Ciaran McDonald

Having this guy missing from the Mayo panel is a total disgrace. I have never been a huge fan of him but yesterday I attended a Crossmolina match(girlfriends from Crossmolina) and he was immense. It was a chamionship game against Louisburg. He was involved in every score, his passing, vision and scoring ability is something that is something which is sorely missed from that Mayo team. One of best footballers of the last 10 years and not to have him on the Mayo side is a joke.

hughes2558

No doubt he is incredibly talented but at times I thought he was more of a hindrance to Mayo team in the way that he held on to the ball for so long and delaying playing the ball into the inside forwards

shakin

he would have been very useful to bring on in the last ten minutes of the galway match...he was carrying an injury for his club game i heard

fist_of_fury

i think most counties would be building a team around ciaran. i can't understand him not even being on the panel.

UnitedIrishman

Heard he had a big game alright but lets not judge him against Louisburgh of all teams. I'm sure he could still play at the top level and his vision and passing are second to none.

However, it's time to build a bridge and get over it because he isn't going to be selected whilst Johnno is in charge and the way things are at the minute, his style of play probably wouldn't suit Mayo's game. That said if I was the manager, the first thing I would be doing would be to ring Ciaran and say that if he plays the way the manager wants him to, then he'll welcome him back.

UnitedIrishman

UnitedIrishman wrote: »

Heard he had a big game alright but lets not judge him against Louisburgh of all teams. I'm sure he could still play at the top level and his vision and passing are second to none.

Have to agree but Louisburgh were doubling up on him and sometimes tripling up on him. What I found outstanding was the way he could drop a pass on a 5 cent coin if needed. Brillant footballer and I certainly think he should be in the Mayo panel, I know for a fact if he was a Dub(who idolise Jason ****ing Sherlock:rolleyes:), he would be taken with open arms into any panel.

63587614

Lads, from the country and I can't understand why Mc Donald is not in the panel. I hear the argument about not suiting the team but tell me he would of scored 1,2 pts that would have pulled Mayo through the Connacht final.

Class player, put him in full fwd. Target man, roaming player who cares. Give him 20 mins towards end. See result.

mousey007

its ridiculous that he's not on the panel...does o'mahony know what he's doing?

The Chessplayer

He was dropped because a certain idiot saw him as a big time Charlie. They had their chance and blew it. O'Mahony has a history of dropping olders players, even when they still have a lot to offer. You can't account for class, and no amont of young enthusiasm and running can make up for it.

The Chessplayer

UnitedIrishman wrote: »

his style of play probably wouldn't suit Mayo's game

Codswallop

kevmy

To be brutally ****ing honest I'm sick to death of hearing about McD. He's not on the panel - a lot of people disagree with this myself included - but bitching about this kinda stuff for the last 3 months hasn't made a difference and I've a feeling bitching about it now won't make a difference either.

We've a big game coming up in 2 weeks time and tbh I'd be much more concerned about Trevor Mort, McGarrity and Howley fitness than I would about McD availability the next day. Lets face it you could have 4 McD's in the forward line but if the defence was as poor as it was the last day it wouldn't make ****e all difference

Culchie

kevmy wrote: »

To be brutally ****ing honest I'm sick to death of hearing about McD. He's not on the panel - a lot of people disagree with this myself included - but bitching about this kinda stuff for the last 3 months hasn't made a difference and I've a feeling bitching about it now won't make a difference either.

We've a big game coming up in 2 weeks time and tbh I'd be much more concerned about Trevor Mort, McGarrity and Howley fitness than I would about McD availability the next day. Lets face it you could have 4 McD's in the forward line but if the defence was as poor as it was the last day it wouldn't make ****e all difference

ditto.

McDonald himself decided he didn't want to get involved with a team building process, he considers himself 'proven' and above that sort of thing.....so be it.

Ideally, yes he should be on the team pulling the strings on the field, as well as off it as he is also pretty good at.

O'Mahony has won two All-Irelands, and a Connacht with Leitrim, yes Leitrim ffs ..... he has to be left to make the judgement calls.

Management isn't easy....and a good manager that gets results is very rarely 'popular'.

The Chessplayer

Culchie wrote: »

O'Mahony has won two All-Irelands, and a Connacht with Leitrim, yes Leitrim ffs ..... he has to be left to make the judgement calls.

Management isn't easy....and a good manager that gets results is very rarely 'popular'.

Declan Darcy won that Connacht for Leitrim, nevermind O'Mahony.

You don't ask proven campaigners to prove themselves, you keep them on a squad players, e.g. Canavan is a prime example.

Even look at Mayo, what's the name of that ancient lad (played club for Na Fianna in Dublin) and won the semi final against Dublin a few years ago for Mayo after coming on as a sub? Kevin something or other?

Look at Dublin, Whelan, Sherlock etc don't tog out for the O'Byrne Cup or early rounds of the league.... O'Mahony doesn't have a clue, and Mayo are screwed.

Culchie

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Declan Darcy won that Connacht for Leitrim, nevermind O'Mahony.

You don't ask proven campaigners to prove themselves, you keep them on a squad players, e.g. Canavan is a prime example.

Even look at Mayo, what's the name of that ancient lad (played club for Na Fianna in Dublin) and won the semi final against Dublin a few years ago for Mayo after coming on as a sub? Kevin something or other?

Look at Dublin, Whelan, Sherlock etc don't tog out for the O'Byrne Cup or early rounds of the league.... O'Mahony doesn't have a clue, and Mayo are screwed.

We'll agree to disagree, the topic bores me tbh .... history always did.

An Citeog

peterswellman wrote: »

I know for a fact if he was a Dub(who idolise Jason ****ing Sherlock:rolleyes:), he would be taken with open arms into any panel.

*Chomp*

Most, if not all, Dublin fans respect and admire Jason Sherlock for the great service he has given Dublin football over the past 13 years, because he was instrumental in our last AI win all those years ago and because he always gives 100% and is willing to sacrifice himself for the team. There are better players in Dublin and around the country but that doesn't even enter the equation here.

niallo32

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Declan Darcy won that Connacht for Leitrim, nevermind O'Mahony.

You don't ask proven campaigners to prove themselves, you keep them on a squad players, e.g. Canavan is a prime example.

Even look at Mayo, what's the name of that ancient lad (played club for Na Fianna in Dublin) and won the semi final against Dublin a few years ago for Mayo after coming on as a sub? Kevin something or other?

Look at Dublin, Whelan, Sherlock etc don't tog out for the O'Byrne Cup or early rounds of the league.... O'Mahony doesn't have a clue, and Mayo are screwed.

Sherlock scored the winning goal in the O'Byrne cup final in January.

Whelan didn't come back for the first few rounds of the league alright, but that was in agreement with Pillar.

McDonald had played about 20 minutes of Intercounty football since Sept 2006 and yet he still hasn't commited to playing county football or turned up training by the end of April - you spot the difference..

O'Mahoney had to finalise his plans for the summer and McDonald wasn't willing to commit to being a part of those plans..

john concannon

He's probably filling some potholes or something to do cracks.
Galway 4 Sam

speaktofrank

john concannon wrote: »

He's probably filling some potholes or something to do cracks.
Galway 4 Sam

Well that made a lot of sense

Anyway Ciaran Mc Donald is one of the best footballers out there, if Mayo fall at the next hurdle then people will be calling for JOM's head. If there is a problem with the guy he should say what it is and what his reasons are for dropping him.
Maybe CMD should have played that trial match but he warrants at least a place on the panel at the very least.

john concannon

speaktofrank wrote: »

Well that made a lot of sense

He works on the roads geddit?
No you probably don't:pac:

Arion Online

O'Mahoney is the manager and he makes the decisions. If he felt McDonald wasn't 100% commited then he can't be on the panel

The Chessplayer

niallo32 wrote: »

Sherlock scored the winning goal in the O'Byrne cup final in January.

Whelan didn't come back for the first few rounds of the league alright, but that was in agreement with Pillar.

McDonald had played about 20 minutes of Intercounty football since Sept 2006 and yet he still hasn't commited to playing county football or turned up training by the end of April - you spot the difference..

O'Mahoney had to finalise his plans for the summer and McDonald wasn't willing to commit to being a part of those plans..

