All Ireland Qualifiers

[Diarmi]

I actually watched the Connacht final on GAAGO (A great facility. You can watch all this years games for free after a week or so) and then re-watched our game with Donegal. It made for very interesting viewing. Firstly it was the first time I ever sat down to watch a game with such a critical eye on a team. I wanted to try to compare their defensive structures to what we have faced this year and also see what they have faced. The difference was stark and quite incredible. While both Galway and Roscommon defended in numbers the level of intensity they applied to the attacking team was very poor, they had numbers but there was no pressure being put on the ball carrier. In contrast Armagh were chomping at the bit every time Donegal came inside our half of the field. They had no time on the ball and every pass was pressurised by numerous players. The work rate was phenomenal by every Armagh player. I would advise everyone to watch it, even 15 minutes of each game. I think Galway are in for a real shock. They have only played one division one team this year (Mayo) and in fairness this is always a different game because of their history. We have played all division one teams and beaten the all Ireland champions three times. Our defence has been tested by the best forwards in the country and we have faced some of the toughest blanket defences in return. On this evidence alone we should be favourites but if you factor in how well we have been playing and the momentum then we should have a great chance.
You never know what can happen on the day though, but if we can control what is our hands then we should win.

 

[PutTheHighBallInLow]

Not sure where you’ve been getting that from to be honest. Consensus I’m getting is that we’re well fit to beat Galway but they’re a very good team- (wouldn’t have won Connacht otherwise!) who are perfectly capable of beating us and Derry/Clare as well.

Gonna be some game

 

[northarmaghgael]

Yeah, a lot of commentary about the colour, noise and I even heard "razzmatazz! being mentioned. It's class, makes you very proud to be from Armagh. I think that's why the booing thing bugs me so much, I want to be thought of as a likeable bunch, like Leitrim but good at football. I was also thinking that these things can have a greater effect. Knowing what the GAA suits are like they should love what we bring to the game as a whole. Obviously there is the bums on seats we provide but we also make the whole thing a bigger spectacle which in turn is great for marketing and in turn again leads to ££££s. All this would make you think we should be at the top of the class and get rewarded as such not like those bold boys from Tyrone who are constantly on the naughty step but there again every story needs a villain.
By the way, who the hell are the half of yiz? Armagh is not that big but every time I go to a game I don't know who all these people are. We even have all sorts of exotic creatures like fellas with long hair and funky trousers. And as for the weemen, well they are on another level, something about a girl in an Armagh top, particularly those sleeveless basketball type ones...... phooowie!!!
Apologies, I think the whole inside of my brain fell out there in that rant..... lol

Did giggle at the Leitrim comment. But in all seriousness yea I agree. Makes me proud to be an Armagh supporter/follower when there is hype when we come to town. Remember standing in the hill in 17’ after Tyrone gave us a hammering and Dublin and Monaghan were on after us. Some of our supporters were signing COYBIB and a Dublin fan turned around to me and said “ye’s might be sh**e at football but ye’s are good craic”

 

[PutTheHighBallInLow]

I can see it pan out like the Kildare game in 2017,
Murnin won me a few £££ that day, 1st goalscorer

 

[ShiftYa]

Galway’s a sleeping giant of Gaelic football, 3rd in the roll of honours behind Kerry and Dublin so unwise to write them off, their forwards are some of the best about and Sean Kelly’s the inform defender in the country this year and will be assigned to Rian so can’t see him having as much as an influence as he did the last day out. The rest of their defence is potentially suspect so it’ll be up to others to carry the load. Ultimately I think who wins the midfield battle will win the game, as mentioned by others both teams have struggled there at times this year so hard to call.

