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Strange sort of a game yesterday. Obviously the wind had a big bearing on proceedings.

Henderson rightly got the plaudits from the press today. I thought he worked hard, won difficult ball, got into good positions and most of all put away his chances with unerring confidence. His coolness for the 2nd goal was brilliant, steadying before picking his spot.

I'm sure he will be more tightly marshalled against Laois, so hopefully he can continue to deliver under such circumstances.

I thought Clarke was immense over the first 20 minutes. He was happy to be provider, was always out in front and creating openings. His pass for Henderson's first goal was pure quality.

AK guilty of some bad mistakes in the first half, a few of the balls he gave away lead directly to Wexford points. Much improved second half.

I thought midfield did reasonably well. Lavery was targeted for many of Armagh kickouts, and given how the wind held up the ball I thought he did ok - caught a right few on the wing and contested well when it was crowded.

Charlie was much more involved in the 2nd half, won lots of ball and initated attacks. I like the look of the Lavery / Vernon pairing. With a few more games together they could form a good partnership.

Special mention for the Wexford man that made the best tackle of the day. First half, Clarke bearing down on goal, just as he was about to shoot the Wexford man flung himself forward and got a hand in to knock the ball clear. Great piece of skill. See today's Irish News for a photo.

What I saw of the Clarke yellow card it looked as if the two players were in a tangle and Clarke flung/pushed the Wexford man down. NOthing more sinister than that.

Rodgers made an awful blunder for Wexfords 2nd goal. He was carrying the ball out, went to fist pass it and fisted straight to a Wexford man, who gratefully took it and lobbed the back peddling keeper.

I thought JP Donnelly was playing well, before having to go off after a clash of heads with Colfer. Looked very nasty, anybody know how he (JP) is? Rafferty who replaced Toal stuggled to get into the game.

Peadar Toal knocked over some nice points from frees (out of his hands) and was very busy along the Armagh half forward line.

Brian Mallon is an enigma. He can be completely annonymous for long spells, then suddenly pop up to be centrally involved in an Armagh attack or to hit a point himself. Works very hard and will have a go when the chance presents itself.

The last 15 minutes Wexford had all but completely given up, so it was way too easy for Armagh.

I suppose we'll have to wait to see how the next few games go before reading too much into yesterday's performance. However if the new players keep performing like they did yesterday there is going to be serious competition for places.

Still 4-16, 4-14 from play, February, away from home, many players still to return to the panel - encouraging.

P.S. Good to see a lot of Armagh supporters made the journey. I hope everybody remembered to pay the M50 toll before 8pm tonight!! )

Any word of the Armagh team? It's been a virtual news blackout from the Armagh camp this week.

I'm planning to drive down to the match in the morning and bring my da, although I think the prospect of bad weather might put him off.

Any of the Wexford lads know how the pitch is holding up, with all the rain there's been ?

From: http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009/0129/wexford.html

Three new faces for Wexford

Wexford's Senior Football team to play Armagh on Sunday shows three notable inclusions - Shane Cullen, David Fogarty and Graeme Molloy, none of whom featured in the Wexford set-up for 2008.

Cullen from the Gusserane O'Rahilly's club, having returned from Australia, is named at centre forward while Fogarty (St Anne's) and Molloy (St James') are both featured in the half-back line.

Otherwise the team has a familiar ring to it as Wexford endeavour to open their Division 2 campaign with a victory on home territory.

Team: 1. Anthony Masterson, 2. Colm Morris, Capt 3. Gary Murphy, 4. Brian Malone, 5. Graeme Molloy, 6. David Fogarty, 7. Aindreas Doyle, 8. Paddy Colfer, 9. Brendan Doyle, 10. Ciarán Deely, 11. Shane Cullen, 12. Collie Byrne, 13. Ciarán Lyng, 14. PJ Banville, 15. Matty Forde

Ticketmaster have tickets for the the Eastern Terrace for Sunday's match in Ballybofey.

Does anybody know if the Eastern Terrace is opposite the stand, or is it behind one of the goals?

