First Clones Memories

[William Of Orange]

Seeing a few comments there on the Ulster championship thread , and the comments about the magnificent town of Clones , has got me thinking about the first time i went to Clones to watch Armagh . Yes guess what it was a defeat but a day I still remember vividly . It was the 1984 Final , I can't remember who got Man of The Match (lets not mention his name) but the day was still a great experience. A couple of weeks beforehand we beat Monaghan in Cavan , we got two goals to beat them They were a good side at the time and we met again at Easter in the league final a year later. We got to that match late and it was a bit of a blur. However, the promise was made if it was a dry day that the old lad would bring me to Clones for the Final , our minors were in the final as well I think , Derry if my memory holds up (I remember getting really annoyed at the Tyrone ones cheering on Derry when they scored ).

Anyhow , that Saturday night i couldn't sleep , my head stuck out the window , watching the weather , woke up that morning , you know it was raining , however i was told I was going and was so happy , it turned out not to be a bad day weather wise . out to the garden with the Armagh Flag , waving it at the early bird buses etc heading for the match , no jerseys them days ,I think i might of had the Sunday best on , got the furry cap on into the full car , Dad, 2 uncles the brother and myself on the journey to Clones .

Lines of Traffic through Blaney etc. , it was a brutal journey (mandatory pub stops as well at least 2) then finally we got to Clones (probably 3 miles outside the town), the long walk into the town , in for a quick refreshment , the pub packed with Armagh and Tyrone fans , nowhere to move.

I always remember approaching the ground , we were on the hill , i think the entrance price was 3 punts , which caused a good bit of grumbling , I noticed my dad shoving a pound note into the gate mans pocket and us all rolling in , lads climbing walls all over the place times were hard . We were in for all of the minor game which was a disappointment as we got beat , everyone on the hill was sitting down for it so I seen the game in full but don't remember much about it apart from losing . I couldn't believe the price of the chocolate bars and drinks the guys walking around with the baskets were selling them at , My dad said 'I'm not bloody buying any of them forget about it'. When the senior game came on and the parade started to my horror everyone stood up which meant I couldn't see thing , I got on a few shoulders etc. in turns but a lot of the match I had very little view of the match , the biggest memory was how in awe the Tyrone ones were with the man above, 11 points 5 from the left , 5 from the right and one with the fist .

The disappointment of that defeat was something i would get used to as 1987 , 1990 was the same until that day in 1999 , it was a long wait for me to see a victory in Clones, can't say the town has changed that much since the 80's but still for all its faults an iconic venue .

 

[PatMustard]

Ah the old furry cap.

1985 Ulster final, Derry v Monaghan. I was supporting Derry as there was a red and white scarf in the house. (I know I know, I had no sense then, but I was only 35 at the time).

Don’t remember much about it, other than being in the old concrete seats, and being disappointed that Derry lost. Remember the Monaghan crowd on pitch afterwards, and the Sunday Game theme playing over the tannoy (the proper Sunday Game theme, not that new sh1tty version).

Jaysus, the price of the minerals and chocolate was unbelievable. I recall it was 50p for a can of coke, and maybe the same for a Twix. I couldn’t get over that! Madness.

 

[William Of Orange]

Ah the old furry cap.

1985 Ulster final, Derry v Monaghan. I was supporting Derry as there was a red and white scarf in the house. (I know I know, I had no sense then, but I was only 35 at the time).

Don’t remember much about it, other than being in the old concrete seats, and being disappointed that Derry lost. Remember the Monaghan crowd on pitch afterwards, and the Sunday Game theme playing over the tannoy (the proper Sunday Game theme, not that new sh1tty version).

Jaysus, the price of the minerals and chocolate was unbelievable. I recall it was 50p for a can of coke, and maybe the same for a Twix. I couldn’t get over that! Madness.

Yea they used to sell 3 bars for a punt as if it was a bargain , Christ we could have had 5 at home for a £1 , then again the punt was probably only about 70p or something .

 

[JoeH]

The unbelievable stench from outside the male toilets. And that was from those queuing to get to use the walls never mind using the walls!!

 

[PatMustard]

What year did they stop using the changing rooms up in the corner? Where players had to walk up and down the steps?

 

[pablo]

Thanks for initiating this thread. Great topic and a particularly poignant memory for me at this moment. Was reminiscing this particular occasion with my Father over the past weekend.

