All-Ireland SFC Round 2 Monaghan v Clare Sunday, St Tiernach’s Park, 2pm By Shaun Casey YOU can’t teach old dogs new tricks, but then again, sometimes you don’t have to. Although Monaghan seem to be trying to turn a corner, when the going gets tough, it’s the old battle-hardened warriors that still stand up to […]
DECLAN McCOY: Still an imperfect system
AS I write this I have a sense of déjà vu. Another big game for Armagh and another heart-breaking penalty shoot-out defeat. I’m just back from a coffee with Aaron McKay and he was so disappointed he let me pay (again!). I would suggest the next time instead of penalties we should have a supporter […]
Preview: Derry must match the Orchard need
Ulster SFC Final Derry v Armagh Sunday, Clones, 4pm (Live on RTÉ and BBC) By Michael McMullan THE last time these two jostled in the championship, it was the Covid year and Armagh’s 0-6 to 0-2 lead at the first water break had Derry chasing a game a second half gale wasn’t able to help […]
Rivals yet again: John McEntee and Joe Cassidy
The last time Derry and Armagh met in the Ulster showdown, club rivals and university teammates John McEntee and Joe Cassidy were in opposing corners. Michael McMullan caught up with them for a walk down memory lane. WHEN Armagh minors began the defence of their Ulster title in a sun-kissed Athletic Grounds in May 1995, […]
Derry name team for Ulster final showdown with Armagh
By Michael McMullan DERRY manager Rory Gallagher has named an unchanged team for Sunday’s Ulster final with Armagh (Clones 4pm). Derry were winners over Fermanagh and Monaghan on their way to the decider, with Kieran McGeeney’s side seeing of Antrim, Cavan and Down on their way. There is no starting berth for Ciaran McFaul who […]
McEntee and Cassidy looking forward to another championship Sunday in Clones
By Michael McMullan FORMER Derry star Joe Cassidy and Armagh’s John McEntee went toe to toe in the 2000 Ulster final in Clones and are looking forward to Sunday’s rematch, recalling the buzz of playing at the home of Ulster football. Armagh were 1-12 to 1-11 winners in 2000 thanks to Oisin McConville’s late winner […]
Ulster SFC preview: Armagh are further down the road
ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL Armagh v Down Sunday, Clones, 4pm By Niall Gartland THEY say that a week is a long time in politics and the very same maxim could be applied to the dog-eat-dog world of inter-county football. It wasn’t long ago that Armagh were being written off as a contender to the big prizes […]
Monaghan men facing an uphill task
By Shaun Casey MONAGHAN’S quest to secure a tenth straight season in the topflight could well come down to Sunday’s showdown with Ulster rivals Tyrone. In any other round, Vinny Corey’s men would have been confident of turning the Red Hands over, but following their recent win over All-Ireland champions Kerry, Tyrone travel to Clones […]
Lifetime friendship from a lifesaving day
IT was Michael Murphy’s final game for Donegal and Declan Bonner’s as manager, but June 12, 2022 will be a day Dave Gallagher will never forget. Donegal had knocked Armagh out of the Ulster Championships and the Qualifiers draw dragged them back to Clones for an all or nothing rematch. For Donegal followers they were […]
Donegal striving for consistency says Bradley
By Michael McMullan DONEGAL are not as impressive as their victory over Kerry or as bad their defeat Tyrone have suggested, but somewhere in the middle. That’s the view of Derry All-Star forward Paddy Bradley, who is a coach and selector under new Donegal manager Paddy Carr. Donegal head to Clones on Sunday aiming to […]