Summary of the 2022 Season - Hopes for 2023 - Questions for the Future?

Armagh_paul

Well-Known Member
I get what you’re saying but think thats harsh. We have to remember that the likes of Galway and Derry have had huge success at underage county, schools, college and provincial club level while we’ve barely won a game in provincial club in years at any level bar Cross a few years ago now. St Ronans won a hogan and St Pauls had a few decent MacRory teams a few years back and we’re decently represented from both but its been bare apart from that. The less said about our minor/u20/21 record the better.

There’s clearly issues in the county with regards to all these competitions which run deeper than the current management set up. What these are or how we can fix them I wish I knew. I agree what we have isn’t perfect, but to Geezers credit he has got good people round him and seems to have full buy in from the players- all the best players in the county are involved bar maybe one or two for whatever reason.

You’re right those lads and others have given us years plugging away in the lower leagues and deserve at least an Ulster title for their service.

Indeed credit to McGeeney. Not saying he should be replaced but there is something that feels limiting with this team and the only conclusion I can come to is management. That being said, he deserves another year in the hot seat. If he were to leave the team could quite easily fall apart just like Kildare did. Furthermore, he had fixed issues relating to defence or at least showed improvement which we were all crying out for. If we improve defensively we would be some team.
 

Ed Ricketts

Active Member
Indeed credit to McGeeney. Not saying he should be replaced but there is something that feels limiting with this team and the only conclusion I can come to is management. That being said, he deserves another year in the hot seat. If he were to leave the team could quite easily fall apart just like Kildare did. Furthermore, he had fixed issues relating to defence or at least showed improvement which we were all crying out for. If we improve defensively we would be some team.
How much potential do you think is there?

Genuinely curious.
 

POINTMAN

Well-Known Member
So - a few days on from Sunday - reflections and looking forward........

Despite losing ( we didn't lose - we were eliminated on penalties!) - it was the best day in Croke Park since the 2005 Ulster Final win over Tyrone. The atmosphere and colour was unbelievable and the game, albeit not classic football- was so exciting. Penalties should never be used to decide a game at this stage of the all Ireland, disgraceful. The crowd was so subdued during the penalties, it was almost as if we were resigned to an unacceptable ending to a great game. (Why not a replay this weekend, another big day out, big gate for GAA ?)

Anyway - well done to all concerned, players and management. Having watched the game again, there were a few chances for points that we should have taken, but didn't. Also - we need to develop a better killer instinct and go for goals rather than fist the ball over the bar. We had 3 chances and did not take that risk - even one from 3 would have done.

So to next year, what do we need?
1 - a more consistent and attack minded midfield. Hopefully Oisin will be fit and we find a suitable regular partner for him there - maybe Mackin, Jarly Og, other?

2 - a commanding full back. Forker has done well but like others (Morgan, Grugan, Soupy) is not getting any younger. McKay has shown up well but needs to be played down the middle. Any suggestions?

3 - as above, more lethal when potential goal chances present themselves.

4 - players like Turbitt to reach the level they can and be consistent - players like McQuillan to make the step up - young players like Woods to come through and build the strength of the squad.

5 - management - I am not Geezers biggest fan as I think our record under him up to this year has been very poor - but fair play, the last few weeks have been great so he has earned another year. We need to keep Donaghy - or if he goes, bring in another big name from outside. The management team also needs to step up in terms of reading the games, making tactical or personnel changes in games as soon as they are needed. Also need to be ruthless and say 'thanks' to some long serving players who are no longer at the required level. No sentimentality- if it is for the betterment of the team and squad, do it.

5 - supporters - continue to come out in our thousands with the colour and noise to support the team. Represent Armagh well (no booing of opposition) - make the rest of the counties jealous of our support and then we will have many more friends and admirers.

Roll on next year....
 

Armaghball

Well-Known Member
How much potential do you think is there?

Genuinely curious.
I genuinely think there is an All Ireland to be won. Theres 7-8 strong but not great teams in the country since the Dubs have came back to the back and we’re definitely up there with any of them.

Derry and Galway are good sides but are far from unbeatable, but I think the overall winner will come from those 2, or at least be no more than a kick of a ball between the winners.
 

Armaghball

Well-Known Member
So - a few days on from Sunday - reflections and looking forward........

Despite losing ( we didn't lose - we were eliminated on penalties!) - it was the best day in Croke Park since the 2005 Ulster Final win over Tyrone. The atmosphere and colour was unbelievable and the game, albeit not classic football- was so exciting. Penalties should never be used to decide a game at this stage of the all Ireland, disgraceful. The crowd was so subdued during the penalties, it was almost as if we were resigned to an unacceptable ending to a great game. (Why not a replay this weekend, another big day out, big gate for GAA ?)

Anyway - well done to all concerned, players and management. Having watched the game again, there were a few chances for points that we should have taken, but didn't. Also - we need to develop a better killer instinct and go for goals rather than fist the ball over the bar. We had 3 chances and did not take that risk - even one from 3 would have done.

