Well, here we go again for another roller coaster ride...
This sould be a cracker game, I expect Armagh to win this at home but like the Monaghan game I think it will be close. Derry have a bit more about them and will not be easily beaten, Derry have quality forwards and with C Glass in the middle can be a real handful. He should and probably will dominate our midfield on the day which will obviously help Derry, I suspect Armagh will flood that area with men and try and pick up break ball as we won't out field Derry in this department.
The weather is picking up now and that too will help Armagh's running game as the Ulster final was a disaster for Armagh with the heavy rain.
For you Derry men what is your squad like and have you any men out injured for this game?.
Only Niall's end on available when I purchased last night. I assume this is going to be pretty full then.
Reading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This game is perfectly set up for the oak leaf. Relatively injury free, waiting in the long grass, with a point to proove.
Derry for me.
I'll be consistent and predict a double digit victory for Armagh. I mean Monaghan beat Derry, and then Armagh beat Monaghan by 9pts. ;)
Realistically the only thing Derry have in their favour is the extended planning time. Though Armagh still have two weeks, plus playing in front of a partisan home crowd, buoyed by the fact they are Ulster Champions.
The match ups with Conaty and McMullan will be vital. And the bench too, Derry don't have an option like Oisin O'Neill or Ross McQuillan to enter the fray after 50mins.
Armagh are +30 for the last 3 meetings in league and Championship against Derry. Outside of the 2023 Ulster Final, Derry haven't beat Armagh in the C'ship since 2011. That probably won't change this year.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 20, 2026, 11:28:39 AMQuote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This sums it up, Derry have a mobile midfield but not a big enough midfield to trouble the Kerry/Donegals etc. Armagh will have the same problem eventually. Don't see midfield being the game winner in the Derry game. Crealey a huge lost.
I thought Derry were more impressive v Monaghan in the first 60 minutes of normal time than Armagh. Monaghan missed more v Armagh when their come back was on.
I expect a tight game with Armagh to pull away in the last 10 given their stronger bench.
However, I haven't heard a word from the Derry camp since the Monaghan game. I assume they are hurting and will have a point to prove with all the choker labels being thrown around. The Armagh camp on the other hand are probably still sobering up. This could be a leveller. I remember it happened to Derry v Monaghan after the 2023 ulster final - we drew that game after hammering them in Ulster.
Interestingly i checked the spread with the bookies for the Armagh Derry game before and after the Ulster final, they've reduced it from 4 points to 2 points.
Quote from: Mario on May 20, 2026, 12:38:43 PMI thought Derry were more impressive v Monaghan in the first 60 minutes of normal time than Armagh. Monaghan missed more v Armagh when their come back was on.
I expect a tight game with Armagh to pull away in the last 10 given their stronger bench.
However, I haven't heard a word from the Derry camp since the Monaghan game. I assume they are hurting and will have a point to prove with all the choker labels being thrown around. The Armagh camp on the other hand are probably still sobering up. This could be a leveller. I remember it happened to Derry v Monaghan after the 2023 ulster final - we drew that game after hammering them in Ulster.
Interestingly i checked the spread with the bookies for the Armagh Derry game before and after the Ulster final, they've reduced it from 4 points to 2 points.
Will have done a recovery session Monday, maybe a few pints after for some but nothing mad and then trained last night, full focus on Derry. Hopefully we can use the glory as a big a driver as we used the hurt in previous years after Ulster.
Quote from: Mario on May 20, 2026, 12:38:43 PMI thought Derry were more impressive v Monaghan in the first 60 minutes of normal time than Armagh. Monaghan missed more v Armagh when their come back was on.
I expect a tight game with Armagh to pull away in the last 10 given their stronger bench.
However, I haven't heard a word from the Derry camp since the Monaghan game. I assume they are hurting and will have a point to prove with all the choker labels being thrown around. The Armagh camp on the other hand are probably still sobering up. This could be a leveller. I remember it happened to Derry v Monaghan after the 2023 ulster final - we drew that game after hammering them in Ulster.
Interestingly i checked the spread with the bookies for the Armagh Derry game before and after the Ulster final, they've reduced it from 4 points to 2 points.
Monaghan played better for 70 minutes (but not 90) against Armagh than they did for most of their game against Derry.But that is useful experience for Armagh, the Down game was an outlier as the opposition was useless. I think Armagh can beat Derry by a few points. Apparently, Armagh have been involved in almost 30% of championship extra time, perhaps we can do the job in 70 mins this time.
The stat I heard was that 30% of Armagh's championship games in the past 3 years have ended in a draw in normal time vs 10% for the average. You could look at that in two ways, never say die or struggle to get over line. The AI win probably changed the narrative there.
Quote from: Mario on May 20, 2026, 01:03:35 PMThe stat I heard was that 30% of Armagh's championship games in the past 3 years have ended in a draw in normal time vs 10% for the average. You could look at that in two ways, never say die or struggle to get over line. The AI win probably changed the narrative there.
Yeah that was on some podcast this week. Must be wanting to give fans value for their money although we could have done without extra time standing in the rain on Sunday! Think we've been the better team in both periods of extra time and our game will suit the better weather which really can't be understated with the impact it had for both teams on Sunday.
Hopefully our bench will get us over the line against Derry, have 3 serious "piano players" in Oisin, Ross and Grugs. Barry, Magee and Murphy very good piano pushers off the bench and Forker can do abit of both if he can get himself right.
Quote from: Mario on May 20, 2026, 01:03:35 PMThe stat I heard was that 30% of Armagh's championship games in the past 3 years have ended in a draw in normal time vs 10% for the average. You could look at that in two ways, never say die or struggle to get over line. The AI win probably changed the narrative there.
Yes wouldn't be Armagh if they didn't do things the hard way. Won't surprise me if extra time is required however Armagh strong favourites and should win against a side who still haven't fully recovered from their winless league and championship run last year.
Will be interesting to see what version of Derry turns up in the Athletic Grounds.
They are clearly on paper a talented bunch of players and for 55 minutes against Monaghan looked geared up to be playing Armagh in Ulster final and full value for that. They will be worried about how they were unable to see the game out.
As an Armagh fan would rather have played Monaghan than Derry in final as I believed Monaghan where in a bit of a transitional phase(though was impressed with them in last 2 games).
How the Derry players have recovered from that defeat will determine how the game goes. This county be a handy win for Armagh or a really difficult assignment where they could be caught with an ambush.
Quote from: statto on May 20, 2026, 02:00:31 PMWill be interesting to see what version of Derry turns up in the Athletic Grounds.
They are clearly on paper a talented bunch of players and for 55 minutes against Monaghan looked geared up to be playing Armagh in Ulster final and full value for that. They will be worried about how they were unable to see the game out.
