
I'm afraid PP is only offered 2-1 on Derry Orangeman. Think it will be an interesting game though.
An excellent morale booster for armagh yesterday which should at least give us comfort that they are capable of competing with anyone come the summer.
A whole pile of positives and deliveries on months and sometimes years of promise but i think we need to temper the hysteria with the reality that the dubs are a long way off all ireland contenders and were below par yesterday. also, piller must be one of the most tactically inept coaches in the intercounty arena.
For armagh, the main positives were that the 2 inside men were firing again and working as a pair, the half back line returned to their pre meath dominance and the half forward line functioned better than possibly ant time in the last ten years.
Donaghy is really starting to impress me. he attacks the ball and has great hands. it'll be a good contest for the number 3 jersey if francie can get himself up to speed. AK produced his usual quality going forward and is a reliable pair of hands when the defence is under pressure. i guess we have to live with his man picking off scores and hope to minimise it. AOR has been outstanding. he commpletely eliminated cullen from the game and his pass to clarke from the halfway line was an example of what he adds to armagh's counterattacks. Leaving him off the panel last year is looking worse and worse as the games go by. McKeever is a hell of a defender. he took care of vaughan with ease and shut brogan down completely when swithched onto him.
SK had his best ever game in an armagh jersey and it is great to see evidence of what we've been promised he can deliver. He has certainly earned his start now and that is all anyone ever wanted. Joe obviously had hoped he could find this type of form for the county but the big stumbling block was that he did not wait for steven to earn his chance in his own right as every other footballer in the county must. MOR produced his usual performance. unspectacular but fantastic. McKeever was possibly the biggest bonus of the day. he showed well for the ball coming out of defence and used it well when he got it.
McDonnell and clarke are as good as is in the country inside when the supply is right and the right supply is early kicked ball. another major plus from last week was the lack of soloing the ball and clarke and mcdonnell were the chief beneficiaries.
On the other hand...
Although hearty produced no bloopers yesterday, his kickouts seem terrible hard to judge. I'm not sure mcgrane is his biggest fan as i saw him remonstrating and pointing on several occasions in the first half. Again, moriarty fails to impress me though McDonnell seems to have a lot of faith in him. the mistake yesterday was the type of thing you're always expecting and when his man gets the ball you expect the foul. Paul Kernan had a torrid day and its way too soon for the lad. to be honest, he has yet to impress for his club and i think a summer of club football rather than kicking his heels might bring him on quicker.
Midfield struggled and vernon probably was the better of the 2. McGrane hasn't really found that spring in his heels yet but i'd expect him to have that right come the summer. Vernon is a very attacking option from the middle sector but it remains to be seen if he can win enough posession to hold down a starting berth.
Tony K was probably the weakest of our starting forwards and has really struggled from play since the cavan game. McDonnell seems to be hitting the majority of the frees anyway so i'm not sure he's worth his start. i think the addition of Brian Mallon or miceal o'rourke might add more firepower to the forward line but there's options and that's the main thing.
Another crest on what has been a roller coaster league in terms of performances. we could do without a trough against cork!
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 05:00:45 PM
but i think we need to temper the hysteria with the reality that the dubs are a long way off all ireland contenders
:) :) :)
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 05:00:45 PM
i think we need to temper the hysteria with the reality that the dubs are a long way off all ireland contenders and were below par yesterday.
Lets not carried away now. There were ten changes from the previous game, it was Dublin's first defeat in 2008 and of the two corner backs, one (Andrews) was making his second senior appearance as a sub, and the other (Murray) won't be anywhere near the championship 15.
By the talk about who will contend and who will not, and how far Kerry are ahead, its amazing to think Kerry were within a kick of a ball of losing the 1/4 final and semi final last year.
They are the best team yes, no doubt.
But some people are going on as if they are invincible, which they are certainly not.
I must admit though, as bad as Dublin were yesterday, Armagh were better than I expected.
they are a better side than last year holiness- they have more options for starters and play with a consistency that no other county can match. It's up to the otehr counties to get there and match their standard- but at the moment there are no credible contenders to their crown based on the football i've seen this year.