 

[Armaghball]

I actually watched the Connacht final on GAAGO (A great facility. You can watch all this years games for free after a week or so) and then re-watched our game with Donegal. It made for very interesting viewing. Firstly it was the first time I ever sat down to watch a game with such a critical eye on a team. I wanted to try to compare their defensive structures to what we have faced this year and also see what they have faced. The difference was stark and quite incredible. While both Galway and Roscommon defended in numbers the level of intensity they applied to the attacking team was very poor, they had numbers but there was no pressure being put on the ball carrier. In contrast Armagh were chomping at the bit every time Donegal came inside our half of the field. They had no time on the ball and every pass was pressurised by numerous players. The work rate was phenomenal by every Armagh player. I would advise everyone to watch it, even 15 minutes of each game. I think Galway are in for a real shock. They have only played one division one teal this year (Mayo) and in fairness this is always a different game because of their history. We have played all division one teams and beaten the all Ireland champions three times. Our defence has been tested by the best forwards in the country and we have faced some of the toughest blanket defences in return. On this evidence alone we should be favourites but if you factor in how well we have been playing and the momentum then we should have a great chance.
You never know what can happen on the day though, but if we can control what is our hands then we should win.

Cheers I didn’t know this, must watch both games back myself! Is the app itself free?

Have to agree that we should be beating Galway and are definitely more battle hardened after out league and 2 qualifier wins. Obviously they didn’t win Connacht by being a bad side and Shane Walsh is one of the best footballers in Ireland, few others are excellent as well.

 

[northarmaghgael]

I can see it pan out like the Kildare game in 2017,
Murnin won me a few £££ that day, 1st goalscorer

Ethan scored a screamer from 45 yards out in front of the hogan if memory serves me right

 

[Diarmi]

Cheers I didn’t know this, must watch both games back myself! Is the app itself free?

Have to agree that we should be beating Galway and are definitely more battle hardened after out league and 2 qualifier wins. Obviously they didn’t win Connacht by being a bad side and Shane Walsh is one of the best footballers in Ireland, few others are excellent as well.

Yes, there is a free service which allows you to watch these games and there is also a subscription service which is actually very good value @ €45 per year. I usually watch it on the smart TV by just going online and searching for GAAGO. https://www.gaago.ie

 

[Ard Mhacha 13]

Is it just me or do I get a general feeling of "it's just matter of turning up" spreading around the county.
I have butterflies about next Sunday already, Galway are a seriously tight team, and will not just roll over.

Like others have already said I wouldn't agree that we as supporters are seeing this as "just a matter of turning up", Galway are a good team but they can be beaten. My feeling is if everything clicks for us & the boys play as they have done against Them Uns & That Lot (they are 2nd on my "most disliked Ulster team" list ) with the same intensity & passion we have a really good chance of getting the win & progressing.
If we play like we did against Donegal in the Ulster Championship we have no chance, but as far as I am concerned last Sunday has wiped that match from the memory banks. With momentum, confidence & morale high within the camp surely it must bode well for us. However as the week progresses so will my nerves, by throw-in I will most likely be a gibbering wreck, thank god I'm only a supporter Mind you doesn't it feel great to have the buzz back in the County, I've missed it. Really looking forward to seeing Croker decked out in orange & white & as it's never too early for a rousing call, C'MON ARMAGH

 

[Diarmi]

Like others have already said I wouldn't agree that we as supporters are seeing this as "just a matter of turning up", Galway are a good team but they can be beaten. My feeling is if everything clicks for us & the boys play as they have done against Them Uns & That Lot (they are 2nd on my "most disliked Ulster team" list ) with the same intensity & passion we have a really good chance of getting the win & progressing.
If we play like we did against Donegal in the Ulster Championship we have no chance, but as far as I am concerned last Sunday has wiped that match from the memory banks. With momentum, confidence & morale high within the camp surely it must bode well for us. However as the week progresses so will my nerves, by throw-in I will most likely be a gibbering wreck, thank god I'm only a supporter Mind you doesn't it feel great to have the buzz back in the County, I've missed it. Really looking forward to seeing Croker decked out in orange & white & as it's never too early for a rousing call, C'MON ARMAGH

Sounds familiar, I'm a nervous wreck before and during games. Does anyone else be like "if we could only win this one, I don't care about the next one"? And then the next one comes are you are like "if we could ..........

 

[northarmaghgael]

Think Galway have less of a threat up top than teams we’ve played already. Forker on Comer and poss Morgan on Walsh? Thought the young lad who lined out at 13 was quality in the Connacht final too and will need tagged. Also their 2 midfielders, Mcdaid and Conroy can get scores.

Where I think we will get the most damage is running at them direct. Put rian or Andy at the edge of the square and try a few direct balls in on top of the Galway full back line, who, in comparison to our full forward line are much smaller in size.