As an Armagh fan would rather have played Monaghan than Derry in final as I believed Monaghan where in a bit of a transitional phase(though was impressed with them in last 2 games).
How the Derry players have recovered from that defeat will determine how the game goes. This county be a handy win for Armagh or a really difficult assignment where they could be caught with an ambush.
Derry coming in fresh and rearing to bounce back after losing to monaghan.dont see a handy win for armagh. If they win it willhave to be hard earned. Definitely a tricky game for them but should have enough
Quote from: shawshank on May 20, 2026, 12:13:44 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 20, 2026, 11:28:39 AMQuote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This sums it up, Derry have a mobile midfield but not a big enough midfield to trouble the Kerry/Donegals etc. Armagh will have the same problem eventually. Don't see midfield being the game winner in the Derry game. Crealey a huge lost.
Despite Galway having some big men around the middle, they were cleaned out by the Rossies in that department. I think there's as much to be said for having a bit of grit and doggedness and getting stuck into the battles for breaking ball etc. Not to mention a clever kickout strategy can go a long way.
Armagh seem to be on the way back, the hunger they had in 24, that was missing in 25, looks like it's back in them again. At least as an outsider looking in that's what I see.
Quote from: IronMike247 on May 20, 2026, 04:35:46 PMQuote from: shawshank on May 20, 2026, 12:13:44 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 20, 2026, 11:28:39 AMQuote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This sums it up, Derry have a mobile midfield but not a big enough midfield to trouble the Kerry/Donegals etc. Armagh will have the same problem eventually. Don't see midfield being the game winner in the Derry game. Crealey a huge lost.
Despite Galway having some big men around the middle, they were cleaned out by the Rossies in that department. I think there's as much to be said for having a bit of grit and doggedness and getting stuck into the battles for breaking ball etc. Not to mention a clever kickout strategy can go a long way.
Armagh seem to be on the way back, the hunger they had in 24, that was missing in 25, looks like it's back in them again. At least as an outsider looking in that's what I see.
Yeah that's true, not to mention piggery ;).
Even last year you couldn't really say Kerry were that much bigger than us out the field, we'd Jarly, Rian, Crealey, Grimley, Murnin etc. A bit of luck and momentum definitely play their part with break ball as well.
Think we will struggle to beat Derry, cards sitting very nicely for them at the minute as the weekend will take a lot out of the players as will the celebrations. Derry sitting in the long grass with extra weeks to prepare. Can only see an Oakleaf win
Quote from: IronMike247 on May 20, 2026, 04:35:46 PMQuote from: shawshank on May 20, 2026, 12:13:44 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 20, 2026, 11:28:39 AMQuote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This sums it up, Derry have a mobile midfield but not a big enough midfield to trouble the Kerry/Donegals etc. Armagh will have the same problem eventually. Don't see midfield being the game winner in the Derry game. Crealey a huge lost.
Despite Galway having some big men around the middle, they were cleaned out by the Rossies in that department. I think there's as much to be said for having a bit of grit and doggedness and getting stuck into the battles for breaking ball etc. Not to mention a clever kickout strategy can go a long way.
Armagh seem to be on the way back, the hunger they had in 24, that was missing in 25, looks like it's back in them again. At least as an outsider looking in that's what I see.
I don't believe Armagh lacked hunger in 2025. They went into the Kerry game as favourites and had been playing well up to then. Armagh were 4/5 up at start of the second half until they were met by a perfect 15 minute spell from Kerry who then went and won the All Ireland pretty easily.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 20, 2026, 06:35:50 PMThink we will struggle to beat Derry, cards sitting very nicely for them at the minute as the weekend will take a lot out of the players as will the celebrations. Derry sitting in the long grass with extra weeks to prepare. Can only see an Oakleaf win
Bcb1 oshea
Ach shure lookit
Yerra
Quote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Would have had similar concerns when Ben got injured though Jason Duffy has really stood up in his absence and Murnin can mix it with anyone aerially.
Quote from: statto on May 20, 2026, 06:48:21 PMQuote from: IronMike247 on May 20, 2026, 04:35:46 PMQuote from: shawshank on May 20, 2026, 12:13:44 PMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 20, 2026, 11:28:39 AMQuote from: bennydorano on May 20, 2026, 11:21:00 AMReading the Derry club thread Derry ones seem fairly confident. Not an unreasonable stance either.
Armagh seemed to be able to park the Ulster Final defeats very well and come out very strongly in the AI series after, what will the heads be like after a bit of mid season success?
I'd worry a bit about MF myself, Crealey's loss will be felt a lot more as this progresses, but we're doing OK there to date.
Think we should be ok around the middle against Derry but I'd be fearful enough against a Kerry/Donegal/Galway with the big brutes they have. At the minute we're doing rightly at the shorts with the bad weather playing a big part on Sunday with the ones we lost. Hopefully we're able to park Ulster again and push on.
This sums it up, Derry have a mobile midfield but not a big enough midfield to trouble the Kerry/Donegals etc. Armagh will have the same problem eventually. Don't see midfield being the game winner in the Derry game. Crealey a huge lost.
Despite Galway having some big men around the middle, they were cleaned out by the Rossies in that department. I think there's as much to be said for having a bit of grit and doggedness and getting stuck into the battles for breaking ball etc. Not to mention a clever kickout strategy can go a long way.
Armagh seem to be on the way back, the hunger they had in 24, that was missing in 25, looks like it's back in them again. At least as an outsider looking in that's what I see.
I don't believe Armagh lacked hunger in 2025. They went into the Kerry game as favourites and had been playing well up to then. Armagh were 4/5 up at start of the second half until they were met by a perfect 15 minute spell from Kerry who then went and won the All Ireland pretty easily.
Armagh couldn't change gear quickly enough when Kerry upped it to play the best football of the year showing a clear understanding of the possibilities of the new rules. If Meath had not beaten Kerry then that performance might not have resulted.
Quote from: brokencrossbar1 on May 20, 2026, 06:35:50 PMThink we will struggle to beat Derry, cards sitting very nicely for them at the minute as the weekend will take a lot out of the players as will the celebrations. Derry sitting in the long grass with extra weeks to prepare. Can only see an Oakleaf win
That's my boy... ;D
When's the season ticket window end?
Quote from: p3427977 on May 21, 2026, 10:03:28 AMWhen's the season ticket window end?
Tues 26th at 11an.
See this as a very tight game
Armagh favourites but Derry are a damn good side, they had a 15 minute aberration against Monaghan who needed a worldly to equalise.
If Armagh come out the right side of this it will be hard earned.
Its a massive game, for the simple fact that if you lose you risk drawing Kerry, Meath or Rosscommon in the follow up game, not a prospect Armagh or Derry want.
