Ulster Championship 2025

[Stall the Bailer]

I'm not a fan of the 2 pointers especially for frees. He still fouled the ball though. Either by bad decision making taking it into a congested area and or by good tackling from the opposition. Or maybe he just took too many steps. I think most want to see turnovers (except when its against your own team), yes there will be wrong calls and if a new rule results in a lot of poor calls then it needs changed or removed. Most of the games I have seen it has been down to players still having old habits of holding onto the ball and not bad calls.

[trueblue1234]

Would it not have made more sense for the rule to be fouling player must place the ball on the ground within 2/3 seconds if in possession and move out of way of kicker. Keeps players apart, so no throwing or slowly walking with the ball over. And if ball has broken free (which I'd guess would be 50% + of times) do the 50m punishment for the aggressor if they touch/ interfere with the ball or player. So attacking team can run and get ball to hit the quick free if on. Prob more similar to what was there before but I think they're trying too hard to control all actions to prevent any negative consequences. And I understand why, but it's a tight line. If you try and regulate all shows of passion or frustration, then it dulls the games to a certain extend.

[thebigfullforward]

The rule is, Not handing the ball to the nearest opposition player (handing ball back in full). Sounds like the ref was 100% correct, the player did not hand it back and also not to the nearest opponent.

So if the nearest opposition player is behind you and closer to your own net than you are you have to hand it to them? Sounds like another flaw in the rules. Attackers already have all the advantages they could need. If it's in the rules that they're legally allowed to take a free from 5/10/however many yards the ref deems the closest player is then that needs look at

As far as I understand it is to prevent scenarios where it pays to foul and delay. If you foul then the advantage should be to the player who was fouled. You have to hand the ball back. The reason teams delay is to get players back to prevent scores. The reason players want to throw the ball is so that they can get back and prevent a score. Why, allow the fouler an advantage here, just because that is always how it was?

He threw the ball directly to him? It went to his chest. Nowhere near enough time to gain an advantage and get players back. If he did want to get players back it actually would've suited him to run back towards the player he fouled and hand the ball directly to him like you're saying he should've done. So if he were to follow the rules that were brought in to stop delay of game he would've actually delayed the game more by running back towards the player instead of throwing it to him. That's a bit backwards, no?

[Milltown Row2]

The rule is, Not handing the ball to the nearest opposition player (handing ball back in full). Sounds like the ref was 100% correct, the player did not hand it back and also not to the nearest opponent.

So if the nearest opposition player is behind you and closer to your own net than you are you have to hand it to them? Sounds like another flaw in the rules. Attackers already have all the advantages they could need. If it's in the rules that they're legally allowed to take a free from 5/10/however many yards the ref deems the closest player is then that needs look at

As far as I understand it is to prevent scenarios where it pays to foul and delay. If you foul then the advantage should be to the player who was fouled. You have to hand the ball back. The reason teams delay is to get players back to prevent scores. The reason players want to throw the ball is so that they can get back and prevent a score. Why, allow the fouler an advantage here, just because that is always how it was?

He threw the ball directly to him? It went to his chest. Nowhere near enough time to gain an advantage and get players back. If he did want to get players back it actually would've suited him to run back towards the player he fouled and hand the ball directly to him like you're saying he should've done. So if he were to follow the rules that were brought in to stop delay of game he would've actually delayed the game more by running back towards the player instead of throwing it to him. That's a bit backwards, no?

We can argue the rights and wrongs of it all year long, but anyone that does it their way when the rules call it another can't really have any complaints

Would it not have made more sense for the rule to be fouling player must place the ball on the ground within 2/3 seconds if in possession and move out of way of kicker. Keeps players apart, so no throwing or slowly walking with the ball over. And if ball has broken free (which I'd guess would be 50% + of times) do the 50m punishment for the aggressor if they touch/ interfere with the ball or player. So attacking team can run and get ball to hit the quick free if on. Prob more similar to what was there before but I think they're trying too hard to control all actions to prevent any negative consequences. And I understand why, but it's a tight line. If you try and regulate all shows of passion or frustration, then it dulls the games to a certain extend.

