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Roscommon GAA thread

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Replying To endgame:  "No doubt AC won't want to step down. He wanted to stay on as Galway hurling Manager in 2015 even after the players had voted no confidence in him but ultimately he was persuaded to go. I think though that his term with Roscommon is up so the County Board will have to look at the position. If one championship victory in three years ( and that against a 14 man Division 4 team ) is deemed good enough, then Roscommon have no ambition and no hope and us supporters who dream of great days are codding ourselves."
I think endgame that this must be your 8th or 9th post since the Clare game, where you are looking for AC to step down and for a change in the management team. Your posts are certainly getting a little repetitive and perhaps boring at this stage. I think any analysis of the situation needs to be more balanced, for example:

I certainly saw arears of improvement in the teams performance this year:

* S & C (Major improvement in the last couple of years)
* Better style of play. (Not totally defensive this year, and much more attractive than last year)
* Introduction of some new players.
* High percentage win ratio over the total year
* We came back a couple of times to win/draw when in difficult circumstances. (Derry / Galway etc)
* We were the only country that that did not lose a league match in all the four league divisions this year.
* We won division 2 and were promoted to division 1 next year.
* We did not throw in the towel when we went 9 points down against Galway in the Connacht final while playing against the wind and came back to lose by 3 points.
* After the poor first half performance against Clare, we implemented a much better game plan in the second half and should have won.

I accept 100% that we played poorly for long patches in both the Galway and Clare championship games, but the blame must be shared by the players also. I also think that any critical analysis should be balanced and include all the possible strengths and weaknesses. Some posters are certainly glass half empty merchants rather than glass full merchants.

* It was not AC fault that a player through the ball away in the corner after a free had been awarded, which resulted in the ball being brought much nearer the goals while 5 points up.
* It was not AC fault that three players went to mark one player before he released it to another relatively unmarked player for the penalty.

I could go on and give various other examples, but most people on this forum would tend to agree that our main problem seems to be defensively. Therefore getting a good defensive coach (Not the Derry approach that we tried last year) could improve things a lot. I personally think that the 2 main reasons that we did not win the Clare match was (a) we did not press the kickout in the first half, and (b) we did not transition quickly enough from defence into attack in the first half. However in fairness to management, they addresses both of these issues at half time which made a substantial difference.

I do not personally know any of the existing management team, but I do think that some of the people who have been mentioned on this forum as possible replacements, do not have a fraction of the in-depth experience that AC has built up over the years. Based on some of the points that I have mentioned above, I would be happy for him to remain in the job for another year at least.

It should also be remembered that the management team and players have given so much to Roscommon over the years, and that they are hurting much more than any of the supporters, as their whole lives are devoted to the cause. Therefore I do not believe that kicking them when they are down, will do any good. It fact, in could result in some players deciding to retire early. Now is the time when they need our support in order to help motivate them to carry on. The management team and players know themselves that they did not do themselves justice in the Clare game. Constructive criticism is to be welcomed as long as it is fair and balanced (weaknesses and strengths) and not just endlessly repeated. One person saying the same thing nine times, is not the same as nine different people making a similar point. Roscommon supporters reading the comments on this forum need to keep this point in mind.

letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 494 - 20/06/2022 12:34:58    2426349

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Evan McGrath got loads of chances lads and unfortunately wasnt up to it. A decent club player on his day no doubt. On Walsh i was gobsmacked when i seen him earlier this year his basic skill level was sp poor in the FBD games. Weird kicking technique and wayward passes from the boot and hand. He jist wasnt ready this year from what i seen.
If AC does step down i dread think what may come after no obvious canditate around imo. Bar the likes of Tully or Flanagan and neither a step up

sourmilk93 (Roscommon) - Posts: 1144 - 20/06/2022 13:20:23    2426364

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Replying To sourmilk93:  "Evan McGrath got loads of chances lads and unfortunately wasnt up to it. A decent club player on his day no doubt. On Walsh i was gobsmacked when i seen him earlier this year his basic skill level was sp poor in the FBD games. Weird kicking technique and wayward passes from the boot and hand. He jist wasnt ready this year from what i seen.
If AC does step down i dread think what may come after no obvious canditate around imo. Bar the likes of Tully or Flanagan and neither a step up"
Liam Kearns could be an option maybe?? He managed Clann and would know the scene pretty well but maybe his best days are behind him too.