The lay offs have worked out OK for Donegal and Tyrone, so safe to say Derry will be coming into this fresh and raring to go at it.
While watching Kerry v Donegal I was thinking this will be a great eye opener for Armagh, there'll be zero complacency,going to be a tight game tho.
Quote from: bennydorano on May 26, 2026, 11:09:32 AMWhile watching Kerry v Donegal I was thinking this will be a great eye opener for Armagh, there'll be zero complacency,going to be a tight game tho.
There should be no complacency. Tyrone and Monaghan took us to extra time and Derry are as good. Armagh were a bit unsettled at times against Monaghan, if I were McGeeney then I'd be looking for a consistent performance this time, with comebacks not tolerated.
Derry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
Would expect Derry to be well up for this one.
Quote from: maddog on May 26, 2026, 12:55:59 PMDerry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
crazy to think hughes should be dropped... if i recall correctly, rafferty wasn't overly good vs Fermanagh???
Quote from: 5times5times on May 26, 2026, 01:54:36 PMQuote from: maddog on May 26, 2026, 12:55:59 PMDerry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
crazy to think hughes should be dropped... if i recall correctly, rafferty wasn't overly good vs Fermanagh???
I'd stick with Hughes. A good shot stopper and as long as players are making runs then he can pick out a pass. Whilst Rafferty might pick off a two-pointer he will dart a number of kickouts over the sideline.
Expecting a tight game. I'm going to go for Armagh by 1 after extra time.
Quote from: 5times5times on May 26, 2026, 01:54:36 PMQuote from: maddog on May 26, 2026, 12:55:59 PMDerry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
crazy to think hughes should be dropped... if i recall correctly, rafferty wasn't overly good vs Fermanagh???
i would say the weather contributed to those dodgy kick outs against Monaghan also
Quote from: tonto1888 on May 27, 2026, 09:00:43 AMQuote from: 5times5times on May 26, 2026, 01:54:36 PMQuote from: maddog on May 26, 2026, 12:55:59 PMDerry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
crazy to think hughes should be dropped... if i recall correctly, rafferty wasn't overly good vs Fermanagh???
i would say the weather contributed to those dodgy kick outs against Monaghan also
Yeah the short kicks generally weren't on, he hit one to Joe McElroy that on a dry day would have stuck that Monaghan end up getting a score from. Blaine starts all day for me.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteDerry have a fair advantage at midfield with Rogers and Glass while we are a bit make shift in that department (although doing well). I hope that area isn't our downfall at some point. Rafferty maybe to come in for Hughes. Few dodgy kickouts last day helped Monaghan back into the match.
crazy to think hughes should be dropped... if i recall correctly, rafferty wasn't overly good vs Fermanagh???
i would say the weather contributed to those dodgy kick outs against Monaghan also
Yeah the short kicks generally weren't on, he hit one to Joe McElroy that on a dry day would have stuck that Monaghan end up getting a score from. Blaine starts all day for me.
Couldn't understand why Hughes was going short so much v Monaghan on a wet day . It nearly cost Armagh the game.
Especially as I remember against Down , he whacked one almost to Down's 50 yard line , Burns caught it, laid it off, point. So simple.
The tightness of the AG could help Derry, no coincidence that 2 of Conaty's quieter days were consecutive outings v Kerry and then Tyrone, easier to tag someone in a tight ground. Think Derry will be quite confident of curtailing Conaty so others will have to step up.
Reality is if Armagh have any thoughts of making a dent this year then Derry should be a stepping stone .
It will be tough and Derry are a damn good side but there should be no complacency .
Armagh by 4/5 after a serous game of football .
Does anyone really believe the woe is us nonsense from the Armagh folk on this thread?
I think everyone is expecting a comfortable win for Armagh in front of a partisan capacity crowd at their home ground against a mentally suspect Derry group lacking anything like the kind of squad depth Armagh has.
I'm already planning my trip to Killarney for the next round.
Armagh by close to double figures, pulling up.
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on May 27, 2026, 12:05:06 PMDoes anyone really believe the woe is us nonsense from the Armagh folk on this thread?
I think everyone is expecting a comfortable win for Armagh in front of a partisan capacity crowd at their home ground against a mentally suspect Derry group lacking anything like the kind of squad depth Armagh has.
I'm already planning my trip to Killarney for the next round.
Armagh by close to double figures, pulling up.
We rarely do things the easy way.
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on May 27, 2026, 12:05:06 PMDoes anyone really believe the woe is us nonsense from the Armagh folk on this thread?
I think everyone is expecting a comfortable win for Armagh in front of a partisan capacity crowd at their home ground against a mentally suspect Derry group lacking anything like the kind of squad depth Armagh has.
I'm already planning my trip to Killarney for the next round.
Armagh by close to double figures, pulling up.
That's what we were being told in the run up to both the Tyrone and Monaghan matches........
Quote from: Armamike on May 26, 2026, 12:58:02 PMWould expect Derry to be well up for this one.
They certainly will be. Game is nicely set up for Derry, four weeks preparation with a full focus and nothing else on Armagh. Only last weekend Tyrone,Donegal showed what can be done when laying in the long grass.
Armagh playing in and winning Ulster probably only had one week to focus and prepare for Derry.
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on May 27, 2026, 12:05:06 PMDoes anyone really believe the woe is us nonsense from the Armagh folk on this thread?
I think everyone is expecting a comfortable win for Armagh in front of a partisan capacity crowd at their home ground against a mentally suspect Derry group lacking anything like the kind of squad depth Armagh has.
I'm already planning my trip to Killarney for the next round.
Armagh by close to double figures, pulling up.
I'm with you on that one. Although I am hoping for a home game v Kildare or Cavan in the next round.
As a Gooner Derry fan 🇮🇩 appreciate any recommendations for where I can watch the Champions League final in Armagh before going to the game? Preferably somewhere that serves food too.
Thanks
Quote from: Bro Jolly on May 27, 2026, 02:33:14 PMAs a Gooner Derry fan 🇮🇩 appreciate any recommendations for where I can watch the Champions League final in Armagh before going to the game? Preferably somewhere that serves food too.
Thanks
Keegans do a decent bit of grub just across from the ground, might be worth ringing to book though as it'll be mental I'm sure plenty have the same idea!
Paddy has Armagh at 4/9 and Derry at 2/1. Clear favourites there.
Armagh will win this but not by much.
Its potentially a great game.
This years championship could be a clinker,
provided Kerry don't get everyone fit and healthy
Quote from: Champion The Wonder Horse on May 27, 2026, 04:27:46 PMPaddy has Armagh at 4/9 and Derry at 2/1. Clear favourites there.