Ulster Final 1977 vs Derry. Was a very young buck.

A year or so before, my Dad introduced me to following Armagh-mainly through a few McKenna Cup and league games. I was hooked instantly. I just loved going with my Dad and when the league finished that year, he promised me we would follow the Ulster Championship, and go to the final regardless who was playing. We beat Cavan, then Monaghan and I was probably close to hyper-ventilating on a daily basis in the build-up to the final. My Mother made me a huge orange and white flag. The day came and I set off with my mate, my Dad and Uncle and when we felt safe getting past Portadown, the flag was flown out the car window.

One of the strongest impressions from that day comes from the drive down to Clones. Going past Armagh town down the Monaghan road-seeing all those houses with orange flags out and people waving at the armada of cars driving past. I realized then that I belonged to this wonderful and unique tribe. That is a feeling that has never left me-no matter where I have lived and worked in my life.

Armagh played Down in the minor final which finished a draw. I was engrossed in that game and when it was over, I was stunned to look up at the scene and the masses that have gathered on the hill; orange everywhere with my tribe seemingly outnumbering Derry wans about 10 to 1. I knew my Dad and Uncle were enjoying the day, but up until then they were always calm and low key-probably due to tempered expectations built over the years from following Armagh during a very barren period.

Derry started well and scored a few points. Then we settled down and soon a ball came into the square for Paddy Mo to flick into the net. My mate and I went nuts, my Dad and Uncle let out a appreciative shout and clapped-the most excited I had seen them up to that point going to games. A few minutes later, Noel Marley made a break and hand-passed over the keepers head for a 2nd goal. Pandemonium, the excitement and scenes are etched forever in my mind. I don’t wish to see any video/recordings of the day as I do not want anything to diminish the enormity and specialness of it in my memory. I remember when the goal went jumping up and down before a rain jacket fell on top of me covering my head. It was my Uncles coat, when Marley scored that goal he hurled that coat up into the air in joy, oblivious and uncaring for where it would end up. When I uncovered the coat from my head, I had a vision I never seen before-my Father dancing around, arms raised and his face creased with joy. All his inhibitions and caution from heart stomping defeats gone in a second. What a day to be an Armagh man. The drive home with people on the road cheering and waving. Brilliant. But my Dad dancing with joy is what I remember most from that day. I reminded him of that moment this weekend. He is ill but it still made him smile.

 

[Armaghball]

Thanks for initiating this thread. Great topic and a particularly poignant memory for me at this moment. Was reminiscing this particular occasion with my Father over the past weekend.

Ulster Final 1977 vs Derry. Was a very young buck.

A year or so before, my Dad introduced me to following Armagh-mainly through a few McKenna Cup and league games. I was hooked instantly. I just loved going with my Dad and when the league finished that year, he promised me we would follow the Ulster Championship, and go to the final regardless who was playing. We beat Cavan, then Monaghan and I was probably close to hyper-ventilating on a daily basis in the build-up to the final. My Mother made me a huge orange and white flag. The day came and I set off with my mate, my Dad and Uncle and when we felt safe getting past Portadown, the flag was flown out the car window.

One of the strongest impressions from that day comes from the drive down to Clones. Going past Armagh town down the Monaghan road-seeing all those houses with orange flags out and people waving at the armada of cars driving past. I realized then that I belonged to this wonderful and unique tribe. That is a feeling that has never left me-no matter where I have lived and worked in my life.

Armagh played Down in the minor final which finished a draw. I was engrossed in that game and when it was over, I was stunned to look up at the scene and the masses that have gathered on the hill; orange everywhere with my tribe seemingly outnumbering Derry wans about 10 to 1. I knew my Dad and Uncle were enjoying the day, but up until then they were always calm and low key-probably due to tempered expectations built over the years from following Armagh during a very barren period.

Derry started well and scored a few points. Then we settled down and soon a ball came into the square for Paddy Mo to flick into the net. My mate and I went nuts, my Dad and Uncle let out a appreciative shout and clapped-the most excited I had seen them up to that point going to games. A few minutes later, Noel Marley made a break and hand-passed over the keepers head for a 2nd goal. Pandemonium, the excitement and scenes are etched forever in my mind. I don’t wish to see any video/recordings of the day as I do not want anything to diminish the enormity and specialness of it in my memory. I remember when the goal went jumping up and down before a rain jacket fell on top of me covering my head. It was my Uncles coat, when Marley scored that goal he hurled that coat up into the air in joy, oblivious and uncaring for where it would end up. When I uncovered the coat from my head, I had a vision I never seen before-my Father dancing around, arms raised and his face creased with joy. All his inhibitions and caution from heart stomping defeats gone in a second. What a day to be an Armagh man. The drive home with people on the road cheering and waving. Brilliant. But my Dad dancing with joy is what I remember most from that day. I reminded him of that moment this weekend. He is ill but it still made him smile.