Quote from: heffo on April 14, 2008, 05:35:37 PM
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 05:00:45 PM
i think we need to temper the hysteria with the reality that the dubs are a long way off all ireland contenders and were below par yesterday.
Lets not carried away now. There were ten changes from the previous game, it was Dublin's first defeat in 2008 and of the two corner backs, one (Andrews) was making his second senior appearance as a sub, and the other (Murray) won't be anywhere near the championship 15.
eh, is that not what my point was?
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 05:56:57 PM
Quote from: heffo on April 14, 2008, 05:35:37 PM
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 05:00:45 PM
i think we need to temper the hysteria with the reality that the dubs are a long way off all ireland contenders and were below par yesterday.
Lets not carried away now. There were ten changes from the previous game, it was Dublin's first defeat in 2008 and of the two corner backs, one (Andrews) was making his second senior appearance as a sub, and the other (Murray) won't be anywhere near the championship 15.
eh, is that not what my point was?
Sorry, I thought your point was that the Dublin team who were beaten by a point by Kerry, who were unbeaten in 2008 and have been making huge changes in every game in order to build a panel throughout the league who will be capable to challenging for a spot in the championship team, will be a 'long way off all ireland contenders'..
Couple of other points:
- Annoying to Armagh fans booing a free taker, Dublin fans did not do this.
- Since when has club Armagh sold prostitution and decided to display them at half time?
- how many times will the half time draw be won by a Cross fan before we shout 'fix'?
Quote from: corn02 on April 14, 2008, 08:22:49 PM
- Since when has club Armagh sold prostitution and decided to display them at half time?
;D ;D
;D The old St tropez was in full effect too!
QuoteQuote from: INDIANA on Today at 09:22:59 AM
tis amazing to see the praise stephen kernan is getting- considering the disgraceful ritual and systematic abuse he received from his fans last year. How ironic he is now one of their key players! A lot of Armagh fans must feel pretty stupid now.
No doubt about that Indiana - he was given dog's abuse on this board - I think it was more to do with his father picking him than SK himself
No i don't feel stupid. I wouldn't say that I gave SK abuse but I did express an opinion that he didn't deserve the amount of chances in the starting XV that he got since 2005. On many occasions he played poorly for Armagh and as a supporter, I think I have the right to express an opinion (a perfectly valid one in my view). I firmly believe that he was given many more chances than other players who showed similar promise.
This year (and probably since last year's championship) he's been a vastly improved player and is finally making a real contribution to the team. He has excellent vision although I'd worry how he'll react when put under real pressure by a defender. I also still think that Brian Mallon is a better option in the half forward line and I'd query the view that "nobody" else would have picked out Stevie for the goal, I thought it was a fairly obvious pass given that he was standing absolutely free 8 yards from goal.
Quote
how many times will the half time draw be won by a Cross fan before we shout 'fix'?
In fairness Cross people are far more likely to buy a ticket. I know I'm far more likely to give money to my own club than any other. Really think its verging on paranoia to think that the draw is fixed.
Bit of humour TAM, no conspiracy theory.
Attempting to be analytical about the dubs is probably difficult after the fact, especially when you only concern yourself with your own team. however, a few notions i have about the dublin team that played sunday:
the full back line was nervious and vulnerable looking from the start. McConnell is very static and looked as though he was expecting an aerial bombardment into clarke and was cleaned out when the ball came low and early. Henry had a torrid day but to be fair there are few in the country who can handle McDonnell in this form. To compound the misery, athough deploying a sweeper seemed eminently sensible, moran didn't seem to have much idea how to do the job. armagh got the ball to mcdonnell and clarke relatively easily despite his presence in the centre.
I understand it was a big game for young Brennan lads but i don't see much there. very pedestrian and poor in possession. The less said about casey the better. unable to do anything with his roving man and seemed determined to find an armagh man with every kick.
