Thought I'd set the ball rolling on this one.
As far as I'm concerned this game will make or break this Leitrim team as they have been together knocking on the door for nearly six or seven years. Was in Salthill yesterday and from what I saw of Galway from that game they are not a team to be feared. The key to a Leitrim win will be the marshalling of Joyce and not giving away soft frees because Meehan will punish us. I doubht Galway will play Clancy again in the same role as Leitrim will counter act this easily with Reynolds being given license to follow him out the field and try himself to link up with our own forwards. I don't think Maxwell will have it all his own way like his last visit to Salthill - the Galway full back looked very comfortable yesterday.
If they handed out cups for morale victories we'd be going for a five in a row, with div 4 looming next year I think many lads will see this as their last big push for a Connacht title.
P.s. nice double with pp Cavan at 5/2 nd Leitrim 8/1 to win there next games
I give leitrim a fair good chance. Absolutely right about this Galway. There nothing special and not to be feared. I know some of the leitrim players and yday will definitly give them alot more belief having watched that. Galway are there for the taking again. Leitrim also ran them very close in salthill last time so this is no certainty. 8/1 odds is generous and I might throw on a few bob.
Leitrim have a long range free taker and hes very accurate in emlyn mulligan. Hope continues that for championship. Alot of experience and with the effort and hunger in the squad this could be a good chance for leitrim.
Well it's a long way off yet but hopefully by then Nicky Joyce and Sean Armstrong will be back up to speed and Damien Burke should come back into corner-back.
Probably a usual Galway v Leitrim game. Tight enough for most of it with Galway pulling away in the final 10 to 15 minutes for a relatively comfortable win. I expect it will be a battle alright but Leitrim's chances of winning this fixture are greatly diminished outside of Carrick. Of course though Leitrim have a genuine chance but Galway still have more quality whatever way it's cut but it will be tough going.
Galway will be pleased enough with yesterdays game - a good win that helps confidence but at the same time enough flaws shown up for them to realise that there is work to be done. Leitrim will be much better prepared than Ros (if Ros had won yesterday every county board wolud be insisting on just 3 weeks preparation -imagine impact of that on Micko's income sorry expenses) and will not lose their shape the way Ros did. However they will struggle to get scores against what is a good Galway backline. Will be a lot closer than yesterday and Leitrim will remain in it longer but I will be surprised if they are not 7 or 8 points adrift at the end.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 19, 2008, 07:25:57 PM
Well it's a long way off yet but hopefully by then Nicky Joyce and Sean Armstrong will be back up to speed and Damien Burke should come back into corner-back.
Probably a usual Galway v Leitrim game. Tight enough for most of it with Galway pulling away in the final 10 to 15 minutes for a relatively comfortable win. I expect it will be a battle alright but Leitrim's chances of winning this fixture are greatly diminished outside of Carrick. Of course though Leitrim have a genuine chance but Galway still have more quality whatever way it's cut but it will be tough going.
Blake and especially Mullaghy must be in the running to see action against Leitrim. Mullaghy is a very solid half back that is well capable of driving forward and kicking the odd score and was a major surprise that he did not start the last day after his league performances. Also would like to see Blake see some action the next day out. He has a major job on his hands to get the 6 jersey right now but Coyne did leave a big hole in the centre of the defence on a few occassions last Sunday. He is in the same boat as Nicky coming back from a similar operation so hopefully the club championship games this weekend and a further 3 - 4 weeks training will sharpen them up for the Leitrim challenge.
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on May 20, 2008, 08:23:52 AM
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 19, 2008, 07:25:57 PM
Well it's a long way off yet but hopefully by then Nicky Joyce and Sean Armstrong will be back up to speed and Damien Burke should come back into corner-back.
Probably a usual Galway v Leitrim game. Tight enough for most of it with Galway pulling away in the final 10 to 15 minutes for a relatively comfortable win. I expect it will be a battle alright but Leitrim's chances of winning this fixture are greatly diminished outside of Carrick. Of course though Leitrim have a genuine chance but Galway still have more quality whatever way it's cut but it will be tough going.
Blake and especially Mullaghy must be in the running to see action against Leitrim. Mullaghy is a very solid half back that is well capable of driving forward and kicking the odd score and was a major surprise that he did not start the last day after his league performances. Also would like to see Blake see some action the next day out. He has a major job on his hands to get the 6 jersey right now but Coyne did leave a big hole in the centre of the defence on a few occassions last Sunday. He is in the same boat as Nicky coming back from a similar operation so hopefully the club championship games this weekend and a further 3 - 4 weeks training will sharpen them up for the Leitrim challenge.
Don't think Blake will displace Coyne at this stage as I think Coyne has played fairly well so far. It would take a bad performance to dislodge him at this stage. I guess Blake could be tried at midfield although he suffers from the Niall Coleman problem of lack of size for a midfielder. Mullahy could certainly push for starting place next day out but at the expense of Deccie or Gary Sice? Damien Burke will come in for Bradshaw.
I hope Nicky Joyce comes in for Breatchnach. Conroy has played himself onto the team. Only other position up for grabs amongst the forwards is Dunleavy's. He played very well against Kerry but was strangely quiet against Roscommon.
QuoteBlake and especially Mullaghy must be in the running to see action against Leitrim. Mullaghy is a very solid half back that is well capable of driving forward and kicking the odd score and was a major surprise that he did not start the last day after his league performances. Also would like to see Blake see some action the next day out. He has a major job on his hands to get the 6 jersey right now but Coyne did leave a big hole in the centre of the defence on a few occassions last Sunday. He is in the same boat as Nicky coming back from a similar operation so hopefully the club championship games this weekend and a further 3 - 4 weeks training will sharpen them up for the Leitrim challenge.
After his league, Mullahy deserved a plcae last week than any other player. Sice was extremely average aginst Roscommon. So I would bring Mullahy in there. I dont think Blake will get on ahead of Coyne. However, he has been played at midfield before and he could be an option there. What a sub to have though! Club championship could tell a lot this weekend. Milltown game could be interesting to see Mullahy & Blake both hoping to impress.
Also, I think Niall Coleman could get in ahead of Dunleavy. Coleman had a decent league up to the Kerry game at No. 10.
Leitrims inability to score from play will cost them. Mulligan is an excellent freetaker, however they lack scoring forwards. Expect their defence & midfield to go well, however when you cant score from play you are limited against a team that can. Plenty of spirit will see them lose by no more than 6 points. The quicker games come back to the spiritual home of Galway football - Tuam - the better. That Sathill is the greatest b*tch of a place to get in & out of, & lacks character that Tuam,Carrick, Ros or Castlebar have on big match days. Expect a mute crowd of about 12k or so.
Quote from: Death Valley on May 20, 2008, 05:03:03 PM
The quicker games come back to the spiritual home of Galway football - Tuam - the better. That Sathill is the greatest b*tch of a place to get in & out of, & lacks character that Tuam,Carrick, Ros or Castlebar have on big match days. Expect a mute crowd of about 12k or so.
Have to agree with you on that one - Salthill has to have one of the worst atmospheres for championship football. Bring back Tuam - I always loved heading to Tuam in the 90's. I think that the pitch is so far from the city centre people kind of feel lost... and this is all without mentioning the traffic which would put anyone off heading to Salthill.
I'd love to go back to Tuam as it generated a fantastic atmosphere on match days. In the town itself as well as in the ground.
Unfortunately Tuam Stadium isn't fit for intercounty games anymore and until it's redeveloped there's not much more that can be said on the matter.
http://www.tuamstadium.com/ (http://www.tuamstadium.com/) for those interested.
Not only that, if we turn up on the 15th, the day of the match, with all the lads in the van our chances are greatly enhanced ;D ;D
Galway Bay Boy - nice link. Brought back some happy memories. Tuam had the real "feel" of Connacht championship whenever you went to it; sure it wasn't the most comfortable stadium in the world and the facilities weren't a patch on Pearse stadium but Jaysus, it was dripping with history!! (and atmosphere). Plus. we beat ye twice there in the 90's!!
