Win in Ardee and we are safe in Div 2 simple … I actually felt Donnelly was being cagey today and had one eye on championship in a few weeks !
Armagh clearly a div 1 level side

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 03/03/2024 22:42:35    2529594

Blitzkrig (Fermanagh) - Posts: 40 - 04/03/2024 15:57:15    2529760

Although the frustration from the Armagh match may have eased it is still in the mind, the lack of ambition and exerted effort to push to overturn a 4 point deficit was non existent and very disappointing,if going to lose at least have a proper cut at it with shackles off and give the supporters something to shout about.

It was as if happy with scoreline and team feel that will be safe enough with away games against Louth and Cavan offering us 2 points!

Before the campaign began it fair to say on PAPER Louth away looked best chance of a win, but matches arent won on paper and given how league has transpired its going to be a tough fight to get anything in Ardee. Louth have performed well and been unlucky in narrow defeats to Armagh/Meath and in Sam Mulroy, have a forward capable of kicking 8-10 points alone, something we dont have.

While depending on this weekend Cavan could still have a chance of promotion going into our final game in Breffni Park, even last year when they had nothing to play for in last game and we had all on line we just about beat them in last 5 minutes and from last year looks like Cavan stronger and Fermanagh have lost few players, so dont think in position to assume points there either. Taking both into account this makes last weekend white flag waving last 15 minutes in our last home game more annoying, Armagh didnt even break a sweat, they be a different animal in 4 weeks time.

I hope im wrong in this thinking and we can get result on St Patricks day but unless we have Ryan Lyons, Conor Love, Johnny Cassidy, Breen back in squad its hard to see it at moment, Sean Cassidy will have to be back in starting 15 also.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 11/03/2024 12:33:28    2530731

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 11/03/2024 17:15:39    2530789

Kesh GFC

Yes agree verdict on Love at this level yet to be seen as hasnt got run of games between injury and dropping out, think he could offer more of a potential score threat than others currently on field if playing. As Sean Quigley highlighted last year, sadly most intercounty teams want athletes not footballers, obviously speed and running power is key but for the scoreboard needs a balance. Breen has been a super servant and know may not be at level of 2018 but has the ability to kick a score and be option from bench(which is light, highlighted by reluctance to make changes until late in games)


Be delighted to see McGurn back,most of all though know that he isnt in equation even of a return for the league due to hip injury it seems so thats why didnt reference him for Louth game as know not possible. He is a huge miss as a target man and scoring ability.


There is no doubt if somehow beat Armagh great opportunity and need to be ready for what is going to be huge task but at same time cant sacrifice league status for this either, was just lack of intensity in last 15 minutes that was hard to watch as a supporter.

With Munster championship draw, good chance Clare will reach munster final meaning that even 6th in Division 2 wont play in Sam Maguire this summer. As Fermanagh supporter id be more than happy with staying in Division 2 and playing the tailteann cup as dont think be ready for a Sam Maguire group, even looking at division 3 this year not sure we would get promoted if in it. However do feel its crucial for teams development to stay in Division 2.


Hopefully a good turnout in Ardee on Sunday(be prepared for a different county ground setting)

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 12/03/2024 12:49:19    2530893

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 12/03/2024 13:10:22    2530896

Would it be worth giving Malachy ORourke a shout ?? Shameful stuff today

KeshGFC (Fermanagh) - Posts: 339 - 16/03/2024 15:16:53    2531371

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 651 - 17/03/2024 09:44:22    2531607

Maybe give Rory a call

PattyONeill (Derry) - Posts: 246 - 17/03/2024 13:03:36    2531641

Victory tonight over Cavan too little too late. The hiding fromLouth last week the difference between survival and relegation ultimately the decisive factor.

