All Ireland Qualifiers

[Peter grimes]

Don't think anybody is suggesting play it out in hope that he isn't found guilty. There is no doubt about what he did.

Think it's just the public nature of it. What is the benefit of issuing public apology and or big public gesture.

He deserves a ban and will rightly get one. But we talk about not wanting a trial by media and then at same time calling for public press conference. Where is the logic in that

Deal with it privately. And I would be amazed if Comer hasn't already been personally contacted.

His guilt is certain as you say and therefore he will punished. The nature of the offence has and will outrage most. I would say it is very likely that the punishment will tend to the upper end of the available spectrum and very likely the maximum available. I cannot see how a public apology would make the punishment worse and if done correctly and truthfully it’s possible it could lessen the punishment. The punishment will be significant either which way as indeed it should be.

I haven’t made any reference to date to “trial by media” or the current favourite “trial by social media”. I think all of that talk is nonsense. That goes down the route of individuals posting a single still image to prove guilt or indeed to claim innocence or suggest there is conflicting evidence and therefore it is inconclusive. I doubt there are many here who have not seen clear footage which definitively proves guilt. That footage might be replayed on social media but it is not trial by social media. There will be a proper hearing and I cannot see what harm it will do Kelly to have come out beforehand and demonstrated his genuine remorse. I am not doubting that he is genuinely sorry and as I said earlier he will probably soon realise that he is also incredibly lucky even if he didn’t feel that way last night or this morning

 

[William Of Orange]

Some amount of phone coverage on Rians free and some of its great but the last thing I was thinking about when he placed the ball was ‘i’m getting my phone out to record this’ how do you use your phone when looking between your fingers ?

 

[Gaamaniac]

james horan has stepped down.

 

[Reamonnt]

Thank you @Reamonnt, it means a lot. Sometimes I feel people talking on social media about Armagh people like we are monsters when we are just the same as every other county although most others don't have to deal with having their cars bricked by loyalists after the game. I wish you success in the rest of the championship and I think you have a decent chance.

Loyalists bricking cars, jesus thats horrific and unimaginable for many people in the South.

 

[JoeH]

Loyalists bricking cars, jesus thats horrific and unimaginable for many people in the South.

Not even covered on the TV news

 

[stevie_06]

Think we should get back to talking about the football.

Like we admitted ourselves every set of groups have a few idiots in the minority

 

[Seamy]

Not a note I wanted to start on but better to get it out of the way.

The 'melee' at full time has dominated the papers and airwaves today, with the latest condemnation coming from none other than An Taoiseach himself, saying that it was unsavory and disgusting. Not to mention shock jock Matt Cooper suggesting the Gardai get involved.

Had the incident with TK and Comer not happened during the coming together, there wouldn't have been a mention of it at all today, but instead every man and his dog is condemning.

Kelly will be reprimanded, and rightly so. The optics are terrible and on the face of it he knew what he was doing. No place for it and no defending it and he'll have to accept whatever is thrown at him by way of a ban.

But here's the flipside. The same people who are calling for his job or lifetimes bans or the people who are abusing him are the same people who will post online about mental health and how valuable it is. They've no doubt been in dark places themselves before. He's human, and I can assure you he's in a low, low place now.

He's a young man who made a mistake, a horrible mistake but a mistake nonetheless. And in the immediate aftermath when he was confronted by Sean Kelly, you could already see the meekness and the reality of what he had just down hitting him.

Anyway, enough about that. As for the game itself and the performance, it's hard to put in to words the rollercoaster of emotions yesterday. From being down and out after 72 minutes to having a kick of the ball at the very end of ET to win it. And then the anti climatic ending of a penalty out.

Ethan Rafferty has been a revelation in his role at #1. There were a few wayward kickouts which resulted in scores and that's an element to be worked on but what he contributes as a whole is immeasurable.

Morgan had his best season in an Armagh jersey and yesterday was no exception. Where The Irish News pulled their 6/10 from I don't know.

Forker struggled yesterday and something tells me he just isn't right at the minute, definitely carrying some sort of a knock it seems.

Conor O'Neill since coming in to the team has been fantastic. Adds a great bit of pace and drive and contributes as much attacking as defending.

Aaron McKay although named at HB seemed to have picked up Finnerty who caused serious damage and was one of the Galway stand outs on the day. A tighter man marker was required but with Paddy Burns injured and Forker on Comer that wasn't an option and we struggled here.

Similar to Morgan, McCabe has been fantastic this year. He was moving well yesterday until his untimely dismissal. By the letter of the law it's a red, yes. But they've often not been given and there was no malice in the challenge.

Jarly Óg flattered to deceive yesterday and I've felt that's been the case a bit too frequently this season. Great to carry the ball forward but often followed with the inevitable turn back and fist pass to a man behind. Looked sluggish and detached yesterday which was disappointing for a lad with such potential. Should have took the shot at goal or at the very least handpassed out to Nugent.

Crealy was average enough for us. Won a bit of ball, lost a bit of ball but not a huge influence.

Sheridan struggled. He's 32 years of age and coming past the twilight of his career but he's a hard hard worker and I can see him pushing for another year. He still adds something but not in MF imo.

Grugan had plenty of say in the game and contributed as much as he could. Doesn't stop running and aside from one missed free was a strong influence.

Third man to say this about but best season I've ever seen Soupy play. Not content with his role as impact sub earlier in the year he cemented his place and was full value for it. A joy to watch and that point in the first ten minutes was incredible. More to give all going well.

Murnin was poor. Snapped one off early and pulled it left and wide. Didn't contribute a whole pile more and another man who's probably not fully fit.

Aidan Nugent has been exceptional. The Captains roll has suited him and you could see his desire and will to win when we got the first goal in injury time. He was a huge loss in ET and I think he could have been a swaying factor in the end result.

Rian O'Neill. Boy are we lucky to have that lad. Offers so much of everything. Can tackle, can pass and can score. Made an incredible turnover in the middle of the park when the thing was in the melting pot. And the free kick. Words can't do it justice. (Shudders me knowing we play Cross first round of the club championship now )

Jason Duffy. Solid year from Jason and I think he'll improve. Another tireless worker who has a serious engine and contributes so so much.

As for the subs, Turbitt was busy, lively and plugged a few scores including a top class finish for the goal. Possibly could have had another but fisted over. Woods and Kierans can hold their heads high. Came in to a high octane game and did themselves proud with both contributing to attacks and getting vital scores.

I'd have had Jemar in sooner as there were tired Galway legs he was a man to exploit that and his point showed that. Again, could have maybe took a shot at goal but probably the right decision.

The two Mackins both played their part and added a bit of steel and physicality when they were introduced but could have done with them in earlier.

Niall Rowland will be having nightmares because I definitely am. Shot was maybe there to be taken but it was low percentage and he had a runner on the outside. On another day that goes over and we're for Croker in a fortnight.

Sorry, I've bored you enough at this stage but that's what I saw yesterday. It was a very proud occasion to see the Orange and White dominate HQ and it has been an unbelievably memorable season. From the highs of beating Dublin and Tyrone in the League to the low of the Donegal game in Ballybofey to yesterday and all in between.

I really really hope we keep the same management and back room team. We're close. And if that squad stick together and continue to improve like they've done, we'll get a lot more days out like yesterday!

Ard Mhacha Abu!

 

[stevie_06]

Just watched the podcast on rte with Colm O'Rouke. Without doubt the most biased comments I have seen today on the incident yesterday.

Lays no blame at Galways door at all. Also mentions how Sean Kelly was peacekeeper and didn't deserve to be sent off. Then what a man he is to shake hands when Sent off. But no mention of Nugent doing the exact same.