Chap, my point is that the O'Byrne etc and the early rounds of the league are for giving the young lads a run out and trying out new players and experimenting.

March or April is when all the seasoned campaigners start to filter back in. Same every year. It's not about McDonald not being committed, it's about O'Mahony not having a clue what he's at.

mousey007

i agree completely about o'mahony

nacho libre

Nallon's recent words on this issue says it all. Of course now that he is coming to the end of his playing days maybe Nallon feels he can be more forthright. However, as a senior player his view should be taken on board by the manager. O' Mahony should put his personal feelings aside and think of the team.

blackbelt

To be honest,Ciaran MacDonald is a class footballer and can be one of the best in the country BUT if you don't tog out for a challenge match by request of the manager and expect to automatically make the Mayo panel,you are kidding yourself.

Maybe Mac has a similar attitude to his club Crossmolina or he is an automatic for his club but at intercounty unless you show commitment and are ready to be assessed,you can't honestly expect a place.

If JOM wants Ciaran Mac back,they'll have to reach a deal.I think O Mahoney has the careers of the young players in mind by leaving him out.A young player may become disillusioned to be dropped in favour of an established star who has shown no commitment to the cause.

UnitedIrishman

john concannon wrote: »

He's probably filling some potholes or something to do cracks.
Galway 4 Sam

How long did it take you to come up with that one? He's actually a pipe layer by the way and probably earns quite a bit more than yourself.

speaktofrank

john concannon wrote: »

He works on the roads geddit?
No you probably don't:pac:

Maybe if you knew anything about Mayo football I would. And as the above poster stated he lays pipes and earns a good living so I don't know where you are getting potholes and cracks from.

CyberDave

speaktofrank wrote: »

Maybe if you knew anything about Mayo football I would. And as the above poster stated he lays pipes and earns a good living so I don't know where you are getting potholes and cracks from.

What's his occupation got to do with it anyway? apart from the fact that it obviously keeps him in good physical shape. I thought the initial poster as what people thought of McDonald not making the Mayo panel because of his spat with O'Mahoney. If Mayo are to have a chance of winning an All-Ireland they need this guy on the team, not playing a bit part. He is one of the best players during the last 10 years, not just in Mayo, but Ireland.

Culchie

CyberDave wrote: »

What's his occupation got to do with it anyway? apart from the fact that it obviously keeps him in good physical shape. I thought the initial poster as what people thought of McDonald not making the Mayo panel because of his spat with O'Mahoney. If Mayo are to have a chance of winning an All-Ireland they need this guy on the team, not playing a bit part. He is one of the best players during the last 10 years, not just in Mayo, but Ireland.

Yes, he is Mayo most talented player, no question about it, but it's not as simple as that.

McDonald didn't 'opt out' of the early season games or 'make himself unavailable for selection' ..... he basically ignored O'Mahony and his attempts to make contact with him. He received texts (the same wall all player communications are made to Mayo team) and he simply ignored them and didn't have the decency to reply to them.
Now as a manager ... what can you do? You have to shrug your shoulders, mutter 'feck it' under your breath, and move on with the players you do have at your disposal and committed.

Chessplayer ......As for "O'Mahoney hasn't a clue" .....for God's sake, by making stupid comments like that you're only undermining your own credibility as a poster on the subject.
Two All Irelands, Connaught with Leitrim....Leitrim ffs:eek: Leitrim with less teams that a Dublin/Cork club has on it's own. Leitrim with a pool of 360 players to pick from.

He made the breaktrough with Mayo in 1989, first All Ireland final since 1951.... and put Mayo football back on the map.
For all Mayo's failings/lack of killer instinct/atrocious shooting criticisms (justified in many cases) you have to acknowledge they are always there or thereabouts for the last 20 years and play an attractive brand of football. They take the devastating blows and come back for more again the following season. (as do we the blinded by love/desperation supporters)

And one other thing, if you know your Mayo football, you'll know that since Johnno stepped down from Galway and before he took the Mayo job, he spent his time with his home club Ballaghaderreen .... and surprisingly he has awoken that sleeping giant of a club as well, with the emergence of hugely talented footballers like Andy Moran and Pierce Hanley, Kilcullen brothers and a few cracking minors.

