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Going by the result it must have been a solid performance. Monaghan are a strong team who played division one for a long time. Is there a list of scorers anywhere? Good to see Mcgurn back and conor love showing up well.
Saw the pics of the lights in Tempo, very impressive, nice to see clubs improving all the time.
hughieferm (Fermanagh) - Posts: 15 - 20/01/2025 00:05:15
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Replying To Bailah: "Made it down to the challenge game tonight against Monaghan in Tempo.
Solid enough performance, some great point scoring on display from both teams. Good to see some fresh faces in the panel the year with Jack Largo-Ellis & Paul Breen starting and a few more coming on in the 2nd half.
Great to see McGurn back, had a cracking 2nd half and will be a huge asset this year if he can keep fit. Conor Love & Ross Bogue looked impressive too.
I'm generally in favour of the rule changes, and good to see them in display in the flesh tonight. Game was certainly more open but definitely not as open as what we saw in the inter-provincials before Christmas. Fermanagh on one occasion were punished for talk back to the ref with the ball being moved forward 50m (although Monaghan opted for the 2pt'er outside the arc and dropped short).
Big challenge in Div 3 this year, I feel starting well and gaining momentum is a huge thing Kildare away is a tough assignment.. No game will be a given for Fermanagh that's for sure.
Ultimately I hope for a good run in the Tailteann Cup after two bitterly disappointing campaigns to date." Firstly huge well done to Tempo on their excellent new floodlights and hosting an excellent occasion on Saturday night, a huge credit to the local community on work in developing it.
The club has progressed their facility massively since the last intercounty game held there many moons ago v Louth.
One thing for again, perhaps police could put cones on main street in village to stop cars parking and blocking people leaving.
A decent run out for both teams, which was needed with the league commencing this week.
Brilliant to see McGurn back fit and played very well, with other good performances from Conor Love and Garvan Jones, most the scores came from those and Fionan O Brien took some frees, with Josh Largo Ellis and Shane McGullion doing well. Ultan Kelm wasn't playing, neither was Oisin Muprhy who had kicked some good scores v Louth previous weekend.
Of the newcomers none really stood out, then as game wore on and lots of changes games as always became very scattered at times.
On the new rules, the major impact on Fermanagh was the kickout, having to kick beyond the arc means short kickouts which we have used for last 3 years are more difficult so majority went long and Monaghan dominated this area, McGurn had to go out to give some aerial presence, which means losing him in forward areas where he is best, bit like robbing Peter to pay Paul, so be interesting to see how Donnelly tries develop this as could be an area we get exploited throughout the league. Options seem limited, Brandon Horan out injured, so McDade and Paul Breen look like the only others to go in there currently
Discipline too needs to be better with frees being brought forward, although Monaghan missed this cant be giving teams 2 potential free two point shots in league.
The 3 up only caught us once when Love was naturally running to look for ball which encourage but stepped into own half. If Fermanagh willing to move ball forward on transitions and kick it in potential for Love, Jones and McGurn if left there.
Division 3 looks like will be ultra competitive as always, Kildare and Sligo be favourites, then Offaly with the Harte Bounce, Clare have few strong players back including Keelan Sexton, Laois on upward curve, Antrim have turned us over twice in TC, so reaching the 10 point promotion target looks a tall order.
Kildare away first is a tough ask, new manager and first official game in new stadium,they be well pumped up and no doubt big support in numbers. Teams always target 2 pts on board after first 2 games and break, so Antrim following week in Ederney already looks like a must win game as third fixture be long trip to Ennis, wouldn't want to be pointless going into that.
Great to have county football back and looking forward to another season of it on the road and positive debate, hopefully come weekend its not all about new rules controversy about poor refs getting criticised.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1151 - 20/01/2025 13:14:26
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Anyone get down to Kildare on Saturday night?
Didn't look good from updates on Fermanagh Herald, conceding 2-24 (and I don't think Kildare had many 2 pointers) is surely a worry. Kildare a good side and last year's performance isn't a good reflection on the quality that they have, and considering a new ground being opened up and Newbridge and a good home crowd at the game, Fermanagh were always going to be up against it.
