Galway GAA discussion thread

h2005

Hulk Hands wrote: »

I dont think that's the case at all. A top 7-12 team thats very young and has room to improve, with a fanbase that expects little at present and a good club scene to work with. It's been obvious they wanted someone from inside the county from the start

Someone who won't cost too much? I think the club scene is quite poor. One of barna or Michaels will contest the county final. Neither of those would have a hope in the provincial matches. Corofin are strong the rest are average at best.

TCDStudent1

Think this is Kevin Walsh's time.

O.A.P

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

Think this is Kevin Walsh's time.

Yeah hope he gets it, but more importantly hope the county board gives him what he asks for when its needed.
Sure the manger does it for the cause but there is no way in hell to turn a few handy young lads and there hobby into all Ireland champs anymore without spending money on there development.
Kevin Walsh has most of our support I think .
That's half the battle.

It looks like Kevin Walsh's job for the taking. Was really hoping there would be more competition for the job though.

Not convinced by Walsh as a manager but he has experience at inter-county level and knows the scene in Galway. Also I think everyone in the county has immense respect for him.

The key really is what sort of backroom team he puts together. The whole setup in Galway needs to go up a couple of levels if we are to try and take a step towards the current front runners.

In terms of the hurling, looks like the rumours I heard on Anthony Daly look to have little basis, looks like there will be 1 of the original 4 poor options chosen (probably Cunningham again!). Really couldn't give a toss which of the 4 of them get it. None of them are going to move Galway hurling forward. 2013 was a disaster, this year marginally better but I foresee relegation and an early championship exit next year with any of those 4 in charge. Harsh but its the reality we are facing.

TCDStudent1

Borders no.2 wrote: »

It looks like Kevin Walsh's job for the taking. Was really hoping there would be more competition for the job though.

Not convinced by Walsh as a manager but he has experience at inter-county level and knows the scene in Galway. Also I think everyone in the county has immense respect for him.

The key really is what sort of backroom team he puts together. The whole setup in Galway needs to go up a couple of levels if we are to try and take a step towards the current front runners.

In terms of the hurling, looks like the rumours I heard on Anthony Daly look to have little basis, looks like there will be 1 of the original 4 poor options chosen (probably Cunningham again!). Really couldn't give a toss which of the 4 of them get it. None of them are going to move Galway hurling forward. 2013 was a disaster, this year marginally better but I foresee relegation and an early championship exit next year with any of those 4 in charge. Harsh but its the reality we are facing.

What is it about Walsh that leaves everybody so unconvinced? He did a decent job in Sligo. Presumably, he will have a deeper knowledge of football in Galway than he did in Sligo.

I have no idea if he will be good as Galway manager but he seems to be the clear standout candidate to me.

TCDStudent1

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

What is it about Walsh that leaves everybody so unconvinced? He did a decent job in Sligo. Presumably, he will have a deeper knowledge of football in Galway than he did in Sligo.

I have no idea if he will be good as Galway manager but he seems to be the clear standout candidate to me.

He did ok with Sligo but it was a mixed bag. If you take out the victories over Galway it doesn't look too healthy. One win over a Mayo side going through a bad patch, losing the Connacht final to a poor Roscommon side after all the heavy lifting was done, some terrible hammerings in the qualifiers, a home defeat to Leitrim and away to London. He did win a Junior All-Ireland with them too I think.

Looking at Sligo this year, he probably hadn't a huge amount to work with but tactically I'm not convinced he's up to it.

When you see how Kerry have evolved their game under Eamonn Fitzmaurice it shows you that even the county with the most natural footballers have to adapt to the modern game to be successful.

Since we were looking just within Galway he probably is the standout candidate but when Pete Warren is the only other nomination it gives a fair reflection on the lack of options within the county.

TCDStudent1

Borders no.2 wrote: »

He did ok with Sligo but it was a mixed bag. If you take out the victories over Galway it doesn't look too healthy. One win over a Mayo side going through a bad patch, losing the Connacht final to a poor Roscommon side after all the heavy lifting was done, some terrible hammerings in the qualifiers, a home defeat to Leitrim and away to London. He did win a Junior All-Ireland with them too I think.