Roughly Armagh by 2 points but loads of favourites haven't won already this year including last weekend.
Quote from: In hiding on May 27, 2026, 04:44:32 PMArmagh will win this but not by much.
Its potentially a great game.
This years championship could be a clinker,
provided Kerry don't get everyone fit and healthy
I fancy ourselves, certainly Donegal and probably Galway to give Kerry a serious game of it this year even with everyone back.
Armagh team named, same as Ulster final except Gareth Murphy in for Paddy Burns presumably to do a man marking job on McGuigan. Decent looking bench with O'Neill, McQuillan and Grugan. Hoping the rain is cleared up by throw in and it should be a cracker.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 29, 2026, 09:22:02 AMArmagh team named, same as Ulster final except Gareth Murphy in for Paddy Burns presumably to do a man marking job on McGuigan. Decent looking bench with O'Neill, McQuillan and Grugan. Hoping the rain is cleared up by throw in and it should be a cracker.
Looks like we're in for another drenching. I'm not sure if that gives either team an edge.
MATCH SQUAD
SFC ROUND 1 vs. ARMAGH
30.05.26 | 7:15 PM
ATHLETIC GROUNDS, ARMAGH
1. Shea McGuckin
2. Diarmuid Baker
3. Ruairi Forbes
4. Conor McCluskey
5. Conor Doherty
6. Gareth McKinless
7. Padraig McGrogan
8. Eoin McEvoy
9. Brendan Rogers
10. Ethan Doherty
11. Conor Glass
12. Paul Cassidy
13. Niall Loughlin
14. Shane McGuigan
15. Lachlan Murray
16. Ryan Scullion
17. Charlie Diamond
18. Shea Downey
19. Dan Higgins
20. Sean Kearney
21. Patrick McGurk
22. James Sargent
23. Niall O'Donnell
24. Ruairí Ó Mianáin
25. Niall Toner
26. Sean Young
27. Conall Higgins
28. James Murray
29. Ryan Mulholland
30. Louis Regan
Quote from: Orior on May 29, 2026, 11:12:12 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 29, 2026, 09:22:02 AMArmagh team named, same as Ulster final except Gareth Murphy in for Paddy Burns presumably to do a man marking job on McGuigan. Decent looking bench with O'Neill, McQuillan and Grugan. Hoping the rain is cleared up by throw in and it should be a cracker.
Looks like we're in for another drenching. I'm not sure if that gives either team an edge.
Armagh wans while worried about the weather for this game.
Quote from: Mario on May 29, 2026, 02:21:32 PMQuote from: Orior on May 29, 2026, 11:12:12 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 29, 2026, 09:22:02 AMArmagh team named, same as Ulster final except Gareth Murphy in for Paddy Burns presumably to do a man marking job on McGuigan. Decent looking bench with O'Neill, McQuillan and Grugan. Hoping the rain is cleared up by throw in and it should be a cracker.
Looks like we're in for another drenching. I'm not sure if that gives either team an edge.
Armagh wans while worried about the weather for this game.
PTSD from Clones. Only just dried out during the week there!
Quote from: Orior on May 29, 2026, 11:12:12 AMQuote from: Armagh18 on May 29, 2026, 09:22:02 AMArmagh team named, same as Ulster final except Gareth Murphy in for Paddy Burns presumably to do a man marking job on McGuigan. Decent looking bench with O'Neill, McQuillan and Grugan. Hoping the rain is cleared up by throw in and it should be a cracker.
Looks like we're in for another drenching. I'm not sure if that gives either team an edge.
Probably not a drenching, more like light showers, but perhaps enough to make the grass slippery. At least Armagh have had recent practice in wet conditions.
A stat from journalist Niall McCoy
Derrys starting team contains Five All-Stars compared to their opponent's Armagh two
With that in mind and the fixture schedule advantage this game is Derrys to lose?
I'd like to see the stats that show how the number of historical All Star awards and fixture schedule affect the results of GAA matches.
Not much would be my guess given the last two seasons Derry have had in the championship.
Rory Grugan needs to up his calories
Armagh with a 6 point lead at half time, scoring by both teams stopped in the 22nd minute.
Derry haven't the forwards at all.
Massive miss by mcguigan in first half could have been a massive momentum swing.
Quote from: imtommygunn on May 30, 2026, 08:05:49 PMDerry haven't the forwards at all.
We should have but severely lacking confidence due to the way we've been playing. The ball in is far too slow. It's been a feature of the Seniors, U20s and Minors. It's mostly down to coaching. Time for a change.
Murray causing alot of bother Derry need to get him as much ball as possible.
We(Derry) have completely lost our efficiency in front of goal and it's a huge issue. We should have put Monaghan away by keeping the scoreboard ticking over and today again we have missed crucial scores at big moments. Some misses have been woefully bad.
The experiment with Glass in this kind of hybrid role isn't working particularly well. Rogers looks like the dual playing has finally caught up with him and McGuigan is off the boil which can happen.
Be a massive effort to get back into this game now.
That breakaway sums Derry up...so indecisive
McCluskey doing a good job on conaty at least and defensively they're not doing too bad. Build up etc too slow further up though.
This 10 mins with the extra man will tell the tale...harsh enough black from a neutral point of view
Haha wtf was that?!!
Glass, Rodgers, McGuigan and Ethan Doherty not involved at all.
Thus far Derry unable to hit the proverbial cows arse with a banjo.
Armagh 1-11 Derry 1-8 the latest.
Derry so so poor going forward, totally clueless
Derry are absolutely clueless and still in this game.
It's like watching cavan
No belief in that derry team
Have we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
Armagh 1-17 Derry 1-8. 10 minutes to play.
5 mins left 1-18 to 1-10
Result Armagh 1-18 Derry 1-13.
Yeah we don't have the players to compete at an Armagh level at the minute. Thats not going to change unless management start giving some new players a shout!
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
We have more than matched Armagh throughout the game. What has killed us as per usual is the lack of efficiency which tonight has been appallingly bad. Some shocking wides.
A 5 point hammering. Disappointing performance from the experienced heads we're well off it!
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
I don't think you can pin the players being unable to kick the ball over the bar from straightforward positions on the manager or something that a Managerial wonder boy would fix
When you consider some of Derry's misses and also then consider the fact that they only lost by 5 points in the end, it just makes my brain hurt. This game was weird.
Comfortable win for Armagh and in truth the five point margin flattered Derry and they'll need a decent draw to avoid championship exit in round 2B.
Quote from: Stickittotheman on May 30, 2026, 08:50:43 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
We have more than matched Armagh throughout the game. What has killed us as per usual is the lack of efficiency which tonight has been appallingly bad. Some shocking wides.
Yous were nowhere near it lad. Armagh didn't get out of 2nd gear.
