Mayo GAA Discussion Thread

ColeTrain · 22-07-2013 12:30AM

Defiler Of The Coffin wrote: »

Also, never thought I'd see an England flag in McHale park! No sign of Boris either!

I met Boris in the sport lan, bit of a prick!

Also so much for st.Patricks retirement he had a crutch but looked ready for the quarters!

ColeTrain · 22-07-2013 12:34AM

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Syferus · 22-07-2013 12:36AM

ColeTrain wrote: »

I met Boris in the sport lan, bit of a prick!

Also so much for st.Patricks retirement he had a crutch but looked ready for the quarters!

Pretty sure he meant at the end of the season he's retiring, that's certainly what I got from the message.

No veteran should abandon his team mid-way through the season. St. Pat's showing admirable leadership.

Fr Tod Umptious · 22-07-2013 07:56AM

Not sure what to make of that game, yea I would have loved them to score 5-20 instead of 5-11 but at the same time it was over before it started.

I'm sure they had both eyes on the quarter final before the game so at least now they can concentrate on it.

In the last two season they have come off bad Connaught final to play great games in Croker, hopefully this will be the same.

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 11:18AM

I think the game puts Mayo in a good place actually. They gave away lots of goal chances which they cant afford to do in bigger games so it gives them something to work on. And it is good that they have something to work on after walking through Connacht. In my opinion, a team going into training knowing they need to improve is always a far better thing than a team going into training thinking they do not need to improve.

For Mayo, I thought Keegan was your best player. McLoughlin also played very well which is a good sign as he is absolutely key to Mayo going places this year. Freeman was poor though, He is a player that drives me insane cos I love watching him when he is on form but he is the most frustrating player when he isnt on form. He seems to have a knack of winning 95 - 100% of high balls into him in one game and then 5 - 10% of high balls into him in the next game! Coen was also poor with some of the shots he took on. Thought Varley would be on for him, thought Varley would be on earlier to be honest.

GBXI · 22-07-2013 11:21AM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

I think the game puts Mayo in a good place actually. They gave away lots of goal chances which they cant afford to do in bigger games so it gives them something to work on. And it is good that they have something to work on after walking through Connacht. In my opinion, a team going into training knowing they need to improve is always a far better thing than a team going into training thinking they do not need to improve.

For Mayo, I thought Keegan was your best player. McLoughlin also played very well which is a good sign as he is absolutely key to Mayo going places this year. Freeman was poor though, He is a player that drives me insane cos I love watching him when he is on form but he is the most frustrating player when he isnt on form. He seems to have a knack of winning 95 - 100% of high balls into him in one game and then 5 - 10% of high balls into him in the next game! Coen was also poor with some of the shots he took on. Thought Varley would be on for him, thought Varley would be on earlier to be honest.

What game were you watching? Freeman scored 1-2 (brilliantly taken goal) and did very little wrong. I would highly doubt he'll lose his place for the quarter final.

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 12:17PM

GBXI wrote: »

What game were you watching? Freeman scored 1-2 (brilliantly taken goal) and did very little wrong. I would highly doubt he'll lose his place for the quarter final.

I felt he didnt won as much clean ball as he usually does.

Syferus · 22-07-2013 12:31PM

I don't think you know how spotty his form used to be! Freeman is easily Mayo's #1 choice at 14 this season and playing him there would mean they don't have to tool around with playing CO'C or Andy out of position at 14.

The big question mark is whether Horan makes room for Conroy or not and if he does Freeman may then be in danger of losing his spot.

threebeards · 22-07-2013 12:53PM

Syferus wrote: »

The big question mark is whether Horan makes room for Conroy or not and if he does Freeman may then be in danger of losing his spot.

In the short time he was on yesterday, Conroy didn't impress me. Maybe he's still not fully fit but it's getting too close to the business end now to be taking risks. I think Freeman did really well again yesterday and I agree he has to be first choice for full forward.

naughto · 22-07-2013 01:06PM

some day yesterday i was never at a connaught final before where there was no atmosphere whats so ever,even afterwards when they won.
maybe its not enough to win a connaught final any more and people what the holy grail.

iam just going to throw this out there so dont go to town on me but
does any one else think that dillion could loose his place?
he is struggling big time with the injury and need surgery to fix it.

Fr Tod Umptious · 22-07-2013 01:10PM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

I think the game puts Mayo in a good place actually. They gave away lots of goal chances which they cant afford to do in bigger games so it gives them something to work on. And it is good that they have something to work on after walking through Connacht. In my opinion, a team going into training knowing they need to improve is always a far better thing than a team going into training thinking they do not need to improve.

