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An exciting ending in Brewster last Saturday as with 15 minutes left it looked like a comfortable win for Sligo.
First half fairly even but some frees gave Sligo 2 pointer opportunities to allow them ahead on scoreboard. Fermanagh had some bad wides and attack was slower build up while Sligo forwards were causing problems at other end.
Start of second half they blitzed us as couldn't get the ball at all, the introduction of McDade made huge difference he was excellent in middle.
Great to see the fightback and character at end with good 2 point scores from Jones, Sean Cassidy and McCusker. Largo Ellis pass to McNally for equaliser was class.
Sligo were very impressive and hard to understand their poor start but beat Clare yesterday too.
That result leaves Fermanagh with a slim hope for promotion still. Would next to win next 2 games which itself no easy feat v Leitrim and Laois, then hope this wkd that Laois beat clare, kildare beat offaly then clare to beat offaly in final game. Be nice to still have possibility going into the laois game although think team would struggle in Division 2 at minute.
Positive news on Kelm and Flanagan, both may feature from bench this weekend.
Team played monaghan on Saturday in a challenge match in clones.
Talk that these new rule adaptions won't be in for last 2 league games, madness!!
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 10/03/2025 07:16:42
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Replying To macca999: "An exciting ending in Brewster last Saturday as with 15 minutes left it looked like a comfortable win for Sligo.
First half fairly even but some frees gave Sligo 2 pointer opportunities to allow them ahead on scoreboard. Fermanagh had some bad wides and attack was slower build up while Sligo forwards were causing problems at other end.
Start of second half they blitzed us as couldn't get the ball at all, the introduction of McDade made huge difference he was excellent in middle.
Great to see the fightback and character at end with good 2 point scores from Jones, Sean Cassidy and McCusker. Largo Ellis pass to McNally for equaliser was class.
Sligo were very impressive and hard to understand their poor start but beat Clare yesterday too.
That result leaves Fermanagh with a slim hope for promotion still. Would next to win next 2 games which itself no easy feat v Leitrim and Laois, then hope this wkd that Laois beat clare, kildare beat offaly then clare to beat offaly in final game. Be nice to still have possibility going into the laois game although think team would struggle in Division 2 at minute.
Positive news on Kelm and Flanagan, both may feature from bench this weekend.
Team played monaghan on Saturday in a challenge match in clones.
Talk that these new rule adaptions won't be in for last 2 league games, madness!!" It's an interesting take, but I'd challenge a few points in your perspective.
First, while it's true that Sligo looked in control with 15 minutes left, the nature of the game suggests it was never as "comfortable" as it may have seemed. Fermanagh had already shown signs of strength, and their ability to claw back at the end wasn't just about Sligo letting up.it was about Fermanagh's own fight and smart play. The introduction of McDade was a game-changer, but that alone wasn't the sole reason for the comeback; it was a combination of fresh legs, tactical adjustments, and a growing belief in the team.
You also mention that Fermanagh's attack was slower in build-up compared to Sligo's more dynamic forward play. But was this really a flaw? Sometimes a patient, methodical approach can be just as effective, and while there were some poor wides, it's not as if Sligo were flawless either. The game was ultimately decided by small margins, and credit should go to both sides rather than painting it as Sligo being in control before suddenly slipping.
On the bigger picture, you suggest that Fermanagh would struggle in Division 2, but isn't that what promotion is all about, that is testing themselves against stronger opposition? If they can fight back like they did against Sligo, they'd have every chance of competing well. Instead of focusing on how tough it would be, maybe the conversation should be about how this crop of players can grow and push themselves further.
Good to see you engaging again rather than stepping back after some pushback from others on this thread. Rise above it and take criticism head-on!
abc1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 409 - 11/03/2025 18:28:49
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ABC, I think you were too polite in your reply to macca. The guy has been selective in his criticism of certain players particularly those protecting the net. He never apologises when challenged and rarely has a good word for the keepers. You say 'push back' by others like myself when this guy is taken to task... but I would see it has having his wings clipped and rightly so!
hillbilly. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 40 - 13/03/2025 09:31:09
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It's an interesting take, but I'd challenge a few points in your perspective.