I think we'll be in with a shout of doing so again in June, but Galway will quite rightly be favourites. The New York trip will have banished many of the memories of a poor league campaign for Leitirm, but anyone that was at all the games will tell you it looked much worse than it actually was and ironically, I would argue Leitrim made some progress over the league. The midfield has continued to strenghten, we've found a few more backs (don't know how we manage to keep doing that!!) and what we hope is a reliable free taker in Emlyn Mulligan (I say "hope", cos you never know til the white heat of Championship). That said, the points re not scoring enough from play are well made, but I'd still predict if we can somehow scrape two goals, we might just win.
Big IF though.
The sooner Tuan Stadium is back up and running the better.
Tuam the only time I seen us win there was in fbd a few yrs ago, everything else was dark very dark times there for Sligo football so I am probably the only one who is glad it is gone and hope it stays that way. At least in pearse Galway cant really use the tradition card or do I feel like im going into the lions den like when i walk up to tuam. Pearse is a nightmare to get out of but I feel we have a better chance there, we have no recent history. I dont really go to Sligo matches to enjoy them or is it a day out, its we either win or we dont, and that dictates whether I enjoy them.
Had a look at that link. Those foundations have been there a long time now. Is there a lack of money or something? Why knock the terrace & then just do that amount of work? surely knockin the terrace should have been done just before they could get the building underway properly
Im open to correction but I believe that its financial difficulties meant the redevelopment stopped abruptly. A mystery why the took away the "Corofin/Cortoon corner" as they christened that corner of the terrace......
However, and heres the good news, the Co Board so peeved are they at the multitude of planning objections to them putting floodlighting in Pearse Stadium are rowing in behind the Tuam Stadium committee, pulling the planning app in Glaway and assisting with the Tuam redevelopment funding. Agree it would be great to get the games back to Tuam....the fall away in support coincided with the move to Salthill (plus the recent piss poor championship record :'()
God be with the days....Leo Moran outside the home house with the guitar tippin away, minerals sweets and choc ices all round :)
QuoteAt least in pearse Galway cant really use the tradition card or do I feel like im going into the lions den like when i walk up to tuam.
They've given us a fair few trimmings in Pearse over the years not least 1990, the worst of them all. I really hate that ground. Much better atmosphere in Tuam. I love going into the Lions den and I'm sure you do too Sligonian! I see your point but I don't go in for too much of that.
I think Galway's record in Pearse probably isn't too far off what it was in Tuam either even though Pearse wasn't used for a fair few years. I know Mayo's win in Tuam in 99 was their first there in donkey's years but they haven't won very many in Pearse either from what I remember.
Still though in Tuam the whole town is geared towards the game. Out in Salhill you could even be in Galway city centre and barely even know there's a match going on out the road.
I remember 1990 me aged 8, I remember begging me Dad to bring us to amusements after aswell but he was too pissed off, just drove the whole way home instead :-[. Very dark day but Im not sure we were there since except 2006. So I have only 2 bad memories from there although last time could of won. I have alot of memories in early 90s of tuam and johnny kenny playing good stuff for us then. Ran Galway close a few times.
Good result for Leitrim at weekend against Westmeath winning on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-08 in a challenge game but from what I heard Westmeath played a second string team, having said that a win is a win and can only boost confidence ahead of our assault on Salthill Sunday fortnight.
The quicker ye lads re open Tuam the better. At least we always do well there. I dont think we lost there since 1984 !!!
As for the subject of the thread = My best wishes go with the grey ridgers but I fear it will be the Tommy for them.
Haven't checked the other sites but Betfair has Galway 1/9 Leitrim 11/1; 18.5/1 the draw. Now I haven't checked the other bookies but you can assume something similar.
I bet quite a bit in all sports and do a lot of in-running, GAA, Soccer, Cricket, US Football, in general a nice way to make a few bob if you are happy with steady returns and try not to go for the kill, be happy with 25-40% of your stake. Now I'll be at this match and I won't be able to bet in-running (not inclined to hand over my account to anyone).
Anyway I guarantee Leitrim even if they lose this match will not remain at 11/1, at some stage they will hit 5 or 6/1 even if they are losing. Lay-off in proportion so you can sit back and give yourself a nice little 20% return for your stake on Galway, and enough to give yourself a nice little earner if Leitrim pull through or get the draw.
Lesser odds I presume with Paddy Power, but no liquidity limitations as per Betfair (other than your own funds, of course)
You can thank me later!
Galway Team to play Leitrim
1 Paul Doherty
2 Garreth Bradshaw
3 Finnian Hanley
4 Damien Burke
5 Declan Meehan
6 Niall Coyne
7 Gary Sice
8 Niall Coleman
9 Mark Lydon
10 Paul Conroy
11 Padraig Joyce
12 Nicky Joyce
13 Matthew Clancy
14 Michael Meehan
15 Fiachra Breathnach
QuoteGalway football manager Liam Sammon also rings the changes for their Connacht semi-final against Leitrim as Damien Burke comes in for the injured Kieran Fitzgerald, Niall Coleman takes over from Barry Cullinane who is dropped and Damien Dunleavy makes way for Nickey Joyce.
Irish Indo
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on June 11, 2008, 08:03:17 AM
Galway Team to play Leitrim
1 Paul Doherty
2 Garreth Bradshaw
3 Finnian Hanley
4 Damien Burke
5 Declan Meehan
6 Niall Coyne
7 Gary Sice
8 Niall Coleman
9 Mark Lydon
10 Paul Conroy
11 Padraig Joyce
12 Nicky Joyce
13 Matthew Clancy
14 Michael Meehan
15 Fiachra Breathnach
Didn't expect Cullinane to be dropped. Coleman didn't really play well during the league so it's up to him now to take his chance. Good to see Nicky back. Adds another scoring threat although I thought he might take Breathnach's place. Breathnach must have photographs of Sammon in a compromising position or something. I'm not sure how he keeps making the team? Fitzy out injured so Bradshaw comes in again.
All in all the six forwards look fairly tasty (bar the obvious exception). I guess midfield is the big question mark. Coleman and Lydon have to gain a solid foothold there and hopefully the backs can do a better job on Maxwell than last year but it's more a matter of stopping the supply.
Quote1 Paul Doherty
2 Garreth Bradshaw
3 Finnian Hanley
4 Damien Burke
5 Declan Meehan
6 Niall Coyne
7 Gary Sice
8 Niall Coleman
9 Mark Lydon
10 Paul Conroy
11 Padraig Joyce
12 Nicky Joyce
13 Matthew Clancy
14 Michael Meehan
15 Fiachra Breathnach
We look weaker now at midfield than ever! Would not drop Cullinane despite the amount of ball he gives away. That midfield looks very very light. Not sure what Leitrims midfield is like at the moment but if they have a couple of big men to put in, this is the game to do it.
I hope Bradshaw has a real test this time. In the game aginst Ros, he was never really tested (When he was, he looked suspect) and after the sending off, he was rarely seen in a corner back position.
Declan Meehan & Gary Sice are both very lucky to hold on to their places as both were poor aginst Ros. Darren Mullahy was in great form during the league and is flying for Milltown at the moment.
Forwards do look good. Not so sure about Breathach. He has a lot to prove yet but he is still young. This forward line has a lot of options. The two Joyces could easily play in the full forward line. Brathnach can play on the wing while Clancy will roam. So you do have options there if things are going well. It's alway good to have options!
QuoteColeman didn't really play well during the league so it's up to him now to take his chance
Coleman had a good league up until the Kerry game. However, his best games come up at number 10 playing more as a third midfileder than a half-forward. Its a shame that Sammon didnt stick with him there a bit longer and let him grow into that position.
Whats up with Fitzgerald? When will he back?
QuoteColeman had a good league up until the Kerry game
Not sure about that. He got hauled off after about 15 minutes in the Laois game and I think Sammon took him off early in another game as well. He's got talent but struggles against bigger opposition midfielders. I agree though he's probably more suited to the half-forward line.
I still think Mullahy should be in there. Probably the form footballer in Galway this year so far. Hope Bradshaw goes alright. He did fine against Roscommon but was never tested really. He's not a corner-back though so I'd be worried about him being a bit too loose for that position.
Id have stuck with Cullinane too Galforever, despite his limitations and occasioanl temper tantrums. Desperately short of grunt at midfield now....
