Galway GAA discussion thread

Starie1975

Hi Mods,

Would it be possible to start up a Galway GAA discussion thread for both hurling and football?

I'll get the ball rolling

http://www.hoganstand.com/Galway/ArticleForm.aspx?ID=142184

Galway football has been plunged into uncertainty following the news that experienced pair Kieran Fitzgerald and Niall Coleman have withdrawn from Tomás O Flatharta's panel.

Coming a week after the county's first game of the Allianz National Football League, the withdrawals come as a major surprise and a significant blow to the county's hopes of making an impact in Division 1.

O Flatharta's first league game in charge ended in a five-point defeat to a Monaghan side who went into the campaign as relegation favourites, leaving Galway facing an uphill battle to maintain their top flight status.

Fitzgerald's retirement from inter-county football is all the more surprising given that the Corofin man was named as one of three joint captains by O Flatharta just last month.

He has been a fixture in the Galway defence for more than a decade, winning an All-Ireland medal and an All-Star award in 2001.

Appointed captain of the county in 2007, Fitzgerald also appeared at the launch of the 2011 Allianz NFL at Croke Park just two weeks ago.

Coleman, meanwhile, has worn the maroon jersey since 2004.

He cited work commitments as the reason behind his withdrawal from the panel.

Galway take on Down in Newry next weekend.

sgthighway

Is there one or two bad apples in the barrel that need to be cleared out?

aidan24326

The poster 'Brain Stroking' posted last week that there was rumours of problems within the camp, and it seems he was probably right. Without knowing the details it's hard to know who's at fault, whether it's the manager or just some disruptive players.

I'd be inclined to blame the manager here though, as it's his job to unite the group and maintain harmony in the squad, that's the man-management side of his job. Never felt O'Flatharta would do much for us and this certainly isn't a good start to his tenure. Losing to NUIG and then an understrength Monaghan, and now two players withdrawing. It doesn't bode well. We're slipping back to the bad old days of the early 90s, way off the pace.

sgthighway

I wouldn't mind if we dropped two divisions while we rebuild with a new squad but there seems to be conflict somewhere that needs fixing.
The Football Board have their hands full at the moment.
The players didn't want Sammon there either.

Diabhal Beag

I think the general viewpoint is that we've been in the top tier for too long without getting past AI Q-Fs at the very best.

Even in the second division there are the likes of Meath, Klidare, Down, Derry and Sligo that are far better than us. Think we could beat Tyrone though.

Fitzgerald and Coleman are no loss. If we could get Mattew Clancy out too we'd be doing OK.


At least the hurlers are looking good. Impressed with Dónal Barry yesterday.

Starie1975

The team to play Down shows a number of changes from the Monaghan game in defence Colin Forde and David Reilly start in place of Kieran Fitzgerald and Niall Coyne while Joe Bergin returns to the no 10 spot

Galway Team to Play Down
1 Adrian Faherty
2 Alan Burke
3 Finian Hanley
4 Kieran McGrath
5 Gary ODonnell
6 Colin Forde
7 David Reilly
8 Garreth Bradshaw
9 Eddie Hoare
10 Joe Bergin
11 Cormac Bane
12 Gary Sice
13 Matthew Clancy
14 Cillín De Paor
15 Sean Armstrong

Good luck lads

Starie1975

Hurlers had a great win over Offaly, 1-24 to 1-10. Good shooting lads.

Down 1-07 Galway 0-6 at half time in the football.

Final score Down 2-11 Galway 1-09. Better performance this week. Down scored there second goal in the final minute.

Mayo next, hopefully all Galway supporters get behind the team.

Bergin in the half forward line?..... he's made it pretty clear through the years that he can't kick an accurate ball.

Shame when the two lads left that another 10-12 didn't leave with them, the crisis won't end until we have a clear out which yet another new manager has avoided, has he not watched a Galway game these past 5/6 years?... the squad is much the same now from 2005.

Why is there such reluctance to clear out the football squad?... it's happened with the hurlers

Diabhal Beag

OK let's make a list of all the players who need to go.

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)


Who else?


Great to see the hurlers doing well. Really think Farragher can become one of the best Galway mid-fielders ever.

Utopia Parkway

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Why is there such reluctance to clear out the football squad?... it's happened with the hurlers

Sean O'Domhnaill was in the paper today saying the best footballers in Galway are already in the panel. There isn't anyone else.

Bar the minors in 07 and last year our underage teams have not been very good the past 5 years. The U-21's haven't even managed to win a match since 2005. He may have a point. I'd love to see a clearout as well but what's the point of a clear-out if you're only going to be bringing in inferior players. It would be like moving the deckchairs on the Titanic.

