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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: 73 - 13/05/2025 10:53:10
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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: 1170 - 13/05/2025 20:23:01
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Replying To macca999: "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" I notice in your reply to ErneDevil, you omitted to comment on his quote, "Some of the players I just can't understand what they bring to team as Seán Quigley said Donnelly wants athletes not footballers." I think Mr Q is correct?
gaalltheway (Fermanagh) - Posts: 806 - 13/05/2025 23:16:24
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Fantastic result there today, can't ask for a better response than that after last week. Pearse Park not a straight forward place to gain points, never mind with such an emphatic win. Onwards to hopefully a win next week in Wexford and a chance of a topping the table.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 55 - 18/05/2025 16:54:10
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Replying To Bailah: "Fantastic result there today, can't ask for a better response than that after last week. Pearse Park not a straight forward place to gain points, never mind with such an emphatic win. Onwards to hopefully a win next week in Wexford and a chance of a topping the table." Good response from Fermanagh today
In fairness I think Longford are poor.
If we win against them next week we will have 5 points
And if you beat Wexford you will be in 4 and then on 3.
We probably deserved our draw today and I think Wexford expected to beat us
Blackbog (Carlow) - Posts: 764 - 18/05/2025 17:39:27
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Replying To Blackbog: "Good response from Fermanagh today
In fairness I think Longford are poor.
If we win against them next week we will have 5 points
And if you beat Wexford you will be in 4 and then on 3.
We probably deserved our draw today and I think Wexford expected to beat us" Aye in fairness now you's have looked handy in the two games in Tailteann. The mid season managerial change has seemed to be of a benefit. Best of luck with the rest of the campaign!
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 55 - 18/05/2025 18:37:13
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Replying To Bailah: "Fantastic result there today, can't ask for a better response than that after last week. Pearse Park not a straight forward place to gain points, never mind with such an emphatic win. Onwards to hopefully a win next week in Wexford and a chance of a topping the table." Hi Bailah, while today's 2-19 to 0-7 scoreline in the Tailteann Cup might look impressive on paper, it honestly resembled more of a mismatch you'd expect at underage club level than a senior inter-county clash. It's fair to say Fermanagh came up against a very underwhelming Longford side.
So, while I understand the excitement, describing it as a "fantastic result" and a perfect response to last week might be a bit premature. It doesn't erase the memory of a very disappointing showing last time out, or our early exit from the Ulster Championship.
Of course, we all want to see the team build momentum and finish strong, but let's keep this win in perspective. The real test will be how we perform against stronger opposition. Here's hoping cautiously for another step forward in v. Wexford game.
BigToeJoe (Fermanagh) - Posts: 199 - 18/05/2025 22:14:23
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Small crowd might have been the nice weather or people were so demoralised after the carlow defeat. Good news though you did not miss much. Was a dull game.
We never looked like losing. Longford were useless clearly a division 4 team but we did not look much better at times despite the comfortable win. Keep saying it slow, sideways football, sloppy, running into corners, poor decision making. Even McCusker was getting frustrated shouting out would someone move. I know with the heat running was energy sapping.
Now the positive side we won a game woohoo. We improved in the 2nd half. Aogan Kelm when brought scored 1.1 and for me showed enough to earn a starting spot against Wexford. He scored his point within seconds after coming on quick and direct. Between him and conor love scoring 1.2 they could cause teams problems. We could have scored 2 or 3 more goals, the Longford keeper made a couple of stops. Lyons had a shot saved dont know if he meant it or not but would have been a great goal if he did. Defence was comfortable but think could have been more to do with Longfords lack of cutting edge. At the end of of the game Still felt like we had gears to through if needed.
Despite the final result Do think we would need a better performance against Wexford.
I would like to see a half forward line of jones, lyons, largo and full line kelm, love and king. This is just my opinion. I would move jones in the half forward line cause he strikes me as 1 of the few who would have the ability to strike the odd 2 pointer,scored the only for us today. He also with his height could help out the midfield. Fermanagh don't tend to kick many quick direct highballs into the full forward so don't need a big forward. I wish we did though.
ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 73 - 19/05/2025 00:27:43
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Replying To BigToeJoe: "Hi Bailah, while today's 2-19 to 0-7 scoreline in the Tailteann Cup might look impressive on paper, it honestly resembled more of a mismatch you'd expect at underage club level than a senior inter-county clash. It's fair to say Fermanagh came up against a very underwhelming Longford side.
So, while I understand the excitement, describing it as a "fantastic result" and a perfect response to last week might be a bit premature. It doesn't erase the memory of a very disappointing showing last time out, or our early exit from the Ulster Championship.
Of course, we all want to see the team build momentum and finish strong, but let's keep this win in perspective. The real test will be how we perform against stronger opposition. Here's hoping cautiously for another step forward in v. Wexford game." That's a completely fair comment and I take on completely what you say but you can only play what's put in front of you at the end of the day. I think it's important when being critical of the team, like I was last week, it's important to praise them when they do well as well, like they have this week. This Longford team hit 1-18 against an improving Wexford side so to keep them to 0-7 for a full game, especially with the new rules, I would still say is impressive whilst hitting a solid 2-19 ourselves isn't too bad.