Shocking analysis all together

 

[Kem]

I doubt the county board will get involve or release any statement of any kind before any disciplinary action is taken (which I assume there will be).

And to be honest I think that is the right stance. Deal with it internally and move on. The whole public image and social media side of I'm sorry (and might be harsh) but that ship has sailed the moment he did what he did

I do think it would be the honourable thing for the County Board to publicly condemn the violence. The cowardly thing is to pretend it never happened. If that action annoys some of the players the problem is with them.

 

[northarmaghgael]

Not a note I wanted to start on but better to get it out of the way.

The 'melee' at full time has dominated the papers and airwaves today, with the latest condemnation coming from none other than An Taoiseach himself, saying that it was unsavory and disgusting. Not to mention shock jock Matt Cooper suggesting the Gardai get involved.

Had the incident with TK and Comer not happened during the coming together, there wouldn't have been a mention of it at all today, but instead every man and his dog is condemning.

Kelly will be reprimanded, and rightly so. The optics are terrible and on the face of it he knew what he was doing. No place for it and no defending it and he'll have to accept whatever is thrown at him by way of a ban.

But here's the flipside. The same people who are calling for his job or lifetimes bans or the people who are abusing him are the same people who will post online about walking for Darkness in to Light or post #itsoktonotbeok on social media. He's human, and I can assure you he's in a low, low place now.

He's a young man who made a mistake, a horrible mistake but a mistake nonetheless. And in the immediate aftermath when he was confronted by Sean Kelly, you could already see the meekness and the reality of what he had just down hitting him.

Anyway, enough about that. As for the game itself and the performance, it's hard to put in to words the rollercoaster of emotions yesterday. From being down and out after 72 minutes to having a kick of the ball at the very end of ET to win it. And then the anti climatic ending of a penalty out.

Ethan Rafferty has been a revelation in his role at #1. There were a few wayward kickouts which resulted in scores and that's an element to be worked on but what he contributes as a whole is immeasurable.

Morgan had his best season in an Armagh jersey and yesterday was no exception. Where The Irish News pulled their 6/10 from I don't know.

Forker struggled yesterday and something tells me he just isn't right at the minute, definitely carrying some sort of a knock it seems.

Conor O'Neill since coming in to the team has been fantastic. Adds a great bit of pace and drive and contributes as much attacking as defending.

Aaron McKay although named at HB seemed to have picked up Finnerty who caused serious damage and was one of the Galway stand outs on the day. A tighter man marker was required but with Paddy Burns injured and Forker on Comer that wasn't an option and we struggled here.

Similar to Morgan, McCabe has been fantastic this year. He was moving well yesterday until his untimely dismissal. By the letter of the law it's a red, yes. But they've often not been given and there was no malice in the challenge.

Jarly Óg flattered to deceive yesterday and I've felt that's been the case a bit too frequently this season. Great to carry the ball forward but often followed with the inevitable turn back and fist pass to a man behind. Looked sluggish and detached yesterday which was disappointing for a lad with such potential. Should have took the shot at goal or at the very least handpassed out to Nugent.

Crealy was average enough for us. Won a bit of ball, lost a bit of ball but not a huge influence.

Sheridan struggled. He's 32 years of age and coming past the twilight of his career but he's a hard hard worker and I can see him pushing for another year. He still adds something but not in MF imo.

Grugan had plenty of say in the game and contributed as much as he could. Doesn't stop running and aside from one missed free was a strong influence.

Third man to say this about but best season I've ever seen Soupy play. Not content with his role as impact sub earlier in the year he cemented his place and was full value for it. A joy to watch and that point in the first ten minutes was incredible. More to give all going well.

Murnin was poor. Snapped one off early and pulled it left and wide. Didn't contribute a whole pile more and another man who's probably not fully fit.

Aidan Nugent has been exceptional. The Captains roll has suited him and you could see his desire and will to win when we got the first goal in injury time. He was a huge loss in ET and I think he could have been a swaying factor in the end result.

