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Fermanagh GAA thread

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A wins a win but I'd say management be far from happy with the performance this afternoon in Carlow.

Given that Carlow probably in the bottom 4 teams in country and were still in game until final kick surely be of concern.

Credit to Carlow on their facility and its very well kept with shop/toilets etc.

A well worked goal by Conor McShea after good movement from Sean Cassidy ensured Fermanagh had a 1 point lead at half time.

In this half we had some very poor shooting left us with 8 wides,some from straight in front of posts , most other teams would have punished us for this.

Both teams flooded bodies behind the ball, Fermanagh slow play helped Carlow get defensively setup.

Hopefully Callum Jones okay after know to the head, was surprised medical staff allowed him stay on after it before he had to come off.

Che Cullen had a good game, Largo Ellis kicked 2 great scores second half while Johnny Cassidy did well and injected pace to break lines at .

Conor Love showed his scoring threat again when introduced while the biggest positive out of today was Darragh McGurn getting on and contributing score and great catch at key time, both of these players need to be on the pitch if Fermanagh want to progress into latter stages of this competition as tougher tests await.

Week break is no harm before Laois game, lots to work on ahead of it.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 18/05/2024 20:12:25    2545461

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Pearse Park tomorrow, a ground which Fermanagh has done well in over recent times, hopefully it can continue tomorrow v Laois, a team who ended our season last year.

Hard to envisage any changes to the team after a grind victory a fortnight ago, although certainly Love and McGurn put their hands up to get start, at very worst should be getting 20 minutes each tomorrow.
Laois are a big side who will move the ball fast and kick it in, hopefully Fermanagh will do this with Callum Jones showing he is willing to try and take that risk.
It will require a big improvement from Carlow performance, need to move ball faster and forward more rather than sideways,players need to show willingness to shoot when in position, scoring ratio to shots will need to improve.


Least GAA had sense to make this a double header with Leitrim Kildare, support has been poor for this Fermanagh team all year, so dont expect it to rise in TC especially given lack of exposure and PR it gets(no live game,not mentioned on podcasts etc), hopefully few from second game might arrive early to give it some more atmosphere(id anticipate Leitrim be best supported team out of the 4 tomorrow).

If Fermanagh want to target at least semi final then topping group to secure a home quarter final is important, so they need to deliver a good performance and avoid defeat, hopefully lesson learnt after game v Antrim at same stage least year. Hopefully James McMahon back in squad after bereavement of his poor mother.

Best of luck lads!

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 31/05/2024 16:00:01    2548592

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Replying To macca999:  "Pearse Park tomorrow, a ground which Fermanagh has done well in over recent times, hopefully it can continue tomorrow v Laois, a team who ended our season last year.

Hard to envisage any changes to the team after a grind victory a fortnight ago, although certainly Love and McGurn put their hands up to get start, at very worst should be getting 20 minutes each tomorrow.
Laois are a big side who will move the ball fast and kick it in, hopefully Fermanagh will do this with Callum Jones showing he is willing to try and take that risk.
It will require a big improvement from Carlow performance, need to move ball faster and forward more rather than sideways,players need to show willingness to shoot when in position, scoring ratio to shots will need to improve.


Least GAA had sense to make this a double header with Leitrim Kildare, support has been poor for this Fermanagh team all year, so dont expect it to rise in TC especially given lack of exposure and PR it gets(no live game,not mentioned on podcasts etc), hopefully few from second game might arrive early to give it some more atmosphere(id anticipate Leitrim be best supported team out of the 4 tomorrow).

If Fermanagh want to target at least semi final then topping group to secure a home quarter final is important, so they need to deliver a good performance and avoid defeat, hopefully lesson learnt after game v Antrim at same stage least year. Hopefully James McMahon back in squad after bereavement of his poor mother.

Best of luck lads!"
whys you nots put up anything abouts fermanagh winning?