As I alluded to in an earlier post, momentum is everything in Division 3 and a loss against Antrim next week (who put away a very good Clare side), things can get very slippery and you're then looking at the trap door.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 48 - 27/01/2025 12:59:43
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I didn't make it down to the Game on Saturday.
I have been looking for Highlights of the game online, does anyone know if the match or highlights were recorded?
Itown1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 49 - 28/01/2025 10:12:35
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Was down in Newbridge on Saturday for the game, firstly excellent stand and facility, really a super ground now with electronic scoreboard and good food options etc. Great atmosphere due to huge home support, Fermanagh wont play in front of bigger crowd rest of this campaign.
There wasnt too many Fermanagh supporters there, noticed drop last year in crowds and looks like will continue this year
Kildare by far the better team, won the game in the first half, cut through Fermanaghs defence at will, so much space for Kildare players to run into and drive at us, they popped points over at ease.
As highlighted after the recent Monaghan challenge game,the long kick out is a real issue as Fermanagh lacking natural midfielders, not being able to work short kick outs like have for last 3+ years means relying on winning ball in middle which is a real weakness, McGurn being put there as good option though losing top forward now. Winning breaking ball also didnt happen, i dont doubt lads want possesion but in crowded middle area lads have to be throwing themselves in to try win the ball. Kildare dominated throughout which gave them platform for their win. Brandon Horan to comeback but be alot for him to change that himself
Fermanagh gave away 2 points through, delayed kickout and not keeping 3 men in half.
Best spell was at the end of first half when Kildare keeper struggled with kickouts and got some good points through McGurn and Love. McGullion took goal well though gift from Feely of Kildare passing square across own goals. For Kildares first goal Bogue caught out of goals.
This was always going to be toughest fixture but the open defence and midfield will really be of concern looking ahead as struggle to get many wins unless improves there. Kelm came on early first half, tried hard, least wasnt badly injured when could come on so early. Che Cullen coming on second half was a nice surprise but not sure if he still be involved much with him located in Cork,its some commitment.
No sign of Tiernan Bogue, is he gone off panel again?
Antrim and Offaly had good wins at weekend so as expected, a tough campaign in a very competitive division ahead, this Sundays game in Ederney already looks like a must win. Only 2 away victories in whole league at weekend.
Fermanagh have 4 home games, so Antrim, Offaly, Laois look like will need to get 4 points at least there with possible away win in Leitrim to reach the 6 point minimum.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1151 - 28/01/2025 13:14:38
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macca999, in spite of your U-turn about Donnelly staying on and your notion of walking away if he stayed on, it's seems clear you're still invested in Fermanagh's success, but annoyingly your analysis is still rather long-winded, as always. However, while it's fair to highlight concerns like the midfield and defensive gaps, I think some of the criticism risks missing the bigger picture. First off, this was always going to be a tough challenge against a strong Kildare team. The lack of depth in midfield is a structural issue that can't be fixed overnight. McGurn stepping in shows the management is trying to adapt, even if it comes with trade-offs elsewhere. Similarly, Che Cullen's commitment, despite being based in Cork, deserves recognition rather than scepticism about his availability...it's players like him who show the dedication needed at this level. As for the crowd size, it's disappointing to see a drop-off in support, but instead of focusing on that, we should be rallying behind the team for the crucial home games ahead. The lads need support now more than ever, especially in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive division. Let's look forward to the opportunities for improvement rather than dwelling too much on what went wrong in one game. With four home fixtures, there's a real chance to turn things around, and the supporters can play a key role in lifting the team's spirit.
P.S. On another note, it's surprising that you chose to head off to Kildare instead of staying to help those in need after the storm. Many of our GAA members were out supporting the community during a difficult time...wouldn't your efforts have been better spent lending a hand locally? It's what the GAA spirit is all about!
