Tyrone v Armagh - Ulster Championship 2009

[mountainboii]

How good will our bench be on Sunday by the way:

Aidan, PK, SK, McClelland, McKenna, Kevin O Rourke, Henderson, Forker.

All viable options

A lot of potential there, but not much Championship experience.

[ONeill]

I think if you stripped away the cute hoorisms and playing down chances (as if we affect the players), this Tyrone side should defeat this Armagh side. It's hard not to fancy them and gun to the head etc, I think 90% of the population of this country would plump for Tyrone. It's a rake of lads with 3 All-Irelands against a right few fellas making debuts or in the early stage of their careers at this level.

However, the Ulster championship rarely runs to form (apart from Armagh winning it that is!) and throw in Tyrone's notoriously slow starts, the NFL form and Armagh's underdog position, it'd wouldn't be a massive shock to see Armagh come out victorious.

However, if all things are equal and both sides play to their strengths I'd hedge towards a 3-4 point victory for Tyrone.

Funny that I'd be more confident beating Kerry in Croke Park in September than defeating Armagh in May.

[tyrone86]

Brian McGuigan and McCullagh are definitely out for Sunday

[INDIANA]

Looking at the Armagh team again, I think its better equipped to beat Tyrone than last years ulster winning team. They've brought in a few fresh hungry young players who will offer a lot more running than O'Rourke and Francie last year. McGrane is a loss in the air but his best days were behind him 2. Its a good defence in particular the half back line. Clarke and McDonnell will cause problems if they get decent ball. Think this could actually be a really good match that will light up the championship. Plenty of running and decent footballers on both teams with 2 of the best full forward lines in Ireland.

You are winding people up aren't you. Its as simple as this. If Tyrone get enough ball into that full forward line. they will win. With Vernon out its hard to see Armagh dominating around midfield.

[Donagh]

Tyrone skipper Brian Dooher has lost his race to be fit for the All-Ireland champions' opening Ulster SFC tie against Armagh at Clones on Sunday.

Dooher will be on the bench for the clash as Mickey Harte's side launches its bid to retain the Sam Maguire Cup against the provincial champions.

Stephen O'Neill is in the starting team after recovering from a knee injury which ruled him out for several months.

Brian McGuigan is not included in the side after having a hamstring injury.

O'Neill returns after being out of action since the opening round of the National League.

He forms a potentially lethal full forward line alongside Footballer of the Year Sean Cavanagh and Owen Mulligan.

Harte has included 13 of those who played in last September's All-Ireland final win over Kerry for the St Tiernach's Park derby.

The only exceptions are goalkeeper John Devine and corner-back PJ Quinn.

Enda McGinley starts the game despite carrying a dislocated finger.

Ryan Mellon does not start for Tyrone despite recovering from an ankle injury but Aidan Cassidy (ankle) is out while Cathal McCarron is suspended.

Armagh have included Brendan Donaghy at full-back, occupying the place left vacant by the retirement of Francie Bellew.

Donaghy played for much of the NFL campaign and has been given the nod by manager Peter McDonnell.

Captain Ciaran McKeever is named at centre half-back while Kieran Toner and James Lavery come into midfield to take the place of the retired Paul McGrane and Charlie Vernon, who is out with a broken jaw.

Aaron Kernan and Tony Kernan are in the starting line-up while their brothers, Stephen and Paul, are among the substitutes.

Armagh: P Hearty, A Mallon, B Donaghy, B Shannon, F Moriarty, C McKeever, A Kernan, K Toner, J Lavery, P Duffy, M O'Rourke, B Mallon, S McDonnell, R Clarke, T Kernan.

Tyrone: J Devine, PJ Quinn, Justin McMahon, R McMenamin, D Harte, C Gormley, P Jordan, K Hughes, E McGinley, M Penrose, T McGuigan, Joe McMahon, S O'Neill, S Cavanagh, O Mulligan.

[Barney]

Is this game a sell-out?

[blewuporstuffed]

This is what i think harte will go for :

devine
ricey
mcmahon
oneill
jordan
gormley
harte
hub
mcginley
tommy
penfold
mcmahon
mugsy
cavanagh
oniell

oneill will go to CHB and gormley will drop back to pick up stevie mcd /clarke along with justy

not far away!
just quinn instead of oneill

[Stall the Bailer]

Any word on the line up for the minor game?

[Carbery]

Is this game a sell-out?

No

[Barney]

And they wanted to play it in Croker?

Sign of the times

[Doogie Browser]

The forecasted sunshine might add another 1/2,000 to the attendance too, but by making it all ticket they have limited the flexibility of getting late tickets.  What they should do is have an add in tomorrow's Irish News stating a kiosk will be available at Clones to purchase tickets also, maybe only accept debit/credit and laser cards if they are worried about robberies.

[Tyrone Dreamer]

Think the fact its not a sell out is due more to Armagh fans losing faith in their team as opposed to the economy (which is also a factor).

[naka]

Think the fact its not a sell out is due more to Armagh fans losing faith in their team as opposed to the economy (which is also a factor).

ffs tyrone dreamer we will have as many fans as you guys there, the fact is the gaa misled everyone as there are no 10,000 family tickets, my club got 3 family tickets for section aa( the corner of the eastern stand)
this has the effect os a family of 4 paying £80 to watch a first round game, it has nothing to do with faith but everything to do with the economy and the fact that it is on 2 TV stations

[orangeman]

The forecasted sunshine might add another 1/2,000 to the attendance too, but by making it all ticket they have limited the flexibility of getting late tickets.  What they should do is have an add in tomorrow's Irish News stating a kiosk will be available at Clones to purchase tickets also, maybe only accept debit/credit and laser cards if they are worried about robberies.

Outside omagh last year against Down it was chaos. There was a ticketmaster van there simply to collect tickets and there was nearly a riot it was so disorganised.

[corn02]

Think the fact its not a sell out is due more to Armagh fans losing faith in their team as opposed to the economy (which is also a factor).

Listen boyo, we followed them in droves in the dark old days, Armagh fans are amongst the best - good times or bad.