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Replying To ColmFlaherty: "That idea is hardly picking up steam again." The proof is in the pudding. PJ needs to swallow his pride and bring in the best kicker of a ball in the county - closely followed by John Daly. Eamon McGrath is a class act, the future number 1 and should be given ample time to develop, but if we want to win silverware in the immediate future, we have seen the current kickout strategy - tactically and personnel-wise - does not work. Phone calls need to be made.
Emmets67 (Galway) - Posts: 15 - 01/07/2026 12:56:05
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Replying To TheBishop: "I thought I'd heard Farthing was released by Connacht but couldn't see anything online although if he's back playing for the club then he must have been? We've also lost Trayers to the hurlers
McGlinchy & Ross Coen were still both u16 in that team, based on his u20 form Coen will be on the senior panel next year. Colm Costello only got a handful of minutes but I thought he might take a few years to get to this level, took Finnerty until he was 23 before he look at home. Mulryan really stood out in the 20's, looked every bit as good as Darragh Beirne who's been outstanding for Mayo. Then there's Mulhearn, he's clearly very talented but physically wasn't ready for championship this tear, should be different in 12 months time.
Add in Thompson who looked a special player last year then its not all doom and gloom talent wise," D Farthing ,S Walsh opted go to rugby C Trayers to hurling only S McGlinchey and S O'Connor are the only ones around this yers panel.A big bunch have been part of panels over the past few years such as J McGrath ,C Heron ,S Fitzgerald ,C Sweeney D ,O'Flaherty ,TGill ,J McLaughlin ,P Kelly ,T Culhane. Some of this cohort have had injury problems others loss of form and some left to pursue other interests.There was a good return from that group but there are questions did the management get the most return from them?
backtooldwall (Galway) - Posts: 239 - 01/07/2026 13:55:40
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Replying To AnCrúiscínLán: "Wouldn't it be great for Connaught football to see Mayo win the AI. If they did, it would give young Galway players coming through development squads great belief that they could progress and aspire to winning an AI title. It's great to see Kobe breaking lines and using that beautiful slicing technique to score points and goals from distance. Many Galway people have Mayo connections, so I don't see why we shouldn't support our neighbours. Before the advent of social media we always supported our neighbours - Roscommon too. But things have turned very petty and begrudging." One of the worst takes I've ever seen on this thread
Galwayman67420 (Galway) - Posts: 50 - 01/07/2026 14:14:36
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Replying To Emmets67: "Gleeson gone to Galway United, finally clearing the way for Barry McHugh to fulfil his destiny as Galway's No 1" I really don't see why not at this stage. If mchugh can kick accurately off the ground imagine what he'd be like off the tee. Hes good in the air and has played for galway in the past. If we picked up an injury mid game he could also go up front. Frees have cost us in the past he could be our own version of Rory beggan or Niall Morgan with his skills. Well worth a trial in the FBD or Allianz league to see how it goes
Galwayman67420 (Galway) - Posts: 50 - 01/07/2026 14:18:25
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I feel so sorry for our lads. But I don't think you can blame management alone. PJ didn't give himself the extension. The blame is further up the chain.
It's certainly not the fault of Gough, or of a goalkeeper with a pair on him bigger than the O'Neills he hoofs out under more scrutiny than Princess Diana had to endure. GUFC fans will be kinder to him than we have been. If you could out Celtic Crosses, he'd be my first in line.
As for PJ, I'm sorry too that he won't take the opportunity to use Gough as cover to bow out with dignity, rather than as an excuse to stay on for a movie we've all seen before.
But we'll watch it again next year. The critics will give it rave reviews, north of the Corrib, east of the Shannon. Maybe Jim Gavin will provide snacks with his Kool-Aid next time. In truth, it's a story without any real edge. The plot always peters out. Characters whose flaws are too familiar now. Nothing fresh. The emperor might wear new clothes. Again.
Fans of the Pat Comer original could say this one jumped the shark long ago. Not a patch on the original. It's the same tired sequel. Same tired ending.
"Another Year 'Til Sunday".
Who knows? Maybe we'll salvage something from the wreckage in the years to come. We survived the nuclear winter after Tompkins dropped the bomb on us in '87. I wasn't around for the glories a quarter-century earlier; it might have been easier just to have lived through them in real time. In a county like ours, it's not difficult to understand the inclination to fall back on bygone days.