However, I would tend to agree that today's result does not indeed eradicate recent disappointments and as you rightfully say, such performances need to be put together against stronger opposition. But hopefully today gets the ball rolling.
I do believe that this Fermanagh panel is capable, hence why I was so disappointed with last weeks result against Carlow and their overall Tailteann campaigns to date. But nobody will know this better than the team themselves and I would echo previous posters in reminding folks that at the end of the day they are amateur players and therefore shouldn't be under the same scrutiny as their soccer or rugby counterparts.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 55 - 19/05/2025 00:32:57
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Replying To BigToeJoe: "Hi Bailah, while today's 2-19 to 0-7 scoreline in the Tailteann Cup might look impressive on paper, it honestly resembled more of a mismatch you'd expect at underage club level than a senior inter-county clash. It's fair to say Fermanagh came up against a very underwhelming Longford side.
So, while I understand the excitement, describing it as a "fantastic result" and a perfect response to last week might be a bit premature. It doesn't erase the memory of a very disappointing showing last time out, or our early exit from the Ulster Championship.
Of course, we all want to see the team build momentum and finish strong, but let's keep this win in perspective. The real test will be how we perform against stronger opposition. Here's hoping cautiously for another step forward in v. Wexford game." That's a completely fair comment and I take on completely what you say but you can only play what's put in front of you at the end of the day. I think it's important when being critical of the team, like I was last week, it's important to praise them when they do well as well, like they have this week. This Longford team hit 1-18 against an improving Wexford side so to keep them to 0-7 for a full game, especially with the new rules, I would still say is impressive whilst hitting a solid 2-19 ourselves isn't too bad.
However, I would tend to agree that today's result does not indeed eradicate recent disappointments and as you rightfully say, such performances need to be put together against stronger opposition. But hopefully today gets the ball rolling.
I do believe that this Fermanagh panel is capable, hence why I was so disappointed with last weeks result against Carlow and their overall Tailteann campaigns to date. But nobody will know this better than the team themselves and I would echo previous posters in reminding folks that at the end of the day they are amateur players and therefore shouldn't be under the same scrutiny as their soccer or rugby counterparts.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 55 - 19/05/2025 08:29:49
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After the Carlow game Fermanagh couldnt have wished for a better fixture to try get some much needed momentum going and so it proved in Pearse Park.
After an okay first half Fermanagh were 9-4 ahead at half time and this could have been more. Second half dominated, decent displays from Fionan O Brien, Ryan Lyons, Luke Flanagan, McDade, Conor Love and Sean McNally, in contesting balls at midfield,showed great heart, hunger and effort that outfielders could learn from.
Positives from the game were, some confidence into players with scores, no goal conceded which has been achillies heel this year, Luke Flanagan back on pitch and some younger lads got some game time second half.
However nobody will be reading too much into this game including management as was played with very little intensity, id hope and expect lads face greater tests at training in Lissan this week,so not a game to make any judgements on. Longford were so poor, havnt seen a county team perform at a low a level before, felt sorry for their management on the line.
Wexford in 2 weeks will certainly be a greater test( gaa should announce neutral venue soon!) with the week break,hopefully Johnny Cassidy and Sean Cassidy might be back then for a game that need to win to target getting a home preliminary quarter final, as expect Carlow to beat Longford to seal top spot and the home quarter final.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1170 - 19/05/2025 18:31:12
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Replying To macca999: "After the Carlow game Fermanagh couldnt have wished for a better fixture to try get some much needed momentum going and so it proved in Pearse Park.
After an okay first half Fermanagh were 9-4 ahead at half time and this could have been more. Second half dominated, decent displays from Fionan O Brien, Ryan Lyons, Luke Flanagan, McDade, Conor Love and Sean McNally, in contesting balls at midfield,showed great heart, hunger and effort that outfielders could learn from.
Positives from the game were, some confidence into players with scores, no goal conceded which has been achillies heel this year, Luke Flanagan back on pitch and some younger lads got some game time second half.
However nobody will be reading too much into this game including management as was played with very little intensity, id hope and expect lads face greater tests at training in Lissan this week,so not a game to make any judgements on. Longford were so poor, havnt seen a county team perform at a low a level before, felt sorry for their management on the line.
Wexford in 2 weeks will certainly be a greater test( gaa should announce neutral venue soon!) with the week break,hopefully Johnny Cassidy and Sean Cassidy might be back then for a game that need to win to target getting a home preliminary quarter final, as expect Carlow to beat Longford to seal top spot and the home quarter final." You're at it again...taking cheap shots at a team that clearly had a bad day. That line, "Longford were so poor, haven't seen a county team perform at a low a level before," is unnecessary and disrespectful. Every team hits a rough patch...Fermanagh have had plenty themselves...and piling on like that says more about your bias than the game.
And as for your sudden concern over the Cassidy namesakes, let's not pretend you've been consistent. You were heard not long ago running them down...calling one "just another townie chasing the limelight" and questioning the other's commitment altogether. Now you're painting yourself as the concerned supporter hoping they return in time to help? Come off it.