For Mayo, I thought Keegan was your best player. McLoughlin also played very well which is a good sign as he is absolutely key to Mayo going places this year. Freeman was poor though, He is a player that drives me insane cos I love watching him when he is on form but he is the most frustrating player when he isnt on form. He seems to have a knack of winning 95 - 100% of high balls into him in one game and then 5 - 10% of high balls into him in the next game! Coen was also poor with some of the shots he took on. Thought Varley would be on for him, thought Varley would be on earlier to be honest.

Mid West Radio agree, he got Man of the Match

threebeards wrote: »

In the short time he was on yesterday, Conroy didn't impress me. Maybe he's still not fully fit but it's getting too close to the business end now to be taking risks. I think Freeman did really well again yesterday and I agree he has to be first choice for full forward.

yep he did nothing while he was there, If he is fully fit then I'd expect him to start the next day and perform a lot better from the start

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 01:42PM

Syferus wrote: »

I don't think you know how spotty his form used to be! Freeman is easily Mayo's #1 choice at 14 this season and playing him there would mean they don't have to tool around with playing CO'C or Andy out of position at 14.

The big question mark is whether Horan makes room for Conroy or not and if he does Freeman may then be in danger of losing his spot.

Dont get me wrong, I never suggested to drop him. Like I said, I enjoy watching him play a lot. But I also just find him frustating sometimes.

The forwards situation in this Mayo panel is interesting. I am not sure I can remember any team like it really where you have this many places up for grabs. I'm still debating if it is a good thing for Mayo or if there is too much competition for places that it could possibly end up hindering them.

Always_Running · 22-07-2013 03:14PM

Fr Tod Umptious wrote: »

In the last two season they have come off bad Connaught final to play great games in Croker, hopefully this will be the same.

Bit of a difference, were pushed all the way in 2011,2012 finals and tested before croker. Yesterday was another non-conest it was no use at all though that was known before throw in.

Poor crowd in for minor game around 5k i reckon and half from Roscommon. It was good game and good win for Mayo they now have the easier (on paper) path to the All Ireland final.

Padkir · 22-07-2013 03:26PM

Syferus wrote: »

I don't think you know how spotty his form used to be! Freeman is easily Mayo's #1 choice at 14 this season and playing him there would mean they don't have to tool around with playing CO'C or Andy out of position at 14.

The big question mark is whether Horan makes room for Conroy or not and if he does Freeman may then be in danger of losing his spot.

Horan has to seriously consider dropping Dillon for the quarters, he just hasn't been at the races this season (I know injuries have played a part), but you can't guarantee him a start because he 'used' to be the go-to man!

Any word on doherty? Think a front 6 of mcloughlin, o'connor, feeney, moran, freeman, conroy/varley/doherty depending on fitness might be the way to go for the quarters.

Barlett · 22-07-2013 05:51PM

Conroy only played about five minutes before he went off injured with his hamstring...Mayo played the last 10 minutes with 14 men

MaroonAndGreen · 22-07-2013 06:43PM

With all players fit, im still not sure if Alan Freeman gets in my 15..

Hes played well in Connaught, but im not sure if he would win ball against the better full backs in Ireland. Id still have Andy Moran no.14 if hes back 100% fit.

Id like to see:

10. McLoughlin
11. Feeney
12. Dillon
13. O' Connor
14. Moran
15. Conroy

Of course that rests on all of them players being fit.

Theres also then Freeman, Doherty, Coen, Varley, Carolan providing competition for them forward places, which is brilliant for Mayo.

threebeards · 22-07-2013 07:20PM

I think it's fair to say that the only ones guaranteed of their places in the forwards are Andy Moran, COC and Kevin McLoughlin. I've been impressed so far this year by Freeman. Dillon has been poor every time I've seen him this year and I don't think he can be sure of his spot. If Conroys hamstring is gone, that's probably him out for the rest of the year. While Richie isn't an out and out forward, you're guaranteed 100% effort in every game and he'll usually chip in with a couple of scores too.

davegrohl48 · 22-07-2013 07:52PM

If he can remain on form to a decent level I think we need Freemans height in there Dont like the idea of a forward line without anyone over 6 foot Freeman would have shown more if there had been less of the individualistic type play out around the 40 What we learned yesterday is that Mayo need to maintain their focus on teamplay rather than individual efforts There was far too much shooting with men in better positions open Also handpassing to seek out a goal whenpoint was the better option Alot to work on

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 08:35PM

I think it's fair to say that the only ones guaranteed of their places in the forwards are Andy Moran, COC and Kevin McLoughlin.

Is Moran guaranteed a place though? I am not so sure he is......

ColeTrain · 22-07-2013 08:39PM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

Is Moran guaranteed a place though? I am not so sure he is......

If he is fit enough to last 70mins then yes he is guaranteed a start.

Definitely an argument to be made for using Dillion as an impact sub given his questionable fitness.

Syferus · 22-07-2013 08:58PM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

Is Moran guaranteed a place though? I am not so sure he is......

