Ulster Championship 2026

[EoinW]

Who are you kidding...

It is unlikely Down will do back to back of those kind of performances which is what they will need to do. Few teams in the country better than Armagh currently.

Not taking anything away from Armagh.  Considering how important the midfield is in the new rules, it's remarkable how good Armagh have been with all the midfield injuries they've had to deal with.  It's a serious handicap - as the 2025 QF showed when they couldn't get possession and stem Kerry's momentum.

Down must win to qualify for the AI championship.  Will that extra motivation be the difference?

The other thing is that Down have been a talented team which, until last weekend, has not had success to match that talent.  Beating Donegal has got to be a huge confidence boost for them.  Some self belief to enhance the talent potential they have.

[bennydorano]

Some teams reach a point where they turn a corner and become a top side, I remember Derry taking out Monaghan convincingly 4 or 5 years ago, Down are approaching the same point, they are very unlucky that they've 2 top tier teams in a row to navigate in a week, if they win this weekend it'll be a huge result, a real we're back moment. Hope Armagh win obviously but genuinely no idea what to expect.

[ranch]

In a strange way the amount of people tipping Down to cause another upset and questioning Armagh to an extent (injuries, missing players, no midfield, etc) is almost reassuring me that Armagh will get over the line. A week ago all we heard was Donegal will win pulling up etc, that sort of talk no doubt gets into a players head. Armagh have heard the exact opposite this week, and the fact it's a huge derby game with a large crowd expected will hammer home to the players how big of a game it really is.

I'm always wary of Down, growing up in Newry does that to you - but I'm going to go for Armagh by 3.

[AustinPowers]

Are both games live on BBC NI / RTE?

[p3427977]

Are both games live on BBC NI / RTE?

No today's game is on GAA+

[Brendan]

Belfast live may give up on the GAA reporting, "kick off" at 5 o Clock, In Celtic Park and live on Bbc 2 and Iplayer it says...

[thebigfullforward]

Derry goal. Came from Monaghan forwards not being able to track back as they were apart of the 3 up

[Blowitupref]

Derry 1-2 Monaghan 0-2 in the opening ten minutes

[Estimator]

Already too many wides for Derry.

[Captain Obvious]

Already too many wides for Derry.

Quality of game is poor so far. 

[Main Street]

Good fielding so far.

[Blowitupref]

After 28 minutes Derry 1-7 Monaghan 0-5.  7 Derry Wides to 1 for Monaghan

[TyroneTam]

Now up to eight wides for Derry, these are the sort of stats that can come back and bite you in the arse at FT. Poor quality game overall.

[Blowitupref]

2nd goal for Derry. 2-9 to 0-6.

Half time Derry 2-10 Monaghan 0-6

[DaleCooper]

Derry should be home and hosed. Leading by 10 with 9 wides.