Looks as though Salmon has exercised all his options and is hoping to break plenty of ball and pack the half forward line with ball winners. I could see Nicky and "the chosen one" Breathnach swapping and leaving Meehan and Nicky inside and have the wingforwards and Matt Clancy swarm the middle. No one there capable of winning the majority of primary possession but hopefully can spoil and give the others to get in around the breaking ball.
Agree Mullahy must feel very hard done by not to have got in at wing back......Bradshaw is not a corner back to start with but suppose a good test would stand to him and at least we would know if hes capable of sticking 2 or 4 on his back if one of Fitz or Burke got injured further into the championship, or the back door.
Fitz is out with a hamstring problem I think.....the team have been cursed with injuries this year. You think we are due a break sometime soon in this regard.
Id say the crowds will stay away on Sunday given its on telly.....will the Leitrim lads bring numbers? Id imagine so...they usually do...
Must be the smallest midfield Galway have fielded in a long time. Coleman is just a rizla paper over 6 foot and while Lydon is 6'3 I think he is not a physically imposing 6'3.
Those two are not going to field much clean ball so everyone better be tuned in to collect the breaking ball. I imagine big Barry will get a run out at some stage alright on Sunday. Maybe sooner rather than later.
On a separate note, good to read Mikey D's retirement is going well!!!!
http://www.galwayindependent.com/sport/sport/sport-matters-%11-11th-june-2008/
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 11, 2008, 01:12:41 PM
Must be the smallest midfield Galway have fielded in a long time. Coleman is just a rizla paper over 6 foot and while Lydon is 6'3 I think he is not a physically imposing 6'3.
Those two are not going to field much clean ball so everyone better be tuned in to collect the breaking ball. I imagine big Barry will get a run out at some stage alright on Sunday. Maybe sooner rather than later.
Barry would appear to be one of those lads that needs a good kick up the hole from time to time, so I guess Sammon dropping him now might be one of those occassions.
I still cant fathom how Breathnach is making that team and the likes of Mullahy is not worth a run in defence.
QuoteNot sure about that. He got hauled off after about 15 minutes in the Laois game and I think Sammon took him off early in another game as well. He's got talent but struggles against bigger opposition midfielders. I agree though he's probably more suited to the half-forward line.
Well I am sure about it! ;D I think you are right, He was taken off early in one other match but I think thats when he started midfiled. I would start him at no. 10 & Cullinane in midfield. I'd probably end up dropping Breatnach & moving N. Joyce in there. so many options in the full forward line! I am interested in how Lydon does. I never heard of him before this year. But he impressed early on in the league. Thought he was woeful aginst Ros though.
QuoteAgree Mullahy must feel very hard done by not to have got in at wing back......Bradshaw is not a corner back to start with but suppose a good test would stand to him and at least we would know if hes capable of sticking 2 or 4 on his back if one of Fitz or Burke got injured further into the championship, or the back door.
Mullahy was the best player in last years club championship. sice had a decent league but Mullahy deserves a chance there. Its better that we know now if Bradshaw is up to it at corner back or not. Better than finding out after 20 minutes in an all-ireland quarter final after cooper/brogan, whoever has scored a hatful of scores & the game is over!
Three things Liam Sammon will want to see this Sunday
By Ray Silke
Galway are raging hot favourites to overcome Leitrim this Sunday in the Connacht championship semi-final. And, no-doubt, if Galway do play to their potential, they will advance.Assuming they do win, and reach another Connacht final - which would be their ninth in 11 years - what are the things the Galway management team will be looking for from their panel this Sunday?
1. A POSITIVE EARLY START TO BOTH HALVES:
If Galway are considering the possibility of going on this season and becoming a genuine contender for a tilt at challenging Kerry's domination of Gaelic football over the past few years, they need to get into the productive habit of starting both halves of their championship games very well.
Against Roscommon, they won pulling up. At the final whistle. However they lacked real drive in the first quarter of the first half when Roscommon would have been very vulnerable to a few early scores.
This Sunday it would be good to see the home side lay down an early marker by coming out of the traps at a good pelt with some real intensity in the challenges and some quality play all round the field.
Against rugged and committed opposition like Leitrim it is vital to try to strangle their self belief as quickly as possible.
If they start to believe they have an actual chance of success, their confidence rises like a series of bush fires that can spread into a full scale blaze in no time. Remember how Eamonn O'Hara's goal last year in the Connacht final threw petrol - and the price of it now - on Sligo's self-belief and drove them on to victory.
A good positive early Galway start to both halves this Sunday would be good practice for the bigger challenges that should lie ahead in the coming weeks.
2. AN IMPROVEMENT AROUND MIDFIELD:
The fact that Niall Coleman gets the nod ahead of Barry Cullinane at midfield confirms that the team management were not happy with Galway's performance around the middle the last day out.
Indeed it was when Roscommon sent Karol Mannion out there foraging for possession from his full-forward slot that the Rossies got a real foot-hold in the game in the second quarter. With Galway only leading by two points at half-time there was nobody in the crowd predicting a 16-point winning margin for the home side.
Perhaps his demotion to the substitute's bench is meant to be a warning shot across Barry's bows that he needs to consistently show improvement if he is to become a definite starter on Liam Sammon's team.
Either way Sunday is an opportunity for Niall Coleman and Mark Lydon to prove they are the duo to man those berths if the side reaches the Connacht final.
Winning midfield is not just down to the midfielders alone and in that context it will be interesting to see how Paul Doherty varies his kick-outs and how many breaks the half back and half forward lines can pick up.
Matt Clancy, with his roving commission, can be a very good and important scavenger for carpet ball too. Winning a vital break might not be as spectacular as a big catch, but the net result is the same. Your team has possession.
There can be no doubt that if Galway are to go on and win this tie on Sunday and then face into a Connacht final and perhaps an All-Ireland quarter-final, they must improve on what has been produced by the different midfield combinations that have been selected thus far.
3. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE FROM EVERYONE INVOLVED:
If the entire panel are in the right frame of mind and working towards the same objective - of reaching another Connacht final - then Galway should be too strong for Leitrim.
Complacency can be a problem sometimes in a game like this where Galway are expected to advance with ease.
There are enough players on the starting XV who have found Leitrim a tough nut to crack in the past to allow that to happen.
Good positive morale in a team setting is vital if a group of players are going to go on and have success. Everyone has a role to play and the positive vibes emitted from the last man on the panel can make a difference just as much as the team's best player.
Sammon and his selectors on Sunday will be judging who are giving out the right signals and they will be especially interested to see how the substitutes react when called upon and the impact they make if and when they are introduced.
Seeing as nobody has put up the Laythrum team here it is.
Leitrim (SF v Galway): E Lyons; D Reynolds, J McKeon, M McGuinness; G Reynolds, B Prior, S Foley; G McCloskey, M Duignan; D O'Connor, P McGuinness, M Foley; E Mulligan, D Maxwell, D Brennan.
Some interesting comments too by Leitrim's Michael Duignan in this week's Connacht Tribune.
QuoteThis Galway side is far from the best side to come out of the county in years. Another thing is that the Connacht final against Sligo last year. I mean when was the last time Sligo won anything? The performance (by Galway) in that match was the worst I've seen in years but it seems to be forgotten, nobody is mentioning it.
He's right about our performance that day anyway.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 13, 2008, 01:14:02 PM
Seeing as nobody has put up the Laythrum team here it is.
Leitrim (SF v Galway): E Lyons; D Reynolds, J McKeon, M McGuinness; G Reynolds, B Prior, S Foley; G McCloskey, M Duignan; D O'Connor, P McGuinness, M Foley; E Mulligan, D Maxwell, D Brennan.
Some interesting comments too by Leitrim's Michael Duignan in this week's Connacht Tribune.
QuoteThis Galway side is far from the best side to come out of the county in years. Another thing is that the Connacht final against Sligo last year. I mean when was the last time Sligo won anything? The performance (by Galway) in that match was the worst I've seen in years but it seems to be forgotten, nobody is mentioning it.
He's right about our performance that day anyway.
Interestingly I went to college with Duignan, sound and all that he was when it came to football he has zero respect for Sligo football and ignorance about us which of course on more than one occasion we had a few arguments. So not suprised by his comments. Just aswell he wasnt at our ros game last yr it was worse than the final. He loved seeing us being beat well at least he doesnt pretend like other counties to like to see us win. All that matters is that we won and we nearly have to win it again soon to gain some measure of respect and I think our players know that.