Its fine to have frustration and have the passion, just direct it elsewhere and not at the ref, he's not doing it back so why give him 'frustration' communication is of course a two way street and better communication from the ref with regards to his call should be enough, whether he's right or wrong, that's the call, jumping about like a header isn't going to fix it

[thebigfullforward]

The rule is, Not handing the ball to the nearest opposition player (handing ball back in full). Sounds like the ref was 100% correct, the player did not hand it back and also not to the nearest opponent.

So if the nearest opposition player is behind you and closer to your own net than you are you have to hand it to them? Sounds like another flaw in the rules. Attackers already have all the advantages they could need. If it's in the rules that they're legally allowed to take a free from 5/10/however many yards the ref deems the closest player is then that needs look at

As far as I understand it is to prevent scenarios where it pays to foul and delay. If you foul then the advantage should be to the player who was fouled. You have to hand the ball back. The reason teams delay is to get players back to prevent scores. The reason players want to throw the ball is so that they can get back and prevent a score. Why, allow the fouler an advantage here, just because that is always how it was?

He threw the ball directly to him? It went to his chest. Nowhere near enough time to gain an advantage and get players back. If he did want to get players back it actually would've suited him to run back towards the player he fouled and hand the ball directly to him like you're saying he should've done. So if he were to follow the rules that were brought in to stop delay of game he would've actually delayed the game more by running back towards the player instead of throwing it to him. That's a bit backwards, no?

We can argue the rights and wrongs of it all year long, but anyone that does it their way when the rules call it another can't really have any complaints

Would it not have made more sense for the rule to be fouling player must place the ball on the ground within 2/3 seconds if in possession and move out of way of kicker. Keeps players apart, so no throwing or slowly walking with the ball over. And if ball has broken free (which I'd guess would be 50% + of times) do the 50m punishment for the aggressor if they touch/ interfere with the ball or player. So attacking team can run and get ball to hit the quick free if on. Prob more similar to what was there before but I think they're trying too hard to control all actions to prevent any negative consequences. And I understand why, but it's a tight line. If you try and regulate all shows of passion or frustration, then it dulls the games to a certain extend.

Its fine to have frustration and have the passion, just direct it elsewhere and not at the ref, he's not doing it back so why give him 'frustration' communication is of course a two way street and better communication from the ref with regards to his call should be enough, whether he's right or wrong, that's the call, jumping about like a header isn't going to fix it

I guess so it's part of the game now so might as well accept it and move on. Just like how ones were/are complaining about the fisted point, possession football, swarm tackling should accept that that's apart of the game too

[trueblue1234]

The rule is, Not handing the ball to the nearest opposition player (handing ball back in full). Sounds like the ref was 100% correct, the player did not hand it back and also not to the nearest opponent.

So if the nearest opposition player is behind you and closer to your own net than you are you have to hand it to them? Sounds like another flaw in the rules. Attackers already have all the advantages they could need. If it's in the rules that they're legally allowed to take a free from 5/10/however many yards the ref deems the closest player is then that needs look at

As far as I understand it is to prevent scenarios where it pays to foul and delay. If you foul then the advantage should be to the player who was fouled. You have to hand the ball back. The reason teams delay is to get players back to prevent scores. The reason players want to throw the ball is so that they can get back and prevent a score. Why, allow the fouler an advantage here, just because that is always how it was?

He threw the ball directly to him? It went to his chest. Nowhere near enough time to gain an advantage and get players back. If he did want to get players back it actually would've suited him to run back towards the player he fouled and hand the ball directly to him like you're saying he should've done. So if he were to follow the rules that were brought in to stop delay of game he would've actually delayed the game more by running back towards the player instead of throwing it to him. That's a bit backwards, no?

