Been a bit out of the loop of late but second hand info is plenty to go on to speculate on an internet forum in terms of who might make teams....
A fast start to the year, it would seem to me, could be vital for armagh and peter McDonnell. anything other than that could mean a poor atmosphere building in the county and growing discontent. there are already a lot of grumblings. It seem there are alot of "established" players who have not featured in the McKenna cup so we can only assume they will be available for the league? i hear McGrane will not feature early on anyway. theoretically....
Rodgers
Moriarty
Toner
Donaghy
McKeever
O'Rourke
Donnelly
Lavery
Vernon
O'Rourke
Mallon
Courtney/Toal
O'Rourke/Forker/Henderson
Clarke
McDonnell
happy enough with the look of that
Both Matty Forde and Red Barry will be missing from Wexford anyway. We have been playing experimental sides in the O'Byrne cup so it will be interesting if any of these new lads make the starting 15. Really looking forward to this game now
I'd imagine there'll be no Vernon (or any Uni players for that matter) as the Queens V UUJ game is on Wed 4th Feb.
I really think we have to move away from having AOR at CHB, as I've said a few times I'd criticise the role not the player, it's a sh1t tactic - just get on it Peter and put Ciaran McKeever there.
surely the uni players can't be pulled from a national league game to save them for a sigerson game? to hell with that.
O'Rourke was amongst armagh's better player players last year so i can't see a change there unless there's a dip in form? i'm not sure what the "role" is that you refer to benny? on top of that there'd have to be another chb found in that case as i don't think mckeever is chb material, fantastic defender though he is.
A large part of his role seemed to be sweeping in front of the FB line, an any time he did fall back Vernon and MOR would be sitting in around the HB line therefore robbing the forwardline, it was one big chain of Negativity. His lack of pace always leaves the threat that he could be exposed thus the need for tactics to combat this and the tactics are what lead us to look incredibly defensive.
I firmly believe if AOR starts at CHB against Tyrone in the summer we will be murdered, there's no one better than Harte to expose a frailty. Could you imagine AOR running around after Cavanagh, McGuigan, O'Neill? He wouldn't be fit to therefore he'll sit, meaning someone else will have to cover, creating a spare man somewhere for Tyrone and an extra defender for us.
McDonnell has promised a more expansive game and I think we'll need a more mobile CHB to play any such system, although I don't for one second think we'll be seeing that type of football in healy park come the summer.
I find it very hard to believe that you don't think McKeever would make a good CHB, but there's only one way to find out – play him there during the NFL.
He's played there quite a bit on and off to varying success - poor sense of positioning seem to be his major flaw. someone like toner might be the best alternative to o'rourke, or possibly Donaghy? i'm not convinced what you say re o'rourke is correct for a couple of reasons though - 1 - if a centre forward plays in the forward line he'd have to be marked but if he drifts into his own defence i wouldn't want a centre half following him and 2 - i'm not convinced o'rourke couldn't play as a lemming centre half (me da's term) as, despite notions to the contrary, i can't recall a forward beating him for pace - in the same way McGeeney ws rumoured to have that weakness for about 10 years.
Rodgers or McEvoy, Duffy, Donaghy, McKeown, Kernan, O'Rourke, McKeever, Toner & Vernon, O'Rourke, McDonnell, McKenna, Henderson, Clarke, O'Rourke.
Not sure about the doubts on AOR. He's a fantastic footballer and Armagh are struggling to count lads in that category. thought himself and clarke wre the only two to take any creit out of 2008.
Quote from: The GAA on January 20, 2009, 03:41:05 PM
Rodgers or McEvoy, Duffy, Donaghy, McKeown, Kernan, O'Rourke, McKeever, Toner & Vernon, O'Rourke, McDonnell, McKenna, Henderson, Clarke, O'Rourke.
Not sure about the doubts on AOR. He's a fantastic footballer and Armagh are struggling to count lads in that category. thought himself and clarke wre the only two to take any creit out of 2008.
Don't think so
McKeever would need to have improved a hell of a lot at CHB since the last time he was tried there in the league and championship a couple of years back. The old 40 footer could have been driven straight through the middle of the Armagh defence when he was supposed to be playing that position. It's an odd one - at underage level he was very strong in that position. O'Rourke pretty much had a free role last year, whether that was due to Armagh tactics or teams dropping their CHF deeper, but he did spend much of his time mopping up loose ball. He had the time to do what he's good at, distribute the ball accurately. But he wasn't asked to hold the position and mark the man.
More than results per se I'd like to see Armagh develop a level of consistency and a clear style of play that gives encouragement for the summer. I still don't really know what McDonnell's footballing philosophy is.
Quote from: Armamike on January 20, 2009, 10:17:14 PM
McKeever would need to have improved a hell of a lot at CHB since the last time he was tried there in the league and championship a couple of years back. The old 40 footer could have been driven straight through the middle of the Armagh defence when he was supposed to be playing that position. It's an odd one - at underage level he was very strong in that position. O'Rourke pretty much had a free role last year, whether that was due to Armagh tactics or teams dropping their CHF deeper, but he did spend much of his time mopping up loose ball. He had the time to do what he's good at, distribute the ball accurately. But he wasn't asked to hold the position and mark the man.
More than results per se I'd like to see Armagh develop a level of consistency and a clear style of play that gives encouragement for the summer. I still don't really know what McDonnell's footballing philosophy is.
I'm not sure McDonnell does either! I must say that I remain totally unconvinced about Vernon; he made a great run and scored a goal in the NFL game against Dublin last year but apart from that, what? He's prone to giving away ball easily and I'm not sure he goes in 100% for every 50/50 ball which is an absolute essential, especially come Championship time. JP Donnelly wasn't good enough two years ago, so unless there's been a miracle improvement there I wouldn't have him near the team and anyway his indiscipline is a liability. I'd like Donaghy at FB with Kieran Toner at MF with James Lavery.
Uladh I thought you would of had McEvoy in being a keen follower of Dromintee games?
I don;t know what team I would like to see, I would still want to see some fringe players get a chance, but I think promotion is essential this year.
Lads we have to be honest here, we are not blessed with the talent that other county teams have and indeed what we have been used to the last 10 years. Armagh can't have any passengers i.e. dropping guys back to cover and our half forwards doing likewise, that was OK doing that 5 years ago when we had Marsden, McConville, McDonnell, Clarke and McKeever who were all naturally scorers but worked their socks of. Now we have the workers but they are not in the scoring class of the 5 mentioned above so we have to stick to a game plan that suits us and that we will score from and it sure as hell won't be the crop served up last year.
What the new system will be is any ones guess because i haven't a clue and good luck to Peter trying to come up with one. Defenders defend, midfielders do a bit of everything and forwards score sounds simple i know but we have to have forwards in a scoring position not in our half back line... ??? ???
Very good interview in today's Irish News with Aaron Kernan who pretty much put it perfectly. There should be no need for all this pulling players back when you have defenders of the quality of Andy Mallon, Brendan Donaghy & Ciaran McKeever. In fairness to Martin McHugh (not somebody I always agree with), I watched a recording of the cavan game last year and he was saying the exact same thing when we were winning well.
I'm with Benny on O'Rourke's role, although a super player his role must return to a more conventional CHB so there is less need for covering the space, if he succeeds in the conventional role (I hope he does) then happy days, if not, then somebody else will have to be tried.
On the Vernon thing, the big question is how can he be such a stand out player for Queens at a high level of football and Armagh can't get the same return out of him? Two theories - 1. He's not fit for the jump to inter-county football or 2. The role that he is asked to play is too restrictive.
I firmly believe the second is true. I watched him in the Ulster Final turn his back on his marker (i.e. the wing back) who received the ball in his own position. Charlie then sprinted as hard as he could into his own back line and wait for the wing back there. Why not challenge him initially rather than run away? I know for a fact that he was told to play in a zone of the field no matter where the ball was. This is horse sh1te!!! Charlie seems to be given the freedom of the park with Queens. Backs up what Kernan said in today's paper, he stated that Brian Dooher doesn't wait to tackle once he's in defence, he'll tackle anywhere in the field. Charlie isn't the only player that had to play a restricted role but he's a damned good example.
Charlie did have a restrictive role last year along with others. The likes of Toner and Vernon were told not to try and field ball in MF but to break it,with only McGrane doing the fielding WTF??! What sort of nonsense is that? I know that Charlie wasn't happy playing that position, but I guess he'd rather be there than on the subs bench. Lets not forget that he's only 22 yrs of age, I'd expect a far bigger impact this year if he gets a less restrictive role.
Read Kernan in the Irish News, he fairly let fly alright. A few of the players seem to be forcing MCDonnell's hand regarding tactics and I think it could be a good thing as McDonnell is naturally conservative.
Heaney also made a good point - developing a new style of play will mean hiccups along the way. Hope we are prepared to accept them for proper championship development.
Those are very worrying stories on direction to players. i don't think you can tell players to be here or there at different times. county footballers have to be able to play the game in front of them. certainly, give them guidance and a general theme but players have to play. To tell vernon and Toner not to catch ball seems ridiculous.
Haven't seen much of vernon lately but in the last couple of years he has exhibited all of the qualities needed to play midfield for armagh at different times. with a bit of fine tuning he could have a great future there. i don't understand why he hasn't been able to translate the colleges form.
On a general point i would have to say that i'm not a fan of players speahing publicly on team affairs. stevie mc has done this also and i think it augers badly for team cohesion. if ak had come out with this interview when joe was in charge he'd have been lucky to stay on the squad (well if he had a different surname).