Strange that this is being brought in time for the championship and after the rugby and soccer lads are done with Croke for a while.

Orchard boss Peter McDonnell is going with a new-look midfield for Sunday's Allianz NFL Division Two encounter at Crossmaglen (1430 GMT).
Kieran Toner replaces Malachy Machin while Gareth Swift takes over from the suspended Paul McGrane.

A third change sees Enda McNulty making way for Barry Shannon at right back.

Francie Bellew and goalkeeper Paul Hearty are named among the substitutes as Armagh seek to avoid a third straight league defeat.

Armagh: C McKinney, B Shannon, B Donaghy, F Moriarty, C McKeever, A O'Rourke, A Kernan, K Toner, G Swift, S Kernan, M O'Rourke, P Courtney, S McDonnell, R Clarke, T Kernan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7295891.stm

I was reading in the Indo that Armagh are appealing Paul McGrane's red card.

Does anybody know when a decision is likely to be made?

Should Paul not be available, it Will be interesting to see what midfield pairing McDonnell goes with.

Here's the article AFS mentioned. In the Irish News 2002 championship supplement, I think it was Kenny that tipped Armagh to win the All-Ireland. I hope his crystal ball readings are still accurate! 


Losing their edge?
Hitting the Target
with Kenny Archer k.archer@irishnews.com
05/03/08

THOSE are the sort of games we used to win." That was the plaintive, heart-rending cry of a lesser-spotted Armagh supporter on Monday, the day after a second successive League defeat.

Sunday's last-gasp loss to Monaghan was hard to take, not least because of who it was against, and also as it was at Clones, where Armagh teams have grown accustomed to winning in recent years.

Yet, as my grey-haired colleague – he's not actually that old – mentioned, part of the disappointment was due to the Orchard county having previously had the knack of winning such tight tussles.

However, that change in fortunes has not just come about overnight, and it's certainly not just down to the new management of Peter McDonnell.

Armagh seemed almost invincible against Ulster opposition up until the late summer of 2005, an aura enhanced by their comebacks to draw that year's provincial final against arch-rivals Tyrone and to win the subsequent replay.

Joe Kernan's mighty men went on to complete a hat-trick of Ulster titles in 2006, the county's sixth such success in a mere eight seasons.

But the cracks had been showing for a few years. Armagh were shocked by Monaghan in Ulster in 2003, and again by Fermanagh in the 2004 All-Ireland quarter-final, while Tyrone snatched a last-gasp victory – from a free – in the 2005 All-Ireland semi-final.

Armagh won plenty of close games in their pomp – but they'd lost some too. Last year they were beaten in both Championship outings by the minimum margin, against Donegal and then Derry, both times by very late winning scores.

Luck – or bad luck – played its part in both those outcomes, which is something that supporters should remember.

Pessimists among Armagh's fans appear to believe that their glory days are behind them but there might not actually be too much wrong, nothing that some good fortune and self-belief cannot correct.

Key players are obviously not at their best, but they will improve. Ronan Clarke,

Francie Bellew, and Brian Mallon have all come back from debilitating cruciate ligament injuries, but such severe setbacks take time to fully recover from; Clarke's confidence is clearly low but his quality remains high.

Then there's the Crossmaglen contingent – sure, three Kernan brothers returned to the team last Sunday, but they'd had less than a week back with the county panel. Goalkeeper Paul Hearty and scoring machine Oisin McConville are still to be added to McDonnell's options.

One fear that has been expressed about Armagh is the supposed lack of talent coming through.

Yet the reality is that Armagh have already blooded a lot of young players in recent years and the experience they have accrued will help the senior side this season.

It takes time to find your feet once you've stepped up onto the senior stage, get your bearings, adjust to the increased pace and physicality.

However, Armagh have done that with plenty of players. The best of their recent trophy-winning underage teams, the 2004 U21 All-Ireland winners, has had more than half its team upgraded to the senior set-up.