The future belongs to the Tyrones and the Kerrys. Maybe even those plucky little giantkillers, the Dubs.
I hope to remember PJ for what he did on the field rather than on the sideline.
Sin é...
Gaillimh Abú
Gaillimh_ar_dtús (Galway) - Posts: 10 - 01/07/2026 15:45:32
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Replying To Emmets67: "Gleeson gone to Galway United, finally clearing the way for Barry McHugh to fulfil his destiny as Galway's No 1" Would you give it a break.
Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 615 - 01/07/2026 15:56:12
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Replying To Eire89: "I feel we have missed the boat with our most talented group in 20 years and I feel PJ has alot to answer. The Armagh final really was the one that got away and since then we have flopped in successive QF when we were fancied against Meath & Dublin we were poor in both these matches but got ourselves in a position to win in last 10-15 and fell short. PJs conservative approach in these matches especially the first half cost us. 10mins to go in a QF to only score a point. PJ said from day one his job & ambition is to win an All Ireland and it seems we are as far away as ever and I still feel we have a quality team on paper but not on grass. PJ could do worse than shake up a backroom team and I think he should move heaven and earth to get Caroline Currid on board she was with Moycullen and look at her CV and how the all conquering limerick hurlers spoke so highly of her. I feel there is a mental block with Galway and any edge we can get we need. Hopefully he is at every club game looking at every goalkeeper in Galway." I wouldn't look too far beyond Conroy as to why we lost those late leads so abjectly v Ros and Dublin. I think a leader like Conroy 2016-2018, or Conroy 2022-2024 would have played a central role in icing those games. But, a 37 year old PC in 2026 just hasn't anything to offer really that can compare to the results he willed in our direction 2016-2024. And this Galway squad is currently very shorn of those calibre of leaders, leaders capable of leading when the fat is in the fire. PCs midfield/leadership contribution in 2026 amounted to little more than hanging around the arc sniffing 2pointer chances. And in terms of heir apparent to Paul Conroy and his capacity 2016-2024, there isn't one. Presumably that's why PJ resorts to picking him at 37 years of age.
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4843 - 01/07/2026 16:00:14
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Replying To TheBishop: "I thought I'd heard Farthing was released by Connacht but couldn't see anything online although if he's back playing for the club then he must have been? We've also lost Trayers to the hurlers
McGlinchy & Ross Coen were still both u16 in that team, based on his u20 form Coen will be on the senior panel next year. Colm Costello only got a handful of minutes but I thought he might take a few years to get to this level, took Finnerty until he was 23 before he look at home. Mulryan really stood out in the 20's, looked every bit as good as Darragh Beirne who's been outstanding for Mayo. Then there's Mulhearn, he's clearly very talented but physically wasn't ready for championship this tear, should be different in 12 months time.
Add in Thompson who looked a special player last year then its not all doom and gloom talent wise," I neglected to state the minor team with most progress tp senior were 2018/19 teams.They like 94 teams lost both finals narrowly.
backtooldwall (Galway) - Posts: 239 - 01/07/2026 17:29:17
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Replying To Pope_Benedict: "I wouldn't look too far beyond Conroy as to why we lost those late leads so abjectly v Ros and Dublin. I think a leader like Conroy 2016-2018, or Conroy 2022-2024 would have played a central role in icing those games. But, a 37 year old PC in 2026 just hasn't anything to offer really that can compare to the results he willed in our direction 2016-2024. And this Galway squad is currently very shorn of those calibre of leaders, leaders capable of leading when the fat is in the fire. PCs midfield/leadership contribution in 2026 amounted to little more than hanging around the arc sniffing 2pointer chances. And in terms of heir apparent to Paul Conroy and his capacity 2016-2024, there isn't one. Presumably that's why PJ resorts to picking him at 37 years of age." Management surely have to put faith in McGlinchey at some point with his potential.
ColmFlaherty (Galway) - Posts: 136 - 01/07/2026 18:13:36
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Totally disagree. Age is irrelevant. Paul Conroy was one of the most influential players this year and he'd be a huge loss if he's not there next year. He's a solid fighter and tough as nails and highly experienced. I'd love to see Dessie Connelly come in for his accuracy of frees and 2 pointers. The talent is there in Galway, it all needs to gel as a team. No point knocking the lads now. Mindset needs a change and real character over style needs to come in.