Yes abc1234,good to see some healthy positive debate on here,much welcomed, certainly with the 2 pointers now no lead looks safe as shown throughout the league campaign to date. There was a number of factors in the great comeback, Fermanaghs attitude to battle, the 2 pointers and also Sligo made alot of subs early which disrupted their momentum.
Sligo moved the ball quicker, with the 3 v 3 teams are encouraged to move faster and use the kick pass, unfortunately statistics show less kick passing now then ever so we arent only team continuing to prefer to move the ball through hands still.
Obviously if offered opportunity to get promoted would take it always, give the players chance to try push themselves and raise to another level. Just being realistic in highlighting it is an even stronger division than when we were in it last year(when unlucky to go down on 5 points), Meath and Louth have improved and when look at the 2 teams promoted last year, Westmeath and Down this year who would be considered stronger than us currently it would be a huge task staying there.
Hillybilly, thats not being selective, its just saying what is my opinion, not fact just an opinion so dont take these things too deep. Again you havnt shared any of your views on the team and rather to criticise other posters. Id love to have wings like an angel but sadly not.
Best of luck to the team on Sunday, different surroundings in Ballinamore, Leitrim gave Offaly a closer test so important we are prepared for a battle, hopefully a win and get some minutes into Kelm and Flanagan. Championship game v Down only 4 weeks away from Saturday
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ABC, I think you were too polite in your reply to macca. The guy has been selective in his criticism of certain players particularly those protecting the net. He never apologises when challenged and rarely has a good word for the keepers. You say 'push back' by others like myself when this guy is taken to task... but I would see it has having his wings clipped and rightly so!
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 13/03/2025 18:03:48
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Leitrim unable to field this weekend, due to injuries and U-20 championship commitments, so 2 points for Fermanagh.
Will always take the W, however I would have thought that Leitrim surely could have put a panel together for the match even if it meant calling up other club players as a once off (similar to what Fermanagh had to do vs. Clare a few years ago). Strange decision in my opinion.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 50 - 15/03/2025 14:23:09
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A very strange decision, obviously Leitrim in a difficult position and have a small pick which we would be familiar with but i think this decision will have a much bigger negative impact for Leitrim football than forfeiting 2 points into the future, doesnt entice future generations to put on a jersey/sponsors etc, puts media scrutiny on them and this wont be forgotten about. Puts the integrity of national competition into doubt.
Hopefully their under 20s put up a good performance later this evening.
From our own point of view disappointing not to have a game and get crucial game time into the legs of the returning Flanagan, Horan and McDade.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 19/03/2025 18:33:05
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Another strong last 10 minutes to get a win in Brewster Park yesterday, regardless of its impact on league important to get a win in Brewster Park before Down arrive there in 3 weeks.
The performance was patchy, first half was fairly even, Fermanagh twice punished for passing ball back to McNally in own half(one of which cost a 2 pointer) and did it once more it second half which led to another point.
Good displays from Decky Mc, Johnny Cassidy, Luke Flanagan, McNally made a couple of good saves and Largo Ellis kicked some great scores while in the last 10 minutes McDade caught some wonderful balls, similar to the Sligo game he was a driving force to the finish line and provided us with impetus to win the game.
Good win but few things to work on, ability to win breaking ball is really leaving us starved of possession, yesterday Laois took control in second half in middle sector. Definitely lacking presence there, maybe Horan might be able to help McDade there, McGurn putting in a huge shift but is more natural forward while we seem to lack real dirty ball winners, lads like former players Raymie Johnston, Barry Mulrone type players though way game gone last few years was no kickouts so breaking ball didnt exist players probably not used to this yet.
The 20 minutes of the second half Laois cut through at will with some pace, worryingly with very little resistance and easily missed 2 goals, as Decky said after this huge warning as Down would have serious pace and certainly be more clinical if we gift them those opportunities.