Aaron Kernan, Andy Mallon, Brian Mallon, and that team's captain Ciaran McKeever are all established first team regulars, while Stephen Kernan and Malachy Mackin have played their part, while Gregory Loughran, Finnian Moriarty, Gareth Smyth, and Gareth Swift have all earned places on the panel.

The 2005 Ulster-winning Minors – who edged out the Down team including Martin Clarke, James Colgan, and Paul McCumiskey that went on to win the All-Ireland – has already given the seniors the Granemore duo of Kieran Toner and Tony McClelland. Kevin Dyas has been lost to Australian Rules, but Stefan Forker is on the fringes of the senior squad.

Last year's team that won the Ulster U21 title included Toner, McClelland, and Forker, and further graduates to the senior set-up from it include Brendan Donaghy, Charlie Vernon, and James Lavery.

Even one 'old-timer' has returned in stunning style – so far the decision to recall Aidan O'Rourke and deploy him at centre half-back has worked out wonderfully. Indeed, Armagh appear not to be missing the leadership of Kieran 'Geezer' McGeeney, and Aidan has even added goalscoring to his game.

Further positives from Sunday were Finnian Moriarty's man-marking performance against Allstar Tommy Freeman, whom he held scoreless, and the Armagh midfield matching Monaghan's experienced centrefield

combination of Eoin Lennon and Dick Clerkin, even after the dismissal of skipper Paul McGrane. Tony Kernan's free-taking from

distance was also impressive again, as was the spirit shown by Armagh overall, despite being a man down.

Monaghan are an up-and-coming force, the one team to truly test All-Ireland champions Kerry in last year's Championship, yet as their manager Seamus McEnaney said with wonderment: "You're home with the evening tea in you before you know you've Armagh beat."

Looking past the league – and not mentioning Armagh's least favourite referee, John Bannon – the Orchardmen are well capable of reaching this year's Ulster final – at least.

You have to fancy them to make it through to the semi-final for starters. Antrim are clearly

improving under the astute

management of Jody Gormley, but I still wouldn't bet on them beating the Orchard County – and that's if they get past Cavan. The Breffni Blues can be dangerous opponents, but it says something about their current status that few would actually regard them as strong favourites to progress past the Saffrons in the preliminary round meeting at Casement Park.

Assuming Armagh get past the winners of that opening tie, they would then be pitted into a derby game in the semi-final, against either Tyrone or Down. The Red Hands have plenty of problems of their own at present, so would hold no fears for Armagh. Similarly, while the Mournemen have turned the corner at last under Ross Carr, they still have a long road to travel to be a top team. Armagh would be well up for the challenge against either of their neighbours.

The other side of the draw seems stronger at present, including Derry, Donegal, Monaghan, and Fermanagh – but Armagh know how to win Ulster finals.

The Ulster Championship can wait. For now, Armagh have to concentrate on avoiding the drop to Division Three, but they should have more than enough quality to avoid that fate.

The Orange future remains bright, despite the recent gloom.

Main Street,
In the post match RTE radio 1 interview Seamus McEnaney was heaping praise on his team for beating a full strength Armagh side, those were the words he used.

It was an improved performance from Armagh, but still haven't come close to firing on all cylinders.

Big improvement from Stevie before he was clattered in a heavy tackle. Ronan Clarke was being fouled a lot before the ball was played in, he improved as the game went on and was showing more in last 15 minutes.

Still not convinced by Finn Mo, he's the type of defender that lets his opponent get to the ball first and then try to dispossess/stop him, against some forwards that will be a disaster. Don't like to be overly critical of any lad, and to be fair he has done all that has been asked of him thus far.

As discussed by others Enda gave up a lot of frees, many of them when there was absolutely no need.

Courtney,although he fumbled a few passes, did enough to warrant a few more chances - enough of a showing to suggest he maybe has a future.

I was a bit disappointed with TK's contribution from open play, though SK had a good game - was harshly blown for over carrying.