howdareu (USA) - Posts: 220 - 20/06/2022 13:36:16    2426372

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Replying To endgame:  "No doubt AC won't want to step down. He wanted to stay on as Galway hurling Manager in 2015 even after the players had voted no confidence in him but ultimately he was persuaded to go. I think though that his term with Roscommon is up so the County Board will have to look at the position. If one championship victory in three years ( and that against a 14 man Division 4 team ) is deemed good enough, then Roscommon have no ambition and no hope and us supporters who dream of great days are codding ourselves."
Of course he wanted to stay on with Galway it was a project that he built from the bottom up and he believed All-Ireland was in that group of players and was proven right.

Am i right in saying the Roscommon County board weren't getting rid of McStay after losing the Connacht final to Galway scoring just 8 times and three non competitive games in the Super 8s yet he stepped aside himself.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3338 - 20/06/2022 16:24:40    2426437

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Replying To sourmilk93:  "Evan McGrath got loads of chances lads and unfortunately wasnt up to it. A decent club player on his day no doubt. On Walsh i was gobsmacked when i seen him earlier this year his basic skill level was sp poor in the FBD games. Weird kicking technique and wayward passes from the boot and hand. He jist wasnt ready this year from what i seen.
If AC does step down i dread think what may come after no obvious canditate around imo. Bar the likes of Tully or Flanagan and neither a step up"
Got a handful of starts when Cunningham arrived first, brought back into the fold this year and made one sub appearance. Not loads of chances but management see these players in training A v B in house games etc before making a decision on the panel moving forward.

Colm Walsh is like most U20s it's a step up to senior bigger than it use to be at U21 level but he's a player with loads of potential if coached right at both club and county level.

As you no obvious candidates and we'd be left to wisdom of the county board their preferred option again.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 3744 - 20/06/2022 16:56:12    2426445

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "Of course he wanted to stay on with Galway it was a project that he built from the bottom up and he believed All-Ireland was in that group of players and was proven right.

Am i right in saying the Roscommon County board weren't getting rid of McStay after losing the Connacht final to Galway scoring just 8 times and three non competitive games in the Super 8s yet he stepped aside himself."
There was unrest among the peasants at thoughts of his reappointment so he jumped before it got messy.
Then like the Jack Charlton FAI appointment we had a new manager named then suddenly he didn't appear and AC got the role .

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1403 - 20/06/2022 19:27:35    2426474

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Replying To letsgetgoing:  "I think endgame that this must be your 8th or 9th post since the Clare game, where you are looking for AC to step down and for a change in the management team. Your posts are certainly getting a little repetitive and perhaps boring at this stage. I think any analysis of the situation needs to be more balanced, for example:

I certainly saw arears of improvement in the teams performance this year:

* S & C (Major improvement in the last couple of years)
* Better style of play. (Not totally defensive this year, and much more attractive than last year)
* Introduction of some new players.
* High percentage win ratio over the total year
* We came back a couple of times to win/draw when in difficult circumstances. (Derry / Galway etc)
* We were the only country that that did not lose a league match in all the four league divisions this year.
* We won division 2 and were promoted to division 1 next year.
* We did not throw in the towel when we went 9 points down against Galway in the Connacht final while playing against the wind and came back to lose by 3 points.
* After the poor first half performance against Clare, we implemented a much better game plan in the second half and should have won.

I accept 100% that we played poorly for long patches in both the Galway and Clare championship games, but the blame must be shared by the players also. I also think that any critical analysis should be balanced and include all the possible strengths and weaknesses. Some posters are certainly glass half empty merchants rather than glass full merchants.

* It was not AC fault that a player through the ball away in the corner after a free had been awarded, which resulted in the ball being brought much nearer the goals while 5 points up.
* It was not AC fault that three players went to mark one player before he released it to another relatively unmarked player for the penalty.

I could go on and give various other examples, but most people on this forum would tend to agree that our main problem seems to be defensively. Therefore getting a good defensive coach (Not the Derry approach that we tried last year) could improve things a lot. I personally think that the 2 main reasons that we did not win the Clare match was (a) we did not press the kickout in the first half, and (b) we did not transition quickly enough from defence into attack in the first half. However in fairness to management, they addresses both of these issues at half time which made a substantial difference.