Thats a lovely read Pablo. Class memories.

Best wishes to your dad as well.

 

[JoeH]

What year did they stop using the changing rooms up in the corner? Where players had to walk up and down the steps?

If it's a double header the first game teams still use it I believe

 

[William Of Orange]

Thanks for initiating this thread. Great topic and a particularly poignant memory for me at this moment. Was reminiscing this particular occasion with my Father over the past weekend.

Ulster Final 1977 vs Derry. Was a very young buck.

A year or so before, my Dad introduced me to following Armagh-mainly through a few McKenna Cup and league games. I was hooked instantly. I just loved going with my Dad and when the league finished that year, he promised me we would follow the Ulster Championship, and go to the final regardless who was playing. We beat Cavan, then Monaghan and I was probably close to hyper-ventilating on a daily basis in the build-up to the final. My Mother made me a huge orange and white flag. The day came and I set off with my mate, my Dad and Uncle and when we felt safe getting past Portadown, the flag was flown out the car window.

One of the strongest impressions from that day comes from the drive down to Clones. Going past Armagh town down the Monaghan road-seeing all those houses with orange flags out and people waving at the armada of cars driving past. I realized then that I belonged to this wonderful and unique tribe. That is a feeling that has never left me-no matter where I have lived and worked in my life.

Armagh played Down in the minor final which finished a draw. I was engrossed in that game and when it was over, I was stunned to look up at the scene and the masses that have gathered on the hill; orange everywhere with my tribe seemingly outnumbering Derry wans about 10 to 1. I knew my Dad and Uncle were enjoying the day, but up until then they were always calm and low key-probably due to tempered expectations built over the years from following Armagh during a very barren period.

Derry started well and scored a few points. Then we settled down and soon a ball came into the square for Paddy Mo to flick into the net. My mate and I went nuts, my Dad and Uncle let out a appreciative shout and clapped-the most excited I had seen them up to that point going to games. A few minutes later, Noel Marley made a break and hand-passed over the keepers head for a 2nd goal. Pandemonium, the excitement and scenes are etched forever in my mind. I don’t wish to see any video/recordings of the day as I do not want anything to diminish the enormity and specialness of it in my memory. I remember when the goal went jumping up and down before a rain jacket fell on top of me covering my head. It was my Uncles coat, when Marley scored that goal he hurled that coat up into the air in joy, oblivious and uncaring for where it would end up. When I uncovered the coat from my head, I had a vision I never seen before-my Father dancing around, arms raised and his face creased with joy. All his inhibitions and caution from heart stomping defeats gone in a second. What a day to be an Armagh man. The drive home with people on the road cheering and waving. Brilliant. But my Dad dancing with joy is what I remember most from that day. I reminded him of that moment this weekend. He is ill but it still made him smile.

You have a lot better memory for the detail of the match than I do Pablo on mine ,nice yours was a famous win , its a great story about you Dad dancing , I wish him good luck with his health.

 

[pablo]

You have a lot better memory for the detail of the match than I do Pablo on mine ,nice yours was a famous win , its a great story about you Dad dancing , I wish him good luck with his health.

I remember it well. It was such a joyous day-an Ulster final victory after 27 years. I was relatively new to supporting Armagh, but for people like my Dad and other relatives, they had gone through a long thankless and demoralizing journey supporting the county up that point and they danced and cheered at that game.
I don't have as detailed memories of 1980-other than it was a hot day, plenty of goals and I accidently swallowed a blue bottle (fly) when getting out of the car. 1981 was just one to forget-we let them get too much of a lead in the first half and expended a lot of energy trying to close down the gap. I think I remember during that comeback, Martin Murphy in on an goal that would have put us ahead, was fouled but no penalty given. We jsut seemed to lose energy after that. Sickening feeling leaving just after Down player lobbed McAlinden for a goal. Fewer memories of 82 and 84 (other than loud mouthed Tyronie sitting behind us).
Its 1977 that is crystal clear in my mind

 

[PatMustard]

Was it not 24 years, until 1977? I don’t think we won Ulster since 1953, when we reached the All Ireland final.

