Is it fair to say this is the most anticipated game at this stage of the football championship?

After all this Ulster bashing that's goes on constantly which I don't get involved in as everyone who actually knows stuff about football realises these things happen in most of the country not just Ulster. Its just highlighted more in Ulster. But sure thats a great thing yous are all taking such interest in Ulster football then choosing to give out about every bit of it.

Anyway I think Armagh can put it up to donegal and im sure everyone will want to watch this one, then give out about whatever happens during the game. Im sure there will be a few scuffles, but of course this only happens in Ulster and know where else. LOL

goalpost (Armagh) - Posts: 215 - 20/05/2015 21:43:54    1726293

Don't think this one is going to be a s highly anticipated as the Donegal/Tyrone clash to be honest.

Donegal should account for Armagh we easily enough if they're anywhere near their best. Armagh nearly caught Donegal cold in lat year's Quarter-Finals but I think Donegal had their eyes already on the semi-finals and were preparing accordingly.

Armagh have spent the spring in Division 3, that coupled with the undoubted question marks over McGeeney's tactical limitations in game points to a Donegal win. Can't see Armagh winning at all to be honest.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13795 - 21/05/2015 08:26:47    1726310

I have feeling Armagh under McGeeney will eventually be the nastiest, toughest and most ruthless team ever in an orange jersey. If Donegal thought they had it tough against Tyrone, they're in for a rude awakening at the athletics ground. I might actually go to this game because it will be fun to watch. Im not sure who will win it, but there wont be a big score difference

cacsmckilly (Tyrone) - Posts: 1294 - 21/05/2015 08:55:34    1726318

In doubt rory gallagher is under any illusions about Mcgeeney and armagh and what they may or may not get up to. But in fairness, I think the best thing that happened us was leaking the goal early against tyrone, and this is unlikely to happen again, albiet early in a game.

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3846 - 21/05/2015 10:24:29    1726349

that coupled with the undoubted question marks over McGeeney's tactical limitations in game points

WTF?

Nobody in Donegal is taking this game lightly and yes this game if one of the most anticipated games in the championship until the Provincial finals

The Championship never really felt like it starts outside of course the Ulster championship until the quarter finals but for all the negativity I think we have some great summer of matches to look forward to before we reach the business end

1. DOnegal v Tyrone-Already a brilliant opener
2. Galway v Mayo-Could be a cracker..especially if Galway win
3. Down v Derry
4. Tippeary v Kerry-Will be closer than the bookies think
5. MOnaghan v Cavan-Might not be pretty on the eye but will be competitive
6. Surely we'll get some massive qualifiers with the B side stacked some competitively. Mayo v Tyrone anybody?

shaggykev (Donegal) - Posts: 306 - 21/05/2015 10:46:48    1726360

Lol Donegalman - what Armagh might be up to?? Have to laugh at Donegal supporters letting on their team are angels - they're the masters of the dark arts!!!

Brolly (Monaghan) - Posts: 4472 - 21/05/2015 10:54:47    1726365

Donegal 1-10 Armagh 0.10
Seven red cards and 14 yellows..you heard it here first

KY4SAM2015 (Kerry) - Posts: 898 - 21/05/2015 11:00:39    1726371

Brolly
County: Monaghan
Posts: 3937

1726365
Lol Donegalman - what Armagh might be up to?? Have to laugh at Donegal supporters letting on their team are angels - they're the masters of the dark arts!!!

I never said we were angels. Just saying that we will have to expect anything and everyting in the athletic grounds. Will be very interested to see if monaghan manage to keep their heads in kingspan on sunday btw, its a venue that monaghan have a miserable record in, and if they are getting it tight or worse, will they stick to football?

Donegalman (None) - Posts: 3846 - 21/05/2015 11:08:25    1726380

This game will be the most hard hitting championship game in ulster this year, armagh at home it will be like a caldron the atmosphere will be electric and thats only in the crowd.
There is no way both teams will finish with 15 players, we will get our token handbags within minutes of throw in if not before game starts and i for one can,t wait for this game.

Yourjoking (USA) - Posts: 744 - 21/05/2015 11:12:20    1726383

This will be another tough battle. Despite Armagh playing in Division 3 this year Championship is a different proposition and they will be hard beat at the Athletic Grounds. I'd fancy us but we need to be a bit better than against Tyrone.

DL4SAM (Donegal) - Posts: 19 - 21/05/2015 11:14:52    1726386

This topic is already descending into the off-the-ball antics that might/might not happen. Back to the game itself, it is sure to be a physical game but I don't see any real advantage for any side in this department. It certainly will be a close game and can't see any big scores being rattled up by either side. In these type of encounters it usually is the team who gets the better start that ends up winning it. I am hoping Donegal can win by a few points but wouldn't be betting the house on it.

