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Fermanagh GAA thread

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Replying To ekn_teacher:  "My wishful thoughts for 2o24 include seeing Fermanagh doing well, particularly in the league. Although some have deserted them, there still remains a fine bunch to take the team's ambitions forward. Secondly, I have also a wish to be able to channel my frustrations regarding a particular irritating contributor in a tangible way. The inspiration struck when I tasked my older primary school pupils with writing letters to Santa, requesting a gift experience. So, I also penned a letter as follows.
Dear Santa,
I hope this letter finds you well amidst the joy of the season. My most cherished wish is for a unique experience. If, during an intercounty GAA game, an opportunity arises where a self-proclaimed Fermanagh fan named macca999 is ejected from Brewster Park stadium for misconduct-be it directed at the referee, officials, or any other unruly behaviour-please grant me the unforgettable experience of escorting him out by the scruff of the neck. I envision frogmarching him to the gates and banging them behind him, all while someone captures this comical episode for subsequent pleasure viewing.
This imaginative encounter would far surpass the delight of finding socks or any aftershave beneath the Christmas tree.
Gratefully,
Enniskillen Teacher"
I heard that a cardboard poster was seen on Brewster Park's gates last night which read something like "Plenty of frogs in here alright, some like jumping on backs for sure. It'll take a brave Gael to do me. Signed Macca." Well done to whoever done it. Maybe that will teach the Gaels to think again before trying to make a fool of others.

On the theme of football, what this thread should be about, does anyone have the full list of the county panel? I assume Donnelly will field a few inexperienced lads for the McKenna Cup. Long term it will be interesting to see who fills the Quigley and Jones's positions. I'd say the league will be the true test of where Fermanagh is in terms of progress or not.

Coa_gael (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1185 - 27/12/2023 11:06:20    2517729

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Replying To Coa_gael:  "I heard that a cardboard poster was seen on Brewster Park's gates last night which read something like "Plenty of frogs in here alright, some like jumping on backs for sure. It'll take a brave Gael to do me. Signed Macca." Well done to whoever done it. Maybe that will teach the Gaels to think again before trying to make a fool of others.

On the theme of football, what this thread should be about, does anyone have the full list of the county panel? I assume Donnelly will field a few inexperienced lads for the McKenna Cup. Long term it will be interesting to see who fills the Quigley and Jones's positions. I'd say the league will be the true test of where Fermanagh is in terms of progress or not."
If true, Macca has quite the audacity to mention leapfrogging. How does that relate to my initial post? And Coa man, regarding the senior panel question, it remains mostly unchanged, but Conor Love's return is expected to have an impact. Regrettably, Jonny Cassidy won't be fielding for some time due to a foot injury.

ekn_teacher (Fermanagh) - Posts: 272 - 29/12/2023 00:06:11    2517800

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Well done to Fermanagh on a season opening win yesterday.

Good performance, were made to work for the win at the end with a harsh black card forcing them down to 14 and Antrim took full advantage bringing it back to minimum.

First half were very good, 4 points difference really flattered Antrim. I haven't seen Fermanagh dominate a team like that in a while. Half backs & half forward drove at pace with a couple of really nice scores from Sean Cassidy & Ronan McCaffrey. Really liked McCaffrey at CHF. Would like to see someone else given a chance at FF on Wednesday night (Bogue, Love, King etc.) to see how they fair in comparison to Jones' performance today.

Full back line were brilliant, didn't give Antrim much of a sniff. Goal was a disappointment mind you, another slippery one to concede yesterday. McNally is a great goalie with distribution and shot stopping but unfortunately due to his smaller frame teams will target high balls on him.

All the new lads that came in impressed me, King had a nice score to seal the match at the end (I know he was in the panel last year but would hope he would see more game time this year)

Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 45 - 08/01/2024 10:25:45    2518963

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Well, we got off to a good start yesterday with our Fermanagh team's opening fixture in the Dr McKenna Cup proving to be a successful one as we held on for a one-point win, despite a late Antrim charge, with a concluding score line of Antrim 1-9 Fermanagh 1-10.
Scorers for Fermanagh: L Cullen (1-0); R McCaffrey, S Cassidy, G Jones (1 free)(0-2 each); U Kelm, O Smyth, D King, C Love (free)(0-1 each).
Fermanagh starting team: Sean McNally; Lee Cullen, Ché Cullen, Oisin Smyth; Declan McCusker, Shane McGullion, Josh Largo-Ennis; Brandon Horan, Conor McGee; Aidan Breen, Ronan McCaffrey, Conor McShea; Ultan Kelm, Garvan Jones and Sean Cassidy.
Subs: Diarmuid King for Jones (49), Conor Love for Cassidy (49), Joe McDade for Breen (54), Ryan Lyons for McGullion (57), Cian McManus for McShea (67), Tiarnan Bogue for Kelm (70).

erneboy (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1399 - 08/01/2024 10:46:05    2518972

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Happy New Year all fellow Fermanagh GAA Supporters.