Looking at Sligo this year, he probably hadn't a huge amount to work with but tactically I'm not convinced he's up to it.

When you see how Kerry have evolved their game under Eamonn Fitzmaurice it shows you that even the county with the most natural footballers have to adapt to the modern game to be successful.

Since we were looking just within Galway he probably is the standout candidate but when Pete Warren is the only other nomination it gives a fair reflection on the lack of options within the county.

I think this is what a lot of people overlook when they talk about his time in Sligo!

Mountainlad

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

I think this is what a lot of people overlook when they talk about his time in Sligo!

Didn't Sligo almost beat Kerry in 2009 as well?

Interesting weekend in the club games locally. Tommie Larkins deservedly beat Clarenbridge who look at a real low ebb at the moment. If the draw goes against them next year I'd expect them to be in relegation trouble. Turloughmore had a strong 2nd half to beat Beagh. Killimordaly have been a surprise packet and beat Sarsfields in a local derby.

Portumna still look the obvious bet to win it. Don't think they are flawless by any means but just don't see enough in any of the contenders to believe they can stop them.

Q/F line up
Gort v Killimordaly (Gort have improved as the year has progressed, don't rate their backline but should win this one relatively comfortably)
Loughrea v Portumna (Loughrea keep coming back for more but lack the all round quality to beat Portumna)
Tommie Larkins v Craughwell (Tight one to call, big chance for both these sides to advance, maybe Craughwell)
Ardrahan v Turloughmore (Another tight one to call, Ardrahan have given Portumna some difficulty in the past and if they come though this will be difficult opponents, Turlough came through well today but lack the firepower at present but have improved significantly since Tony Considine was ousted)

In the relegation games Pearses beat Thomas' who are in trouble now. They may still get out of trouble but 18 months on from an All-Ireland win and it looking like they'd be a serious player in Galway for years to come they are deservedly in trouble, have lost to 3 fairly poor/average teams already this year. Castlegar edged out Kiltormer in the other game. It's going to be difficult to avoid relegation this year, there is no team out of their depth like Moycullen were last year in the 6 teams involved.

In Intermediate football, Killanin and Moycullen have come through to meet in the final should be a keenly fought local derby.

Nothing next weekend and then games in both hurling and football the following weekend, probably nearly all on the Sunday with the replay of the All-Ireland on the Saturday. Looking like Corofin and Portumna. It'd be great if someone new came through but its looking unlikely.

edrof

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Interesting weekend in the club games locally. Tommie Larkins deservedly beat Clarenbridge who look at a real low ebb at the moment. If the draw goes against them next year I'd expect them to be in relegation trouble. Turloughmore had a strong 2nd half to beat Beagh. Killimordaly have been a surprise packet and beat Sarsfields in a local derby.

Portumna still look the obvious bet to win it. Don't think they are flawless by any means but just don't see enough in any of the contenders to believe they can stop them.

Q/F line up
Gort v Killimordaly (Gort have improved as the year has progressed, don't rate their backline but should win this one relatively comfortably)
Loughrea v Portumna (Loughrea keep coming back for more but lack the all round quality to beat Portumna)
Tommie Larkins v Craughwell (Tight one to call, big chance for both these sides to advance, maybe Craughwell)
Ardrahan v Turloughmore (Another tight one to call, Ardrahan have given Portumna some difficulty in the past and if they come though this will be difficult opponents, Turlough came through well today but lack the firepower at present but have improved significantly since Tony Considine was ousted)

In the relegation games Pearses beat Thomas' who are in trouble now. They may still get out of trouble but 18 months on from an All-Ireland win and it looking like they'd be a serious player in Galway for years to come they are deservedly in trouble, have lost to 3 fairly poor/average teams already this year. Castlegar edged out Kiltormer in the other game. It's going to be difficult to avoid relegation this year, there is no team out of their depth like Moycullen were last year in the 6 teams involved.

In Intermediate football, Killanin and Moycullen have come through to meet in the final should be a keenly fought local derby.