Jack L (None) - Posts: 3141 - 23/03/2024 20:44:44    2532928

Sickening. Fantastic performance but unfortunately 5 points, which normally would be enough, not enough for Fermanagh this year. Hopefully that win will spark confidence into them heading into championship! A lot of positives I believe from this campaign though and many lessons learned for a young squad.

Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 45 - 23/03/2024 20:50:49    2532934

Fair play to lads for putting louth game behind them and doing their job against cavan. Always nice to beat another northeren team even though cavan had nothing to play for. Shame kildare could not have done us a favour, but you make your own luck unfortunately we just did not make enough. If your going to down you might as well go down swinging and they put a fight.

It was by far G. Jones best game in a green Jersey man of the match. The pass for the goal was great more of that please not sure where the cavan defence was for it though.
We could had a 3rd goal as it open up for Shane mcgullion.

Worrying thing was we where up by 9points at 1 stage and I still did not feel fully confident we where going to win that game. Cavan had hit numerous wides and when they threw on some of their bigger players they had reduced the deficit quite quickly.

It's disappointing to be going back to division 3 but they had their chances to stay up could have beaten meath and should have been Cork but there is still plenty of positives to be taken from the league.

1. Young squad they will have learnt a lot from the year and physically they will be stronger next

2. We ranked up some big scores 2.14 cavan 2.10 kildare .16 Cork

3. We found a goal threat. For years felt like we did not create enough goal scoring opportunities or players were afraid to have a go at goal.

4. Only 3 home games

At the start of the year I was wondering were wins where going to come from at all so to get 5 points is good just not enough. I do believe would have stayed up if we had recognised free taker Sean quigley leaving Lyons and mcgurn injuried. R.jones was also a big lost.

Me personally I think donnelly is doing a good job.
I have a different view than him on the role of a goalkeeper but it's the modern way.
I would like him to use the squad a wee bit more roation wise and make subs a bit quicker at times.
Still want to see more long, direct kicks going forward.

Hopefully we can get a run in the championship/ Cup.

Seperate note heard pundits talking before some game about possible rule changes in the future for example a shot clock (no from me), that you have to leave so many players in the opposition half (yes).
I would remove squareball, black card and mark. I would introduce frees have to go forward, i would make a sideline ball worth 2 points cause think its a dying art. Your only 3 hand passes in a row before you have to kick it. To many slow sides ways hand passes which makes the game dull to watch and discourages Young ones

What changes to rules would yous make?

ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 69 - 24/03/2024 22:57:31    2533385

Ernedevil great post, measured, constructive and evidence to support views given.

After a brilliant conclusion with the league finals time to look back on Fermanaghs campaign, great that lads bounced back in Breffni last week after the horror show in Ardee, would have been easy to lie down but the young squad showed some resolve, ultimatley wasnt enough, the Cork game was the killer in the end, at time even felt like that cold be costly defeat and so if proved. Decky McCusker was excellent, McDade very good, while Garvan Jones had his best ever game in a green jersey, showed ability to pick a pass too with Cassidys goal.


Donnelly says happy with campaign, with the loss of Sean Quigley and Ryan Jones was always going to be tough, then injuries to Ryan Lyons, McGurn and Johnny Cassidy proved costly especially given only 3 home games.
So for a young team they definitely will have learned alot against strong opposition and should stand to them going forward, shame couldnt stay in Division 2 next year to further push their development and Division 3 will be a dogfight next year as always.

Looking ahead now to the Ulster Championship, a huge test v Armagh in 2 weeks, the recent league encounter showed just how tough it will be for Fermanagh to get get through to semi final. Would like to see more support in Brewster as numbers at games havnt been great this year and we all know how Armagh bring huge support.

Would agree that Donnelly will need to use bench more going forward, very slow to do this in league(which maybe shows lack of faith in squad)especially if players back from injury such as Love, Lyons and Breen has greater options then, certainly think McMahon should be a started in role of sweeper and allow Cassidy man mark and allow McGullion revert to wing back role. Armagh could have scored 3 gaols last month in league so cant allow this again or be a long day.