It all starts at underage. This is where Galway have got to invest serious time, effort and organisation now.

ShamoBuc

Ye're footballers are really a bit up and down at the moment but the hurlers are playing nicely, and farragher is a super hurler - great determination and engine!

Diabhal Beag

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)


Great to see the hurlers doing well. Really think Farragher can become one of the best Galway mid-fielders ever.

I'd actually keep Armstrong in some capacity.
Reilly in fairness has only being there one year and didn't get much game time bar last years league where i taught he did well.
I'd agree on the others though.

Not looking like Farragher will be midfield this year, so far it's been Barry/Burke.

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

Sean O'Domhnaill was in the paper today saying the best footballers in Galway are already in the panel. There isn't anyone else.

Bar the minors in 07 and last year our underage teams have not been very good the past 5 years.
I'd love to see a clearout as well but what's the point of a clear-out if you're only going to be bringing in inferior players. It would be like moving the deckchairs on the Titanic.

It's irrelevant whether or not they are individually the best players in the county.
Wearing the maroon and playing for Galway on championship form the past 5 years they are among the bottom 10 counties(only notable wins against Mayo).
If a county like Louth can make a run at the AI with players who are deemed inferior to our own lads, that tells you that there's more to team sports then just ability.

For years now this core of players have proved they cannot beat counties who don't even dream of making AI semi finals, someone somewhere has to say enough and forge a team of players who can commit to an individual task.

So in a county the size of Galway there aren't 15 players who could put the likes of Westmeath, Wexford, Sligo away?.... I agree there isn't the talent to match 1998-2001 but with the tradition in this county there is always enough talent to make a semi final here and there and barely making the 1/4s which is what we've got with this present bunch.

It's not as if this squad has produced here and there, we've consistently being one of the worst counties on Champ form the past 10 years(most of the present squad have been there since 2005 loss to Westmeath), a new bunch could only improve on that.

MfMan

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

OK let's make a list of all the players who need to go.

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)

Who else?

Great to see the hurlers doing well. Really think Farragher can become one of the best Galway mid-fielders ever.

Agree with Gilberto; Clancy and Bergin not going to improve now. Reilly hasn't had a chance yet to establish himself, Sice more of a wing-back and now nearly on his last chance too. Armstrong is the kind of player that has to be 'carried' but is a good scorer and we have no better presently.

No, last year proved that Farragher won't cut it at midfield in the c'ship. Like Galway hurlers themselves, he always seems to do well in the league but fade somewhat in the c'ship. A shame, he's a great talented, sjillful and honest player but perhaps hindered by a lack of pace. Maybe wing-forward will suit him more. David Burke is shaping up to be a really big player for Galway now, hopefully he can steer clear of injury. If he can get a similar partner, still not fully convinced by Barry, then we might at last have a viable platform in the middle.

Hulk Hands

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

OK let's make a list of all the players who need to go.

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)

Gary Sice played well yesterday, is a good player with a good attitude who can fufill a number of roles. A good squad player.

If you can name any better midfielders in the county than Bergin then be my guest. He is inconsistent, frustrating etc, but on his day he is very good. We need him at the moment.

David Reilly is only young and has had no chance to prove himself yet. What did he do against you, rob your girl at a youth disco or something?

Sean Armstrong is one of the most talented players in the country never mind county. Yes, he's also inconsistent, frustrating, goes missing, but he's serious at his best. We once said the same about Meehan. I'll go on record that Galway will not win anything of note until both Armstrong and N.Joyce are playing at their best. The talent is there, what they need is a manager to get it out of them.

So, all in all, a fairly retarded post. I love how people keep looking for clearout's etc without offering any opinions on who should replace them. Yes, there's a wealth of football talent in the county who just can't get a look in :rolleyes:

aidan24326

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

OK let's make a list of all the players who need to go.

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)

Who else?

Great to see the hurlers doing well. Really think Farragher can become one of the best Galway mid-fielders ever.

You're being very harsh on David Reilly, he's relatively new to the setup and deserves more time. Bergin and Clancy I would agree on, Sice was fine at wingback so why didn't they leave him there?

Definitely don't agree with you about Armstrong, inconsistent he may be but he has the ability and for me he has to be in the team, when fit and well he's still one of our better forwards. I can understand why some people might be losing patience with him but he's had a lot of injury problems.

The hurlers seem to be moving well though and we're definitely shaping up as the only realistic challenger to Tipp and KK at the moment. There's huge strength in depth, some really good young players coming through and a manager that's passionate and who I would have faith in, so there's reasons to be optimistic.