I remember the 17 year famine (well, most of it) until 1999. It seemed as long as five lifetimes. And yet here we are, currently a 15 year wait since we won Ulster, yet it only seems like a fortnight ago.

 

[Peter grimes]

Thanks for initiating this thread. Great topic and a particularly poignant memory for me at this moment. Was reminiscing this particular occasion with my Father over the past weekend.

Ulster Final 1977 vs Derry. Was a very young buck.

A year or so before, my Dad introduced me to following Armagh-mainly through a few McKenna Cup and league games. I was hooked instantly. I just loved going with my Dad and when the league finished that year, he promised me we would follow the Ulster Championship, and go to the final regardless who was playing. We beat Cavan, then Monaghan and I was probably close to hyper-ventilating on a daily basis in the build-up to the final. My Mother made me a huge orange and white flag. The day came and I set off with my mate, my Dad and Uncle and when we felt safe getting past Portadown, the flag was flown out the car window.

One of the strongest impressions from that day comes from the drive down to Clones. Going past Armagh town down the Monaghan road-seeing all those houses with orange flags out and people waving at the armada of cars driving past. I realized then that I belonged to this wonderful and unique tribe. That is a feeling that has never left me-no matter where I have lived and worked in my life.

Armagh played Down in the minor final which finished a draw. I was engrossed in that game and when it was over, I was stunned to look up at the scene and the masses that have gathered on the hill; orange everywhere with my tribe seemingly outnumbering Derry wans about 10 to 1. I knew my Dad and Uncle were enjoying the day, but up until then they were always calm and low key-probably due to tempered expectations built over the years from following Armagh during a very barren period.

Derry started well and scored a few points. Then we settled down and soon a ball came into the square for Paddy Mo to flick into the net. My mate and I went nuts, my Dad and Uncle let out an appreciative shout and clapped-the most excited I had seen them up to that point going to games. A few minutes later, Noel Marley made a break and hand-passed over the keepers head for a 2nd goal. Pandemonium, the excitement and scenes are etched forever in my mind. I don’t wish to see any video/recordings of the day as I do not want anything to diminish the enormity and specialness of it in my memory. I remember when the goal went jumping up and down before a rain jacket fell on top of me covering my head. It was my Uncles coat, when Marley scored that goal he hurled that coat up into the air in joy, oblivious and uncaring for where it would end up. When I uncovered the coat from my head, I had a vision I never seen before-my Father dancing around, arms raised and his face creased with joy. All his inhibitions and caution from heart stomping defeats gone in a second. What a day to be an Armagh man. The drive home with people on the road cheering and waving. Brilliant. But my Dad dancing with joy is what I remember most from that day. I reminded him of that moment this weekend. He is ill but it still made him smile.

If you had made that up as a work of fiction it would still be a good read but the seared in truth of it all shines through.

It’s a healthy thing to write this stuff down.

Wonderful stuff, well told.

 

[pablo]

Was it not 24 years, until 1977? I don’t think we won Ulster since 1953, when we reached the All Ireland final.

I remember the 17 year famine (well, most of it) until 1999. It seemed as long as five lifetimes. And yet here we are, currently a 15 year wait since we won Ulster, yet it only seems like a fortnight ago.

Yes-it was 24 years.

 

[ragingbull]

1990 ulster final Armagh vs Donegal,1991 ulster final Down vs Donegal,1992 ulster final Donegal vs Derry I've photos of myself & brother with Anthony Molloy,Martin McHugh & one off Jimmy Smyth with my brother off the 1992 final & a couple of myself trying to get a autograph from Mickley Linden from the 1991 final

 

[Armamike]

1980 Ulster final for me. A hot day, bate Tyrone and John/Joey Donnelly from my club got MOTM. Doesn't get much better. I remember that day hearing that Martin O'Neill was there though I didn't see him!

 

[Armamike]

Thanks for initiating this thread. Great topic and a particularly poignant memory for me at this moment. Was reminiscing this particular occasion with my Father over the past weekend.

Ulster Final 1977 vs Derry. Was a very young buck.