This game will suit the likes of Jarly, Nugent and Soupy down to a tee. Wide open field of croker where Galway tend to avoid playing a defensive shape. If they’re free give them the ball and they’ll do the damage.

Overall I’m very much looking forward to Sunday week. Doubt I’ll get an ounce of sleep on Saturday. Also first time sitting in the upper tier in Croker since that September afternoon in 02’.

 

[northarmaghgael]

Sounds familiar, I'm a nervous wreck before and during games. Does anyone else be like "if we could only win this one, I don't care about the next one"? And then the next one comes are you are like "if we could ..........

Yeah, this was me at 4.15 on Sunday in clones

 

[Ard Mhacha 13]

Sounds familiar, I'm a nervous wreck before and during games. Does anyone else be like "if we could only win this one, I don't care about the next one"? And then the next one comes are you are like "if we could ..........

Yep this is absolutely me I said to my Dad during the 2nd half of our match against Them Uns that as long as we held on & beat them I didn't care what happened after that, I had to rescind that comment during the week as I absolutely most definitely wanted to beat Donegal.

 

[Ard Mhacha 13]

Think Galway have less of a threat up top than teams we’ve played already. Forker on Comer and poss Morgan on Walsh? Thought the young lad who lined out at 13 was quality in the Connacht final too and will need tagged. Also their 2 midfielders, Mcdaid and Conroy can get scores.

Where I think we will get the most damage is running at them direct. Put rian or Andy at the edge of the square and try a few direct balls in on top of the Galway full back line, who, in comparison to our full forward line are much smaller in size.

This game will suit the likes of Jarly, Nugent and Soupy down to a tee. Wide open field of croker where Galway tend to avoid playing a defensive shape. If they’re free give them the ball and they’ll do the damage.

Overall I’m very much looking forward to Sunday week. Doubt I’ll get an ounce of sleep on Saturday. Also first time sitting in the upper tier in Croker since that September afternoon in 02’.

Surely this has to be a good omen

 

[pablo]

I actually watched the Connacht final on GAAGO (A great facility. You can watch all this years games for free after a week or so) and then re-watched our game with Donegal. It made for very interesting viewing. Firstly it was the first time I ever sat down to watch a game with such a critical eye on a team. I wanted to try to compare their defensive structures to what we have faced this year and also see what they have faced. The difference was stark and quite incredible. While both Galway and Roscommon defended in numbers the level of intensity they applied to the attacking team was very poor, they had numbers but there was no pressure being put on the ball carrier. In contrast Armagh were chomping at the bit every time Donegal came inside our half of the field. They had no time on the ball and every pass was pressurised by numerous players. The work rate was phenomenal by every Armagh player. I would advise everyone to watch it, even 15 minutes of each game. I think Galway are in for a real shock. They have only played one division one team this year (Mayo) and in fairness this is always a different game because of their history. We have played all division one teams and beaten the all Ireland champions three times. Our defence has been tested by the best forwards in the country and we have faced some of the toughest blanket defences in return. On this evidence alone we should be favourites but if you factor in how well we have been playing and the momentum then we should have a great chance.
You never know what can happen on the day though, but if we can control what is our hands then we should win.

Good post and I really, really hope you are correct.
But I'm nervous.
Like McGeeney, Padraig Joyce has spent a bit of time trying to get the right balance in this Galway team. They have veered between ultra attacking and ultra defensive, subjected to a lot of criticism along the way but now they seem to have got it right. Shane Walsh is bit of a fancy dan, but when on form he can potentially be a game winner on his own. But I think the forward to worry about is Comer. After coming back from injury he has given that forward line a very dangerous look. He is a wrecking ball, a compact Michael Murphy and we really need to have a strategy here. Although only the league, remember Galway stuck 4 goals past Derry at Owenbeg in a game Derry wanted to win to gain promotion. So when they are on form, they are very dangerous and potent. Paul Conroy is an excellent midfielder-he also has struggled with injuries in the past, but this year is in the best form of his career.
I agree with Diarmi-I don't think Galway have yet experienced the intensity in the tackle and range of forward play that we bring. But Armagh need to be sure they bring that same level of intensity to Croke Park as we seen over the past two games.
I worry that we are getting a lot of attention in media at the moment, with much commentary on how we play. Its all quite on the Galway front and that will suit them fine. I just hope its not like the first two games of the league-we were flying over two consectutive weeks, then after a short break we came back a bit underwhelming against Monaghan
I don't mean to be negative, but just not taking any thing for granted. But I would say, the buzz about the place and on this forum reflects a level of belief that this team has arrived
I'm really looking forward to the day. I've spent many years living overseas and there is nothing that raises the soul and that sense of pride where you come from when waiting at the train station, seeing everyone in thier Armagh tops and colours and then filling that stadium with our unique spirit and atmosphere.