Not sure why anyone thought Derry would trouble Armagh, haven't beaten them in years (properly) in the championship with Armagh still improving. Derrys only win of note this year coming against Tyrone who were extremely poor in the league so that holds no weight with hindsight
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:58:04 PMQuote from: Stickittotheman on May 30, 2026, 08:50:43 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
We have more than matched Armagh throughout the game. What has killed us as per usual is the lack of efficiency which tonight has been appallingly bad. Some shocking wides.
Yous were nowhere near it lad. Armagh didn't get out of 2nd gear.
Neither did we!!!
Quote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 08:09:57 PMQuote from: imtommygunn on May 30, 2026, 08:05:49 PMDerry haven't the forwards at all.
We should have but severely lacking confidence due to the way we've been playing. The ball in is far too slow. It's been a feature of the Seniors, U20s and Minors. It's mostly down to coaching. Time for a change.
I was thinking this earlier myself, systemic fear just runs through that senior team - the Minors & U20s followed suit this year.
As for Armagh, just a good one to get out of the way. Thomas McCormack got MOTM but I thought Cian McConville run himself into the ground for the cause 2nite. It was obvious that Conaty was going to be man marked, I thought McCormack & McConville both took on his role at different times.
Quote from: BigGreenField on May 30, 2026, 08:54:50 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
I don't think you can pin the players being unable to kick the ball over the bar from straightforward positions on the manager or something that a Managerial wonder boy would fix
Not 100% sure whether i agree with what your saying there as im not privy to what is happening in training.
I'd love to see Derry back competing well but they've went from a blistering team full of pace and running to a team that is very hard to watch and make loads of stupid mistakes.
Hopefully they'll get decent draw next day out and try gather some momentum.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:58:04 PMQuote from: Stickittotheman on May 30, 2026, 08:50:43 PMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
We have more than matched Armagh throughout the game. What has killed us as per usual is the lack of efficiency which tonight has been appallingly bad. Some shocking wides.
Yous were nowhere near it lad. Armagh didn't get out of 2nd gear.
Thought Armagh lads looked full sure of their victory from the off. Lachlan Murray the only threat to them and c Doherty managed to get space when the black card came
Armagh gifted them 1-1 to keep them in he game. Armagh and Donegal were not this force whenRG was in charge of Derry.
Derry still can beat a lot of teams though
I think Derry footballers should look at the heart and energy that the Derry hurlers have brought this year. Up against it against Meath away from home and got the draw through heart nd attitude. They needed to beat Kerry at home to qualify for Chrity Ring Final and they did.
Kerry were strong favourites to beat them in Croke Park today but they came with agression, energy and positive attitude from the first whistle....and never let up until the final whistle. Derry played like a team. They played for each other. Sometimes they're more like a club team in terms of the collective.
Compare that to this evening. Derry had a good break and should have been chomping at the bit to take on Armagh but, in reality, it was lifeless and ponderous. Seemed like a team of individuals. Very disappointing.
Meenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Derry do not need a new manager again. We need to stop playing like it is 4 years ago and realise that you need to go at teams. E Doherty and Cassidy slotted 2 pointers tonight, I don't recall either going for them before. Need to put Glass in midfield McEvoy in the back 6 and get another forward on.
Boring ref complaint- I counted 7 steps for Armagh's goal and should Derry not have been allowed to take the free at the end since it was awarded before hooter?
Quote from: GTP on May 30, 2026, 09:16:27 PMDerry do not need a new manager again. We need to stop playing like it is 4 years ago and realise that you need to go at teams.
And why do you think our teams are playing the tactics they are? Meenagh only seems to know that old way from years ago. It doesn't work now. He's clearing influencing the U20s and Minors as they've been playing exactly the same way.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
Mickey Harte won a League with them but it went south after the Trip to Portugal .
I thought that was a comfortable win for Armagh who didn't get or need to get out of second gear. Will need to improve for the next day but have plenty of room and time to. Always hard to get up again after an Ulster final.
I thought the referee was poor as well.
Quote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:03:09 PMMeenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Here we go... bring back RG sure!
Up there with stupidest post of the year!
Quote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:03:09 PMMeenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Come off it. That's 3 managers now, the players need to take some responsibility and the big leaders in the changing room need to stand up. We can't keep blaming the manager year on year....
Quote from: David McKeown on May 30, 2026, 09:36:19 PMI thought that was a comfortable win for Armagh who didn't get or need to get out of second gear. Will need to improve for the next day but have plenty of room and time to. Always hard to get up again after an Ulster final.
We played worse in recent years against Westmeath in the immediate aftermath of the Ulster final. But the job was done in each and onwards and upwards.
Whatever about tactics etc Derry had a killer edge, a conviction about them with RG
They've been plaster Paris since. Flakey as hell.
Unbelievable how reluctant they are to kick the ball in direct to a forward
Zero consideration for a 2 point effort until the game is gone
Bringing on a 19yr old, just coming off a serious injury just screamed *desperate*
Not much leadership from the captain either, I'd like to see more grit and determination from him. A bit of anger even.
Hard to know where next for Derry. Some talent there for sure, but just maybe not enough depth in it.
Quote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:20:34 PMQuote from: GTP on May 30, 2026, 09:16:27 PMDerry do not need a new manager again. We need to stop playing like it is 4 years ago and realise that you need to go at teams.
And why do you think our teams are playing the tactics they are? Meenagh only seems to know that old way from years ago. It doesn't work now. He's clearing influencing the U20s and Minors as they've been playing exactly the same way.
Your u20s played like that last year and meenagh wasn't the manager then. Ridiculous to blame him for underage teams.
Quote from: David McKeown on May 30, 2026, 09:36:19 PMI thought that was a comfortable win for Armagh who didn't get or need to get out of second gear. Will need to improve for the next day but have plenty of room and time to. Always hard to get up again after an Ulster final.
I thought the referee was poor as well.
Awful I thought. Let Derry defenders away with a lot of dirt. McCormack, McMullen, McConville super. Conaty was very good although well marshalled.
Quote from: screenexile on May 30, 2026, 09:40:39 PMQuote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:03:09 PMMeenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Here we go... bring back RG sure!
Up there with stupidest post of the year!
I detest RG so theres that. So you think the tactics and style of play are not an issue? And, no need to be nasty. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Im sure there are plenty who will agree about our style of play.
Quote from: Stickittotheman on May 30, 2026, 09:43:30 PMQuote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:03:09 PMMeenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Come off it. That's 3 managers now, the players need to take some responsibility and the big leaders in the changing room need to stand up. We can't keep blaming the manager year on year....
