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Galway Football thread

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Replying To Ros2013:  "There is not a hope we'll beat Derry regardless if they put out their second team. I know ye are playing woeful too but ye are missing your best players. With a full panel I'd fancy ye to win Connacht handily enough and get to a semi."
I'm beginning to doubt we'll even have a full panel for the championship. And even if we do a lot of those lads won't have played any football for months.

Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2216 - 18/03/2024 02:11:54    2531842

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "Both didn't score high with the gale. The point earned in that match could well be the difference between staying up and going down. If the match hadn't a gale it could have been a very different contest and possible defeat, weather like that is a leveler."
Of course the suttle difference to my point which you appear to have missed is we had weathered the storm (no pun intended). Ordinarily when you do that you should see it out as ninety nine times out of a hundred if you are level midway through the 2nd half with a gale you win. History does not lie.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1946 - 18/03/2024 08:32:56    2531852

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Replying To Marooned:  "I'm beginning to doubt we'll even have a full panel for the championship. And even if we do a lot of those lads won't have played any football for months."
Very fair point. Our undoing could be yes players may be back but they won't be game sharp. Latter stages of the league usually a good barometer for getting players prepped for championship.

kiloughter (Galway) - Posts: 1946 - 18/03/2024 08:35:10    2531853

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I think PJ has delivered when backs against wall. He knew Dublin were a step too far. The games he targeted for a result,
Roscommon, Tyrone and Monaghan, he delivered. Now, the draw in the Hyde might cost us? But, if Roscommon can go to Derry and get a result, we have the same odds in Killarney surely. I think we will bounce back on Sunday, but either way I'm looking forward to 2024.
Gaillimh Abu

maroondiesel (Mayo) - Posts: 1196 - 18/03/2024 09:55:20    2531867

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Replying To galway2015:  "You might call it 'non founded assumptions' whatever that means but let's stick to facts. There are too many injuries on the Galway squad to not ask serious questions. No one is suggesting you can prevent all injuries from happening; however the volume of injuries is the issue here. So your example of Rogers is completely irrelevant.
No one should be immune from questioning especially as they are professionals getting paid for their services. Looks like you have skin in the game with your replies."
See there you go again making assumptions. I've no skin in the game, but, I'll ask you again what is your Medical, Physio, Physical therapy or Strength and Conditioning qualification?

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 722 - 18/03/2024 10:15:56    2531872

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Replying To maroondiesel:  "I think PJ has delivered when backs against wall. He knew Dublin were a step too far. The games he targeted for a result,
Roscommon, Tyrone and Monaghan, he delivered. Now, the draw in the Hyde might cost us? But, if Roscommon can go to Derry and get a result, we have the same odds in Killarney surely. I think we will bounce back on Sunday, but either way I'm looking forward to 2024.
Gaillimh Abu"
Roscommon have a better points difference so any win for Roscommon and a loss for Galway would relegate Galway from what I understand as it would go to points difference based on the draw in the Hyde. PJ stated after the game than many of the injured players are long term so it looks like most of them will not be available for the championship but will probably be back for their clubs in August.

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3326 - 18/03/2024 10:37:11    2531879

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I am just wondering if any top team in history were ever missing their 2 best defenders in Kelly and Silke, their best midfielder in McDaid and their 4 best forwards in Walsh, Comer, Tierney and Finnerty? That is just crazy bad luck or is something else at play? Eerie!

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3326 - 18/03/2024 11:04:06    2531882

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Replying To maroondiesel:  "I think PJ has delivered when backs against wall. He knew Dublin were a step too far. The games he targeted for a result,
Roscommon, Tyrone and Monaghan, he delivered. Now, the draw in the Hyde might cost us? But, if Roscommon can go to Derry and get a result, we have the same odds in Killarney surely. I think we will bounce back on Sunday, but either way I'm looking forward to 2024.
Gaillimh Abu"
Wow. So this is all part of a genius, pre planned strategy by PJ ???
Fool everybody into thinking we have no strategy for 4 years then..... bingo, blow them all away in the 5th year.
Brilliant !!!

StopTheLights (Galway) - Posts: 343 - 18/03/2024 11:34:18    2531888

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We will see in the Connaught Championship if the likes of Silke, Comer, Walsh etc start to play some games. I listened to Comer on a podcast saying he would not be playing much in the league and that was before it was announced he was injured. I'm thinking we are resting players on purpose but its a risky strategy that they will be match fit come the round robin series. If none of our injured stars appear in the Connaught games I would be then worried that we wont see them this year. Who knows what kind of shape they will be in having not had 6 league games under their belt but last year he played inured players and it backfired.

