Referee: Cormac Reilly
Monaghan are made hot favorites to win this game this weekend. A false reflection I think.
Down are supposedly coming to Clones with their tails between their legs and we are supposedly on a high after a fortunate enough win in Roscommon.
Though I fancy us to win because i'm biased and we usually win these type of games at home against all (sweet, sour and bitter) ulster rivals.
Im expecting Down to improve their performance from last weeks debacle.
But I still wouldn't give them a hope of beating a side who are miles ahead of them in terms of their development.
Bookies have it spot on im afraid. Put the house on Monaghan. I cant see how Down will beat Monaghan.
It's the kind of game we've so often slipped up in over the years. A game we're expected to win and most people tipping us. For the most part we've learned to deal with that expectation a bit better in the last couple of years, but still we'll have to guard against complacency, but again the team is experienced enough at this stage to know that.
Down will be well improved I'm sure and out to prove a point, but they've a few key players missing and we're normally tough to beat in Clones, so I'd be confident enough of the win. Should we win that will leave us in a great position on 4 points and most of the league still to come. Malachy will be well aware that, despite getting the win, last Sunday's performance left alot to be desired so I'd want to see an improvement in ourselves aswell.
Quote from: Schkite on February 05, 2016, 03:27:54 PM
It's the kind of game we've so often slipped up in over the years. A game we're expected to win and most people tipping us. For the most part we've learned to deal with that expectation a bit better in the last couple of years, but still we'll have to guard against complacency, but again the team is experienced enough at this stage to know that.
Down will be well improved I'm sure and out to prove a point, but they've a few key players missing and we're normally tough to beat in Clones, so I'd be confident enough of the win. Should we win that will leave us in a great position on 4 points and most of the league still to come. Malachy will be well aware that, despite getting the win, last Sunday's performance left alot to be desired so I'd want to see an improvement in ourselves aswell.
After me saying that we usually win these type of league games.
"Interesting" policy in Monaghan of making it harder for fans to attend, playing Mayo in 'Blayney and Down in Clones. Not very collegiate.
Totally agree this game would've been better in Blaney . Also it's years since I've been at a game in blaney so it would've been nice to see the new stand.
We are at a low ebb in terms of confidence and indeed personnel. We arent even as good as we were last year (which wasnt great) when we got promoted and nowhere near the team we were 5/6 years ago.
Given the above, we honestly dont expect to win this game, and in fact would probably secretly be delighted if we give it a good run. Even in NFL games now, the team has to be super prepared which Monaghan are, and we are not.
No fault of management as they are only in a wet week, just the way it is at the moment.
Quote from: snoopdog on February 05, 2016, 04:13:43 PM
Totally agree this game would've been better in Blaney . Also it's years since I've been at a game in blaney so it would've been nice to see the new stand.
Sure you can drive past it, giving you a chance to visit real football country on your way to Newry
Quote from: armaghniac on February 05, 2016, 04:04:21 PM
"Interesting" policy in Monaghan of making it harder for fans to attend, playing Mayo in 'Blayney and Down in Clones. Not very collegiate.
"Interesting" observation from a county who played most of their NFL games (until recently) in one venue (see Athletic Grounds history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_Grounds (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_Grounds)).
All counties do that sh*t.. Monaghan fans had to travel to a 2,500 capacity stadium last weekend; what's your thoughts on that?
The rationale may be; not that many Mayo fans would travel, and hence 'Blayney would suffice whereas many Down fans would travel, and hence Clones was required.
Quote from: Main Street on February 05, 2016, 03:54:10 PM
Quote from: Schkite on February 05, 2016, 03:27:54 PM
It's the kind of game we've so often slipped up in over the years. A game we're expected to win and most people tipping us. For the most part we've learned to deal with that expectation a bit better in the last couple of years, but still we'll have to guard against complacency, but again the team is experienced enough at this stage to know that.
