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Some positives from the armagh game. Mainly the form of the Darragh McGurn scoring 1.12, 5(2points). Would like to see what he is likely taking frees and 45s.
Scoring 1.24 against armagh. We actually out scored armagh in the 2nd half 1.20 to 1.15 yes armagh eased off and took some of their main men off. Shame we didn't have the same mentality in the 1st half as we did in the 2nd.
Mattie Mcdermott I think scored his 1st point at senior level.
We had 3 different scorers who scored a 2pointer Mcgurn, Horan and Connor O'Hanlon. Think that should be or half forward line. In the full forward line would pick Conor Love, Ronan McCaffrey, Agoan kelm. Ronan to me is not a back. Jones would to lucky to keep his place in the starting line up. In my opinion all forwards should be getting at least a point a game and if your the free taker you should be getting at least 6 points a game. Any word ultan kelm what's happening with him is he injured. When is the draw for the tailteann cup.
ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 82 - 26/04/2026 23:57:55
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Replying To ERNEDEVIL: "Some positives from the armagh game. Mainly the form of the Darragh McGurn scoring 1.12, 5(2points). Would like to see what he is likely taking frees and 45s.
Scoring 1.24 against armagh. We actually out scored armagh in the 2nd half 1.20 to 1.15 yes armagh eased off and took some of their main men off. Shame we didn't have the same mentality in the 1st half as we did in the 2nd.
Mattie Mcdermott I think scored his 1st point at senior level.
We had 3 different scorers who scored a 2pointer Mcgurn, Horan and Connor O'Hanlon. Think that should be or half forward line. In the full forward line would pick Conor Love, Ronan McCaffrey, Agoan kelm. Ronan to me is not a back. Jones would to lucky to keep his place in the starting line up. In my opinion all forwards should be getting at least a point a game and if your the free taker you should be getting at least 6 points a game. Any word ultan kelm what's happening with him is he injured. When is the draw for the tailteann cup." "When is the draw for the tailteann cup."
1pm today.
Onion Breath (Carlow) - Posts: 1842 - 27/04/2026 11:29:49
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Replying To ERNEDEVIL: "Some positives from the armagh game. Mainly the form of the Darragh McGurn scoring 1.12, 5(2points). Would like to see what he is likely taking frees and 45s.
Scoring 1.24 against armagh. We actually out scored armagh in the 2nd half 1.20 to 1.15 yes armagh eased off and took some of their main men off. Shame we didn't have the same mentality in the 1st half as we did in the 2nd.
Mattie Mcdermott I think scored his 1st point at senior level.
We had 3 different scorers who scored a 2pointer Mcgurn, Horan and Connor O'Hanlon. Think that should be or half forward line. In the full forward line would pick Conor Love, Ronan McCaffrey, Agoan kelm. Ronan to me is not a back. Jones would to lucky to keep his place in the starting line up. In my opinion all forwards should be getting at least a point a game and if your the free taker you should be getting at least 6 points a game. Any word ultan kelm what's happening with him is he injured. When is the draw for the tailteann cup." The feeling before Saturdays game was fearful that it could be a training session in Brewster Park and it turned out that way as Armagh breezed through as they wished to hit score after score. At Half Time certainly looked like potentially could be a 30+ point defeat but credit to the team they avoided that and played until the end.
However when look at likes of Leitrim v Galway and Downs significant win their is yet again a disappointment that Fermanagh couldnt make it a contest into second half, even more so given the opportunities wasted in the first half, which makes it more frustrating.
Some very poor wides and as always seems to be the case dropping balls short,which Armagh punished with scores, shooting has been a big issue all year and against top opposition it was highlighted more so.
The difference between the 2 teams was stark Division 1 v Division 4, was clear in terms of pace, physicality movement speed of attack and decision making, Armagh basically scored with every attack and seemed to break through to 13 metre line any time wanted, whereas in Fermanagh in first half we really struggled and snatched at shots.
Midfield did excellent and in terms of possession won alot of breaks, which was one of the few positives along with the outstanding performance of Darragh McGurn who had an exhibition of shooting(he is capable of getting more scores than has over last while but due to midfield options has been playing further out field), while Conor O Hanlon did very well as did Brandon Horan when came on, plus great to see Mattie McDermott make his debut.
Bonner made 2 subs at half time, could have made 10, though the 2 lads taken off couldnt have any complaints, Conor Love unlucky not to start and will hope to do so v Longford. Hard to know TC will go, given year so far wouldnt be too confident, if defence remains as open will do well to win any game, have seemed very open at the back, maybe James McMahon worth getting on for even just experience there. Cant remember Fermanagh defenders doing too many turnovers this season. One 1 so far this season, at best now looks like maybe get 1 or 2 victories in this competition.
