Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 20003 - 22/05/2026 15:31:12    2674657

Good win on Sunday over a fancied Wexford team, regardless of opposition its a while since won 2 games in a row in Brewster and in terms of confidence/belief for players.

There is no doubt the half time score of 12-5 flattered Fermanagh as Wexford had alot of poor wides, although certainly noticed that our defenders were closer to the Wexford forwards, with some excellent blocks from Horan and Smyth.
Fermanagh were clinical in attack in the first half as transitioned the ball quickly evident with McDermotts point when Stephen McGullion kicked the ball into him, while some great scores from McGurn, McCaffery and Love, while McDades gialbound effort unlucky to hit the bar.

We looked fortunate just before half time as Wexford looked to be fouled when in on goal(black card offence) and then gave away a 2 point free for arguing this which Jones punished with great kick.
The second half started positive but then a needless turnover when Cassidy ran into contact of 3 mens gave Wexford a fresh impetus when then ran in for a goal. Fermanagh got a quick response when a McGurn effort dropped short and Stephen McGullion bravely fisted to the net but the visitors looked looked like could turn it around, aided then when ran in for a second goal. There is no doubt with the new rules all teams look more open but Fermanagh look very susceptible in defence when teams run at us and take on our full back line for pace and power(as mentioned before options limited there).
Wexford were shading the midfield battle with their keepers kickouts very accurate, until last few minutes when overcooked a couple which we punished.
To their credit Fermanagh got a goal back again when McDades fisted point effort was finished again by McGullion(hard to believe he didnt start in some league games).
Despite Wexford pressure Fermanagh kept them at 3 point gap with McGurn carrying alot of the threat himself at times in second half as attacks became bit more controlled, he was supported by the introductions of Corrigan and O Hanlon who added to the scoreboard.
McGurn starting to show his ability now thanks to a run of games without injury, which he had threatened when first broke through 4 years ago, doing it consistently now, hopefully continues, while Largo Ellis and McCaffery very good.

As commented in other forum threads, the random slotting in of New York isnt ideal in terms of competition integrity, extra game to get to same stage as other teams who won same games,but somebody had to play them. Its another opportunity for players to play for their county, plus its a home game with a home quarter final if can win it.

Looks like no injuries picked up, so hopefully fully fit team to choose from, Ultan Kelm got more minutes crucially on Sunday, id look at starting him next day just to help blow of some rust and hopefully get him up to speed as will be needed to make impact in games at later stages if progress, while this game could be good chance for others to get more opportunity on pitch in 2 weeks, Sean Cassidy/ O Hanlon.

Is Aogan Kelm injured?

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1229 - 26/05/2026 18:40:33    2675861

Definitely a first in Brewster Park on Saturday with the US anthem being sung, the game itself proved to be a runout, with the main positives being getting game time into Ultan Kelm, while Garvan Jones and Sean Cassidy got halves each.
Conor O Hanlon was very impressive on his start,(has done well anytime brought out), with lots of good fielding too, while Mattie McDermott continues to settle well into senior inter county football,McCaffery continues to show consistency, plus the instant impact of Aogan Kelm when on showed what he can do and certainly has role to play, he adds to good attacking threat and ability to get goals. With Corrigan too, good to see some options in squad now as way game has gone need impact down the stretch, while McCusker and Flanagan didnt get on.
Defensively still doubts and options of out and out defenders is limited, McMahon on bench last day but probably lack match fitness.
Brandon Horan not in 26, any word on his injury in Wexford game??
McDade did well, thought could have been rested earlier as seems very prone to ankle injury during games.

All this said but taking the opposition into account, Sligo will be a good step up on Saturday evening, we were lucky to beat them at same stage last year, when id say both teams were probably stronger. The Yeatsmen probably be happy with the draw, short journey, they have beaten us in the league already plus have had a few players return from injury.

