Galway GAA discussion thread

TCDStudent1

muddle84 wrote: »

Also hearing the same thing! I don't think the return of the Corofin lads will make this team much stronger!

But if they all went in, it would make the squad significantly stronger. Take Sunday and imagine the Corofin guys were there. In the last 20 minutes, you could have brought on Lundy for Heaney, Farragher for Cooke, Burke for mchugh, maybe wall / molloy for Kelly. They would be superior changes to the changes walsh had to make. I think Farragher, Lundy, Burke would be much more likely to create something at that stage than O'Donnell, Flynn, Sweeney who were 3 of the changes. While there probably wouldn't be many Corofin guys starting, I think their absence really does weaken the panel badly where you'll probably have 3 or 4 lads in the subs who realistically will not be near the team.

muddle84

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

But if they all went in, it would make the squad significantly stronger. Take Sunday and imagine the Corofin guys were there. In the last 20 minutes, you could have brought on Lundy for Heaney, Farragher for Cooke, Burke for mchugh, maybe wall / molloy for Kelly. They would be superior changes to the changes walsh had to make. I think Farragher, Lundy, Burke would be much more likely to create something at that stage than O'Donnell, Flynn, Sweeney who were 3 of the changes. While there probably wouldn't be many Corofin guys starting, I think their absence really does weaken the panel badly where you'll probably have 3 or 4 lads in the subs who realistically will not be near the team.

That's actually very true. If those players did make themselves available for selection this team could seriously be thinking about semi finals. The other side is, I'm a Mayo man and surely the Corofin lads have enough Celtic Crosses now without bothering with intercounty!! :D

flatty

It's very difficult. The corofin lads will be mentally tired, and already have made huge sacrifices for football. It should be possible to ease them back in with a lighter training schedule etc, but that could breed discontent amongst the existing panel. Anyhow, I'm delighted with the year to date. They, like the hurlers, are a credit to the county, and to themselves.

Happyilylost

TCDStudent1 wrote:

But if they all went in, it would make the squad significantly stronger. Take Sunday and imagine the Corofin guys were there. In the last 20 minutes, you could have brought on Lundy for Heaney, Farragher for Cooke, Burke for mchugh, maybe wall / molloy for Kelly. They would be superior changes to the changes walsh had to make. I think Farragher, Lundy, Burke would be much more likely to create something at that stage than O'Donnell, Flynn, Sweeney who were 3 of the changes. While there probably wouldn't be many Corofin guys starting, I think their absence really does weaken the panel badly where you'll probably have 3 or 4 lads in the subs who realistically will not be near the team.

Lundy hasn't had a decent game in a Galway jersey since Kerry three years ago. His form for Corofin has even been hit and miss. I don't think he's a viable option anymore. I would expect Burke to get his place back. And Molloy to go close. Power as back up sub. Other than Liam Silke and Dylan Wall who are going to America I don't think the rest are a whole lot better than what Galway have.

MfMan

Happyilylost wrote: »

Lundy hasn't had a decent game in a Galway jersey since Kerry three years ago. His form for Corofin has even been hit and miss. I don't think he's a viable option anymore. I would expect Burke to get his place back. And Molloy to go close. Power as back up sub. Other than Liam Silke and Dylan Wall who are going to America I don't think the rest are a whole lot better than what Galway have.

Michael Farragher on current form is surely good enough to merit inclusion. TBH, I think Paul Conroy's star is on the wane; as an experienced player, he should have been leading by example in the closing stages - instead we got a couple of crucial errors when things were in the melting pot. (He was unlucky with free given against him late on though when he received a 'Kilkenny' type tug-back.)`It seems also that management no longer see him as capable of leading midfield.

The team have surpassed everyone's expectations for this league campaign and their performance on Sunday was highly creditable. Yet the nagging thought still remains the management aren't exploiting maximum potential from the squad. 'Hardened' supporters in the wake of the match were critical of the timing of the subs, (a constant KW failing), the reluctance to keep hitting Comer with direct ball when he had the Dublin defence frightened and by the failure to adjust tactically with an extra man and breeze advantage. The removal of Shane Walsh, by far our best ball carrier on the day, is an almost knee-jerk reaction at this stage and three of the subs introduced, (Flynn, GOD, Sweeney) did not and will not make any positive difference going forward. It also highlights how light our bench is in the absence of the Corofin contingent. It's seldom I give heed to the Sunday Game analysts, but they are not far off the mark when they say Galway have no Plan B.

I know it's churlish to keep repeating it but I think it will take regime-change to finally get Galway back as serious top-3/4 contenders.