The problem runs deeper and longer than senior team, as tonights under 20 result reiterates yet again, the performances of underage teams has been poor for a long period of team and is bound to impact senior level at some point which we are now seeing and until a clear plan to address this is drawn up it wont change, think Sean Quigley gave interview in Belfast Telegraph with similar outlook.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1212 - 28/04/2026 22:19:30
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Replying To macca999: "The feeling before Saturdays game was fearful that it could be a training session in Brewster Park and it turned out that way as Armagh breezed through as they wished to hit score after score. At Half Time certainly looked like potentially could be a 30+ point defeat but credit to the team they avoided that and played until the end.
However when look at likes of Leitrim v Galway and Downs significant win their is yet again a disappointment that Fermanagh couldnt make it a contest into second half, even more so given the opportunities wasted in the first half, which makes it more frustrating.
Some very poor wides and as always seems to be the case dropping balls short,which Armagh punished with scores, shooting has been a big issue all year and against top opposition it was highlighted more so.
The difference between the 2 teams was stark Division 1 v Division 4, was clear in terms of pace, physicality movement speed of attack and decision making, Armagh basically scored with every attack and seemed to break through to 13 metre line any time wanted, whereas in Fermanagh in first half we really struggled and snatched at shots.
Midfield did excellent and in terms of possession won alot of breaks, which was one of the few positives along with the outstanding performance of Darragh McGurn who had an exhibition of shooting(he is capable of getting more scores than has over last while but due to midfield options has been playing further out field), while Conor O Hanlon did very well as did Brandon Horan when came on, plus great to see Mattie McDermott make his debut.
Bonner made 2 subs at half time, could have made 10, though the 2 lads taken off couldnt have any complaints, Conor Love unlucky not to start and will hope to do so v Longford. Hard to know TC will go, given year so far wouldnt be too confident, if defence remains as open will do well to win any game, have seemed very open at the back, maybe James McMahon worth getting on for even just experience there. Cant remember Fermanagh defenders doing too many turnovers this season. One 1 so far this season, at best now looks like maybe get 1 or 2 victories in this competition.
The problem runs deeper and longer than senior team, as tonights under 20 result reiterates yet again, the performances of underage teams has been poor for a long period of team and is bound to impact senior level at some point which we are now seeing and until a clear plan to address this is drawn up it wont change, think Sean Quigley gave interview in Belfast Telegraph with similar outlook." Less of what we already know, a tell us what would you do if you were in charge? We await your solution!
AuldGussie (Fermanagh) - Posts: 103 - 29/04/2026 19:26:10
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And whats your contribution or opinion on it AuldGussie? apart from that one line callout?
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1212 - 29/04/2026 23:03:40
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I thought the likes of Luke Flanagan & Johnny Cassidy did ok on Saturday. Our midfield won more than their fair share of kickouts & it give a good platform, we had 9 wides & 4 balls short to the keeper in the 1st half & Armagh only had 1 wide so that was a huge difference. Obviously the game was over as a contest in the 2nd half & Armagh took the foot off the gas. I thought Fermanagh were very slow in getting back into the defensive shape, they were not getting goal side of the Armagh attack. I don't think Ronan McCaffery is the answer at no 6 or Oisin Smyth at 3, they both left the middle wide open. Ronan would be better at 10 or 12 because he is not an out & out defender. I probably would agree that James McMahon would be better in there, he reads the game very well & has plenty of experience. I think Saturday showed how much we missed the two Cullen lads.
Erne12 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 89 - 30/04/2026 10:34:21
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The game has got more like basketball than the old game the new rules tried to bring us back to. We will never win games with a 4score return from 18 attempted shots in the first half (they were all good opportunities not hail mary's)
We need to accept that the new game is now almost a shoot out and the word "defending" is almost a bad word in the new game.
I think that sadly we have found our level, I anticipate a QF exit in Tailteann after getting our hopes up with dispatching Longford in roun1
I do like the increased jeopardy that is now in the Sam Maguire and Tailteann.