So to next year, what do we need?
1 - a more consistent and attack minded midfield. Hopefully Oisin will be fit and we find a suitable regular partner for him there - maybe Mackin, Jarly Og, other?

2 - a commanding full back. Forker has done well but like others (Morgan, Grugan, Soupy) is not getting any younger. McKay has shown up well but needs to be played down the middle. Any suggestions?

3 - as above, more lethal when potential goal chances present themselves.

4 - players like Turbitt to reach the level they can and be consistent - players like McQuillan to make the step up - young players like Woods to come through and build the strength of the squad.

5 - management - I am not Geezers biggest fan as I think our record under him up to this year has been very poor - but fair play, the last few weeks have been great so he has earned another year. We need to keep Donaghy - or if he goes, bring in another big name from outside. The management team also needs to step up in terms of reading the games, making tactical or personnel changes in games as soon as they are needed. Also need to be ruthless and say 'thanks' to some long serving players who are no longer at the required level. No sentimentality- if it is for the betterment of the team and squad, do it.

5 - supporters - continue to come out in our thousands with the colour and noise to support the team. Represent Armagh well (no booing of opposition) - make the rest of the counties jealous of our support and then we will have many more friends and admirers.

Roll on next year....
McCambridge surely will see more game time next year, would Shea Heffron come back as well? 2 very good defenders.
 

Big Jim

Well-Known Member
Sorry @POINTMAN not having a go at you directly but just smiling to myself as I was going to make this point anyway and you just happen to have posted first, but you'll get where I'm coming from.

I'm totally anti-penalties to finish a game. However I have no really good alternative if we want to get these done and dusted. Sunday's game was a cracker for exactly the reasons that POINTMAN (and others) mentioned and most definitely should have lead to another day of high expense for both counties. My thing though is I have smiled and laughed to varying degrees over the animation on various social media platforms suggesting it should have been replayed. Oh how things have turned 180 degrees. Only a very few years ago the cries of "it's a disgrace that this is going to a replay!" "what about the cost to all of us supporters that have to fork out..." or similar comments. Can't win can we. No really!! We can't win :D
 

Armaghball

Well-Known Member
Sorry @POINTMAN not having a go at you directly but just smiling to myself as I was going to make this point anyway and you just happen to have posted first, but you'll get where I'm coming from.

I'm totally anti-penalties to finish a game. However I have no really good alternative if we want to get these done and dusted. Sunday's game was a cracker for exactly the reasons that POINTMAN (and others) mentioned and most definitely should have lead to another day of high expense for both counties. My thing though is I have smiled and laughed to varying degrees over the animation on various social media platforms suggesting it should have been replayed. Oh how things have turned 180 degrees. Only a very few years ago the cries of "it's a disgrace that this is going to a replay!" "what about the cost to all of us supporters that have to fork out..." or similar comments. Can't win can we. No really!! We can't win :D
People will complain either way, was thinking myself about the times the GAA was called greedy for having replays.

I actually prefer the idea of a 1v1 where a forward starts in midfield and defender on the 45 or whatever with a keeper in nets and has x amount of time to work a score. (Goal or point). Would be a novelty and definitely better than penalties imo.
 

stevie_06

Well-Known Member
So - a few days on from Sunday - reflections and looking forward........

Despite losing ( we didn't lose - we were eliminated on penalties!) - it was the best day in Croke Park since the 2005 Ulster Final win over Tyrone. The atmosphere and colour was unbelievable and the game, albeit not classic football- was so exciting. Penalties should never be used to decide a game at this stage of the all Ireland, disgraceful. The crowd was so subdued during the penalties, it was almost as if we were resigned to an unacceptable ending to a great game. (Why not a replay this weekend, another big day out, big gate for GAA ?)

Anyway - well done to all concerned, players and management. Having watched the game again, there were a few chances for points that we should have taken, but didn't. Also - we need to develop a better killer instinct and go for goals rather than fist the ball over the bar. We had 3 chances and did not take that risk - even one from 3 would have done.

So to next year, what do we need?
1 - a more consistent and attack minded midfield. Hopefully Oisin will be fit and we find a suitable regular partner for him there - maybe Mackin, Jarly Og, other?

2 - a commanding full back. Forker has done well but like others (Morgan, Grugan, Soupy) is not getting any younger. McKay has shown up well but needs to be played down the middle. Any suggestions?

3 - as above, more lethal when potential goal chances present themselves.

4 - players like Turbitt to reach the level they can and be consistent - players like McQuillan to make the step up - young players like Woods to come through and build the strength of the squad.

5 - management - I am not Geezers biggest fan as I think our record under him up to this year has been very poor - but fair play, the last few weeks have been great so he has earned another year. We need to keep Donaghy - or if he goes, bring in another big name from outside. The management team also needs to step up in terms of reading the games, making tactical or personnel changes in games as soon as they are needed. Also need to be ruthless and say 'thanks' to some long serving players who are no longer at the required level. No sentimentality- if it is for the betterment of the team and squad, do it.

