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Fermanagh GAA thread - 5 Like(s)
Replying To macca999: "The silence and lack of interest shown here on the week of a championship game is a fair reflection of the low level of interest the championship is generating across the board, the GAA have contributed greatly to the downfall of the championship. Jarlath Burns is the white hope that can hopefully redeem it to its glory.
However thats a bigger issue, time to focus on ourselves after Sundays sorry display.
We all knew going into the game that Fermanagh faced a huge task against Armagh, their scoring threat and physical strength, Fermanagh had players starting who probably wouldnt make the Armagh panel so that outlined the challenge ahead. The lack of Fermanagh support again in the stands maybe reflects the lack of belief and maybe interest in team unfortunately at the moment
From league and games this season we knew what to expect, however on Sunday we persisted with slow short restarts on kickouts inviting Armagh to press and force high turnover, playing into Armaghs hands while for long kicks outs failed to get bodies in around the play to try win any breaks to get vital possession.
Watching the attempts at times in middle, could see in players eyes and efforts lack of belief and genuine effort to win the ball, one handed efforts, jumps were almost tokenistic. Would never have any issue with better team winning a game and always hold hands up but the lack of intensity and hunger is never acceptable especially at home in a Championship match. One of the players said after game that let their manager down, hard to argue on that point.
Kieran Donnelly is a great Fermanagh man, both as player and manager, has a good record to date from club and schools, plus got Fermanagh to division 2 and has undoubtedly the respect of all players and gaels, so wouldnt want to come out and criticise players publicly but to say that Fermanagh were "solid" in defence couldnt be further from the truth and to use the black card of Kelm as reason for the collapse is a bit of cover excuse. Armagh were breaking tackles at ease and could take on man at will and beat them for speed and power, their ability to move ball fast meant players 2/3 seconds ahead and Fermanagh were always reacting. The warning signs have been there all season, Louth in League was best example, Fermanaghs slow play invites turnovers which leaves defence totally exposed. Surprised that James McMahon wasnt in team, especially in sweeper role to try and stop the goal threat.
On the day Decky McCusker and Fionan O Brien were the best performers, Kelm tried until end and was probably very frustrated at times as he didnt have many others supporting when he had ball though his lack of shooting threat was evident and he had few solo efforts which highlighted this. The attacking threat was non existent, fact that only scored 2nd point in injury time shows this, when look through team from previous year, we are now relying on 2 players who weren't starters last year to be our main scorers this year shows that cutting edge is limited currently.
Where to from here, well firstly id say few players could be tempted to head to the states, the dollars could tempt them rather than playing infront of 750-1,000 people in Tailteann Cup games.
Team will have a few weeks to reflect on Sunday and reset for Tailteann Cup, vitally would hope the likes of McGurn and Johnny Cassidy will get up to match fitness as need them in team, while id like to think that James McMahon, Conor Love, Tiarnan Bogue would come into the team also. Hopefully Ryan Lyons might be able to feature in the group games also." I agree macca, while Donnelly's accomplishments indeed merit respect, it is crucial to scrutinise performances objectively.
To assert that Fermanagh's defence was "solid" in light of Sunday's championship game seems a stretch beyond reason. Football, as with any sport, demands a critical eye, free from the shackles of undue allegiance. Acknowledging shortcomings does not diminish Donnelly's legacy but rather underscores the need for improvement.
Furthermore, attributing the team's collapse to include the black card incident involving Kelm appears to divert attention from deeper issues. While unfortunate, such incidents are part of the game, and a resilient team should overcome them. To label it as a "cover excuse" belies the truth of the situation Fermanagh found themselves,.
Constructive criticism, offered with respect and honesty, fosters growth within any team. Donnelly's stature should not shield him from this essential aspect of football discourse. It is through such dialogue that progress is achieved, both on and off the pitch.
abc1234 (National) - 17/04/2024 10:44:23
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 5 Like(s)
Replying To macca999: "Shocking performance today, Carlow wanted it more and completely deserved their victory, could have won by more, kicked some great 2 pointers(aided by ample space as we stood 10 yards off them)
Dont think anyone walked off the pitch today that be happy with their level of performance, looked lethargic and everything was done at pedestrian pace. Carlow caused ample trouble every time ran at Fermanagh with pace, straight through the middle even, the third goal the Carlow player waltzed straight down the middle!! Wont win any games conceding 3-18 at home to division 4 teams even.
Even with this we were very slow/reluctant to make any changes, this was a feature thoroughout the league(2/3 subs used most days) and again today management only made 3 subs, 2 in last 5 minutes, now given how the game that changes would have been made ore and sooner??
This may highlight lack of belief in the squad, if not going to bring lads on at home v Carlow then when will they get chance?should they be on panel if not confident in their ability to come on in such a game??