Rian O'Neill. Boy are we lucky to have that lad. Offers so much of everything. Can tackle, can pass and can score. Made an incredible turnover in the middle of the park when the thing was in the melting pot. And the free kick. Words can't do it justice. (Shudders me knowing we play Cross first round of the club championship now )

Jason Duffy. Solid year from Jason and I think he'll improve. Another tireless worker who has a serious engine and contributes so so much.

As for the subs, Turbitt was busy, lively and plugged a few scores including a top class finish for the goal. Possibly could have had another but fisted over. Woods and Kierans can hold their heads high. Came in to a high octane game and did themselves proud with both contributing to attacks and getting vital scores.

I'd have had Jemar in sooner as there were tired Galway legs he was a man to exploit that and his point showed that. Again, could have maybe took a shot at goal but probably the right decision.

The two Mackins both played their part and added a bit of steel and physicality when they were introduced but could have done with them in earlier.

Niall Rowland will be having nightmares because I definitely am. Shot was maybe there to be taken but it was low percentage and he had a runner on the outside. On another day that goes over and we're for Croker in a fortnight.

Sorry, I've bored you enough at this stage but that's what I saw yesterday. It was a very proud occasion to see the Orange and White dominate HQ and it has been an unbelievably memorable season. From the highs of beating Dublin and Tyrone in the League to the low of the Donegal game in Ballybofey to yesterday and all in between.

I really really hope we keep the same management and back room team. We're close. And if that squad stick together and continue to improve like they've done, we'll get a lot more days out like yesterday!

Ard Mhacha Abu!

Great post Seamy. Agree with every point you made

 

[Kem]

Loyalists bricking cars, jesus thats horrific and unimaginable for many people in the South.

They're the wrong sort of Orangemen

 

[stevie_06]

I do think it would be the honourable thing for the County Board to publicly condemn the violence. The cowardly thing is to pretend it never happened. If that action annoys some of the players the problem is with them.

Don't think anybody is suggesting to pretend it never happened. Think the images are pretty damning and everybody knows that.

But again I can't see the logistics behind how making a statement would work. I might be wrong but I don't there is any precedent of any County Board publicly condemning the actions of any of their players.

I feel the best way is to deal with it internally both internally at County level and what the gaa disciplinary panel decide.

People might disagree and outside the county see it as hiding or whatever. But guarantee the same people would also see a public statement as insincere and merely just an empty statement.

The comments will be that we been involved in 3 incidents to date this year and appealed suspensions arising from these incidents. So where was the public statements after the Tyrone game or after the Donegal game.

 

[stevie_06]

Will throw a hypothetical scenario out there. Ricey McMenamin carries out a similar act on Oisin McConville.

The next day Tyrone county board issue a statement condoning what took place.

Would anybody seriously think God what a good gesture from them.

Or would we all just think what a bunch of hypocrites and see it merely as a empty words

 

[Armaghball]

Not a note I wanted to start on but better to get it out of the way.

The 'melee' at full time has dominated the papers and airwaves today, with the latest condemnation coming from none other than An Taoiseach himself, saying that it was unsavory and disgusting. Not to mention shock jock Matt Cooper suggesting the Gardai get involved.

Had the incident with TK and Comer not happened during the coming together, there wouldn't have been a mention of it at all today, but instead every man and his dog is condemning.

Kelly will be reprimanded, and rightly so. The optics are terrible and on the face of it he knew what he was doing. No place for it and no defending it and he'll have to accept whatever is thrown at him by way of a ban.

But here's the flipside. The same people who are calling for his job or lifetimes bans or the people who are abusing him are the same people who will post online about walking for Darkness in to Light or post #itsoktonotbeok on social media. He's human, and I can assure you he's in a low, low place now.