Down will be well improved I'm sure and out to prove a point, but they've a few key players missing and we're normally tough to beat in Clones, so I'd be confident enough of the win. Should we win that will leave us in a great position on 4 points and most of the league still to come. Malachy will be well aware that, despite getting the win, last Sunday's performance left alot to be desired so I'd want to see an improvement in ourselves aswell.
After me saying that we usually win these type of league games.
Ha yeah fair point! Now I think about it, my point probably fits in more to championship games where we were favourites after a previous win, you know the type.
Quote from: GrandMasterFlash"Interesting" observation from a county who played most of their NFL games (until recently) in one venue (see Athletic Grounds history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athletic_Grounds).
The Athletic Grounds is central, and conventient to trunk roads, buses etc. Nothing to note about its use.
Quote from: GrandMasterFlash on February 05, 2016, 05:17:59 PM
All counties do that sh*t.. Monaghan fans had to travel to a 2,500 capacity stadium last weekend; what's your thoughts on that?
Because other people do it does not make it right. Monaghan complained about last week, and rightly so.
QuoteThe rationale may be; not that many Mayo fans would travel, and hence 'Blayney would suffice whereas many Down fans would travel, and hence Clones was required.
Perhaps. But I'd say 'Blayney would hold the crowd, Down people are not very upbeat at present.
I just think the GAA should facilitate people.
Ah lads let's not start this crap again. Clones is our nominated county ground.while I have nothing against blaney the design of the new stand is not great as it is set so far back from the pitch that you feel that you might as well be in doohamlet. Roscommons ploy of bringing us to kilotoom last week seems to have had the desired effect as I see that this week the new pitch for the Hyde was given the go-ahead. Believe it or not armaghniac clones does suit some of us.
Clones being the nominated county ground doesn't cut the mustard, The point Armaghniac made is that Clones can be nominated one week for the game against Down and Blaney the next week for the visit of Mayo and maybe it would have been more logical to do it vice versa.
I would hope there is a good reason rather than some haphazard decision being made.
Monaghan team:
1 Rory Beggan
2 Colin Walshe
3 Drew Wylie
4 Ryan Wylie
5 Dessie Mone
6 Kieran Duffy
7 Fintan Kelly
8 Neil Mc Adam
9 Darren Hughes
10 Karl O'Connell
11 Dermot Malone
12 Thomas Kerr
13 Shane Carey
14 Owen Duffy
15 Conor McManus
16 Mark Keogh
17 John McCarron
18 Conor Boyle
19 Niall Mc Keown
20 Mark Thornton
21 Padraic Keenan
22 Ryan McAnespie
23 Stephen Gollogly
24 Conor Mc Carthy
25 Daniel Mc Kenna
26 Barry Mc Ginn
My point re the ground was not in relation to the (now trite) argument re 'Clones not Clones'. I was making the point that counties pick their grounds to suit the game in question. We took Tyrone to Inniskeen a few years back to beat them, and it worked. Roscommon tried it last week. I'm sure the same rationale has been applied by the Armagh county board; sure didn't they opt for Clones for their championship games during the 00's when they were going well. Why? because it worked.
Also, when the fixtures were being made nobody knew or considered the relative happiness of the average Down fan..
I'd expect a bit more bite from them tomorrow after last weeks disaster. Not having O'Hare doesn't help their case mind..
Quote from: cluaineois on February 05, 2016, 08:45:59 PM
Ah lads let's not start this crap again. Clones is our nominated county ground.while I have nothing against blaney the design of the new stand is not great as it is set so far back from the pitch that you feel that you might as well be in doohamlet. Roscommons ploy of bringing us to kilotoom last week seems to have had the desired effect as I see that this week the new pitch for the Hyde was given the go-ahead. Believe it or not armaghniac clones does suit some of us.
I'm sure if it wasn't for the bad weather that game last week would have been played in Hyde park and if I recall right Roscommon beat Monaghan in the Hyde only 3 years ago.
This weekend should be straightforward home win against a side low in confidence and have injury list as long as your arm.
