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The countdown can begin to the trip across the water. Are many going?

Mayo championship squad  of 30 due to be announced at training tonight. James Horan has said that a number of the players who travelled to Inishkeen on Sunday last have not made the 30:
http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12405:mayo-panel-cut-to-30&catid=14&Itemid=100008 (http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12405:mayo-panel-cut-to-30&catid=14&Itemid=100008)

It also sounds like Ronan McGarrity could be a doubt for this game.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 12, 2011, 01:37:06 PM
The countdown can begin to the trip across the water. Are many going?

Mayo championship squad  of 30 due to be announced at training tonight. James Horan has said that a number of the players who travelled to Inishkeen on Sunday last have not made the 30:
http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12405:mayo-panel-cut-to-30&catid=14&Itemid=100008 (http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12405:mayo-panel-cut-to-30&catid=14&Itemid=100008)

It also sounds like Ronan McGarrity could be a doubt for this game.

Your quick off the mark R&GS! This game is about 6 weeks away! What are we going to talk about from now until then? ;)

I suppose rumours of injuries, county challenge and exhibition matches, how county players are moving in club league games might keep us going, but since you started the thread you better be on the ball for the next 6 weeks. ;)

Its a nervous week for a lot of players, there will be a few lumps in throats and prides hurt after tonight's announcement.

Id say it is one of the hardest decisions a Mayo management team will have to make, to pick just a 30 lads from the current group of nearly 40 players in contention. I suppose in one sense it proves that there is more talent in the county that we gave thought for before Horan took over.

Some cuts may be more obvious than others, but my heart goes out to any lad that gets his cards tonight. It wont be the end of the road for a lot of them, but it could be the end for some I guess.


Edit: Whats the story with McGarity's injury?

Also, to answer your question - Yes im making the trip to London for the game ;D
Are you heading over? 

Was there in 06 - was a scorcher of a day and more people were hanging around the clubhouse drinking pint bottles than were looking at the match!  :D

Thinking about going again this year - only thing is it's on same weekend as Champ Lge final is in Wembley I think, so prices could be sky high. Must decide in the next couple of weeks either way.

Saw that about the panel being cut tonight - will be interesting to see who makes it, and even though it's not a very nice thing to say, could be more interesting to see who doesn't make it.

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 12, 2011, 01:57:32 PM

Your quick off the mark R&GS! This game is about 6 weeks away! What are we going to talk about from now until then? ;)

I suppose rumours of injuries, county challenge and exhibition matches, how county players are moving in club league games might keep us going, but since you started the thread you better be on the ball for the next 6 weeks. ;)

Its a nervous week for a lot of players, there will be a few lumps in throats and prides hurt after tonight's announcement.

Id say it is one of the hardest decisions a Mayo management team will have to make, to pick just a 30 lads from the current group of nearly 40 players in contention. I suppose in one sense it proves that there is more talent in the county that we gave thought for before Horan took over.

Some cuts may be more obvious than others, but my heart goes out to any lad that gets his cards tonight. It wont be the end of the road for a lot of them, but it could be the end for some I guess.

Ah sure the Ulster biys are off the mark already so it seems right we should follow seeing as we talk such a good game! Yeah, club games and injury news and the like will keep us going.

I was talking to one player over the weekend who reckons he is borderline. He is very anxious and me telling him that I thought he would make it didn't really give him much comfort! My heart will go out to him if he doesn't make it, as it will to anyone who doesn't make it. Regardless of what any of us think in terms of how lads have performed and how good they are, all of them have put in a big effort and to miss the cut at this stage is not easy. And not an easy call for management either.

Quote from: Tubberman on April 12, 2011, 01:59:25 PM
...
Thinking about going again this year - only thing is it's on same weekend as Champ Lge final is in Wembley I think, so prices could be sky high. Must decide in the next couple of weeks either way.
...

Ya city centre hotel prices have rocketed a bit but I think if you stayed up around Watford or Ruslip it would be fine for accom
Flights with Ryanair are still reasonable but the times are not great :(

Quote from: Tubberman on April 12, 2011, 01:59:25 PM
Was there in 06 - was a scorcher of a day and more people were hanging around the clubhouse drinking pint bottles than were looking at the match!  :D

Thinking about going again this year - only thing is it's on same weekend as Champ Lge final is in Wembley I think, so prices could be sky high. Must decide in the next couple of weeks either way.

Saw that about the panel being cut tonight - will be interesting to see who makes it, and even though it's not a very nice thing to say, could be more interesting to see who doesn't make it.

I was there too and, mother of God, what a scorcher it was is right. I was on the pint bottles purely for the cure after a heavy Saturday night! I don't think flights are too bad yet but I would book them before tonight because if United qualify for the semi-finals - and that will be a 'softish' draw against Schalke probably, then expect a rush on bookings. Was trying to get a CL ticket too but missed the lottery date. Will be a great atmosphere all day Saturday though with the Heineken Cup final in the afternoon on TV and the CL Final in the evening. Think I'll go myself but will need to book the flights now!

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 12, 2011, 02:04:37 PM
I was talking to one player over the weekend who reckons he is borderline. He is very anxious and me telling him that I thought he would make it didn't really give him much comfort! My heart will go out to him if he doesn't make it, as it will to anyone who doesn't make it. