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Another close fought Ulster final yesterday. Great to see. Armagh once again snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, that has to be a tough one to take. Plenty of games to set things right but they need to learn how to finish teams off a bit better. Easier said than done of course but a serious pattern with this now. Donegal under Jimmy will be a serious force once again and hopefully now the championship can open up a bit like the 90s again with a lot more AI contenders than we've been served up over the last decade.
SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2498 - 13/05/2024 10:51:45
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Replying To Green_Gold: "What a brilliant win yesterday, everybody is walking around on cloud nine this morning. I thought Armagh payed really well, maybe the better team for the majority of the game. Stefan Campbell was outstanding. However they should have put the game away when they were 4 points up. We looked out on our feet at that stage and what a performance to get ourselves back level.
The first half of that match yesterday was brilliant, caught me by surprise as I thought it would be really low scoring in the first half. Oisin Gallen gave a exhibition of point taking and some great scores from Armagh as well. Gallen kept us in the game first half. We totally lost our way the start of the second half and that will concern Jim and that is usually our purple patch. Niall O'Donnell was deserving of his man of the match, he grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck when we looked down and out. Daire O'Baoill, Peadar Mogan and our midfeild McGee and Langan were excellent. Our defence struggled a bit in the first half with the long direct ball, probably the first time we have faced that. Not sure Ban was ready for that game but great to have him back. The fight this team are showing is incredible, we have looked beaten against both Tyrone and Armagh.
The sub were all brilliant, they all had a major impact. Anybody who watches club football in Donegal will have seen that trademark Odhran Doherty point a good few times, outside of the boot with his left foot, it really is a thing of beauty. We are in bonus territory now.
I thought the Armagh supporters were fantastic yesterday, I witnessed no bad behaviour and thought they really got behind their team. Every county has a few clowns. They are a really strong team but just can't get over the line, reminding me of the Mayo team of a few years ago. Even though they have a tough group, they should go deep into the championship and best of luck to them." I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry.
WestRules (Galway) - Posts: 271 - 13/05/2024 11:03:12
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Fair play to donegal for just keep going. They were teetering on the edge being gone when 4 points down in the second half and two in extra time. They show great belief. Penalties just didn't feel right as a way to decide the match but it is what it is and players did take them really well.
Taking the emotion out of it armagh got so much right and will have many regrets. By not pushing up on the donegal kick out and getting their players blocking around the d they made scores very hard to get from straight forward positions. The quality of the points from donegal had to be of the highest order. Donegal did push up on armagh but didn't get much joy and armagh were able to create some one on one match ups and donegal did not defend well,one on one or collectively, particularly in the first half. They also turned the ball over a little too cheaply at times.
I was generally happy enough to be a point down and though donegal would come out firing in the second half and it was the complete opposite and armagh had the chance to put them away in the 3rd quarter and didn't. Donegal didn't really look like scoring at all and niall o'donnell hit some worldys to get the scoreboard ticking again and then it was back in the melting pot. In et odrhan doherty and jeaic mac ceallabhui stood up with niall o'donnell and oisin gallen having to go off. I hope they were just fatigued though gallen was limping.
Well done to all involved jim and all the management team and the players.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 780 - 13/05/2024 11:12:56
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Replying To Saynothing: "Armagh played too much to the crowd after scores even during penalties, Donegal scored and head down and ready for the next. Jimmy is definitely the boy. Ulster is nice to win but championship starts now. Good luck." Totally agree with your post. Donegal 5 penalty takers stayed focused after taking their penalties. They were ready for the second 5 penalties. That was the difference in the end. Brilliant Ulster Championship match, two teams so evenly matched. A lot of brilliant point taking especially the 90th minute point from Odhran under so much pressure. Roll on 2 weeks time......
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 405 - 13/05/2024 11:24:32
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." WHEN DID A TEAM FROM THE WEST LAST WON SAM YET YOU HAVE GALWAY ANS MAYO UP WITH THE DUBS
highdropingball (Donegal) - Posts: 110 - 13/05/2024 11:27:07
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." exactly what 'status' do you think Galway and Mayo have? I've seen some ridiculous statements on these forums down the years, but someone putting Galway and Mayo alongside Dublin and Kerry tops the lot.
greenfan (Donegal) - Posts: 569 - 13/05/2024 11:27:40
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Fantastic result yesterday it was too nervy to enjoy. Probably the toughest watch in all my years following our great county. I thought we were gone when Armagh went four up and in extra time when we went two down. But our lads never gave in and there fight back made us all proud.. Jim has the Midas touch he's done fantastic and made us proud as a county again. .
