Mayo GAA Discussion Part 2

Great win. What happened Aidan Walsh? I think they really missed his physical presence, he's an important player for Castlebar.
Great tactics by Castlebar in bringing on three players with pace. As far as I know the Durcans Fergal n James were sprinters at club level with Castlebar AC so they have genuine pace. Then you have Cian Costelloe who is very quick off the mark and a nightmare 1 v 1. They featured in those final 15 minutes to see the game out.
Neil Douglas is a good tough battler. Was brave to win some frees. I wouldnt be calling him too small for Intercounty. He's not tall, 5'10" or 5'11" but he's certainly a good solid 13 stone+. He's above average tough and he's direct with an eye for goal. Could have a big final yet.

Did b Moran hurt himself after the point he scored at the end?

Watched the game back,it was excellent contest.As good as many an inter county game in terms of quality.

Few things stood out,Tom Cunniffe gave Jamie Clarke quite an amount of space.Having said that I'm not sure how many corner backs could live with a player of the quality of Clarke...outstanding.Given the right ball and his movement is top notch.

It is frightening how good a quality half back Patrick Durkan is likely to develop into!We saw an indication of same in the All Ireland semi final last year and the county championship this year,he ran amok in the quarter final against Aghmore.He has great pace and scoring ability.I can't see how he won't start come championship.

It bodes very well for the seniors,we're spoiled for riches with Lee Keegan,Colm Boyle,Donal Vaughan and young Shane Nally.

The Mitchels bench is very strong and I think ultimately swung the game our way.Did anybody spot Tony McEntee at the game?Presumably he was there to support his home club and twin brother whilst having the added bonus of scouting the ample quality players on display with the potential to don the green and red.

Barry Moran seemed to make a full recovery post that injury stoppage.

I'll be shocked if Durcan doesn't get a starting place in the championship.

davegrohl48 wrote: »

An interesting seven man defence would be:
Mchale Cafferkey Keane
Higgins
Keegan Durcan Boyle
A full back line of big full backs protected by the speed of Higgins. Then you have the three best half backs.
Bring Tom Parsons back with Seamus OShea to your own 45 and thats a pretty good defensive setup.

Yes that's an interesting set up.There will be a fair amount of competition for the corner back spots...Not too sure I'd be putting Shane McHale ahead of Brendan Harrison or for matter Tom Cunniffe who tends to be quite a loose marker.Shane McHale and Kevin Keane are both lacking in any great mobility/pace but they are agreed more physically imposing.

Keith Higgins will have to be utilized correctly as a sweeper(he has been wasted in the role in the past),a role Shane Nally performed quite well the last day out.

I certainly Donal Vaughan may well lose out and the 3 lads will line out as you've outlined.

Canadel wrote: »

I hate when I hear people say that. Unless you're a genuine midget and thus have a legal disability, there is no such thing as being too small for intercounty. There is being not good enough, not working hard enough, and selectors incorrectly dismissing someone because of their size. The only place where being too small is a serious disadvantage is if you want to be a pornstar.

Fair enough,in all honesty I don't think he's quite up to inter county standard.I'd be delighted to be wrong as he is a very honest,hard working player with a good skillset.If I recall correctly he has had some opportunities in the past to impress in the national league.Realistically I can't see where he'd start in the forward line.

padd b1975 wrote: »

Speaking of Aidan... I presume he's treating this American Football exchange thing as nothing more than an opportunity to catch some winter sun.

I just pity the poor lad from the US who got sent to Breaffy last week

irishgeo wrote: »

apparently he didn't score at all, despite being teed up at every opportunity and been given all the frees.

should make county so

So apparently Tom Parsons, Donal Vaughan and Kevin McLoughlin are all doubtful for the Donegal match. Kevin Keane, Caolan Crowe and Alan Freeman are out. David Clarke, Seamus O'Shea, Chris Barrett, Alan Dillon and Andy Moran are all back in training, though don't know if any of them will be available for Donegal.

Hi, Just wondering where I could get the mayo green bobble wooly hat. I only see a red one on o'neills?

Green Tae wrote: »

It's a strong team but I feel Rochford's missing a trick here by not stationing Aidan O'Shea on the edge of the square and with Daniel Kirby and Barry Moran available after Paddy's Day I would be building my team around a big, target man at full-forward.

Aidan O'Shea as a midfielder can break tackles and win frees but he can also take far too much out of the ball. Maybe we'll see some rotation of positions here, maybe Aidan is in fact best in a free role. Although as things stand Rochford seems to be looking for mobility from his forwards.

Aidan is not a sure thing at full forward versus Division one teams. He might be asked to block up the centre back position, be available for all throw up balls and be a kickout option.
Alternatively we may switch back to a role more like last year. I like the idea of using him to block off the middle for the first 45 minutes. Then push for the line with him upfront when the defence of opposition is on yellows or had black cards. Move Aidan up and spring some pace from the bench. Trends have been games are tight for 50 minutes and then one team goes better over the final 20 minutes.

Yeah that ball surely went out of play, but I won't complain! Ballsy from DOC to go low for the retake, brilliant penalty.

Black for Donegal now, all the momentum swinging our way.

Beauty of a point there too.