JimTheLegend (Donegal) - Posts: 247 - 21/05/2015 11:18:22    1726387

shaggykev
County: Donegal
Posts: 102

1726360
that coupled with the undoubted question marks over McGeeney's tactical limitations in game

WTF?

McGeeney is poor in game. He cost Kildare v the Dubs in 2009 Leinster Final and again in the semi-final in 2011.

Left Brogan on his own in 2009 even though Kildare had the extra man and then in 2011 decided to put Johnny Doyle back as cover in front of Brogan when they'd the extra man again in 2011.

MesAmis (Dublin) - Posts: 13795 - 21/05/2015 11:23:24    1726393

Brolly did you watch the Donegal Armagh game in QF last year. It was a very dirty affair and barely any of it was started by Donegal. I don't think anyone thinks Donegal are angels but they are not as bad as some of the others (Other provinces included)

link

McGeeney will have seen what happened to Murphy the last day and we can definately expect the exact same treatment the next day. To Be honest though I do think that is Armaghs best hope of winning and I imagine that is what they will do.
Murphy, mcBrearty and Lacey will be in for a harsh time. McGlynn and every other player will be hit hard when the opportunity arises.

I think Armagh may offer more in the forward line than Tyrone so we would need to shore that up a bit from the last day.

Word of warning to all the Ulster bashers. Dont bother watching this game. It wouldnt be to your liking so no point watching and then giving out all the following week about it.

dstuction (Donegal) - Posts: 1209 - 21/05/2015 11:26:57    1726397

What this game really needs is a strong referee, ably assisted by linesmen & umpires, who will visit bot dressing rooms before the start & lay it on the line to both teams.

He then needs to be willing to flash early cards, a la Maurice Deegan in the 2012 final, then we will get a good tough hard competitive game.

In fact Deegan with his experience as linesman in the Donegal/Tyrone game would be an ideal choice, but whoever it is needs to be tough from the get go.

MuckrossHead (Donegal) - Posts: 5028 - 21/05/2015 12:01:19    1726424

Armagh will be hard to beat at home and they maybe able to deal with a low scoring defensive game better than most. Certainly last years quarter-final should have been won by Armagh and I dont think any team under McGeeney will be fazzed by reputations.

Byanthon (Tyrone) - Posts: 1792 - 21/05/2015 13:22:13    1726510

Out of interest were Kildare considered especially dirty when McGeeney was manager. I don't remember this being the case so why does it mean his Armagh team will be dirty. Ulster matches do have a mind of their own and this match could be tough and maybe even a bit nasty but that is much to do with local rivalry. For Armagh I would be worried about one of our half forwards as he can get wound up easily and we need to keep all players on the field.

Armaghball (Armagh) - Posts: 96 - 21/05/2015 18:15:59    1726749

Armagh have had the luxury of watching Tyrone probe Donegal for weakness, all while Donegal won't get to see Armagh in action.
McGeeney and Armagh will apply their learning's from the Donegal v Tyrone game, which should ensure a tight tactical match.

In some ways, Armagh played their hand against Donegal last year in Croke Park. Donegal may well have had one eye beyond that game, however I don't see that happening this time.

So considering Armagh are a year further on, and Donegal will definitely be taking them more seriously this time, how will this go?

I think Donegal will edge this one, by maybe 3 or 4 points.

GaryMc82 (Derry) - Posts: 3026 - 25/05/2015 21:58:01    1728404

I don't think its massively anticipated but looking forward to it. Hope Armagh can do it but I can't see it.

Both will set up the same but Donegal are masters at being patient and will grind out a 3 point win. Can see that Findon fella getting sent off, he seems like a good player but can't stay out of trouble.

Note to Armagh - Let Murphy do as he pleases or you will be damned to eternal life in hell! Also the Magees aren't sledging your players, Donegal players don't sledge whatsoever!

redhanddefender (Tyrone) - Posts: 913 - 26/05/2015 09:41:24    1728428

Can't see Armagh giving Donegal much of a game to be honest...I hope I'm wrong but i think there will be 5-8 points in it!

BigJohn.6_8 (Galway) - Posts: 704 - 26/05/2015 10:14:11    1728443

I think people are underestimating this Armagh team. Donegal will have their fill of it. Armagh will probably try to intimidate Donegal but the Tir Chonnail men should come through this one.........just

cavan97 (Cavan) - Posts: 369 - 26/05/2015 10:42:09    1728458