Armagh v Kildare Thread

[corn02]

Big step up frpm Laois, but we went down there last year and got a great victory. If I remember correctly Toner and Vernon had blinders in MF that day against much vaunted opposition, the same will be required again although I'm not sure if Charlie will make it for Sunday.

Vernon was a power house that day. Donaghy, Shannon, Toner, McEvoy, Clarke, Kevin and Martin O'Rourke were all excelelnt as well in one of the most enjoyable league matches i've seen in donkeys. Some of Kildare's shooting was sublime.


I have to fancy Kildare here.
Even;ly matched n paper, but I think they will be in good form and will be well up for it.

[Begbie]

It's valid discussion to the match. Carry on.

I have absolutely no doubt that if it was a semi-final, an All-Ireland final, a firendly or whatever, McGeeney and O'Rourke would be as committed to beating Armagh as they would Tyrone.

I'm in a middle ground here myself. Infact I don't know what I believe so it's hard to get my point across. It's a difficult scenario for them. I agree they are devoted to the cause of Kildare and will go out to win the game at the weekend, it would be ludicrous to suggest otherwise and I am not attempting to do so.

I just think that if an Armagh captain walked up the steps in Croker to lift Sam (against Kildare on the 3rd sunday of september) there would be mixed emotions in the hearts and minds of Keiran McGeeney and Aidan O'Rourke. Sure they, as competitors, would want to beat Armagh but if Ciaran McKeever lifted Sam they would have delight somewhere within them.

I'm not questioning their will to win, their preparation or anything like that, I'm simply stating that inside these men (who are two of our heroes) there is undoubtedly still a love for Armagh as a team, as a county as a people and there always will be.

Where is the line drawn? They would be happy to see Armagh win an All-Ireland but not at the expense of Kildare? Against any other side without question? I still believe there would be split loyalties even though I wouldn't question the proffesional approach of these two exceptional gaels and competitors.

I don't think I've got to say what I wanted, the words are not arriving but I hope people can at least in some way see what I am saying?

[ThrowBall]

Can understand completely what you are saying Begbie and agree on the most part. By the way what is so super about you and Corn.

As for Sunday I can only see one or two changes as would be the norm. The choice of keeper will again tell a tale. Think Swift may get another run out with one other change to give someone a chance.

[AFS]

What way are the injuries shaping up?

Think Kildare will have a wee bit too much for us. Despite our midfield and Ronan Clarke playing out of their skins against them last year we still needed a missed penalty to take us over the line.

[corn02]

What way are the injuries shaping up?

Think Kildare will have a wee bit too much for us. Despite our midfield and Ronan Clarke playing out of their skins against them last year we still needed a missed penalty to take us over the line.

Dyas out for sure, no ideas on the others.

[bigfrank01]

lo0oking forward to this one pity its mothers day might affect the attendence a bit it going to be a tight one geezer has a job to do and will be out for full points i can see this one being a draw

[topoftheright]

I agree with Bainisteoir that Toner should be playing fullback in these league games to bed him in for the
Championship .Its obvious that he is not the answer in midfield but could turn out to be an outstanding fullback and we should be trying different players in midfield.

[Bainisteoir]

Kildare boss Kieran McGeeney says his team will face a real threat this Sunday when they come up against two of his former team-mates in Ronan Clarke and Steven McDonnell.

McDonnell has been in deadly form so far this season in particular, while Clarke returned to action at the weekend in Armagh's win over Laois and McGeeney will be hoping that his defence can bring an abrupt end to the Orchard County's winning run in Division Two when the two teams meet in Crossmaglen this weekend

"If McDonnell and Clarke are playing they're probably two of the best scoring forwards in the country, especially if they're playing well and playing together," said McGeeney.

"McDonnell's a good player but I suppose we'll just have to try our best. We've put in two good defensive displays. We'd be happy with that."

[meiko]

Dyas out for sure, no ideas on the others.

just seen on ceefax there , DYAS and CLARKE are both out for a month .

[corn02]

just seen on ceefax there , DYAS and CLARKE are both out for a month .

Yes, Dyas' injury is shoulder realted, so, hopefully, it won't be troublesome in the future. Clarke's injury seems a more worrying one.
Assuming Vernon and Swift are out what will we be expecting?

Hearty
Mallon Donaghy Duffy
Finn Mo McKeever Shannon

Lavery Toner

Feeney AK Mackin
TK McDonnell Henderson

Something like that?