Galway GAA Discussion Thread #2

Great post. It does feel like there's another gear or two in Galway alright because have Comer Walsh and Finnerty/Tierney ever scored even 3 each from play in the same big match? Bar the likes of the Sligo match last year.

Too many playing injured is right. But honestly how is it reoccurring so much? We should be primed for next weekend bar maybe a bit of fatigue. But instead we're absolutely crippled again. Same lads injured as in the league, Comer Walsh Finnerty, probably Kelly too.

Can't just be a genetic thing. Is the strength and conditioning guy up to it, or coaching, or physios either, when it comes to managing the load properly in this condensed season?

The draw against Armagh is likely to prove costly, as even the easiest draw we can get ( Donegal) is much more difficult than what we would have likely faced had we held out for the win over Armagh. Add to that the injury to Walsh, plus the fatigue factor of playing 3 weeks in a row, we certainly haven't made it easy on ourselves, really need to avoid Dublin or Kerry to have any chance of making the semi final.

On another note the structure of the championship needs to be looked at; out of 5 matches, Derry have lost 3 matches, only beaten Westmeath, won a penalty shoot out and are at the same stage as us, yet we've won 5 out of six and drawn one match. No doubt Derry will probably draw Donegal and we'll end up with Dublin or Kerry.

That was no more than a tough training session yesterday. Need to stop making excuses about being out 3 weeks in a row. Kerry have had no competitive game this year. Thats not ideal either. Dublin one tough work out again Mayo. Structure needs a complete overhaul

Our biggest problem is 5 or 6 players are carrying what appear to be long term knocks and an extra weeks break was not going to make much difference to that. Even if we beat Armagh those 5 or 6 would still not be 100% fit

If Donegal and Galway were to come out first rest of the games decided as far as I can make out.

Donegal vs Galway

Dublin vs Derry

Kerry vs Roscommon

Armagh vs Louth

Watching the game back I'm not sure Donegal would be my first choice anyway. Like you said maybe Dublin the best bet (not that any are particular appealing on current form). Management would have some big calls to make around personnel and matchups. Not sure if they have the stomach for it either.

That Campbell point in injury time for Armagh is going to get them to a soft semi final. You'd be sick.

That draw format is absolute bulls**t.

Agree the whole set up is crazy. Who came up with this nonsense.

Theyre putting Louth in the 2pm Sunday slot it looks like (as requested) so it's a toss up as to them putting the Dubs and Galway at 4pm Sunday or Armagh v Ros. Armagh and Dublin are the only two with huge support numbers so they'll be kept seperate and put in a late game

Why?

They want to give the chance for Scottie Sheffler supporting punters picking up their winnings to have an early bet on the games. Could just be a placeholder.

But they could be pulling out Roscommon and Louth for two mins and keep having to put them back in the bowl

I thought (stupidly) pull first team say Dublin then out pop Roscommon. They are then moved to team two in quarter final number two. Pulled Louth next they move to the third quarter final so on and so on.

Not that anyone is ever put back on just moved to another slot in the other quarter finals. I dunno. Maybe that can't work out correctly. Finding out at 8.40 you are in a 50/50 pot to meet Dublin did me no favours!

Galway BayFM have us to play Saturday evening at 6 on their X (Twitter ) feed.

Don't think there was any straightforward way of doing it, to avoid the repeat pairings. The die was cast for us once Louth (won yesterday and) drew Armagh first. The past 2 weekends, bar the Monaghan draw, have been hellish for us as regards results elsewhere.

PJ sounded rather fed-up with Walsh on the post-match GBFM interview. Mentioned another MRI scan early this week.

Does he stick or twist? Start or finish with his strongest line-up? Might be better go with the former and see how far it gets him.