Happyilylost

MfMan wrote:

The team have surpassed everyone's expectations for this league campaign and their performance on Sunday was highly creditable. Yet the nagging thought still remains the management aren't exploiting maximum potential from the squad. 'Hardened' supporters in the wake of the match were critical of the timing of the subs, (a constant KW failing), the reluctance to keep hitting Comer with direct ball when he had the Dublin defence frightened and by the failure to adjust tactically with an extra man and breeze advantage. The removal of Shane Walsh, by far our best ball carrier on the day, is an almost knee-jerk reaction at this stage and three of the subs introduced, (Flynn, GOD, Sweeney) did not and will not make any positive difference going forward. It also highlights how light our bench is in the absence of the Corofin contingent. It's seldom I give heed to the Sunday Game analysts, but they are not far off the mark when they say Galway have no Plan B.

I would agree the subs were poor. Timing was worse and probably made us more disjointed. Positive about this. Everyone fit and we started the same team next week subs to bring on: Ian Burke, Danny Cummins, Mike Daly, Sean Armstrong and Kieran Molloy plus what is there already. Subs could of been made earlier but KW might not believe the lads on the bench were going to have a huge impact. More players returning stronger the bench gets. Not many teams would have the calibre of forwards on the bench that Galway will come the summer.

Happyilylost

MfMan wrote:

Michael Farragher on current form is surely good enough to merit inclusion. TBH, I think Paul Conroy's star is on the wane; as an experienced player, he should have been leading by example in the closing stages - instead we got a couple of crucial errors when things were in the melting pot. (He was unlucky with free given against him late on though when he received a 'Kilkenny' type tug-back.)`It seems also that management no longer see him as capable of leading midfield.

Just on Mike Farragher I would imagine he will be brought in again. But. He was the full year with Galway last year and by the league final against Kildare he was our starting number six. He wasn't able to hold onto it. Not saying he won't this year as his form has been superb but it's not like he's been ignored.

Utopia Parkway

Happyilylost wrote: »

Lundy hasn't had a decent game in a Galway jersey since Kerry three years ago. His form for Corofin has even been hit and miss. I don't think he's a viable option anymore. I would expect Burke to get his place back. And Molloy to go close. Power as back up sub. Other than Liam Silke and Dylan Wall who are going to America I don't think the rest are a whole lot better than what Galway have.

Silke is probably the biggest loss. Would have been guaranteed to have started at either corner or wing-back.

Lavelle to be fair to him has been much steadier this year so far. Would be hard to ditch him for Power at the moment.

Agree re: Lundy. I'd say he's well down the list of forwards by now. Maybe 8th or 9th choice if not worse.

I would have liked to have seen Wall involved but what can you do if him and Silke are off to the US.

threeball

Happyilylost wrote: »

Just on Mike Farragher I would imagine he will be brought in again. But. He was the full year with Galway last year and by the league final against Kildare he was our starting number six. He wasn't able to hold onto it. Not saying he won't this year as his form has been superb but it's not like he's been ignored.

From what I hear, incredibly talented as he is, he's one of those lads who sees more to life than football so the demands of intercounty probably aren't his thing and you can't have exceptions to the rule within a squad. And that's fair enough from both perspectives.
If he came back he wouldn't be six. He'd probably go wing forward with Heaney dropping to the HB line. Great option for the long kickout.

adgib

As a dub,thought Galway played well,would fancy them to beat mayo

nootroc

Happyilylost wrote: »

I would agree the subs were poor. Timing was worse and probably made us more disjointed. Positive about this. Everyone fit and we started the same team next week subs to bring on: Ian Burke, Danny Cummins, Mike Daly, Sean Armstrong and Kieran Molloy plus what is there already. Subs could of been made earlier but KW might not believe the lads on the bench were going to have a huge impact. More players returning stronger the bench gets. Not many teams would have the calibre of forwards on the bench that Galway will come the summer.

If KW doesn't believe the lads off the bench won't have much impact it doesn't augur well if there's an early injury and / black card.

TCDStudent1

Happyilylost wrote: »

Lundy hasn't had a decent game in a Galway jersey since Kerry three years ago. His form for Corofin has even been hit and miss. I don't think he's a viable option anymore. I would expect Burke to get his place back. And Molloy to go close. Power as back up sub. Other than Liam Silke and Dylan Wall who are going to America I don't think the rest are a whole lot better than what Galway have.

Yeah, he wasn't great for Galway last year. However, he has had some very good matches for Corofin. I still think he has something to offer on that panel. I think a lot of people judge him v the player he was for Corofin the last time they won the AI and he has definitely gone back from that kind of form. Last Sunday, Cein Darcy, Frankie Burke, Evan Wynne, David Wynne were all on the bench for Galway. While they are very committed guys, realistically you won't be calling on them v Mayo in a tight game. I'd still have Lundy ahead of any of those.