EDIT - corn - i haven't seen the keepers play though i heard that rodgers had a great couple of games. i know McEvoy is a good keeper but haven't seen him in a while.
I'd be happy enough with Uladh's original team.... T start off with.
I'd be worried about Rodger's kick outs & fielding.... Seems a great shot stopper though!
I think Full back might be Toner's best position, though Donaghy has been brilliant there any time I've seen him.
O'Rourke has still got it. He's quick enough for McGuigan. He's always done well enough on Dooher. Versus Sean Cavanagh? - I wouldn't fancy anybodys chances – I'd like to see Donaghy take him on though.
I agree with Uladh about Aidan O'Rourke. A centre half back will tend to drop back in front of his full back line, that is the nature of the position. His reading of the game is superb as is his distribution, who else has the same vision. Ok his pace is not the best but lets keep C. McKeever where he is most effective ie marking the oppositions best player.
Quote from: illdecide on January 21, 2009, 09:47:04 AM
Lads we have to be honest here, we are not blessed with the talent that other county teams have and indeed what we have been used to the last 10 years. Armagh can't have any passengers i.e. dropping guys back to cover and our half forwards doing likewise, that was OK doing that 5 years ago when we had Marsden, McConville, McDonnell, Clarke and McKeever who were all naturally scorers but worked their socks of. Now we have the workers but they are not in the scoring class of the 5 mentioned above so we have to stick to a game plan that suits us and that we will score from and it sure as hell won't be the crop served up last year.
What the new system will be is any ones guess because i haven't a clue and good luck to Peter trying to come up with one. Defenders defend, midfielders do a bit of everything and forwards score sounds simple i know but we have to have forwards in a scoring position not in our half back line... ??? ???
Ok, time for another rant.
The system of play shouldn't be too complicated to work out - if it's complicated then it's not going to work. More times than not over the past few years we have the scenario of Clarke and McDonnell isolated up front. It asks too much of them and it's too easy to counteract by any half decent opposition. For a number of years now Armagh haven't been getting enough support from the halfback line and from the half forwards. The likes of Ciaran McKeever as a wing back needs to be getting forward more. He likes to sit deep and man mark. Fair enough, but it hinders us. A few years back Armagh had Andy McCann and Kieran Hughes getting forward on both wings. Both men knew when to defend and when to attack. In the half forwards McEntee and McConville could drop deep AND get forward. We need more of that now. Our half forwards now play a very turgid game. Others here have said the likes of Vernon are restricted in how they play. I'd agree. Maybe we don't have the quality of the likes of McEntee and McConville any more, but we do have young players there who have performed well at underage level in successful sides. They have something going for them. I just think the whole mindset is wrong. It's up to the management to devise a simple game plan that is a winning one and get the players to buy into it. We've got fit young players like Vernon and Mallon who are good going forward but we're not getting the best out of them. Under the 2 Brians and through the first few years of Kernan's time, the team left nothing on the pitch - as a supporter you'd go away after the game feeling that they'd thrown everything but the kitchen sink at it. Can't say that anymore. If you look back at the last championship game against Wexford, the performance was either reserved or downright lazy depending on the way you look at things. Guys dropping deep, not getting into the game, taking the easy option, leaving it for others (i.e Clarke and McDonnell) to do something. None of this is anything new though, it's been the way the past few years. Our management/players just seem to be very slow learners.
IS Stevie available? Did I hear that himself and McGrane were only coming in for the later league games?
Team I'd expect to see next week, without injury news...
Rodgers
Shannon Donaghy Finn Mo
JP A O'Rourke McKeever
Toner & Lavery
Marty McKeever Toal
Henderson Clarke Mallon
If the Sigerson lads are awailable, then Vernon, Courtney & Forker could see some action hopefully.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on January 26, 2009, 09:59:27 AM
Team I'd expect to see next week, without injury news...
Rodgers
Shannon Donaghy Finn Mo
JP A O'Rourke McKeever
Toner & Lavery
Marty McKeever Toal
Henderson Clarke Mallon
If the Sigerson lads are awailable, then Vernon, Courtney & Forker could see some action hopefully.
That should be pretty accurate GDS.
I know Armagh are missing a the Cross Crew and all that but B Mallon could be under pressure to nail down a spot. Team looks about right all things considering. Will be an interesting game.
Think I'll get my "worried" post in before Bennydorano gets his in.
I'm very worried that we'll get badly beaten on Sunday. The team has no swagger, guile or lethal cutting edge. With the exception of Clarke, our forwards will look uncomfortable, midfield will be awol, and our backs will look vulnerable and off pace.
Quote from: Orior on January 26, 2009, 04:30:14 PM
Think I'll get my "worried" post in before Bennydorano gets his in.
A pessimist is rarely disappointed. :)
is marty o'rourke still aloud to play even if he did get 2 yellow cards in the mckenna cup..?
Mattie Forde declared fit for Sunday.
QuoteForde wins fitness race
27 January 2009
Mattie Forde has been declared fit to start Wexford's national football league Division Two opener against Armagh on Sunday.
It was believed that the brilliant forward might miss the first two rounds of the competition through injury, but manager Jason Ryan says the talismanic attacker has recovered from the problem that plagued him during the latter stages of the Model County's extraordinary 2008 championship run.
However, the news on other fronts is mixed for the boss, who has a few experienced men back but a number of key players unavailable for selection for a variety of reasons:
"We had a challenge game with Cavan on Saturday. Mattie played in that game and came through it 100%. He's fit and looking forward to Sunday's game.
http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=106155
The O'Byrne Cup lineouts were highly experimental, and I don't know what team lined out against Cavan - or in any challenges for that matter, so I can't speak with any authority ....
I think we have to take a serious look at no. 3 and 6 for this year. It might be significant that Brian Malone was played in both O'Byrne Cup games, as he is probably the most suitable successor to Philip Wallace at full-back. He was tried at Centre-Back a couple of times last year, but always seemed to end up in the full-back line, and seems to prefer to be facing the ball coming in. He's such a good footballer that he seems to always be the one to turn to when there's a hole to be plugged, or the need for an extra defender, as transpired in last year's All-Ireland Championship. I think he could do a job as full-back for a stint anyway.
The enforced absence of David Murphy gives Ryan his opportunity to have another look at centre-back. My preference would be for Eric Bradley or Rory Stafford. We didn't have much cover in defence last year, and if this HS report is to be believed we're already down 3 of our best 7 defenders for Sunday. (Edit: Make that 4, as Adrian Morrissey is committed to Kilmacud Crokes). So it looks like one or two new faces to come in. George Sunderland could get the nod at corner or wing-back, but this new yellow card system ..... let's just say, it wouldn't suit him ..........
Even without Barry and Roche (and Forde) we have a queue of decent forwards lined up for a change. The return of Diarmuid Kinsella and Shane Cullen - and also David Fogarty - is an enormous boost to the county.
If Ryan continues in last year's vein, the team should be announced early in the week, usually Wed night.
Heard today that the Sigerson players have been called into the Tyrone squad for the Dublin game - presumably we'll have Vernon and Courtney? Also did A O'Rourke not get a suspension at that match in Davitt Park the other week?
was just snowy o neill as far as i know.they maybe have an understanding with the universities regarding the opening game?i no courtney and vernon be huge players 4 qub and couldnt imagine oneill would started 4 tyrone anyway
Martin O'Rourke got two yellows in the mckenna cup, dont know if you get suspended for that or not. Think that might have been an ulster council Idea.
Quote from: mackers on January 21, 2009, 10:42:19 AM
Very good interview in today's Irish News with Aaron Kernan who pretty much put it perfectly. There should be no need for all this pulling players back when you have defenders of the quality of Andy Mallon, Brendan Donaghy & Ciaran McKeever. In fairness to Martin McHugh (not somebody I always agree with), I watched a recording of the cavan game last year and he was saying the exact same thing when we were winning well.
I'm with Benny on O'Rourke's role, although a super player his role must return to a more conventional CHB so there is less need for covering the space, if he succeeds in the conventional role (I hope he does) then happy days, if not, then somebody else will have to be tried.
On the Vernon thing, the big question is how can he be such a stand out player for Queens at a high level of football and Armagh can't get the same return out of him? Two theories - 1. He's not fit for the jump to inter-county football or 2. The role that he is asked to play is too restrictive.
I firmly believe the second is true. I watched him in the Ulster Final turn his back on his marker (i.e. the wing back) who received the ball in his own position. Charlie then sprinted as hard as he could into his own back line and wait for the wing back there. Why not challenge him initially rather than run away? I know for a fact that he was told to play in a zone of the field no matter where the ball was. This is horse sh1te!!! Charlie seems to be given the freedom of the park with Queens. Backs up what Kernan said in today's paper, he stated that Brian Dooher doesn't wait to tackle once he's in defence, he'll tackle anywhere in the field. Charlie isn't the only player that had to play a restricted role but he's a damned good example.
guys was out of the country , has anyone got a copy of this
The rules are getting more farcical by the day.
Armagh are fuming after Aidan O'Rourke picked up a controversial one-month suspension which rules him out of their NFL opener against Wexford on Sunday.
O'Rourke received the suspension as his 'reward' for taking time out to coach Queen's University in the McKenna Cup. The Orchard County star got four weeks for remonstrating with a linesman during the win over - ironically - Armagh.
He spent the rest of the McKenna Cup campaign in the stands but is now also ruled out of his county's opening league assignment, much to the wrath of everybody concerned:
"I wasn't too up on the rules in this to tell the truth, but it seems a bit odd. It certainly doesn't encourage fellas to get involved in coaching if this is going to be the case.