This low ebb result had been coming and is only part of a bigger picture, our minors lost today in 3rd tier at home to Longford, those young lads and new management team giving their all for Fermanagh football but this pattern of endless defeats at minor/under 20 has been happening for years now and surely county board needs to review and look at bigger picture. Our senior county team will continue to struggle unless action taken to focus and enhance the development squads, coach education and help clubs on the ground more in player development, players havnt been coming through to the level required at senior inter county and players are coming in maybe not having won championship games at underage level.
This needs to be acknowledged and long term plan put in place, an example is Louth GAA, i know have a growing population but still small county yet they now Leinster Championship, Under 20 champions and Minors in Leinster Final, so blueprint is there and action is needed in Fermanagh otherwise future will be bleak" It's people like you that react so negatively after what could have been a better day on the pitch for Fermanagh is doing nothing to promote support for our lads or for the game in general. It's one thing to express disappointment after a tough loss, that's part of being a supporter. But the tone and content of your comment crosses a line from critique into a discouraging tirade that completely overlooks the sacrifices made by the very people you're so quick to tear down. The men who put on the Fermanagh jersey do so voluntarily. They train in the cold and dark after work or study, they give up personal time, and they risk injury, all for the pride of representing their county. These aren't professionals; they're local lads who bleed green for Fermanagh. To casually dismiss their effort as "lethargic" or to suggest they don't care as much as Carlow did is not only unfair, it's disrespectful.
As for the management, your comments show little understanding of what goes into match-day decisions. Substitutions, tactical choices, and development pathways are complex and can't be judged solely from the stands or in hindsight. The notion that lads should be discarded from a panel because they weren't brought on during one bad day is shortsighted and demoralising to those working hard behind the scenes.
Yes, we all want better underage structures. Yes, results matter. But that conversation needs to happen constructively, not on the back of scapegoating players who are already hurting after a heavy defeat. These lads owe us nothing but we owe them our support. Constructive criticism is valid. Piling on when they're down? That's not what true supporters do. Have you considered how public comments like yours might impact a young player debating whether to stick at it for another season?
abc1234 (National) - 12/05/2025 08:36:06
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New Fermanagh Manager - 4 Like(s)
Replying To neutral: "Peter is going to address the media on monday.Player power at play again he will be in demand from several counties no doubt." I wish to make the following comments which I know represents the views of many in out county.
1. I notice that it appears to be non-Fermanagh posters who seem motre exercised by McGrath's forced departure.
2. The Fermanagh team supporters are 100% behind the players and nothing will change that.
3. McGrath is very good with dealing with the media so we will expect a statement that will be more favourable towards himself that the Fermanagh team.
5. After yesterday evening's announcement, we the Fermanagh supporters are now more interested in seeking the best manager available to take charge of our players to get Fermanagh back on promotion track.
6. We wish McGrath all the best and hold no grudges but his time with us has expired and there is now a definite sense of relief that he's gone.
7. So please outsiders stay out of Fermanagh team's affairs!
abc1234 (Fermanagh) - 15/07/2017 15:49:37
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New Fermanagh Manager - 2 Like(s)
Just received this update from a very reliable source.
1. Four players were refusing to play under McGrath's continued watch.
2. A significant number players preferred a change of management.
3. The remaining players didn't mind one way other the other if McGrath were to stay or not.
Hopefully, that helps clarify the issue around McGrath's resignation.
abc1234 (Fermanagh) - 15/07/2017 17:10:58
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Leitrim V Louth - 2 Like(s)
All-Ireland SFC qualifiers round 2
Leitrim 0-25 Louth 1-12
Seamie sends his commiserations to the boss. A bad season with relegation to div 3 and this evening stopped in their championship tracks of qualifying by a middle of the road side, Leitrim.
abc1234 (Louth) - 23/06/2018 20:39:10
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To Coa_gael: "Breaking news... after Saturday's game it's emerging that some exchanges took place in the Fermanagh changing rooms. Not clear if it was just between players only or if management were part of it too. Maybe someone can enlighten us further?" Maybe that would explain why macca999 decided to write the 'obituary' of several of the team players, although I'm of the opinion he was being a bit premature in writing off those players mentioned.
abc1234 (National) - 13/06/2023 10:07:18
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 2 Like(s)
Replying To shotgun: "One positive of the county team finishing up is that we now will see some quality club action with county players involved.
I think Enniskillen will struggle to retain the SFC this year. Looking forward to seeing how the league develops from now on." Yeah, I agree that Fermanagh's exit will benefit club football. Ekn Gaels weren't exceptional last year as the draw worked luckily enough for them. They have a few quality players including Horan, Cassidy, etc., which is a big bonus to any team come championship time. Derrygonnelly and Belnaleck are in with a good chance given the same reason. Not sure if Ederney or Kniawley make any impact as they seem to rely on a new influx inexperienced younger players.