He's a young man who made a mistake, a horrible mistake but a mistake nonetheless. And in the immediate aftermath when he was confronted by Sean Kelly, you could already see the meekness and the reality of what he had just down hitting him.

Anyway, enough about that. As for the game itself and the performance, it's hard to put in to words the rollercoaster of emotions yesterday. From being down and out after 72 minutes to having a kick of the ball at the very end of ET to win it. And then the anti climatic ending of a penalty out.

Ethan Rafferty has been a revelation in his role at #1. There were a few wayward kickouts which resulted in scores and that's an element to be worked on but what he contributes as a whole is immeasurable.

Morgan had his best season in an Armagh jersey and yesterday was no exception. Where The Irish News pulled their 6/10 from I don't know.

Forker struggled yesterday and something tells me he just isn't right at the minute, definitely carrying some sort of a knock it seems.

Conor O'Neill since coming in to the team has been fantastic. Adds a great bit of pace and drive and contributes as much attacking as defending.

Aaron McKay although named at HB seemed to have picked up Finnerty who caused serious damage and was one of the Galway stand outs on the day. A tighter man marker was required but with Paddy Burns injured and Forker on Comer that wasn't an option and we struggled here.

Similar to Morgan, McCabe has been fantastic this year. He was moving well yesterday until his untimely dismissal. By the letter of the law it's a red, yes. But they've often not been given and there was no malice in the challenge.

Jarly Óg flattered to deceive yesterday and I've felt that's been the case a bit too frequently this season. Great to carry the ball forward but often followed with the inevitable turn back and fist pass to a man behind. Looked sluggish and detached yesterday which was disappointing for a lad with such potential. Should have took the shot at goal or at the very least handpassed out to Nugent.

Crealy was average enough for us. Won a bit of ball, lost a bit of ball but not a huge influence.

Sheridan struggled. He's 32 years of age and coming past the twilight of his career but he's a hard hard worker and I can see him pushing for another year. He still adds something but not in MF imo.

Grugan had plenty of say in the game and contributed as much as he could. Doesn't stop running and aside from one missed free was a strong influence.

Third man to say this about but best season I've ever seen Soupy play. Not content with his role as impact sub earlier in the year he cemented his place and was full value for it. A joy to watch and that point in the first ten minutes was incredible. More to give all going well.

Murnin was poor. Snapped one off early and pulled it left and wide. Didn't contribute a whole pile more and another man who's probably not fully fit.

Aidan Nugent has been exceptional. The Captains roll has suited him and you could see his desire and will to win when we got the first goal in injury time. He was a huge loss in ET and I think he could have been a swaying factor in the end result.

Rian O'Neill. Boy are we lucky to have that lad. Offers so much of everything. Can tackle, can pass and can score. Made an incredible turnover in the middle of the park when the thing was in the melting pot. And the free kick. Words can't do it justice. (Shudders me knowing we play Cross first round of the club championship now )

Jason Duffy. Solid year from Jason and I think he'll improve. Another tireless worker who has a serious engine and contributes so so much.

As for the subs, Turbitt was busy, lively and plugged a few scores including a top class finish for the goal. Possibly could have had another but fisted over. Woods and Kierans can hold their heads high. Came in to a high octane game and did themselves proud with both contributing to attacks and getting vital scores.

I'd have had Jemar in sooner as there were tired Galway legs he was a man to exploit that and his point showed that. Again, could have maybe took a shot at goal but probably the right decision.

The two Mackins both played their part and added a bit of steel and physicality when they were introduced but could have done with them in earlier.

Niall Rowland will be having nightmares because I definitely am. Shot was maybe there to be taken but it was low percentage and he had a runner on the outside. On another day that goes over and we're for Croker in a fortnight.

Sorry, I've bored you enough at this stage but that's what I saw yesterday. It was a very proud occasion to see the Orange and White dominate HQ and it has been an unbelievably memorable season. From the highs of beating Dublin and Tyrone in the League to the low of the Donegal game in Ballybofey to yesterday and all in between.