"It's an aspect I hadn't really thought of. It has ramifications for coaching the team but the big thing for me was not being able to play for Armagh.
"In Sigerson, you just stand on one side of the rope so it is irrelevant really. But Armagh are not too happy about me missing the game in Wexford."
Angry man Corn posts same article on 3 threads.....angry ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on January 28, 2009, 01:34:50 PM
Angry man Corn posts same article on 3 threads.....angry ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!
Indeed. As stated in another thread, I am getting like Pints.
I don't see why a university coaching ban should extend to playing.
Quote from: AFS on January 28, 2009, 02:00:35 PM
Quote from: corn02 on January 28, 2009, 01:18:48 PM
The rules are getting more farcical by the day.
Armagh are fuming after Aidan O'Rourke picked up a controversial one-month suspension which rules him out of their NFL opener against Wexford on Sunday.
O'Rourke received the suspension as his 'reward' for taking time out to coach Queen's University in the McKenna Cup. The Orchard County star got four weeks for remonstrating with a linesman during the win over - ironically - Armagh.
He spent the rest of the McKenna Cup campaign in the stands but is now also ruled out of his county's opening league assignment, much to the wrath of everybody concerned:
"I wasn't too up on the rules in this to tell the truth, but it seems a bit odd. It certainly doesn't encourage fellas to get involved in coaching if this is going to be the case.
"It's an aspect I hadn't really thought of. It has ramifications for coaching the team but the big thing for me was not being able to play for Armagh.
"In Sigerson, you just stand on one side of the rope so it is irrelevant really. But Armagh are not too happy about me missing the game in Wexford."
Balls! This screws up my Gaelic Life team. Aidan better score lots of penalties when he comes back.
After you making him your secret weapon and all :D
He'll be back for the next match.
Pity for Aidan, but cant say I'm heartbroken as it will give McDonnell the chance to try someone else there. I hope it's Ciaran McKeever. Reservations have been expressed about previous performances there, but he's been learning the trade for a while and icking up invaluable experience, well fit for it IMO. What age is McKeever, 25?
Quote from: AFS on January 28, 2009, 02:02:59 PM
Quote from: naka on January 28, 2009, 12:33:09 PM
Quote from: mackers on January 21, 2009, 10:42:19 AM
Very good interview in today's Irish News with Aaron Kernan who pretty much put it perfectly. There should be no need for all this pulling players back when you have defenders of the quality of Andy Mallon, Brendan Donaghy & Ciaran McKeever. In fairness to Martin McHugh (not somebody I always agree with), I watched a recording of the cavan game last year and he was saying the exact same thing when we were winning well.
I'm with Benny on O'Rourke's role, although a super player his role must return to a more conventional CHB so there is less need for covering the space, if he succeeds in the conventional role (I hope he does) then happy days, if not, then somebody else will have to be tried.
On the Vernon thing, the big question is how can he be such a stand out player for Queens at a high level of football and Armagh can't get the same return out of him? Two theories - 1. He's not fit for the jump to inter-county football or 2. The role that he is asked to play is too restrictive.
I firmly believe the second is true. I watched him in the Ulster Final turn his back on his marker (i.e. the wing back) who received the ball in his own position. Charlie then sprinted as hard as he could into his own back line and wait for the wing back there. Why not challenge him initially rather than run away? I know for a fact that he was told to play in a zone of the field no matter where the ball was. This is horse sh1te!!! Charlie seems to be given the freedom of the park with Queens. Backs up what Kernan said in today's paper, he stated that Brian Dooher doesn't wait to tackle once he's in defence, he'll tackle anywhere in the field. Charlie isn't the only player that had to play a restricted role but he's a damned good example.
guys was out of the country , has anyone got a copy of this
http://www.armagh-gaa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=97:forward-thinking-aaron-aims-to-break-shackles&catid=26:football-news&Itemid=14
THANKS
From: http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009/0129/wexford.html
Three new faces for Wexford
Wexford's Senior Football team to play Armagh on Sunday shows three notable inclusions - Shane Cullen, David Fogarty and Graeme Molloy, none of whom featured in the Wexford set-up for 2008.
Cullen from the Gusserane O'Rahilly's club, having returned from Australia, is named at centre forward while Fogarty (St Anne's) and Molloy (St James') are both featured in the half-back line.
Otherwise the team has a familiar ring to it as Wexford endeavour to open their Division 2 campaign with a victory on home territory.
Team: 1. Anthony Masterson, 2. Colm Morris, Capt 3. Gary Murphy, 4. Brian Malone, 5. Graeme Molloy, 6. David Fogarty, 7. Aindreas Doyle, 8. Paddy Colfer, 9. Brendan Doyle, 10. Ciarán Deely, 11. Shane Cullen, 12. Collie Byrne, 13. Ciarán Lyng, 14. PJ Banville, 15. Matty Forde
Has the time and venue been confirmed for this yet? Think I heard Enniscorthy previously.
No Armagh team yet?
Wexford Park 2.30. Enniscorthy is being dug up and redeveloped.
Very inexperienced Wexford back-line. Debutant Full-Back, and practically a new Half-Back line. Midfield and Forwards fairly solid.
So it should be an interesting tussle. Ryan was forced to make sweeping changes in the backs with so many out, but he needs to have a few options there anyway. So now is as good a time as any to throw the lads in. Armagh could potentially make hay while the Wexford lads are finding their feet.
At the same time, that's a pretty exciting Wexford forward line, so it could be a day for forwards. Of course, Wexford Park in January only really allows a forward line 35 minutes to do anything - the half when they have the gale behind them ....
Quote from: This Years Model on January 30, 2009, 11:58:34 AM
Wexford Park 2.30. Enniscorthy is being dug up and redeveloped.
Thanks. I take it that's the one by the church outside the town Model?
No Donaghy, No Toner due to injury apparently. A win is looking ropey at the minute when you consider the others that aren't there.
Wexford Park:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=5167313894946133559,52.332572,-6.475861&saddr=Enniscorthy&daddr=Wexford+Park+-county+GAA+ground+%4052.332572464644045,-6.475861072540283&sll=52.41414,-6.52153&sspn=0.200196,0.462799&ie=UTF8&ll=52.345932,-6.468372&spn=0.050126,0.1157&z=13/url (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=5167313894946133559,52.332572,-6.475861&saddr=Enniscorthy&daddr=Wexford+Park+-county+GAA+ground+%4052.332572464644045,-6.475861072540283&sll=52.41414,-6.52153&sspn=0.200196,0.462799&ie=UTF8&ll=52.345932,-6.468372&spn=0.050126,0.1157&z=13/url)
South-East Radio Live Commentary:
http://southeastradio.ie/listen_live/index.php (http://southeastradio.ie/listen_live/index.php)
Has the Armagh team been announced?
Lads whats the best road here - N11 the whole way? Google maps is showing an R741 through Oulart which looks alot more direct. Shite road?
Pretty shite road, yeah. If you take the N11, you're less likely to get lost that way, so I'd go with that, and quicker too (the speed on the R741 only being 80km/h, of course).
Plus, you'd be missing out on the most beautiful town in the country if you took the R741!
N11 all the way, decent enough road. Probably take about 90/100 minutes from you leave the M50 until you get to Wexford town. The pitch is on Clonard Rd, so you can set that as your destination if you have Sat Nav.
Quote from: bennydorano on January 30, 2009, 02:05:09 PM
No Donaghy, No Toner due to injury apparently. A win is looking ropey at the minute when you consider the others that aren't there.
full back be looking a problem situation??finn mo maybe be put in there cant think anyone else really he played there for u21s
Quote from: This Years Model on January 30, 2009, 02:14:14 PM
South-East Radio Live Commentary:
http://southeastradio.ie/listen_live/index.php (http://southeastradio.ie/listen_live/index.php)
thanks for that
Thanks Model. Think I have it now - down past the Lidel.
Anyone else going down for this? Am staying down between Bridgetown and Kilmore Quay, but considering going into Wexford tomorrow evening for a bit craic. Any recommendations or should I stay where I am?
Cheers for that lads
Any word of the Armagh team? It's been a virtual news blackout from the Armagh camp this week.
I'm planning to drive down to the match in the morning and bring my da, although I think the prospect of bad weather might put him off.
Any of the Wexford lads know how the pitch is holding up, with all the rain there's been ?
I couldn't really tell you, haven't been there since the county finals in November. I can't imagine it's looking too good though, it's not a great pitch.
I'm pretty confident at the minute about a win tomorrow, though. The backline might be a bit iffy, but I wouldn't say there'll be a huge difference between them tomorrow and how they played in the Championship last season.
think a few cross lads might get run out
Armagh Team News :
James Lavery and Charlie Vernon are in midfield
Aaron Kernan starts in place of JP Donnelly
Armagh have six of the team that was beat by Wexford last year
Full Time
Wexford 2-9
Armagh 4-16 (think 4-14 from play)
Ryan Henderson with 4-3
Couldnt make the match today
fffing ripping
Some turnaround in the 2nd half, great confidence booster with plenty of men to come back in.
Am raging I wasn't able to make this game due to other commitments. Great to see Armagh put up 20 scores, 18 of them from play, and with no Stevie and without R Clarke for a big part of the match. Anyone know who the commentator on Five FM was - he was hysterical at the end? Must have been from Armagh.
mr damian mccullagh esquire would fit that description.
any chance of a report from the commentary?