Sure I feel AOS is in line to be dropped when Barry Moran is fit

Come off it, the only way Mayo are winning an AI this year is with a fit COC and Andy.

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 09:07PM

But Moran is still only just back from a very serious injury.

I'd have no doubt he would be a starter if fully fit and playing well.

But we can't be sure he is fully fit at the moment. He has missed a lot of football. And I thought others impressed more than him against London.

Hopefully he is back in full form though because he is a terrific footballer when he is on form.

Syferus · 22-07-2013 09:41PM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

But Moran is still only just back from a very serious injury.

I'd have no doubt he would be a starter if fully fit and playing well.

But we can't be sure he is fully fit at the moment. He has missed a lot of football. And I thought others impressed more than him against London.

Hopefully he is back in full form though because he is a terrific footballer when he is on form.

He's been playing football for club and county for two months now. If anything he's timed his run perfectly to be ready for August.

InchicoreDude · 22-07-2013 09:43PM

Syferus wrote: »

He's been playing football for club and county for two months now. If anything he's timed his run perfectly to be ready for August.

Well if you go by that logic, all the winter training that inter county players do makes no difference......

He has missed a lot of football and I wonder if he is indeed the same player. I hope he is.

Syferus · 22-07-2013 10:07PM

InchicoreDude wrote: »

Well if you go by that logic, all the winter training that inter county players do makes no difference......

He has missed a lot of football and I wonder if he is indeed the same player. I hope he is.

As someone who had a serious injury entering the season. The lack of competition in Connacht bought Horan more time in easing Andy back into the starting line-up and only needing cameos against Galway and ourselves. Just look at Karl Lacey got what rushing back can do to a player.

manofwisdom · 22-07-2013 11:37PM

Forget about club action Sunday was Andy Morans first championship start since Down last summer and it showed. After the injury he got he's unlikey to be up to the pace thats required for knockout football and probably would be wiser to use him as impact sub but i'd say Horan will start him in the quarter final simply because he's better than the other options so the six forwards will be

Dillion,O'Connor,Feeney,McLoughlin,Freeman,Moran

davegrohl48 · 22-07-2013 11:49PM

manofwisdom wrote: »

Forget about club action Sunday was Andy Morans first championship start since Down last summer and it showed. After the injury he got he's unlikey to be up to the pace thats required for knockout football and probably would be wiser to use him as impact sub but i'd say Horan will start him in the quarter final simply because he's better than the other options so the six forwards will be

Dillion,O'Connor,Feeney,McLoughlin,Freeman,Moran

Think we might miss Carolans pace n power COC is only back from shoulder injury Dillon McGloughlin not heavy duty tacklers Leaves us fewer hard tackling forwards to win turnovers

Fr Tod Umptious · 23-07-2013 08:11AM

The lack of match fitness and general health of the forwards is worrying alright.

O' Conor's shoulder could go at any minute
Conroy could be crocked for the season
Dillion will never be 100%
Moran is not as sharp as he was
Doherty is still injured

They could so with another 'softer' rather than 'tougher' game in the quarters to be honest to get guys back.

If Dillion is not up to it then I think the best bet is to take Moran and play him at wing forward along with McLoughlin and O' Conor in the middle.
Then put Conroy (hopefully) Freeman/Varley/Doherty(hopefully) up front.

Andy Moran in my opinion is better as a play maker further out the field.
I said this before but it's a bit like Ciaran McDonal in 2006, had number 15 on his back but played all over the place, then when a man was needed inside he was usually absent cos he was doing all the donkey work out the field.

Also I don't think Feeney is a great option at wing forward at the level that is coming up, great worker yea, but a better wing back sub option I think.

I am probably wrong though as I don't have a clue about tactics

Fr Tod Umptious · 23-07-2013 08:16AM

Always_Running wrote: »

Bit of a difference, were pushed all the way in 2011,2012 finals and tested before croker. Yesterday was another non-conest it was no use at all though that was known before throw in.

Poor crowd in for minor game around 5k i reckon and half from Roscommon. It was good game and good win for Mayo they now have the easier (on paper) path to the All Ireland final.

This 'Mayo have not had a test' talk is almost as tiresome as last years 'Mayo will struggle against Dublin without influential captain Any Moran' talk.

Go back to May and you will find plenty of people predicting that Mayo would have a stern test v Galway in Salthill, three RTE pundits, O' Hara, Spillane and O' Rourke actually picked Galway.
But Mayo hammered them out the gate and suddenly it was no longer a test.
In fact it was a test that Mayo passed with flying colours.

InchicoreDude · 23-07-2013 10:34AM

davegrohl48 wrote: »

Think we might miss Carolans pace n power COC is only back from shoulder injury Dillon McGloughlin not heavy duty tacklers Leaves us fewer hard tackling forwards to win turnovers

Is Carolan injured as well?

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