Messages

I'm looking forward to this now - it should give us the first close game in the Ulster Championship at least. I feel that Armagh have a better attack (potentially) and can exploit Down's defensive issues. Nothing is certain of course but i would like to think that this Armagh team will finally begin to show some progress. Forwards like Jamie, Soupy, Murnin, Grugan, & O'Neill all have great scoring ability, something we haven't had one the one pitch for some time. Armagh by 4

I def think something is needed to improve the product, make it more interesting and more attractive especially to young people. I have 3 lads aged 6, 9 and 14 all play GAA and all play soccer. They are glued to Soccer on sky sports, Match of the Day, and You Tube. It is rare that they watch any GAA games on the TV during Championship and to be honest I find it hard to sell it to them watching Tyrone and Derry yesterday would put anyone off the game and non-event on the scoreboard and a horrible spectacle to view given Tyrone's defensive shape. I use to watch and record - and re watch - every Sunday Game. Now though the GAA seem to have given in to soccer's pull. Its a ridiculous situation where the bottom 2 divisions in the league get zero coverage from RTE and eir sport. something needs to change.

At this level it can often be very little that can turn a team into real contenders. Armagh beat Donegal out the gate in 2010 in the championship (having done so in the league some weeks earlier) Donegal were said to be at a very low ebb - 12 months later the majority of those players were Ulster champions. 12 months further on they were All-Ireland winners. Armagh pre 1999 were unable to get by an aging Tyrone side and were hammered by Derry.  The point re Down in 1991 has also been made. My point is sometimes while teams appear to be struggling or at a low ebb it often doesn't need a lot to make them into a good team - 1 or 2 players added, a change or tweak of tactics, a different voice can all tip the balance so while both teams may not look to be pulling up trees I don't think it's necessarily as simple as saying a team is poor. I would hope (as would Down fans for their team) that Armagh, as McGeeney has said, are 'not that far away' whether or not Kieran is the man to get the mix right remains to be seen. Looking forward to June 4th though.

Something must have happened in the square.  Very effective negative tactics by Armagh fouling us everytime we got the ball to prevent a fast break.  I suppose a draw is a fair result and could be invaluable to us.  Trip to Tipp up next for us.

Steffens campbell very good for Armagh by all accounts.

Admittedly I wasn't at it & while Armagh should've put the game to bed...it was obvious, even to the commentators on Ocesn FM that it was a smash & grab job...they were almost apologetic! Fair play to Sligo for playing to the end, but fair result??? I think not.

PS I find your profile name as interesting as the club you include in that profile and perhaps explains the stance you are taking here - just a thought

Got the Rangers bit right

His profile name is that of a Loyalist terror group & the club he names inthat profile does not exist. Less a Gael, more of a troll I fear. Explains a lot

There is no doubt that Joe Brolly can go too far in his comments at times but I much prefer his written word to his spoken.

While I don't agree with everything he says I felt (and still do) that his article in response to An tUachtarán's comments were right on the money. While it may seem to some that Joe went off on one i think it was his depth of feeling on the subject which led him to go down a few different avenues in his attempt to convey how some of us would feel about the subject of our flag and anthem's potential removal.

I think those of us who were able to celebrate their nationality and culture without fear of contradiction or reprisal can find it hard to understand the depth of feeling and sense of belonging to these things. for a long time 'up here' GAA games were often the only place we could play / sing the anthem and fly the flag in safety. British state forces would remove it if they became aware of its presence.

As a result these 2 things became very precious to many of us and have remained so therefore talk of their removal will at the very least arise strong feelings. Joe's article was an example of that.

As for Conlon's article - it doesn't deserve comment and its removal and apology from the Indo is testament to its usefulness.

You just sound like a green version of Jamie Bryson! KKKKulture

Joe Brolly is a self obsessed egotistical piece of work. Horrible horrible man in person. Buy into his crap and feed the ego.

He could have made his point about the flag and anthem without trying to deepen divides and and underlines a "them uns versus us" divide in the north.

A quite unbelievable post. My friend, you are sorely misguided or more likely, lacking in basic common sense to equate anything in my post with the rhetoric of Jamie Bryson. At no point did I go on the attack in regard to British / Orange culture make reference to my Protestant neighbours in a derogatory way (or any way for that matter). Merely stated facts in regard to how many in the Northern GAA family feel in this regard. I could go on but I fear I may cross a line, as blind stupidity in people often can bring out the worst in me.
In any case...Nollaig Shona Mo Chara.

Alas my friend, I fear that you are the misguided one. Jamie Bryson comparison was a metaphor for the fact that you are so locked in your own deep seeded political believes that any change seems like an attack on your culture.

How can you state as fact how someone else other than yourself feels? That is your opinion. I agree there are plenty in the north who share your views and unfortunately it will probably take another 20 years to wear that away. Your statement although articulate still masks a deep seeded fear within you just like the loyalist community fear of removable or softening anything they see of the own.

