Galway Football

gaeilgegrinds

Any opinions on their recent matches? Have seen them all in the FBD league & not so sure how strong they are this year. Start of todays seemed worrying to say the least. Very slow start.

Tableman

I saw the Sligo match at Tuam stadium. I thought they looked excellent and I am impressed by the Liam Sammon so far. While I think an All-Ireland is out of the question (Galway just do not have the same quality of players as Kerry & Dublin), I could see us go far this year. His start has made me very optimistic for the year ahead.

kevmy

Tableman wrote: »

I saw the Sligo match at Tuam stadium. I thought they looked excellent and I am impressed by the Liam Sammon so far. While I think an All-Ireland is out of the question (Galway just do not have the same quality of players as Kerry & Dublin), I could see us go far this year. His start has made me very optimistic for the year ahead.

Hmmm not sure at all about Galway this year. If ye are going through the front door ye're going to have to beat us in Castlebar. Now over the last 5 years the match has gone with home territory. Can't really see that changing. There's little enough between the two teams and home advantage will probably swing.

If ye're playing well enough a quarter final berth could still be up for grabs. I'd say a good performance in a quarter would be regarded as a decent first season

Tableman

If ye're playing well enough a quarter final berth could still be up for grabs. I'd say a good performance in a quarter would be regarded as a decent first season

I would agree fully! But you'd never know, there are plenty of fairly average teams who can get to a 1/4 final so if they got one of those, then a semi isnt such a long way away.

I think Galway are better than Mayo. Mayo just havent replaced their team of the late 90's yet (What is James Nallen still doing on that panel)

Galway are a bit more youthful, their panel is mostly made up of the the jarlaths hogan cup winning side in 2001/2002? Interstingly, that was the case also in 1998 when the Galway panel were made up mostly of Jarlaths players from 1994. So they won the all-ireland 4 years later that time. This time a little longer, at 6 years

kevmy

Tableman wrote: »

I think Galway are better than Mayo. Mayo just havent replaced their team of the late 90's yet (What is James Nallen still doing on that panel)

Galway are a bit more youthful, their panel is mostly made up of the the jarlaths hogan cup winning side in 2001/2002? Interstingly, that was the case also in 1998 when the Galway panel were made up mostly of Jarlaths players from 1994. So they won the all-ireland 4 years later that time. This time a little longer, at 6 years

Mayo have a lot of youth on the panel and I reckon they should make the breakthrough this year. Already Clarke, K Higgins, LO'Malley, Howley, Kilcoyne, A Moran, B Moran, Campbell are battling it out for places. Dillon, CMort, McGarrity, Gardiner and Harte could hardly be described as old.

In fact the only guys I would describe as old are Jimmy Nallen, DB, Mac, Heaney and O'Neill. I certainly agree Nallen and O'Neill shouldn't be first choice and neither should Mac if he's not 100% fit.

Pride Fighter

gaeilgegrinds wrote: »

Any opinions on their recent matches? Have seen them all in the FBD league & not so sure how strong they are this year. Start of todays seemed worrying to say the least. Very slow start.

Last match I saw of them was against Sligo in the Connacht final:). I saw them play Mayo before that and was blown away. They have no consistency, they are either super good or super crap. They need to put together a consistent run of decent performances. With the players they have they should jump in your face at the start of the year as potential contenders. That will happen once they think there is more to the AI series than Mayo.

Tableman

kevmy wrote: »

Mayo have a lot of youth on the panel and I reckon they should make the breakthrough this year. Already Clarke, K Higgins, LO'Malley, Howley, Kilcoyne, A Moran, B Moran, Campbell are battling it out for places. Dillon, CMort, McGarrity, Gardiner and Harte could hardly be described as old.

In fact the only guys I would describe as old are Jimmy Nallen, DB, Mac, Heaney and O'Neill. I certainly agree Nallen and O'Neill shouldn't be first choice and neither should Mac if he's not 100% fit.

By DB, you mean David Brady? Is he still on the panel this year???

I hear Kilcoyne isnt liked too much by O'Mahony?

aidan24326

Can't really read much into the FBD games as it's an understrength team and a relatively unimportant competition. But it looks like they're going to win it out anyway for what that's worth. Winning is a good habit to get into though.

There's the makings of a decent team there if Sammon can get them going. The overall standard in football at the moment is not great, Kerry aside, so there's no reason at all why Galway shouldn't be aiming to go a long way in this year's championship. With the exception of Kerry, and maybe the Dubs in Croke Park, there isn't much else we should fear.

The defence have been playing well over the last couple of years, with the exception of last year's Meath game. It's mainly the forward line that has been misfiring, not living up to their reputation at all. It's a concern that Padraig Joyce and Michael Meehan never rarely play well together. In fact Meehan always seems to play better when Joyce is not there.

