Armagh_paul
Well-Known Member
Would be fun to watch Down blow it against Clare next week.
National Football League 2024
- Thread starter Big Jim
- Start date
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Can't disagree with the vast majority of what has already been posted, but just a few random thoughts
We should have won by a heck of a lot more and management have a lot to answer for by having the lads relax and let Cavan back into it (Stop it @JoeH you know what I'm at
)
Joking aside, some give management a torrid time and some of it is even unjustified. We cannot credit the line to much for yesterday except to say they sent the team out to do a job and thankfully they stuck to it and made it look easy enough.
D2 was not as easy as it looked and before the league started, many, including myself saw a few places where we could stagger and slip up. Unfounded fears as it turned out, but only as it turned out. Could easily have happened in a couple of games except there was difference no one else is mentioning. Conleith Gilligan. Gilligan has been successful in several roles before joining the Armagh set up this year. He has seen something to make him commit. Maybe it's a case that his tiny tweaks have been the difference when things didn't look so great. The team appear to be more free flowing for the most part and definitely less negative. As I said, we are often critical of what the line does. Maybe we could/should/would give a teeny bit of credit where it just might be due.
Players have done well and stuck to the task. The best statistic is the lack of goals conceded. 90% of that, in my opinion is down to Blane Hughes, the other 10% is down to the defence and the other lads stopping the ball getting to opposition scoring threats.
And Cork!! Never mind it being dead rubber. It isn't!! 100% it isn't. It needs the same attention to detail as we've shown so far. Why would you go out and show any prospective opposition a weakness? One week later you have a league final against Donegal. Win it after another league game win and you go into championship with a winning mindset. When did we last go into an Ulster Championship unbeaten in league. Many may not like Mickey Harte, but he has maintained that nothing beats a winning habit. It's a large part of why he didn't believe in challenge games. Not that you learn nothing from them, but letting players get game time and don't win each time you're out, can change how a player thinks. Negativity is hard to shake. Positivity is infectious. So let's get back in the cars, van, trains, buses or whatever it takes to get down and be heard. There'll be enough on the bandwagon in a few weeks.
As for the final and the real possibility of 3 Ulster teams in HQ on the same day, fixtures committee have no concern for traffic management or chaos. Never bothered them before AND it will be chaotic getting back up the road, so be prepared now. It would be strange indeed if they decided not to put the two top billed finals together. Not saying it can't happen, just that it's unlikely. As long as the diving midgets aren't there and Laverty doesn't get to walk out on the field, all planets will be aligned!!!!!!!! EAOE
We should have won by a heck of a lot more and management have a lot to answer for by having the lads relax and let Cavan back into it (Stop it @JoeH you know what I'm at
)Joking aside, some give management a torrid time and some of it is even unjustified. We cannot credit the line to much for yesterday except to say they sent the team out to do a job and thankfully they stuck to it and made it look easy enough.
D2 was not as easy as it looked and before the league started, many, including myself saw a few places where we could stagger and slip up. Unfounded fears as it turned out, but only as it turned out. Could easily have happened in a couple of games except there was difference no one else is mentioning. Conleith Gilligan. Gilligan has been successful in several roles before joining the Armagh set up this year. He has seen something to make him commit. Maybe it's a case that his tiny tweaks have been the difference when things didn't look so great. The team appear to be more free flowing for the most part and definitely less negative. As I said, we are often critical of what the line does. Maybe we could/should/would give a teeny bit of credit where it just might be due.
Players have done well and stuck to the task. The best statistic is the lack of goals conceded. 90% of that, in my opinion is down to Blane Hughes, the other 10% is down to the defence and the other lads stopping the ball getting to opposition scoring threats.
And Cork!! Never mind it being dead rubber. It isn't!! 100% it isn't. It needs the same attention to detail as we've shown so far. Why would you go out and show any prospective opposition a weakness? One week later you have a league final against Donegal. Win it after another league game win and you go into championship with a winning mindset. When did we last go into an Ulster Championship unbeaten in league. Many may not like Mickey Harte, but he has maintained that nothing beats a winning habit. It's a large part of why he didn't believe in challenge games. Not that you learn nothing from them, but letting players get game time and don't win each time you're out, can change how a player thinks. Negativity is hard to shake. Positivity is infectious. So let's get back in the cars, van, trains, buses or whatever it takes to get down and be heard. There'll be enough on the bandwagon in a few weeks.