Nothing next weekend and then games in both hurling and football the following weekend, probably nearly all on the Sunday with the replay of the All-Ireland on the Saturday. Looking like Corofin and Portumna. It'd be great if someone new came through but its looking unlikely.

I think Craughwell and Turoughmore will win their QF's and Portumna will do well to get past Loughrea. I reckon Craughwell will be County Champions this year.

T0001

Loughrea wasted a lot of ball and had at least 3 goal shots saved, so could have finished with 3-25+ really, I don't think there're goinfg to be pushovers. They're gunning for the win this year after a few years of playing the bridesmaids.

Portumna are nowhere near the level there were at when they won the all-ireland. I know there trying to equal Ballyhale's record of 5 AI's this year but I think it's going to be a miss. Some of their 'experienced' forwards fumbled the ball alot on Saturday and wasted alot of hard fought possession.

TCDStudent1

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Interesting weekend in the club games locally. Tommie Larkins deservedly beat Clarenbridge who look at a real low ebb at the moment. If the draw goes against them next year I'd expect them to be in relegation trouble. Turloughmore had a strong 2nd half to beat Beagh. Killimordaly have been a surprise packet and beat Sarsfields in a local derby.

Portumna still look the obvious bet to win it. Don't think they are flawless by any means but just don't see enough in any of the contenders to believe they can stop them.

Q/F line up
Gort v Killimordaly (Gort have improved as the year has progressed, don't rate their backline but should win this one relatively comfortably)
Loughrea v Portumna (Loughrea keep coming back for more but lack the all round quality to beat Portumna)
Tommie Larkins v Craughwell (Tight one to call, big chance for both these sides to advance, maybe Craughwell)
Ardrahan v Turloughmore (Another tight one to call, Ardrahan have given Portumna some difficulty in the past and if they come though this will be difficult opponents, Turlough came through well today but lack the firepower at present but have improved significantly since Tony Considine was ousted)

In the relegation games Pearses beat Thomas' who are in trouble now. They may still get out of trouble but 18 months on from an All-Ireland win and it looking like they'd be a serious player in Galway for years to come they are deservedly in trouble, have lost to 3 fairly poor/average teams already this year. Castlegar edged out Kiltormer in the other game. It's going to be difficult to avoid relegation this year, there is no team out of their depth like Moycullen were last year in the 6 teams involved.

In Intermediate football, Killanin and Moycullen have come through to meet in the final should be a keenly fought local derby.

Nothing next weekend and then games in both hurling and football the following weekend, probably nearly all on the Sunday with the replay of the All-Ireland on the Saturday. Looking like Corofin and Portumna. It'd be great if someone new came through but its looking unlikely.

Milltown had a good win over Salthill so maybe they will put it up to Corofin? Cant see Michaels / Barna beating the winner of Milltown / Corofin in the final.

Syferus

Peter Warren is the unsexy, smart choice. Continues to prove himself at club level even last weekend. Walsh's 'time'? Ha.

edrof

edrof wrote: »

I think Craughwell and Turoughmore will win their QF's and Portumna will do well to get past Loughrea. I reckon Craughwell will be County Champions this year.

Really? Is Niall Healy back from injury yet?

I'd take them to edge out Tommy Larkins but Beagh who are a small club have beaten them twice this year.

Only saw them once this year against Turloughmore and can't say I saw them as potential county champions that day. Haven't really made much of a run at it for a few years. Remember them being beaten comfortably by Clarenbridge in a semi-final a few years back but can't remember them making much of an impact apart from that.

Have a scattering of good players but I'd be doubtful they have the all round quality but maybe they do.

If they hit top form in the run in who knows. Would be welcome to see new champions.

TCDStudent1

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

Milltown had a good win over Salthill so maybe they will put it up to Corofin? Cant see Michaels / Barna beating the winner of Milltown / Corofin in the final.

They may put it up to Corofin. They ran Corofin to 3 points last year but think they played almost as well as they could in that game and Corofin were still relatively comfortable.

This is Milltown's 3rd shot at Corofin in a semi-final in recent years. With the likes of Diarmuid Blake and Darren Mullahy (even James Kavanagh) coming towards the end and no underage coming through worth talking about its now or never for Milltown.

Barna and St. Michael's have done very well to get to the semi-finals and would give a game to most teams in the county but if they were to meet Corofin either of them would be overwhelmed.

TCDStudent1

Borders no.2 wrote: »

They may put it up to Corofin. They ran Corofin to 3 points last year but think they played almost as well as they could in that game and Corofin were still relatively comfortable.

This is Milltown's 3rd shot at Corofin in a semi-final in recent years. With the likes of Diarmuid Blake and Darren Mullahy (even James Kavanagh) coming towards the end and no underage coming through worth talking about its now or never for Milltown.

Barna and St. Michael's have done very well to get to the semi-finals and would give a game to most teams in the county but if they were to meet Corofin either of them would be overwhelmed.

Would be nice to see somebody beat Corofin though!

MfMan

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

Would be nice to see somebody beat Corofin though!

It would, but just can't see it. They could feasibly field 2 strongish teams at Senior level if they put their mind to it. Their structure, coaching system and production line now means that they could probably have competed in any era, but their sheer dominance over the past decade or more shows how dreadfully poor club football has become in the county and has had a corresponding knock-on effect on the county team.

TCDStudent1

MfMan wrote: »

It would, but just can't see it. They could feasibly field 2 strongish teams at Senior level if they put their mind to it. Their structure, coaching system and production line now means that they could probably have competed in any era, but their sheer dominance over the past decade or more shows how dreadfully poor club football has become in the county and has had a corresponding knock-on effect on the county team.

Yes, it is hard to see but there are some good players in that Milltown team, the Blakes, Mullahy, Kavanagh, Martin, Hehir all have inter-county experience.

Peter Warren is the unsexy, smart choice. Continues to prove himself at club level even last weekend. Walsh's 'time'? Ha.

I wouldnt agree with that. Warren has been involved before and during those times, some players were included that he had connections with when it was apparent to everybody else that they were not up to standard. Also, Warren stated in one of the local papers that he is unsure if he actually wants the job. If he is unsure at this point, I'd rather give it to somebody who is sure they want the job.

O.A.P

Syferus wrote: »

Peter Warren is the unsexy, smart choice. Continues to prove himself at club level even last weekend. Walsh's 'time'? Ha.

We don't want a sexy manager just a good one who will dedicate his time and knowhow to Galway football, because it means something (or a lot ) to him.
Peter Warren is a fine choice if he has the time to throw himself into the job 100% and I find him every bit as sexy as Kevin Walsh.
Although no Meg Ryan but for all her qualities she is not the best manager for Galway football.

Utopia Parkway

Pete Warren has pulled out today. Leaving K Walsh as the only man standing.

T0001

Here are the preliminary draws for the League next year.

Hurling

R1/H/Clare
R2/A/Tipperary
R3/H/Kilkenny
R4/H/Cork
R5/A/Dublin

Teams they need Home Advantage against are sorted with exception of Tipp, and I think they should over-come Dublin.

Football

R1/H/Meath
R2/A/Westmeath
R3/H/Laois
R4/A/Down
R5/H/Cavan
R6/A/Roscommon
R7/H/Kildare

MfMan

Not too bad. 4 games at home for the footballers, plus 2 of the aways are within easy enough reach for supporters; a good enough springboard for the new management team and their sine qua non of promotion to Division 1.

Hurlers ok too; Tipp away won't be easy but they *may* still be in the throes of celebration and not too bothered.

Hopefully Pearse stadium will still be out of commission for the league, further assisting both teams.

FlashR2D2

Yeah, the footballers to make progress would want be pushing for the top half of D1, I think there is great potential there to put a bit of pride back in the jersey. We still sit as the third most successful county behind Kerry and Dublin when it comes to All Ireland wins and I'm sure we can add to it in the coming years. When a Galway football team gets on a roll, there is no stopping them!