Flynn broke even with vernon i suppose. vernon could have made a lot more hay in the first half having lost flynn breaking forward but didn't take his chances. Big fennel was hugely impressive. caught loads of ball and played it simple. worked hard in open play too to contain mcgrane. Whelan coming on turned McGrane's day around and he started winningpossession and frees. i genuinely think it will be impossible to leave fennell out of the championship team.
Bernard Brogan was very impressive. razor sharp and quick as lightening. got off sherlock's shoulder in a flash for his goal and generally was a menace to the armagh defence. Cullen was awful. O'Rourke dominated him in all departments and he didn't seem to know whether he should dropping back or pushing up to cause a threat. Keaney showed 3 or 4 flashes of strength and skill but was virtually anonymous for such a talented player. as has been documented, Vaughan didn't count. he didn't have the pace to beat McKeever to the wing for balls and didn't have the strength to go past him.
Difficult to assess the two inside forwards as their supply was so scarce and so poor. sherlock is a tricky customer and there was a sense of panic when he got the ball but he didn't get it often enough. bonner was cleaned out, pure and simple.
Great to see that level of performance from Armagh and a much needed boost after the Meath game. It's hard to know Armagh's true level at the minute, with all the highs and lows of the league performances but the performance yesterday shows that there are good performances in the team, just as long as the application and the mindset are right. Did the players get carried away after the Roscommon game?
As others have said here there were a lot of pluses in the individual performances, particularly Stephen Kernan and Paddy McKeever. When Paddy's in the mood he can put in a performance like that from time to - hopefully he can keep that up. I was very impressed with the tracking back and workrate of Stephen Kernan. Martin O'Rourke was immense (unbelievable amount of energy, workrate and incisive passing) and Kieran McKeever showed again, as he has throughout the league, that he is now in the top tier of inter county defenders. Brendan Donaghy keeps getting better with every game - seems to be one of those players who blossoms into a solid inter county footballer. Charlie Vernon showed glimpses of what he is capable of. His direct and powerful running through the middle reminded me of a young Marsden. He's not a midfielder though - a wing half forward breaking from midfield is his best position imo. That type of direct running can really open up defences, and adds another dimension to the attack, as opposed to relying purely on the diagonal ball.
The team for the championship is taking shape, with probably around 3/4 places still up for grabs. Maybe McKinney, Bellew, Mallon, Toner to come in? There are some good options across the panel, including the likes of O'Neill, Lavery, Swift, Courtney, Brian Mallon and McConville (more of an impact sub this year?). Others like Micheal O'Rourke, Peader Toal and David McKenna still untested.
Roll on Cork and two decent performances back to back!
QuoteBy the talk about who will contend and who will not, and how far Kerry are ahead, its amazing to think Kerry were within a kick of a ball of losing the 1/4 final and semi final last year.
They are the best team yes, no doubt.
But some people are going on as if they are invincible, which they are certainly not.
I must admit though, as bad as Dublin were yesterday, Armagh were better than I expected.
What you are seeing is just very poor attempts at "cute hoorism" by lads. You can be sure that if we do come a cropper the very same lads will be on here telling us how they knew Dara o se was really shite and that Gooch is vastly overrated etc etc ....we've seen it all before........but, for now, thay are happy to build us up. Its just par for the course this time of year.
You can't out-cute-hoor the masters of cute-hoorism lads so dont even try. We know ye all secretly fancy ye're chances.
Why has no-one suggested moving Aaron Kernan to the half forward line?
Martin O'Rourke, Charlie Vernon and Aaron Kernan on paper seems like a great half forward line
Stevie McDonnell, Ronan Clarke and Stephen Kernan would then be our full forward line
Quote from: Uladh on April 14, 2008, 10:14:41 PM
Attempting to be analytical about the dubs is probably difficult after the fact, especially when you only concern yourself with your own team. however, a few notions i have about the dublin team that played sunday:
thanks for your analysis
Quote from: PatDaly on April 15, 2008, 04:49:41 AM
Why has no-one suggested moving Aaron Kernan to the half forward line?