One thing's for sure, Meehan has to be played in a central position from now on, ideally full forward. P Joyce could be picked at wing forward and let him go where he likes. Nicky and Sean Armstrong to be two more starting forwards, and that leaves 2 places up for grabs between Breathnach, Bane, Dunleavy, Savage, M Clancy etc.

Dunno about the rest of ye but I like the idea of picking Dec Meehan at wing forward. I know he's not a forward per se, but we've enough wing backs already and it could be a good move to play him in the half forward line as a roving ball winner. Certainly worth a try in upcoming league games. Niall Coyne deserves to start in the half back line, alongside Blake with either Gary Sice, Alan Burke or Michael Comer on the other wing. At the moment I'd go with Comer, but we'll see what the league brings.

We badly need a midfield partner for Bergin too. The players that have been tried there aren't up to it. Barry Cullinane definitely not the answer. Maybe Blake should go to midfield altogether with Coyne at number 6? Or how about Coyne himself in the middle? Plays there with Carna Caseail. Any thoughts?

Tableman

aidan24326 wrote: »

Can't really read much into the FBD games as it's an understrength team and a relatively unimportant competition. But it looks like they're going to win it out anyway for what that's worth. Winning is a good habit to get into though.

There's the makings of a decent team there if Sammon can get them going. The overall standard in football at the moment is not great, Kerry aside, so there's no reason at all why Galway shouldn't be aiming to go a long way in this year's championship. With the exception of Kerry, and maybe the Dubs in Croke Park, there isn't much else we should fear.

The defence have been playing well over the last couple of years, with the exception of last year's Meath game. It's mainly the forward line that has been misfiring, not living up to their reputation at all. It's a concern that Padraig Joyce and Michael Meehan never rarely play well together. In fact Meehan always seems to play better when Joyce is not there.

One thing's for sure, Meehan has to be played in a central position from now on, ideally full forward. P Joyce could be picked at wing forward and let him go where he likes. Nicky and Sean Armstrong to be two more starting forwards, and that leaves 2 places up for grabs between Breathnach, Bane, Dunleavy, Savage, M Clancy etc.

Dunno about the rest of ye but I like the idea of picking Dec Meehan at wing forward. I know he's not a forward per se, but we've enough wing backs already and it could be a good move to play him in the half forward line as a roving ball winner. Certainly worth a try in upcoming league games. Niall Coyne deserves to start in the half back line, alongside Blake with either Gary Sice, Alan Burke or Michael Comer on the other wing. At the moment I'd go with Comer, but we'll see what the league brings.

We badly need a midfield partner for Bergin too. The players that have been tried there aren't up to it. Barry Cullinane definitely not the answer. Maybe Blake should go to midfield altogether with Coyne at number 6? Or how about Coyne himself in the middle? Plays there with Carna Caseail. Any thoughts?

This is what I hope to be seeing come summer:

Doherty
Fitzgerald Hanley D. Burke
Coyne Blake Mullahy

Bergin ???

Coleman P.Joyce N. Joyce
Bane Meehan Armstrong

Midifed will be between Cullinane & Geraghty but this lad from Moycullen has done well in the FBD. If he gets a chance in the league then he could force his way in. I'd have Dec Meehan as a sub, same with Savage (although Savage could challenge Bane & Armstrong for a place depending on their form @ the time)

kevmy

Tableman wrote: »

By DB, you mean David Brady?

Yes

Tableman wrote: »

Is he still on the panel this year???

I don't know but our lack of full backs has led to calls for him to be retained/persuaded to play there

Tableman wrote: »

I hear Kilcoyne isnt liked too much by O'Mahony?

Haven't heard that. I have heard that he should get a run in the league

Tableman

Haven't heard that. I have heard that he should get a run in the league

A few Mayo fans were saying something along those lines last year when O'Mahony seemed very reluctant to use Kilcoyne. I could be wrong though, I have been in the past!

aidan24326

Tableman wrote: »

This is what I hope to be seeing come summer:

Doherty
Fitzgerald Hanley D. Burke
Coyne Blake Mullahy

Bergin ???

Coleman P.Joyce N. Joyce
Bane Meehan Armstrong

Midifed will be between Cullinane & Geraghty but this lad from Moycullen has done well in the FBD. If he gets a chance in the league then he could force his way in. I'd have Dec Meehan as a sub, same with Savage (although Savage could challenge Bane & Armstrong for a place depending on their form @ the time)

Cullinane shouldn't be let near the team. Not a footballer at all. Geraghty has had chances and doesn't really look good enough for the top level either. I'd try someone like Coyne at midfield, or just go with Coleman alongside Bergin.

Looking at the team you've named there, there's absolutely no doubt that team should be good enough to put it up to anyone. Badly underachieved the last couple of years. I'd possibly play Coleman at midfield though, and bring in Dunleavy. Or maybe Matthew Clancy, while I was never his biggest fan as a footballer he's a battler who works his socks off.

The team I'd pick, at this moment in time, wouldn't differ too much from yours, maybe one or two changes but that's all. However I'd be hopeful that the league will throw up one or two more options, that Breathnach can keep up his impressive form, and that Mark Lydon could offer a realistic option at midfield.