Of course the players shoulder part of the blame. Some of our supposedly best players have been very poor this year. Confidence is sorely lacking. However, just look at the style of football we've played this year. Where does that come from. Ethan Doherty had his first shot at goal in the last few minutes. Before that he didn't even look at the posts. He's not the only one. Most of the team seem scared to make a mistake.
Quote from: Armagh18 on May 30, 2026, 10:11:26 PMQuote from: David McKeown on May 30, 2026, 09:36:19 PMI thought that was a comfortable win for Armagh who didn't get or need to get out of second gear. Will need to improve for the next day but have plenty of room and time to. Always hard to get up again after an Ulster final.
I thought the referee was poor as well.
Awful I thought. Let Derry defenders away with a lot of dirt. McCormack, McMullen, McConville super. Conaty was very good although well marshalled.
Thought he was poor. There is a big difference between letting the game flow and ignoring blatant fouls. Not giving decisions one way then, immediately blowing a foul for similar, going other way.
Good win for Armagh. Kept Derry at arms length the whole match. Felt we always had more in the tank if needed. The black card curtailed us for a while but we took control back again. Derry were very average up front. Missed a lot of quite easy chances too.
Yep. Game was over at half time. Derry going through motions with wild kicking, Armagh humming like a big V12 engine.
Ross McQuillan
Oisin ONeill
Rory Grugan
Brought on to seal the win.
Paddy Burns
McCambridge
Forker and ethan Rafferty in reserve.
Armagh folk must be dreaming again
Well done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
Quote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
Quote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:00:31 AMQuote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
Duffy was not a yellow.
McLaughlin caught Hughes on the neck with his arm. McMullen was yellow carded for a near identical challenge Vs Tyrone that resulted in his sending off. McEvoy took out Murnin I believe.
Hughes was falling and lifted his arm to make it look worse. McEvoy was a bit late on Murnin there was nothing in it. Could see the Armagh management losing their shit over it and the non breach.
Other than the black card I don't remember any Armagh cards so not sure how you were hard done by when Duffy was a clear 3rd man tackle!
We were well beaten but the non breach was a big call when Derry were in the ascendency! Can anyone clarify the rule? The rule book says within 4m isn't a foul!
All the giving out I do about Derry would just like to praise Armagh. They are the most machine like team I've ever seen. Doesn't seem to matter who's playing for them injuries don't seem to effect them.
McGeeney and his coaching team deserve outrageous credit. My feeling is they might just fall a small bit short of winning the All Ireland but one things for sure is McGeeney is getting 100% out of them and they have as good a chance as any.
Quote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 10:56:17 PMQuote from: Stickittotheman on May 30, 2026, 09:43:30 PMQuote from: OakLeaf on May 30, 2026, 09:03:09 PMMeenagh has got to go. Derry are clearly not at the same level as Armagh but at least let them play. Meenagh has drained the confidence out of these players. Robotic nonsense at the minute. At least have the balls to substitute big names who aren't performing. How on earth some of them stayed on for 70 minutes is beyond me.
Come off it. That's 3 managers now, the players need to take some responsibility and the big leaders in the changing room need to stand up. We can't keep blaming the manager year on year....
Of course the players shoulder part of the blame. Some of our supposedly best players have been very poor this year. Confidence is sorely lacking. However, just look at the style of football we've played this year. Where does that come from. Ethan Doherty had his first shot at goal in the last few minutes. Before that he didn't even look at the posts. He's not the only one. Most of the team seem scared to make a mistake.
Pretty sure Ethan had a bad miss in the first half, and then turned down several chances to shoot immediately after that as confidence was obviously knocked.
Derry players very wasteful in front of goals in the first half. Had they been hitting some of those they were right in the game going into the final quarter.
Thought it was an odd move to have Rodgers man mark Turbit, a wasted move given Armagh scores come from all over the pitch. He would have been better on out the pitch.
Armagh good across the field again. The likes of mcilroy and mcconville doing a lot of hard yards. Jarly Og prob having his best season and is leading the team well.
Glad to get the win and avoid some of those teams waiting Derry tbh. I'd expect some big teams to go over the next two weeks.
Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
RG brought belief and confidence and a plan to a group of players who were mostly young, enthusiastic and ripe to believe. They've been on the road a long time and in truth, they've never recovered from the end of the RG era. Players are getting older and a few stalwarts are most likely in their last season and a few others really need a break of some sort.
Peak Derry were a well above average side, but there's probably some truth that the RG system definitely papered over cracks and the way Derry attacked under the old rules at pace with multiple runners and overloads disguised weaknesses in certain areas.
They'll still fancy their chances against anyone in round 2b and have a reasonable chance of making a quarter final, but they are well off the top 4 teams.
We don't need a managerial change, meenagh by many accounts was one of the main architects of the RG system, and I felt we had a decent league, brought in a few new faces and seemed to be adapting our play, but we've regressed in the championship. We need to move on and fully embrace the modern game. Personnel changes are needed and it's clear that some positional experiments aren't working.
Quote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:51:05 AMHughes was falling and lifted his arm to make it look worse. McEvoy was a bit late on Murnin there was nothing in it. Could see the Armagh management losing their shit over it and the non breach.
Other than the black card I don't remember any Armagh cards so not sure how you were hard done by when Duffy was a clear 3rd man tackle!
We were well beaten but the non breach was a big call when Derry were in the ascendency! Can anyone clarify the rule? The rule book says within 4m isn't a foul!
Was this the one with McGrogan stepping over the half way line? The rule book doesn't say if within 4m not a a foul it says if it's not deliberate, doesn't interfere with play and is within 4m it's not a foul.
Also I thought if it was a third man tackle it was by the Derry defender. Although I don't think it was deliberate
Quote from: David McKeown on May 31, 2026, 08:11:26 AMQuote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:51:05 AMHughes was falling and lifted his arm to make it look worse. McEvoy was a bit late on Murnin there was nothing in it. Could see the Armagh management losing their shit over it and the non breach.
Other than the black card I don't remember any Armagh cards so not sure how you were hard done by when Duffy was a clear 3rd man tackle!
We were well beaten but the non breach was a big call when Derry were in the ascendency! Can anyone clarify the rule? The rule book says within 4m isn't a foul!
Was this the one with McGrogan stepping over the half way line? The rule book doesn't say if within 4m not a a foul it says if it's not deliberate, doesn't interfere with play and is within 4m it's not a foul.
Also I thought if it was a third man tackle it was by the Derry defender. Although I don't think it was deliberate
Mcguigan was a metre over line, which is acceptable, but he touched the ball if I remember. Therefore, he interfered with the play and rightfully given a half way free against him
Quote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:00:31 AMQuote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
I think you need to watch a replay of the Duffy black card. He actually turned away to try and avoid contact. As bad a black card decision as you are likely to see.