Brilliant result. Sounds like a hell of a second half, we outscored Wexford 2-13 to 0-1. Looks like Henderson could turn out to be the real deal. 3 starts this year and he's been Armagh's top scorer each time. 4 goals is some haul, if he can maintain anything approaching this form he'll be pushing hard for a championship spot come May, we've been crying out for another scoring forward for ages now.
Good to see us winning away from home as well. We've tended to be strong at home but poor away this past few league campaigns. Didn't win away at all last year so nice to see that trend bucked.
Sorry Puskas, no can do - I only heard the last hysterical 2/3 minutes from Wexford!
Quote from: This Years Model on January 30, 2009, 11:58:34 AM
At the same time, that's a pretty exciting Wexford forward line, so it could be a day for forwards. Of course, Wexford Park in January only really allows a forward line 35 minutes to do anything - the half when they have the gale behind them ....
Worth digging up.
Quite a disappointing result from a Wexford point of view, though we can't really complain a whole lot; we were certainly beaten by a better team, although I do think the final score was rather flattering. The wind really annihilated us in the second half, as we could barely get the ball past midfield, and hadn't built up enough of a lead to carry through to the second half. In the first half, Brendan Doyle was absolutely fantastic, and caught every midfield ball that was going, but in the second half, all he succeeded to do was knock it down for the Armagh midfielders. I think we need to vary the tactics for the kickouts, though, every single ball seemed to go to him. With that kind of wind, there was no way we were going to get anything from the game without carrying the ball up most of the pitch, so short kickouts to retain possession were what we should have done.
Both sets of defense looked dreadful when playing against the wind, so I'm not going to fault our own defense particularly for their performance. When we were attacking, there would only be three or four defenders in our own half, leaving acres of space for Armagh to counter-attack with. They hit us every time on the break, but the exact same thing happened to Armagh in the first half. Both sets of defenders looked much worse than they actually were under such tactics, so I'm not going to damn our defense for what happened in the second-half.
There were a few positives from a Wexford point of view, however. Paddy Colfer was fantastic and performed much better than he did last year, while Collie Byrne also seems to have improved greatly since last season. Brendan Doyle played an absolute stormer in midfield, and won practically everything in the first half. An excellent addition to the forwards this year will be Shane Cullen, he was superb as well. Molley and Fogarty in the half-back line also showed a lot of promise.
All-in-all, fair play to Armagh, they beat us well, and we can't really have too many complaints. Looking forward to the Monaghan match in a couple weeks!
Quote from: drici on February 01, 2009, 05:24:27 PM
Quote from: This Years Model on January 30, 2009, 11:58:34 AM
At the same time, that's a pretty exciting Wexford forward line, so it could be a day for forwards. Of course, Wexford Park in January only really allows a forward line 35 minutes to do anything - the half when they have the gale behind them ....
Worth digging up.
That pretty much sums up the match right there actually.
Jaysis this Henderson lad must be handy enough.
Is this the same Henderson lad who was being criticised on this Board some years ago?
Quote from: Sandy Hill on February 01, 2009, 07:31:56 PM
Is this the same Henderson lad who was being criticised on this Board some years ago?
Yes
Quote from: ardmhachaabu on February 01, 2009, 07:36:53 PM
Quote from: Sandy Hill on February 01, 2009, 07:31:56 PM
Is this the same Henderson lad who was being criticised on this Board some years ago?
Yes
What was the problem with him then? He surely must have sorted himself out judging by his performances this year!
great to see ryan doing so well. he has came in for stick on the board previously and hope he can maintain this form
played with him at school he is very much a confidence player. sort of if he kicks the first score he will do well but if the firsgt one goes wide it often effected him. im hoping that he has matured a bit more and can hopefully get this out of his game
Good day for Armagh. The two early goals meant an early lead that couldn't be sustained against the wind. The second Wexford goal was a gift when the Armagh goalie passed the ball to Colfer who lobbed it over his head to the net. But it is better to make these mistakes in the first game when you win by 13 points and Wexford should have had a second half goal or two. In the second part of the first half Armagh found it hard to get the ball over the half way line and Wexford had the same problem in the second period. JP Donelly started but went off injured in the first half and Ronan Clarke got a yellow, Aaron did play. It was encouraging that Armagh looked more mobile than for much of time in recent years and leaving aside the goals there was a solid point score today too. Vernon showed good potential but I didn't have programme and had some trouble sorting out the other players.
I heard a report on the radio when I got back to the car. Firstly Brian Carty gave the Wexford score as 4-3, I would have thought that relaying the score accurately was the least you can expect! As McDonelll said Henderson will be marked more tightly this year, but if Clarke and Stevie are playing then it would be hard for a defence to marshall them all.
Not long in lads. comfortable performance from armagh though wexford were b rutal.
the two early goals won the game and though wexford settled and started using the gale to be 5 up by the half, it was never enough. armagh dominated with the wind as it seemed to pick up and wexford couldn't really kick the ball forward.
its a funny thing about henderson... he played well and finished brialliantly but wasn't thaaaat great. sounds stupid i know but he was getting on the end of other lads' work.... maybe its exactly what we need, who knows.
very good: henderson, shannon, aaron k (second half) and vernon (second half).
good: mallon, clarke.
decent outing: lavery, mckeever, martin, mor.
poor: moriarty, toal.
less than the avove: rodgers, aaron k (first half), O'Rourke.
Quote from: armaghniac on February 01, 2009, 08:24:40 PM
Firstly Brian Carty gave the Wexford score as 4-3, I would have thought that relaying the score accurately was the least you can expect!
eh, that's what henderson scored, not wexford.
Quoteeh, that's what henderson scored, not wexford.
Perhaps I misheard. Mind you 4-3 is the same as 2-9.
Quote from: The GAA on February 01, 2009, 08:31:30 PM
Not long in lads. comfortable performance from armagh though wexford were b rutal.
the two early goals won the game and though wexford settled and started using the gale to be 5 up by the half, it was never enough. armagh dominated with the wind as it seemed to pick up and wexford couldn't really kick the ball forward.
its a funny thing about henderson... he played well and finished brialliantly but wasn't thaaaat great. sounds stupid i know but he was getting on the end of other lads' work.... maybe its exactly what we need, who knows.
very good: henderson, shannon, aaron k (second half) and vernon (second half).
good: mallon, clarke.
decent outing: lavery, mckeever, martin, mor.
poor: moriarty, toal.
less than the avove: rodgers, aaron k (first half), O'Rourke.
Thought Toal had a first class game hardly wasted aball all day.
Kevin O Rourke was also very good when introduced.
Quote from: armaghniac on February 01, 2009, 08:51:32 PM
Quoteeh, that's what henderson scored, not wexford.
Perhaps I misheard. Mind you 4-3 is the same as 2-9.
No you heard right it was a mistake originally from the commentator. Just back from the game there myself and I thought it was a great performance from Armagh for about 50-55 minutes. To me it looked liked a completely new style of fast moving fast running football which seemed to work, at one stage late on Armagh had 5 forwards inside the Wexford 21 suggesting an end to the negative football of last year. As far as individual performances go Henderson will rightly get the headlines tomorrow for an excellent performance although he arguably missed two pretty easy goal chances in the second half. On top of that I thought Kevin O Rourke gave three different defenders the run around and his vision was exceptional at times, whilst Finan Mo had a good game apart from the last 15 minutes of the first half where he seemed hurt and looked like he was limping. On top of this Marty O Rourke, McKeever, Pedar Toal S kernan and Charlie Vernon all had great second halfs.
As far as the second quarter of the game is concerned a lot went wrong for Armagh in a very short space of time, with JP's injury, the howler for Rodgers and Clarkes dismissal (more on this below). This coupled with an upping of the performance for Wexford, Moriaritys seeming injury and Wexford getting the better of some 50/50 decisions saw Wexford take control of the game. As a result to use a cliche half time game at the wrong time for Wexford. In the first quarter I actually thought the Armagh defence were coping very well with all the ball hit in towards them and the only problems I saw early on for Armagh were at midfield
As far as Clarke's yellow was concerned Im not surprised he reacted as him and his man were at each other from the start yet no official wanted to know. That said from what a saw Clarlke's yellow has highlighted whats wrong with the new rules. To me it looked like a clear strike and consequently it should have been a red, however as the ref had the softer option of the yellow which meant removing the player he bottled the incident. I think we are going to see very very few Red cards this year in the NFL which is an absolute joke
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on February 01, 2009, 09:51:45 PM
Thought Toal had a first class game hardly wasted aball all day.
Kevin O Rourke was also very good when introduced.
All about opinions i suppose. toal never got his hands on much ball i thought and kevin o'rourke played the whole game
Quote from: The GAA on February 01, 2009, 10:26:10 PM
Quote from: Armaghtothebone on February 01, 2009, 09:51:45 PM
Thought Toal had a first class game hardly wasted aball all day.
Kevin O Rourke was also very good when introduced.
All about opinions i suppose. toal never got his hands on much ball i thought and kevin o'rourke played the whole game
Absolutely I thought Toal's distribution today was superb allowing K O rourke and Henderson to get off their men knowing accurate ball would be coming in
Seems no one can get the right result for today. BBC had the following
Wexford 2-9 3-12 Armagh
Ryan Henderson scored three goals as Armagh staged a revival to beat Wexford by 10 points in Sunday's Allianz Division Two opener.
Two early goals had Armagh in command but Wexford battled back to enjoy a 2-8 to 2-3 interval advantage.
Armagh suffered a blow when forward Ronan Clarke was yellow-carded and had to be replaced under the new rules.