5 - supporters - continue to come out in our thousands with the colour and noise to support the team. Represent Armagh well (no booing of opposition) - make the rest of the counties jealous of our support and then we will have many more friends and admirers.

Roll on next year....
Think Crealey has developed a lot this year and him beside Oisin O'Neill could be the way forward. Also Grimley potentially to come back in
 

Armaghball

Well-Known Member
Think Crealey has developed a lot this year and him beside Oisin O'Neill could be the way forward. Also Grimley potentially to come back in
Hopefully Grimley can get back to where he was a couple of years ago when he was one of our best players- did he get an all star nomination at one stage? But most important thing for that lad is his health after what happened to him everything else is a bonus.

Crealey has definitely came on plenty this year and we all know O’Neills ability. Ciaran Mackin was one of our best players pre injury and Sheridan put in some very good performances as well this year.
 

pablo

Well-Known Member
Very positive year for me…..

We are back in the mix for the first time in years. We’ll be the team that everyone will love to hate and no one will want to meet us. I drifted away from reading forum posts through the hard years as I couldn’t understand this notion that it’s our God given right to be at the top table. We’ve had little or no, success at college, club or underage in the past 10 years and getting a team to be talked about as contenders on the National stage, playing explosive football and keeping us in Division One is no mean feat.

However, the most satisfying achievement for me is the one where this team has galvanised the county support. We now stand that much taller amongst our peers and I’m even more proud to say I’m from Armagh. As I said to a Tyrone man….‘get ready to hate us all over again’.

Well done McGeeney & Co.
That.
The County support can sense something is happening.
 

Hurricane Fly

New Member
Sorry @POINTMAN not having a go at you directly but just smiling to myself as I was going to make this point anyway and you just happen to have posted first, but you'll get where I'm coming from.

I'm totally anti-penalties to finish a game. However I have no really good alternative if we want to get these done and dusted. Sunday's game was a cracker for exactly the reasons that POINTMAN (and others) mentioned and most definitely should have lead to another day of high expense for both counties. My thing though is I have smiled and laughed to varying degrees over the animation on various social media platforms suggesting it should have been replayed. Oh how things have turned 180 degrees. Only a very few years ago the cries of "it's a disgrace that this is going to a replay!" "what about the cost to all of us supporters that have to fork out..." or similar comments. Can't win can we. No really!! We can't win :D
I think if the game has to be played to a finish, and there is a draw at the end of extra time, then they should start another period of extra time with next score the winner. The ball is thrown up at midfield as usual and it's 50/50 who wins the ball. Winning possession doesn't guarantee the win (although Galway cleaned us out every throw in) It also places the onus on the defense to turn the ball over or force the opposition into a bad shot selection if their team doesn't win the throw in. In essence the pressure is on everyone and not just a select few. It could be over in 10 seconds or 10 minutes. But it gives both teams a fair opportunity to win the game in a match format which everyone is used to, not penalties which are far from a basic GAA skill.
 

PatMustard

Well-Known Member
I think if the game has to be played to a finish, and there is a draw at the end of extra time, then they should start another period of extra time with next score the winner. The ball is thrown up at midfield as usual and it's 50/50 who wins the ball. Winning possession doesn't guarantee the win (although Galway cleaned us out every throw in) It also places the onus on the defense to turn the ball over or force the opposition into a bad shot selection if their team doesn't win the throw in. In essence the pressure is on everyone and not just a select few. It could be over in 10 seconds or 10 minutes. But it gives both teams a fair opportunity to win the game in a match format which everyone is used to, not penalties which are far from a basic GAA skill.
Yeah but if we were playing into a hurricane, it’s unlikely we’d be the team to get that first score.

If it’s level after ET, play two 5 minute halves (it’s been done before). Yes, it’s tough on players, as by that stage fatigue and cramp is more likely. But allow an extra couple of subs in EET to help that.
 

thecritic

Well-Known Member
Positive year overall for sure. Championship wise our management were tactically beaten twice - first Donegal game and Galway game.
 

Wide ball

Well-Known Member
It's definitely a positive year 7/10 I agree with some players getting older like grugan Morgan Sheridan Forker and Campbell all in 30s but we will have oisin O'Neill back along with the other injuries maybe get Kennedy back from ballymacnab and maybe even Hughes from cross. If you look at the age of our team, oisin O'Neill, rian O'Neill Conor O'Neill, turbitt, tk, Duffy, mcquillan, crealy, jarly og among others all under 25. Just need to do better underage will hopefully be more competitive at minor level next year
 

Armaghniac

Well-Known Member
Armagh should look at Galway. They were a team that could score but let in too many to win consistently. They tightened up their defence and maintained discipline against Derry while retaining the ability to score.
 
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