I'm very happy with McIntyre so far, he has brought unity to the squad and has them playing with great intensity, something we thought Loughnane would do but he didn't. Galway have always had stylish hurlers but we were lacking a bit of steel that the likes of Brendan Lynskey and Pete Finnerty brought to the mix, that seems to be there now.

Diabhal Beag

Don't agree on Armstrong. Just because he was decent at u-21 he is given a starting place. He isn't good enough. One of the main players who needs a kick up the hole. At least people like Cormac Bane have have great matches for Galway.

Really felt that McIntyre should have left after the Tipp match last year. But when Tipp went on to win I thought he deserved another chance. He seems to be grafting a great side together and he deserves credit for as you said bringing unity to the side.

O.A.P

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Don't agree on Armstrong. Just because he was decent at u-21 he is given a starting place. He isn't good enough. One of the main players who needs a kick up the hole. At least people like Cormac Bane have have great matches for Galway.

Really felt that McIntyre should have left after the Tipp match last year. But when Tipp went on to win I thought he deserved another chance. He seems to be grafting a great side together and he deserves credit for as you said bringing unity to the side.

Agree with you on the football, how long ago since Mike Meahan and Sean Armstrong were the new terrible twins? While Meahan has lived up to that Army has failed to deliver . I would always have him in the squad but as an impact sub.
Cormac Bane is good enough to merit a starting place there is a bit of class to his style of play( he got the score of the match against Monaghan I thought ) I wish we had 6 or 7 more players as good.

MfMan

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Don't agree on Armstrong. Just because he was decent at u-21 he is given a starting place. He isn't good enough. One of the main players who needs a kick up the hole. At least people like Cormac Bane have have great matches for Galway.

Really felt that McIntyre should have left after the Tipp match last year. But when Tipp went on to win I thought he deserved another chance. He seems to be grafting a great side together and he deserves credit for as you said bringing unity to the side.

With great respect to the lad, it's more than I can remember. The odd good bit of play maybe......

aidan24326

MfMan wrote: »

With great respect to the lad, it's more than I can remember. The odd good bit of play maybe......

Cormac Bane is one of our most accurate forwards, he may not do a lot in general play but he can kick 3 or 4 points from play in any game, and that's good enough for me.

And Disbhal Beag, John McIntyre is the best hurling manager we've had in years. We'll win an All-Ireland during his term of management. Or we'll be thereabouts I guarantee you.

MfMan

aidan24326 wrote: »

Cormac Bane is one of our most accurate forwards, he may not do a lot in general play but he can kick 3 or 4 points from play in any game, and that's good enough for me.

That's what Sean Armstrong does, and IMHO he's a bit more accurate than Bane. Much of a muchness anyway.

And Disbhal Beag, John McIntyre is the best hurling manager we've had in years. We'll win an All-Ireland during his term of management. Or we'll be thereabouts I guarantee you.

We're thereabouts most years, we really have to cross the line soon.

Hulk Hands

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Don't agree on Armstrong. Just because he was decent at u-21 he is given a starting place. He isn't good enough. One of the main players who needs a kick up the hole. At least people like Cormac Bane have have great matches for Galway.

You want to get rid of Sice, Bergin, Clancy and Armstrong.

Right, so by your logic, we should start with a front 6 the next day consisting of....

Breatnach, De Paor, Bane, Cummins....em who else, who else, who else???

I can see Mayo quaking in their boots with the prospect of playing against 1 decent forward, 1 youngster and 2 club standard players.

How can people be so ****ing niave. We have had 2 new managers in the past 2 years. Do you not think they have tried out every half decent footballer in the county? Hell, Kernan was searching out Junior clubs looking for footballers. EVERYONE HAS BEEN TRIED OUT. This is it, our current squad is the best there is, so will people shut up asking for clearout's, X & Y to be dropped and just start supporting the team.

This isn't just directed at you Diabhal, this is a response to every retarded thing Ive read or heard in the past 2 years.

Drop Padraig Joyce......He might have been our Man of the match in all 4 games last year, but still, he's too old, get rid of him, we need new blood......sure your limbs fall off once you reach 33.

Drop Nicky Joyce......He has the wrong attitude etc, doesn't want to know etc, what does it matter if he's one of our most consistent score getters, what does it matter if he was the single best player the club championship last year, drop him.

Drop Joe Bergin.....He frustrating, he's inconsistent, can't catch a ball, can't kick a score. It doesn't matter that he basically beat Tyrone on his own in the league the past 2 years. It doesn't matter he carry's a Mountbellew side to county contention most years. He might be easily our best midfielder, but he kicked 2 wides the last day, drop him.