Gearoid1998ffowaed (Galway) - Posts: 222 - 01/07/2026 18:35:39
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Replying To Knocknadrough: "Not half ruthless enough here i'm afraid ...kerry got rid of Paudie o Sè one of the greatest to ever wear the green and gold even though he had won 2 all-Irelands during his tenure ,thats why they're hunting for their 40th ,we dont have that here ,its all too cozy and pally-pally in the management camp ....like our country at the moment we're not a serious team imv" You're not a serious team in terms of All Ireland contenders but the management and lack of ruthlessness is not the reason why. You had a brief spell were you're few genuine top class players were all in their prime, now there into their 30's and late 30's in one case the bubbles burst. Galway never had the depth of talent the media would have you believe. The media hype was part of the downfall, if you had gone into the 2024 All Ireland final with a more realistic expectation of where you were in relation to Armagh and less unjustified hype you might have turned them over. What Galway fans have never been willing to accept is Armagh just had a better team, they didnt really perform to their level at all for most of that game but were still were the better side and beat you.
JimB1991 (Donegal) - Posts: 223 - 01/07/2026 19:52:17
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Replying To Galwayman67420: "One of the worst takes I've ever seen on this thread" Any self respecting Galway man, woman or child would know not to pass much heed to the 'noisy neighbours'. I certainly wouldn't be shouting for them anyhow.
Square_B (Leitrim) - Posts: 2200 - 01/07/2026 21:43:56
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Replying To Gearoid1998ffowaed: "Totally disagree. Age is irrelevant. Paul Conroy was one of the most influential players this year and he'd be a huge loss if he's not there next year. He's a solid fighter and tough as nails and highly experienced. I'd love to see Dessie Connelly come in for his accuracy of frees and 2 pointers. The talent is there in Galway, it all needs to gel as a team. No point knocking the lads now. Mindset needs a change and real character over style needs to come in." I'm not 'knocking lads', by stating that PC in 2026 cannot lead/navigate Galway down the stretch in clutch situations the way he could and did on numerous occasions 2016-2024, and probably before that too. 'Age is irrelevant' is just a nonsense assessment. Why aren't pensioners winning allireland medals so?
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4843 - 01/07/2026 21:57:29
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Replying To JimB1991: "You're not a serious team in terms of All Ireland contenders but the management and lack of ruthlessness is not the reason why. You had a brief spell were you're few genuine top class players were all in their prime, now there into their 30's and late 30's in one case the bubbles burst. Galway never had the depth of talent the media would have you believe. The media hype was part of the downfall, if you had gone into the 2024 All Ireland final with a more realistic expectation of where you were in relation to Armagh and less unjustified hype you might have turned them over. What Galway fans have never been willing to accept is Armagh just had a better team, they didnt really perform to their level at all for most of that game but were still were the better side and beat you." Galway's head to head record with Armagh 2022-2026 feels like it's been about 50:50, so there isn't a pile of strong evidence to suggest that 'Armagh just had a better team' in July 2024.......a moment right in the middle of that 2022-2026 largely 50:50 rivalry. How do you know that Armagh 'didn't really perform to their level at all in that game'. That's just your opinion, a speculative assessment on your behalf. It's not a known or knowable fact.
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4843 - 01/07/2026 22:19:26
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Replying To JimB1991: "You're not a serious team in terms of All Ireland contenders but the management and lack of ruthlessness is not the reason why. You had a brief spell were you're few genuine top class players were all in their prime, now there into their 30's and late 30's in one case the bubbles burst. Galway never had the depth of talent the media would have you believe. The media hype was part of the downfall, if you had gone into the 2024 All Ireland final with a more realistic expectation of where you were in relation to Armagh and less unjustified hype you might have turned them over. What Galway fans have never been willing to accept is Armagh just had a better team, they didnt really perform to their level at all for most of that game but were still were the better side and beat you." Just as Donegal were totally over inflated this year and actually last year and the year before.
Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 615 - 01/07/2026 22:32:14
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Replying To smallfrank: "This is a good post but it brings me to the conclusion that a change is needed at the top. I don't blame Joyce for what happened in 24. We missed frees left right and centre and lost by a point. Hard to blame the manager for that. I think a bit like Mayo and the likes of Cillian O'Connor etc you have to accept that those players are not going to get over the line and move on. That's what we need to do otherwise next year will run along the same lines. I'm even looking at McGuinness this year, the game has moved on." Call me crazy but, would changing the freetaker during the 24 final been an option perhaps? How many do you get to miss before you change something? Managers are supposed to adapt to whats happening on the field not stick with a plan that's not working.
Where was plan B when Dublin dominated midfield on Sunday.
He couldnt/cant adapt.
Our kickout strategy or lack thereof is common knowledge to everyone at this stage.
What a waste of a golden generation of Galway footballers.
StopTheLights (Galway) - Posts: 467 - 01/07/2026 23:44:24
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Replying To JimB1991: "You're not a serious team in terms of All Ireland contenders but the management and lack of ruthlessness is not the reason why. You had a brief spell were you're few genuine top class players were all in their prime, now there into their 30's and late 30's in one case the bubbles burst. Galway never had the depth of talent the media would have you believe. The media hype was part of the downfall, if you had gone into the 2024 All Ireland final with a more realistic expectation of where you were in relation to Armagh and less unjustified hype you might have turned them over. What Galway fans have never been willing to accept is Armagh just had a better team, they didnt really perform to their level at all for most of that game but were still were the better side and beat you." Well while I have to agree with you I also have to point out that in terms of unjustified hype, Donegal and Jim McGuinness are top of the tree. What one time winning all Ireland manager has garnered more media driven hype, Jim McGuinness, Conor Counihan, Dooher/Logan.
Galway in 24 had just beaten Dublin, the second coming of the managerial guru Jim McGuinness and had just done 3 in a row in Connacht. With Cian O'Neill coaching they were a very good side.
smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 609 - 02/07/2026 07:29:52
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Replying To Pope_Benedict: "I wouldn't look too far beyond Conroy as to why we lost those late leads so abjectly v Ros and Dublin. I think a leader like Conroy 2016-2018, or Conroy 2022-2024 would have played a central role in icing those games. But, a 37 year old PC in 2026 just hasn't anything to offer really that can compare to the results he willed in our direction 2016-2024. And this Galway squad is currently very shorn of those calibre of leaders, leaders capable of leading when the fat is in the fire. PCs midfield/leadership contribution in 2026 amounted to little more than hanging around the arc sniffing 2pointer chances. And in terms of heir apparent to Paul Conroy and his capacity 2016-2024, there isn't one. Presumably that's why PJ resorts to picking him at 37 years of age." so you are saying we lost both leads against Dublin and Roscommon because of one player. it is a shame it is not a 15 man team game.
candlewax (Galway) - Posts: 309 - 02/07/2026 08:40:11
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Replying To FallenStar: "I cannot see any scenario where the County Board make a move and ask Joyce to step aside.
Joyce himself indicated he's staying for another two years.
Maybe things/opinions will change in the coming weeks but it'll be more of the same for 2027." 7 years, extending to 9. Is this a dictatorship? Can PJ just kindly go at this stage. With his managerial shortcomings we have zero chance of winning an All Ireland in the next 2 years if he continues. Nobody deserves a 7 year stranglehold on a generational group of players. Let alone 9 years. Move aside PJ - thanks for your service but it's time to go. Everyone I speak to in Galway GAA circles is saying the same. Not one person has said to me that we need him to stay on. slán!
togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 1136 - 02/07/2026 08:50:57
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Replying To Galwayman67420: "I really don't see why not at this stage. If mchugh can kick accurately off the ground imagine what he'd be like off the tee. Hes good in the air and has played for galway in the past. If we picked up an injury mid game he could also go up front. Frees have cost us in the past he could be our own version of Rory beggan or Niall Morgan with his skills. Well worth a trial in the FBD or Allianz league to see how it goes" Has he ever played in net before otherwise its a nonsensical suggestion?
Eammon McGrath did well with his kickouts in the minutes he got and only for his injury he'd probably have got more of a run, can't remember who but heard an opposition management team member wax lyrical about him from playing against him a few years ago at U20 level.
TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 331 - 02/07/2026 09:24:27
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