As for the final and the real possibility of 3 Ulster teams in HQ on the same day, fixtures committee have no concern for traffic management or chaos. Never bothered them before AND it will be chaotic getting back up the road, so be prepared now. It would be strange indeed if they decided not to put the two top billed finals together. Not saying it can't happen, just that it's unlikely. As long as the diving midgets aren't there and Laverty doesn't get to walk out on the field, all planets will be aligned!!!!!!!! EAOE
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
Oh and I know there's a separate thread for it, but well done to the Ladies as well. League final place secured with game to spare. They continue to be impressive and another massive achievement for the GAA family in the county be proud of. Add in St. Ronan's U16 ladies and a while back success for Cullyhanna, it's been a great and positive start to the year - sorry if I'm forgetting something
PatMustard
Well-Known Member
He was off the pace last year as well, and didn’t have the best club season either. Always capable of kicking the spectacular free, but I think we really have to ask ourselves if he’s one of Armagh’s best 15 right now as outrageous as the question would have been 2 years ago. Also great that the squad depth is good enough to where there are multiples forwards pushing for his spot
Excellent interview with Donaghy. A good lad.
Armagh were a penalty kick away from winning Ulster against arguably the favorite to win the All-Ireland this year in Derry.
Didn’t meant it as an insult to Armagh, I’m just surprised at how poor Division 2 was this year. Cavan, Kildare, and Meath were fairly dreadful and really didn’t belong on the same pitch as Armagh.
I suppose it’s a good thing that Armagh’s 2nd team is better than 1st team of the rest of D2, but I wish they had a really test before the Ulster final, because the gap in quality between Fermanagh/Cavan and Derry is going to be absolutely massive
Armaghball
Well-Known Member
Not sure who’s arguing that Derry are favourites for the AI this year but I’d have them well behind Dublin, maybe slightly behind Kerry and would give us every chance against them if they even get to the Ulster final.
They’re 6/1 to win the All-Ireland right now. They’re rather obviously one of the 3 main contenders
Peter grimes
Well-Known Member
Dublin are the clear favourites for the All Ireland. No other county is.
The progress that Derry have made shows what is possible. We have to aim high
The progress that Derry have made shows what is possible. We have to aim high
ragingbull
Well-Known Member
Derry are nothing without Glass & McGuigan
Tyrone are nothing without McCurry & Cavanan
Kerry are nothing without the 2 Cliffords
Dublin have 6 forwards & a midfield plus a bench
Tyrone are nothing without McCurry & Cavanan
Kerry are nothing without the 2 Cliffords
Dublin have 6 forwards & a midfield plus a bench
Dont like how most on here seem to think we are automatically in an ulster final. Cavan where ulster champions not so long ago. We are definitely favourites on our side of the draw but no one is going to roll over and let us walk through.
On another topic, any highlights from yesterday's game available anywhere?
On another topic, any highlights from yesterday's game available anywhere?
Seamy
Well-Known Member
I find myself agreeing for once.
Glass didn't play against Dublin in the league and they were found out hugely. Lose him and you lose an awful lot.
On Kerry I'd say Seany Shea is a massive addition aside from the Cliffords.
Dublin, you keep Con and Fenton quiet and you've a chance.
I might have had a few stouts and am giddy but the sentiment stands
PatMustard
Well-Known Member
Are Dublin the only team who are allowed subs? First, all their matches at Croke Park, now this!
If this league campaign has shown us anything, it’s that our bench isn’t too shabby either. It’s another thing performing come championship time, but the signs are good.
By the way, Morgan is a big player for Tyrone as well. His long kicking is a great weapon in their arsenal, as he proved setting up Canavan’s goal v Monaghan. He can turn defence into attack in a couple of seconds.
Right, I’m away to wash my mouth out.