But the Ulster side, beaten by Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-finals last August, pulled away for a big win.
For what it's worth I thought Toal had a great game. He worked hard, distribution to the full forwards was good... & kept things ticking over with 3 points.
Wee Kevin O'Rourke showed very well & got a good point.
Stephen Kernan was fantastic! The classiest player on show IMO.
Big James Lavery seemed to be caught under the kick outs all day, which meant he had a standing jump every time. I'd like to see him running onto the jump.
Finn Mo was solid at the back... & never gave Mattie a look in when he came on.
Shannon & Martin had sound games, apart form the 2nd ¼ where Banville roasted Shannon. He recovered well though.
Ronan was being held, he grabbed the players arm, off him (As he was being held) & threw it back. No strike & I understand Armagh will be appealing the yellow. The new rules are supposed to be combating this behaviour!
Ref had a stinker of a first half! – Nothing much to do in the second!
Super result! & a decent crowd!
In relation to Clarke's yellow it certainly looked a strike from where I was but I maybe didnt have the greatest view, what I would want to know is what the ref booked him for as striking certainly isnt a yellow card offence but neither under the new rules as far as im aware is pushing someone over.
Also what benefit is there to appealing a yellow card, it was my understanding that these cards didnt carry over (unless the ulster council is running the competition)
http://www.irishnews.com/irishnews/597/5776/2009/2/2/609131_371040574162Fourgoal.html
Four-goal haul stuns Wexford
Allianz National Football League Division Two: Wexford 2-9 Armagh 4-16
From Brendan Furlong at Wexford Park
ARMAGH owed Wexford one like this. Still smarting from their All-Ireland quarter-final shock defeat, the Ulster champions turned in a sparkling second half performance to destroy the Model county at Wexford Park yesterday.
The Yellowbellies may not have deserved to have lost by 13 points, but apart from the closing 15 minutes of the opening half, Armagh were clearly the superior team.
Armagh corner-forward Ryan Henderson teased and tormented the home defence throughout the 70 minutes as he emerged from the game with a personal tally of 4-3 – matching the Wexford scoreline in the process, and it was this type of clinical finishing that saw the Orchard county get the ideal start to the National League with two impressive away points.
Manager Peter McDonnell was clearly a happy man.
He said: "We knew coming down that we had it all to do. We got the ideal start but then lost our way in the final 15 minutes of the first half. We also lost Ronan Clarke, so we re-grouped at half-time.
"We have a simple game plan underpinned by a desire to work hard. We demonstrated the hunger and passion of a football game.
"After such a high scoring game, there is always a fear that the players will let it run away with themselves. But I doubt this will happen. I'm glad to have got two points away, for we have not been known to travel well over the past two years.
"Our panel has been severely hit by injuries. When supporters looked at the programme, they may have been asking where certain players came from. But they all contributed to this win.
"I was pleased with so many of the players, while Ryan Henderson would have to be pleased with 4-3. It's early days, but a promising start nevertheless."
Wexford manager Jason Ryan took defeat on the chin, and pinpointed his side's inability to cope with the Armagh defence as the reason for the Model's defeat.
"We had numerous injuries, with almost a new look backline. Certainly they found it tough against the Armagh attack, but having said that, it gave us an opportunity to try players that were on the fringe," said Ryan.
"It was a heavy defeat in the end. Had PJ Banville's second half goal attempt went in instead of hitting the bar, it may have been different.
"But, having said that, Armagh were the superior side on the day.'
Playing into the wind in the opening half, Armagh got the ideal start, racing into a 2-3 to 0-2 lead by the 13th minute. Their opening goal from Henderson came as early as the second minute when he clinically put away a pass from Ronan Clarke, while five minutes later the same pair teamed up again to prise open the home defence, with Henderson
beating 'keeper Anthony Masterson from close range.
The home fans were soon back cheering as the game was transformed in the closing 15 minutes of the half. David Fogarty, who lined out in midfield, linked up with Colm Morris to fire home an excellent goal.
Three minutes before the break, Wexford scored a rather bizarre goal. Armagh keeper Paudie Rodgers moved from goal to link up with his defence, but when his intended pass to a waiting defender was intercepted by Paddy Colfer, the home attacker coolly lobbed the ball into the net to put Wexford 2-9 to 2-3 up.
Armagh clearly decided that this was a game they were not going to lose, despite having lost Ronan Clarke on a yellow card on 34 minutes.
Points from Martin O'Rourke, Stephen Kernan, and Henderson left the minimum separating the sides, and it was Henderson who fired home his side's third goal after 46 minutes to regain the lead for his side, 3-7 to 2-8.
Henderson scored his fourth goal after 62 minutes. Wexford saw little change in the closing stages as Stephen Kernan saw a goalbound shot rebound off the upright, while Henderson had another goal attempt blocked away.
The home side's solitary second- half score, a Ciaran Lyng point, arrived in the 53rd minute.
Armagh will be happy to have set the record straight, but will be even happier at having taken two away points.
MATCH STATS
Wexford: A Masterson; G Murphy, E Bradley, B Malone; G Molloy, C Morris, A Doyle;
D Fogarty (1-0), B Doyle; C Deely, P Colfer (1-1), C Byrne; C Lyng (0-4, 0-2 frees),
S Cullen (0-3, 0-1 free), PJ Banville Subs:
D Kinsella (0-1) for Colfer (blood injury, 16mins); Colfer for Kinsella (24mins);
D Kehoe for Fogarty (51mins); C Murphy for G Murphy (51mins); M Forde for Banville (51mins); D Kinsella for Deely (54mins);
P Byrne for Lyng (63mins)
Armagh: P Rodgers; F Moriarty, V Martin,
B Shannon; A Kernan (0-2), C McKeever,
JP Donnelly; J Lavery, C Vernon; Martin O'Rourke (0-1), B Mallon (0-1), P Toal (0-3, 0-2 free); K O'Rourke (0-1), R Clarke,
R Henderson (4-3) Subs: C Rafferty for Donnelly (16mins); S Kernan (0-4, 0-1 free) for Clarke (yellow card, 34mins); P McKeever for Martin O'Rourke (60mins, 0-1); Michael O'Rourke for Toal (68mins)
Yellow Cards: R Clarke (34mins)
Quote from: David McKeown on February 02, 2009, 02:37:44 AM
Seems no one can get the right result for today. BBC had the following
Wexford 2-9 3-12 Armagh
Ryan Henderson scored three goals as Armagh staged a revival to beat Wexford by 10 points in Sunday's Allianz Division Two opener.
Two early goals had Armagh in command but Wexford battled back to enjoy a 2-8 to 2-3 interval advantage.
Armagh suffered a blow when forward Ronan Clarke was yellow-carded and had to be replaced under the new rules.
But the Ulster side, beaten by Wexford in the All-Ireland quarter-finals last August, pulled away for a big win.
saw this myself, and they couldn't even get that right. the score line had us winning by 6, yet it was 10 in the report.
they had the text changed though within 5 minutes after i saw it the first time.
Wasnt at the game, but from reading the posts above I am a bit confused. Who replaced JP Donnelly, was it A Kernan or C Rafferty? If rafferty how did he get on as I believe he should have been on the county team for the last number of years.
Aaron started instead of Tony McCleeland, who was naemd as centre back.
JP was replaced by Raffo, who did ok, but wasn't great to be honest. His man did a bit of damage & the game seemed to by pass him a bit. Every Armagh attack seemed to start from the other wing, where AK seemed to find more space.
Quote from: The GAA on February 01, 2009, 08:31:30 PM
its a funny thing about henderson... he played well and finished brialliantly but wasn't thaaaat great. sounds stupid i know but he was getting on the end of other lads' work.... maybe its exactly what we need, who knows.
I don't care if he spends most of the match chasing ladybirds, if he scores 4-3 I don't care how good he was.
Don't really like commenting on a match I wasn't at but....
Forward line options enhanced further. Always good to see.
Shannon has, apparently, had a few very good games in a row, personally I am delighted at that. Confidence will be high for him.
4-16 is a super tally. Barnsey I hear was great too, again options, pressure, competition - all good.
SK hit four points? Maybe people are too quick to write him off.
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 12:55:32 PM
Quote from: The GAA on February 01, 2009, 08:31:30 PM
its a funny thing about henderson... he played well and finished brialliantly but wasn't thaaaat great. sounds stupid i know but he was getting on the end of other lads' work.... maybe its exactly what we need, who knows.
I don't care if he spends most of the match chasing ladybirds, if he scores 4-3 I don't care how good he was.
Don't really like commenting on a match I wasn't at but....
Forward line options enhanced further. Always good to see.
Shannon has, apparently, had a few very good games in a row, personally I am delighted at that. Confidence will be high for him.
4-16 is a super tally. Barnsey I hear was great too, again options, pressure, competition - all good.
SK hit four points? Maybe people are too quick to write him off.
All things in context corn and i don't mind being the negative one!
the context here is that wexford's defence was depleted and were very very poor.
on henderson - i am delighted to see someone weighing in with scores as its what armagh badly need, however... he's a finisher and doesn't get involved/show for possession. against good defences he'll be required to do his bit or there'll be no chances for anyone to finish. bit like michael owen, who doesn't contribute to general play. hopefully there'll be a good balance from him and he can produce an all round game and still score!
i thought o'rourke was very poor until the last 15 minutes, when the game was already won and the beleagured wexford defenders had given up.
on sk - he only played the half with the gale and was still missing unti the last 15 minutes - again when the game was won.
we need forwards to push through and hopefully henderson can do that job.
seems we have our easiest two games first so we could be up and running with a fair bit of momentum after 2 games, so that could help everyone.