Drop Sean Armstrong....Hasn't fufilled his potential, blah, blah, blah. Forget all the injuries he's had. Sure forget that he's widely regarded ads probably our most talented player. Forget that in recent years, while not playing to potential, he has still been one of our better players. Don't blame the manager who can't get the best out of him. No, sure teams always fare better by dropping their most talented player. Get rid

Drop Finian Hanley. It doesn't matter that he's only played 1 bad game in 3 years, drop him.

How about we start with Meehan up front against Mayo in the championship and surround him with 5 minors? Sounds like a winning formula.

I could say the same as above about Sice, Clancy, Conroy, Bradshaw, Blake....Do people actually think there is better talent in the county than them?

And for all the countless idiots that seem to be able to talk about Galway football, very few of them seem to be getting of their arse and going to matches. 2,000 at a home championship match to Wexford...PATHETIC. The support up in Sligo for the important Connacht replay....PATHETIC.

People giving out about their being no spirit in the camp. How the f**k are they supposed to have spirit when every 'Jonny come retard' up on the high stool is giving out about them. How the f**k are they supposed to have spirit when they have to travel to Down and know that about 10 or so fans will bother to make the trip up. Its embarrassing.

We're going out against Mayo in Tuam this Sunday. Local derby, near most, no reason why there shouldn't be a big support there. But no, we'll be outnumbered 5/1 by the travelling Mayo support once again. Why?? "Oh, well I went to the Connacht match on Friday, I couldn't possibly go to another match". "Oh, a tenner on the gate is a rip off, no way i'm paying that". "oooh rain, im staying in". People would rather go support mickey mouse Connacht Rugby, or the perennial losers the hurlers, and forsake the one team that has consistently brought success and pride to the county..the Galway footballers.

So will people shut the f**k up giving out, and go out and support. Not just in league games. Don't let us go up to Sligo again for an important match with a travelling support of just 1000.


Btw, this is probably Padraig Joyce's last season playing football. If for nothing else, at least come and watch him play, because we won't see or have one as good again for a very long time.

aidan24326

Hulk Hands you're not having a sh1t morning by any chance? :rolleyes:

Starie1975

aidan24326 wrote: »

Hulk Hands you're not having a sh1t morning by any chance? :rolleyes:

Maybe so but at least it's showing a bit of passion.

Starie1975

Drop Padraig Joyce......He might have been our Man of the match in all 4 games last year, but still, he's too old, get rid of him, we need new blood......sure your limbs fall off once you reach 33.

I've seen this posted a few time alright, for the love and honor of god!!!


Drop Sean Armstrong....Hasn't fufilled his potential, blah, blah, blah. Forget all the injuries he's had. Sure forget that he's widely regarded ads probably our most talented player. Forget that in recent years, while not playing to potential, he has still been one of our better players. Don't blame the manager who can't get the best out of him. No, sure teams always fare better by dropping their most talented player. Get rid

A starting forward for Galway and people want to drop him:eek:

Drop Finian Hanley. It doesn't matter that he's only played 1 bad game in 3 years, drop him.

Yet to see this one but i'm sure it's been said.

And for all the countless idiots that seem to be able to talk about Galway football, very few of them seem to be getting of their arse and going to matches. 2,000 at a home championship match to Wexford...PATHETIC. The support up in Sligo for the important Connacht replay....PATHETIC.

So so true......PATHETIC

I will say this much I wanted big Joe out early on in the year last year, that didn't stop me going to almost every game. (Missed the Cork Game)

Get out and support Galway, Match in Tuam so none of this I hate Salthill craic.

Hulk Hands

aidan24326 wrote: »

Hulk Hands you're not having a sh1t morning by any chance? :rolleyes:

Maybe. This is probably the wrong place to post it too, hoganstand or one of the others would be better. Its not directed at anyone here, just a build of frustration from everthing ive heard recently

Diabhal Beag

Hulk Hands wrote: »

You want to get rid of Sice, Bergin, Clancy and Armstrong.

Right, so by your logic, we should start with a front 6 the next day consisting of....

Breatnach, De Paor, Bane, Cummins....em who else, who else, who else???

I can see Mayo quaking in their boots with the prospect of playing against 1 decent forward, 1 youngster and 2 club standard players.

How can people be so ****ing niave. We have had 2 new managers in the past 2 years. Do you not think they have tried out every half decent footballer in the county? Hell, Kernan was searching out Junior clubs looking for footballers. EVERYONE HAS BEEN TRIED OUT. This is it, our current squad is the best there is, so will people shut up asking for clearout's, X & Y to be dropped and just start supporting the team.

This isn't just directed at you Diabhal, this is a response to every retarded thing Ive read or heard in the past 2 years.

Drop Padraig Joyce......He might have been our Man of the match in all 4 games last year, but still, he's too old, get rid of him, we need new blood......sure your limbs fall off once you reach 33.

