Stevie Mc Donnell has a go at Armagh supporters

[Chuck Lidl]

From what i know of armagh football, crossmaglen's dominance is offputting to other clubs and players as there isn't much chance of winning anything.  this is surely going to filter through to the detriment of the county team

[INDIANA]

can anyone post the article?

STEVIE McDonnell has rejected the notion that Armagh are a declining force – and insisted the Orchardmen have all the ingredients to be a success in 2009.

Paul McGrane, Francie Bellew and Paddy McKeever announced their inter-county retirements recently, while several fringe players opted out of the Armagh squad last week.

However, the 2002 All-Ireland winner and former Allstar was emphatic in his belief that the raw materials still exist in Peter McDonnell's squad for another successful summer, despite a disappointing NFL campaign.

"We have lost a few experienced players, but we've also a lot of guys at the age of 25 which is a good age for county football," said the 29-year-old ace.

"I wouldn't be disheartened at all. I honestly believe it will take a top team to beat us this year, but we have to peak for every match and not dip after a good performance."

McDonnell (below) added: "Put it this way: if I didn't feel that Armagh were capable of being successful this year I would not be there. If we got to an All-Ireland final and I thought we were going to lose, I wouldn't be there.

"I'm not into wasting a year of my life just to make up the numbers in the Championship. Now, we've a lot of work to do over the next few weeks, but I'd be confident about the year ahead."

Fringe players JP Donnelly, Michael O'Rourke, Neil O'Rourke, Conor Clarke and Eugene McDonnell recently opted out of the Armagh panel, but the team's vice-captain explained: "People have this perception that there are fall-outs in Armagh because a few boys have opted out of the panel.

"With club football starting up in Armagh again, those boys want to get some competitive football under their belts and build their confidence. It's that simple. The door is closed on none of those players – and I'm sure Peter [McDonnell] would back me up on that.

"Peter Donnelly, who would get on most teams in the country, can't get in the Tyrone team at the minute and is considering leaving. These things happen in squads, but it doesn't mean there have been fall-outs or that things are going badly.

"At the end of the day, people can think whatever they want. There are always going to be rumours. It's not the first time and it won't be the last, but I'd urge people not to believe everything they hear."

In the last decade, Armagh have been written off almost on an annual basis, but it's not something the Killeavy clubman is concerned about.

The Ulster champions are rated at 25/1 to win this year's All-Ireland crown, while Derry, Cork, Dublin, Mayo and Galway are just some of the counties ranked above them in the betting stakes.

The Orchard county open the defence of their provincial crown against All-Ireland champions Tyrone at Clones on May 31.

"We've always been written off, even in 2002 when we won the All-Ireland," smiled McDonnell.

"Even some of my mates are doubting Armagh's credentials, but people are entitled to their opinion. The most important people are the 30 to 35 players and management team and what goes on inside the group."

they are a force but relatively speaking. IN the sense that they are a force that they can definitely beat 23 counties and have as good a chance of beating the next 5 as the other 5 but are not not good enough to beat the top 3 IMO of kerry, tyrone and Cork.

[mountainboii]

they are a force but relatively speaking. IN the sense that they are a force that they can definitely beat 23 counties and have as good a chance of beating the next 5 as the other 5 but are not not good enough to beat the top 3 IMO of kerry, tyrone and Cork.

Probably true. Although I don't think we're good enough to go all the way this year, I'll still be very disappointed if we're knocked out by anyone other than the top two (and maybe Cork, still not sure they're the real deal).

[Armamike]

In the Irish news today Stevie mac staunchly fights his corner claiming that its going to take a good team to beat Armagh this year and defends his manager and team herociacally against the naymen and sooth sayers.  Its a fair move by Mc Donnell and in general is probably needed, having read many of the Armagh commenteers on here that the sky is falling in and the camp is fragmenting.  Does it reassure the Armagh fans on here or is it simply corrective PR.   

WUM

[Shortso79]

Need to change the title of this thread - no way is Stevie having a go a the Orangemen

[ONeill]

Jaysus McDonnell does nothing but whinge in recent years regarding Armagh supporters.

I don't like his line that he'd not tog out for Armagh if he thought they couldn't win the All-Ireland. What does that make all the players who lined out for the shite Armagh sides from 82-99 as well as counties like Leitrim, Louth, Cavan, Antrim, Derry, London, Wicklow, Tipp, Limerick, Clare, Sligo.....who are not going to win the AI this year?

[Puckoon]

Thats a very literal interpretation O'Neill. Hes been there and tasted success, which then becomes the bench mark for a player like McDonnell, if not necessarily the realistic ambition of the armagh panel.

I wouldnt expect an AI winner to be talking about going out there and just hoping to have a good season. He'd have to have the belief, no matter how misguided it is.

[David McKeown]

Id rather this didnt come out I was more than happy to be considered a spent force publicly and take the pressure of the team.  At times this year I think Arnagh have been as good as any time in the last 5 years.  At other times theyve been awful, Id rather they had a shot at this championship with no pressure or expectation on them