The_Lug_Coa (Fermanagh) - Posts: 406 - 05/06/2024 18:32:00    2549758

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Replying To The_Lug_Coa:  "whys you nots put up anything abouts fermanagh winning?"
Well considering the 3 previous posts where all made by myself i didnt want to be self debating too much.
There is no doubt the TC does little to excite alot of GAA fans nationwide, national media hardly even mention it at times but the silence about Fermanagh county team this year has been deafening, evident at League Games and Ulster Championship. Attendances are down across board as GAA have diluted the championship so much that fans finally voting with feet and not going to watch games with little consequence, ive no doubt they will change structure before it really plummets and sponsors start asking questions.. However even on here has been very little discussion which would highlight a lack of interest within county for the team, what we think?


On the Laois game last week, good win, at times probably could have kicked on to get further than 3 ahead to avoid the late scrambles by them for a goal. Pearse Park was in good conditions on a warm day, was a decent game with both teams swapping initiative at certain times. Good spread of scorers from Fermanagh on the day, Fermanagh looked best when injected pace into attacks with good runs from Johnny Cassidy and Shane McGullion leading to goals, Callum Jones, Horan had good performances, Kelm looked sharp when drove at man, needed more possession while Largo Ellis was very effective and kicked another 2 scores, definitely has developed this. In second half Laois had same move and run into space to win the ball from their kick outs which Fermanagh didnt seem able to stop that could have been costly. Joe McDade battled on until second half even though seemed injured since 20 minute mark. Good that McGurn and Love got further game time off bench, both should be now fully ready for 2 weeks time.


3 wins on the spin, so bit of momentum and victory means avoided the extra game this weekend which a plus but think the greater benefit of winning this game it means that cant play Down, Kildare, Sligo until semi final, obviously to win it Fermanagh would need overcome those 3 but think its no harm to avoid until potential semi final.

From the potential quarter final opponents, Antrim certainly be the strongest possible challenge next weekend, they unlucky not to have beaten Sligo and would fancy it. If Wicklow beat Leitrim Saturday then Fermanagh have 50/50 chance to draw Antrim as cant play Wicklow or Laois, only other potential draw would be the Limerick/Tipp winners.

All in all in Brewster Park, Fermanagh be hopeful to win the quarter final and get to the semis in Croke Park, which i think was a minimum objective in this competition, if manage this then be fair step up in opposition regardless who could play in semi and would need a better performance than have had so far in the competition.

Least lads can take the weekend off and recover, see who gets through the preliminary round ahead of Sundays Draw, then be ready for next day in Brewster.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 06/06/2024 14:20:03    2549861

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PS, Huge Well Done to Fermanagh Hurlers on their deserved Lory Meagher success! Hopefully not only Fermanagh team to taster some success in Croke Park this year.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 06/06/2024 14:26:16    2549863

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Replying To The_Lug_Coa:  "whys you nots put up anything abouts fermanagh winning?"
you do know you can post away about it yourself Lug.. maybe you were there ...and could tell us all about it. I wasnt there so eye witness would capture it best. Heres hoping they hold their own in the Nicky Rackard for a few years at least
And hell i can see the football going the same way ....if you are going to do tiers then do 3 tiers ....2 tiers is pretty pointless to half the teams in it who have no real chance of doing well...Lory Meagher Nicky Rack ....works so well for likes of us

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 10/06/2024 11:45:55    2550522

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Looks like Fermanagh is on the pig's back as they make their way towards the semi final as Antrim only beat London with a late goal. So I hope it's dry for Saturday's quarter final and I'll see all at Brewster Park six.

cillnaile. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1006 - 10/06/2024 20:51:32    2550688

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Replying To KeshGFC:  "you do know you can post away about it yourself Lug.. maybe you were there ...and could tell us all about it. I wasnt there so eye witness would capture it best. Heres hoping they hold their own in the Nicky Rackard for a few years at least
And hell i can see the football going the same way ....if you are going to do tiers then do 3 tiers ....2 tiers is pretty pointless to half the teams in it who have no real chance of doing well...Lory Meagher Nicky Rack ....works so well for likes of us"
dids i ask you the question? I did nots, so keep your nose out of it! i puts the question to macca and being a gentlman he answered me politely. maybe you kesh ones could take a leaf outs of his maccas book! bye.