Glad to see that the Teemore man (alias hillbilly) has helped to put a stop to the destructive comments by Kesh GFC as it's not helping the situation that the Fermanagh team and management find themselves in. I thought macca999, given his usually fairly sensible contributions. was foolish in his praise of what the Kesh poster said. I guess we all should think before post a comment as he may cause hurt whether intended or not. But obviously the Kesh guy did intend to annoy many especially those he targeted in his comments. Glad to see the likes hillbilly post got which suggests disapproval of that cheeky Kesh poster.
abc1234 (National) - 15/06/2023 17:16:24
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 2 Like(s)
I think Fermanagh will need to inject some pride back into our county football in the forthcoming Tailteann Cup competition but if they fail to impress then Donnelly's tenure may be abruptly brought to an end. Following both the league and Ulster championship his game plans or lack off were much in discussion. Let's hope that things improve as it would be a major boost to win the Tailteann Cup and enabling the team to compete in next year's All Ireland Championship.
The Tailteann Cup draw
Group 1: Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Waterford
Group 2: Sligo, Antrim, Wexford, Tipperary
Group 3: Fermanagh, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow
Group 4: Down, Offaly, Limerick, London
11.05.2024 (Sat) Fermanagh v Wicklow at 3pm in Brewster Pk
18/19.05.2024 Carlow v Fermanagh
1/2.06.2024 Fermanagh v Laois
Followed by seed placing playoffs.
abc1234 (National) - 04/05/2024 11:24:47
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Fermanagh GAA thread - 2 Like(s)
Great summing up, I couldn't agree more with most your take accept your free tickets suggestion. Anyway, that win on Saturday was massive, not just in the result itself but in how it was earned - full of grit, resilience and no shortage of quality football. After so many near misses in the big moments (as you rightly pointed out, Down, Antrim, etc.), this felt like a psychological breakthrough as much as anything.
First half did feel edgy as every Sligo attack looked like it might end in a score, but credit to Fermanagh for weathering the storm, not panicking after the soft goal, and hitting back straight away. That two-point free from Garvan Jones was crucial, regardless of what anyone thinks about the rule. It showed character and settled things again.
Midfield dominance before half-time was the turning point. McGurn, McCaffrey and McNally really stepped up and took control, while McNally's kickouts were smart and composed. The hunger to win the breaks was noticeable with that extra edge we've sometimes lacked in big championship games was there in spades.
Defensively, the big matchups were handled superbly that being the Cullens intensity, Smyth's crucial turnover, and the general shape and discipline of the back six meant Sligo's threats were limited to bursts. And in attack, while not always free flowing, there was a clear intent and method with patience, space creation, and good decision-making at key moments.
You're spot on about Kildare as they're a serious outfit, and no one would pretend otherwise. But to win anything meaningful, you're going to have to go through tough opposition and if we're to get over the line, Fermanagh will need that same physicality and mental edge shown against Sligo and probably even more. A goal or two could be key.
Che Cullen might indeed be a smart addition as physical matchups will be critical, and Kildare's midfield power needs to be disrupted. McDade, McGurn, and others will need to step up again, and hopefully Jones gets more from play this time out. Short kickouts and limiting turnovers will be vital too as we can't afford to gift goals.
On the wider picture, your point on juvenile tickets I something I certainly don't agree with. The GAA is not a charity! If we have genuine Fermanagh GAA supporters then they should be willing to bring our kids along as they would do if they were Man Utd supporters where the tag price is much greater. .
Anyway, roll on Sunday. No one outside Fermanagh is giving us much of a chance which is exactly how we like it. Here's hoping the travelling support and the team brings that same bite and belief. Onward we go!
abc1234 (National) - 17/06/2025 10:43:28
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Move To National Forum Only Model - 1 Like(s)
Replying To Administrator: "From this morning the individual forums in all bar two counties have been retired. The majority of discussion will be in one place, through the national forum where any topics can be discussed. There has been a growing trend towards this in recent years and with all messages individually moderated, it allows us to focus our resources more efficiently.
It's a big change, but where would the GAA world be without amalgamations?" Could you please explain and/or clarify...
1. Who authorised the the retirement of almost all the county forums?
2. Was there any consultation with the users of the county forums? If not, why not?
3. Why were two of the county forums retained?
4. Was there an equality impact assessment done?
5. Have there been any consumer rights broken that are applicable in both parts of this island by such action?
6. Finally, I assume that the GAA HQ paid for the administration of this Hoganstand platform from monies raised from GAA supporters nationwide so does that not entitle those supporters to have a say on this matter?
abc1234 (National) - 01/10/2021 10:41:44
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