I really really hope we keep the same management and back room team. We're close. And if that squad stick together and continue to improve like they've done, we'll get a lot more days out like yesterday!

Ard Mhacha Abu!

Well said. On the bolded- I’ve mentioned on other places to people calling him a knacker and scumbag and looking to find his employer or ban him for life- at the end of the day he’s a 20 or 21 year old lad who made a mistake in the white heat of the moment, thankfully Comer is fine.

This whole pile on and abuse online is much too far and uncalled for- no telling the impact that sort of shite will have on anyones mental health let alone a young lad.

No excusing it as it was a horrible act- I’m sure he knows that himself and will take whatever punishment will come his way, move on and have a manys a stormer for us in Croker for years to come and be in the headlines for the right reasons.

 

[Wide ball]

Can't excuse what TK did and I don't like to see it but people are going very overboard I think this isn't the first time we have seen eye gouging. For me that head locks and punches are all as bad as eachother and should all be the same ban with no chance of it being overturned unless proof you didn't do it. Armagh for me never started any row this year but that's 3 times it's happend and we are being painted as bad guys maybe would be a good idea if management get are team to gather by our own goal after games let the other team walk off and then walk down together.

 

[Peter grimes]

I do think it would be the honourable thing for the County Board to publicly condemn the violence. The cowardly thing is to pretend it never happened. If that action annoys some of the players the problem is with them.

I would draw a distinction between the melee and the eye gouge.

We are getting dragged into a lot of melees. Internally we need to look at that. No need at this stage to be doing anything publicly. But yes we do need to do something.

The eye gouge is different. It’s one individual who has been clearly identified and his getting a lot of abuse. The county board should give serious consideration to supporting that player to get ahead of the issue. That will have to involve admissions of guilt and remorse. It’s not a matter of issuing a statement of condemnation. Let the lad do the talking but give him the platform and support to do so. We are likely looking at a lengthy ban. Surely an interview with a responsible journalist and the guiding hand of someone supportive with a legal or media background could help Kelly get ahead of this?

It would be a dereliction of duty not to give consideration to this and then sound it out privately.

 

[Armaghball]

After the match, someone said to me, "It wasn't Armagh's day", but they were wrong. Yesterday WAS Armagh's day, and it was one of the all-time great days in Croke Park.
Armagh brought everything to Croker yesterday, the noise, the fans, the colour, the excitement, the atmosphere, the chaos, the unpredictability, the hail marys, the goals, the comebacks, the schmozzle, the penalties. The list goes on.
The media are focusing on the row, but real GAA people will always remember yesterday for the amazing sense of occasion.
The Armagh game was followed by 2nd gear Kerry beating perennial losers Mayo, and was preceded the previous night by boring boring Dublin handpassing around a gutless Cork team who only brought about 300 supporters with them. If this is the sort of safe and sanitized football that RTÉ and the rest of the outraged media want then good luck to them.
Yesterday Armagh people voted with their feet, and thronged to Dublin in their tens of thousands to watch a team that are not afraid. They rose to the challenge to ‘Turn Croker Orange’ Someone has to win, and someone has to lose, but Armagh helped to restore something great to the GAA yesterday. They lost the game, but they never gave up, they made mistakes but were willing to take the risks. If you combine a team like this with the most fervent supporters in Ireland then you create the special kind of aura that we were lucky to witness yesterday and if they can keep that going next year then there is a chance that maybe Armagh can become the Saviours of Gaelic Football.