Good to see the team start the year with a win, albeit in the McKenna Cup, though given that had black card for the end of the game shows battling spirit is still there. Though when look at both starting teams, Antrim certainly had a more experimental team out than Fermanagh, of the starting 15 id say Oisin Smyth be the only new player( i know on panel last year but dont think got much if any game time), so Fermanagh certainly had a very experienced team out. Great to see Diarmuid King make impact when came on as going to need him stepping up this year plus good to have Conor Love, Tiarnan Bogue and Joe McDade back involved, especially with few influential players gone from last year.
Positive displays from Decky McCusker and Brandon Horan, the Cullens also very strong throughout, Garvan Jones tried hard but the full forward roll is new to him.

With a very tough Division 2 league campaign on the horizon Fermanagh need to hit the ground away to Meath , so im sure this is factor in team selection as need to be full tilt and try get points on board from first 2 fixtures. The sigerson cup always has an impact too this time of year though the panel could highlight that not an many young players ready to step up to the senior panel at minute in the county.

Darragh McGurn and Johnny Cassidy likley not available until late February, both will be hugely missed, seen Luke Flanagan is absent, has he not went back this year or is that an injury?

Monaghan will provide a sterner test on Wednesday night, hopefully get a positive performance, with only 3 home games in league(1 of those in Ederney),it be crucial Fermanagh make Brewster Park a tough place to come too.

Good to have the football back,looking forward to another season and hopefully lots of positive performances and contributions on here:-)

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1139 - 08/01/2024 18:33:17    2519102

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Dr McKenna Cup
Full Time
Fermanagh: 0-12(12)
Monaghan: 2-9(15)
A close brutal game with the Farneymen winning out towards the end of the 2nd half.

erneboy (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1399 - 10/01/2024 21:09:46    2519488

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Replying To erneboy:  "Dr McKenna Cup
Full Time
Fermanagh: 0-12(12)
Monaghan: 2-9(15)
A close brutal game with the Farneymen winning out towards the end of the 2nd half."
Hard luck guys as Monaghan secured their spot in the Dr McKenna Cup Semi-Finals, clinching a three-point victory over Fermanagh.
Scorers:
Fermanagh: U Kelm 0-4 (2f), G Jones 0-3 (1f), C Love 0-1, B Horan 0-1, T Bogue 0-1 Black Card 33m 2nd half, R Bogue 0-1, C McGee 0-

Fermanagh Lineup:
R Bogue; JJ O'Brien, C Cullen, L Cullen; P McGovern, O Smyth, C McManus; B Horan, T Bogue; R Lyons, S McGullion, D McCusker; U Kelm, G Jones, C Love
Substitutions:
On:Sean Cassidy Off:Conor Love; On:Conor McGee Off: Ryan Lyons; On:Oisin Murphy Off:Conor McShea; On:Aidan Breen Off:Ultán Kelm.

erneboy (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1399 - 10/01/2024 22:38:05    2519507

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Replying To erneboy:  "Hard luck guys as Monaghan secured their spot in the Dr McKenna Cup Semi-Finals, clinching a three-point victory over Fermanagh.
Scorers:
Fermanagh: U Kelm 0-4 (2f), G Jones 0-3 (1f), C Love 0-1, B Horan 0-1, T Bogue 0-1 Black Card 33m 2nd half, R Bogue 0-1, C McGee 0-

Fermanagh Lineup:
R Bogue; JJ O'Brien, C Cullen, L Cullen; P McGovern, O Smyth, C McManus; B Horan, T Bogue; R Lyons, S McGullion, D McCusker; U Kelm, G Jones, C Love
Substitutions:
On:Sean Cassidy Off:Conor Love; On:Conor McGee Off: Ryan Lyons; On:Oisin Murphy Off:Conor McShea; On:Aidan Breen Off:Ultán Kelm."
Not good when your near full team can't beat our 2nd/3rd string

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 587 - 11/01/2024 10:43:53    2519564

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Replying To veterngaa:  "Not good when your near full team can't beat our 2nd/3rd string"
That was nothing near our full team.