I dont think the ros game was much of an improvement for Galway this yr on what I saw last yr. Anyways Michael Sligo are going to be alot better this yr than last so expect a higher standard if your watching ;).
QuoteSome interesting comments too by Leitrim's Michael Duignan in this week's Connacht Tribune.
Quote
This Galway side is far from the best side to come out of the county in years. Another thing is that the Connacht final against Sligo last year. I mean when was the last time Sligo won anything? The performance (by Galway) in that match was the worst I've seen in years but it seems to be forgotten, nobody is mentioning it.
Leitrim folk in general have no respect for Sligo football and are disgusted we won Connacht last year so I wouldn't be too worried about what he says. When they won in '94 Connacht football really was at an all time low (Mayo thumped by 20 in '93 semi final and themselves murdered by Dublin in the semi that year) so they are trying to say the same about our title. The province wasn't great last year but nowhere near the depths of '94's rubbish.
Janey Mac, I'm surprised to hear that about Leitrim fans. Personally, I'm Mayo out and out but I think myself and the rest of us bear Sligo no ill-will whatever. We intend to beat then every time we meet but that's life- and football.
I never gave much thought to Leitrim as we don't meet very often but I'd suppose we will cheer them on on Sunday. I have never met enough Leitrim fans to have formed any opinion about them but I'd be sorry to feel that they look down on Sligo.
Quote from: Lar Naparka on June 14, 2008, 11:44:58 PM
I have never met enough Leitrim fans to have formed any opinion about them but I'd be sorry to feel that they look down on Sligo.
It's not a Leitrim thing Lar; it's a human universal, as summed up by John Prine and Kris Kristofferson in their song "Jesus was a Capricorn"
Everybody's gotta have somebody to look down on
Someone to feel better than any time they choose
Leitrim always think that they can beat Sligo. Mayo can live with Galway, but hate, hate, hate losing to Ros. Roscommon can't bear the thought of losing to Leitrim, Sligo want to beat Mayo and Galway don't like Mayo either. We all have our little quirks; it's nothing personal, I reckon. :)
Iolar, you're bang on the button there.
I had never really thought about it before but you are dead right; we don't hate Sligo or Leitrim too much because we don't anticipate being beaten by either.
Upsets may happen occasionally but we always tend to put them down to us being careless rather than either of them being any good.
Roscommon on the other hand can present a threat to civilisation at times and being beaten by them is always a distinct, if remote, possibility.
I think Mayo and Galway have mutual respect for each other; if Galway get to the semis or to the final itself we will row in behind them and they will do the same for us.
I wouldn't be trying to stir things up or anything like that but the Sheepstealers do tend to be in a league of their own, unloved by all.
The late Tom Kennedy, (Kennedy's in Drumcondra) was a shrewd judge of people and he certainly had plenty experience of his place being thronged with supporters from all over the country.
On two legs or four, he never met the likes of the Rossies, on any of their rare visits to Croker.
"Thick as sheep shit and acting as if they owned the place," was Tom's verdict.
Of course Lar wouldn't go that far but then Tom was a sharper observer of fans in the wild than the present writer could ever hope to be. ;)
who hit the first point for galway there? just missed it
3-2 at the min, joyce with two, the free taker from leitrim with their two
Leitrim can't aford joyce that much space, 1-2 for him already
why is there f**k all galway support in salthill?
Because they are annoyed that Galway don't play their home games in Tuam Stadium I think.
PS Iolar, you're dead on about Sligo wanting to beat Mayo. It's as good as an All-Ireland (or Connacht) to some of them and that dislike of Mayo intensifies around Enniscrone and the general Tireragh area.
PPS, Leitrim not doing too bad despite Marty Morrissey *can't think of the right expression* over Padraic Joyce the whole first half.
What a left foot Meehan has, strikes the ball brilliantly.
Not a great display today. Needless to say a big improvement is needed before the Connacht final next month. At least they should be motivated for that one. There was a lot of going through the motions today in dead Pearse Stadium.
First the bad. Midfield was again a problem. Leitrim hoovered up a lot of breaking ball in the first half. It wasn't until Barry Cullinane was introduced that someone in a maroon jersey finally started to catch some ball. Lydon doesn't really look up to it. 6 foot 3 but he has no presence around the middle at all. Cullinane may not be much of a footballer but at least he catches some ball. He has to start.
Finian Hanley was poor at full-back. Declan Maxwell seems to give him all sorts of problems. In fairness to Hanley he generally handles everyone else pretty well but Maxwell is his kryptonite. The defence in general looked slightly wobbly at times today however Fitzy was missing and then Niall Coyne cried off before the game so it was a somewhat rejigged defence on the day. Not good enough all the same.
Forwards did well in patches. Nicky Joyce looked a bit rusty but should be better next day out. PJ was excellent. Mattie Clancy not his best day. He dropped two balls when he was clean through on goal. Meehan hit and miss although he got better as the game went on and created the goal for Bane. Bane was very good when he came on. Kicked 1-2. Game seemed to pass Conroy by a bit but he's young and will learn from it. Breathnach made a complete hames of a one on one with the Leitrim keeper when he blasted it straight at him. No composure at all. Should be under pressure from Bane or Armstrong now.
Overall not a display to write home about. Looked like Galway were coasting in the first half until Hanley got caught ball watching and let Maxwell run in behind him for the Leitrim goal. That gave Leitrim heart when it looked like they were fading. Galway then got 6 points up and proceeded to start kicking some awful wides in the last 15 minutes that kept Leitrim in the game. Big improvement needed the next day or they can forget about another provincial title.
Quote from: Our Nail Loney on June 15, 2008, 02:20:23 PM
why is there f**k all galway support in salthill?
Because they only appear when they look like winning an All Ireland. >:(
Well we've gone over it before but the north Galway crowd just won't go to Pearse Stadium and never have done. If the game was on in Tuam there would probably have been more than double the crowd at the game.
Ye didnt go there much before 1998 either GBB - remember back in 94 or 95 when Leitrim supplied 5,000 of the 6,000 crowd? ;)
Quote from: Rossfan on June 15, 2008, 05:34:10 PM
Ye didnt go there much before 1998 either GBB - remember back in 94 or 95 when Leitrim supplied 5,000 of the 6,000 crowd? ;)
I'm sure they did.
Although considering they were Connacht champions for the first time in over a lifetime and we were in the doldrums it wouldn't be that surprising.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 15, 2008, 05:27:46 PM
Well we've gone over it before but the north Galway crowd just won't go to Pearse Stadium and never have done. If the game was on in Tuam there would probably have been more than double the crowd at the game.
The Galway support in last yr connaght final with both minors and seniors there was a joke, 3000 tops, in 23000 crowd, I know sligo sold 13000, and ros definitly had big crowd 6 or 7 supporting there minors. Roscommon town isnt far from north Galway is it?
Galway still not convincing me on the field, leitrim had bucket loads of possesion but as per usual get another morale victory for their trophy cabinet. I honestly thought with the emergence of mulligan they could of sprang a shock. But wasnt to be. They gave joyce the freedom of the park in the first 20mins which cost them.
At least now both mayo and SLIGO wont understimate joyce despite his age.
Galway have always had bad support, even when they played in Tuam. However, Pearse has reduced this support even more.
1. Paul Doherty: Played well. His kickouts were much better than against Ros
2. G. Bradshaw: Still untested at corner back as he was playing in the half back line when Leitrim were on top. He did ok but I suspect that he will not be able to cope with a top corner forward
3. F. Hanley: Felt he did well (I must have been the only 1!). Maxwell is a top forward and hanley batled with him every time
4. D. Burke: Extremely poor. Gave away countless fees and I cant remember him winning one ball
5. D. Meehan: Best of he half back line but he needs to release the ball quicker
6. G. Sice: No centre back but he had a decent game. Much improved from the Ros game
7. D. Mullahy: He did ok. He kept his man quiet (Interstingly, his first & second markers were both taken off)
8. N. Coleman: As we know, he doesnt really have the physique to compete @ midfield so its hard to criticise him for kickouts. He does try to get involved in general play though
9. M. Lydon: Very bad again today. He will be dropped the next day
10. P. Conroy: Never got involved.
11. P. Joyce: A class act
12. N. Joyce: Top class, The back didn't know which way he would turn!
13. M. Clancy: He did well. But he should be out around midfield, he spent most of the match at corner forward
14. M. Meehan: Showed again that when he receives quality ball, he can do damage. My worry with Meehan is that unless the pass to him is pretty perfect, he wont win it
15. F. Breathnach: Very unlucky to be taken off as he was just coming into the game at that time. Don't see what he offers as a third midfielder.