Saw someone share this earlier. Summed it up well

 

[PatMustard]

After the match, someone said to me, "It wasn't Armagh's day", but they were wrong. Yesterday WAS Armagh's day, and it was one of the all-time great days in Croke Park.
Armagh brought everything to Croker yesterday, the noise, the fans, the colour, the excitement, the atmosphere, the chaos, the unpredictability, the hail marys, the goals, the comebacks, the schmozzle, the penalties. The list goes on.
The media are focusing on the row, but real GAA people will always remember yesterday for the amazing sense of occasion.
The Armagh game was followed by 2nd gear Kerry beating perennial losers Mayo, and was preceded the previous night by boring boring Dublin handpassing around a gutless Cork team who only brought about 300 supporters with them. If this is the sort of safe and sanitized football that RTÉ and the rest of the outraged media want then good luck to them.
Yesterday Armagh people voted with their feet, and thronged to Dublin in their tens of thousands to watch a team that are not afraid. They rose to the challenge to ‘Turn Croker Orange’ Someone has to win, and someone has to lose, but Armagh helped to restore something great to the GAA yesterday. They lost the game, but they never gave up, they made mistakes but were willing to take the risks. If you combine a team like this with the most fervent supporters in Ireland then you create the special kind of aura that we were lucky to witness yesterday and if they can keep that going next year then there is a chance that maybe Armagh can become the Saviours of Gaelic Football.

Saw someone share this earlier. Summed it up well

You’re right @Armaghball . It was a great occasion. Even though we lost, it will go down as one of those memorable days that had absolutely everything.

And having had a little time to digest things, maybe we can use this experience; the emotions, the heartache, the regret, the could-have-beens, and use them to push us on to greater things.

 

[armaghlad]

Not a note I wanted to start on but better to get it out of the way.

The 'melee' at full time has dominated the papers and airwaves today, with the latest condemnation coming from none other than An Taoiseach himself, saying that it was unsavory and disgusting. Not to mention shock jock Matt Cooper suggesting the Gardai get involved.

Had the incident with TK and Comer not happened during the coming together, there wouldn't have been a mention of it at all today, but instead every man and his dog is condemning.

Kelly will be reprimanded, and rightly so. The optics are terrible and on the face of it he knew what he was doing. No place for it and no defending it and he'll have to accept whatever is thrown at him by way of a ban.

But here's the flipside. The same people who are calling for his job or lifetimes bans or the people who are abusing him are the same people who will post online about walking for Darkness in to Light or post #itsoktonotbeok on social media. He's human, and I can assure you he's in a low, low place now.

He's a young man who made a mistake, a horrible mistake but a mistake nonetheless. And in the immediate aftermath when he was confronted by Sean Kelly, you could already see the meekness and the reality of what he had just down hitting him.

Anyway, enough about that. As for the game itself and the performance, it's hard to put in to words the rollercoaster of emotions yesterday. From being down and out after 72 minutes to having a kick of the ball at the very end of ET to win it. And then the anti climatic ending of a penalty out.

Ethan Rafferty has been a revelation in his role at #1. There were a few wayward kickouts which resulted in scores and that's an element to be worked on but what he contributes as a whole is immeasurable.

Morgan had his best season in an Armagh jersey and yesterday was no exception. Where The Irish News pulled their 6/10 from I don't know.

Forker struggled yesterday and something tells me he just isn't right at the minute, definitely carrying some sort of a knock it seems.

Conor O'Neill since coming in to the team has been fantastic. Adds a great bit of pace and drive and contributes as much attacking as defending.

Aaron McKay although named at HB seemed to have picked up Finnerty who caused serious damage and was one of the Galway stand outs on the day. A tighter man marker was required but with Paddy Burns injured and Forker on Comer that wasn't an option and we struggled here.

Similar to Morgan, McCabe has been fantastic this year. He was moving well yesterday until his untimely dismissal. By the letter of the law it's a red, yes. But they've often not been given and there was no malice in the challenge.

Jarly Óg flattered to deceive yesterday and I've felt that's been the case a bit too frequently this season. Great to carry the ball forward but often followed with the inevitable turn back and fist pass to a man behind. Looked sluggish and detached yesterday which was disappointing for a lad with such potential. Should have took the shot at goal or at the very least handpassed out to Nugent.

