Same old issues slow, side to side, players unwilling to shoot, running into corners, subs to slow. Players did not look fit.
Players were half heartily pressing at the edge of the D allowing space outside the arc which carlow continously punished us every now again they injected a wee bit a speed and cut straight through the middle of us. Other players did not seem to track back.

Some of the players I just can't understand what they bring to team as Seán Quigley said Donnelly wants athletes not footballers.

The left hand side of the pitch was free all game we never attacked it.

ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 72 - 13/05/2025 10:53:10    2609124

Good to see some debate on the county team, unfortunately seems to be more comments when things are going negatively which sadly is case at moment and is reflective of the world.

abc1234 - as highlighted before this is an open forum for people to share their views, we can all agree that no player takes to the field purposely to make mistakes, the commitment levels required for intercounty football are clear for all to see, the sacrifices made to put on the jersey takes great pride and incredible effort, nobody questions that.
I was certainly very disappointed after Sundays game, think unless from Carlow all in same boat.
To say my comment about team looking lethargic as "disrespectful" is bit extreme, below is Kieran Donnellys post game comments, in which himself publicly states lacked intensity and aggression, so think anyone at the game could see that, not point pretending otherwise.

"It was really disappointing; we just weren't on it. They started really well and any time they attacked they seemed to get their shot away.It is sometimes hard to know where you are at, but we felt we had prepared well and played well against Cavan in a challenge game, but there is no doubt that we didn't bring the same level of intensity or aggression"

Regarding management, i certainly not naïve to say players from county panel should be dropped after not getting on pitch in one game, my opinion is based on the season to date, that substitutions have been made sparingly and at times, made very late in the game.
Here is breakdown of subs this year
Kildare 5 subs
Antrim 2 Subs
Clare 2 Subs(one a blood sub)
Sligo 4 Subs
Offaly 3 Subs
Laois 4 subs
Down 3 Subs
Carlow 3 Subs( 2 of which in last 3 minutes)

The Kildare game only time used 5 subs, 3 of which were Kelm, Che Cullen and Lyons,all starters if fit, so if had started likely 2/3 subs max here also. Given the new rules this year most managers are using 4/5 subs per game given extra physical demands so thats why its a bit strange, if players on panel that wont bring on it questions why selected.
The depth in quality possibly isnt in Fermanagh that was there 5/6 years ago, which certainly isnt managements fault and the lack of changes during may be the reflection of this.
On sunday only used 3 subs, 2 of which in the last 3 minutes so basically no time to impact game. If not going to bring players on at home to Carlow in a game which team is really underperforming then in what scenario would you use those players on the bench then?

Fermanagh have used only 24 players so far between league and championship(including 2 keepers), there is no doubt options are limited, Callum Jones and Conor McShea have been big losses in the forward areas.(rightfully exploring world at their age)

Jacob 86 - Yes certainly Louth benefitted from investing in top management in Harte/Devlin(who still involved in their coach development) and now in Brennan, however their success at Minor and under 20s nothing to do with having top senior manager and if want sustainable success then need to evaluate what we are doing in clubs/development squads. For years St Michaels was helping the county set-up with success and filtering talent through but that has stopped now.
In fairness Fermanagh county board has pulled out the stops on many occasion to get big name managers involved in the senior team, Liam McHale, Malachy O Rourke, Peter Canavan, Pete McGrath, Ryan McMenamin and Rory Gallagher, all of which certainly made positive impacts but still no trophies so a high profile name isnt all we need in a quick fix approach, we need more than this to develop and compete better across the board. There is no doubt having a strong management team at senior level is crucial but need skillset and talent being developed from 16 through to senior.
Results at underage have been ringing alarm bells for a while so time to review and implement a plan over 5-10 years.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and expecting different results.

Ernedevil - Yes agree very slow in decision making on the ball and side to side at times(against Down much quicker and direct) only kicked the ball once into forward line and cant remember any turnovers made. Certainly stood way off Carlow and made 2 pointers easy, 5 is clear proof of that. The lack of speed at the back was certainly exploited on numerous occasions.
Anyone any idea why Johnny Cassidy wasnt there on Sunday?? (no word of injury and early to travel to states)Certainly missed his speed, him and Luke Flanagan back on pitch would certainly help.

Lets hope get a reaction on Sunday away to Longford, who will famcy their chances in Pearse Park

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1167 - 13/05/2025 20:23:01    2609354

gaalltheway (Fermanagh) - Posts: 805 - 13/05/2025 23:16:24    2609410