Galway GAA discussion thread

Utopia Parkway · 19-03-2017 05:04PM

7 goals today and 2 penalties missed as well. Mad stuff. One win in either of our last two games should get us promoted I think.

Down A
Kildare H

BENDYBINN · 19-03-2017 05:14PM

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Another Derry goal.

More likely to get relegated lads.

Your gone very quiet.
Hope you didn't leave early!
Galway for Sam now!!!

19-03-2017 05:29PM

Very unconvincing but we are benefitting from the bench being stronger than other years and the likes of Shane Walsh made an impact and got us motoring again when we seemed in trouble. Both defences very poor. Its not an exaggeration to say we could have got 9 or 10 goals. In the end happy to get the job done. Games like this have cost us so many times in recent years. The other games seemed to go ok for us too. Down away is winnable. Kildare could well be promoted already by the time they come to Pearse Stadium. Either way it's very much in our hands at this stage plus our scoring difference looks very healthy relative to the sides below us.

jam83 · 19-03-2017 05:38PM

If Galway finish level on points with meath does it come down to head to head, or scoring difference?

19-03-2017 05:50PM

BENDYBINN wrote: »

Your gone very quiet.
Hope you didn't leave early!
Galway for Sam now!!!

Gone quiet?.

My battery died.

We had about 14 goal chances and could have lost the game.

I have zero issue with the players, I have zero fate in our management.

We're poorly coached and have zero work on our kick outs which is a fundamental in the modern game.

I firmly believe we'll kick on when we get a good coach in.
If you picked a best 15 from that Division more Galway players would occupy it than the rest.
We should be walking this league with the team we have.

CloughCasey1 · 19-03-2017 05:54PM

Conceeding too much. Id much rather win a game 0-5 to 0-7 than result today. All looks good but once we meet a decent defence with half decent forwards we could be in trouble.

19-03-2017 05:58PM

jam83 wrote: »

If Galway finish level on points with meath does it come down to head to head, or scoring difference?

Unfortunately head to head, it might actually have been better if Cork won today as we have a significant advantage over them on scoring difference having drawn with them.

If only two teams are level on league points -

The team that won the head-to-head match is ranked first
If this game was a draw, score difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams
If score difference is identical, total scored is used to rank the teams
If still identical, a play-off is required
If three or more teams are level on league points, score difference is used to rank the teams.

jam83 · 19-03-2017 06:31PM

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Unfortunately head to head, it might actually have been better if Cork won today as we have a significant advantage over them on scoring difference having drawn with them.

If only two teams are level on league points -

The team that won the head-to-head match is ranked first
If this game was a draw, score difference (total scored minus total conceded in all games) is used to rank the teams
If score difference is identical, total scored is used to rank the teams
If still identical, a play-off is required
If three or more teams are level on league points, score difference is used to rank the teams.

My hangover is giving me a sense of dread about Galway losing another match and finishing up level with meath and losing out on promotion yet again!

It's scandalous that there isn't a kick out strategy. There's a nice crop of forwards there and age wise the forwards could be there as a unit for 5 years but there'll be no all ireland until a new manager comes in and makes Galway hard to beat. Booting the ball out to midfield for every kickout is a joke at this stage.

Diabhal Beag · 19-03-2017 06:37PM

Nothing more needs to be said about our backs. Nobody stood out. Roasted under good high ball. Sweeney had an all time awful match. How bad must our backs on the bench be not to swap him within the first half hour.

Where I was really happy was guys like FOC and Flynn grabbing the games by the throat rather than hide. Flynn was my MOTM and FOC was not far off. Daly and Brannigan were poor in the first but they tore Derry to bits in the second. Daly probably won't feature in Down next week with the U-21s on Saturday.

Shane Walsh was very good when he came on. He might honestly be be better off the bench than starting. Mike Farragher put in two great balls over the top when he came on so hopefully he can burst through.

We're in a very good place now in comparison to how we usually look with 2 games left. Kildare realistically are up as I don't know if any of the remaining sides could do 2 wins back to back.

Saw Michael Meehan in a protective boot afterwards so it might be wishful thinking to see him play in maroon again sadly.

BENDYBINN · 19-03-2017 06:44PM

gilberto_eire wrote: »

Gone quiet?.

My battery died.

We had about 14 goal chances and could have lost the game.

