The Bould Francie

[Carbery]

And still the legend lives on
I have mention Francie earlier.  At times this summer we perhaps thought the great man had gone to the well just once too often as he was caught for fitness and pace in a few matches in the club championship for his beloved Cross.  But on Sunday, his introduction at half-time was evidence, if any were needed, of his enduring charm in and around a GAA pitch.  Francie did enough in one half of football to earn him man of the match and his second half performance was the main talking point of the final.  Sporting a Rory McIlroy haircut, more I'd say by having forgotten to go to the barbers rather than a desire to be top of the trend charts, he tortured Dromintee in the second half with as good a display of power football as you could ever witness.  He was the powerhouse we have come to know, admire and love.
Cross have won yet another one and it's no coincidence that they did it in the last five minutes with three points in a row when they were under the cosh.  This is exactly how they won the semi-final against Cullyhanna and how they have won countless other crucial games during their recent odyssey.
They have shown how to win ugly, win with style, win with grace, when they should have lost and win through shrewd management tactics.
For a good few years now, people have been saying they're playing their last card, but they seem to constantly find a few new aces to keep them going.  No one is giving them a chance against St Gall's.  Just watch them.
They're worth an outside bet for Ulster.

Jarlath Burns
Gaelic Life

[ardmhachaabu]

Thanks Carbery

[Feckitt]

The Bould Francie is making his final stand on St Patrick's Day for the mighty Rangers.  I don't think we will ever see his likes again.

Just in case he happens to be reading this site(which I very much doubt), I'd just like to say, Thanks Big Fella.

[ONeill]

Will there be others possibly making their last appearance for Rangers?

[orangeman]

The Bould Francie is making his final stand on St Patrick's Day for the mighty Rangers.  I don't think we will ever see his likes again.

Just in case he happens to be reading this site(which I very much doubt), I'd just like to say, Thanks Big Fella.

He's a legend but I think you'll find that not everyone will be saying thanks ! 

[armaghniac]

[ardchieftain]

Hope the Legend goes out on a high on thursday.

It's Oisin's last game too i believe

[mountainboii]

Hope the Legend goes out on a high on thursday.

It's Oisin's last game too i believe

Not so sure about that. Heard him on Newstalk on Sunday and he was a bit noncommittal about retirement. Mentioned that they were almost into the new season and he'd have to see how things go (or words to that effect).

[orangeman]

Hope the Legend goes out on a high on thursday.

It's Oisin's last game too i believe

Not so sure about that. Heard him on Newstalk on Sunday and he was a bit noncommittal about retirement. Mentioned that they were almost into the new season and he'd have to see how things go (or words to that effect).

I listened to the same programme and he definitely didn't say he was retiring. He said something like "sure they'll want rid of me at this stage".  Didn't sound like a man that was going anywhere. And why would he ? It's going to be a case of last man standing out of the "FAB FOUR".

[armaghniac]

Oisin might do a John Mac and reappear in the championship season next year, without playing in every league game. He might not even decide this until closer to them.

[mackers]

I think tomorrow will be the last time we'll see both men in a Rangers shirt (assuming there's no draw). Both brilliant servants of Crossmaglen & Armagh football. IMO there would be no AIs in either Cross or Armagh without Oisin, can't really give the fella a bigger compliment than that.

[Canalman]

Fine footballer and all that, but would seriously fancy the Rossies if he is starting. Cannot see him starting though as father time seems to have caught up with him . If starting, no doubt Frankie D will be immediately sent in on the edge of the square. The 6 backs v Crokes did fine imo.
Best of luck to him anyhows and to all playing tomorrow.

[ross matt]

I thought Bellew only came on as a sub for most of this season? Cant imagine him being a major factor even if he does start.

Oisin is a different kettle of fish though. He has the experience and the nerve for big day performances in Croker. Looks lean and hungry enough to play on for a few more years too.

[Feckitt]

Yes Ross Matt you are correct, Francie will probably be used sparingly tomorrow, but rest assured he will come on at some stage, to a deafening roar of approval from the crowd.  Even Tony McEntee has to bow to the demands of the natives and put the great man on for a few minutes.

[orangeman]

Who says there's no room for sentiment in football any more ?

Wha a nice touch of the Cross management to give Francie one last day in the sun on the biggest stage there is !


Well done, good and faithful servant.


Enjoy the retirement.