AOR was impressive again, but still has the tendency to go for a difficult pass which when it goes wrong leaves the defence in all sorts of bother. Example in second half when several Armagh players were passing the ball around the half forward line trying to work an opening, ball was played back to AOR who launched a 50/50, Monaghan won it and then it was a scramble for Armagh half backs (who had pushed up) to get back. I think Monaghan scored from that incident.

Special mention to McKinney who has a solid game in goals and didn't seem to be suffering nightmares from the Westmeath game. No chance for the Monaghan goal, his kickouts were pretty good too.

Mal Mackin is a worker, but I don't think that's what Armagh need as a midfield partner for McGrane. I've seen Lavery play a few times for different teams and would really like to see him given a chance. He has good hands and although clumsy looking (running style a la Alan O'Neill) rarely loses possession and rarely gives a bad pass.

Armagh starting to go in the right direction, but still a serious amount of work to do.

And surely a real sportsman wouldn't provoke an opponent?

McGrane got a straight red, punched Lennon (who was climbing all over him) in the nuts. No need to do it and deserved the red.

Bannon got the double bounce wrong - it was bounced basketball style and not caught between bounces.

Bannon was terrible - he gave some strange decisions against both teams. For about 25 minutes after McGrane got sent off Armagh players had to be decapiated to get a free while they seemed to be given for very little the other way. But what frustrated me the most was the inconsistency, he ignored blatant pushes all day (by both teams) and then effectively decides to award the game to Monaghan for a challenge with minimal contact.

Hi Maguire01, TG4 not available on virgin media for me too.

Watching online

Does anybody know if the Div 1 league table on the Maghery site is accurate?
http://www.maghery.com/table/

If it is, then only Harps have managed to play all 18 games  (if you count conceding walkovers as fulfilling fixtures!)

Portadown are obviously relegated - and have an embarasing score difference of -102... the next worst score difference is Whitecross on -27!

Who do Culloville and Whitecross have in their final games? If Culloville lose their next game and Whitecross win do they have a relegation play-off?

Will the remaining fixtures even be played?

Have read this thread with interest. Thought I'd throw in my only Oisin story.

Have only met Oisin once and he was nothing short of a gentleman.

Shortly after Cross won the All-Ireland club title last season I was at a match with the wife and her parents

The wifes father, who is certainly not an Armagh fan and who had heard all the rumours about Oisin, found himself sitting in front of Oisin at the match. He congratulated Oisin on the All-ireland victory and the two of them struck up conversation.

Osin chatted away and didn't mind at all that his personal time was being hijacked by a complete stanger.

It made the father in laws day, he left with a great opinion of Oisin and still takes great delight in telling people about the night he yarned with Oisin McConville.

P.S. Addiction of any kind is a disease. Have a read here:
http://www.medical-online.com/addict.htm

Quite a few Armagh lads played with St Patrick's Academy Dungannon. Lads from clubs like Maghery, Clonmore, Annaghmore, Collegeland would go to school in Dungannon.

AFAIK Lavery, Donaghy and Forker were all pupils at St Pats Academy Dungannon.

Not every Armagh fan is against Stephen Kernan - the more intelligent Armagh supporters recognise that he is a very talented footballer. He was indeed central to the U-21 All-Ireland winning team, his ability to deliver inch perfect passes being one of the strongest parts of his game. He also had a telling contribution when introduced in the All-Ireland club final. The lad plays on the greatest gaelic football club team in Ireland (or the world to be sensationalist) so he more than merits his place in the Armagh squad.

If Armagh people have an issue with any of the Kernan lads you bet it is because of petty local club rivalries.

If Joe Kernan decides to include Stephen Kernan in the starting 15 then that's reason enough for him to be in the team. I've total faith that Joe makes decisions that he thinks are the best for the team and for Armagh football.

I would also suggest to any of the so called fans that like to mock managers sons from the sidelines that you would be far better staying away from the match and let genuine supporters get on with supporting the team.

The cowardly slanging that some managers sons have endured is pathetic, the people that indulge in such activity do so via the anonymity of web forums or safety of a crowd.