I have zero issue with the players, I have zero fate in our management.

We're poorly coached and have zero work on our kick outs which is a fundamental in the modern game.

I firmly believe we'll kick on when we get a good coach in.
If you picked a best 15 from that Division more Galway players would occupy it than the rest.
We should be walking this league with the team we have.

Ok,sorry
Just feel the lads deserve great credit Five goals today and on the verge of promotion to the top division
It's only march and the best is yet to come
Let's all get behind them now.

MfMan · 19-03-2017 07:14PM

Will post most later. Suffice to say, our FB line hit an all-time low today, cannot honestly say I've ever seen it as bad. Absolutely cleaned, roasted, bet up a stick, almost indescribably bad, practically inept beyond incomprehension. Half-back line little better. No change made here until 8 minutes from the end. Forget even about a kick-out strategy. How this state of affairs can continue beggars belief.

Post more sometime when I've come to terms with what I've seen.

sean555 · 19-03-2017 08:47PM

Score line looks good but we were awful in patches today. Porous would be a good word for our full back line but that implies they were actually capable of stopping something, they weren't. Burke was on a nightmare from the start and should have been replaced early on. Cathal Sweeney didn't look fully fit and David Walsh while a decent club player is not i.c. standard or near it.
Half back line weren't great either, even though in fairness to Heaney he is good going forward. Midfield was good just wish Fiontáin would impose himself more and some really excellent performances in the forward line, Flynn, Daly, McHugh and Brannigan after a terrible start did really well.
But apart from all that what is a whole lot worse is our defensive strategy which is to retreat to the 45 m line, fan out and wait. No pressure, no aggression, no tackles. We may beat Down because they aren't showing much aggression either but if Derry had really gone for it today they would have beaten us.

TCDStudent1 · 19-03-2017 10:43PM

Full back line was destroyed. Luke Burke especially really had a nightmare. He is still young and looked very small against those Derry forwards. He could get stronger in the next couple of years. As suspect as he is, we definitely missed Kyne's strength today. Walsh seems incredibly reluctant to play Finian Hanley - I would certainly have brought him in earlier today. Michael Farragher coming in at number 6 shows just how few backs we have. It will be interesting to see if he tries him there again.

Michael Daly has become an integral player in that Galway side very quickly. And next week, he will be playing for the U21s on Saturday.

Utopia Parkway · 20-03-2017 12:04AM

We probably needed Cork to beat Meath today. Meath getting that late equaliser means that Galway might actually need at least 3 points from their last two games to get promoted. Very possible Meath win their final two games against Fermanagh and Clare and Meath will get promoted on the head to head against Galway if both end up on the same points.

20-03-2017 12:22AM

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

We probably needed Cork to beat Meath today. Meath getting that late equaliser means that Galway might actually need at least 3 points from their last two games to get promoted. Very possible Meath win their final two games against Fermanagh and Clare and Meath will get promoted on the head to head against Galway if both end up on the same points.

Kildare aren't home yet either though, I think most have just promoted them already in their heads.

And if they do win their next game they'll likely come to Salthill and play their subs to give them a run.
So if we beat Down we're getting an easy shot at that last win.

There's just too many ifs and buts on the table right now.

It's conceivable that we could get promoted without even winning a game provided nobody behind us takes more than one win.

I wouldn't be backing any team to win two straight anyway.

TCDStudent1 · 20-03-2017 12:25AM

Utopia Parkway wrote: »

We probably needed Cork to beat Meath today. Meath getting that late equaliser means that Galway might actually need at least 3 points from their last two games to get promoted. Very possible Meath win their final two games against Fermanagh and Clare and Meath will get promoted on the head to head against Galway if both end up on the same points.

In a way, it's good as you want to be playing 'must win' games this time of year.
Be hard to take if we don't get promoted based on head to head with Meath though.

