National Forum

Football Championship 2026

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Replying To Commodore:  "Down started today like they finished against Donegal, but Armagh last week got a glimpse of the Down kickout and attacking strategy and just suffocated you.

Donegal had moved Caolan McGonigle from No 6 to midfield help mark Murdock, leaving the center of their defence physically exposed for direct running. Down had a few successes in the first 10 minutes, but Armagh weren't having it and just put a roadblock there.

The other thing Armagh targetted was the Down kickout, last week Down dominated their own kickout and launched a lot of attacks from that, but Armagh again suffocated Down around the middle and starved you of oxygen."
Donegal won plenty of the down kick in the first half last week. Their shot efficiency for scores was abysmal and it helped keep down in the game and then they really grew into it and drove it on. Armagh were ruthless today in every aspect of their game.

Ulsterchamps_32 (Donegal) - Posts: 1005 - 03/05/2026 19:53:31    2670732

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Replying To Ulsterchamps_32:  "Well you could also say they had to be third from bottom in division 2. Down for relegated from division 2 last year and that was the real problem. No point moaning about a tough Ulster draw."
They were relegated last season on a head to head rule against Louth on the basis of a one point defeat away from home (2-17 to 0-22) . If score difference was used they would have survived. Tyrone (5 points) and Cavan ( 4 points) survived on fewer points in Division 2 this season. Down had 6 points (3 wins) it was an unlucky relegation. Provincial championships should be run as stand alone competitions not linked to the All Ireland.

REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1758 - 03/05/2026 20:03:55    2670737

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Separate provincial championships from the All Ireland they are great competitions but no longer relevant to the All Ireland. Division 3 and 4 teams at the start of the year play Taillteann Cup Division 1 or 2 play Sam Maguire. The two teams promoted from Division 3 play All Ireland football the following year and the two teams relegated from Division 2 drop to Taillteann Cup. Scrap League finals and head to head rule go back to score difference.

REDANDBLACK30 (Down) - Posts: 1758 - 03/05/2026 20:13:24    2670740

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