The_Lug_Coa (Fermanagh) - Posts: 406 - 11/06/2024 10:10:45    2550741

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Despite Antrim's form, we got the worst draw. We have been punished by Antrim in the past. Despite that, it should be a winnable game. I may be getting too far ahead of myself, but looking at the teams left, Down and Westmeath will be the teams to beat. I feel somewhat optimistic that Fermanagh could beat both of them.

Itown1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 48 - 11/06/2024 11:44:59    2550765

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Replying To The_Lug_Coa:  "dids i ask you the question? I did nots, so keep your nose out of it! i puts the question to macca and being a gentlman he answered me politely. maybe you kesh ones could take a leaf outs of his maccas book! bye."
so the rules are ..we cant comment on a reply to someone elses post ? got it ........and are you ever gonna actually post something about hurling or just give out lmfao

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 11/06/2024 11:45:06    2550766

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Replying To cillnaile.:  "Looks like Fermanagh is on the pig's back as they make their way towards the semi final as Antrim only beat London with a late goal. So I hope it's dry for Saturday's quarter final and I'll see all at Brewster Park six."
id say we got the worst possible draw to be honest. Antrim are a strong side and will definitely fancy their chances. and amazingly we dont exactly have a good record against them the last few meetings....oh and just my humble humble opinion and im in no way challenging your football knowledge or other qualities

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 11/06/2024 11:48:33    2550769

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Replying To Itown1234:  "Despite Antrim's form, we got the worst draw. We have been punished by Antrim in the past. Despite that, it should be a winnable game. I may be getting too far ahead of myself, but looking at the teams left, Down and Westmeath will be the teams to beat. I feel somewhat optimistic that Fermanagh could beat both of them."
Easily the worst Draw, Antrim unbeaten in TC so far and missed chance to get late score in drawn game with Sligo which would have gave them top spot. Even last year when we beat Antrim n the league in Corrigan Park was a late ambush with few goals, id say this game will go to wire and no doubt Donnelly was up watching them on Sunday v London as was obvious would be meeting them this wkd.

Alot of talk in interviews from players this year about Brewster Park being a Fortress and enjoying playing there etc, since 2022 in both Ulster Championship and Tailteann Cup, we have won just one game there(this year v Wicklow), so certainly need to make home advantage count this weekend more.

ltown, Westmeath in All Ireland series, likely Kildare you mean

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 11/06/2024 12:40:03    2550787

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Replying To The_Lug_Coa:  "dids i ask you the question? I did nots, so keep your nose out of it! i puts the question to macca and being a gentlman he answered me politely. maybe you kesh ones could take a leaf outs of his maccas book! bye."
Grrrr,,, Lug you just annoyed so many Fermanagh hoganstanders with your elevation of that buck to gentleman status. This is someone who has taken so many swipes at our Fermanagh players and managers and on reading his last posting he is still has little faith in them by favouring Antrim to progress come Saturday. True supporters like myself have every confidence in our lads seeing of the yellow bellies. To finish off on a lighter note, I just have realised that this will probably my last opportunity this season to have wish fulfilled, that being to escort unceremonsrly that same buck from our Brewster Park.