I have heard that Power, Silke, Molloy, Wall, Steede, Farragher, Lundy, Burke were all invited into the panel. For a variety of reasons, only Power, Molloy & Steede accepted that invitation. Corofin lads remind me a little of Liverpool. Often Liverpool players will talk about how they never dreamt of playing for England, it was always just Liverpool. The current Corofin contingent never seemed to care much about playing for Galway. It has coincided with Kevin Walsh's period in charge as well as Corofin's most successful years. These should be the years that those guys shone for Galway but instead I think Ian Burke has only ever played 2 minutes of league football and 2 championship matches (Donegal & kerry last year)!

Without the Corofin guys, what you saw last Sunday is basically it. Armstrong was missing but he is quite injury prone so it could happen again. There will always be a couple of injuries as well. Daly must not be any way fit for him to be left on the bench last week. Just look at how slow KW was to make changes on Sunday - it definitely hinted at a lack of faith in the bench. I'm seriously doubtful he would have been as slow if he had Burke, Armstrong, Lundy, Farragher, Wall & a fit Daly on the bench. So while I do not think the absence of the Corofin guys weakens the team much, I feel it definitely reduces the overall quality of the panel. And makes us incredibly vulnerable if 2 or 3 players were to pick up injuries.

seligehgit

When's Daly likely to be back?

TCDStudent1

seligehgit wrote: »

When's Daly likely to be back?

I dont know when he is back fully. But he played pretty much the whole of the 2nd half v Kildare last Sunday week. And he played well. I'd have thrown him for the last 5 minutes v Dublin on Sunday. Hes a guy who can get you a point out of nothing so he must be well off the pace. It was hard to judge in the Kildare game because it was a bit of a challenge match.

threeball

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

I dont know when he is back fully. But he played pretty much the whole of the 2nd half v Kildare last Sunday week. And he played well. I'd have thrown him for the last 5 minutes v Dublin on Sunday. Hes a guy who can get you a point out of nothing so he must be well off the pace. It was hard to judge in the Kildare game because it was a bit of a challenge match.

Dalys Achilles heel is his pace. Beautiful player but can't burn off a marker so always relying on pure skill to create space which is difficult with sticky markers. He'd really struggle on a Kerin type player.

Utopia Parkway

seligehgit wrote: »

When's Daly likely to be back?

He's back. Played a bit against Kildare in the last league game. Injured all winter though so probably a good bit behind the rest yet.

aidan24326

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

From what I hear, we will not see any Corofin starters. And probably not many in the subs either. Molloy could potentially make a late burst as there are places up for grabs in the HB line.

From what you're saying and from Diabhal's post aswell it seems Corofin players are turning down the chance to join the panel? I find that strange. I know they're coming out of a long campaign with the club but given the way Galway have played this Spring you'd think they would have been keen to get back in. This isn't the Wicklow panel they're being asked to join, it's a team with great potential.

It's true that not many of them would be automatic starters but the likes of Lundy and Farragher would certainly be good options off the bench and an on-form Ian Burke would be a likely starter. Anyone know why he declined to come back?

It's disppointing because it weakens the squad overall and as yourself and others have alluded to the subs we brought on on Sunday weren't exactly going to be game changers at that stage. With Silke (a definite starter) now gone to the US, it means we are getting next to nothing out of the best club team in the country. That's frustrating.

Tellyium

I think the (potential) lack of Corofin involvement is down to the new calendar. Unless you’re an outstanding talent, it’s very hard to be entitled to a starting place, especially when they went so well in the league and the crucial championship match follows 6 weeks after. Later in the year, they’ll have a big part to play.

Utopia Parkway

aidan24326 wrote: »

From what you're saying and from Diabhal's post aswell it seems Corofin players are turning down the chance to join the panel? I find that strange. I know they're coming out of a long campaign with the club but given the way Galway have played this Spring you'd think they would have been keen to get back in. This isn't the Wicklow panel they're being asked to join, it's a team with great potential.

It's true that not many of them would be automatic starters but the likes of Lundy and Farragher would certainly be good options off the bench and an on-form Ian Burke would be a likely starter. Anyone know why he declined to come back?

I don't think Burke has turned down joining the panel unless I missed something?

MfMan

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

I don't think Burke has turned down joining the panel unless I missed something?

He's undecided as far as I heard. Will soon be based in Dublin for work and mightn't relish the travel for training.

TCDStudent1

MfMan wrote: »

He's undecided as far as I heard. Will soon be based in Dublin for work and mightn't relish the travel for training.