Drop Nicky Joyce......He has the wrong attitude etc, doesn't want to know etc, what does it matter if he's one of our most consistent score getters, what does it matter if he was the single best player the club championship last year, drop him.

Drop Joe Bergin.....He frustrating, he's inconsistent, can't catch a ball, can't kick a score. It doesn't matter that he basically beat Tyrone on his own in the league the past 2 years. It doesn't matter he carry's a Mountbellew side to county contention most years. He might be easily our best midfielder, but he kicked 2 wides the last day, drop him.

Drop Sean Armstrong....Hasn't fufilled his potential, blah, blah, blah. Forget all the injuries he's had. Sure forget that he's widely regarded ads probably our most talented player. Forget that in recent years, while not playing to potential, he has still been one of our better players. Don't blame the manager who can't get the best out of him. No, sure teams always fare better by dropping their most talented player. Get rid

Drop Finian Hanley. It doesn't matter that he's only played 1 bad game in 3 years, drop him.

How about we start with Meehan up front against Mayo in the championship and surround him with 5 minors? Sounds like a winning formula.

I could say the same as above about Sice, Clancy, Conroy, Bradshaw, Blake....Do people actually think there is better talent in the county than them?

And for all the countless idiots that seem to be able to talk about Galway football, very few of them seem to be getting of their arse and going to matches. 2,000 at a home championship match to Wexford...PATHETIC. The support up in Sligo for the important Connacht replay....PATHETIC.


So will people shut the f**k up giving out, and go out and support. Not just in league games. Don't let us go up to Sligo again for an important match with a travelling support of just 1000.


Btw, this is probably Padraig Joyce's last season playing football. If for nothing else, at least come and watch him play, because we won't see or have one as good again for a very long time.

I would you like to name those good Finian Hanley matches and why he deserves to be captain before calling my statements retarded.

You seem to think I'm a barstool football fan. I go every to single Galway GAA match I can (even some camogie matches every now and then) and my attendance is rewarded by heartless displays against Sligo and Wexford last year. That sure makes me proud of this team :rolleyes:

Armstrong has some talent yes. Our most talented player is a lie. Sure he's been injured but even the best get injured (sup Seán Kavanagh).But he delivers in one match every 12 months seemingly (I'm including league matches against Kerry away in the last good match I've seen him play).

I would never get rid of Padraig Joyce. He's the only thing that has kept us from getting knocked out of Connacht in the preliminary round and the 1st round in qualifiers. I went to the Sligo match last year. The one that Diarmuid Blake threw away for us. I respect the hell out of Padraig for his loyalty.

I'm not here to debate loyalty to my county. I'm sick of paying money to see Seán Armstrong lose possession and not even try to win it back. I'm sick of our non-existent midfield not winning a single kick-out.

I can't blame people for not travelling to away or even home matches when we get shown up to be the **** team in every important match. People aren't going to waste their money on matches anymore and you should never expect them to reward this "team" with good attendances in Pearse Stadium or Tuam.

I wouldn't mind if we lost while giving young players a run-out but we don't. You know it and I know it. Joyce forced to stay on, Clancy starting even Ja Fallon got games in recent times.

I get laughed at by my friends for paying to see the footballers. I feel obliged to stay loyal due to the good times like 98 and 01 when we weren't losing to Wexford, Meath or Donegal in qualifiers.

But hey, according to you I should be happy to continue paying to see us lose.

Diabhal Beag

Should also say that Hanley isn't helped by his backline one single bit.

Gael85

What happened to likes of Damien OReilly,Conor Doherty,Toto Griffin&Damien Reddington from the 2007 Minor All Ireland winning team?

aidan24326

Gael85 wrote: »

What happened to likes of Damien OReilly,Conor Doherty,Toto Griffin&Damien Reddington from the 2007 Minor All Ireland winning team?

Reddington went to college in England, Conor Doherty and Toto Griffin are knocking around the county panel now as far as I know. Not sure about Damien O'Reilly. Would have high hopes for Peadar O'Griofa though, looks a serious prospect.

Hulk Hands

Diabhal like I said before, that post wasn't directed at you. The only bit directed at you was the bit you didn't answer btw. What 6 forwards do you think we should start against Mayo on Sunday, seeing as you want rid of Clancy, Bergin, Sice and Armstrong?

aidan24326

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Should also say that Hanley isn't helped by his backline one single bit.

Very true. Hanley himself is good enough imo but he's had dodgy backs all around him for a few years now, with Kieran Fitz and Damien Burke doing way too much fouling, and Blake offering little resistance when teams run at the Galway defence.