This team could be worth a try?

1.Doherty/Faherty

2.Fitz 3.Hanley 4.D Burke

5.D Meehan 6.Blake 7.Mullahy

8.Bergin 9.Coyne

10.Dunleavy 11.M Meehan 12.N Joyce

13.Savage/Bane 14.P Joyce 15.Armstrong

Tableman

1.Doherty/Faherty

2.Fitz 3.Hanley 4.D Burke

5.D Meehan 6.Blake 7.Mullahy

8.Bergin 9.Coyne

10.Dunleavy 11.M Meehan 12.N Joyce

13.Savage/Bane 14.P Joyce 15.Armstrong

I believe that Coyne is simply too light to play at midfield. I can imagine him being bustled out of the way too easily. Not too sure about Coleman there either, He has been poor in championship matches there which is why I think he'd be more suited in a wing forward - 3rd mdfielder role.
Dunleavy is worth looking at if he is fit (Why hasnt he featured in the FBD????).
Meehan @ 11 should be looked at alright. I would live with that. If it wasnt happening, you always have the option to switch himself & P.Joyce

gaeilgegrinds

I suppose that would explain Cullinane being taken off at half time & being replaced by Bergin...

aidan24326

Tableman wrote:

Dunleavy is worth looking at if he is fit (Why hasnt he featured in the FBD????).

He has. He played in the Leitrim game. I'm not sure about last Sunday.
He has the ability if he can stay fit/get a run in the team.

I agree that Coleman has been patchy in championship games, but Cullinane has been worse.

gaeilgegrinds wrote: »

I suppose that would explain Cullinane being taken off at half time & being replaced by Bergin...

What would?

Tableman

He has. He played in the Leitrim game. I'm not sure about last Sunday

How did he play?

aidan24326

Tableman wrote: »

How did he (Dunleavy) play?

I wasn't at the game, only listened to it on GBFM in Dublin. Didn't sound like he did much to be honest. But he impressed me the couple of times he's played championship. Injuries have hindered his progress though.

Tableman

aidan24326 wrote: »

I wasn't at the game, only listened to it on GBFM in Dublin. Didn't sound like he did much to be honest. But he impressed me the couple of times he's played championship. Injuries have hindered his progress though.

Yes, I agree. He was a very good footballer when he was younger but always seems injured now. Hasnt really excelled at senior at all, even at club level.

gaeilgegrinds

Few injuries on the Galway team...not great news at all

aidan24326

gaeilgegrinds wrote: »

Few injuries on the Galway team...not great news at all

Could you elaborate?

AdamantApproach

Go watch a club game or two and you might learn something. I see some guy above has a big long post giving his opinion and then proceeds to leave Darren Mullahy off his team. Mullahy was arguably the best player in last seasons club championship.

Barry Cullinane, like it or not, and I don't myself, is the best option we have at midfield. He was made to look bad by the appalling kick outs of the utterly useless Paul Doherty last year, especially last year. Adrian Faherty, his clubmate, is capable of putting the ball down his throat with every single kickout. The man has unnatural fielding ability and this needs to be utilised.

As regards a partner for Barry at midfield, I would opt for Niall Coleman. These two have shown time and again at underage that the work well together. They need to be given a run of games partnering each other in the league. Joe Bergin is the most overrated footballer in the history of the GAA. He has been pathetic for years and should not be let in to watch the games, never mind tog.

Liam Sammon should beg Paul Clancy to return. He is an option at midfield alongside Barry if he does come back.

MY team would look like this.

Faherty
D Burke...Hanley...Fitzgerald
Coyne...Blake....Mullahy
Cullinane.....Coleman
Breathnach...P Joyce..Dunleavy
N.Joyce..Meehan..Armstrong

Fiachra Breathnach is there on form and those two wing forward spots are up for grabs. Dunleavy needs to prove himself-an exceptional minor blighted by injury. The inside forward line and full back lines are excellent, and I feel we are strong form 1-7, but midefield and the half forward line are major problem areas with no obvious solution.

And apparently Nicky is out for a few months with a groin problem.

AdamantApproach

That bit about Cullinane above should read

'especially last year against Meath'

gaeilgegrinds

Cullinane out with thumb injury...

aidan24326

AdamantApproach wrote: »

Liam Sammon should beg Paul Clancy to return. He is an option at midfield alongside Barry if he does come back.

I'd very much agree with this. There's no doubt at all that we lost Clancy prematurely and I believe he is playing great stuff with Moycullen at the moment. He probably has his personal reasons for opting out and that's fair enough but he'd be a huge addition if he could be persuaded to give it one more go. He wouldn't be available right now anyway until after the intermediate final so you never know. He would potentially make a big difference around the midfield/half forward area.

Diabhal Beag

Galway football is really going places (Lansdowne Road)

Pride Fighter

3 year bump??

Locked.