Dublin v Armagh (Group 4) / Sun 1st June, 4pm / Croke Park

balladmaker · May 26, 2025, 01:02:20 PM

So, a big game in the offing. Dublin a two week rested team following their win over Galway. Armagh coming in off a dose of the jitters late on against Derry with just a week's break.

Has the makings of a good contest with a decent crowd in attendance. The bookies have it at evens, draw 7/1. Joe McQuillan to ref it.

The winner will have one foot in the quarter final.

APM · May 26, 2025, 02:53:23 PM

Quote from: balladmaker on May 26, 2025, 01:02:20 PMSo, a big game in the offing. Dublin a two week rested team following their win over Galway. Armagh coming in off a dose of the jitters late on against Derry with just a week's break.

Has the makings of a good contest with a decent crowd in attendance. The bookies have it at evens, draw 7/1. Joe McQuillan to ref it.

The winner will have one foot in the quarter final.

Depending on the result of the other game, the winner could be in the QF.

balladmaker · May 26, 2025, 04:35:14 PM

That's true, a draw in Derry/Galway would place the winners of Dublin/Armagh into the Q/Final.

armaghniac · May 26, 2025, 04:51:21 PM

Quote from: APM on May 26, 2025, 02:53:23 PM
Quote from: balladmaker on May 26, 2025, 01:02:20 PMSo, a big game in the offing. Dublin a two week rested team following their win over Galway. Armagh coming in off a dose of the jitters late on against Derry with just a week's break.

Has the makings of a good contest with a decent crowd in attendance. The bookies have it at evens, draw 7/1. Joe McQuillan to ref it.

The winner will have one foot in the quarter final.

Depending on the result of the other game, the winner could be in the QF.

Derry win, Armagh win => Armagh in QF, Galway in trouble.
Galway win, Dublin win => Dublin in QF, Armagh and Galway play for second and third place
Derry win, Dublin win => Armagh v Galway becomes survival

SouthOfThe Bann · May 26, 2025, 05:03:49 PM

This game will tell a lot as to where Sam may be going come July in my opinion.

Out of all the teams I've seen this year I think Armagh have probably been the most impressive; albeit I didnt see the Derry game.

I think we will know where Armagh are at this weekend and whether Dublin are really back or whether the Galway result was just the sting of a dying wasp.

Most important game of the all ireland series so far in my opinion.

Armagh beating Dublin in Croker would be a big statement.

balladmaker · May 27, 2025, 12:18:23 AM

Quote from: SouthOfThe Bann on May 26, 2025, 05:03:49 PMThis game will tell a lot as to where Sam may be going come July in my opinion.

Out of all the teams I've seen this year I think Armagh have probably been the most impressive; albeit I didnt see the Derry game.

I think we will know where Armagh are at this weekend and whether Dublin are really back or whether the Galway result was just the sting of a dying wasp.

Most important game of the all ireland series so far in my opinion.

Armagh beating Dublin in Croker would be a big statement.

Yup, a win against Dublin in Croker would be a massive statement. Despite the jitters on Saturday evening, I still think whoever is going to win Sam will have to beat Armagh along the way. Going to be some massive lineups for the Q/Finals.

Looks like the lower tiers of the Hogan and Cusack are pretty much sold for Sunday.

Captain Obvious · May 27, 2025, 12:29:13 AM

Quote from: armaghniac on May 26, 2025, 04:51:21 PM
Quote from: APM on May 26, 2025, 02:53:23 PM
Quote from: balladmaker on May 26, 2025, 01:02:20 PMSo, a big game in the offing. Dublin a two week rested team following their win over Galway. Armagh coming in off a dose of the jitters late on against Derry with just a week's break.

Has the makings of a good contest with a decent crowd in attendance. The bookies have it at evens, draw 7/1. Joe McQuillan to ref it.

The winner will have one foot in the quarter final.

Depending on the result of the other game, the winner could be in the QF.

Derry win, Armagh win => Armagh in QF, Galway in trouble.
Galway win, Dublin win => Dublin in QF, Armagh and Galway play for second and third place
Derry win, Dublin win => Armagh v Galway becomes survival

The most likely outcome however I won't be surprised if Dublin make their exit at the Quarter final stage for the 2nd year in a row.

bennydorano · May 27, 2025, 03:02:17 PM

I've no idea as to the scope of our injuries but I always get the feeling McGeeney is still putting out teams to just do enough to win matches and no more, he doesn't want to show our full hand until it is absolutely necessary. I remember saying this in previous seasons and thought it ultimately came back to bite us in the arse. I do think he's a big believer in horses for courses and we change up personnel to do particular jobs – I thought that was very evident v Derry where Jason Duffy followed McFaul all day, while Duffy is a quality player he wouldn't be my first choice in MF.