Quote from: Throw ball on May 31, 2026, 09:04:00 AMQuote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:00:31 AMQuote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
I think you need to watch a replay of the Duffy black card. He actually turned away to try and avoid contact. As bad a black card decision as you are likely to see.
Disagree. Duffy knew exactly what he was doing as he stepped across and turned his back. Tried to disguise it as if he had no other option but he knew what he was at.
Not that it had any real impact on the result mind you. Slow, possession based football will not win you a game under the new rules. Derry, under Tally and Now Meenagh, have not adapted well. Zero pace in transition, long ball never considered and no interest in trying to manufacture 2 pointers.
The game has moved from chess to chaos.
Quote from: onefineday on May 31, 2026, 07:29:10 AMQuote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 30, 2026, 08:41:27 PMHave we enough evidence now to suggest that RG was just an incredibly good manager and had a very Average Derry side massively overperforming.
That's 3 managers now that have failed to get any tune out of them.
Toner and Loughlin good honest players but not at the level required at the top end in my opinion.
RG brought belief and confidence and a plan to a group of players who were mostly young, enthusiastic and ripe to believe. They've been on the road a long time and in truth, they've never recovered from the end of the RG era. Players are getting older and a few stalwarts are most likely in their last season and a few others really need a break of some sort.
Peak Derry were a well above average side, but there's probably some truth that the RG system definitely papered over cracks and the way Derry attacked under the old rules at pace with multiple runners and overloads disguised weaknesses in certain areas.
They'll still fancy their chances against anyone in round 2b and have a reasonable chance of making a quarter final, but they are well off the top 4 teams.
We don't need a managerial change, meenagh by many accounts was one of the main architects of the RG system, and I felt we had a decent league, brought in a few new faces and seemed to be adapting our play, but we've regressed in the championship. We need to move on and fully embrace the modern game. Personnel changes are needed and it's clear that some positional experiments aren't working.
Fair assessment.
Question re the GAA gearbox. How many gears are we talking here?
If a team is playing in 2nd gear like so many seem to do, no idea how this is judged, do they have 3 more gears or even 4 if it's a 6 gear gearbox? Or is it a Raleigh Grifter type gearing system, so 1 more gear?
Quote from: Silver hill on May 31, 2026, 09:20:29 AMQuote from: Throw ball on May 31, 2026, 09:04:00 AMQuote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:00:31 AMQuote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
I think you need to watch a replay of the Duffy black card. He actually turned away to try and avoid contact. As bad a black card decision as you are likely to see.
Disagree. Duffy knew exactly what he was doing as he stepped across and turned his back. Tried to disguise it as if he had no other option but he knew what he was at.
Not that it had any real impact on the result mind you. Slow, possession based football will not win you a game under the new rules. Derry, under Tally and Now Meenagh, have not adapted well. Zero pace in transition, long ball never considered and no interest in trying to manufacture 2 pointers.
If that is a black card Derry could have had half a dozen and the game is gone. Again watch the game highlights on Saturday game. If you still think it is a black card don't become a referee.
It's a textbook screen. I don't know if it's a black card or not but if you want to screen that's how to do it. Pass the ball and turn your back to the on coming defender.
Quote from: Mario on May 31, 2026, 10:36:12 AMIt's a textbook screen. I don't know if it's a black card or not but if you want to screen that's how to do it. Pass the ball and turn your back to the on coming defender.
It isn't that either. He passed the ball and had a split second before the Derry player collided with him. He turned his shoulders away from the player. Again I say watch the highlights. I didn't see it from my position in the ground and didn't even know Duffy had been black carded until he came back on. It is why I went and watched the incident on TV to see what happened. It was irrelevant in yesterday's game but it could decide a game further down the line - and you wouldn't want to be the team on the wrong end of it or the referee that made the decision.
Obviously lashing rain in the 2nd half there, but if you put your umbrella up in a packed stand during the match, you are a tube.
There were plenty of them round me. Parts of the pitch people couldn't see at all. The rain wont melt ya fs
Quote from: lurganblue on May 31, 2026, 11:12:58 AMObviously lashing rain in the 2nd half there, but if you put your umbrella up in a packed stand during the match, you are a tube.
There were plenty of them round me. Parts of the pitch people couldn't see at all. The rain wont melt ya fs
Or get out of your seat and stand in the aisle further back blocking everyone's view. Lucky there was no trouble near where I was
Quote from: JoG2 on May 31, 2026, 10:16:18 AMQuestion re the GAA gearbox. How many gears are we talking here?
If a team is playing in 2nd gear like so many seem to do, no idea how this is judged, do they have 3 more gears or even 4 if it's a 6 gear gearbox? Or is it a Raleigh Grifter type gearing system, so 1 more gear?
Can't speak for every game, but in the Ulster semi final Armagh had one of those racing bikes with 3 cogs at the pedal and 7 at the wheel giving 21 options.
We still never needed any more than the lowest 3 gears after 15 minutes!!
Quote from: lurganblue on May 31, 2026, 11:12:58 AMObviously lashing rain in the 2nd half there, but if you put your umbrella up in a packed stand during the match, you are a tube.
There were plenty of them round me. Parts of the pitch people couldn't see at all. The rain wont melt ya fs
Same thing happened me at Clones and I had to ask politely for the brolly to be lowered. Top tip: don't bring a golfing umbrella to a football match. Instead, wear waterproof clothing or else being one of those wee small umbrellas that fit in your handbag.
By the way, I was delighted to see a number of blood & thunder marching bands provide us with a warm welcome. If it wasnt for the Armagh and Derry fans then the pavements would have empty. Actually, I think the orangemen banged their drums even harder, when they saw the men in orange.
Quote from: Orior on May 31, 2026, 12:29:32 PMQuote from: lurganblue on May 31, 2026, 11:12:58 AMObviously lashing rain in the 2nd half there, but if you put your umbrella up in a packed stand during the match, you are a tube.
There were plenty of them round me. Parts of the pitch people couldn't see at all. The rain wont melt ya fs
Same thing happened me at Clones and I had to ask politely for the brolly to be lowered. Top tip: don't bring a golfing umbrella to a football match. Instead, wear waterproof clothing or else being one of those wee small umbrellas that fit in your handbag.
By the way, I was delighted to see a number of blood & thunder marching bands provide us with a warm welcome. If it wasnt for the Armagh and Derry fans then the pavements would have empty. Actually, I think the orangemen banged their drums even harder, when they saw the men in orange.
Sure wasn't that the whole point of their petty march?
Glad to see ponchos getting an outing at matches these days. As you say, a feckin golf umbrella is a pain in the hole if you're stuck behind one.
Any update on murnin ?