We are seriously competitive in the middle third and held our own against Armagh. We have reasonable defenders but you now need incredible engines and sprint capacity to get back in to shape in the narrow time window over n over when teams get the ball forward as fast as the likes of Armagh do
We have patchy scoring threats that turn out some days and hide on other days, weve seen freetakers bottle easy frees against Kildare in Croke PArk last year, against armagh a few weeks ago, then aother today they kick the lights out. So do we need to invest in Sports Psychologist ?? yeah possibly but im guessing we have no budget or imigination to do so
So whats the solution? I dont think we have the payers to play THAT game just yet, you need to invest in the future now. Our development teams are just not delivering a platform for future success
Look at who we have managing most youth county teams, good lads all doing there best but very thin managerial CVs for all of them,
We should have had our first win in ulster in years this time last year against Down but for a collapse in final 5 mins ...psychology ? absolutely ...
how do we fix that ?
hell just put me and all the posters on here in charge right ?? lol
KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 347 - 05/05/2026 09:56:49
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KeshGFC, spare us the lecture about "thin managerial CVs". What exactly is on your own fat CV? Who are you managing and at what level at the minute? I'll save you the embarrassment. It's easy to sit online dissecting structures and questioning volunteers when you've have failed on these pathways yourself. Throwing out buzzwords like "psychology" and "development pathways" doesn't make it insight.
And macca999, that sarcastic reply was poor form. Fermanagh are struggling, and AuldGussie was obviously frustrated by the likes of you and others talking about what everyone already knows, along with the kind of strategy needed before reaching senior football. So Gussie asked a fair, straightforward question: what would you actually do if you were in charge?
Instead of engaging, you fired back with a snide one-liner. That's not debate; it's deflection. If you're going to criticise, at least have the backbone to offer a solution instead of ducking it with sarcasm.
abc1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 416 - 05/05/2026 21:29:12
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Good to see some comments on here regardless of tone or maybe motivation to post. The Armagh game already seems a distant memory, we certainly could have got a worse beating similar to poor Down.
Erne12, agree Midfield gave a good display on the day and the speed at which Fermanagh transitioned into defence was far too slow. There is no doubt that the Cullens absence has hurt the team at full back and Centre back, have no obvious replacements for their ability/strength or even leadership there. A podcast recently suggested the 2 lads stepped away after who a player led revolt played part in Donnelly leaving which they disagreed with.
Kesh GFC, yes as always seems to be the case, Fermanagh struggle to return their possession into scores, in the first half especially, some of the shots were poor, the short balls are the real killer against the top teams as punishment is inevitable. There is no doubt the lack of wins in Ulster Competition at minor, 20s and seniors is becoming more of an issue, if winning is a habit losing certainly is that and at this stage im sure belief is an issue.
On the point about underage county teams id disagree about the lack of experience, at minor and Under 20 those lads are great county stalwarts who have built up significant knowledge from playing at high level,so we are lucky to have them involved at these age groups. Results have been poor for long time here and i think that by time lads get to county minor we are already behind other counties in terms of physical preparation and skills coached, this gap only gets bigger then from minor to senior.
Think as a county need to reflect and evaluate county develop squads from 14-16 ages, look at club coaching structures and education plus within schools. I know unusually Fermanagh senior team has few more big men but when you look through underage we consistently look small and less conditioned than other counties even from early age.
The new role for Niall McElroy within St Micks is a positive but will take a while to bear fruit along with the development of the new county base on Sligo road.
ABC1234 as always i welcome to be questioned and asked to explain comments, after all the purpose of a forum is debate and express opinion(note you didnt provide any of your own thoughts, just to question others, perhaps your looking for Mark Sidebottoms job)
In terms of the current senior team, there is no doubt we are very limited in comparison with previous years teams, at best we probably mid division 3 team(though find ourselves in Div 4 next year.
For the next game id look at making few changes, James McMahon for experience alone and positional sense should start(married last wkd not sure if available), i also look to start Conor Love(Cassidy didnt look ready last day after injury) after good performances as subs Horan and O Hanlon deserve to start, McGee and Corrigan maybe more suited to impact from bench.
Think Aogan Kelm is worthy of a start also for his power and ability to break tackles. McDermott be a good option to come in from bench.
Longford this weekend, they wont fear us despite bookies having them at 5/1!! McGurn will be looking to continue some good form from last day but needs more help from Jones and others, attitude and intensity is key here, no lateral attacks, move the ball at speed and kick it long when space inside. Fermanagh havnt won too many games last 2 years so hunger should be there regardless of the competition.
Id say do well to have 1,000 in Brewster on Sunday, hopefully those who do attend make the noise and try give the lads a boost to get a much needed win.
Great to see the club season kick into action tomorrow finally, best of luck to all teams especially Aghdrumsee who play their first division 1 campaign in over 20 years.
Noted Erne Gaels recently advertised for a manager, thought was agreed months ago that Paul Brennan was taking the role??