A year or so before, my Dad introduced me to following Armagh-mainly through a few McKenna Cup and league games. I was hooked instantly. I just loved going with my Dad and when the league finished that year, he promised me we would follow the Ulster Championship, and go to the final regardless who was playing. We beat Cavan, then Monaghan and I was probably close to hyper-ventilating on a daily basis in the build-up to the final. My Mother made me a huge orange and white flag. The day came and I set off with my mate, my Dad and Uncle and when we felt safe getting past Portadown, the flag was flown out the car window.

One of the strongest impressions from that day comes from the drive down to Clones. Going past Armagh town down the Monaghan road-seeing all those houses with orange flags out and people waving at the armada of cars driving past. I realized then that I belonged to this wonderful and unique tribe. That is a feeling that has never left me-no matter where I have lived and worked in my life.

Armagh played Down in the minor final which finished a draw. I was engrossed in that game and when it was over, I was stunned to look up at the scene and the masses that have gathered on the hill; orange everywhere with my tribe seemingly outnumbering Derry wans about 10 to 1. I knew my Dad and Uncle were enjoying the day, but up until then they were always calm and low key-probably due to tempered expectations built over the years from following Armagh during a very barren period.

Derry started well and scored a few points. Then we settled down and soon a ball came into the square for Paddy Mo to flick into the net. My mate and I went nuts, my Dad and Uncle let out a appreciative shout and clapped-the most excited I had seen them up to that point going to games. A few minutes later, Noel Marley made a break and hand-passed over the keepers head for a 2nd goal. Pandemonium, the excitement and scenes are etched forever in my mind. I don’t wish to see any video/recordings of the day as I do not want anything to diminish the enormity and specialness of it in my memory. I remember when the goal went jumping up and down before a rain jacket fell on top of me covering my head. It was my Uncles coat, when Marley scored that goal he hurled that coat up into the air in joy, oblivious and uncaring for where it would end up. When I uncovered the coat from my head, I had a vision I never seen before-my Father dancing around, arms raised and his face creased with joy. All his inhibitions and caution from heart stomping defeats gone in a second. What a day to be an Armagh man. The drive home with people on the road cheering and waving. Brilliant. But my Dad dancing with joy is what I remember most from that day. I reminded him of that moment this weekend. He is ill but it still made him smile.

Great post Pablo.

 

[pablo]

1980 Ulster final for me. A hot day, bate Tyrone and John/Joey Donnelly from my club got MOTM. Doesn't get much better. I remember that day hearing that Martin O'Neill was there though I didn't see him!

Did Joey also get MOTM in 77?
Very cool player. Always calm and assured on the ball. Never seemed to panic

 

[Armamike]

Not sure who got it in 77. Joey only joined the panel as a 20 year old in the spring of 77 as far as I know. Nailed down a starting spot very quickly. Wonderful player. As you say, very calm on the ball. Had a great knack of getting a hand in to flick the ball away from his opponent. Held the great Matt Connor scoreless (from play anyway) in a national league game.

 

[pablo]

Not sure who got it in 77. Joey only joined the panel as a 20 year old in the spring of 77 as far as I know. Nailed down a starting spot very quickly. Wonderful player. As you say, very calm on the ball. Had a great knack of getting a hand in to flick the ball away from his opponent. Held the great Matt Connor scoreless (from play anyway) in a national league game.

I remember that game. Didn't give him a sniff.
Also remember him playing against Kerry at Davitt Park, under pressure going in for a loose ball on the side line and calming flicking it up into his hands without bending down
Might have been Big Tom who got MOTM in 77 but not sure. Could have been Joey

 

[Jamie's Coffee]

For me it was Ulster Final 1989. Senior game between Tyrone & Donegal ended in a draw (Tyrone won the replay) but we were really there to see Armagh minors play Derry.
McGeeney, Cathal O’Rourke and a young Neil Lennon playing corner forward for Armagh - Man City had granted him leave. Derry destroyed us though, big Tohill in the middle, Gary Coleman and Eamon Burns proved too much but no doubt we kinda froze on the day.
Myself & my cousin were sat on top of the toilet block behind the town goals on a scorching hot day wearing shorts. We brought a ball which came in handy after the game as we had to amuse ourselves while my da and others cooled down with some ‘refreshments’ in The Roost I believe. We kicked point after point against a gable wall that day in clones and were sure Armagh would’ve won had we been playing. Incidentally my cousin did actually win an Ulster minor championship a few years later with Armagh in clones - I’m pretty sure our prep that day in ‘89 laid the foundations for him though lol.