Bailah (Fermanagh) - Posts: 45 - 11/01/2024 12:46:00    2519589

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Replying To Bailah:  "That was nothing near our full team."
I'll come back after your first league game and we will count how many from last night plays..

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 587 - 11/01/2024 15:25:56    2519647

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hope to see lots of fermanagh fans down in navan in 2 weeks , its a giid town on a saturday night if there are groups planning on staying theres a few hotels and good b and bs in the town also. all meath fans are looking forward to this fixture since they came out in november so should be a massive crowd, we know we need to target this game big time so id say it could be championship fervour. meath played Galway on saturday and lost 0-15 to 0-11. both had near full strength. should be a great game, i cant see us beating armagh or donegal both away from home them and we also have a massive local dearby vs Kildare in navan which will be the marquee game for us. book hotels etc soon though because there are a lot of hen parties in navan most weekends

dickie10 (UK) - Posts: 757 - 16/01/2024 09:38:34    2520401

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Replying To dickie10:  "hope to see lots of fermanagh fans down in navan in 2 weeks , its a giid town on a saturday night if there are groups planning on staying theres a few hotels and good b and bs in the town also. all meath fans are looking forward to this fixture since they came out in november so should be a massive crowd, we know we need to target this game big time so id say it could be championship fervour. meath played Galway on saturday and lost 0-15 to 0-11. both had near full strength. should be a great game, i cant see us beating armagh or donegal both away from home them and we also have a massive local dearby vs Kildare in navan which will be the marquee game for us. book hotels etc soon though because there are a lot of hen parties in navan most weekends"
Hi Dick, are you a Failte Ireland rep or a GAA fan as your post seems more about promoting hospitality than Gaelic football?
As for football, Fermanagh should feel comfortable meeting Meath a bottom of the piler team who just avoided relegation last season. Although, we have had some heavyweights walk away, Donnelly is confident of fielding a team that will get us off to a good start. However, we are realistic enough to know it's going to be a challenging league campaign overall, but Donnelly is hoping his team will keep its place in div 2 for next season.
And for your information, we have plenty of hens in Fermanagh too!

TurnipHead. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 248 - 16/01/2024 14:42:05    2520483

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Hi Dickie, thanks for taking the time to post on our forum in the eager anticipation of our upcoming league clash and look forward to it, be nice to see a massive crowd even with the strange enough early Saturday throw in time. Always a good atmosphere in Navan despite the facilities, be super when works completed. Have had some great battles with Meath over the years though you have came out better on most recent occasions.

Ignore the previous poster, there does be a few posters here who prefer to snip at every opportunity, and go with a glass half empty approach to any contributions to the forum, the local attempts at sarcasm can work in mysterious ways.

Given the strength of Division 2 this year im sure Colm o Rourke and co have this earnmarked as a must win game and will expect to make home advantage count. Fermanagh will be looking to hit the ground running as cant afford to be cut adrift after first 2 games in this division and will feel that if reach their best that a win is a possible but by no means confident or underestimating Meath. If Fermanagh can stay in Division 2 it be a massive achievement, with provincial draws for teams wanting to be 100% sure of place in Sam Maguire 5th place finished be required potentially.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1139 - 16/01/2024 23:39:17    2520588

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Replying To macca999:  "Hi Dickie, thanks for taking the time to post on our forum in the eager anticipation of our upcoming league clash and look forward to it, be nice to see a massive crowd even with the strange enough early Saturday throw in time. Always a good atmosphere in Navan despite the facilities, be super when works completed. Have had some great battles with Meath over the years though you have came out better on most recent occasions.

Ignore the previous poster, there does be a few posters here who prefer to snip at every opportunity, and go with a glass half empty approach to any contributions to the forum, the local attempts at sarcasm can work in mysterious ways.