The target for summer should be a semi of the Tailteann Cup and maybe push on from there.


Separately the system again is in limelight after league finals, personally think its a joke that 2 teams from Division 3 arent guaranteed to play in Sam Maguire due to the provincial draw in Munster enabling Clare a likely final. Then in Kildare reach leinster final Westmeath lose out still, surely they should at least set up a playoff game between Down and Clare with winner getting into Sam, gives both teams a chance then.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 01/04/2024 11:20:49    2534955

The lack of chat here on week of an Ulster "Championship " further reiterates the how unlike Championship it really is, following on from last weekends low key non atmospheric opener between Cavan and Monaghan. Weather, pitches, crowds, non of it is close to what Championship is about.


Anyway looking ahead to the game it's a tall ask ahead for Fermanagh. Armagh won in first gear in league recently and if get same goal chances Sunday it be curtains.
Fermanagh need to go long with kickouts and pack middle to win breaks, Armagh will push high if go short and drive turnovers otherwise.


Hope to see few late changes with McMahon and Johnny Cassidy, good to see McGurn on bench even.if is only able for 5 minutes after lay off, pity Lyons not available. Hopefully we can keep it tight until final straight then throw the sink at it.

Armagh will bring big support as always, let's hope Fermanagh fans turn up in numbers too..

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 12/04/2024 22:48:44    2537593

The silence and lack of interest shown here on the week of a championship game is a fair reflection of the low level of interest the championship is generating across the board, the GAA have contributed greatly to the downfall of the championship. Jarlath Burns is the white hope that can hopefully redeem it to its glory.

However thats a bigger issue, time to focus on ourselves after Sundays sorry display.
We all knew going into the game that Fermanagh faced a huge task against Armagh, their scoring threat and physical strength, Fermanagh had players starting who probably wouldnt make the Armagh panel so that outlined the challenge ahead. The lack of Fermanagh support again in the stands maybe reflects the lack of belief and maybe interest in team unfortunately at the moment

From league and games this season we knew what to expect, however on Sunday we persisted with slow short restarts on kickouts inviting Armagh to press and force high turnover, playing into Armaghs hands while for long kicks outs failed to get bodies in around the play to try win any breaks to get vital possession.

Watching the attempts at times in middle, could see in players eyes and efforts lack of belief and genuine effort to win the ball, one handed efforts, jumps were almost tokenistic. Would never have any issue with better team winning a game and always hold hands up but the lack of intensity and hunger is never acceptable especially at home in a Championship match. One of the players said after game that let their manager down, hard to argue on that point.

Kieran Donnelly is a great Fermanagh man, both as player and manager, has a good record to date from club and schools, plus got Fermanagh to division 2 and has undoubtedly the respect of all players and gaels, so wouldnt want to come out and criticise players publicly but to say that Fermanagh were "solid" in defence couldnt be further from the truth and to use the black card of Kelm as reason for the collapse is a bit of cover excuse. Armagh were breaking tackles at ease and could take on man at will and beat them for speed and power, their ability to move ball fast meant players 2/3 seconds ahead and Fermanagh were always reacting. The warning signs have been there all season, Louth in League was best example, Fermanaghs slow play invites turnovers which leaves defence totally exposed. Surprised that James McMahon wasnt in team, especially in sweeper role to try and stop the goal threat.
On the day Decky McCusker and Fionan O Brien were the best performers, Kelm tried until end and was probably very frustrated at times as he didnt have many others supporting when he had ball though his lack of shooting threat was evident and he had few solo efforts which highlighted this. The attacking threat was non existent, fact that only scored 2nd point in injury time shows this, when look through team from previous year, we are now relying on 2 players who weren't starters last year to be our main scorers this year shows that cutting edge is limited currently.

Where to from here, well firstly id say few players could be tempted to head to the states, the dollars could tempt them rather than playing infront of 750-1,000 people in Tailteann Cup games.