I am sure you have went through a lot like us all in the north but hanging on to symbols or brandishing them in what ever way will forever make it impossible to completely integrate in the north. The GAA was not created just for you or for one section of the community, you don't own it. Just like a lot of the things in the north aren't designed for the unionist community although they pitch up their flag on it. The GAA has a big chance to show how progressive and inclusive it is by even attempting to soften the nationalism in some symbolic way at the games.

And if you think brollys article was anything other than to get a reaction then you are the one lacking in common sense. He talks one week about hiskids playing rugby and mixing with protestant schools and how times have changed. Then a month later he writes an article that if a protestant read (and I had one in work who likes the Gaa read) would be disgusted by. He should not be linking politics and sport in the north in such a flippant way.

Nothing you have said in this latest post detracts from my initial thoughts re your comments. You tie yourself in knots here - criticising my use of the term fact - I live in South Armagh so I know it to be fact how my friends neighbours & colleagues feel yet in the next breath you agree that many will hold the same view - so is it not then fact that many people hold this view?

It is in fact amazing that you refer to our national flag as 'a symbol' indeed, you speak of 'brandishing' this 'symbol' - as if it were something offensive...even a weapon? You appear to be safe in your understanding of the origins of the GAA saying that I do not own it. Well sir, any paid up member of the Association surely owns a little bit of it given how it is organised and is therefore entitled to their say through their club AGM, County convention and even Congress. you also state that it was not created for one section of the community. You are right it was created for ALL Irish people the vision of which was under the one flag. The GAA was created as a direct response to the way in which Irish culture was being eliminated, and the Founding Fathers wanted to revive that culture through its games. Our flag and Anthem are part of that culture which it appears people, like yourself, are happy to errode. I wonder how those in Hayes' Hotel would view this attitude. But forgive me, this is perhaps living in the past, but i am a strong believer that if you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you are going.
PS I find your profile name as interesting as the club you include in that profile and perhaps explains the stance you are taking here - just a thought

There is no doubt that Joe Brolly can go too far in his comments at times but I much prefer his written word to his spoken.

While I don't agree with everything he says I felt (and still do) that his article in response to An tUachtarán's comments were right on the money. While it may seem to some that Joe went off on one i think it was his depth of feeling on the subject which led him to go down a few different avenues in his attempt to convey how some of us would feel about the subject of our flag and anthem's potential removal.

I think those of us who were able to celebrate their nationality and culture without fear of contradiction or reprisal can find it hard to understand the depth of feeling and sense of belonging to these things. for a long time 'up here' GAA games were often the only place we could play / sing the anthem and fly the flag in safety. British state forces would remove it if they became aware of its presence.

As a result these 2 things became very precious to many of us and have remained so therefore talk of their removal will at the very least arise strong feelings. Joe's article was an example of that.

As for Conlon's article - it doesn't deserve comment and its removal and apology from the Indo is testament to its usefulness.

You just sound like a green version of Jamie Bryson! KKKKulture

Joe Brolly is a self obsessed egotistical piece of work. Horrible horrible man in person. Buy into his crap and feed the ego.

He could have made his point about the flag and anthem without trying to deepen divides and and underlines a "them uns versus us" divide in the north.

A quite unbelievable post. My friend, you are sorely misguided or more likely, lacking in basic common sense to equate anything in my post with the rhetoric of Jamie Bryson. At no point did I go on the attack in regard to British / Orange culture make reference to my Protestant neighbours in a derogatory way (or any way for that matter). Merely stated facts in regard to how many in the Northern GAA family feel in this regard. I could go on but I fear I may cross a line, as blind stupidity in people often can bring out the worst in me.
In any case...Nollaig Shona Mo Chara.

There is no doubt that Joe Brolly can go too far in his comments at times but I much prefer his written word to his spoken.

While I don't agree with everything he says I felt (and still do) that his article in response to An tUachtarán's comments were right on the money. While it may seem to some that Joe went off on one i think it was his depth of feeling on the subject which led him to go down a few different avenues in his attempt to convey how some of us would feel about the subject of our flag and anthem's potential removal.

I think those of us who were able to celebrate their nationality and culture without fear of contradiction or reprisal can find it hard to understand the depth of feeling and sense of belonging to these things. for a long time 'up here' GAA games were often the only place we could play / sing the anthem and fly the flag in safety. British state forces would remove it if they became aware of its presence.

As a result these 2 things became very precious to many of us and have remained so therefore talk of their removal will at the very least arise strong feelings. Joe's article was an example of that.

As for Conlon's article - it doesn't deserve comment and its removal and apology from the Indo is testament to its usefulness.

at a post wedding party so i cant attend otherwise i would be there but we always travel in numbers and im hoping its the same this weekend. However there does seem to be a lot of apathy towards these currant Armagh squad.

Sometimes teams can turn corners and maybe this is our time, a few lads step up and a few lads come off the bench and make a mark on the game and you never know.