 

[PatMustard]

Yep this is absolutely me I said to my Dad during the 2nd half of our match against Them Uns that as long as we held on & beat them I didn't care what happened after that, I had to rescind that comment during the week as I absolutely most definitely wanted to beat Donegal.

I never think like that. I’m always of the opinion that any competition we’re in, I want to win it. This talk of I’d be happy enough if we reached an Ulster final or an AI quarter final sickens me.

Why are we even bothering if we’re not thinking about winning it? Yes, people might laugh at us for saying it, and we might not even believe it ourselves, but why else are we there?

If we beat Galway, then Clare/Derry, we’ll likely play Dublin or Kerry in the final. We would be huge underdogs but are we happy to say... ach well, we did well to get to the final anyway. Sod that. You get nothing for second place. Well, maybe a wee plaque that you can smash off the wall 25 years later... but you know what I mean.

 

[POINTMAN]

Is it just me or do I get a general feeling of "it's just matter of turning up" spreading around the county.
I have butterflies about next Sunday already, Galway are a seriously tight team, and will not just roll over.

There should be absolutely no complacency - Galway are a decent team with dangerous forwards.
I always prefer when we go in as underdogs rather than favourites - the team attitude appears to be much more determined . Yes be confident in our ability - but without the right attitude and application, nothing is won.

According to reports, it may well be near a full house - with more orange than anything else.

Can't wait....

 

[Ard Mhacha 13]

I never think like that. I’m always of the opinion that any competition we’re in, I want to win it. This talk of I’d be happy enough if we reached an Ulster final or an AI quarter final sickens me.

Why are we even bothering if we’re not thinking about winning it? Yes, people might laugh at us for saying it, and we might not even believe it ourselves, but why else are we there?

If we beat Galway, then Clare/Derry, we’ll likely play Dublin or Kerry in the final. We would be huge underdogs but are we happy to say... ach well, we did well to get to the final anyway. Sod that. You get nothing for second place. Well, maybe a wee plaque that you can smash off the wall 25 years later... but you know what I mean.

Ach it was all in the moment, of course I want us to win every match we play & ultimately I want us to win silverware but in the heat of the moment during a match I just want to win that one & worry about what comes next when it happens

 

[Diarmi]

I never think like that. I’m always of the opinion that any competition we’re in, I want to win it. This talk of I’d be happy enough if we reached an Ulster final or an AI quarter final sickens me.

Why are we even bothering if we’re not thinking about winning it? Yes, people might laugh at us for saying it, and we might not even believe it ourselves, but why else are we there?

If we beat Galway, then Clare/Derry, we’ll likely play Dublin or Kerry in the final. We would be huge underdogs but are we happy to say... ach well, we did well to get to the final anyway. Sod that. You get nothing for second place. Well, maybe a wee plaque that you can smash off the wall 25 years later... but you know what I mean.

I just mean when the game is on Pat, the nerves just be that bad. After the game I want to book the Croke Park Hotel and a week of work after the final!!!

 

[Diarmi]

There should be absolutely no complacency - Galway are a decent team with dangerous forwards.
I always prefer when we go in as underdogs rather than favourites - the team attitude appears to be much more determined . Yes be confident in our ability - but without the right attitude and application, nothing is won.

According to reports, it may well be near a full house - with more orange than anything else.

Can't wait....

I've heard they are building an extension which will be ready for the final. Word has it that there are six hundred and forty five thousand Armagh fans already booked into Dublin hotels for the whole month of July