rorysboys (Donegal) - Posts: 2553 - 13/05/2024 11:33:31
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." jog on lad....talking rubbish so ya are. Ulster the only competitive championship, galway and mayo have to navigate banana skin game s like sligo and leitrim and let's not forget the mightly london and new york!! Donegal won Ulster the Hard Way, beating the NFL champions in their back yard and then overcoming tyrone who were All-Ireland champions less than 3 years ago, before beating a very good armagh team yesterday. Dublin don't play anyone to win leinster & the munster championship is a joke............
totalrecall (Leitrim) - Posts: 990 - 13/05/2024 11:47:51
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." I take your point about wearing rose tinted glasses but there were some outstanding individual performances on both sides yesterday. I never suggested either side was brilliant and could beat Dublin or Kerry. Maybe Aramgh and Donegal are not world beaters but they could make a semi final and sure ho knows when you get that far.
Green_Gold (Donegal) - Posts: 1903 - 13/05/2024 11:50:49
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Replying To SurelyToGod: "What about the posters that stood in the pouring rain watching Antrim beat Donegal on the way to the Ulster final in 2009? Or how about the posters on this thread who saw an Antrim team win an All-Ireland Senior Championship in 2010, which no Donegal club have ever won.
Casement Park is as central as Clones to each area you mentioned when better transport links are considered. Of the 30,000 attendees at the match yesterday, how many travelled from areas outside of Armagh and Donegal?
Couple this with greater opportunity to book an bnb or a hotel break, or other activities in Belfast to make a weekend of it, I think it's a no-brainer that Casement will become the preferred location. There's no Fermanagh Street near Casement, but if you build it, they will come." No harm to you but you are talking nonsense. Nobody wants to be going into Belfast for an Ulster final, Clones is the spot for it, simple as that.
Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2994 - 13/05/2024 11:50:55
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." Nothing worse than a green eyed monster, Yes Dublin and Kerry are a different level but for God's sake don't put Mayo and Galway in that bracket. I'd fancy Armagh, Derry, Donegal and Tyrone against any of the West teams. Yesterday was brilliant.
Saynothing (Tyrone) - Posts: 2144 - 13/05/2024 11:56:07
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Replying To greenfan: "exactly what 'status' do you think Galway and Mayo have? I've seen some ridiculous statements on these forums down the years, but someone putting Galway and Mayo alongside Dublin and Kerry tops the lot." Maybe don't be minding this poster. They don't even post on the galway forum. Trying to stir things up and better ignored.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 780 - 13/05/2024 12:04:23
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Replying To greenfan: "exactly what 'status' do you think Galway and Mayo have? I've seen some ridiculous statements on these forums down the years, but someone putting Galway and Mayo alongside Dublin and Kerry tops the lot." Don't feed the trolls, you'll see plenty of sniping and begrudgery from certain people, thing is we don't care, talk is cheap, we have the Anglo Celt back in the hills and who knows what's coming next.
Fantastic Ulster Championship, we have beaten Derry at home, Tyrone and Armagh, all top class teams, never mind what they say down the country, Kerry and Dublin will coast into the All Ireland quarter finals unscathed
because of the poor standard of football in the Leinster and Munster,
There are 4 Ulster teams that this year on their day can beat anyone in this country, what other province can say that?
The quality of the penalties taken yesterday was unreal, someone had to miss one, cruel way to lose but Armagh will be back to try again.
I'd agree though with the playing to the crowd thing, keep your head down and keep focused till you've won the thing, that showed a weakness in the mentality of some Armagh players being honest, a lot of that is just down to the individuals personality though.
Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2994 - 13/05/2024 12:05:23
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." Totally agree that there needs to be rational thinking applied. Donegal have just beaten 3 Roinn 1 teams on the trot to win the Ulster Championship. Galway and Mayo have beaten just one of next year's Roinn 1 teams between them. McGuinness has achieved more in the first half-season of his return than any Connacht team has in over 20 years by winning (by the skin of his teeth) an incredibly competitive and strong Ulster Championship. All four of Donegal, Armagh, Tyrone, and Derry are eyeing up Sam.
Yes, Donegal fans are excited, and there were absolutely weaknesses on display that better teams can work to exploit, but there's absolutely nothing to back up an assertion that Galway or Mayo are better suited to make an impact on the AI, because they aren't. Group winners will be 2 Ulster teams (I couldn't possibly guess) and Dublin, Kerry.
SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 432 - 13/05/2024 12:17:06
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Replying To Saynothing: "Nothing worse than a green eyed monster, Yes Dublin and Kerry are a different level but for God's sake don't put Mayo and Galway in that bracket. I'd fancy Armagh, Derry, Donegal and Tyrone against any of the West teams. Yesterday was brilliant." Definitely not us Saynothing but Joyce is timing Galway's run nicely with key players back from injury, particularly Damien Comer. We can't judge Kerry yet. O'Connor needs to get David Clifford playing to maximise Kerry's strength and not the other way around, have more balance to the forwards and they'll be my tip for the Sam. Armagh are like us, can play too much lovely football at the wrong time but can't finish out a tight game. Hard to know what Derry will do in the group but too much ability not to get to the semi final. Tyrone are hard to call but they're under the radar, like 2021, with class forwards. The Rossies are in the long grass for us and plenty will write them off but I never will ahead of a game against them. They may not go too far but I hope they shut the doubters up and get out of the group. Donegal under Jim McGuinness, calm, confident pacing themselves and hate losing. It'll take a good team to put them out of the All Ireland.
GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7620 - 13/05/2024 12:28:00
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Replying To Tirchonaill1: "No harm to you but you are talking nonsense. Nobody wants to be going into Belfast for an Ulster final, Clones is the spot for it, simple as that." No offence taken, but tell me why.
I've spoken to plenty people from clubs all around Donegal, Tyrone, Derry who suggest Casement would be a decent alternative for all or some of the reasons mentioned. Same goes for Down and Antrim gaels. One way or another, please God it gets built as our second-largest city should have a stadium that can hold more than 20k people, and secondly it would be great if the GAA (with help of FAI,IFA, and respective govs) would be the ones to provide it.
I think when and if it gets up and running, you will see the Ulster final played there, even just for a one-off final as a landmark event celebrating the ground, perhaps in commemoration of 75th anniversary of opening/first Ulster final played there. This would be 2028, so not sure of the logistics of that, but if there are doubts about the suitability of hosting the Ulster final, let the EUROs and a potential one-off final be the trial run. I'm sure you'd like to be surprised.
SurelyToGod (Donegal) - Posts: 432 - 13/05/2024 12:30:32
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Just a wee word on clones. It's a great place for the ulster final and to see the colour and the streets around awash with colour is a great spectacle. In saying that I inside the ground I couldn't really hear a thing the PA system was saying. I needed to know I left the car windows opened.
The scoreboards are way out of date with no clock. The new one they put in mccumhaill Park and breffni are much better. They had some some kind of events company to blare out music who certainly didn't know their audience. Where was the hills of donegal and Jimmy's winning matches ?
A few improvements like this would really help.
Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 780 - 13/05/2024 12:35:54
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." I think you are digging a hole for yourself. If you think the quality of the Connacht final was better than the Ulster final yesterday then you have Connacht tinted glasses on. Even in score taking alone there was a difference in day and night. Galway will get a major wake up call next weekend.........
Scenicparish (Donegal) - Posts: 405 - 13/05/2024 12:58:32
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Replying To WestRules: "I think there needs to be some kind of rational thinking applied here. Repeatedly using words like brilliant is a kind going overboard when describing the performance and players. From a neutral point of view, the game was interesting because of the closeness of the score tally but if we take away the rose-tinted glasses there were glaring shortcomings and mistakes by both sides. To me, Armagh were the more energetic and opportunistic but didn't avail of their lead to put Donegal's ambitions to bed. At the end of the day, this was just a provincial championship final where two reasonable teams (not brilliant as suggested) exercised their skills to the best of their ability but both are a far cry from the level needed to make an impact in the All Ireland championship where the Dubs, Kerry, Galway and Mayo which have a status that pale teams from Ulster into insignificance with the exception maybe of Derry." Haven't Donegal, Tyrone and Armagh all won the All Ireland since ANY Connacht team last won Sam? That's a "far cry from the level needed to make an impact" as you say yourself.
Donegal_abroad (Donegal) - Posts: 1383 - 13/05/2024 13:16:27
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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32: "Just a wee word on clones. It's a great place for the ulster final and to see the colour and the streets around awash with colour is a great spectacle. In saying that I inside the ground I couldn't really hear a thing the PA system was saying. I needed to know I left the car windows opened.
The scoreboards are way out of date with no clock. The new one they put in mccumhaill Park and breffni are much better. They had some some kind of events company to blare out music who certainly didn't know their audience. Where was the hills of donegal and Jimmy's winning matches ?
A few improvements like this would really help." True the racket that sound system was making made it hard to hear what the people beside you were saying even, they should have played some Donegal songs after the presentation and before, God knows we have enough songs up here to choose from, I think everyone was too happy to care though,
thought Paddy made a great speech and nice touch Jamie Brennan on his 100th cap being the first man up to lift the Cup.
A few euros needs to be spent on Clones for sure but I think it has to be kept as the venue for Ulster finals.
Tirchonaill1 (Donegal) - Posts: 2994 - 13/05/2024 13:29:25
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