I think McGeeney probably knows the team he wants to play on the big days in Croke Park and there's no doubt last year's AIF first 15 won't be starting on the really big days even if the injuries clear up, Ross McQuillan is a nailed on starter on any day, I'd also say Joe McElroy has lost his place to Darragh McMullan after the Derry game tbh. I get the feeling he's keeping Tomas McCormack in reserve and hoping to unleash him in Croke Park - but I could be talking pure dung. Also, does Sunday qualify as a really big Croke Park day?? I don't think it does, it's a high profile game surely but I don't think we go AIF style 100% at it.

APM · May 27, 2025, 03:12:59 PM

Quote from: bennydorano on May 27, 2025, 03:02:17 PMI've no idea as to the scope of our injuries but I always get the feeling McGeeney is still putting out teams to just do enough to win matches and no more, he doesn't want to show our full hand until it is absolutely necessary. I remember saying this in previous seasons and thought it ultimately came back to bite us in the arse. I do think he's a big believer in horses for courses and we change up personnel to do particular jobs – I thought that was very evident v Derry where Jason Duffy followed McFaul all day, while Duffy is a quality player he wouldn't be my first choice in MF.

I think McGeeney probably knows the team he wants to play on the big days in Croke Park and there's no doubt last year's AIF first 15 won't be starting on the really big days even if the injuries clear up, Ross McQuillan is a nailed on starter on any day, I'd also say Joe McElroy has lost his place to Darragh McMullan after the Derry game tbh. I get the feeling he's keeping Tomas McCormack in reserve and hoping to unleash him Croke Park - but I could be talking pure dung. Also, does Sunday qualify as a really big Croke Park day?? I don't think it does, it's a high profile game surely but I don't think we go AIF style 100% at it.

I think this is spot on - he seems favour Ciaran Higgins for Galway matches. Only games he is ever selected for.

Ethan Tremblay · May 27, 2025, 03:20:54 PM

Quote from: bennydorano on May 27, 2025, 03:02:17 PMI've no idea as to the scope of our injuries but I always get the feeling McGeeney is still putting out teams to just do enough to win matches and no more, he doesn't want to show our full hand until it is absolutely necessary. I remember saying this in previous seasons and thought it ultimately came back to bite us in the arse. I do think he's a big believer in horses for courses and we change up personnel to do particular jobs – I thought that was very evident v Derry where Jason Duffy followed McFaul all day, while Duffy is a quality player he wouldn't be my first choice in MF.

I think McGeeney probably knows the team he wants to play on the big days in Croke Park and there's no doubt last year's AIF first 15 won't be starting on the really big days even if the injuries clear up, Ross McQuillan is a nailed on starter on any day, I'd also say Joe McElroy has lost his place to Darragh McMullan after the Derry game tbh. I get the feeling he's keeping Tomas McCormack in reserve and hoping to unleash him Croke Park - but I could be talking pure dung. Also, does Sunday qualify as a really big Croke Park day?? I don't think it does, it's a high profile game surely but I don't think we go AIF style 100% at it.

True, both have taken their chances and not looked back very promising to see.

I would be on the lines of thinking going into the last game with your destiny in your own hands is more important than holding back, so I would expect this to be as close to 100% as they can afford to go.

illdecide · May 27, 2025, 07:56:29 PM

This game will show both teams where they're at and I'd say both may still have another few % to add for Jun/July if they get there. It's difficult to know how good Dublin were v Galway, TBH on the day I thought Galway were poor. They need Comer fit ASAP, i do remember seeing a regular first teamer sitting beside Comer in the stands but can't remember who it was. Conroy is struggling for form this year too but still the Dubs went to Salthill and won which is all they can do.
I think Croke Park will suit Armagh and obviously being the Dubs home pitch can we place £10 on a draw maybe?. Either way i think it'll be an exciting game and I'm looking forward to it...may the best team win (as long as it Armagh).

statto · May 29, 2025, 08:40:44 AM

David McKeown · May 29, 2025, 09:29:50 AM

Quote from: statto on May 29, 2025, 08:40:44 AM
Some big calls for McGeeney to make in regards to team selection:
Who partners Crealey at midfield, did Duffy do enough on Saturday to keep his place, will Callum O'Neill come back in or will he go with the tried and tested Grimley/Crealey partnership?
Does Greg McCabe come in as a more orthodox holding 6 as the last 15 minutes were very concerning against Derry.
Are Aidan Forker/Oisin O'Neill fit?
How many minutes is there in Joe McElroy at the minute?