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1212 - 07/05/2026 17:53:47
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Thought Mcgullion and love had a good game. Nice to see another player(mcgullion)able to score a 2 pointer. Love took the goal well. Mcgurn had a quite game but still scored .4 points but maybe comparing his game to the armagh performance. Corrigan made an impact when brought on. Think the biggest positive for me was we had 13 different scorers today. Great to see ultan back. Mcdermott seems to be settling in nicely 3points.
ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 82 - 10/05/2026 23:15:32
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Replying To macca999: "Good to see some comments on here regardless of tone or maybe motivation to post. The Armagh game already seems a distant memory, we certainly could have got a worse beating similar to poor Down.
Erne12, agree Midfield gave a good display on the day and the speed at which Fermanagh transitioned into defence was far too slow. There is no doubt that the Cullens absence has hurt the team at full back and Centre back, have no obvious replacements for their ability/strength or even leadership there. A podcast recently suggested the 2 lads stepped away after who a player led revolt played part in Donnelly leaving which they disagreed with.
Kesh GFC, yes as always seems to be the case, Fermanagh struggle to return their possession into scores, in the first half especially, some of the shots were poor, the short balls are the real killer against the top teams as punishment is inevitable. There is no doubt the lack of wins in Ulster Competition at minor, 20s and seniors is becoming more of an issue, if winning is a habit losing certainly is that and at this stage im sure belief is an issue.
On the point about underage county teams id disagree about the lack of experience, at minor and Under 20 those lads are great county stalwarts who have built up significant knowledge from playing at high level,so we are lucky to have them involved at these age groups. Results have been poor for long time here and i think that by time lads get to county minor we are already behind other counties in terms of physical preparation and skills coached, this gap only gets bigger then from minor to senior.
Think as a county need to reflect and evaluate county develop squads from 14-16 ages, look at club coaching structures and education plus within schools. I know unusually Fermanagh senior team has few more big men but when you look through underage we consistently look small and less conditioned than other counties even from early age.
The new role for Niall McElroy within St Micks is a positive but will take a while to bear fruit along with the development of the new county base on Sligo road.
ABC1234 as always i welcome to be questioned and asked to explain comments, after all the purpose of a forum is debate and express opinion(note you didnt provide any of your own thoughts, just to question others, perhaps your looking for Mark Sidebottoms job)
In terms of the current senior team, there is no doubt we are very limited in comparison with previous years teams, at best we probably mid division 3 team(though find ourselves in Div 4 next year.
For the next game id look at making few changes, James McMahon for experience alone and positional sense should start(married last wkd not sure if available), i also look to start Conor Love(Cassidy didnt look ready last day after injury) after good performances as subs Horan and O Hanlon deserve to start, McGee and Corrigan maybe more suited to impact from bench.
Think Aogan Kelm is worthy of a start also for his power and ability to break tackles. McDermott be a good option to come in from bench.
Longford this weekend, they wont fear us despite bookies having them at 5/1!! McGurn will be looking to continue some good form from last day but needs more help from Jones and others, attitude and intensity is key here, no lateral attacks, move the ball at speed and kick it long when space inside. Fermanagh havnt won too many games last 2 years so hunger should be there regardless of the competition.
Id say do well to have 1,000 in Brewster on Sunday, hopefully those who do attend make the noise and try give the lads a boost to get a much needed win.
Great to see the club season kick into action tomorrow finally, best of luck to all teams especially Aghdrumsee who play their first division 1 campaign in over 20 years.
Noted Erne Gaels recently advertised for a manager, thought was agreed months ago that Paul Brennan was taking the role??" aye fair enough lad but great players do not always great managers make. It takes time and learning to make the switch. Have them there absolutely to inspire the next gen
perhaps the Paul Brennan sanction extended to club activities too i dunno
KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 347 - 11/05/2026 16:06:04
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Good to get win yesterday, im sure confidence was low so this should help instil bit more belief in the players going forward.
First half, we were slow at times in our build up play, with long pedestrian passages of play with some scores at times but we made it difficult to penetrate their defence with only Conor Love willing in forward line to run at his man, highlighted with his brilliant goal. Longford were given the freedom of Brewster Park at times and kicked number of easy scores, including 2 pointers, while for the goal a simple kick pass opened us up.
Second half was better, 10 minute spell kicked 5 scores with quick direct play, running and moving ball at speed, this was helped by black card but highlights that we can do it.