Utopia Parkway · 23-03-2017 11:40PM

Galway team to play Mayo in the Connacht U-21 semi-final on Saturday

1. Ronán Ó Beoláin (Mícheál Breathnach)
2. Liam Kelly (An Spidéal)
3. Séan Andy Ó Ceallaigh (Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir)
4. Rory Greene (Killannin)
5. Kieran Molloy (Corofin)
6. Dylan McHugh (Corofin)
7. Cillian McDaid (Monivea-Abbey)
8. Peter Cooke (Maigh Cuilinn)
9. Colm Brennan (Oileáin Árann)
10. Antaine Ó Laoi (An Spidéal)
11. Micheal Daly - Capt. (Mountbellew/Moylough)
12. Colin Brady (Corofin)
13. Robert Finnerty (Salthill/Knocknacarra)
14. Paul Mannion (Kilconly)
15. Dessie Conneely (Maigh Cuilinn)

MfMan · 24-03-2017 02:35PM

Given the travails experienced by our back division last week, which have been well-highlighted in the local media since, I'm sure there'll be great interest in the team named for Sunday away to Down. If minimum if any changes are made then Down at 13/8 would surely be outstanding value, not that I'll be backing against our lads or anything.

TCDStudent1 · 24-03-2017 05:40PM

MfMan wrote: »

Given the travails experienced by our back division last week, which have been well-highlighted in the local media since, I'm sure there'll be great interest in the team named for Sunday away to Down. If minimum if any changes are made then Down at 13/8 would surely be outstanding value, not that I'll be backing against our lads or anything.

I think Down have their own problems which is why they're 13/8.

Division 2 is not a place to be gambling in. Probably the most unpredictable division of the last few years.

I was looking back at the subs from last week. Duane, Wynne and Hanley were the 3 defenders. Hanley was the only one who saw action and that was just a few seconds at the end. If he wasn't bringing on Duane and Wynne last week, it's hard to see how he'd consider them this week. However, l. Burke is involved with under 22s so I guess that opens a position if Kyne isn't back.

Edit: just looking at under21 team now and I see Burke isn't playing. I was sure he was eligible but I guess I'm mistaken.

25-03-2017 09:47PM

Good win for the u21s over Mayo in Tuam. Was impressed with Galway. Definite potential in this team. Got out of the blocks quick and were more than deserving of their win on the day. Sligo away next Saturday in the final will be a tough obstacle to overcome though so important Galway keep their feet on the ground.

Peter Cooke looks a good option for the year ahead. Paul Mannion had a couple of run outs at senior level a couple of years back and was very impressive today. I think Kieran Molloy is definitely worth a look for the senior setup. Mayo never really got going at all. I was worried in the first half that we hadn't put them away with all our chances. The Mayo goal came very much against the run of play but the Galway goal really killed it. One worry for Galway was Dylan McHugh going off injured after a late hit near the end. Won't be seeing him for a while I'd imagine.

The minor game was a win for Galway too. Wasn't a great game but Galway will be strong at that grade this year by the looks of it.

TCDStudent1 · 25-03-2017 09:53PM

Borders no.2 wrote: »

Good win for the u21s over Mayo in Tuam. Was impressed with Galway. Definite potential in this team. Got out of the blocks quick and were more than deserving of their win on the day. Sligo away next Saturday in the final will be a tough obstacle to overcome though so important Galway keep their feet on the ground.

Peter Cooke looks a good option for the year ahead. Paul Mannion had a couple of run outs at senior level a couple of years back and was very impressive today. I think Kieran Molloy is definitely worth a look for the senior setup. Mayo never really got going at all. I was worried in the first half that we hadn't put them away with all our chances. The Mayo goal came very much against the run of play but the Galway goal really killed it. One worry for Galway was Dylan McHugh going off injured after a late hit near the end. Won't be seeing him for a while I'd imagine.

The minor game was a win for Galway too. Wasn't a great game but Galway will be strong at that grade this year by the looks of it.

They mentioned Cooke on the Mayo forum as well. I haven't seen a huge amount of him but he has impressed me when I have seen him. However he hasn't even been a sub on the senior panel in the last few league matches. It's intriguing as we are not exactly blessed with depth in midfield. Enda Tierney has been on the subs for the seniors who looks an inferior player to me.

Paul Mannion is indeed a very good player but needs to step up a couple of levels to get to senior inter county standard

26-03-2017 12:59AM

U21 is probably a better barometer of future potential so it's good to hear how today went.

Outside of the wins over the past 12 years we have been a bystander at under age.

The past 2/3 years have been more impressive so hopefully we can get back to where we should be at senior.

The past 16 years have been unacceptable. Zero wins in Croke Park and we went nearly 10 years without a Connacht. Those two stats shouldn't be acceptable for one of the D3/D4 regulars.

Given the age profile of the senior team, the only way is up.