Starie1975

Sa Spidéal a bheadh na cluichí ½ Ceannais and Cluiche Ceannais áitiúil i 2011

Faoi 16

¼ Ceannais

A - Naomh Anna vs Mícheál Breathnach
B - An Spidéal vs Bearna
C - Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe vs Rinn Mhaoile
D - An Cheathrú Rua vs Maigh Culinn

½ Ceannais

C vs D
B vs A

Cluiche Ceannais Sa Spidéal (02/05/2011)


Sóisear


Reamh babhta

1 - Naomh Anna vs Oileáin Árainn
2 - Carna/Caiseal vs Mícheál Breathnach
3 - Rinn Mhaoile vs Na Piarsaigh (20/03)

¼ Ceannais

A - Maigh Culinn vs An Spidéal
B – 2 vs An Cheathrú Rua
C – 3 vs Naomh Padraig An Fhairche
D-Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe vs 1

½ Ceannais Sa Spidéal (01/05/2011)

B vs C
A vs C

Cluiche Ceannais Sa Spidéal (02/05/2011)

Sinsear


Reamh babhta

1 - Mícheál Breathnach vs Naomh Anna (20/03)

¼ Ceannais

A - Baile Clar Na Gaillimhe vs Carna/Caiseal (20/03)
B - An Cheathrú Rua vs 1
C - Maigh Culinn vs Bearna (20/03)
D - An Spidéal

½ Ceannais Sa Spidéal (01/05/2011)

A vs D
B vs C

Cluiche Ceannais Sa Spidéal (02/05/2011)

Diabhal Beag

Hulk Hands wrote: »

Diabhal like I said before, that post wasn't directed at you. The only bit directed at you was the bit you didn't answer btw. What 6 forwards do you think we should start against Mayo on Sunday, seeing as you want rid of Clancy, Bergin, Sice and Armstrong?

10 Conroy (Think he's better there than anywhere else)
11 Bane
12 Breathnach
13 Cummins
14 ó Gríofa (Feel he should be on the team for the League at some stage at least)
15 De Paor

Maybe not the best 6 possible (No Meehan or Joyces and likely no Concannon) but they deserve a chance more than Armstrong (would bring him on as a sub because we have very few options), Clancy and Sice (would bring him on as a sub too).

MfMan

De Paor? Breathnach? OMG!

Hulk Hands

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

OK let's make a list of all the players who need to go.

Mathew Clancy
Gary Sice
Joe Bergin
David Reilly
Seán Armstrong (hasn't had a good game in at least 3 years)

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

10 Conroy (Think he's better there than anywhere else)
11 Bane
12 Breathnach
13 Cummins
14 ó Gríofa (Feel he should be on the team for the League at some stage at least)
15 De Paor

Maybe not the best 6 possible (No Meehan or Joyces and likely no Concannon) but they deserve a chance more than Armstrong (would bring him on as a sub because we have very few options), Clancy and Sice (would bring him on as a sub too).

You've changed your tune from the 1st post where you were saying they should go, now they should be active substitutes.

If we play Conroy in the forwards then we basically have no midfielders seeing as you want rid of Bergin and Coleman's gone.

As for your forwards, it's only Bane to whom i'd have no complaints. De Paor and Breatnach have shown time and time again that they are not good enough, Cummins has shown he's not ready yet, and while O'Griofa is a future star, he is not ready at 18/19 for an important relegation encounter. We have not even seen him play at any game of senior inter county yet.

Don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to have the luxury of dropping underperforming players and adequately replacing them ala Kerry. But we simply don't have that option, and especially in the case of players like Armstrong who when underperforming, is still one of our better forwards.

The fact that 2 new managers have come in in recent seasons, im sure with grand ideas about a new start and new blood, yet we are stuck with the same old players. This speaks volumes to me, that these players are simply the best we have, and talk should not be about a manager replacing them, rather how/can he get the best out of them.

Diabhal Beag

MfMan wrote: »

De Paor? Breathnach? OMG!

He asked me a reasonable question. I answered it knowing full well we wouldn't be at full strength. I'd rather play them against Mayo than Cork, Dublin or Kerry.

Diabhal Beag

Hulk Hands wrote: »

You've changed your tune from the 1st post where you were saying they should go, now they should be active substitutes.

If we play Conroy in the forwards then we basically have no midfielders seeing as you want rid of Bergin and Coleman's gone.

As for your forwards, it's only Bane to whom i'd have no complaints. De Paor and Breatnach have shown time and time again that they are not good enough, Cummins has shown he's not ready yet, and while O'Griofa is a future star, he is not ready at 18/19 for an important relegation encounter. We have not even seen him play at any game of senior inter county yet.

Don't get me wrong, I would love nothing more than to have the luxury of dropping underperforming players and adequately replacing them ala Kerry. But we simply don't have that option, and especially in the case of players like Armstrong who when underperforming, is still one of our better forwards.