Big Jim
Well-Known Member
The gagging took just over 20 minutes to stop after I read that, but "that" goal was bloody brilliant............shite the gagging has started again!Are Dublin the only team who are allowed subs? First, all their matches at Croke Park, now this!
If this league campaign has shown us anything, it’s that our bench isn’t too shabby either. It’s another thing performing come championship time, but the signs are good.
By the way, Morgan is a big player for Tyrone as well. His long kicking is a great weapon in their arsenal, as he proved setting up Canavan’s goal v Monaghan. He can turn defence into attack in a couple of seconds.
Right, I’m away to wash my mouth out.
Diarmi
Well-Known Member
Totally delighted for the team, management and for me too. We seem to have found the correct balance between defence and attack with a good sprinkling of kick passing aiding super fast transition. I do worry though that there is a distinct gulf opening between the top 8 - 10 teams and the rest. Armagh and Donegal (particularly Armagh) basically strolled through division 2 with the league table a clear visual of that but how will we fare against a division one team? Are we a top 4/5 team and the league has proven that or are the bottom 6 in division two really poor, time will tell.
Before the Cavan game I felt that a win and then heading to Cork with promotion gained and a league final in Croke Park would be ideal preparation for the start of the championship and that certainly appears to be the case. Indeed, winning the final and then a steady run to the Ulster final now appears to be the perfect road map for an Ulster final win. All easier said than done of course but we have made the pathway, lets just drive it now.
too. We seem to have found the correct balance between defence and attack with a good sprinkling of kick passing aiding super fast transition. I do worry though that there is a distinct gulf opening between the top 8 - 10 teams and the rest. Armagh and Donegal (particularly Armagh) basically strolled through division 2 with the league table a clear visual of that but how will we fare against a division one team? Are we a top 4/5 team and the league has proven that or are the bottom 6 in division two really poor, time will tell.Before the Cavan game I felt that a win and then heading to Cork with promotion gained and a league final in Croke Park would be ideal preparation for the start of the championship and that certainly appears to be the case. Indeed, winning the final and then a steady run to the Ulster final now appears to be the perfect road map for an Ulster final win. All easier said than done of course but we have made the pathway, lets just drive it now.
Agree with a lot Big Jim said. Gilligan is the key man this year. We have great motivators on the line and I've no doubt no stone is left unturned, but, I've always questioned our decision making (or lack of it) in the clutch moments when big games are in the melting pot - we seem to collectively freeze as a group. Hopefully Gilligan can make the big calls in these moments - this remains to be seen.
Division 2 was very poor this year and we shouldn't be getting carried away or patting ourselves on the back too much. It's a great place for a rebuild & for younger players but there's a few more experienced men looking at home in this division getting heaps of praise on here - this league should be wee buns for them so I'd be cautious about that.
Credit where it's due though - well done Geezer & team on first target achieved.
We should be treating this Cork game seriously & going to win some silverware in Dublin before heading to banana-skin central in Brewster.
Looking forward to an early trip to Croker - here's to a few more!
Division 2 was very poor this year and we shouldn't be getting carried away or patting ourselves on the back too much. It's a great place for a rebuild & for younger players but there's a few more experienced men looking at home in this division getting heaps of praise on here - this league should be wee buns for them so I'd be cautious about that.
Credit where it's due though - well done Geezer & team on first target achieved.
We should be treating this Cork game seriously & going to win some silverware in Dublin before heading to banana-skin central in Brewster.
Looking forward to an early trip to Croker - here's to a few more!
ArmaghMartin
Active Member
Anyone know when the final will be played ?
Diarmi
Well-Known Member
Easter Sunday
I know that division 2 was poor this year, but this Armagh team a few years ago would never of made such light work of these teams, it wasn't that long ago we struggled in division 2 and 3 and lost games that we should of never lost, that doesn't seem to happen anymore we win even when playing bad against lesser teams like Louth this year and Westmeath last year, that for me shows this squad has developed, also include all the regular starters we never played so far and arguably the 2 best players from the Armagh senior championship this year have also barley got a kick, it just goes to show the progress we have made, we will get harder tests down the road, and iv no doubt this team will compete with most teams