Martin O'Rourke, Charlie Vernon and Aaron Kernan on paper seems like a great half forward line
Stevie McDonnell, Ronan Clarke and Stephen Kernan would then be our full forward line
If Stephen Kernan is to start the championship it has to be on the half forward line as in fairness it is his distribution into the two boys inside that has made the difference in the Roscommon and Dublin games. If you start him in the full forward line we lose that.
Quote from: PatDaly on April 15, 2008, 04:49:41 AM
Why has no-one suggested moving Aaron Kernan to the half forward line?
Do you mean in the past half hour??
Hound, Uladh got the Dubs spot on in his analysis.
The only additional I would say is about Derek Murray, hauled off after about 20 mins and it was coming from the start, destroyed.
I've yet to be impressed by him.
Fennell has been impressive to date but this was his best game. The Dubs lost midfield after Whelan came on.
Tacadoir there is a clear distinction between expressing an opinion and systematic abuse. there are plenty of players i don;t feel are good enough for my county team but i've yet to see any of the dublin contributors resort to the sort of personalised and unwarranted abuse stephen kernan got last year from so called "fans". Fair play to him for giving the swift two fingers to these clowns.
Aaron kernan is an excellent player going forward- but watch the vincents v crossmaglen game for his defending capabilties. A certain kerry forward who has marked him simply said to me recently they targetted him by putting runners into his channel. He's looks a natural half forward to me and with a sweet left foot - a bloody good one too.
Still he's better than our defence at the moment which quite frankly i don;t know what the management are going to do. At this time i couldn't say any of the dublin defenders have nailed down a championship spot which in april is quite disappointing. It's fine dropping key players when they are bang out of form but the unfortunate reality is that dublin won;t even challenge the likes of kerry without these guys firing on all cylinders. That's the trade off.
Indiana - you are talking out of your hole on the steven kernan issue.
Noone with an ounce of credability ever personally criticised sk on this site. the issues were all football ones and primarily that he had not merited the chances he had been given.
Now, either produce quotes or move on.
Have to say the amount of Dubs going up the road on Sunday was unreal , around how many Dubs travelled ?
Quote from: AFS on April 15, 2008, 01:48:03 PM
Maybe there aren't any on this site but there were plenty giving abuse on Sunday in Cross. Mark Vaughan seemed to be on the end of a lot of it, with 'f**k back off to rugby!' the contribution of one of your fellow county men. Also the language and general behavior of that lot yous put behind the top goals was ridiculous at times, bordering on intimidating.
I was to the side of the guys behind the top goals and there were a group of about 2-3 guys roaring abuse at Vaughan, they were well out of order in my opinion, the same guy was roaring at Hearty after the game. Other than that there was a lot of slagging and joking with anyone in the vicinity, the same few guys, a few yards from me, did go a little over the top occasionally with the slaggings. Especially when the orange legged ladies went by at half time!
But as I said, it was 2 or 3 guys using bad language out of the thousands of Dubs in attendance who behaved impeccably and contributed to a great day out. And were gracious in defeat.
You could at least admit it was a tiny few who were misbehaving.
And before anyone accuses me of blindly defending the Dubs fans, anyone who has read my posts over the years will know I am not slow to condemn, or even bring to peoples attention, the bad behaviour of some Dublin "fans".
I thought the dubs were great craic altogether as usual. they can take the good with the bad thats for sure.
you should have a fair view of brogan's sending off then holiness... what happened there?
Quote from: Uladh on April 15, 2008, 02:17:49 PM
you should have a fair view of brogan's sending off then holiness... what happened there?
couldnt see it Uladh, he was in the middle of a group of players involved. Hard to see who did what.
Looked like handbags to me.
I missed the very start of the Brogan / O'Rourke incident, but when I first seen it there were 2 Dublin players having a go at Aidan O'Rourke. As I say I don't know what went on before that, ie the initial spark.
Finnian Mo then ran in to give O'Rourke a hand, and shortly after that a dozen other jersies soon swamped in.
Have noticed Alan Brogan get more cynical as the years pass and I believe it's to the detriment of his own game, not the player he was a couple of years ago, forget about the standing up to anybody and everybody and concentrate on the scoreboard. De brother is more of a threat at the moment and I believe will soon leave Alan in his shade.