We can argue the rights and wrongs of it all year long, but anyone that does it their way when the rules call it another can't really have any complaints

Would it not have made more sense for the rule to be fouling player must place the ball on the ground within 2/3 seconds if in possession and move out of way of kicker. Keeps players apart, so no throwing or slowly walking with the ball over. And if ball has broken free (which I'd guess would be 50% + of times) do the 50m punishment for the aggressor if they touch/ interfere with the ball or player. So attacking team can run and get ball to hit the quick free if on. Prob more similar to what was there before but I think they're trying too hard to control all actions to prevent any negative consequences. And I understand why, but it's a tight line. If you try and regulate all shows of passion or frustration, then it dulls the games to a certain extend.

Its fine to have frustration and have the passion, just direct it elsewhere and not at the ref, he's not doing it back so why give him 'frustration' communication is of course a two way street and better communication from the ref with regards to his call should be enough, whether he's right or wrong, that's the call, jumping about like a header isn't going to fix it

Totally agree. I know there was times when i played that you'd give away a free and it's more anger at yourself that's showing. Or if I didn't think it was a foul, I'd say "aww no!!" But more to myself. I agree , anything directed at the ref should be punished. I know it's hard to fine the line going down that route. Like you say, in the past most refs used common sense whether a player was just frustrated or being argumentative towards the ref. I just hope that continues.

[balladmaker]

I'd be all for removing the 2 pointer.  The rule changes predominantly came about to remove the lateral play, mass defending, and general boredom.  The 3 up, 3 back sorts that out.  The kickout rules also help.  The tap and go is also a great introduction.  But for me, the 2 pointer is overcompensating for what is just another skill of the game in kicking a ball 40 yards with some accuracy.  There was nothing wrong with the scoring system before.  Scorelines such as 1-34 to 1-23 devalues the scores to a degree and we're gonna see alot more of that before the year is out.  Scrap the 2 pointer at the next opportunity.

[tbrick18]

And the below scenario ?

Three or four lads round a player slapping away at the ball, player falls, unable to solo, to bounce to pass, ref deems player to have over carried, how long will he give for said player on ground possibly on top of the ball with multiple bodies around him to get himself to his feet and hand the ball to the "nearest" opposition player, even if he lets go the ball is still probably under him. 

A technical foul as he can't release, yet could be punished with a 2 pointer because he also can't hand ball back quick enough!

I've seen this exact scenario numerous times so far and that is just not fair.
There are also plenty of scenarios where the person with the ball legitimately thinks they have the free, but the ref has given it the other way. That can result in 50m.
Its at the point where the player needs to quickly locate the ref, see what way the free is given and potentially hand a ball over before the ref deems it too much time and punish with 50ms. Also seen this numerous times.

Too many rules introduced all at once with no real trial. The railway cup trial was a joke.

The dissent rule, the way its working out is good I think. Solo and go is very good as it gives the fouled player the advantage. Handing the ball over should be scrapped in favour of the old rule - but they could keep the 50m element of it.
I've always hated the Mark - and still think its got no place in the game.
Get rid of all the other new rules imo.

[dec]

Will the Armagh Tyrone game be televised? It is not currently being listed in the GAA+ overseas  list of games https://www.gaaplus.ie/matches/live

[SouthOfThe Bann]

Will the Armagh Tyrone game be televised? It is not currently being listed in the GAA+ overseas  list of games https://www.gaaplus.ie/matches/live

Of course it will be televised. Ulster semi finals always are.

[FermGael]

Very very low key build up to Fermanagh V Down.
Can't see there being a huge crowd.

We had an good league with the exception of the Kildare result and were in the mix for promotion.
We should have no fear of Down.
Fermanagh just home from a training week in Portugal.

We have had an awful record in the Ulster Championship under the current management and against Ulster teams in general in knockout football under this management ( beaten twice at home in the last 2 seasons by Antrim in the Tailtean) .