JahTribe (Galway) - Posts: 78 - 18/03/2024 12:18:02    2531900

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Replying To GDL:  "See there you go again making assumptions. I've no skin in the game, but, I'll ask you again what is your Medical, Physio, Physical therapy or Strength and Conditioning qualification?"
Didn't you assume that I was the exEverton centreforward Joe Royle only yesterday, using mod terms like 'spicebags' that I can assure you I've never even heard of. More of a bacon and cabbage diet me.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3422 - 18/03/2024 12:28:27    2531903

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Whatever about injuries, it was concerning how easily Dublin got their kickouts away and sauntered up without any contact and scored at will. 22 points was a huge concession.

By my count, there were 7 playing last week who will be definitely starting when/if everybody gets back fit. I also counted about 9 injured players to come back of whom 5 are definite starters when fit? Comer, Walsh, McDaid, Tierney, Kelly?

Have to remember too, Silke hasn't played since AI Final in 2022, a lot of them haven't played at all this year. We saw with Molloy that takes players a long time to get back to match sharpness (Molloy still isn't) so not to expect it when we get the injured back. Also, some reputations grow when they're injured or unavailable, just look at how everyone raced about Mulkerrin when he was injured but now he's back, his stock is falling.
I think it would be naive to assume that all our prayers will be answered when everyone returns.

jobseekersbent (Galway) - Posts: 373 - 18/03/2024 12:33:11    2531906

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Replying To jobseekersbent:  "Whatever about injuries, it was concerning how easily Dublin got their kickouts away and sauntered up without any contact and scored at will. 22 points was a huge concession.

By my count, there were 7 playing last week who will be definitely starting when/if everybody gets back fit. I also counted about 9 injured players to come back of whom 5 are definite starters when fit? Comer, Walsh, McDaid, Tierney, Kelly?

Have to remember too, Silke hasn't played since AI Final in 2022, a lot of them haven't played at all this year. We saw with Molloy that takes players a long time to get back to match sharpness (Molloy still isn't) so not to expect it when we get the injured back. Also, some reputations grow when they're injured or unavailable, just look at how everyone raced about Mulkerrin when he was injured but now he's back, his stock is falling.
I think it would be naive to assume that all our prayers will be answered when everyone returns."
Still, you'd take that 'naive' any day of the week, ahead of looking at what we've been looking at from 'Galway footballers' throughout this 2024 NFL campaign.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3422 - 18/03/2024 12:50:11    2531913

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I thought the atmosphere at both matches very poor I know weather was bad but I've being at lots matches in pearse stadium and it's rarely a good atmosphere it's 2 big of stadium for crowds thar are going I think once work is complete in Tuam it's time 2 get back there bar 1 or 2 games a year Tuam is plenty big enough mostly 5-7 thousand max going to football matches for league and hopefully Galway mighr be in division 1 next year and should have 4 home matches ;;

Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 843 - 18/03/2024 12:57:10    2531915

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Replying To Kickitout:  "I thought the atmosphere at both matches very poor I know weather was bad but I've being at lots matches in pearse stadium and it's rarely a good atmosphere it's 2 big of stadium for crowds thar are going I think once work is complete in Tuam it's time 2 get back there bar 1 or 2 games a year Tuam is plenty big enough mostly 5-7 thousand max going to football matches for league and hopefully Galway mighr be in division 1 next year and should have 4 home matches ;;"
Will Tuam be able to host championship matches upon completion?

jobseekersbent (Galway) - Posts: 373 - 18/03/2024 14:13:36    2531922

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Replying To Pope_Benedict:  "Didn't you assume that I was the exEverton centreforward Joe Royle only yesterday, using mod terms like 'spicebags' that I can assure you I've never even heard of. More of a bacon and cabbage diet me."
Pope, you shouldn't go miss quoting me, I said, I imagine you as Jim Royle (not Joe), two very different characters.

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 722 - 18/03/2024 14:15:01    2531923

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Replying To Kickitout:  "I thought the atmosphere at both matches very poor I know weather was bad but I've being at lots matches in pearse stadium and it's rarely a good atmosphere it's 2 big of stadium for crowds thar are going I think once work is complete in Tuam it's time 2 get back there bar 1 or 2 games a year Tuam is plenty big enough mostly 5-7 thousand max going to football matches for league and hopefully Galway mighr be in division 1 next year and should have 4 home matches ;;"
There was a decent atmosphere for the hurling I thought as the game was close and there were plenty from Limerick there. The football was dead alright but you could tell after 10 minutes that the game was only going one way. Wasn't much to shout about really.

Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2216 - 18/03/2024 14:15:18    2531924

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To be honest, this Galway team is way off contending for an all Ireland and we are most definitely coming to the end of Joyce's tenure. Personally I feel we do not have the best players in the county apart of the squad. I have attended a lot of the senior/intermediate club games last year and just feel some of selection of players is not representative of the best players in which Galway have to offer. Very hard to take many positives from the Dublin game as they were far from top gear. Below I have listed the team which played against Dublin and my personal opinion (could be wrong to many) of there performances to date:

1. Gleeson - very positive league campaign. Kickouts has improved and seems to be playing with a lot more confidence. Seems to have fully secured his selection for championship
2. McGrath - best player for us throughout the league. Has marked some of the best players in the country and is Galway's best man marker. Would have liked to see him mark Con against Dublin to see how he would have faired in that matchup.
3. Fitzgerald - was never his biggest fan but he has had a decent campaign so far. Doesn't have the ability to man mark a top class forward but he works hard and does give everything he has. I think Kelly has to go back to full back, the threat of having an attacking full back is hard to deal with for opposition teams. He's not as effective when playing further out the field as he will be marked more.
4. Mulkerrin - a player who I believe is just not at inter county level. As a previous poster once posted his reputation grew bigger when he sustained the knee injury. Delighted to see him make his way back by all means, but just does not have the defending or attacking skills to play inter-county.
5. McHugh - has been up and down in the league so far. Definitely not at top form would like to see him push on a bit more from half back but maybe lacks the pace to break lines or defenders.
6. Daly - also been a player up and down throughout the league. I think his ability to read a game and kick pass the ball is up there with the best in the county. However, he also lacks speed and I would have serious question marks over his defending. Would potentially look to change his position as I think other teams know how to deal with him now.
7. O'Flaherty - definitely a great player in the making but still young and making some inexperienced decisions, such as running into tackles. Needs to just be smarter on the ball but definitely potential here.
8. Eoin Kelly - was named at midfield but not exactly sure where he played (wasn't at the game on Saturday). A player who I think is just not at inter county level, defending is very questionable and also does not look confident on the ball
9. Maher - works extremely hard in all games and really does give it all out there. Would like to see him field more balls and have a general presence around midfield though. Feel at times he works so hard at tackling and tracking thar we are not getting the best out of him at midfield.
10. Heaney - has been fairly good for Galway and has the ability to drive at defenders. His work rate as always very good and since the first poor league game he has really stepped up for Galway.
11. Darcy - also just not good enough for this level. Offers nothing at centre forward and lacks pace.
12. Sweeney - still unsure what to make of him. Has had some decent league performances but I think he is still very inexperienced and just does not offer much as a wing forward.
13. O'Curraoin - some great potential here but once again very inexperienced. His shot from the sideline against Dublin was criminal and just not acceptable at this level.
14. Daly - I think it's well known throughout Galway that he is simply not good enough for this level.
15. Cunningham - personally I don't think he is at inter-county level. Great game against Monaghan yes, but I just can't see him performing against a top team as can be seen when he gets to the latter stages of intermediate championship.
16. Conroy - played ok when coming on. Still our best fielder of the ball which is concerning considering he will be turning 35 this year. My big fear with him is when the summer comes in and pitches play quicker he will struggle.
17. O'Conghaille - just not sure does he have the ability to play at this level. Great club player but just not translating this year. He's young though and he will gain experience and will make smarter decisions.
18. McCabe - took his point opportunity well. Once again one question his inclusion on the squad. Was fairly average for Corofin this year.
19. Egan - didn't have enough time to make an impression. Would also question his inclusion on the squad.

Galwayboy64 (Galway) - Posts: 7 - 18/03/2024 14:22:20    2531925

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Replying To Galwayboy64:  "To be honest, this Galway team is way off contending for an all Ireland and we are most definitely coming to the end of Joyce's tenure. Personally I feel we do not have the best players in the county apart of the squad. I have attended a lot of the senior/intermediate club games last year and just feel some of selection of players is not representative of the best players in which Galway have to offer. Very hard to take many positives from the Dublin game as they were far from top gear. Below I have listed the team which played against Dublin and my personal opinion (could be wrong to many) of there performances to date:

1. Gleeson - very positive league campaign. Kickouts has improved and seems to be playing with a lot more confidence. Seems to have fully secured his selection for championship
2. McGrath - best player for us throughout the league. Has marked some of the best players in the country and is Galway's best man marker. Would have liked to see him mark Con against Dublin to see how he would have faired in that matchup.
3. Fitzgerald - was never his biggest fan but he has had a decent campaign so far. Doesn't have the ability to man mark a top class forward but he works hard and does give everything he has. I think Kelly has to go back to full back, the threat of having an attacking full back is hard to deal with for opposition teams. He's not as effective when playing further out the field as he will be marked more.
4. Mulkerrin - a player who I believe is just not at inter county level. As a previous poster once posted his reputation grew bigger when he sustained the knee injury. Delighted to see him make his way back by all means, but just does not have the defending or attacking skills to play inter-county.
5. McHugh - has been up and down in the league so far. Definitely not at top form would like to see him push on a bit more from half back but maybe lacks the pace to break lines or defenders.
6. Daly - also been a player up and down throughout the league. I think his ability to read a game and kick pass the ball is up there with the best in the county. However, he also lacks speed and I would have serious question marks over his defending. Would potentially look to change his position as I think other teams know how to deal with him now.
7. O'Flaherty - definitely a great player in the making but still young and making some inexperienced decisions, such as running into tackles. Needs to just be smarter on the ball but definitely potential here.
8. Eoin Kelly - was named at midfield but not exactly sure where he played (wasn't at the game on Saturday). A player who I think is just not at inter county level, defending is very questionable and also does not look confident on the ball
9. Maher - works extremely hard in all games and really does give it all out there. Would like to see him field more balls and have a general presence around midfield though. Feel at times he works so hard at tackling and tracking thar we are not getting the best out of him at midfield.
10. Heaney - has been fairly good for Galway and has the ability to drive at defenders. His work rate as always very good and since the first poor league game he has really stepped up for Galway.
11. Darcy - also just not good enough for this level. Offers nothing at centre forward and lacks pace.
12. Sweeney - still unsure what to make of him. Has had some decent league performances but I think he is still very inexperienced and just does not offer much as a wing forward.
13. O'Curraoin - some great potential here but once again very inexperienced. His shot from the sideline against Dublin was criminal and just not acceptable at this level.
14. Daly - I think it's well known throughout Galway that he is simply not good enough for this level.
15. Cunningham - personally I don't think he is at inter-county level. Great game against Monaghan yes, but I just can't see him performing against a top team as can be seen when he gets to the latter stages of intermediate championship.
16. Conroy - played ok when coming on. Still our best fielder of the ball which is concerning considering he will be turning 35 this year. My big fear with him is when the summer comes in and pitches play quicker he will struggle.
17. O'Conghaille - just not sure does he have the ability to play at this level. Great club player but just not translating this year. He's young though and he will gain experience and will make smarter decisions.
18. McCabe - took his point opportunity well. Once again one question his inclusion on the squad. Was fairly average for Corofin this year.
19. Egan - didn't have enough time to make an impression. Would also question his inclusion on the squad."
You can question whether fellas should be on the squad or not and reference the club championship but bear in mind 2 things.
1. Gary Sice was one of the best players in the club championship.
2. Shane Walsh, Peter Cooke, Ian Burke, Damien Comer, Sean Kelly, Cillian McDaid, Liam Silke, Rob Finnerty, Sam O'Neill, Tomo Culhane, Paul Kelly, Matthew Tierney, James McLoughlin, Cian Hernon, Patrick Kelly are all unavailable so many current squad members won't be on when the majority of the above return.

smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 365 - 18/03/2024 16:11:25    2531941

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Detailed summary there but who are the players that are not being selected and who would they replace in the current squad. I think Joyce has brought them as far as he can but injuries have blighted him. If a fresh approach is required who is it. some people say Savo but I dont know if he is interested. Paul Conroy is near the end of his career and looked off the pace when he came in against Dublin but he is 35 at the outer end for playing in midfield unfortunately for us. 2024 is close to a write off but as I said earlier we have to wait to see if players come back for the Connaught and what space they are in. If McLoughlin comes back he is as likely to play a part as lads who missed all the league through injury. What would be a good 2024 at this stage a Connaught title and an All-Ireland QF appearance . We have not pushed on from 2022 final appearance when it appeared we were going to progress. last years display against Armagh really killed us.

JahTribe (Galway) - Posts: 78 - 18/03/2024 16:29:34    2531944

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In fairness ur right about Cunningham not performing in later stages of championship in intermediate he only scored 1-09 v Kincoly he actually did well v dubs with very limited ball got a point got fouled for tap over free ,,

Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 843 - 18/03/2024 16:34:08    2531945

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