Quote from: GrandMasterFlash on February 06, 2016, 12:17:20 PM
My point re the ground was not in relation to the (now trite) argument re 'Clones not Clones'. I was making the point that counties pick their grounds to suit the game in question. We took Tyrone to Inniskeen a few years back to beat them, and it worked. Roscommon tried it last week. I'm sure the same rationale has been applied by the Armagh county board; sure didn't they opt for Clones for their championship games during the 00's when they were going well. Why? because it worked.
Also, when the fixtures were being made nobody knew or considered the relative happiness of the average Down fan..
I'd expect a bit more bite from them tomorrow after last weeks disaster. Not having O'Hare doesn't help their case mind..
Counties generally select their main venue and have a reason why on occasion they don't.
Afair, Inniskeen was selected for that Tyrone game 2010 and Blaney for the game v Cork
because both grounds had their new stands completed .And there was a weather issue which dictated the Roscommon game be moved. If you try, you can find a reason why counties select a venue other than their main venue.
I know Clones is the default venue and it is no big surprise to have Clones as the venue for for a county game.
But if Blaney was going to be selected for a league game, then no harm to have selected it for the game v Down. Is that such a radical idea?
Are any Monaghan games on TV? A Saturday evening game in Blayney would have suited Down people OK as they'd be back in Kilcoo for a pint before the pub closed. Mayo people would have a longer journey. But perhaps the TV schedule is affecting the Sunday vs Saturday games?
Quote from: armaghniac on February 06, 2016, 02:30:50 PM
Are any Monaghan games on TV? A Saturday evening game in Blayney would have suited Down people OK as they'd be back in Kilcoo for a pint before the pub closed. Mayo people would have a longer journey. But perhaps the TV schedule is affecting the Sunday vs Saturday games?
Wherever Down supporters want to drown their sorrows would not be of much interest to Monaghan GAA.
Using alcohol is a gateway to badder stuff.
Can coverage be got on any radio station for this game today ?
If this passes for coverage, you can join Nudie and Alan on Northern Sound with unfettered commentary from the game (unfettered that is, by tedious interruptions from a Cavan game).
http://media.northernsound.ie/mediamanager/embed/player/ (http://media.northernsound.ie/mediamanager/embed/player/)
Quote from: Main Street on February 07, 2016, 02:05:18 PM
If this passes for coverage, you can join Nudie and Alan on Northern Sound with unfettered commentary from the game (unfettered that is, by tedious interruptions from a Cavan game).
http://media.northernsound.ie/mediamanager/embed/player/ (http://media.northernsound.ie/mediamanager/embed/player/)
Northern Sound also have a phone app.
Monnanaheadbethree at half time, according to Nudie.
Monaghan stumble across the line to beat Down.
Thanks Down for not making us pay.
Gwan Munahin
Gwan the Rossies
In the 70s and 80s Armagh would have played half,at least,of their National League home games in Davitt Park,Lurgan,including the famous game in 1980 in which they put six goals passed All Ireland Champions Kerry.
Delighted to be sitting on 4 points after not playing particularly well in both games. I wasn't at the game yesterday but was informed that Monaghan were worse than they were last week against Roscommon. Good to see the likes of Kerr, D McKenna and Conor Boyle coming into the side and contributing. There's a bunch of younger lads in the squad who seem to have the confidence to step up, which was lacking for a number of years in Monaghan squads. So, it's the Dubs next...
Monaghan just about did enough yesterday. 2 bursts in either half got them over the line. Started slowly and then got going nicely as the first half wore on. The second half was the other way around. Started it quite well and then totally faded and probably should have got caught in the end. Shane Carey and Owen Duffy were well improved from the week before and Ryan McAnespie did some good work and kicked 2 nice points. Should have buried a goal too. McManus was quiet by his high standards though his pass into mckenna for a point near the end was class. Missed a lot of frees again especially near the end to see the game out (Beggan, McManus and Hughes all missed scorables)
Overall happy with 2 wins without really clicking yet. Will have to click against Dublin just to stay in that match!