ekn_teacher (Fermanagh) - Posts: 272 - 11/06/2024 22:11:09    2550894

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Replying To ekn_teacher:  "Grrrr,,, Lug you just annoyed so many Fermanagh hoganstanders with your elevation of that buck to gentleman status. This is someone who has taken so many swipes at our Fermanagh players and managers and on reading his last posting he is still has little faith in them by favouring Antrim to progress come Saturday. True supporters like myself have every confidence in our lads seeing of the yellow bellies. To finish off on a lighter note, I just have realised that this will probably my last opportunity this season to have wish fulfilled, that being to escort unceremonsrly that same buck from our Brewster Park."
Reading this Forum, you could make a reality TV show out of some of the drama, it gives me a good laugh at work :)

Itown1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 48 - 13/06/2024 10:47:37    2551139

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Replying To ekn_teacher:  "Grrrr,,, Lug you just annoyed so many Fermanagh hoganstanders with your elevation of that buck to gentleman status. This is someone who has taken so many swipes at our Fermanagh players and managers and on reading his last posting he is still has little faith in them by favouring Antrim to progress come Saturday. True supporters like myself have every confidence in our lads seeing of the yellow bellies. To finish off on a lighter note, I just have realised that this will probably my last opportunity this season to have wish fulfilled, that being to escort unceremonsrly that same buck from our Brewster Park."
I must respectfully disagree with your assessment. Elevating the discourse and showing respect to all participants on this forum, regardless of their opinions, is a cornerstone of good sportsmanship. macca999, the individual you referred to has expressed his views, which may be critical but are his right to hold. It's essential to remember that differing opinions can reconcile without diminishing our passion or support for Fermanagh.

Our focus should remain on supporting our team positively rather than fostering divisiveness. Confidence in our lads is important, but respect for others is equally crucial. I hope we can all strive to uphold these values and enjoy the spirit of the game. My hopes remain high for Fermanagh progressing in the Tailteann Cup 2024.

Like the Coa poster, I respect macca999 as an individual and value his contributions to this discussion forum. Regarding your fantasies, they are irrelevant to the competition and, in any case, do not align with the professional standards expected of a teacher.

SkeaLad (Fermanagh) - Posts: 513 - 13/06/2024 11:52:06    2551166

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Replying To Itown1234:  "Reading this Forum, you could make a reality TV show out of some of the drama, it gives me a good laugh at work :)"
Very true ltown1234, cheaper then going to cinema, it seems some only chirp in here to snip oat others opinions rather than give their own contribution, ironic a poster named teacher then having spelling mistakes.
Seems only a true supporter if think team will win match, so Fermanagh playing Dublin, only real Fermanagh supporter if think they will win:-)

Anyway onto more productive and relevant things, Antrim on Saturday will present Fermanagh with stern challenge and im sure after their near miss v London will be much improved, of the 4 quarters this easily the less clear to call.
Id say will be same 15 that started Laois game, though to get enough scores to beat Antrim McGurn and Love both will need to be on pitch for at least 25 mins if want to hit target to get over this game. Least bench is strong with McMahon ready to come in if defence needs more support, if switches needed make them early before too costly.

Antrim have some very good footballers, Patrick McBride, Ruairi McCann(Aghagallon), while Marc Jordan caused Fermanagh alot of harm last year with his direct running although in different position recently.
Antrim keeper likes to roam out, we may be able to punish another team for a chance with sweeper keeper if push up high.

Hopefully Largo Ellis can keep up his recent good form and Kelm and Sean Cassidy can click in forward line as will need a good tally to win this game.

Hopefully get a good crowd to cheer the lads on and make a semi final double header in Croker next weekend.


Separately, interesting GAA Social Podacast with the legendary Pete McGrath this week, spoke about the Ulster defeat to Antrim in 2014, players called a meeting following week to say unhappy with lack of team game plan and blamed that for result and he admitted they were right. Hopefully same doesnt happen Saturday.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 13/06/2024 11:56:39    2551167

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Replying To macca999:  "Very true ltown1234, cheaper then going to cinema, it seems some only chirp in here to snip oat others opinions rather than give their own contribution, ironic a poster named teacher then having spelling mistakes.
Seems only a true supporter if think team will win match, so Fermanagh playing Dublin, only real Fermanagh supporter if think they will win:-)

Anyway onto more productive and relevant things, Antrim on Saturday will present Fermanagh with stern challenge and im sure after their near miss v London will be much improved, of the 4 quarters this easily the less clear to call.
Id say will be same 15 that started Laois game, though to get enough scores to beat Antrim McGurn and Love both will need to be on pitch for at least 25 mins if want to hit target to get over this game. Least bench is strong with McMahon ready to come in if defence needs more support, if switches needed make them early before too costly.