Should be a good crowd again in Brewster on Saturday, as Bonner says can make all the difference in close game which expect this to be. McNally was excellent on 45s last weekend though can be easier when less pressure on the kick. A slack enough goal conceded, will need to keep the goals out on Saturday evening and continue to press further out to minimise Sligos 2 point threat from Murphy, Deighan and McLoughlin. Be interesting to see if they start Ultan Kelm on Saturday obviously depend on how got through last day, think he could have huge influence by coming on when game usually opens up.

Best of luck on Saturday, hopefully the forecast is good and a great game awaits.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1229 - 10/06/2026 19:11:37    2678914

ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 83 - 14/06/2026 21:29:24    2679655

Dont think anyone expected Saturdays game to be one sided as it was, especially given the league encounter back in February, goes to show how things can quickly change in sport.

A great win and performance for Fermanagh, although Sligo will admit that they were woeful, fact they had beaten London and Waterford maybe reflects how not beaten sooner, the Fermanagh panel and management will not be naive to read too much into this result, especially with the next opponent.

On the game in Brewster, firstly another good turnout and backing, the first 10 minutes , Sligo probably edged it and looked like was going to be the anticipated nip and tuck contest, however rest of the half Fermanagh owned the ball and pulled away.
Excellent performances by McNally, the save from the peno and follow up was super, in defence Shane McGullion, Johnny Cassidy and Ronan McCaffery, who continues to grow as a leader in the team, good to see 2 of these lads adding scores as is needed in current game. Midfield were excellent, Stephen McGullion very good again while Conor O Hanlon continues to impress, every time this year he has made a positive impact and did again with some brilliant fielding, a super 2 pointer plus it was him that cleared the ball after the penalty save, definitely potential to be a great player for the county.
The possession dominance was helped greatly by the hunger and intensity from the players to win any breaks
The defence looked a bit tighter, though Sligo very slow in attack allowed Fermanagh get bodies behind the ball.

In attack Love showed his threat when got the ball, probably should get some more possession, McDermott continues to show great potential not only to score but to create with some excellent vision. Ultan Kelm certainly looks to be getting up to speed and should benefit from another start. The game was effectively over after the penalty save, which looked harsh but good to see Corrigan, Sean Cassidy and Aogan Kelm on scoreboard when introduced.


Looking ahead, with draw restrictions, it was always going to be Down, for any team wanting to try win the TC would likely would have to beat Down, the odds of 4/1 highlight the task ahead. There is no doubt since the league Fermanagh have built some momentum with the 4 wins at home plus near fully fit squad, but this will be a different level facing on Saturday. Everyone will remember last years defeat from the jaws of victory, Down somehow snatched it, however in the first half Downs pace and speed of attack as evident, which will be even more threatening in the open spaces of Croke Park if given possession and space. Love gave the Mournemen the runaround in Brewster id expect Laverty to have a plan to reduce his threat, while themselves Ronan Burns is an excellent keeper who can score 2 point frees at ease, while Odhran Murdock is a top player, well supported by Guinness, Rooney, Eamon Brown, Mooney and Havern, who has been used as a sub recently. Fermanaghs midfield has done well recently and has been documented that its a team with more height for long time, which will need to utilise on Saturday to get hands on the ball, which limits Downs threat. McGurn has been quiet last 2 games, will need him to have a big performance,with others continuing their positive performances around him, the team to need to show high intensity and concentration for 75 minutes, keep the goals out and who knows, there is no doubt they will go with belief. Having played in Croke Park twice last year means should be familiar with it and id say be keen to make amends for last years semi with Kildare.


Best of luck lads, hopefully a good turnout in Croke Park for the team, know other events on in county on Saturday plus a few other high profile games on that could entice some to the armchair(unfortunate the TC semis have lost their prime time alone sunday afternoon double bill slot as previous, which was major selling point when starting the Tailteann Cup)but lets get behind the group and hopefully supporters can help drive the team on if game goes down the stretch

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1229 - 17/06/2026 18:31:16    2680362