Mayo GAA Discussion

Anthony moyles made an interesting point on OTB, that you need speed in the half back line when you're up against a blanket defence, people to break the line. Would be worth considering a HB line of Durcan, Hession and Callinan

I don't think that is ground-breaking insight. It was already a given that speedy half backs are required if trying the running game against the blanket.

But it takes more than speed. You need a half back that has confidence to really want the ball in that type of a situation. You can see some players make a half-ass attempt around the goals to call for the ball - the type of call where they want to be seen to be looking for it, but in reality they don't want the responsibilities that go with it. I don't just mean Mayo by the way.

That half-back would also need to be be proficient in terms of kicking a point from 30 yards out, and under a bit of pressure. If the half back is breaking the line, and taking a pass, a lot of the time they will end up out around 30 meters out, with opposition closing in on them. They will need to be able to compose themselves and quickly kick accurately for a score, like what Paddy Durkin did when he came on on Sunday. That is far easier said than done of course. And if they are not going to shoot, they need massive composure to lay off a pass to a teammate in better position, when they are about to be surrounded by the defenders.

I think the above rules out Sam Callinan from that. I think he is too young and inexperienced for taking on those responsibilities, and would get dispossessed. Enda Hession has developed at it in the last while, and is a lot more confident on the ball. At least he would ask some questions of defenders. Paddy Durkin is the man alright - he has the appropriate tools to carry out that role.

There were many times on Sunday where Aidan was making the run from the oppositions goal out towards the ball, and holding off the defender on him. An outlet would be to dink it into him - it would only be a 25 yard pass or so. Or even better, if it was kicked in properly and purposefully, he could take a mark. But every time the player with the ball would put the head down, and play it back out again for the lateral passing across the '45. Not enough use is made of the mark to beat the blanket.

I'd say they were fairly disappointed with their showing. They never really got into it at all, even when leading early on, Monaghan were still on top.

Great to have that momentum / strength in depth within the club. Things seem to be very much going the other way in Breaffy.

How are the likes of Dempsey and Holmes progressing? Could you see them breaking into county in a meaningful way in the next year or so?

I'd say Breaffy are in a similar spot to Balintubber, there doesn't seem to be the players coming through at the moment. It shouldn't really be a problem for Breaffy seeing the huge numbers now at underage, Balintubber wouldn't have seen that influx. Conor O'Shea has missed a few matches recently but he's still there.

Hadn't heard too much about trouble in Mitchel's but I'd say that's a hard balancing act there.

Disappointing

Darren McHale back from the latest injury and back into the 26, Kevin Mc also back from injury, that seemed to be one that was niggling away for a long time and he couldn't shake it

He did say that but he could have aggravated the injury or have a new injury.

My own thoughts are that he'll be added to the 26 and will play some part.

I'd agree with Eoghan dropping out for Cillian.

That is assuming nothing has changed since McStay said Cillian was 95% fit for Louth game and Eoghan has broken a bone in his hand.

That was awful after being in such a strong position to win.

Brutal stuff, 3rd in the group ffs

Played their All Ireland in Killarney

O shea point at end would have secured home preliminary and now looking like either trip to kildare, donegal or possibly Tyrone I'd say.

Where are the off the shoulder runners from the league? We’ve nothing to our attack now unless we have bombs from Flynn or we can manufacture a free.

Awful,

Totally switched off after only going 6 points up, then panicked when making shot selections under pressure towards the end of the game.

Nothing really learnt or implemented on the pitch after the Roscommon loss .

Yep, all about momentum at this stage