Subs:
Cullinane was class when he came on. If he could do that for a whole match then he would be picked from the start every time. Also, his performance was a very mature one, No stupid giving away possession or petulant kicks.
We really never saw Bane in the game except when he got his chances. But this is a sign of a good player, to take your chances when you get them (although he had one awful wide)
Armstrong was poor.
Comer did well when he came on. A bit of experience and a level head.
Points that need to be addressed:
1. Why was Clancy not given the roaming role after doing so well in it against Roscommon? Breathnach seemed to be playing out the field much more.
2. Why was Mullahy playing corner back in the 2nd half & Bradshaw in the half back line? We need to know sooner rather than later if Bradshaw can play at corner back. When number 15 went off for Leitim, his replacement went into the full forward line and one of the inside forwards moved out. Bradshaw moved out following his man. A few minutes later, Mullahy indicated to him to swap but Bradshaw shook his head waving his hands about. Did the management even notice that their wing back (a fairly loose marker) was now playing in the corner?
3. At times in the second half, there was a huge amount of space in front of our full back line. If Coyne or Blake had been playing, they would have acted as sweeper holding the no.6 position. Why wasnt anybody instructed to do this? Against a better team, this would have been ruthlessly exposed. From what I remember, Sice started no.6. When Burke, went off, he went back to the corner and M. Comer was no, 6. After Bradshaw moved out, he seemed to be playing at no.6???
4. Who was supposed to be marking the Leitrim no. 4. Time after time, he was free for a short kickout. If he was a better player, then this could have caused us a lot of issues.
Clearly, our biggest problem is at midfield. If you dont win any ball at midfield, you wont win. Cullinane was class today when he came on but doubts still remain about him, particularly when it comes to all-ireland qf standard (or even before). It was very disappointing to see out full back line look so poor today as well. Damien Burke has been one of our better players in the last few years but looked way way off the pace today. Nice to see Clive Monaghan back in the panel. He was an outstanding underage full back.
Board criticise Dolan remarks
THE LEITRIM GAA County Board yesterday moved to distance themselves from remarks reportedly made by county senior football manager Des Dolan in a Sunday newspaper.
In a statement released last night, the board said Dolan's comments about the Tommy Murphy Cup and GAA president Nickey Brennan did not reflect the thinking of Leitrim GAA.
In an interview in the Irish Mail On Sunday , Dolan is quoted as saying: "I've no interest in the Tommy Murphy Cup; it's a balls of a competition. This thing about not having qualifiers is the greatest disaster and the GAA should be hung, drawn and quartered for it and Nickey Brennan should be hung from his a*** up."
The Leitrim board also confirmed yesterday the county would be participating in this season's Tommy Murphy Cup competition.
"The county board recognise that the Tommy Murphy Cup was put in place by a due democratic process and Leitrim will be participating in the Tommy Murphy Cup in 2008. In relation to the remarks made about an Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Nickey Brennan, Leitrim GAA feel that the remarks are very disrespectful of the president and in no way want to be associated with them."
Great performance by Emlyn Mulligan for Leitrim - looks like a class act. I know all his scores were from frees but when he got the ball in play he caused a lot of problems also. That second last score near the end from the stand side, from the outside of the boot was spectacular - very impressive.
Leitrim have some class player imo. Declan Maxwell is a top class full-forward. He had Hanley for pace, knows how to take a score, is incredibly strong and considering he's hardly six foot tall, he has some leap on him - the way he hangs in the air.
John McKeon is a very good full-back, if we had him in Mayo there'd be no issue over number three. IMO one of the best around.
Emlyn Mulligan is a classy player, the frees were all well taken - ten out of eleven is some conversion rate. Also very impressed with Shane Foley and Dermot Reynolds attacking and supporting the man in possession. If they'd a bit more strength around the field they'd be a serious side.
Cullinane made a big difference when he came on but how on earth is Breathnach holding his place ahead of Cormac Bane? Or even Sean Armstrong. Mystifies me.
Don't think either Mayo or Sligo will be too concerned about Galway after this imo
It's really hard to judge Galway after this. They're definitely playing more attractive football and scoring more than last year but they didnt appear at all to improve on their weak areas in the game against us. Hanley was taken for 3 points by Kilbride and also in trouble against Karol mannion in the Ross match. Yesterday Maxwell caused him massive problems. (In fairness though I think Maxwell is exceptional and would walk on to any side). Midfield is still in bother as it was in the last match and the only solution was to bring on Cullinane one of their worst performers the last day. Credit to him he definitely improved the situation yesterday for them but I cant see him as any kind of longterm solution.
Great to see a player of Joyce's class produce a performance of such purpose and confidence. Surely now he's up there with Maurice Fitz, Canavan, Matt Connor, Mike Sheehy? Also at only 31 there has been too much lazy media reference to his "veteran" status. Nicky Joyce also looked good in flashes and I suppose both of them are evidence of how Galway even if they are being beaten all over the field can still destroy you in a flash of brilliance.
Little is known of Mayo this season from a championship point of view. Their 04/06 side would easily have taken care of Galway yesterday but I think they are re-building and suspect enough themselves. Sligo (bad season of 07 or not) are still Connacht champions and surely wont give up their title without a fight. They are always a better championship than league side. They will at least do as well as Leitrim did yesterday if not actually take mayo. Impossible to call where the Nestor cup is going yet I think..
A mixed bag in Salthill yesterday.
Negatives: the continuing midfield malaise and also the panic in the FB line caused by Declan Maxwell ( an excellent player). Also some of the tackling by the backs should have been more disciplined (Mulligan kicked 10pts from frees >:() Breathnach or Lydon are not good enough for a starting spot.
Positives: 2-12 from play (1 free inside the 45 in the whole match!). Conceded 1-03 from play. PJ was top class and its now obvious that we have to start Barry in Connacht Final. Also a good performance out of Nickey i thought and Bane definitely did enough to start v Mayo / Sligo.
Yeah what has happened to Galway's midfield recently? When Derry went down to Salthill we got absolutely cleaned out in that area of the pitch and was a large reason why we lost the game. Yes we were missing Fergal Doherty but Muldoon and Conway will usually do more than hold their own in MF. I was quite disappointed with Galway yesterday to be honest but I wouldn't rule them out just yet.
Quote from: screenexile on June 16, 2008, 10:05:15 AM
Yeah what has happened to Galway's midfield recently? When Derry went down to Salthill we got absolutely cleaned out in that area of the pitch and was a large reason why we lost the game. Yes we were missing Fergal Doherty but Muldoon and Conway will usually do more than hold their own in MF. I was quite disappointed with Galway yesterday to be honest but I wouldn't rule them out just yet.
Barry Cullinane was outstanding that day v Derry in Salthill, actually probably the best game I have seen him produce in a senior jersey for Galway. He was poor against Ros but in fairness he made a big difference when he came on at ht yesterday. Joe Bergin is out with an ankle ligaments injury and is a big loss for us around the middle of the field as we just do not have a lot of options there right now.
Quote from: Rossfan on June 15, 2008, 05:34:10 PM
Ye didnt go there much before 1998 either GBB - remember back in 94 or 95 when Leitrim supplied 5,000 of the 6,000 crowd? ;)
You've a point there Rossfan. Didn't Seán Óg de Paor even admit in his book that Galway suport is cat?
The doldrums argument doesn't hold water either. Saving Rossfan's and Matt's presence, Roscommon have never been as weak in living memory, and yet still they turn out game after game. Fair play to them.
Galway's football support is very poor alright though obviously Salthill doesn't help matters.
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 16, 2008, 10:44:33 AM
Galway's football support is very poor alright though obviously Salthill doesn't help matters.
Its particularly poor this year and to be honest Salthill as a venue is sometimes trotted out as an all to handy excuse for poor attendences.