Yip, people will probably get carried away with the result, good signs though.
From Irish Times:
Armagh 4-16 Wexford 2-9: FOR A team that has a reputation for being slow-starters in the league, particularly away from home, this was a fairly sensational result – and in more ways than just the scoreline.
Armagh looked to be drifting out of the game as it approached half-time, despite going seven points clear early on, before delivering a stunning second 35 minutes that completely overwhelmed Wexford. It also, of course, reversed the shock All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Wexford last summer. Armagh forgive but they don't forget.
But this is the game that will be remembered for the arrival of one Ryan Henderson. Four class goals and three points, all from play, is exceptional scoring by any standards but for the 24 year-old Henderson it was quite extraordinary given it was his first major start for Armagh. In fact, he wasn't even down to start in the first place.
When Henderson's name was called out as a late swap for left corner forward Michael O'Rourke the reaction in the press box was "Ryan who?"
He was part of Armagh's All-Ireland under-21-winning team back in 2005, and has made a couple of appearances in the Dr McKenna Cup in the years since, but it was only in the recent Armagh trials that manager Peter McDonnell rediscovered his potential.
Henderson scored two goals in each half and he would have had a fifth had Wexford goalkeeper Anthony Masterson not made a fine save close to the end.
"It was a tremendous day for Ryan Henderson," said McDonnell afterwards. "He looks sharp, won his own ball, and created many opportunities himself. A good debut, but Ryan realises he's got a lot of hard work to do to retain a place, because championship teams are different.
"He was playing very good football with his club, Clann Éireann. He came in on trials like everyone else. Caught my eye. And here he is now."
Henderson wasn't the only one to shine. Crossmaglen duo Aaron and Stephen Kernan made the trip to lend a hand and the former under-21 midfield partnership of Charlie Vernon and James Lavery dominated. Kevin O'Rourke showed his talents at corner forward, as did defenders Barry Shannon and Vincent Martin.
In the end Wexford manager Jason Ryan couldn't have too many complaints, except for an obvious one. Three minutes into the second half, just as Armagh were mounting their ferocious comeback, PJ Banville had a thundering shot at goal, which bounced down from the crossbar on to the goal line – but was judged not to have passed it. Afterwards a local photographer presented evidence that suggested otherwise; not that it was any use then.
A goal at that juncture would certainly have given Wexford momentum for the second half, instead they went 18 minutes before their next score – the point from Ciarán Lyng proving to be their only score of the second half.
In fairness, Wexford tried everything to get back at Armagh, including bringing on Matty Forde, who didn't start as selected. It was all in vain. The traffic was one-way for most of the second half; the wind in Armagh's back only partly explaining it.
All six starting forwards contributed to their total, including four points from Peadar Toal and Stephen Kernan.
This was all in stark contrast to Armagh's faltering mood coming towards half-time. They'd started brilliantly, Henderson's second goal on 15 minutes sending them seven points clear – 2-3 to 0-2. Wexford did some running repairs and soon refloated their boat, out-scoring Armagh 2-6 to no score in the closing 20 minutes of the half.
David Fogarty claimed their first goal on 27 minutes after an excellent built-up from Shane Cullen and Paddy Colfer, and then Colfer punished a goalkeeping blunder by Paudie Rodgers to add a second a few minutes later.
Immediately after that Armagh's Ronan Clarke was yellow-carded for an off-the-ball foul on Eric Bradley, and when Wexford tagged on three more points before the break their 2-8 to 2-3 advantage looked fairly secure.
Typical of Armagh, however, there was no panic. McDonnell left Wexford Park with a parting word of support for the new rules.
"I have no problems with the new rules, nor do the players. . . The intentions are good, and if it promotes good, open football we're all for it."
ARMAGH: P Rodgers; F Moriarty, V Martin, B Shannon; C McKeever, A Kernan (0-2), JP Donnelly; J Lavery, C Vernon; Martin O'Rourke (0-1), B Mallon (0-1), P Toal (0-3, two frees); K O'Rourke (0-1), R Clarke, R Henderson (4-3). Subs: C Rafferty for Donnelly (17 mins), S Kernan (0-4, one free) for R Clarke, 32 mins, yellow), P McKeever for M O'Rourke (60 mins), Michael O'Rourke (0-1) for Toal (68 mins).
WEXFORD: A Masterson; A Doyle, E Bradley, G Murphy; G Molloy, C Morris, B Malone; D Fogarty (1-0), B Doyle; C Deely, P Colfer (1-1), C Byrne; C Lyng (0-4, two frees), PJ Banville, S Cullen (0-3, one free). Subs: D Kehoe for Fogarty, C Murphy for G Murphy, M Forde for Banville (all 50 mins), D Kinsella (0-1) for Deely (55 mins, also blood sub for Colfer, 20 mins), P Byrne for Lyng (64 mins).
Referee: M Condon (Waterford).
Quoteon henderson - i am delighted to see someone weighing in with scores as its what armagh badly need, however... he's a finisher and doesn't get involved/show for possession. against good defences he'll be required to do his bit or there'll be no chances for anyone to finish. bit like michael owen, who doesn't contribute to general play. hopefully there'll be a good balance from him and he can produce an all round game and still score!
I'd totally disagree with you there. Henderson tackled back successfully on at least 3 occasions! He was full of running which was proved by the space he found to get his scores. He was out in front everytime the ball was kicked near him!
SK was super also - his point where he collected the ball in his own half back line, then burst through to score a point was sensational.
Out of curiosity, did SK play in the CHF position when he came on?
Wing Forward... right hand side, in front of Aaron. Wee Brian was in the middle.
sk was very good near the end.
i'm not having a go at henderson... just assessing his game
My assessment of hendersons game would be something akin to Goats, he did particularly well for his first three scores and was out in front most of the game and if im not mistaken tracked his man back into the Armagh halfback line on a few occasions when he lost the ball. Not having a go either just my assessment as some times when a player scores well the rest of their game is overlooked
Quote from: The GAA on February 02, 2009, 02:49:44 PM
sk was very good near the end.
i'm not having a go at henderson... just assessing his game
Now was the assessment from The GAA or Corn02, since you 2 are the same person
Quote from: goh4205 on February 02, 2009, 04:39:51 PM
Quote from: The GAA on February 02, 2009, 02:49:44 PM
sk was very good near the end.
i'm not having a go at henderson... just assessing his game
Now was the assessment from The GAA or Corn02, since you 2 are the same person
Haha, you back again? Did you not make a fool of yourself enough the last time.
I wasn't at the game myself but obviously it's very heartening to hear the result, the scoreline and the fact that one of the new forwards scored 4-3! Is that some sort of record? I can't recall anyone else in recent years getting a 4 goal haul at senior intercounty level. I remember Jim McConville getting 4 in a Railway cup game in the late 80s but that's it. I saw Henderson in the first McKenna cup game agin Antrim. Thought then that he looked very sharp, and was constantly showing for the ball and getting out in front of his man.
McDonnell and the team badly needed a good start in the league, to help restore a bit of confidence after the Wexford game last year. Very pleasing too that it was achieved without McDonnell and Clarke (for the second half) and a good few other regulars not starting. There's bigger tests ahead in the year but if Armagh can come out of the league with the likes of Henderson, Toal and Kevin O'Rourke having consistently performed then it has the potential to be the most productive league for Armagh in quite a while. We'll know more next week!
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
hghlights of the match coming up on Tnag
well taken goals in that match
some very good scores there for armagh, wexford just didn't turn up there
Wexford had a good spell too, although when the narrowly missed getting a second half goal they did ease up. While you can't draw too much from highlights that looked like a speeded up Armagh. Mind you the league game against Dublin last year was encouraging, but there wasn't much left of this approach in the championship.
Strange sort of a game yesterday. Obviously the wind had a big bearing on proceedings.
Henderson rightly got the plaudits from the press today. I thought he worked hard, won difficult ball, got into good positions and most of all put away his chances with unerring confidence. His coolness for the 2nd goal was brilliant, steadying before picking his spot.
I'm sure he will be more tightly marshalled against Laois, so hopefully he can continue to deliver under such circumstances.
I thought Clarke was immense over the first 20 minutes. He was happy to be provider, was always out in front and creating openings. His pass for Henderson's first goal was pure quality.
AK guilty of some bad mistakes in the first half, a few of the balls he gave away lead directly to Wexford points. Much improved second half.
I thought midfield did reasonably well. Lavery was targeted for many of Armagh kickouts, and given how the wind held up the ball I thought he did ok - caught a right few on the wing and contested well when it was crowded.
Charlie was much more involved in the 2nd half, won lots of ball and initated attacks. I like the look of the Lavery / Vernon pairing. With a few more games together they could form a good partnership.
Special mention for the Wexford man that made the best tackle of the day. First half, Clarke bearing down on goal, just as he was about to shoot the Wexford man flung himself forward and got a hand in to knock the ball clear. Great piece of skill. See today's Irish News for a photo.
What I saw of the Clarke yellow card it looked as if the two players were in a tangle and Clarke flung/pushed the Wexford man down. NOthing more sinister than that.
Rodgers made an awful blunder for Wexfords 2nd goal. He was carrying the ball out, went to fist pass it and fisted straight to a Wexford man, who gratefully took it and lobbed the back peddling keeper.
I thought JP Donnelly was playing well, before having to go off after a clash of heads with Colfer. Looked very nasty, anybody know how he (JP) is? Rafferty who replaced Toal stuggled to get into the game.