BigToeJoe (Fermanagh) - Posts: 197 - 28/01/2025 22:02:21
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Replying To BigToeJoe: "macca999, in spite of your U-turn about Donnelly staying on and your notion of walking away if he stayed on, it's seems clear you're still invested in Fermanagh's success, but annoyingly your analysis is still rather long-winded, as always. However, while it's fair to highlight concerns like the midfield and defensive gaps, I think some of the criticism risks missing the bigger picture. First off, this was always going to be a tough challenge against a strong Kildare team. The lack of depth in midfield is a structural issue that can't be fixed overnight. McGurn stepping in shows the management is trying to adapt, even if it comes with trade-offs elsewhere. Similarly, Che Cullen's commitment, despite being based in Cork, deserves recognition rather than scepticism about his availability...it's players like him who show the dedication needed at this level. As for the crowd size, it's disappointing to see a drop-off in support, but instead of focusing on that, we should be rallying behind the team for the crucial home games ahead. The lads need support now more than ever, especially in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive division. Let's look forward to the opportunities for improvement rather than dwelling too much on what went wrong in one game. With four home fixtures, there's a real chance to turn things around, and the supporters can play a key role in lifting the team's spirit.
P.S. On another note, it's surprising that you chose to head off to Kildare instead of staying to help those in need after the storm. Many of our GAA members were out supporting the community during a difficult time...wouldn't your efforts have been better spent lending a hand locally? It's what the GAA spirit is all about!" Big Toe Joe, i will check Hoganstands terms and conditions regarding compulsory use of bullet points to shorten posts or if word count limit.
Just expressing opinion and thoughts(similar length to your own post)
Il always be invested in Fermanaghs success, that is what a true GAA member does as you highlighted above, so regardless of who manager this year or next year will support the team. Maybe your mixed up in other sports where people change there team like the wind based on personal choices.
Nothing sceptical about Che Cullen, being realistic as serious commute from Cork and think Donnelly himself said unlikely to be involved for much of league, so would say thats a fair assumption!
Yes agreed, team needs supporters to turn up and back the team starting in Ederney this Sunday, so are you saying Fermanagh supporters shouldnt make the effort to travel away to places like Kildare etc??? bit of a contradiction there.
You are unaware of what any GAA member did Friday, Sunday and this week as many are still needing help, so dont make unwarranted judgements.
Anyway Hopefully Luke Flanagan and Brandon Horan might be able to feature this weekend.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1151 - 29/01/2025 10:31:38
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So where do we begin .
I made the journey down the road Saturday evening and after 15 minutes the game was over .
We have zero game plan.
We have the same issues we have had the past few seasons.
We are struggling in the middle and we have zero defensive set up.
We have better players within the county who are not on their panel and questions have to be asked why.
Why have so many men walked away from the county under this setup?
Now we head to Ederney this weekend in what is a must win game .
Again hats off to our county board .
After abandoning the Lissan project, despite a huge fund raising drive, we are now sending the county team to a fine club ground that just isn't up to intercounty standards for spectators .
There is an extremely small stand with little or no facilities for elderly or disabled supporters while Brewster park hosts a hurling game .
The mind boggles at the decision making sometimes ....
jimmy1 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 12 - 29/01/2025 14:41:14
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Replying To macca999: "Big Toe Joe, i will check Hoganstands terms and conditions regarding compulsory use of bullet points to shorten posts or if word count limit.
Just expressing opinion and thoughts(similar length to your own post)
Il always be invested in Fermanaghs success, that is what a true GAA member does as you highlighted above, so regardless of who manager this year or next year will support the team. Maybe your mixed up in other sports where people change there team like the wind based on personal choices.
Nothing sceptical about Che Cullen, being realistic as serious commute from Cork and think Donnelly himself said unlikely to be involved for much of league, so would say thats a fair assumption!
Yes agreed, team needs supporters to turn up and back the team starting in Ederney this Sunday, so are you saying Fermanagh supporters shouldnt make the effort to travel away to places like Kildare etc??? bit of a contradiction there.
You are unaware of what any GAA member did Friday, Sunday and this week as many are still needing help, so dont make unwarranted judgements.
Anyway Hopefully Luke Flanagan and Brandon Horan might be able to feature this weekend." Looks like big Joe touched a raw nerve with your sour response!
TurnipHead. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 250 - 29/01/2025 19:08:42
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Replying To TurnipHead.: "Looks like big Joe touched a raw nerve with your sour response!" Ah he has his opinion I have mine, someone who criticises a Fermanagh supporter going to a Fermanagh game on a Fermanagh forum, just find it a bit strange.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1151 - 29/01/2025 20:04:58
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The jones brothers would be an obvious loss for derrygonnelly. Was there a falling out that all moved?