We need to put in a performance tomorrow of some description but the bookies have us at 11/2.

[JoG2]

Very very low key build up to Fermanagh V Down.
Can't see there being a huge crowd.

We had an good league with the exception of the Kildare result and were in the mix for promotion.
We should have no fear of Down.
Fermanagh just home from a training week in Portugal.

We have had an awful record in the Ulster Championship under the current management and against Ulster teams in general in knockout football under this management ( beaten twice at home in the last 2 seasons by Antrim in the Tailtean) .

We need to put in a performance tomorrow of some description but the bookies have us at 11/2.

Now there's an idea.... 🤔

[ONARAGGATIP]

Very very low key build up to Fermanagh V Down.
Can't see there being a huge crowd.

We had an good league with the exception of the Kildare result and were in the mix for promotion.
We should have no fear of Down.
Fermanagh just home from a training week in Portugal.

We have had an awful record in the Ulster Championship under the current management and against Ulster teams in general in knockout football under this management ( beaten twice at home in the last 2 seasons by Antrim in the Tailtean) .

We need to put in a performance tomorrow of some description but the bookies have us at 11/2.

Every down game this season has been very tight. 11/2 is a huge price. Almost an insult. Would expect a 1 or 2 point win either way. Hard one to call. We really should have at least drew with louth and cavan. Last week's cavan and tyrone game shows the huge gulf in class between the top and middle tier.

[flowerpot]

1-64 to 1-58

[Blowitupref]

Teams for the two quarter finals any surprises?

DONEGAL

Shaun Patton
Finbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Peadar Mogan
Ryan McHugh, Odhran McFadden Ferry, Jeaic Mack Ceallabhuí
Hugh McFadden, Ciaran Thompson
Dáire Ó Baoill, Shane O'Donnell, Ciaran Moore
Patrick McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Conor O'Donnell.

Subs: Gavin Mulreany, Caolan McColgan, Stephen McMenamin, Odhran Doherty, Aaron Doherty, Eoin McHugh, Michael Langan, Jamie Brennan, Niall O'Donnell, Oisin Gallen, Jason McGee.

MONAGHAN:

Rory Beggan
Ryan Wylie, Ryan O'Toole, Dylan Byrne
Aaron Carey, Dessie Ward, Conor McCarthy
Micheal McCarville, Gary Mohan
Stephen O'Hanlon, Mícheál Bannigan, Ciaran McNulty
David Garland, Andrew Woods, Jack McCarron.

Subs: Kian Mulligan, Jason Irwin, Gavin McPhillips, Darren Hughes, Joel Wilson, Ryan McAnespie, Barry McBennett, Kieran Duffy, Fergal Hanratty, Stephen Mooney, Karl O'Connell.






FERMANAGH:

Sean McNally
Luke Flanagan, Lee Cullen, Oisin Smyth
Jonathan Cassidy, Declan McCusker, Fionan O'Brien
Joe McDade, Darragh McGurn
Shane McGullion, Ryan Lyons, Paul Breen
Josh Largo Ellis, Garvan Jones, Sean Cassidy.

Subs: Ross Bogue, Ché Cullen, Conor Love, Ronan McCaffrey, Aaron Jones, Aogan Kelm, Conor McGee, Oisin Murphy, Brandon Horan, Diarmuid King, Glenn Treacy.

DOWN:

Ronan Burns
Patrick McCarthy, Peter Fegan, Ceilum Doherty
Ryan Magill, Pierce Laverty, Miceal Rooney;
Daniel Guinness, Ryan McEvoy;
Danny Magill, Odhran Murdock, Eugene Branagan
James Guinness, Pat Havern, Conor McCrickard.


Subs: John O'Hare, Ruairi McCormack, Aaron McClements, Donal Scullion, Shay Millar, Adam Crimmins, Finn McElroy, Caolan Mooney, Gareth McKibben, Patrick Brooks, John McGeough.