Quote from: lurganblue on May 31, 2026, 11:12:58 AMObviously lashing rain in the 2nd half there, but if you put your umbrella up in a packed stand during the match, you are a tube.
There were plenty of them round me. Parts of the pitch people couldn't see at all. The rain wont melt ya fs
They should simply be banned from intercounty games in full venues. Stewards should not allow them in.
A bollix from Donegal had one in front of me last year in the McGrane stand in Clones (uncovered). Quite apart from obstructing the view, it essentially diverted the water onto my knees.
Quote from: Silver hill on May 31, 2026, 09:20:29 AMQuote from: Throw ball on May 31, 2026, 09:04:00 AMQuote from: screenexile on May 31, 2026, 03:00:31 AMQuote from: Armagh Girl on May 31, 2026, 12:03:54 AMWell done to the Boys tonight especially in horrendous conditions in 2nd half.
We gifted Derry 1.1 which brought them into the game.
Great atmosphere and huge Armagh support, Derry support barely visible.
Thought Duffy was really hard done by, and the least said about the ref the better - dreadful! He didn't seem to have any cards for Derry players.
McEvoy and Loughlin got booked for f**k all!!
Duffy clearly moved to check the Derry player.
I think you need to watch a replay of the Duffy black card. He actually turned away to try and avoid contact. As bad a black card decision as you are likely to see.
Disagree. Duffy knew exactly what he was doing as he stepped across and turned his back. Tried to disguise it as if he had no other option but he knew what he was at.
Not that it had any real impact on the result mind you. Slow, possession based football will not win you a game under the new rules. Derry, under Tally and Now Meenagh, have not adapted well. Zero pace in transition, long ball never considered and no interest in trying to manufacture 2 pointers.
Unless you are Duffy then you can't say what his intentions were
I'm sure the Derry wans won't mind me saying that they're not going to win the All Ireland but they're a decent team with good players who should be doing better, Armagh did not play that well on Sat and didn't have too to win that game but Derry surely have to perform better with the players they have. I don't know if the manager is up to it or not or the players are not pulling in the right direction together but they have quality in the right positions but just not delivering...
I thought Armagh were just ok, we have quite a few bang average performances there but you can't play outta your skin every week and bigger tests are just around the corner. Midfield area is gonna bite us soon before the year is out, a team with 2 big midfielders in there and big men around them in HF's and HB's will put us to the sword unfortunatley. Big Ben is a miss for Armagh in there, he's no Brian Fenton but does the hard graft and dirty work that goes unnoticed by a lot. He's big and strong and is a real pain in the hole for other teams playing us and he's gonna be missed this year.
Derry dont have the quality as shown by their criminal wides Vs Armagh
Quote from: DaleCooper on June 01, 2026, 11:45:42 AMDerry dont have the quality as shown by their criminal wides Vs Armagh
That might be partially true but I think a big part of it is lack of confidence, for whatever reason.
I was a AVA Festival on sat night so have only seen the highlights. Of all these wides, how many were actually from good scoring positions without an Armagh man putting pressure on them?
Quote from: tonto1888 on June 01, 2026, 01:26:19 PMI was a AVA Festival on sat night so have only seen the highlights. Of all these wides, how many were actually from good scoring positions without an Armagh man putting pressure on them?
Definitely a few of them although can be hard to tell in real time how much pressure they were under, Doherty definitely had a handy wide or 2 and seemed to turn down chances then later on. McGuigan blasted one wide where you weren't really sure if it was a point or goal attempt but was very scoreable
Quote from: tonto1888 on June 01, 2026, 01:26:19 PMI was a AVA Festival on sat night so have only seen the highlights. Of all these wides, how many were actually from good scoring positions without an Armagh man putting pressure on them?
Armagh always seemed in control tbh.
Even the scores at the end to bring it from 8 points ton5 smacked of Armagh just cruising towards the finishing line.
Would say though that across the board Armagh weren't great , simply did what was needed as such .
Quote from: naka on June 01, 2026, 02:32:59 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on June 01, 2026, 01:26:19 PMI was a AVA Festival on sat night so have only seen the highlights. Of all these wides, how many were actually from good scoring positions without an Armagh man putting pressure on them?
Armagh always seemed in control tbh.
Even the scores at the end to bring it from 8 points ton5 smacked of Armagh just cruising towards the finishing line.
Would say though that across the board Armagh weren't great , simply did what was needed as such .
Game was long over at that point. Major concerns I'd have was obviously our own kickouts but that's going to be a feature throughout the year I fear given our midfield injuries.
We were fairly good outside of that when we did get hands on the ball and probably unlucky with a poor ball across to Murphy for his goal chance and McGrane fluffing his lines with another, typical the 2 best goal chances fall to the corner backs!
Also, what a fecking hit from TK, thought at the time it was a mishit shot for a point but looking back he meant it.
Quote from: Armagh18 on June 01, 2026, 02:45:29 PMQuote from: naka on June 01, 2026, 02:32:59 PMQuote from: tonto1888 on June 01, 2026, 01:26:19 PMI was a AVA Festival on sat night so have only seen the highlights. Of all these wides, how many were actually from good scoring positions without an Armagh man putting pressure on them?
Armagh always seemed in control tbh.
Even the scores at the end to bring it from 8 points ton5 smacked of Armagh just cruising towards the finishing line.
Would say though that across the board Armagh weren't great , simply did what was needed as such .
Game was long over at that point. Major concerns I'd have was obviously our own kickouts but that's going to be a feature throughout the year I fear given our midfield injuries.
We were fairly good outside of that when we did get hands on the ball and probably unlucky with a poor ball across to Murphy for his goal chance and McGrane fluffing his lines with another, typical the 2 best goal chances fall to the corner backs!
Also, what a fecking hit from TK, thought at the time it was a mishit shot for a point but looking back he meant it.
seen an IV where he said he thought he had an advanatge so he just went for it
don't want to derail the main gaa thread but wondering have any of yee Derry folk recommendations for parking on sat eve? Also are the decent pubs near by before the game, and in general how is traffic getting in and out for games?
Quote from: meathie on June 09, 2026, 04:52:38 PMdon't want to derail the main gaa thread but wondering have any of yee Derry folk recommendations for parking on sat eve? Also are the decent pubs near by before the game, and in general how is traffic getting in and out for games?
Assuming Meath folk will be coming from the strabane direction and over the old bridge, park on Foyle Road/ the Brandywell and at that time on a Saturday evening you'll have no problem getting out of the town.
Plenty of bars on Waterloo street a close enough walk to the ground.
great thanks!
Quote from: meathie on June 11, 2026, 05:23:49 PMgreat thanks!
Derby Bar and the Park Bar are the 2 best supping bars close to CP. 10 mins walk meathie. Park famous for it's Guinness