Crealy was average enough for us. Won a bit of ball, lost a bit of ball but not a huge influence.

Sheridan struggled. He's 32 years of age and coming past the twilight of his career but he's a hard hard worker and I can see him pushing for another year. He still adds something but not in MF imo.

Grugan had plenty of say in the game and contributed as much as he could. Doesn't stop running and aside from one missed free was a strong influence.

Third man to say this about but best season I've ever seen Soupy play. Not content with his role as impact sub earlier in the year he cemented his place and was full value for it. A joy to watch and that point in the first ten minutes was incredible. More to give all going well.

Murnin was poor. Snapped one off early and pulled it left and wide. Didn't contribute a whole pile more and another man who's probably not fully fit.

Aidan Nugent has been exceptional. The Captains roll has suited him and you could see his desire and will to win when we got the first goal in injury time. He was a huge loss in ET and I think he could have been a swaying factor in the end result.

Rian O'Neill. Boy are we lucky to have that lad. Offers so much of everything. Can tackle, can pass and can score. Made an incredible turnover in the middle of the park when the thing was in the melting pot. And the free kick. Words can't do it justice. (Shudders me knowing we play Cross first round of the club championship now )

Jason Duffy. Solid year from Jason and I think he'll improve. Another tireless worker who has a serious engine and contributes so so much.

As for the subs, Turbitt was busy, lively and plugged a few scores including a top class finish for the goal. Possibly could have had another but fisted over. Woods and Kierans can hold their heads high. Came in to a high octane game and did themselves proud with both contributing to attacks and getting vital scores.

I'd have had Jemar in sooner as there were tired Galway legs he was a man to exploit that and his point showed that. Again, could have maybe took a shot at goal but probably the right decision.

The two Mackins both played their part and added a bit of steel and physicality when they were introduced but could have done with them in earlier.

Niall Rowland will be having nightmares because I definitely am. Shot was maybe there to be taken but it was low percentage and he had a runner on the outside. On another day that goes over and we're for Croker in a fortnight.

Sorry, I've bored you enough at this stage but that's what I saw yesterday. It was a very proud occasion to see the Orange and White dominate HQ and it has been an unbelievably memorable season. From the highs of beating Dublin and Tyrone in the League to the low of the Donegal game in Ballybofey to yesterday and all in between.

I really really hope we keep the same management and back room team. We're close. And if that squad stick together and continue to improve like they've done, we'll get a lot more days out like yesterday!

Ard Mhacha Abu!

A fairly accurate analysis of yesterday and I’d concur with more or less everything you’ve said.

While none of the players played “badly” per se, there were one or two wrong decisions which over the course of the 90 mins could have been the winning or losing of the game.

There were 3/4 players that probably didn’t play at the level they needed to be and a few lapses of composure when calm heads were needed.

I also think a few key decisions went against us, namely the red card (I’ve seen only yellows given for worse) and the free in for the dive end of the first half spring to mind.

All ifs and buts at this stage but the more I’ve thought about the game the more annoyed I am as I felt this team had a real chance of progress this year. Here’s hoping they stay together for another season and give 2023 a good rattle.

 

[Mickey Gormley]

A fairly accurate analysis of yesterday and I’d concur with more or less everything you’ve said.

While none of the players played “badly” per se, there were one or two wrong decisions which over the course of the 90 mins could have been the winning or losing of the game.

There were 3/4 players that probably didn’t play at the level they needed to be and a few lapses of composure when calm heads were needed.

I also think a few key decisions went against us, namely the red card (I’ve seen only yellows given for worse) and the free in for the dive end of the first half spring to mind.

All ifs and buts at this stage but the more I’ve thought about the game the more annoyed I am as I felt this team had a real chance of progress this year. Here’s hoping they stay together for another season and give 2023 a good rattle.

2023 is another new format isn't it its group stages