3-4 pts from play on marc o se v kerry last year in the all-ireland semi- yeah really losing his touch alright. The reality is this alan is a big game player and his track record reflects that- he would be the least of my worries at the moment- because he does it when it counts. not something a lot of other forwards from some other counties are good at doing.
Quote from: INDIANA on April 15, 2008, 06:07:02 PM
3-4 pts from play on marc o se v kerry last year in the all-ireland semi- yeah really losing his touch alright. The reality is this alan is a big game player and his track record reflects that- he would be the least of my worries at the moment- because he does it when it counts. not something a lot of other forwards from some other counties are good at doing.
He doesn't do it often enough though
QuoteSince when has club Armagh sold prostitution and decided to display them at half time?
Corn, Could explain the above quote.
Marc O'Se was marking Jason Sherlock for a good while. If he scored 3 or 4 points from play they'd not all have been off him...
review the video tommy - he was on brogan for the full 70 -i'll send you a copy if you want. He got more from play off the best defender in the country last year than anyone else did. Alan always turns up in the big games by and large for dublin in the championship and like i said for a non-freetaker his returns are excellent.
Quote from: Smokin Joe on April 15, 2008, 03:56:51 PM
I missed the very start of the Brogan / O'Rourke incident, but when I first seen it there were 2 Dublin players having a go at Aidan O'Rourke. As I say I don't know what went on before that, ie the initial spark.
Finnian Mo then ran in to give O'Rourke a hand, and shortly after that a dozen other jersies soon swamped in.
Nos 6 and 21.
He threw a calculator from the stand allegedly.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on April 15, 2008, 10:01:23 PM
Quote from: Smokin Joe on April 15, 2008, 03:56:51 PM
I missed the very start of the Brogan / O'Rourke incident, but when I first seen it there were 2 Dublin players having a go at Aidan O'Rourke. As I say I don't know what went on before that, ie the initial spark.
Finnian Mo then ran in to give O'Rourke a hand, and shortly after that a dozen other jersies soon swamped in.
Nos 6 and 21.
There's handier days work
Quote from: Armagh Exile on April 15, 2008, 08:52:22 PM
QuoteSince when has club Armagh sold prostitution and decided to display them at half time?
Corn, Could explain the above quote.
Was in reference to club Armagh parading four girls at half-time in short skirts and lots of tan. Like I said to TAM when he thought I really meant the half-time draw was fixed, it was tongue in cheek. And I am confident that Club Armagh are really not hiring out prostitutes.
::)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm)
Look at the thrid picture...
I know Casey isn't that tall, so is Ronan lifting him a foot in the air by the throat? :P :D
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 16, 2008, 12:18:38 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm)
Look at the thrid picture...
I know Casey isn't that tall, so is Ronan lifting him a foot in the air by the throat? :P :D
Shane Ryan is in the second picture.
I thought he was injured? Just checked the match report on hill16.ie, and he's not named as taking part. Though I can't think of any other recent occassion when the photo could have been taken?
Ryan came on.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 16, 2008, 12:18:38 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm)
Look at the thrid picture...
I know Casey isn't that tall, so is Ronan lifting him a foot in the air by the throat? :P :D
That happened in front of me . Ryan started it with a sneaky slap then the two of them started pulling at each other (at the same time the Brogan melee was happening at the other end of the field). The photo has been taken just before they wrestled each other to the ground, so Clarke's knees are slightly bent .
Quote from: Hound on April 16, 2008, 01:21:44 PM
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on April 16, 2008, 12:18:38 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/photo_galleries/7345568.stm)
Look at the thrid picture...
I know Casey isn't that tall, so is Ronan lifting him a foot in the air by the throat? :P :D
Shane Ryan is in the second picture.
I thought he was injured? Just checked the match report on hill16.ie, and he's not named as taking part. Though I can't think of any other recent occassion when the photo could have been taken?
Think he came on as a blood sub for Whelan
Who's blood did Whelo have on him?