Peadar Toal knocked over some nice points from frees (out of his hands) and was very busy along the Armagh half forward line.
Brian Mallon is an enigma. He can be completely annonymous for long spells, then suddenly pop up to be centrally involved in an Armagh attack or to hit a point himself. Works very hard and will have a go when the chance presents itself.
The last 15 minutes Wexford had all but completely given up, so it was way too easy for Armagh.
I suppose we'll have to wait to see how the next few games go before reading too much into yesterday's performance. However if the new players keep performing like they did yesterday there is going to be serious competition for places.
Still 4-16, 4-14 from play, February, away from home, many players still to return to the panel - encouraging.
P.S. Good to see a lot of Armagh supporters made the journey. I hope everybody remembered to pay the M50 toll before 8pm tonight!! :o)
Quote from: HalfFitHalfBack on February 02, 2009, 09:13:25 PM
Special mention for the Wexford man that made the best tackle of the day. First half, Clarke bearing down on goal, just as he was about to shoot the Wexford man flung himself forward and got a hand in to knock the ball clear. Great piece of skill. See today's Irish News for a photo.
I'd forgotten about that, actually, it was absolutely spectacular
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 09:31:43 AM
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
Honestly? I can't agree with that at all.
McDonnell is untouchable while O'Rourke is a guaranteed starter.
Why do you think that about Stevie?
The wexford man's tackle on clarke was fantastic. chased him down for about 50 yards and timed to perfection.
hasn't been much wrong with mcdonnell's attitude in recent seasons? although that slabbering in the papers couldn't have endeared him much to management and players
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 09:31:43 AM
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
I think we're getting carried away with one performance against what seems to have been a terrible wexford. our forward line will be very similar to last year but hopefully one of the new faces can break in and maybe another add to our options.
with the best will in the world, players who have consistently been just a bit short over a number of years rarely turn into the great saviour overnight.
we've seen steven kernan rip bad defences apart many times but we all know what happens when its physical and he's tightly marked.
henderson couldn't make it consistently at McKenna cup level because he couldn't / wouldn't win dirty ball. has that changed?
toal is complete myth. i've never seen him produce anything at nationa league level but i there's certainly plenty of stories of it.
everyone knows barnesy's achilles heel and thats not likely to change any time soon.
There is a danger of people going over the top of course but I think that's a bit much. The new rules may well suit a player like Henderson and give him a chance to shine. You say that you haven't seen anything from Toal at national league level, you must've missed the 2007 campaign where he produced some sparkling football. I was just going to pick up the point that HalfFitHalfBack made about Henderson being more tightly marked against Laois. In the 07 campaign Toal was sprung as a relative unknown and after some awesome first half displays the opposition had to switch markers and he struggled a bit in some of the second halfs. Henderson will probably have to encounter this also for a while. Let's see how he gets on before writing him off. A further advantage there is if the oppostion defences have to start worrying about other forwards other than Clarke and McDonnell (e.g. Henderson, Toal, and B Mallon) then there's going to be more space for them. Happy days!! Over recent years if you kept Clarke & McDonnell quiet you beat Armagh. If we can keep Peadar fit and Henderson confident then we have a forward line to talk about with MOR doing most of the foraging work.
Thats another urban myth about toal. he got injured in the McKenna cup that year and didn't play in the league
I hope all of these feted players come through but i'm saying be realistic. how was everyone thinking last week after the mckenna cup?
one swallow and all that. remember they wapped dublin last year and everyone thought steven kernan was the next brian mcguigan. how did that one finish up?
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:03:31 AM
Thats another urban myth about toal. he got injured in the McKenna cup that year and didn't play in the league
I hope all of these feted players come through but i'm saying be realistic. how was everyone thinking last week after the mckenna cup?
one swallow and all that. remember they wapped dublin last year and everyone thought steven kernan was the next brian mcguigan. how did that one finish up?
You're a big man for these urban myths, you'll find that he missed the full campaign last year (i.e. 08) after breaking his ankle playing soccer NOT in the McKenna Cup, the previous year he got injured halfway through the league campaign but had played some outstanding football in both the McKenna Cup and early rounds of the league. The lad is injury prone otherwise he would have made the breakthrough before now, he has talent to burn.
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 10:44:52 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 09:31:43 AM
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
I think we're getting carried away with one performance against what seems to have been a terrible wexford. our forward line will be very similar to last year but hopefully one of the new faces can break in and maybe another add to our options.
with the best will in the world, players who have consistently been just a bit short over a number of years rarely turn into the great saviour overnight.
we've seen steven kernan rip bad defences apart many times but we all know what happens when its physical and he's tightly marked.
henderson couldn't make it consistently at McKenna cup level because he couldn't / wouldn't win dirty ball. has that changed?
toal is complete myth. i've never seen him produce anything at nationa league level but i there's certainly plenty of stories of it.
everyone knows barnesy's achilles heel and thats not likely to change any time soon.
No matter what armagh do there'll always be a few who take the negativity out of every situation! ::) ::)
Give henderson a chance. You're writing him off already after one national league game! Peader Toal is also another great player. I've seen him in action for his club. And as for the achilles heel. I don't know what thats about! But as I said it was a good win on sunday so no need for writing off players or any negativity just yet.
Quote from: mackers on February 03, 2009, 11:12:23 AM
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:03:31 AM
Thats another urban myth about toal. he got injured in the McKenna cup that year and didn't play in the league
I hope all of these feted players come through but i'm saying be realistic. how was everyone thinking last week after the mckenna cup?
one swallow and all that. remember they wapped dublin last year and everyone thought steven kernan was the next brian mcguigan. how did that one finish up?
You're a big man for these urban myths, you'll find that he missed the full campaign last year (i.e. 08) after breaking his ankle playing soccer NOT in the McKenna Cup, the previous year he got injured halfway through the league campaign but had played some outstanding football in both the McKenna Cup and early rounds of the league. The lad is injury prone otherwise he would have made the breakthrough before now, he has talent to burn.
Toal broke hihand against fermanagh in the McKenna cup and never featured in the league in 2007.
name these league game that he played well in...
Quote from: ardmhaca08 on February 03, 2009, 11:25:57 AM
No matter what armagh do there'll always be a few who take the negativity out of every situation! ::) ::)
Give henderson a chance. You're writing him off already after one national league game!
Have i not stated that? i'm just asking for a bit of perspective and realism here.
Quote from: ardmhaca08 on February 03, 2009, 11:25:57 AM
Peader Toal is also another great player.
so i hear
Excellent win on Sunday and a contrast to other recent away trips in the league to Leinster mediocrities like Kildare, Meath and Laois, which all resulted in defeat and in some instances embarrassingly heavy defeats.Sunday proved that there is potential for young players to stake genuine claims for places. We should be aiming to get out of this division and back into Division 1
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:41:01 AM
Quote from: ardmhaca08 on February 03, 2009, 11:25:57 AM
No matter what armagh do there'll always be a few who take the negativity out of every situation! ::) ::)
Give henderson a chance. You're writing him off already after one national league game!
Have i not stated that? i'm just asking for a bit of perspective and realism here.
Quote from: ardmhaca08 on February 03, 2009, 11:25:57 AM
Peader Toal is also another great player.
so i hear
All i said was to give them a chance. Give credit where its due and we'll see how we go against laois.
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:38:15 AM
Quote from: mackers on February 03, 2009, 11:12:23 AM
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:03:31 AM
Thats another urban myth about toal. he got injured in the McKenna cup that year and didn't play in the league
I hope all of these feted players come through but i'm saying be realistic. how was everyone thinking last week after the mckenna cup?
one swallow and all that. remember they wapped dublin last year and everyone thought steven kernan was the next brian mcguigan. how did that one finish up?
You're a big man for these urban myths, you'll find that he missed the full campaign last year (i.e. 08) after breaking his ankle playing soccer NOT in the McKenna Cup, the previous year he got injured halfway through the league campaign but had played some outstanding football in both the McKenna Cup and early rounds of the league. The lad is injury prone otherwise he would have made the breakthrough before now, he has talent to burn.
Toal broke hihand against fermanagh in the McKenna cup and never featured in the league in 2007.
name these league game that he played well in...
I am certain that it was 2007 when he blasted three outstanding points against Fermanagh in Brewster Park, same against Donegal in Omagh, and the national league game that sticks in my memory (although it is not the only one he played in) was against Louth in Crossmaglen. It's up to you if you want to get thick over what year it was but my basic point is that we need scoring forwards to take the pressure off Clarke and McDonnell. We have two POTENTIAL candidates and you come on here and start talking about "urban myths" and talking them down!! As a few posters have said, let's give the two of them the national league to see whether they can realise this POTENTIAL, not slag them off after one of them scores 4-3!! :o :o
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 11:03:31 AM
I hope all of these feted players come through
sounds like it alright
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 10:44:52 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 09:31:43 AM
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
I think we're getting carried away with one performance against what seems to have been a terrible wexford. our forward line will be very similar to last year but hopefully one of the new faces can break in and maybe another add to our options.
I'm not getting carried away at all, you've taken what I have written and went of on a tangent of your own. If McDonnell is serious about changing our style, I think he has to be ruthless and drop boys who would maybe consider themselves guaranteed starters and see their attitude. There's players there to experiment with. I heard an awful lot of stories last year about senior members of the squad trying to run the show - MCDonnell has to stamp that sh1te out if he wants to develop the team for the future.