FoolsGold (Cavan) - Posts: 2846 - 30/01/2025 13:02:01
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I shared my honest and valid opinion, only to be met with dismissal by someone unwilling to consider another perspective. As for his Cavan associate, his curiosity about certain players and their club, with all due respect, is a matter that doesn't concern him.
BigToeJoe (Fermanagh) - Posts: 197 - 30/01/2025 15:45:45
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Game of two halfs Antrim should have been out of sight in the first. They could have scored 4 or 5 goals. I don't think bogue had a good game but I don't blame him fully donnelly has to take some responsibility obviously told him to roam forward to be the extra man. All the counties do it now know modern way I hate it. Keepers job is to protect the goals not be a creater or a scoring threat. Got caught out of position to my many times. I don't think he should have been taking the free out from that position on the pitch but in his defence no one was looking for the ball so he could pass to. In the end he lost the ball and got chipped. Another occasion he was caught out the ball had dropped short but thankfully cassidy was switched on enough to drop back and covered the goals. Once again antrim fell had an open net and no defenders ahead of him bizarrely chose to take point instead of tapping in the goal. Thought his kickouts were accurate but were floating balls rather low driven which gave antrim midfielders a better chance of winning.
At times when we looked we were just trying to go just for goals rather taking handy points . I like backing yourselves for goals but sometimes you need to take the handy points on offer just to keep the score board ticking over. You don't turn down a gift when it's on offer. Some players look afraid to shoot
2nd half We scored 3 of the opening scores in the 2nd half including a monster 2pointer from jones. McCusker fisted over a point and cassidy showing maturity following suit he could have fisted across to make attempt at goal but made the right choice taking the point.
Some of defending in the last 10mins was brilliant we did concede a goal but nothing they could have done about players were throwing themselves to block the ball putting their bodies on the line.
Players I was impressed with was jones think he ended up with 1.7 scored the only 2 pointer of the game, conor love got the goal, cassidy and mcusker but for me the star man was mcdade best performance seen from in a fermanagh jersey.
It's still a young team did well to get a big result. Well done lads.
Not sure what my target is for the season.
The new rules I like the sole and go helped speed up the game however some of the other rules where confusing mainly the punishment. I like the idea of there always has to be 3 attackers in the opposite half and 3 defenders left back, I can see why it's being introduced but correct me if I am wrong here if to many attackers drop back it's a free from I think 10m line, but if to many defenders go forward it's a free from 10m line but they have an option to go for 2pointer from the 40m line. I would not be giving the option of 2pointer.
The 2 points from outside arc I can get used to just wish the arc was more visible. Some people where struggling to understand has to be from open play. Me personally I would kept a point is still a point expect from a sideline kick and that would be a 2 pointer cause I think it a dyeing art. Like I said think I used to going from outside the arc.
Any mouthing to the officials is almost a certain score.
Still not a fan of the black card.
ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 70 - 03/02/2025 15:25:12
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Crucial win in Ederney on Sunday, game could have went either way but thankfully we came out the right side and our decent record at this ground continues.
Good detailed post Erne Devil, agree, after that first half display Fermanagh were lucky to be within10 points of Antrim never mind 2, some of the distribution and decision making was poor, Antrim messed up 2 more easy goal chances through poor turnovers while in attack in first half tried to force goals when easy points were needed to steady us. The speed in their attack was Again struggled to win possession on own kickouts, which isnt just Bogues responsibility, players have to move, create space and want the ball,second half improved as McDade made a few good fetches.
Second half brought an improvement with some good attaching play opening Antrim up, Garvan Jones kicked some excellent scores, with Decky McCusker, McGurn, Cassidy and McDade all coming to the fore.
4/5 wides in a row combined with late Antrim goal made it a nervier finish with some last ditch blocks and great save from Bogue to get a vital win. Kelm probably still not 100%, taken off, one of only 2 subs made, which interesting given comments from other managers about need for extra subs given the speed the new rules brought to the game.
Other results in the division, Kildare look strong favourites, Offaly going well, while Sligo be disappointed, Clare away will be a tough assignment in 2 weeks but least, going on the back of a good win and hopefully might have Horan/Flanagan back for this one.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1151 - 04/02/2025 15:54:14
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