Antrim have some very good footballers, Patrick McBride, Ruairi McCann(Aghagallon), while Marc Jordan caused Fermanagh alot of harm last year with his direct running although in different position recently.
Antrim keeper likes to roam out, we may be able to punish another team for a chance with sweeper keeper if push up high.

Hopefully Largo Ellis can keep up his recent good form and Kelm and Sean Cassidy can click in forward line as will need a good tally to win this game.

Hopefully get a good crowd to cheer the lads on and make a semi final double header in Croker next weekend.


Separately, interesting GAA Social Podacast with the legendary Pete McGrath this week, spoke about the Ulster defeat to Antrim in 2014, players called a meeting following week to say unhappy with lack of team game plan and blamed that for result and he admitted they were right. Hopefully same doesnt happen Saturday."
Cut the waffle and give us a prediction please. Antrim or Fermanagh to win?

cillnaile. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1006 - 15/06/2024 13:42:34    2551595

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Shocking second half collapse today. Really disappointing finish to the season.

Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 45 - 15/06/2024 20:00:01    2551686

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Embarrassed leaving Brewster Park tonight … I'm sorry but Donnelly can't be coming back for another year after that season after that ending … since we left breffni park after last league game in 2023 we have lurched from average to awful .. and tonight was the worst game management I've seen. Did we win even ONE Antrim kickout … like it looked as though some lads pressed but more didn't and our total panic under their mild press was shocking … fresh blood fresh ideas needs a serious shake up …. … otherwise we are destined to stay at this level that we have found … struggling past div 4 teams and getting turned over by average div 3 teams .. we have gone from dreams of Sam Maguire leagues in 2024 to a mid div 3 team at best … anyway just my thoughts … queue the onslaught of how dare u etc etc … take the green and white tinted glasses off …

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 15/06/2024 20:20:38    2551694

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I have to disagree with your perspective, Kesh GFC. While not singling out any player or players, I understand the frustration and disappointment after a tough season and a difficult game, it's important to consider a few key points before calling for drastic changes like letting Donnelly go.

Firstly, every team goes through challenging phases, and it's not uncommon to have ups and downs. The transition from one season to the next involves numerous variables, including player injuries, team dynamics, and even the strength of the opposition. Judging Donnelly solely based on recent results without acknowledging the broader context might be unfair.

Secondly, it's worth noting that team building is a gradual process. Fresh blood and new ideas can certainly invigorate a team, but continuity and experience are equally important. Donnelly has a deep understanding of the team's strengths and weaknesses, and with time, he can address the issues that have arisen this season.

Moreover, game management issues and difficulties in winning kickouts are valid concerns, but these are areas that can be worked on and improved with targeted training and strategy adjustments. A knee-jerk reaction to replace the manager might not necessarily bring the desired improvements and could disrupt any progress already made.

Lastly, while the current performance might not meet expectations, dismissing the potential for future growth under Donnelly's guidance overlooks the possibility that the team can rebound and perform better with the existing framework. Instead of an overhaul, a constructive review and support for strategic adjustments might be a more balanced approach.

In essence, while it's crucial to address the issues facing the team, a more measured response that supports the current management while making necessary improvements could be more beneficial in the long run.

Hopefully, macca999 doesn't join you calling for Donnelly to be ousted and is more moderate in his response to tonight lost.

cillnaile. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1006 - 15/06/2024 22:08:56    2551736

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