Jaysus, calm down lads
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 12:40:28 PM
Quote from: Malone Aristocrat on February 03, 2009, 10:44:52 AM
Quote from: bennydorano on February 03, 2009, 09:31:43 AM
Quote from: corn02 on February 02, 2009, 06:04:12 PM
Yeah, let's see if they continue there from. MORjnr will be chomping at the bit now as well and obviusly TK is to come back as well. Anyone else? Is Forker on the panel. The forward situation certainly looks a lot better. In reality be the end of the league we could have about six forwards fighting for two positions with McDonnell, Clarke and O'Rourke the only certain starters at present.
I honestly think Clarke is the only untouchable we have in the forward line at present. It'll be interesting to see Stevie's attitude when he returns.
I think we're getting carried away with one performance against what seems to have been a terrible wexford. our forward line will be very similar to last year but hopefully one of the new faces can break in and maybe another add to our options.
I'm not getting carried away at all, you've taken what I have written and went of on a tangent of your own. If McDonnell is serious about changing our style, I think he has to be ruthless and drop boys who would maybe consider themselves guaranteed starters and see their attitude. There's players there to experiment with. I heard an awful lot of stories last year about senior members of the squad trying to run the show - MCDonnell has to stamp that sh1te out if he wants to develop the team for the future.
I know where you are coming from Benny and I don;t see anyone proclaiming Toal, Henderson et al as the finished articles. People have to be realistic, but at the same time, people have to give credit where it is due and our forwards deserve credit for Sunday.
That said, there is no way I can agree that McDonnell is not a certain starter. You can argue that Clarke is perhaps more vital now, but the difference is minimal and the two are still a class above.
O'Rourke will start and for me he is a guaranteed started all the time. You can go more offensive, but you can easily tip the balance the wrong way too.
Seems that the lads we were all hoping to come through have put their hand up this week, which is great. obviously there are tougher tasks ahead but we can only judge them on performance.
obviously there are doubts about some of these guys from before but we are not kerry and have to get the best out of what we have.
McDonnell isn't the type of man to take to much player input benny
Quote from: Uladh on February 03, 2009, 01:00:28 PM
McDonnell isn't the type of man to take to much player input benny
I hope you are right. Stories that your hear do have to be taken with a pinch of salt, but I did hear different stories about a few different senior players trying to 'call the shots' which cannot be a stabilising influence on any panel.
Doubt that very much. The harps men involved wouldn't stand for that, never mind McDonnell!
Still for the match tomorrow Benny?
Exactly. Anyone who can rack up a score like 4-3 in the one game at intercounty level deserves a bit of credit without any reservation or buts throw in for good measure. I can't recall anyone in my lifetime, for Armagh anyway, scoring that amount in any type of game.
Looks like it's going to be a lonely league campaign on here for me if no-one wants to talk about Wexford! :D
QuoteI can't recall anyone in my lifetime, for Armagh anyway, scoring that amount in any type of game
The 1977-1978 game against Westmeath where we bagged 8 gaols is a candidate, we need Rufus to say how many Sean Devlin got that day.
Quote from: armaghniac on February 03, 2009, 07:44:26 PM
QuoteI can't recall anyone in my lifetime, for Armagh anyway, scoring that amount in any type of game
The 1977-1978 game against Westmeath where we bagged 8 gaols is a candidate, we need Rufus to say how many Sean Devlin got that day.
I seem to recall Johny Corvan getting 2 or 3 goals against Kerry in the League late 70's early 80's in Davitt Park in one of the pre Christmas games they used to play?
Or has time dimmed my memory.
Quote from: Armamike on February 03, 2009, 06:17:02 PM
Exactly. Anyone who can rack up a score like 4-3 in the one game at intercounty level deserves a bit of credit without any reservation or buts throw in for good measure. I can't recall anyone in my lifetime, for Armagh anyway, scoring that amount in any type of game.
You're right Mike, and if it had been S O'Neill who had scored the 4-3 there would be posters on here raving about him - FFS if you scored 4-3 at a training session you'd deserve a pat on the back.
4-3 is some scoring with whatever size ball you choose! When's your next home game till I get down to take a few notes on him for Mickey.....
Quote from: ccosgrave on February 03, 2009, 07:38:33 PM
Looks like it's going to be a lonely league campaign on here for me if no-one wants to talk about Wexford! :D
I was going to offer a few thoughts on Wexford's performance, but decided against it as it is difficult not to sound condescending when the margin of Armagh's victory was as big as it was.
Obviously Wexford were missing a fair number of regulars, particular in defence and of course Mattie's absence was a big blow.
Armagh hit the ground running where as Wexford look a long time to get up to the speed of the game - perhaps that was due to Armagh's extended run in the McKenna Cup?
With the wind being such a big factor, Wexford would really have needed an 8 point cushion at half time. Bannville's shot off the crossbar - which I believe did actually cross the line - might have changed the complexion of the second half. It was certainly a big let off for Armagh.
Wexford also seemed to start going for goals very early - in fairness there were 2 or 3 attempts (not including Bannville's) that could have ended up in the back of the net.
Obviously Wexford are a much better team that their performance on Sunday would suggest, which I suppose is why most Armagh people are being cautious about reading too much into the result.
I thought Colfer was one of wexford's better players - he seemed to be involved a lot and took his goal well - especially since he had taken a bad thump to the head.
Hmm, none of that is particularly insightful I know!
Quote from: under the bar on February 03, 2009, 09:39:08 PM
4-3 is some scoring with whatever size ball you choose! When's your next home game till I get down to take a few notes on him for Mickey.....
Sat. night. You've probably jinxed the lad now and he'll have a stinker against Laois!
Forgot to ask how Ciaran McKeever got on at CHB? from speaking to some people at the game they thought he looked very solid.
Quote from: bennydorano on February 04, 2009, 11:13:12 AM
Forgot to ask how Ciaran McKeever got on at CHB? from speaking to some people at the game they thought he looked very solid.
Yes very solid. One great diving block. More of a man marking centre back... which is what I would personally prefer. He let MOR, the 2 Kernans & Brian Mallon get on with starting attacks & distributing ball.
Highlights on TG4 site. Glad to see MORjnr get a point, did not see that in the stats.
QuoteGlad to see MORjnr get a point, did not see that in the stats.
MORjnr was only on a short while, but took his point well. That made a point too.
Fair play to you HalfBack, I'd say it's above and beyond the call of duty to offer much analysis of the opposition, so much appreciated.
ccosgrave, we Wexfordians are here alright. I'm not sulking (honest!), I just wasn't at the game, so can't offer much useful opinion.
I wouldn't get too upset about the result. It's no harm to get a kick up the arse at this time of the year to focus the minds. Mind you I'd have preferred something less than a 13-point kick up the arse, as score difference could be crucial later on.
If you want to look at recent precedent, I do recall us getting a few ugly beatings in Div 1B in '06 en route to getting relegated on the last day (in Wexford, by Armagh). We then played the Leinster Q-Final a month later and beat Meath out the gate. So all is not doom and gloom ...
Even when we get all our defenders back, we're still very short of cover in that area, so we have to unearth a few more backs before the summer. It's unfortunate that Gary Murphy seems to have gotten such a roasting, but we need to find out as soon as possible who's going to be up the job and who isn't.
Clones will be a tough test the next day, but we still have 3 home games after that, so I wouldn't be suprised if another candidate or two are thrown in at the deep end against Monaghan.
Fair play to Armagh, when I heard on the radio that Clarke had been yellow-carded during Wexford's purple patch I felt we should be able to hang on. But it looks like there's plenty of strength in depth in the Orchard, despite all the pundits writing their obituary at the end of last year .... All-Ireland U-21 champs 4/5 years ago, so there must be plenty of fellas well capable of stepping in.
Back to Wexford: if we can take the Leinster Champions in the U-21 on Sunday it would go some way to making up for last weekend's result. It's a repeat of last year's final, and in Wexford again. Getting to the final was a great boost last year. Hopefully they can keep it up.
it was a total disgrace on sunday in wexford, me attending as a student and being refused for not having a student card with me.
Quote from: fan01 on February 04, 2009, 08:35:44 PM
it was a total disgrace on sunday in wexford, me attending as a student and being refused for not having a student card with me.
[/quot
They wouldnt let you in coz you have no student card...
there was no signs to say that you had to have your student card.
I never understand why people get so het up on league form, it is virtually meaningless come championship time. In 02 I went home to watch Armagh against laois in the league semi final ( I think it was) and Armagh put on the single worst display I had ever seen from an armagh team in my life. Obviously that year we went on to win Sam for the one and only time in our history but to hear my mates pish and moan about our chances after that display you would have thought we would have been lucky to bate Antrim in the championship that year.
Roll on a repeat of 2002.
Very much agree on This Years Model's point about the Wexford defense. I really hope Gary Murphy gets a fair attempt at breaking into the side - he looked an awful lot worse than he actually is on Sunday, it was just unfortunate, really. To be fair, the Armagh full back line looked equally terrible at some points in the first half when Wexford had the wind behind them, so I wouldn't cut Murphy just yet. The corner-backs seem to be the most problematic positions for the Wexford team at the minute, so hopefully we can find a decent player of the course of the League to fill the gaps. I wouldn't be comfortable at all with Brian Malone in there, but he's essentially the best corner back we have at the minute, so if we could find someone to complement him, it would certainly be a huge help. The half-back line wasn't too bad at all, I would be quite happy with Molloy, Doyle and, in particular, David Fogarty. With Adrian Morrissey and Colm Morris as wing backs, they might find it hard to get a look in, unfortunately, as they seem to be decent players.