I'm not sure apathy is the right term to use. I think as GAA supporters we can look to positive signs or signs of momentum to encourage more numbers. I remember us playing Tyrone back in 2000 in clones in the championship - we were Ulster Champions and there was little expected of Tyrone with a young team. Tyrone didn't travel in numbers, I'd say we outnumbered them at least 2:1 and those who were there were very quiet (it was bliss!) a 4 point win masked our control of the game but fast forward a couple of years and Tyrone would've filled Croke park on their own almost.  Our league campaign & relegation along with squad departures have left supporters a little devoid of hope. A good performance (or even an unlikely win) would bring back that optimism along with greater numbers.

f**king joke,  no Cross men,  typical bias and you wonder why the county is where it is,  f**king joke.

I would agree that there should be Cross players there, but why are they missing?

Jamie Clarke - travelling
James Morgan - Injured
Aaron Kernan - retired from inter-county football
Stephen Kernan - no interest in Armagh
Johnny Hanratty - no interest in Armagh (in fact mocks when they lose)
Paul McKeown - no interest
Kyle Carragher - opted out of county football
David McKenna - no interest in Armagh
Oisin O'Neill - Called up to U21s
Auden Rushe - called up to U21s

That leaves Tony Kernan as the only panel member who is fit and made himself available for the county side. Does that answer your question?

Considering Armagh's entire half back line were forwards due to player unavailability, as well as young Shea Heffron making his debut in the full back line - I wouldn't be too despondent at shipping 4 goals....As long as we can shore it up in the new year.

Hard one to call...Armagh are at the beginning of their journey under McGeeney with some players to either make a name for themselves on this stage....or fade away to what could have been. Would be great to see young McKenna, Murnin and O'Hanlon set down markers for their future, Ethan and Findon to establish themselves as a force backed up by the battle-hardened guys who have given such great service. There is still a kick in Donegal though and this game will go a long way to proving if Armagh are all that or if Donegal are on the wane. Armagh by 2 - listening a little more to my heart than my head on this though.
           1.
      Geoghan
  2.         3.        4.
Mallon Vernon Murray
  5.         6.           7.
Shields Donaghy McKeever
       8.          9.
     Findon Rafferty
  10.         11.        12.
A Forker  Dyas T.Kernan
  13.      14.          15.
Clarke Murnin  Campbell

.......but then again who knows?

Anyone see that rag irish star's front page re McCarron's return to the Tyrone team? very low

Even as an Armagh man it was great to see Cathal McCarron back after the issues he has faced. I was glad to see he got a good reception from both sets of fans. Played well too.

Could Armagh have won more? Yes Should Armagh have won more? Absolutely! Did Armagh deserve to win more? Maybe but the fact is they didnt.
1999 - inexperience cost them
2000 - M.fitz's brilliance edged it for kerry. Would have beaten Galway
2003 - JK setting up to counter Tyrone coupled with Jordans play acting and a pathetic decision by ref cost them
2004 - Complacency - Fermanagh were not that good, the fact they were never seen again is testimony to this
2005 - Simply...the inexplicable withdrawl of McGeeney. 9 years on it still leaves me speechless.
2006 - kerry had more than us in reserve
2008 - No longer good enough.

The fact Armagh were in the mix during this time shows just how good they were...the extra 2/3 % upstairs or on the line is what prevented them becoming immortal.

[He said it two months ago try to keep up]

Paul grimley says hes finished. After today and some of geezers games with kildare.. Dare I say it the emperor is naked. Failure to deal with mcmanus in the ulster semi cost us a possible ulster title and even in that game a disasterous goalkeeper. And then the donegal game.. Same same. Just how much geezers input into the actual gameplan is with grimley is hard to say. I wonder if hes the right man for this armagh team with potential. Firstly I love geezer I have a first born son named after him his picture hangs in my office.. But im an armagh man and I have my doubts

Grimley bowing out? Where do you see this? And btw if your cup is half empty (as it appears to be) after this championship run then you would be safer following the cricket..your attitude would be well suited to the England side at the minute you numpty

He said it two months ago try to keep up. And less of your lip. Why shouldnt I question a managers ability. How many managers issue public apoligies for their stupidity? Grimey couldnt/wouldnt/didnt adress the problem  armagh had last year in the cavan game. I was the guy behind the dugout throwing my lungs up at him to set up a line of defence. We were twice the side cavan were and we got stuffed. He simply shrugged his shoulders.. Again his inability to deal with mcmanus this year points to his inability to change tactics that arent working during a game. And the donegal game.. I once saw joe kernan walk round the pitch during a game the give paul hearty the best fuk off he ever got because of his kickouts he soon changed. Grimey stood there for over 70 minutes yesterday and watched mcevoy kick and punch us out of the championship!! The difference is this time the "saviour" of armagh football was standing beside him and did nothing either!!

Where does he say it here ? https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.hoganstand.com/ArticleForm.aspx%3FID%3D220702&sa=U&ei=REznU5fMF6rXyQPqnICICw&ved=0CBYQFjAI&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNHCtkepuGes-7hzUiomafrdyAIwUA

Exactly! As a not-so-wise-man once said...'try to keep up'
I suppose you expected the All-Ireland this year did you? The team achieved twice what was expected by most sane people. Oh, also...less of your lip?? really?