I'm disappointed the situation with McDonald hasn't been resolved, but sometimes in life two grown men just can't sort out their differences ..... however I'm inclined to feel that McDonald is much more to blame on the impasse that O'Mahony is.

Culchie

nacho libre wrote: »

Nallon's recent words on this issue says it all. Of course now that he is coming to the end of his playing days maybe Nallon feels he can be more forthright. However, as a senior player his view should be taken on board by the manager. O' Mahony should put his personal feelings aside and think of the team.

Nallen is Mac's best mate, club mate etc.... Crossmolina is a tight tight club (one of their major reasons for success from such a tiny population).

CyberDave

Culchie wrote: »

Yes, he is Mayo most talented player, no question about it, but it's not as simple as that.

McDonald didn't 'opt out' of the early season games or 'make himself unavailable for selection' ..... he basically ignored O'Mahony and his attempts to make contact with him. He received texts (the same wall all player communications are made to Mayo team) and he simply ignored them and didn't have the decency to reply to them.
Now as a manager ... what can you do? You have to shrug your shoulders, mutter 'feck it' under your breath, and move on with the players you do have at your disposal and committed.

Each of them are to blame as much as the other.

Culchie

CyberDave wrote: »

Each of them are to blame as much as the other.

Well there ya go then... no point in slagging off O'Mahony is there?

niallo32

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Chap, my point is that the O'Byrne etc and the early rounds of the league are for giving the young lads a run out and trying out new players and experimenting.

March or April is when all the seasoned campaigners start to filter back in. Same every year. It's not about McDonald not being committed, it's about O'Mahony not having a clue what he's at.

March or April is indeed the time for seasoned players to return - unfortunatly in this case McD had'nt bothered his hole to tell the JOM if and/or when he planned to do this - I'm a huge fan of McDonald, but you have to draw the line somewhere..

CyberDave

Culchie wrote: »

Well there ya go then... no point in slagging off O'Mahony is there?

I didn't slag off O'Mahoney. I simply said that Mayo would have a much better hcnace of winning the All-Ireland with McDonald on the team. I never said either of them were right or wrong in my initial post (below).

CyberDave wrote: »

What's his occupation got to do with it anyway? apart from the fact that it obviously keeps him in good physical shape. I thought the initial poster as what people thought of McDonald not making the Mayo panel because of his spat with O'Mahoney. If Mayo are to have a chance of winning an All-Ireland they need this guy on the team, not playing a bit part. He is one of the best players during the last 10 years, not just in Mayo, but Ireland.

nacho libre

Culchie wrote: »

Nallen is Mac's best mate, club mate etc.... Crossmolina is a tight tight club (one of their major reasons for success from such a tiny population).

fair point:)
Although, he may be biased, he speaks the truth on this issue. Mayo need him. so the argumement of 'who said what' or 'didn't do what they should have', should be consigned to the dustbin. Mayo might not win an All- Ireland this year with McDonald in the team but they have a greater chance of success with him involved. So, with that in mind a concillatory meeting should be arranged where the two of them iron out their differences for the greater good!

Culchie

nacho libre wrote: »

fair point:)
Although, he may be biased, he speaks the truth on this issue. Mayo need him. so the argumement of 'who said what' or 'didn't do what they should have', should be consigned to the dustbin. Mayo might not win an All- Ireland this year with McDonald in the team but they have a greater chance of success with him involved. So, with that in mind a concillatory meeting should be arranged where the two of them iron out their differences for the greater good!

Look, while your point is completely true... it appears (I hope I'm wrong) that the impasse hasn't been overcome.

One interesting point on this matter is that Mayo have only named 29 players in the championship submittal of players.
As far as I know, when you submit 30 players, that is your squad......so hopefully Mac or Pierce Hanley will be No. 30 on that list.

stepbar

Culchie wrote: »

O'Mahony has won two All-Irelands, and a Connacht with Leitrim, yes Leitrim ffs ..... he has to be left to make the judgement calls.

Management isn't easy....and a good manager that gets results is very rarely 'popular'.

Is there something wrong with that?

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Declan Darcy won that Connacht for Leitrim, nevermind O'Mahony.