Team will have a few weeks to reflect on Sunday and reset for Tailteann Cup, vitally would hope the likes of McGurn and Johnny Cassidy will get up to match fitness as need them in team, while id like to think that James McMahon, Conor Love, Tiarnan Bogue would come into the team also. Hopefully Ryan Lyons might be able to feature in the group games also.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 16/04/2024 19:08:00    2538408

abc1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 406 - 17/04/2024 10:44:23    2538529

I think Fermanagh will need to inject some pride back into our county football in the forthcoming Tailteann Cup competition but if they fail to impress then Donnelly's tenure may be abruptly brought to an end. Following both the league and Ulster championship his game plans or lack off were much in discussion. Let's hope that things improve as it would be a major boost to win the Tailteann Cup and enabling the team to compete in next year's All Ireland Championship.

The Tailteann Cup draw
Group 1: Kildare, Leitrim, Longford, Waterford
Group 2: Sligo, Antrim, Wexford, Tipperary
Group 3: Fermanagh, Laois, Wicklow, Carlow
Group 4: Down, Offaly, Limerick, London

11.05.2024 (Sat) Fermanagh v Wicklow at 3pm in Brewster Pk
18/19.05.2024 Carlow v Fermanagh
1/2.06.2024 Fermanagh v Laois

Followed by seed placing playoffs.

abc1234 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 406 - 04/05/2024 11:24:47    2542779

gaalltheway (Fermanagh) - Posts: 802 - 11/05/2024 08:29:38    2544022

Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 45 - 11/05/2024 15:46:50    2544082

GaaAllTheWay, 3 of the last 7 posts in relation to the county team have been from myself,so what more you want?think the absence of interest isnt on my part in relation to the county team:-)

Before talking about todays game, some people have said that there is need for 3 tiers at county level,(similar to Junior, Intermediate and Senior at club), after game like that be hard to argue otherwise. Scary the gap in the teams considering todays game and how easily Armagh dismantled Fermanagh few weeks ago, the gap is huge, the difference in physicality, speed of moving ball and skillset is frightening, as have no doubt that Wicklow train as many times a week as Armagh etc so its hard to believe how just far apart teams at county level now are now.

Fermanagh played well, especially in second half when more clinical, not forgetting level of opposition today, Wicklow im sure bit better than what showed given that they beat Westmeath.
Main positives i think were Callum Jones, who at least showed confidence to kick ball into forward line, didnt always work but gave attacks a bit of much needed speed and set up few scores. Great to have Johnny Cassidy back on pitch and he had a solid return, Joe McDade won plenty of ball in middle(including ball for first goal after a great pass from McNally), with Conor McShea winning plenty of breaks, while Fionan O Brien kicked 2 nice scores. Great to see the subs adding to it with young King kick a good score and Conor Love showed just how clinical he can be with 2 excellent goals, he certainly is worthy of more time.

Ive no doubt at half time was alot of frustration even though 4 points up was Fermanagh wasted at least 2-4 wasted, Kelms shooting again off radar, he is such a threat in terms of power and pace in beating his man, if can find the finishing touch be a unmarkable.

Overall job done and on to Carlow away next weekend and if approach with right mindset it should be another win(Fermanagh never in position to take a win for granted) but should hopefully get the victory while giving other players a chance to get much needed game time, McMahon, Love , MCGurn and Breen.

Noticed no Cian McManus involved today, was he dropped from team, injured or has he left panel?

As mentioned previously, team should be targeting semi finals of the Tailteann Cup, topping the group will be important in reaching this as provides home quarter final plus ensures avoid other likely group winners(Down, Sligo and Kildare until semi final stages), so the Laois game will be crucial to achieving this.

Well done team and decent support their today in the sun, hopefully same backing for the team in Carlow next Saturday.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1142 - 11/05/2024 17:30:55    2544115