I do not personally know any of the existing management team, but I do think that some of the people who have been mentioned on this forum as possible replacements, do not have a fraction of the in-depth experience that AC has built up over the years. Based on some of the points that I have mentioned above, I would be happy for him to remain in the job for another year at least.

It should also be remembered that the management team and players have given so much to Roscommon over the years, and that they are hurting much more than any of the supporters, as their whole lives are devoted to the cause. Therefore I do not believe that kicking them when they are down, will do any good. It fact, in could result in some players deciding to retire early. Now is the time when they need our support in order to help motivate them to carry on. The management team and players know themselves that they did not do themselves justice in the Clare game. Constructive criticism is to be welcomed as long as it is fair and balanced (weaknesses and strengths) and not just endlessly repeated. One person saying the same thing nine times, is not the same as nine different people making a similar point. Roscommon supporters reading the comments on this forum need to keep this point in mind."
I am not concerned about what you perceive as repetition or boredom. I want the Roscommon football team to be successful. Roscommon have produced great teams before. I consider the current crop of players to be a "golden " generation and they are absolutely underachieving. The Murtaghs, the Dalys, Smiths, Ultan Harney. All Ireland U21 Finalists in 2012 and 2014. In 2013 and 2016, Roscommon narrowly and unluckily beaten in Connacht Finals by the eventual U21 All Ireland champions. But at senior now it's one championship win in three years. Roscommon need to be more ambitious than that. Yes the strength and conditioning of the players may have improved as they've matured but the results haven't. And the Defence hasn't. I don't know Anthony Cunningham. I wish him well. A great gaa man who has managed many teams in both codes. But Anthony Cunningham has had his time and his chance with Roscommon .It's time for a change.

endgame (Roscommon) - Posts: 2155 - 21/06/2022 11:55:51    2426572

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I think AC has done a great job with Roscommon and if I was a rossie I'd only be looking for a change if the next manager can make improvements. You have a very good team maybe lack a little bit of depth. I will prob take a relatively big name to keep momentum going in the right direction if a change occurs. Some of the possible candidates might be Stephen Rochford. Honestly not that many mangers out of a job that are a huge improvement in AC.

Champotime18 (Leitrim) - Posts: 442 - 21/06/2022 19:59:35    2426729

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Ros won 1 Championship game in the last 3 seasons.
That was against a 14 man D4 team.
Players this season seemed stale or not intense enough for 70 minutes of Championship football.
And of course we didn't do any defending.....

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1403 - 22/06/2022 10:10:30    2426770

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Penny for the thoughts of our management and players as they watch Clare in action today? Derry have put the game to bed early with their intensity and aggression. I fear regardless of management we have peaked and that is based on our last three championship exits.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 3744 - 25/06/2022 16:34:49    2427411

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Replying To The_analyser:  "Penny for the thoughts of our management and players as they watch Clare in action today? Derry have put the game to bed early with their intensity and aggression. I fear regardless of management we have peaked and that is based on our last three championship exits."
Clare have been appalling. Derry doing what Roscommon did in the first 25 minutes of the second half and even more ruthless. Why didn't Roscommon do that in the first half? Crazy

MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 773 - 25/06/2022 16:56:04    2427418

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You could name 7 or 8 leaders on that Derry team. Outside of Ultan, Niall Daly and Donie, I can't really think of any on the Roscommon team. Good footballers but I think we lack players that really show leadership on the field. I don't know if that's a natural quality or something that is inspired by management.

MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 773 - 25/06/2022 17:24:56    2427430

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Pretty shocking watching Clare today - Ac really needs to assess what he's at like it or not he's probably not going anywhere.
Also to add we'd have been hammered by Derry today too their physicality is way ahead of where we're at !
Still think they'll be beat by any one of Armagh dublin Kerry or Mayo

rossy15 (Roscommon) - Posts: 616 - 25/06/2022 17:26:06    2427431

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Replying To rossy15:  "Pretty shocking watching Clare today - Ac really needs to assess what he's at like it or not he's probably not going anywhere.
Also to add we'd have been hammered by Derry today too their physicality is way ahead of where we're at !
Still think they'll be beat by any one of Armagh dublin Kerry or Mayo"
If we kept our same approach in defence we'd have been murdered at the back against Derry.