Funny to think next year Mayo could be in D2 and us in D1, only 2/3 years after taking some thrashings in Connacht from them.
That's how quick these things can flip as the post 1998-2001 period for us showed.

MfMan · 26-03-2017 01:06AM

TCDStudent1 wrote: »

They mentioned Cooke on the Mayo forum as well. I haven't seen a huge amount of him but he has impressed me when I have seen him. However he hasn't even been a sub on the senior panel in the last few league matches. It's intriguing as we are not exactly blessed with depth in midfield. Enda Tierney has been on the subs for the seniors who looks an inferior player to me.

Paul Mannion is indeed a very good player but needs to step up a couple of levels to get to senior inter county standard

Cooke named MOTM, though to be honest I thought he did some good things followed by some brainless enough moves immediately afterwards (known in Galway GAA circles as a 'Joe Bergin' :P ) Molloy quite good while Mannion kicked 4 good points from play in the first half but was starved of possession after the break. Cillian McDaid made some good raids forward in the first half also, inexplicably he was taken off later when he should have been moved to no 10 to replace the very ineffective O'Laoi. Good to see Cian D'Arcy and Eoin Finnerty (Mountbellew) come on and improve things straight away. Galway now play Munster winners I think; could have a chance but you'd be afraid the management might have some more silly maneuvers or selections up their sleeves.

Happyilylost · 26-03-2017 08:58AM

MfMan wrote:

Cooke named MOTM, though to be honest I thought he did some good things followed by some brainless enough moves immediately afterwards (known in Galway GAA circles as a 'Joe Bergin' ) Molloy quite good while Mannion kicked 4 good points from play in the first half but was starved of possession after the break. Cillian McDaid made some good raids forward in the first half also, inexplicably he was taken off later when he should have been moved to no 10 to replace the very ineffective O'Laoi. Good to see Cian D'Arcy and Eoin Finnerty (Mountbellew) come on and improve things straight away. Galway now play Munster winners I think; could have a chance but you'd be afraid the management might have some more silly maneuvers or selections up their sleeves.

Let Galway win Connacht before we start worrying about munster.

MfMan · 26-03-2017 02:47PM

Happyilylost wrote: »

Let Galway win Connacht before we start worrying about munster.

Mea culpa, mea culpa. No offence to Sligo fans. Should have said provincial winners meet Munster. Two years ago these sides met in the Connacht minor final, which needed a replay to decide the verdict. Sligo have never won Connacht at U-21 level so will be very keen to put that right and build on recent successes at schools level. Any idea where the final is on? Next weekend I think...

Number of changes to the Galway team named v. Down; Wynne, Kyne in for Burke and Walsh in the FB line. Farragher starts at no. 6 instead of Bradshaw. Shane Walsh in at 11 for Ml. Daly, Armstrong starts instead of wee Danny. (Bit disappointing for the latter in the county of his grandfather). Not exactly the changes I would have made but at least mgmt have been proactive and changed (strengthened) the defence from last week.

Lot of changes to hurlers too, most critically no Daithi Burke for some reason.

26-03-2017 03:04PM

Typically Galway Bay FM offer the main coverage on a dead rubber game(a rumour on next year means nothing today).... sigh.

26-03-2017 03:58PM

Kildare and Meath well on their way to victories, so if we don't win today we're relying on Clare to get a result against Meath.

Down have no radio station either so there's no way of getting this live.

I see someone texted in their frustration of the coverage and the response was "whats important to hurling people, and whats important to football people".... no, just no... both are equally followed and one is a dead rubber game.

26-03-2017 04:12PM

Let that be the last time Kyne plays.

Sent off twice in the league now. As soon as they said a Down player was down I knew it was him.

Can't be relied on and that could cost us promotion. Just lucky we had a big lead when that happened.

jam83 · 26-03-2017 04:14PM

Jesus Galway gaa twitter page must be the only one today with no f-ing score updates. Not one. Can't get near a radio so am relying on the 42 which crashed, and the Irish independent. Every county's twitter must have posted updates except Galway.

elefant · 26-03-2017 04:16PM

jam83 wrote: »

Jesus Galway gaa twitter page must be the only one today with no f-ing score updates. Not one. Can't get near a radio so am relying on the 42 which crashed, and the Irish independent. Every county's twitter must have posted updates except Galway.

Go to @Tribesmengaa.

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