The fact that 2 new managers have come in in recent seasons, im sure with grand ideas about a new start and new blood, yet we are stuck with the same old players. This speaks volumes to me, that these players are simply the best we have, and talk should not be about a manager replacing them, rather how/can he get the best out of them.

TBH Hulkhands when I was thinking about replacements I have decided I've been too harsh on Armstrong. His lack of drive is the most irritating thing by far about his performances and it holds him back from his potential.

We won't stay up. Give these young lads a go. You can't tell me Jojo Grainey is better. These are the players who we might call on when Padraig Joyce gets injured.

I've moved Conroy because I know that Galway won't get rid of Bergin and Coleman will play whether Niall Cullinane likes it or not

Hulk Hands

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

TBH Hulkhands when I was thinking about replacements I have decided I've been too harsh on Armstrong. His lack of drive is the most irritating thing by far about his performances and it holds him back from his potential.

We won't stay up. Give these young lads a go. You can't tell me Jojo Grainey is better. These are the players who we might call on when Padraig Joyce gets injured.

I've moved Conroy because I know that Galway won't get rid of Bergin and Coleman will play whether Niall Cullinane likes it or not

Funnily enough, I actually think he has serious potential, a very good footballer for a man his size. I think he been harshly known for a poor 10 mins against Sligo in the championship a few years ago, and hasn't got chances since. Still only 20.

If I was choosing strictly young lads, Jonathon Ryan and Michael Martin would get another chance.

Fair enough on the midfielders. Agree on Armstrong also. As someone who has rated him rather higher than most since his U-21 days, it has frustrated the hell out of me that he hasn't gone on to become one of the country's best like I thought he would.

Diabhal Beag

Hulk Hands wrote: »

Funnily enough, I actually think he has serious potential, a very good footballer for a man his size. I think he been harshly known for a poor 10 mins against Sligo in the championship a few years ago, and hasn't got chances since. Still only 20.

If I was choosing strictly young lads, Jonathon Ryan and Michael Martin would get another chance.

Fair enough on the midfielders. Agree on Armstrong also. As someone who has rated him rather higher than most since his U-21 days, it has frustrated the hell out of me that he hasn't gone on to become one of the country's best like I thought he would.

We were polar opposites when it came to Armstrong. I was too negative, you were to positive. I always thought the partnership of himself and Meehan made him look better than he could be.

On the "looking for good backs" front I think Paddy Naughton from Barna could be decent given the chance. We're ****ed midfielder-wise.

Hulk Hands

It's not even the final I was basing my opinion of Armstrong on......the 3 points he kicked in the final 10 mins of the U-21 semi final against Cork to get Galway to the final were 3 of the best ive seen, off both feet.

Hulk Hands

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

We're ****ed midfielder-wise.

Thomas Flynn from Athenry will be very good once he fills out a bit. Minor from last year. Height (6 4'), pace, can score, both feet, good hands and a good footballing brain. Has serious potential as have a few of that minor team like O'Griofa and Maughen

Diabhal Beag

Hulk Hands wrote: »

It's not even the final I was basing my opinion of Armstrong on......the 3 points he kicked in the final 10 mins of the U-21 semi final against Cork to get Galway to the final were 3 of the best ive seen, off both feet.

Can't really remember most of the campaign TBH so I'll take your word for it.

Hulk Hands wrote: »

Thomas Flynn from Athenry will be very good once he fills out a bit. Minor from last year. Height (6 4'), pace, can score, both feet, good hands and a good footballing brain. Has serious potential as have a few of that minor team like O'Griofa and Maughen

Hopefully. The foremost spot we always lose matches is in midfield.

MfMan

Hulk Hands wrote: »

It's not even the final I was basing my opinion of Armstrong on......the 3 points he kicked in the final 10 mins of the U-21 semi final against Cork to get Galway to the final were 3 of the best ive seen, off both feet.

Also kicked the important points that got Salthill over Kilmacud (?) in the club semi' a few years ago, and into the final.

I guess it is important to persist somewhat with the younger players. Tony Og Regan is a good case in point; a few years ago he was on the Galway hurling team and was very poor. He was then on and off it, and spent a year off the panel altogether. Brought back in last year and has really gone from strength to strength, to the point where I think he's our best option now at CHB.

aidan24326

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

..and Coleman will play whether Niall Cullinane likes it or not

Don't know what you mean by this?

Diabhal Beag

aidan24326 wrote: »

Don't know what you mean by this?

Got his name mixed up so apologies.