Whatever the problem with Salthill its not that far a trek for the Tuam brigade.
Anybody interested enough will travel - but as one of the programmes on TV was saying yesterday there is a lot of luke-warm support for county teams out there. A core will go to all games, and a large bandwagon jumps on board come August when Croke Park is now full of corporate D4-type Ole Olers.
As well as that €30 is outrageous for a stand ticket. Mind you I enjoyed the game yesterday and felt I got value for money.
Galway have work to do. Leitrim always push them though, and remember they have been focussed on a Connacht Final all season. They remain hot favourites.
Unsettled in defence, bad at midfield, good scoring potential up front - Galway siupporters could be forgiven for thinking they were watching the hurlers yesterday. Coyne was a loss as Sice isn't really a stopper at CHB. Mullahy had a poor game overall and was a long way off his man. Further back, Hanley was given a fair testing by Maxwell, as was Damien Burke by his opponent and failed it, jury still out on Bradshaw. Defence improved as a unit though when Barry came on at HT. Up front the FBP (Fiachra Breathnach Project) has now to cease immediately and funding diverted elsewhere. Nicky wasn't as good as some believe - too greedy in possession. Matt Clancy wasn't as good as v Ross. but a knock in the first half stung him a bit I'd say. Michael Meehan was in better form but ball-winning is a big weakness in his game. Conroy should have been given more time as he's the future, long term at midfield I'd say. As usual PJ was several classes above everyone else abroad, further augmenting my contention that he's perhaps the greatest Connacht forward ever.
A Connacht final against Mayo (probably) will bring back the fans in big numbers. However time is running out for Sammon to settle his team; defeat in the final will be sustainable if it highlights once and for all how weaknesses in the team must be addressed.
Quote from: mouview on June 16, 2008, 11:36:15 AM
Up front the FBP (Fiachra Breathnach Project) has now to cease immediately and funding diverted elsewhere.
:D :D :D :D :D
No doubt the Galway crowd are fairly fickle on the whole >:(. Its the same faces there week in week out....freezing the bollix off yourself in Tubbercurry at an FBD game, up in Ballybofey, Crossmaglen and God knows where else for league games. Its disheartening for Galway people actually going to the games as it undoubtedly is for the players. At the minute its a county of "bar stool pundits" as P Joyce put it in the Tribune yesterday.....quick to abuse, not quite so swift to support. The "Salthill factor" while definitely a cause of the diminished support is not an excuse.
Damien Burke is a massive worry now....I dont know where the form of 18 months ago is gone. He was one of the best man markers in the game then but something seems not right now. He was left standing umpteen times yesterday and didnt seem to react quickly to anything going on around him. Bradshaw will hold his spot and Fitz will come in for Burke next day if he gets over the hamstring problems. Hanley was the same for the goal.....Maxwell was 5 yards away from him before Hanley even moved. Seemed leaden footed which is surprising since I didnt think Sammon was from the Ger Loughnane school of running up sand dunes training.
Sice while not a CB did ok considering he was a last minute switch in there. Blake had another setback in his recovery unfortunately.....i think he would be the man for 6 at this stage. Its a backline desperately in need of a bit of physical presence and hes just the man to do it. Coyne hasnt done anything wrong really, just wouldnt inspire the same confidence in me as Blake does.
Barry Cullinane proved he must start against Sligo/Mayo. Coleman beside him. In fairness to Coleman, he did ok yesterday given his size and the fact that Lydon may as well have stayed at home with the "fans". Coleman broke a good bit of ball which was probably as much as he could do....there just wasnt the same bite in the half backs/half forwards in winning the breaking ball.
Like Mouview, didnt think too much of what Nicky did yesterday. I think he should be left in the inside line if at all possible. He doesnt like the dirty work of scrapping for broken ball. You can imagine yourself that with his pace, if he gets good early ball in to him he would roast most corner backs and he is a very good finisher. On the other hand, the first cousin was unreal again yesterday.....where did that burst of pace come out of for the goal! He fairly turned the jets on! Id be inclined to give Dunleavy another chance on the wing....he was bad against Ros but hes better than that. And as for the bould Fiachra.....well...... :'( Cormac Bane has to start next day.....
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on June 16, 2008, 10:39:25 AM
. Saving Rossfan's and Matt's presence, Roscommon have never been as weak in living memory, and yet still they turn out game after game. Fair play to them.
Sure what else would we as supporters do?
Of course we were "customers" we would have taken our custom elsewhere long ago :P
The Tuam issue is huge..
Club games in Tuam in the towards the end of the Championship will be getting crowds like yesterdays. The problem is Salthill apart from being unaccessible with Traffic a nightmare it is also a slap int he face to Tuam...
Last year or the Year before I went to the Club quarters all on one day two is Salthill and two in Tuam... Salthill was lucky to have a thousand (seemed like a few hundred for either game) while Tuam was over 6 thousand which came for the first and stayed till the end.. Loads of neutrals.. Galway is desperate at supporting any sport (bar Galway Races)... Connaght Rugby has the same problem...
By moving to Galway the fans were taken for granted and they revolted...
My father didn't miss a game until Salthill took the games.. He just won't go to Salthill the same for the brother... They feel absolutely cheated by Galway Football in that respect... He will be up at the crack of dawn for the Connaght final because it is in Castlebar, he went to the league encounter...
The thing is Galway's support is in Tuam. Most of the opposition have to pass thru Tuam to get to Galway... Traffic is all going up one road which creates a nightmare.. the bridges are bad normally... Tuam is a dream to get in and out off. And will be better when the train line goes in... The position of the pitch is awful...
So the best thing for Galway Football is to go home, back to Tuam...
P.S. I live in Salthill...
disappointed today naturally enough but really there are times when you just have to say you're not good enough. Leitrim did OK yesterday, but there were a number of our lads who just never got going for whatever reason. Galway seem to have problems at midfield and there were problems at the back. You'd have to think that one is related to the oher and if they can shore up midfield, it might make life a bit easier on the defence. I thought the movement in the Galway forwards was exceptional at times and they are developing nicely overall.
Despite some comments to the contrary on here, once Leitrim are out, we generally turn our attentions to supporting Sligo. I'd love to see them win on Sunday, but you'd have to fancy Mayo as the twice Sligo played us this year, they looked very poor (I would argue that they have generally saved their best football for the summer though over the last few years, so they at least have a chance on Sunday)
Well if nothing else I think yesterday should have helped to pick the team for the Connacht final.
Doherty to stay in goal. Think he has looked very steady this year.
Fitzy, Hanley and Burke for the full-back line. Fitzy back would be a help. Hanley seems to have awful trouble with Maxwell but generally he has done fine apart from that. Damien Burke seems to be not quite on the form of the past couple of years but I'd give him another chance.
Deccie, Coyne and Sice in the half-back line. Blake doesn't look like he'll recover from his injury troubles at this stage and yesterday Mullahy was not as impressive as he was in the league which raises concerns about his mobility when the ground gets harder.
Cullinane has to play. Only physically imposing midfielder we have. Coleman has probably done enough to get a spot beside him. Lydon after a couple of good showings in the league has been anonymous in the last two games.
I'd stick with Conroy, PJ and Nicky for the half-forward line. Fair enough the game passed Conroy by yesterday a little but he'll be better for the experience.
Full-forward line of Clancy, Meehan and Bane. Breathnach's hard work can't continue to cover up his lack of actual ability. Bane may not work as hard but at least he knows where the posts are.
One very disappointing aspect yesterday was the lack of breaking ball won around the middle of the field by Galway. Leitrim themselves didn't catch a huge amount of clean ball but they hoovered up loads of scrappy ball on the ground until Cullinane came on. Seemed a bad call in this regard to play Breathnach further out the pitch rather than Mattie Clancy who seems to have a radar for picking up loose ball. Can't remember Breathnach picking up any yesterday. Deccie used to be brilliant as this as well but not quite so good at it these days.
On the postive side we scored 2-12 from play despite playing with a non-functioning midfield in the first half and up against a pretty decent Leitrim defence. The defence in fairness to it only conceded 1-3 from play but did give away too many frees (albeit some of them very soft) which Emlyn Mulligan was able to convert from seemingly any distance or angle.