And 14 other players :rolleyes: Shows how much you know..... In fact Declan Darcy contributed very little (in terms of points) during that campaign.

Culchie

stepbar wrote: »

Is there something wrong with that?.

I'm lost, that's my point



And 14 other players :rolleyes: Shows how much you know..... In fact Declan Darcy contributed very little (in terms of points) during that campaign.[/QUOTE]

So true.....and if Darcy was so 'great' he didn't show it when he played for the Dubs.

Leitrim won their provincial title through incredible spirit and motivation, and tactical nouse from the bench.

stepbar

Culchie wrote: »

I'm lost, that's my point



And 14 other players :rolleyes: Shows how much you know..... In fact Declan Darcy contributed very little (in terms of points) during that campaign.

So true.....and if Darcy was so 'great' he didn't show it when he played for the Dubs.

Leitrim won their provincial title through incredible spirit and motivation, and tactical nouse from the bench.[/QUOTE]

Again, is there something wrong with that? Something I've missed hmmm ?

The Chessplayer

stepbar wrote: »

So true.....and if Darcy was so 'great' he didn't show it when he played for the Dubs.

Leitrim won their provincial title through incredible spirit and motivation, and tactical nouse from the bench.

Again, is there something wrong with that? Something I've missed hmmm ?[/QUOTE]

Let's not get carried away here. Winning a Connacht means what? Winning 2matches, max 3? So what? O'Mahony is no great shakes at all.

As for Darcy, he was an outstanding player for the Dubs, even when Tommy Carr brought him back well into his 30s in the half back line. Anyway, Darcy was the captain of that Leitrim side!

And for the other lad above who said that McDonald wasn't arsed. That is total fabrication. The man himself came out and issued a statement saying that any such accusations were totally unfounded, and that he was, as ever, 100% committed.

Waylander

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Again, is there something wrong with that? Something I've missed hmmm ?

Let's not get carried away here. Winning a Connacht means what? Winning 2matches, max 3? So what? O'Mahony is no great shakes at all.

As for Darcy, he was an outstanding player for the Dubs, even when Tommy Carr brought him back well into his 30s in the half back line. Anyway, Darcy was the captain of that Leitrim side!

And for the other lad above who said that McDonald wasn't arsed. That is total fabrication. The man himself came out and issued a statement saying that any such accusations were totally unfounded, and that he was, as ever, 100% committed.[/QUOTE]


Oh well if that is what he said it must be true.

Wake up and smell the coffee, Mc Donald is a fantastic player, but he is an idiot. He has been rowing with successive Mayo management teams for years and has always thought of himself as "the man". JOM is pefectly entitled to drop him from the panel, but decisions like that are what a manager gets judged on, and JOM knows that.

With ot without Mc Donald, Mayo are just not good enough to win an All Ireland, so if you are using that as your criteria to judge JOM then you are not going to be happy with any manager. maybe that is why Mayo CANT win the big one, they have no continuity in their management set up. Maughan got them to a couple of AI finals yet still got sacked. I didnt understand that then, and I got to say I still dont understand it.

kevmy

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Again, is there something wrong with that? Something I've missed hmmm ?

Let's not get carried away here. Winning a Connacht means what? Winning 2matches, max 3? So what? O'Mahony is no great shakes at all.

As for Darcy, he was an outstanding player for the Dubs, even when Tommy Carr brought him back well into his 30s in the half back line. Anyway, Darcy was the captain of that Leitrim side!

And for the other lad above who said that McDonald wasn't arsed. That is total fabrication. The man himself came out and issued a statement saying that any such accusations were totally unfounded, and that he was, as ever, 100% committed.[/QUOTE]


Chessplayer would you ever cop yourself on. From your posts on this board your not half as knowledgeable on football as you think you are.

Everyone who knows anything bout football knows that it is a great achievement for Leitrim to win a Connacht title - with a small playing population, 2 historically very good teams and 1 good one in the province, massive mental roadblocks to overcome.

If any auld eejit could do it then what the hell are Leitrim at every year and why haven't they won it more than twice

Waylander

The Chessplayer wrote: »

And for the other lad above who said that McDonald wasn't arsed. That is total fabrication. The man himself came out and issued a statement saying that any such accusations were totally unfounded, and that he was, as ever, 100% committed.