The story I've heard from a player on the panel was that Barry was never happy not starting and pitched a fit when O Fatharta naming his current best 15.

aidan24326

Diabhal Beag wrote: »

Got his name mixed up so apologies.

The story I've heard from a player on the panel was that Barry was never happy not starting and pitched a fit when O Fatharta naming his current best 15.

Still a little confused. You said 'Coleman will play...', but Niall Coleman has left the panel altogether apparently of his own accord.

You seem to be mixing up Coleman and Barry Cullinane?

Starie1975

Team from Galwaygaa.ie



1.Padraic Lally - An Spideal

2 Alan Burke - Corafinne

3 Colin Forde - Cill Fhir Iarainn

4 David Reilly - Mionlach

5 Gary O’Donnell - Realta Thuama

6 Finian Hanley - Br. na Trá-Cnoc na Cathrach

7 Kevin Brady - Cill Chonla

8 Paul Conroy - Naomh Séamus

9 Eddie Hoare - Naomh Micheál

10 Joe Bergin - An Creagán/Magh Locha

11 Cormac Bane - Cathair Liosgreáin

12 Gary Sice - Corafinne

13 Sean Armstrong - Br. na Trá-Cnoc na Cathrach

14 Danny Cummins - Baile Clár na Gaillimhe

15 Cathal Kenny - An Creagán/Magh Loca


Good luck lads................

In fairness to him I never heard of a few of those lads which is more then could be said for the past number of years.

One small complaint though.
That midfield is too small. And also Bergin hasn't the kicking abilities to play in the forwards.
I'd rather see an established and untested midfielder like G.Higgins get some game time and one of Conroy/Hoare in the forwards with Bergin on the bench.

Starie1975

gilberto_eire wrote: »

In fairness to him I never heard of a few of those lads which is more then could be said for the past number of years.

One small complaint though.
That midfield is too small. And also Bergin hasn't the kicking abilities to play in the forwards.
I'd rather see an established and untested midfielder like G.Higgins get some game time and one of Conroy/Hoare in the forwards with Bergin on the bench.

I'd agree with Higgins getting a start. Unless we get two points on Sunday I'd say we're up sh!t creek, if that happens we might as well use the rest of the games to get the players ready for the championship.

Good to see Hanley on the 40, we've a few full backs in the county be no centre half back. That’s one positive move by TO'F.

Cummins in full forward, high, long, dropping balls into the full forward line? Army or Kenny will roam out to help the half forward line prob???

I'm not a fan of this tactic, I'm old school, play three in the full forward line. Galway best assets are our forwards, best form of defense is attack.
　

aidan24326

gilberto_eire wrote: »

In fairness to him I never heard of a few of those lads which is more then could be said for the past number of years.

One small complaint though.
That midfield is too small. And also Bergin hasn't the kicking abilities to play in the forwards.
I'd rather see an established and untested midfielder like G.Higgins get some game time and one of Conroy/Hoare in the forwards with Bergin on the bench.

Paul Conroy is hardly small?

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Good to see Finian Hanley been given a go further out. He's much prefers playing out the field than at FB despite him being one of the best FBs in the country.
Disagree about bringing the likes of Peadar Og and Tommy Flynn in, don't think they're ready for senior yet tbh, perhaps a few minutes towards the end like what Mayo gave to Cillian O' Connor against Down (didn't see their second game). Think we'll get mullered in this match, we've been terrible so far and Mayo are generally good in the league.
And Hulk Hands, I agreed with everything in your post (the long one) apart from the Padraic Joyce comment. Think he needs to be dropped. Not because he's not good enough, rather we depend on him far too much. So many times in recent years when he's been marked out of games and we've looked absolutely clueless in attack, and then we've resorted to hitting it long in to Meehan and Joyce, which will not work on a regular basis. Also he's only got this year and next at the most, so we really need to be building our team around longer term players. Joyce won't win us an AI at this stage, and I think that should be our primary objective regardless of how far off it seems at this stage. Connacht titles are useless these days, they only get you a QF spot, which generally leaves you a few weeks without football before crunch time. We need to think longer term, and our target this year shouldn't be a QF spot, which is useless IMO, it should be an AI final appearence within 3 years and a victory within 5. FFS we've won the 3rd most amount of Sams, and yet we've been playing like a team thats never even been to Croker in the last few seasons. I hope to God we're putting in a long term plan. We do have the talent coming through but for some reason it's not being harnessed properly. We saw last year with the U-21s, they were the minor Ai champs, and while that does not mean they should have been favourites for the AI again, it certainly should have meant they got past the first round. But then again, I don't think this manager is the man to deliver us an Ai title, ever. I think he was hired to restore some pride, which I don't thik he will get. IMO he will be gone within 2 years and we'll be looking for another manager, again.