I'm not so sure about Burke at all GBB. He is a natural corner back in poor form where as Bradshaw is a natural halfback playing steay football in the corner. I do concede that Bradshaw has not been tested yet and I would have a worry about him when up against a good quality corner forward. Sammon has a big call to make there for the Conn Final. Agreed with the rest of your summary, Breathnach experiment has come to a natural conclusion after yesterday and the rest of the team more or less picks itself at this stage.
Where's Alan Burke these days? Was promising a couple of years back but hasn't prospered under Sammon...
In a word Tuam is not fit to host a championship game in its current state whats the story with the new stand is it ever going to get off the ground again ?
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on June 16, 2008, 03:41:38 PM
I'm not so sure about Burke at all GBB. He is a natural corner back in poor form where as Bradshaw is a natural halfback playing steay football in the corner. I do concede that Bradshaw has not been tested yet and I would have a worry about him when up against a good quality corner forward. Sammon has a big call to make there for the Conn Final. Agreed with the rest of your summary, Breathnach experiment has come to a natural conclusion after yesterday and the rest of the team more or less picks itself at this stage.
Yeah I agree Bradshaw has done nothing wrong so far even though I think his future is further out the field. A top corner back may really put him to the test but he can only mark who's put in front of him I guess and he's done that pretty well so far.
Disappointed too and all-round generally cranky (more about not being in the qualifiers than anything, Leitrim were very good at times yesterday but Galway were better) but there are a few things grating with me....
- One championship win of note in 4 years (excluiding NY and London) - bad return given the good players we have
- Counting extra time games as drawn in these 8 championship games our points difference over 70 mins is -8, an average of a -1 point a game of which we have won just one !! (Under O'Mahoney in the 90s we seemed to win every friggin' game by a point, sometimes didn't deserve to)
- For the second time in salthill we,ve got back to within 1 or 2 only to concede a soft goal immediately....aaarggh, head-wrecking!
- Not taking the first couple of rounds of the league seriously and losing the first two games
- Still p**ed off with the desperate decisions that went against us playing Fermanagh when we had them beat off the park - Ulster ref
- Having a crucial point against Limerick chalked off as the ref blew while it was in the air going over the bar - Munster ref
- The lack of atmosphere at Galway matches compared to Leitrim vs Mayo or Roscommon, last year's game against Donegal was electric the best ever. they were league champions took us very seriously and brought thousands to Carrick-on-Shannon.But that's Galway's problem
- Mind you having said that, the Galway fans you meet at matches do tend to be friendly and knowledgeable, quality over quantity perhaps. Ros take note ;D ;D. (Might be on thin ice here as there were some right ignorant Leitrim fans close to me yesterday, I suppose all counties must suffer them
- Magpie Seanie bleating on about Leitrim fans not supporting Sligo when any such folks are clearly in the minority. I remember the 90s when there very many people from North Leitrim like myself, going into Markievicz to give Sligo a cheer. He might know one or two but they are the exception
- But being honest despite some things that have gone against us much of our misfortune is self-inflicted - the source of my crankiness
Anyway while I'm ranting, isn't it amazing that in the 4 years under Dolan, nobody has ever played well against us in the championship!!
Our record....
Sligo won 4 or 5 pts Carrick 2005, Galway lost 3pts in Salthill 2005, Meath lost extra-time 2005, Mayo lost 1 pt 2006, Sligo lost 1 pt 2006, Galway lost 4 pts 2007, Donegal lost extra time 2007, Galway lost 4 pts 2008. Not once did any of those teams say or reported that they played well - I find it irritating since on many occassions those teams often played outstanding football for periods of the game particularly Mayo for spells in 2006 and Donegal last year in an absolute belter of a game, but if teams somehow aren't able to keep us under the kosh for 70 minutes they haven't played well.
Its a load of b**ll*x, Galway in fact played very well at times yesterday particularly at the start -- free-flowing, very athletic, very sharp. However they were playing a team who were never going to rollover and who themselves possess sufficient talented players to cause most teams problems. I thought it would be closer, and I was quietly confident beforehand, but Galway have improved under Liam Sammon; Leitrim yesterday would have beaten Peter Forde's Galway - that version of Galway would have been more susceptible to get thrown off their game and get into a scrappy dogfight, this Galway team kept playing varied ball, wide and up the middle, high and low ball too, looking for space and playing their own game, very composed under a potentially dangerous threat.
Analysis of the match to follow when I'm out of my sulk :'( :'( :'(.
Quote from: Solo Run on June 16, 2008, 04:03:47 PM
Its a load of b**ll*x, Galway in fact played very well at times yesterday particularly at the start -- free-flowing, very athletic, very sharp. However they were playing a team who were never going to rollover and who themselves possess sufficient talented players to cause most teams problems. I thought it would be closer, and I was quietly confident beforehand, but Galway have improved under Liam Sammon; Leitrim yesterday would have beaten Peter Forde's Galway - that version of Galway would have been more susceptible to get thrown off their game and get into a scrappy dogfight, this Galway team kept playing varied ball, wide and up the middle, high and low ball too, looking for space and playing their own game, very composed under a potentially dangerous threat.
First 20-25 minutes I actually though we played pretty well. Went 5 points up and it looked like Leitrim were barely hanging on but Maxwell's goal made a big difference to them. Leitrim players took heart from it and it gave them the appetite to fight hard for the remainder of the half and they finished the half strongly. Only for that goal Galway may have gone on to record a very comfortable win but goals change games and it became a real dogfight from then on.
Second half though I thought our finishing was poor enough especially after we went 6 points up. Think we hit 3 or 4 bad wides after that and that kept Leitrim in the game and they added a couple of scores on themselves.
It was an enjoyable enough game in fairness albeit a bit frustrating. Don't think it was quite as bad as the Sunday game seemed to think last night. There were some very good passages of play along with some poor enough passages of play.
QuoteMagpie Seanie bleating on about Leitrim fans not supporting Sligo
Grow up!
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 16, 2008, 04:28:42 PM
QuoteMagpie Seanie bleating on about Leitrim fans not supporting Sligo
Grow up!
Chill. Just stating what what you are like on this thread, nothing to do with growing up. Still shouting for Sligo anyway, Sligeach Abu!! ;D ;D
Quote from: Solo Run on June 16, 2008, 04:03:47 PM
Galway fans you meet at matches do tend to be friendly and knowledgeable, quality over quantity perhaps. Ros take note ;D ;D. (Might be on thin ice here
You are ya b*****. ;D
I'm glad ye got bet. ;D :P
QuoteDoherty to stay in goal. Think he has looked very steady this year.
Fitzy, Hanley and Burke for the full-back line. Fitzy back would be a help. Hanley seems to have awful trouble with Maxwell but generally he has done fine apart from that. Damien Burke seems to be not quite on the form of the past couple of years but I'd give him another chance.
Not sure about sticking with Burke. He was so far off the pace yesterday. It depends how hes going in training. Still very concerned by Bradshaw though
QuoteDeccie, Coyne and Sice in the half-back line. Blake doesn't look like he'll recover from his injury troubles at this stage and yesterday Mullahy was not as impressive as he was in the league which raises concerns about his mobility when the ground gets harder.
People are being a bit hard on Mullahy. He stuck to his man and played most of the second half at corner back (where he was actually tighter on his man than Hanley or Sice) but I would be keen to bring Coyne (or Blake) back in. Far too much in front of our full back line
QuoteCullinane has to play. Only physically imposing midfielder we have. Coleman has probably done enough to get a spot beside him. Lydon after a couple of good showings in the league has been anonymous in the last two games.
Yeah, Lydon was very lucky to get a 2nd chance aginst Leitrim. He didnt take it so we are left with Cullinane & Colemen
QuoteI'd stick with Conroy, PJ and Nicky for the half-forward line. Fair enough the game passed Conroy by yesterday a little but he'll be better for the experience.
Agree again here. Conroy was a little unlucky to be taken off. He didnt do much but he probably deserved to stay on for a few more minutes.
QuoteFull-forward line of Clancy, Meehan and Bane. Breathnach's hard work can't continue to cover up his lack of actual ability. Bane may not work as hard but at least he knows where the posts are..