Ah well if thats what the man himself said it must be true. He surely wouldnt lie to make his rival look bad!:rolleyes:

I suppose when you look at, it's very similiar to the Roy Keane/Mick McCarthy situation.

I myself think players should be given some allowances, especially experienced and highly talented players like McDonald. After all it's an amateur sport, I think committment is shown already by even bothering to play in the first place. It's not as if McDonald is out of shape or unfit looking, he looks as fit as ever and as strong as ever.

I say give the guy a chance, get a mediator(Nallen, maybe?) between him and O' Mahoney and just let them sit down and iron-out these issues. For the good of Mayo and football followers in general.

Culchie

peterswellman wrote: »

I say give the guy a chance, get a mediator(Nallen, maybe?) between him and O' Mahoney and just let them sit down and iron-out these issues. For the good of Mayo and football followers in general.

I have a feeling this is going on behind the scenes at the moment. I also think if I am right that 40/1 on betfair is pretty generous for Mayo to lift Sam:pac: as this is a pretty good and teak tough team being put together.

McGarrity is injured and that will stop the 'basketball' in midfield and direct ball in to the forwards will be more forthcoming.

40/1? Jesus, might even get on that myself.

The Chessplayer

kevmy wrote: »

Chessplayer would you ever cop yourself on. From your posts on this board your not half as knowledgeable on football as you think you are.

Everyone who knows anything bout football knows that it is a great achievement for Leitrim to win a Connacht title - with a small playing population, 2 historically very good teams and 1 good one in the province, massive mental roadblocks to overcome.

If any auld eejit could do it then what the hell are Leitrim at every year and why haven't they won it more than twice

Would you stop!!! Winning a Connacht is NOT a "great achievement", even by lowly minnows Leitrim or Sligo. If they were in Leinster, they would be the whipping boys. Leitrim got a good beating today from Wicklow's b-team in the Tom Murph. I honestly think London would have a good stab at Leitrim or Sligo.

Coillte_Bhoy

The Chessplayer wrote: »

Would you stop!!! Winning a Connacht is NOT a "great achievement", even by lowly minnows Leitrim or Sligo. If they were in Leinster, they would be the whipping boys. Leitrim got a good beating today from Wicklow's b-team in the Tom Murph. I honestly think London would have a good stab at Leitrim or Sligo.

You obvioulsy havent been following recent results have you?:rolleyes:

BTW the majority of real mayo GAA people dont particularly want CM back on the panel and by real i mean those that are involved with clubs, coaching etc and not the so called great fans who go to about 3 matches a year.

Culchie

The Chessplayer wrote: »

I honestly think London would have a good stab at Leitrim or Sligo.

:rolleyes:

dedicated GAA man I see

Munya

He was great, I was sad to read of him leaving.

CyberDave

Coillte_Bhoy wrote: »

the so called great fans who go to about 3 matches a year.

Sunshine Supporters we call them in Galway...

UnitedIrishman

Culchie wrote: »

I have a feeling this is going on behind the scenes at the moment. I also think if I am right that 40/1 on betfair is pretty generous for Mayo to lift Sam:pac: as this is a pretty good and teak tough team being put together.

McGarrity is injured and that will stop the 'basketball' in midfield and direct ball in to the forwards will be more forthcoming.

40/1 is generous to be fair, because if they beat Tyrone on Saturday it'll be a massive boost in confidence. Plus you can always lay it off if there's a good display.

Funnily enough, because of the way the football has panned out this year it's a very open championship. Everyone is seemingly 'building' their side for years to come. But I think the penny has dropped with O'Mahoney that if he keeps the older guys in for this year, we could well find ourselves in the business end of the Ch'ship.

Hopefully the team for Tyrone will be: Clarke; A. Higgins, Cunniffe (believe he is starting there), Nallen; K. Higgins, Howley, Gardiner; Heaney, Parsons; Dillon, Harte, Padden; Moran, Kilcoyne (destroyed Laois in a tough challenge from this position - excellent at coming out for the ball), C. Mort.