I'd agree, a team with a reasonably good defence and quality forwards I think will beat Derry.

MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 773 - 25/06/2022 17:40:26    2427435

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Replying To rossy15:  "Pretty shocking watching Clare today - Ac really needs to assess what he's at like it or not he's probably not going anywhere.
Also to add we'd have been hammered by Derry today too their physicality is way ahead of where we're at !
Still think they'll be beat by any one of Armagh dublin Kerry or Mayo"
Armagh are being massively overhyped in my view. They play good football and beat Tyrone and us easily in the qualifiers. I don't know if that's saying all that much with how Tyrone's year went and how we capitulated.

No doubt they are a good side and play good football but you'd swear they were the 2nd coming of the Dubs with how people have talked about them. I expect Galway to beat them to be honest but if they don't, Derry will swallow them up.

I do think Kerry or Dublin would beat Derry though. The quality of their forwards are too good not to take the chances that Derry give to teams. For such a defensive side they do give up a lot of shots and I think the Dubs in particular would punish them.

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 25/06/2022 17:53:37    2427439

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Replying To JoeSoap:  "Armagh are being massively overhyped in my view. They play good football and beat Tyrone and us easily in the qualifiers. I don't know if that's saying all that much with how Tyrone's year went and how we capitulated.

No doubt they are a good side and play good football but you'd swear they were the 2nd coming of the Dubs with how people have talked about them. I expect Galway to beat them to be honest but if they don't, Derry will swallow them up.

I do think Kerry or Dublin would beat Derry though. The quality of their forwards are too good not to take the chances that Derry give to teams. For such a defensive side they do give up a lot of shots and I think the Dubs in particular would punish them."
Tomorrow will be a good measure of where their at the Connacht final was very poor fare id suspect Roscommon made Galway look better than they are but we'll see Personally I expect Armagh to beat Galway comfortably tomorrow

rossy15 (Roscommon) - Posts: 616 - 25/06/2022 18:07:17    2427442

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Replying To JoeSoap:  "Armagh are being massively overhyped in my view. They play good football and beat Tyrone and us easily in the qualifiers. I don't know if that's saying all that much with how Tyrone's year went and how we capitulated.

No doubt they are a good side and play good football but you'd swear they were the 2nd coming of the Dubs with how people have talked about them. I expect Galway to beat them to be honest but if they don't, Derry will swallow them up.

I do think Kerry or Dublin would beat Derry though. The quality of their forwards are too good not to take the chances that Derry give to teams. For such a defensive side they do give up a lot of shots and I think the Dubs in particular would punish them."
Dublin are making hard work against average Cork at the moment.

Yondu (UK) - Posts: 845 - 25/06/2022 18:28:00    2427444

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Replying To rossy15:  "Tomorrow will be a good measure of where their at the Connacht final was very poor fare id suspect Roscommon made Galway look better than they are but we'll see Personally I expect Armagh to beat Galway comfortably tomorrow"
Maybe we're both suffering from the same thing here, disappointed in our own side and not seeing the good in the team that beat us. Armagh beat us easily and it could have been more, and I'm sitting here thinking we're still the better team haha. The blinkers are probably on, maybe we're both wrong and Galway and Armagh are top notch!

JoeSoap (Donegal) - Posts: 1432 - 25/06/2022 18:48:46    2427455

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Replying To rossy15:  "Tomorrow will be a good measure of where their at the Connacht final was very poor fare id suspect Roscommon made Galway look better than they are but we'll see Personally I expect Armagh to beat Galway comfortably tomorrow"
Roscommon were poor in Connacht final with Galway dominant. A lucky goal in garbage time made it look tighter than it was.

PancakeWard (Galway) - Posts: 86 - 25/06/2022 19:11:50    2427465

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Replying To PancakeWard:  "Roscommon were poor in Connacht final with Galway dominant. A lucky goal in garbage time made it look tighter than it was."
Garbage time or not Galway conceded 2 16 to a poorly performing Roscommon. That is a huge score to concede for a dominating team.

MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 773 - 25/06/2022 19:54:03    2427476

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