Given the strength of Division 2 this year im sure Colm o Rourke and co have this earnmarked as a must win game and will expect to make home advantage count. Fermanagh will be looking to hit the ground running as cant afford to be cut adrift after first 2 games in this division and will feel that if reach their best that a win is a possible but by no means confident or underestimating Meath. If Fermanagh can stay in Division 2 it be a massive achievement, with provincial draws for teams wanting to be 100% sure of place in Sam Maguire 5th place finished be required potentially."
macca, you've got some nerve suggesting that the Meath individual named Dick should ignore my response to his sleazy proposition to Fermanagh male supporters, insinuating that partying ladies are easy prey in Navan. Your passive support for Dick really highlights your poor lack of moral judgement.

You also claim that posters like me 'prefer to snip at every opportunity and go with a glass half-empty approach to any contributions to the forum. Let me clarify that optimistic individuals, like me, see the glass as half full because we focus on the brighter side of the situation. My commentary on the football itself was honest, realistic and succinct, a sentiment you seemed to copy but adorned with unnecessary longwinded waffle.

You mention that 'local attempts at sarcasm can work in mysterious ways. While I'm not entirely sure of your insinuation, I presume it relates to an Enniskillen poster's humorous remark about a 'frogmarching' wish. If your mysterious response involves sneaking around at night to put up foolish posters on Brewster Park's gates, then that speaks volumes about your sarcastic approach. Find something more meaningful to do with your time!"

TurnipHead. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 248 - 18/01/2024 11:15:34    2520780

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Replying To TurnipHead.:  "macca, you've got some nerve suggesting that the Meath individual named Dick should ignore my response to his sleazy proposition to Fermanagh male supporters, insinuating that partying ladies are easy prey in Navan. Your passive support for Dick really highlights your poor lack of moral judgement.

You also claim that posters like me 'prefer to snip at every opportunity and go with a glass half-empty approach to any contributions to the forum. Let me clarify that optimistic individuals, like me, see the glass as half full because we focus on the brighter side of the situation. My commentary on the football itself was honest, realistic and succinct, a sentiment you seemed to copy but adorned with unnecessary longwinded waffle.

You mention that 'local attempts at sarcasm can work in mysterious ways. While I'm not entirely sure of your insinuation, I presume it relates to an Enniskillen poster's humorous remark about a 'frogmarching' wish. If your mysterious response involves sneaking around at night to put up foolish posters on Brewster Park's gates, then that speaks volumes about your sarcastic approach. Find something more meaningful to do with your time!""
I can see why people get angry with that macca guy because he causes annoyance as he doesn't think out the consequences of his comments whether that be interjecting as in this case when it is none of his business or when he posts criticism of our unpaid dedicated county players with most of it unwarranted. Many will remember his negative goalkeeping comments and when challenged he refused to back down and apologise. I agree with the last poster on other issues raised.

barneytown (Fermanagh) - Posts: 293 - 19/01/2024 14:12:39    2520964

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Replying To barneytown:  "I can see why people get angry with that macca guy because he causes annoyance as he doesn't think out the consequences of his comments whether that be interjecting as in this case when it is none of his business or when he posts criticism of our unpaid dedicated county players with most of it unwarranted. Many will remember his negative goalkeeping comments and when challenged he refused to back down and apologise. I agree with the last poster on other issues raised."
Barneytown, there's nothing to apologise for, this forum is for opinions and I still have the opinion that our keeper last year was susceptible on a high ball due to size, which hasn't changed as far as I'm aware of, distribution is good but teams can exploit this.

Good news to see James McMahon back, guessing be 3rd league game after break when he is up to speed.
He be a great help especially with Cassidy injured, McMahon ideal for sweeper role as can read game well and now that have Cullens there to man mark.

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1139 - 20/01/2024 13:10:36    2521107

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Could have easily been a win for Fermanagh today if only those wides had went over the bar. Too many chances missed. Good defending for the most part but mistakes were made. The twins are strong but sometimes easily outwitted. A massive game input from McNally, so much for that slobber who criticises the goalkeeper! Overall, not a bad start at the higher league level.

barneytown (Fermanagh) - Posts: 293 - 27/01/2024 23:03:19    2522536

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I am happy with the draw, better to leave with a point than nothing especially away from home. Game could have went either way both teams had a chance to win the game at the end.