That's more promising than what I heard - KW insisting he be available a certain amount of evenings in Galway and Burke refusing the call up saying he wasn't going to be able to travel that much. Hopefully, they can find a solution to it.

danganabu

It's not totally unusual to be honest and there have been plenty of examples in other counties of a similar mindset, its also a symptom of the near 'professionalism' on the inter-county game and lets be honest if a guy on an inter-county panel is not getting game time it means he is not playing any competitive football at all for the majority of the year as he is not getting game time with his club either.

Happyilylost

TCDStudent1 wrote:

That's more promising than what I heard - KW insisting he be available a certain amount of evenings in Galway and Burke refusing the call up saying he wasn't going to be able to travel that much. Hopefully, they can find a solution to it.

He's meant to be training twice a week with a Dublin based team and once in Galway. I think that's nearly sorted.

TCDStudent1

Happyilylost wrote: »

He's meant to be training twice a week with a Dublin based team and once in Galway. I think that's nearly sorted.

Hopefully! He would be a big big loss. Hard to believe that this time last year, he wasn't anywhere near the team and people were not surprised he wasn't near it. I already thought he might struggle to break into the side for Mayo. Now, I'm finding it harder to see it happening. Training just once a week with Galway seems very low, especially when you consider he hasn't been with them the last few months. I'd have thought 2 times would be a reasonable compromise. But maybe that will change as the Mayo match gets closer.

Bonniedog

danganabu wrote: »

It's not totally unusual to be honest and there have been plenty of examples in other counties of a similar mindset, its also a symptom of the near 'professionalism' on the inter-county game and lets be honest if a guy on an inter-county panel is not getting game time it means he is not playing any competitive football at all for the majority of the year as he is not getting game time with his club either.

I don't know what the schedule for Galway SFC is, but Cuala are back in SHC next Saturday in crucial group game against Brigids. Weather and various other factors permitting there will be other games before end of April. There is no way that they will be seriously training with county team before match against Kilkenny.

If Galway is anything similar, then I assume Corofin will be out before the game against Mayo? That would rule them out. Then how do you blend players, no matter how good, back into an already settled panel?

Happyilylost

TCDStudent1 wrote:

Hopefully! He would be a big big loss. Hard to believe that this time last year, he wasn't anywhere near the team and people were not surprised he wasn't near it. I already thought he might struggle to break into the side for Mayo. Now, I'm finding it harder to see it happening. Training just once a week with Galway seems very low, especially when you consider he hasn't been with them the last few months. I'd have thought 2 times would be a reasonable compromise. But maybe that will change as the Mayo match gets closer.

For me fully fit he needs to be starting. He was excellent last year. Hopefully it's something like the Mayo situation. They have a good chunk of their panel in Dublin who don't travel to every session in Mayo aside from from a week out from a game when it probably gets tactical and some focus is put on the opposition. So maybe closer to games he'll be at more. For me a compromise is needed. Burke beside Comer would not suit many full back lines.

Happyilylost

Bonniedog wrote:

I don't know what the schedule for Galway SFC is, but Cuala are back in SHC next Saturday in crucial group game against Brigids. Weather and various other factors permitting there will be other games before end of April. There is no way that they will be seriously training with county team before match against Kilkenny.

Bonniedog wrote:

If Galway is anything similar, then I assume Corofin will be out before the game against Mayo? That would rule them out. Then how do you blend players, no matter how good, back into an already settled panel?

First round of championship in Galway is week after Mayo match. So all players should have a clear run to the Mayo match.

djPSB

First round of club hurling championships this weekend. Not much talk about the games, intercounty games seem to getting all the spotlight.

Is the club game dieing a slow death?

flatty

djPSB wrote: »

First round of club hurling championships this weekend. Not much talk about the games, intercounty games seem to getting all the spotlight.

Is the club game dieing a slow death?

No, it's just early. The emphasis needed rebalancing in any case. Kk have had it about right for a generation really, and it has been to their advantage.

flasher0030

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

Hopefully! He would be a big big loss. Hard to believe that this time last year, he wasn't anywhere near the team and people were not surprised he wasn't near it. I already thought he might struggle to break into the side for Mayo. Now, I'm finding it harder to see it happening. Training just once a week with Galway seems very low, especially when you consider he hasn't been with them the last few months. I'd have thought 2 times would be a reasonable compromise. But maybe that will change as the Mayo match gets closer.

If he’s working in Dublin, how could he train twice a week with Galway. Unless they trained Saturday and Sunday, which is counterproductive without any rest period.
Finish work at say 5.30. In Galway for training at 8. Finish at 10. Tog in, eat etc. Drive back to Dublin for 12.30. Bed for 1. Twice a week, for several months. Give the man a break. To thrive in football, you have to like it. 2 weeks of that kind of routine, and he’d be well sick of it.
It’s a bit different for students, that are based in other counties. Bit more flexibility.