As for the hurlers, they haven't won an All-Ireland in 26 years and have only won 4 in total history. With those kind of stats I can't see how they could justify putting the county 4 million in debt for their fantasy 'school of pathetic-ness'.

......Pearse Stadium is a disaster of a place, the football fans don't even bother any more. You'd find more support at the one league match that Tuam gets in a year. It's the heartland of Galway football and a disgrace that it hasn't been renovated considering all the history and good memories. Oh yeah, sure I forgot, the hurlers spent all the pennies on a bog in Athenry...... and they still haven't won anything.

T0001

T0001 wrote: »

Here are the preliminary draws for the League next year.

Hurling

R1/H/Clare
R2/A/Tipperary
R3/H/Kilkenny
R4/H/Cork
R5/A/Dublin

Teams they need Home Advantage against are sorted with exception of Tipp, and I think they should over-come Dublin.

Football

R1/H/Meath
R2/A/Westmeath
R3/H/Laois
R4/A/Down
R5/H/Cavan
R6/A/Roscommon
R7/H/Kildare

Not bad at all. With Donegal and Monaghan gone up, division 2 isn't as strong in 2015, we have 4 games at home and the away games aren't too bad. No daunting game there but no guaranteed points either. A win over Meath and things start to open up. Division 1 is significantly stronger and imo for Galway the next step has to be promotion to division 1. I'd be disappointed if we aren't at least in the shake up heading into the final game.

For the hurlers 3 home games is an advantage, we'll have to see where we are at by then. Long way down the road but Clare first up looks a big game. Clare will be out to show their credentials in 2015 from the off. A win there would take the pressure off, lose the first game and we could easily be 0 from 3 and facing relegation.

biscuits1988

On the off-chance that Pearse is still unavailable, where would the hurlers home games be played? I'm assuming Ballinasloe but any chance of getting one of them in Kenny Park I wonder?

threeball

FlashR2D2 wrote: »

......Pearse Stadium is a disaster of a place, the football fans don't even bother any more. You'd find more support at the one league match that Tuam gets in a year. It's the heartland of Galway football and a disgrace that it hasn't been renovated considering all the history and good memories. Oh yeah, sure I forgot, the hurlers spent all the pennies on a bog in Athenry...... and they still haven't won anything.

Something like this http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/liechtenstein/vaduz_rheinpark.shtml

or this

http://www.worldstadiums.com/stadium_pictures/europe/france/picardie/amiens_licorne.shtml

is what should be built in Tuam and most counties for that matter and play out a high quality league with great atmosphere. Pearse Stadium was a dead duck before it ever opened. McDonaghs vanity project

T0001

The hurling home games will be played in Kenny Park for the duration of the National League with the Football home game sbeing played in Tuam Stadium for the duration of the National League. For the hurlers Ballinasloe would be a better option especially convienient for the visitors not having to travel to Athenry

realweirdo

In my view Tuam Stadium to Galway is like Croke Park to Dublin or Fitzgerald Stadium to Kerry. There's the tradition and pride there that inevitably lifts players. I'd say many Galway footballers feel like they are playing an away game in Pearse Stadium. The Galway footballers should just abandon Pearse Stadium altogether and leave it to the hurlers.

MfMan

realweirdo wrote: »

In my view Tuam Stadium to Galway is like Croke Park to Dublin or Fitzgerald Stadium to Kerry. There's the tradition and pride there that inevitably lifts players. I'd say many Galway footballers feel like they are playing an away game in Pearse Stadium. The Galway footballers should just abandon Pearse Stadium altogether and leave it to the hurlers.

Hurlers don't particularly want it either - tried to have a couple of their league games earlier in the year moved to Athenry, thing it was actually the Connacht council that vetoed it. No accident that the footballers survived in Division 2, moving their 2 games to Tuam paid off in spades.

I wouldn't like to see Pearse go into decline as it did before as it's a decent enough venue with a fine stand in itself, but location plus a surface unsuitable (for the moment) for hurling mitigates against it.

T0001

Here we are givin' out about management and only across the border Davy has managed to loose 3 great hurlers!