We were the better team in the 1st half, should have been more ahead at ht but free taking was an issue. The goal was well worked and probably the only time we moved the ball quick and direct. The Sub of mccusker back fired, he was involved in the goal and was winning a lot of dirty ball in mid. Kelm had a goal chance saved. Our defence was very good and we turned meath over numerous times. However meath had 3 goal chances which they should have scored if it was not for some bad decision making on their part and good recovery from are defence. Don't know what Joe did to get a black card. Both teams looked recked by the end, if the game went on any longer think we would have lost.

I am defo old school but hate seeing keepers running out the field, taking frees and 45s.

Overall very pleased with the result and pleased with how the team played. Man of match for me was che but other good performers In Lee, mcgee, cassidy and mccusker. The result has left me more optimistic for the rest of the league and hopefully we can get a win next week against kildare. Need to make home advantage count.

How many points do you reckon we need to be safe? I think 5, 4 could do it but will come down to score difference.

ERNEDEVIL (Fermanagh) - Posts: 69 - 28/01/2024 18:02:34    2522763

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Before the ball was thrown in yesterday likely would have taken a point but way game transpired certainly a slight sense of disappointment with draw although with extra man and breeze Meath had their chance to snatch it.

Meath are a physically big team but credit to the youthful Fermanagh team they stood up well and matched them with great intensity, forced some excellent turnovers and blocks made throughout.

The wind had big impact on the game, we probably didnt utilise it enough first half, dropped 2 frees short while Kelm snatched a couple of efforts, goal was crucial on stroke of half time, as breeze was probably worth 5 point cushion.

Getting first score second half was important to give team further belief, Meath did start pressing kick out and began to win midfield battle. Thought McDades black card was harsh, but as Donnelly mentioned after the game the team showed great character given with man down and pressure on as alot of new players being exposed to that level, so that was very encouraging. Fermanagh had a few attacks to go 2 points up in final 10 which could have clinched the win but McManus, Jones and McGullion were turned over, Meath could have punished us then but lack of speed in the their attack and wrong choice of pass let Fermanagh off hook, other teams in league would have had 2 goals yesterday, thats an area need to work on. Surprised O Rourke too Lynch and Frayne off, thought our subs could have been made bit sooner.
Che was solid as ever, while Oisin Smyth, McDade and Sean Cassidy all did well, Kelm be disappointed with his shooting but was excellent at linking play all over pitch and better players, im sure other teams will be alot more focussed on limiting him than Meath were.

Overall a positive enough start to the campaign, results already showing just how difficult it will be for teams to guarantee Division 2 status, certainly need to make home advantage count as will need 6 points to guarantee that, with every point being hard earned.

Kildare will come to Brewster desperate for win now so need to match that hunger and in large numbers, poor turnout from Fermanagh supporters yesterday hope better showing Saturday evening.
Hopefully Decky be okay after yesterdays injury and that Ryan Lyons and Conor Love be in position to play a part as we will need players to make possession count on scoreboard both starting and from bench.

Roll on Saturday!

macca999 (Fermanagh) - Posts: 1139 - 28/01/2024 19:07:22    2522802

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Replying To ERNEDEVIL:  "I am happy with the draw, better to leave with a point than nothing especially away from home. Game could have went either way both teams had a chance to win the game at the end.

We were the better team in the 1st half, should have been more ahead at ht but free taking was an issue. The goal was well worked and probably the only time we moved the ball quick and direct. The Sub of mccusker back fired, he was involved in the goal and was winning a lot of dirty ball in mid. Kelm had a goal chance saved. Our defence was very good and we turned meath over numerous times. However meath had 3 goal chances which they should have scored if it was not for some bad decision making on their part and good recovery from are defence. Don't know what Joe did to get a black card. Both teams looked recked by the end, if the game went on any longer think we would have lost.

I am defo old school but hate seeing keepers running out the field, taking frees and 45s.

Overall very pleased with the result and pleased with how the team played. Man of match for me was che but other good performers In Lee, mcgee, cassidy and mccusker. The result has left me more optimistic for the rest of the league and hopefully we can get a win next week against kildare. Need to make home advantage count.

How many points do you reckon we need to be safe? I think 5, 4 could do it but will come down to score difference."
More or less the same as Barney's post except your take on the goalkeeper who is my man of the match. The Teemore lad has to be credited for coming out field to support his teammates. That thwarted Meath somewhat. You need to back to GAA school again and learn the present day game mate!

hillbilly. (Fermanagh) - Posts: 38 - 28/01/2024 19:18:47    2522808

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