Most of the selection headaches are good to have.

Personally I would start with:

Rafferty,
Burns, McCambridge, Forker
McQuillan, TK, JOB
Crealey, Grimley,
McMullan, Rian, Conaty
Grugan, Murnin, Turbitt

Really hope Armagh and Dublin both really go at it has the makings of a top quality game. Ross McQuillan has been top class in half back this year rules really suit him looking forward see his running power in Croke Park, 4 points from play last week from half back probably went a bit under the radar.

Turbit is carrying an injury it would seem and I feel Aidan's in the twilight of his career so I doubt either will start. Probably biased due to the club connection but would like to see McCormack come in although not sure who to start up front.

statto · May 29, 2025, 10:41:05 AM

Quote from: David McKeown on May 29, 2025, 09:29:50 AM
Quote from: statto on May 29, 2025, 08:40:44 AM
Some big calls for McGeeney to make in regards to team selection:
Who partners Crealey at midfield, did Duffy do enough on Saturday to keep his place, will Callum O'Neill come back in or will he go with the tried and tested Grimley/Crealey partnership?
Does Greg McCabe come in as a more orthodox holding 6 as the last 15 minutes were very concerning against Derry.
Are Aidan Forker/Oisin O'Neill fit?
How many minutes is there in Joe McElroy at the minute?

Most of the selection headaches are good to have.

Personally I would start with:

Rafferty,
Burns, McCambridge, Forker
McQuillan, TK, JOB
Crealey, Grimley,
McMullan, Rian, Conaty
Grugan, Murnin, Turbitt

Really hope Armagh and Dublin both really go at it has the makings of a top quality game. Ross McQuillan has been top class in half back this year rules really suit him looking forward see his running power in Croke Park, 4 points from play last week from half back probably went a bit under the radar.

Turbit is carrying an injury it would seem and I feel Aidan's in the twilight of his career so I doubt either will start. Probably biased due to the club connection but would like to see McCormack come in although not sure who to start up front.

Turbitt played nearly 60 minutes on Saturday so I would hope would be good to start especially if the game comes too soon for Oisin O'Neill. Forkers big game experience and leadership could be invaluable in Croke Park.

Would like to see McCormack get minutes on Sunday to utilise his pace, has been unfortunate to lose his place and has been a great find through the league.

Armagh18 · May 29, 2025, 10:53:14 AM

Quote from: David McKeown on May 29, 2025, 09:29:50 AM
Quote from: statto on May 29, 2025, 08:40:44 AM
Some big calls for McGeeney to make in regards to team selection: Who partners Crealey at midfield, did Duffy do enough on Saturday to keep his place, will Callum O'Neill come back in or will he go with the tried and tested Grimley/Crealey partnership? Does Greg McCabe come in as a more orthodox holding 6 as the last 15 minutes were very concerning against Derry. Are Aidan Forker/Oisin O'Neill fit? How many minutes is there in Joe McElroy at the minute? Most of the selection headaches are good to have. Personally I would start with: Rafferty, Burns, McCambridge, Forker McQuillan, TK, JOBCrealey, Grimley,McMullan, Rian, ConatyGrugan, Murnin, Turbitt Really hope Armagh and Dublin both really go at it has the makings of a top quality game. Ross McQuillan has been top class in half back this year rules really suit him looking forward see his running power in Croke Park, 4 points from play last week from half back probably went a bit under the radar.

Turbit is carrying an injury it would seem and I feel Aidan's in the twilight of his career so I doubt either will start. Probably biased due to the club connection but would like to see McCormack come in although not sure who to start up front.

Would definitely have McCormack starting, thought he was one of our best players all year and unless he's carrying a knock he'd be in my team. I think start Oisin as long as last weeks knock was only precautionary and bring Turbo on who was excellent last week.