Down v Armagh. June 4th

[Mourne Rover]

Tony says that the Kerry team which Down beat in the 1991 AI semi final was `so old and past it, it was tantamount to abuse of the elderly'.  In that summer, Kerry somehow managed to beat Cork who were going for their third All Ireland in a row and their fifth consecutive Munster title. Kerry certainly had a couple of much decorated veterans like Spillane and O'Shea but the spine of their side were in their 20s. Their captain and midfielder, Ambrose O'Donovan, was 29, half back Stephen Stack was 25, key forward Pa Dennehy was 22 and above all, Maurice Fitzgerald, accepted as one of their greatest players of all time, was 21. There were spells of tension and stalemate during the semi final, as it had been almost a quarter of a century since the last Ulster county lifted Sam, but Down produced a spell of sparkling football in the final quarter to seal the result. It was widely regarded as one of the significant semi finals of the era, as it paved the way for a period of Ulster domination which lasted for the next four years. Tony may not have enjoyed his day out at Croke Park, but other Armagh people sensibly used the occasion as part of the motivation for their own eventual breakthrough 11 seasons later.

[T Fearon]

It was enjoyable but Jacko and Spillane had to leave the.field wearing oxygen masks

[Aristo 60]

Tony says that the Kerry team which Down beat in the 1991 AI semi final was `so old and past it, it was tantamount to abuse of the elderly'.  In that summer, Kerry somehow managed to beat Cork who were going for their third All Ireland in a row and their fifth consecutive Munster title. Kerry certainly had a couple of much decorated veterans like Spillane and O'Shea but the spine of their side were in their 20s. Their captain and midfielder, Ambrose O'Donovan, was 29, half back Stephen Stack was 25, key forward Pa Dennehy was 22 and above all, Maurice Fitzgerald, accepted as one of their greatest players of all time, was 21. There were spells of tension and stalemate during the semi final, as it had been almost a quarter of a century since the last Ulster county lifted Sam, but Down produced a spell of sparkling football in the final quarter to seal the result. It was widely regarded as one of the significant semi finals of the era, as it paved the way for a period of Ulster domination which lasted for the next four years. Tony may not have enjoyed his day out at Croke Park, but other Armagh people sensibly used the occasion as part of the motivation for their own eventual breakthrough 11 seasons later.

So a touch of child abuse going on too then it seems 

Opinions based on facts. All good.

[seafoid]

It was the first time since the 60s that a team from Ulster won an All Ireland semi without beating the Connacht champions . The result was sensational.

[T Fearon]

Yes Cork and Kerry were so strong in 1991 that Clare were.Munster Champs in 1992.🤔

[TheImpactCode]

Down managed the game better and parked the bus for the second half when they needed to.  If Armagh had went for points and were that bit cuter, it would have been different.

Seemed like a rolloercoaster of a minor game.  Wee james getting the best of the the cubs I see

[Mourne Rover]

In 1991, Cork and Kerry between them had won five of the previous seven All Irelands. However, Kerry do occasionally underperform at Croke Park, as their fourth quarter collapse in the 2002 final demonstrated.

[OgraAnDun]

In 1991, Cork and Kerry between them had won five of the previous seven All Irelands. However, Kerry do occasionally underperform at Croke Park, as their fourth quarter collapse in the 2002 final demonstrated.

When you're there almost 50% of years you're bound to underperform ocassionally.

[westbound]

In 1991, Cork and Kerry between them had won five of the previous seven All Irelands. However, Kerry do occasionally underperform at Croke Park, as their fourth quarter collapse in the 2002 final demonstrated.

And on the flip side, they won none of the next 6!

[stew]

In 1991, Cork and Kerry between them had won five of the previous seven All Irelands. However, Kerry do occasionally underperform at Croke Park, as their fourth quarter collapse in the 2002 final demonstrated.

What fourth quarter collapse in 02? they were owned in that second half.

[BennyCake]

In 1991, Cork and Kerry between them had won five of the previous seven All Irelands. However, Kerry do occasionally underperform at Croke Park, as their fourth quarter collapse in the 2002 final demonstrated.

What fourth quarter collapse in 02? they were owned in that second half.

You tell 'em, stew!

[Mourne Rover]

Kerry led for most of the match and were four up in the 53rd minute. Armagh then responded brilliantly, but, including injury time, Kerry failed to manage a single score in the last 20 minutes of play, which would be generally regarded as a fourth quarter collapse.

[tonto1888]

Kerry led for most of the match and were four up in the 53rd minute. Armagh then responded brilliantly, but, including injury time, Kerry failed to manage a single score in the last 20 minutes of play, which would be generally regarded as a fourth quarter collapse.

Or n excellent defensive effort from Armagh

[StGallsGAA]

Kerry led for most of the match and were four up in the 53rd minute. Armagh then responded brilliantly, but, including injury time, Kerry failed to manage a single score in the last 20 minutes of play, which would be generally regarded as a fourth quarter collapse.

Or n excellent defensive effort from Armagh

Armagh simply wanted it more. 

[Eamonnca1]

So Mc Geeney had no input yesterday,at half time etc,it was all down to John Toal,according to himself? Is this the way this will be spun,don't blame Kieran?

I said last week that this game didn't matter,neither team will have a long summer.That was proven yesterday.The Down delight was muted and more about winning a Championship fixture.Meanwhile I walked back into Newry City Centre after the game,with hordes of others,Down and Armagh fans and saw no evidence of unfettered joy from Down fans nor heard any moaning from Armagh fans.This is a long way from the halcyon days when a win in this fixture would have been celebrated like an All Ireland win or a defeat would have incited a riot in protest.Narrow Defeat in this fixture in 1991 cost Joe Kernan and Paddy Moriarity their jobs (and they had brought the team to the Ulster Final the previous year).Are both teams now that poor that people have given up?

No qualifier round in them days. There was a lot more at stake in every match when it was a straight knockout.