Don't deny it mate, or try calling in your troops...Kesh KFC or Goldilocks from Cavan...' to back you up...because as a taxi driver I hear everything!
barneytown (Fermanagh) - Posts: 294 - 20/05/2025 10:42:55
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Replying To macca999: "After the Carlow game Fermanagh couldnt have wished for a better fixture to try get some much needed momentum going and so it proved in Pearse Park.
After an okay first half Fermanagh were 9-4 ahead at half time and this could have been more. Second half dominated, decent displays from Fionan O Brien, Ryan Lyons, Luke Flanagan, McDade, Conor Love and Sean McNally, in contesting balls at midfield,showed great heart, hunger and effort that outfielders could learn from.
Positives from the game were, some confidence into players with scores, no goal conceded which has been achillies heel this year, Luke Flanagan back on pitch and some younger lads got some game time second half.
However nobody will be reading too much into this game including management as was played with very little intensity, id hope and expect lads face greater tests at training in Lissan this week,so not a game to make any judgements on. Longford were so poor, havnt seen a county team perform at a low a level before, felt sorry for their management on the line.
Wexford in 2 weeks will certainly be a greater test( gaa should announce neutral venue soon!) with the week break,hopefully Johnny Cassidy and Sean Cassidy might be back then for a game that need to win to target getting a home preliminary quarter final, as expect Carlow to beat Longford to seal top spot and the home quarter final." Fermanagh played well in phases and took their scores when presented, but attributing the victory solely to Longford's ineptitude undercuts the efforts of the players named. If the team showed "great heart, hunger and effort," then give them the credit without immediately minimising it. Suggesting the opposition was so poor that "you felt sorry for their management" borders on disrespect. No inter-county team deserves that kind of public belittlement, especially from within the GAA community. Also, while there may have been "little intensity" in the match, that could reflect how Fermanagh managed the game rather than just a lack from Longford. It's a stretch to say it's not a game to "make any judgements on," every game offers something, even if it's simply improved cohesion or confidence. To pick and choose when to count progress doesn't help the team's momentum or morale. Criticism is fine, warranted even, but let's not let valid concerns about tougher challenges ahead turn into unnecessary disparagement of opponents or a dismissal of what went right. Fermanagh won. They deserved to. Let's analysed it without talking down the very structure of the competition they're trying to progress in.
erneboy (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1402 - 20/05/2025 12:30:11
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Replying To erneboy: "Fermanagh played well in phases and took their scores when presented, but attributing the victory solely to Longford's ineptitude undercuts the efforts of the players named. If the team showed "great heart, hunger and effort," then give them the credit without immediately minimising it. Suggesting the opposition was so poor that "you felt sorry for their management" borders on disrespect. No inter-county team deserves that kind of public belittlement, especially from within the GAA community. Also, while there may have been "little intensity" in the match, that could reflect how Fermanagh managed the game rather than just a lack from Longford. It's a stretch to say it's not a game to "make any judgements on," every game offers something, even if it's simply improved cohesion or confidence. To pick and choose when to count progress doesn't help the team's momentum or morale. Criticism is fine, warranted even, but let's not let valid concerns about tougher challenges ahead turn into unnecessary disparagement of opponents or a dismissal of what went right. Fermanagh won. They deserved to. Let's analysed it without talking down the very structure of the competition they're trying to progress in." Agree here erneboy, you can only play with what's in front of you and whilst Longford are maybe having a poor year, that was Fermanagh's largest victory ever over them and not something to turn your nose up at.
Tougher challenges will come, but you take the wins when they come too and praise the lads when they do a good job.
Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 55 - 20/05/2025 16:19:01
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Replying To barneytown: "You're at it again...taking cheap shots at a team that clearly had a bad day. That line, "Longford were so poor, haven't seen a county team perform at a low a level before," is unnecessary and disrespectful. Every team hits a rough patch...Fermanagh have had plenty themselves...and piling on like that says more about your bias than the game.
And as for your sudden concern over the Cassidy namesakes, let's not pretend you've been consistent. You were heard not long ago running them down...calling one "just another townie chasing the limelight" and questioning the other's commitment altogether. Now you're painting yourself as the concerned supporter hoping they return in time to help? Come off it.
Don't deny it mate, or try calling in your troops...Kesh KFC or Goldilocks from Cavan...' to back you up...because as a taxi driver I hear everything!" Yes I've heard of fake taxi before
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1170 - 20/05/2025 17:53:12
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Replying To macca999: "Yes I've heard of fake taxi before" A pathetic Trump like response to Barney. I would trust Barney's word any day compared to yours. We are proud of our Jonny Cassidy and deserves better than your demeaning comment as is the other Cassidy lad from Ederney. Shame on you! We all know your jealousy stems from have no love for our Ekn Gaels club going back years as you couldn't accept that some fine men from our club were the one's that shaped Fermanagh GAA and developed county facilities when others hadn't the ability!
gaalltheway (Fermanagh) - Posts: 806 - 21/05/2025 13:20:56
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