Would rather see Bane used a a sub. He seems to bang over the scores when he comes on but when he starts, hes always the first to be taken off!
Always start your best 15 and based on yesterday, Bane will be in the pre match parade next day out...............
Quote from: Solo Run on June 16, 2008, 04:58:03 PM
Quote from: magpie seanie on June 16, 2008, 04:28:42 PM
QuoteMagpie Seanie bleating on about Leitrim fans not supporting Sligo
Grow up!
Chill. Just stating what what you are like on this thread, nothing to do with growing up. Still shouting for Sligo anyway, Sligeach Abu!! ;D ;D
To be honest its always nice to hear other counties supporting us, hopefully rossfan will follow your example solo run ;). But only when it is genuine. Its purely based on the individual though as seanie said alot hated us winning last yr and that is true but alot were genuinely delighted.
Agree with what most of what's been said about the Galway performance. Played well at some stages but have the players and ability to do better in future games. Another display like that and Mayo/Sligo will walk away with the cup on July 13th. Midfield is a disaster area, and it's putting severe pressure on an already shaky defence. Anyone any suggestions on who could be brought in? I'll get the ball rolling, our own Micheal Keane was one of our best players in last year's championship and he had the upper hand on Lydon last day against Moycullen. Big lump of a lad, 6 foot 5 at least, brother of Alan Keane. (No jokes please ::))Any others?
QuoteAlways start your best 15 and based on yesterday, Bane will be in the pre match parade next day out...............
You miss my point. A starting Cormac Bane will not be as good as he was the last day. Therefore, its not your best 15.
QuoteAgree with what most of what's been said about the Galway performance. Played well at some stages but have the players and ability to do better in future games. Another display like that and Mayo/Sligo will walk away with the cup on July 13th. Midfield is a disaster area, and it's putting severe pressure on an already shaky defence. Anyone any suggestions on who could be brought in? I'll get the ball rolling, our own Micheal Keane was one of our best players in last year's championship and he had the upper hand on Lydon last day against Moycullen. Big lump of a lad, 6 foot 5 at least, brother of Alan Keane. (No jokes please )Any others?
Brian Conneely from Barna could be worth a look. Interesting that you chose Keane. I dont know much about him but isnt Tom Hughes already on the panel? Is Keane better than him? If not, then there is not much sense in bringing him in.
Quote from: Galforever on June 17, 2008, 10:20:11 AM
Brian Conneely from Barna could be worth a look. Interesting that you chose Keane. I dont know much about him but isnt Tom Hughes already on the panel? Is Keane better than him? If not, then there is not much sense in bringing him in.
Yeah big Tom is there alright but to be honest I think Micheal is the better footballer. He's a bit more mobile and he's a decent passer of the ball,not afraid to take responsibility either, he scored the levelling point in our game against Moycullen and he's more than held his own against most of the midfielders on the county panel at the moment (in club games obviously). I'll put it this way, he's no worse than what's there already (ie Lydon, Cullinane, Tom Hughes), I'm not saying he's the answer to our problems now or anything, just think it'd be interesting to see how he's get on at county level. What's this Conneely lad like? Don't think I've seen him play.
Quote from: Galforever on June 17, 2008, 10:20:11 AM
QuoteAlways start your best 15 and based on yesterday, Bane will be in the pre match parade next day out...............
You miss my point. A starting Cormac Bane will not be as good as he was the last day. Therefore, its not your best 15.
Quote
I unserstand your entirely Gal, but he has earned the right to be in the first 15 based on his impact the last day. As to whether he will be as good or not, well we will just have to wait and see. He didnt do too bad when starting v Mayo in Salthill last year ;) Put it this way, right now he is ahead of Breathnach, Armstrong, Dunleavy and probably Conroy in the pecking order for the Connacht Final.
Isn't Dunleavy injured? Thought I heard he got injured during a game for Kilkerrin/Clonberne before the Leitrim match.
Quote from: Duine Eile on June 17, 2008, 11:50:34 AM
Isn't Dunleavy injured? Thought I heard he got injured during a game for Kilkerrin/Clonberne before the Leitrim match.
I think your right DE. The lad has had some terrible luck these past few years with injuries, which is a pity as he is a very decent footballer and seemed to be coming into form towarss the end of the league with good performances v mayo and Kerry. Hopefully its nothing too serious.
QuoteI'll put it this way, he's no worse than what's there already (ie Lydon, Cullinane, Tom Hughes), I'm not saying he's the answer to our problems now or anything, just think it'd be interesting to see how he's get on at county level.
Well, the more ideas we have at midfield, the better!
QuoteWhat's this Conneely lad like? Don't think I've seen him play.
He played underage for Galway a few years ago in the half-forward line. I have seen him a few times this year for Barna at midfield and he impressed me a lot. He wouldnt have a hughe physique like Cullinane though. Im not sure he would be up to it at inter county level but like GaillimhIarthair I think that he is probably not far off the level of players already in there.. I think Sammon needs to be very open minded about bringing in players like this to see if he can come up with somebody.
QuoteIsn't Dunleavy injured? Thought I heard he got injured during a game for Kilkerrin/Clonberne before the Leitrim match.
The connacht tribune reported that he broke a bone in his foot and it is now in a plaster.
It's all got a sense of deja vu about it really...
Good league form -check
Struggle to beat Leitrim -check
Hopeless at midfield -check
50/50 with Mayo in Connacht Final -check
Probably unable to win All-Ireland Quarter Fianl (or previous qualifier game) -check
I think we have progressed very little in the last year contrary to the local opinion. It seems that we keep coming back to the same players, Comer coming on for example the last day and it is very hard to see us make a breakthrough with the same set of players
that haven't in the last few years.
At present if we meet Mayo in the Connacht Final we will be destroyed at midfield and we would be very unlikely
to win it in that case.
QuoteComer coming on for example the last day and it is very hard to see us make a breakthrough with the same set of players
In fairness, Comer only came on after we lost Coyne, Fitzgerald, Blake & Damien Burke!
mayo have absolutely nothing to fear, galway have only one player and thats joyce, meehan will do his usual houdini act against mayo- the stats speak for themselves he is either off form every time he plays mayo or is just terrified of them- galway have nothing in midfield - 6-7 point mayo win in the final
Quote from: myball22 on June 17, 2008, 05:58:40 PM
It's all got a sense of deja vu about it really...
Good league form -check
Struggle to beat Leitrim -check
Hopeless at midfield -check
50/50 with Mayo in Connacht Final -check
Probably unable to win All-Ireland Quarter Fianl (or previous qualifier game) -check
I think we have progressed very little in the last year contrary to the local opinion. It seems that we keep coming back to the same players, Comer coming on for example the last day and it is very hard to see us make a breakthrough with the same set of players
that haven't in the last few years.
At present if we meet Mayo in the Connacht Final we will be destroyed at midfield and we would be very unlikely
to win it in that case.
But is this not the same check list every year... In all fairness at least we are trying to play football this year instead of the shite we have been watchin for the last few years under Forde.
Galway have a lot of injuries including our best and most experienced midfielder. In fairness to Salmon he has done his best to bring new talent thru especially in Midfield.
So against Mayo it's 50/50... I believe Galway are better than last year and I wonder have Mayo improved at all...
Galway are going in the right direction... Letrim games are hard for Galway because they are never as bad as perceived by joe Public.. Actually they got some fine players.. They play with alot of pride..
So roll on the final, probably against Mayo.. Good day out... By the way beating Mayo does not mean Galway is any good, it just means we managed to beat them in a derby match on the day..
Where are Galway in the all ireland pecking order?.. Hard to say really. Galway are hard to judge even when they are good.. In 98 the players didn't even think they would win.. In 2001 we lost to Roscommon..
Quote from: thehulk!! on June 18, 2008, 02:01:13 PM
mayo have absolutely nothing to fear, galway have only one player and thats joyce, meehan will do his usual houdini act against mayo- the stats speak for themselves he is either off form every time he plays mayo or is just terrified of them- galway have nothing in midfield - 6-7 point mayo win in the final
Be careful Hulk, the last thing you need is Sligonian on your case for dismissing them out of hand and assuming Mayo will be in the Connacht Final :D Other than that , much appreciate your very insightful analysis. I expect you to make a valuable contribution to the board during your short stay ;)