To watch at times yesterday was hard to believe Fermanagh were playing with possibility to get promoted(at HT actually were 2nd with results before Kildare cameback and Clare likewise) as our play was very lethargic, numerous times a player had the ball and nobody was supporting or looking the ball forcing player to try run it or turnover or back. Normally with team playing with chance to go up would expect high tempo and urgency, perhaps done heavy weeks training.
Overall 9 points on the board, including 2 one point wins, and 2 comebacks, one for a draw and other for win, so dont think can argue that should have got much more points on the board. Team have shown great spirit and attitude to get those results v Laois and Sligo, though against Down think will need better display and more consistency to step up to them. Hopefully no more injuries and Kelm is able to play a part.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 24/03/2025 22:20:01
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Only a few days until the Ulster Championship game in Brewster, very low key build up, based on attendance at Healy Park last wkd(6,767) id say could be a small attendance for this quarter final 4k mark, Down supporters probably will be thinking to wait to next Sundays potential ulster semi.
The decision to have the minors play Tyrone at 12 in Omagh on same day lacks wisdom, surely that could have been played before senior game??, give those young lads that exposure and help create atmosphere, dont see why minor games separate from this especially when gone from group format and on same time.
Also a 4pm on a Saturday not a great time for people who work, in Munster game semi at 2pm Saturday, GAA not really accommodation supporters in cramming it all in.
Bookies have Fermanagh at 11/2, so definitely underdogs, though after last 3 draws in Ulster, Tyrone, Derry and Armagh this is certainly a game within camp that will be more within reach and be hoping that Fermanagh can be in the mix in this game going into the last 10 minutes at least.
From looking at the games to date in championship, with new rules huge scorelines, Antrim 1-23, New York 0-20, Carlow 0-19 and all lost. If the shootout nature continues on Saturday would certainly feel that Down will be more potent in attack racking up a winning scoreline, especially with 2 point threat of Havern. They were very unlucky to be relegated from division 2 and we know have serious speed and ability to move the ball through the hands.
So Fermanagh need to be super disciplined in tackle and not giving away 2 point frees.
Throughout the league, midfield was area that hindered us, as Cavan game showed last sunday, need to get hands on ball and at least get 50% of breaks. McDade had a decent end in league so hopefully carries that in plus likes of McCusker, McGullion, O Brien McGurn can support in getting primary possession, Murdoch for Down needs to be targeted.
Fermanagh were in Portugal other week for training camp, so hopefully this will help preparation and give the squad believe coming into this game(majority of the team will have yet to win a Ulster championship game, in some cases same applies through minor/U-20 levels)
Best of luck to the team and lets produce best performance of year on Saturday, fingers crossed, Kelm, Love, McCaffery and Flanagan are all fully fit for consideration.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 16/04/2025 22:04:22
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Irrespective of the outcome, I thought this one of Fermanagh's best performances for some time so I'm disappointed that those opinionated posters the comment regularly here haven't the decency to acknowledge our fine county footballers...and yes macca, including our goalkeeper!
hillbilly. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 40 - 25/04/2025 08:47:48
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Replying To hillbilly.: "Irrespective of the outcome, I thought this one of Fermanagh's best performances for some time so I'm disappointed that those opinionated posters the comment regularly here haven't the decency to acknowledge our fine county footballers...and yes macca, including our goalkeeper!" Hillbilly
As you can see there isn't many posters on here in general nowadays, along with the poor attendances so interest in county team is minimal in itself so christening me for not posting is a bit inaccurate.
The shocking attendances is a huge issue the gaa face across board, mostly self inflicted but they need to address it ASAP.
Saturdays performance was very good especially the first 20 minutes in second half the best have seen from Fermanagh in 6 years, Conor Love, McDade, Johnny Cassidy, Decky McCusker and McNally all terrific.
As we ourselves showed in league 7 points with new rules can be retrieved and sadly it was here.
The first goal was killer through middle and felt sorry for team to lose in devastating way, poor Smyth ball out over line very costly.
Hopefully they can carry that form into tailteann cup in few weeks time in what will be a competitive competition with offaly, clare, sligo, westmeath plus louth/kildare
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 26/04/2025 12:35:51
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Hi macca, your readiness to shift blame onto the GAA for declining attendances is an easy out that oversimplifies a far more complex issue. Yes, the association has made mistakes. No organisation is perfect but to lay the "demise in game attendance" solely at their feet ignores the broader context with societal shifts, competing entertainment, the impact of live TV games and online streaming, and changing fan habits, to name a few.
What's most telling is that you're quick to highlight these broader "structural" failings yet couldn't find a single sentence to credit the guts, discipline, and heart Fermanagh showed on their championship quarter final, one of their most cohesive and spirited performances in recent times. That silence says more about your priorities than the GAA's shortcomings ever could, until you were forced to respond!
Blaming the GAA might be convenient, but it doesn't excuse turning a blind eye to your own lack of balance when it comes to recognising effort and improvement on the pitch. Hillbilly is right, if you're going to criticise constantly, at least have the grace to acknowledge, without being prompted, a day when the players gave us something to be proud of.
A great effort by one and all, with Declan McCusker and Johnny Cassidy having an immense impact. Conor Love was a revelation. And yes, even our much-maligned keeper stood tall. The performance against Down wasn't just a decent showing, it was a marker of belief. The least they deserve is that recognition fully and genuinely acknowledged with someone having to prise open your gob to do so!
AuldGussie (Fermanagh) - Posts: 97 - 02/05/2025 23:34:33
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PRICELESS!!!
TurnipHead. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 253 - 03/05/2025 14:05:44
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A great posting Gussie! However I would have added about the prices to games isn't helping. As for macca you're right, a belated minimal acknowledgement of our Fermanagh team dragged out of him isn't worth anything when he can write plenty of stuff pre the championship.
The_Rat (Fermanagh) - Posts: 54 - 03/05/2025 14:37:10
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Shocking result today against a very average Carlow side. I try to stay positive about the team and management but performances in Tailteann Cup since its inception have not been good enough. Two games to bring it back but it is simply not good enough to be losing at home to Division 4 opposition. Fermanagh never once taking the lead in the game says it all.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 50 - 11/05/2025 16:03:52
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Replying To Bailah: "Shocking result today against a very average Carlow side. I try to stay positive about the team and management but performances in Tailteann Cup since its inception have not been good enough. Two games to bring it back but it is simply not good enough to be losing at home to Division 4 opposition. Fermanagh never once taking the lead in the game says it all." Absolutely, Bailah! It's hard to argue with your frustration. That result was tough to take, especially considering the home advantage and the expectations going into the game. Carlow looked sharper than many expected, but from a Fermanagh perspective, not leading at any point really sums it up. I'll spare the embarrassment of naming players that aren't living up to expectation for now, since there's definitely still time to turn it around in the next two games, but there's no sugarcoating that this was a major setback.
The writing is on the wall for Donnelly, who many thought should have gone at the end of last season's disastrous finish, even his die-hard supporter macca999 thought similarly. However, we'll give him the benefit of the doubt for now, and hope that he can regroup the team and respond with the urgency and fight we all want to see.
BigToeJoe (Fermanagh) - Posts: 198 - 11/05/2025 16:49:45
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Go on bigtoejoe and name those players and that will open up debate properly.
Agree Donnelly's exit is on the cards.
Wired2theMoon (Fermanagh) - Posts: 41 - 11/05/2025 18:32:41
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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
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1166 - 11/05/2025 21:51:17
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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 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 409 - 12/05/2025 08:36:06
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I mean "heavy defeat" in terms of being beat by a div 4 team!
abc1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 409 - 12/05/2025 09:24:34
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Hi macca, trying to adapt Louth' s blueprint means investing in top class rather than mediocre management. and in there lies Fermanagh's problem! Building white elephants seems to be more of an ambition of our co board than the here and now.
Jacob86 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 246 - 12/05/2025 13:38:57
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