Positives
- 13 Scorers, while since had that many and way modern game is need spread of players all over field adding to scoreboard to win games on consistent basis
- Mattie McDermott, great first start, made good decisions on the ball and got 3 points, showed he has great potential and added to the team
- Return of Ultan Kelm, brilliant to see him back on the field, will take time but hopefully in 2 weeks time he be able to come on earlier in the game
-Midfield, again like again Armagh won more than enough possession with McGullion, McDade and McGurn getting ball plus others won breaks
- Support, decent turnout yesterday, id say one of the better turnouts in TC at in Brewster and got behind the team.
Had number of good performance, McCaffery, McGurn, Love, Stephen McGullion and McDermott all had good games, while Sean Cassidy, Largo Ellis and Corrigan kicked some good scores. Surprised O Hanlon didnt get a run yesterday from the bench.
This game is a good foundation to build on going forward and with Wexford next up there is no doubt will need to improve if to get over them and to earn a home quarter final.
Defensively again concerns, very passive and look to be standing too far off opposition forwards,Wexfords 2 point threat will have field day if do this again. Longford ran past players at will, need to get tighter and at least hold attackers up, there is no doubt in modern game defending is harder and teams will score more but we look very easy to break through and dare i say nice to play against. Fact that replaced Flanagan with Corrigan highlights defensive options may be light in panel. Johnny Cassidy probably best man marking option we have.
Wexford will be favourites in 2 weeks time after their league campaign and bounced back well to defeat Limerick on Saturday. The 2 teams will know each other well from this years game in league plus last year in Croker, another home draw for us and hopefully should be a close game, if can cut out the goals we will have a chance.
macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1212 - 11/05/2026 18:28:49
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Replying To macca999: "Good to get win yesterday, im sure confidence was low so this should help instil bit more belief in the players going forward.
First half, we were slow at times in our build up play, with long pedestrian passages of play with some scores at times but we made it difficult to penetrate their defence with only Conor Love willing in forward line to run at his man, highlighted with his brilliant goal. Longford were given the freedom of Brewster Park at times and kicked number of easy scores, including 2 pointers, while for the goal a simple kick pass opened us up.
Second half was better, 10 minute spell kicked 5 scores with quick direct play, running and moving ball at speed, this was helped by black card but highlights that we can do it.
Positives
- 13 Scorers, while since had that many and way modern game is need spread of players all over field adding to scoreboard to win games on consistent basis
- Mattie McDermott, great first start, made good decisions on the ball and got 3 points, showed he has great potential and added to the team
- Return of Ultan Kelm, brilliant to see him back on the field, will take time but hopefully in 2 weeks time he be able to come on earlier in the game
-Midfield, again like again Armagh won more than enough possession with McGullion, McDade and McGurn getting ball plus others won breaks
- Support, decent turnout yesterday, id say one of the better turnouts in TC at in Brewster and got behind the team.
Had number of good performance, McCaffery, McGurn, Love, Stephen McGullion and McDermott all had good games, while Sean Cassidy, Largo Ellis and Corrigan kicked some good scores. Surprised O Hanlon didnt get a run yesterday from the bench.
This game is a good foundation to build on going forward and with Wexford next up there is no doubt will need to improve if to get over them and to earn a home quarter final.
Defensively again concerns, very passive and look to be standing too far off opposition forwards,Wexfords 2 point threat will have field day if do this again. Longford ran past players at will, need to get tighter and at least hold attackers up, there is no doubt in modern game defending is harder and teams will score more but we look very easy to break through and dare i say nice to play against. Fact that replaced Flanagan with Corrigan highlights defensive options may be light in panel. Johnny Cassidy probably best man marking option we have.
Wexford will be favourites in 2 weeks time after their league campaign and bounced back well to defeat Limerick on Saturday. The 2 teams will know each other well from this years game in league plus last year in Croker, another home draw for us and hopefully should be a close game, if can cut out the goals we will have a chance." Hard to share your overthetop optimism after that. Beating Longford by 4 points at home isn't exactly proof we're turning a corner, especially considering how open we looked defensively for large parts. Longford cut through us far too easily and any half-decent side will punish that even more. The black card period probably flattered the second half spell too, outside of that we still looked slow, predictable and lacking real attacking intent. One good burst of direct play doesn't erase the same issues we've been seeing for a while. A few lads including McGullion & McGurn did well individually as expected alright and of course the always dependable Johnny Cassidy, but nonetheless collectively it still feels like we're miles off where we need to be. I suppose that's Fermanagh is sitting in D4 next season. If Wexford get the same space Longford had, especially around the arc, it could be a very long afternoon. By the way, the attendance wasn't as big as you suggested. A pile of non-paying children and youngsters don't really make up the lack of real supporters' numbers.
AuldGussie (Fermanagh) - Posts: 103 - 11/05/2026 23:49:16
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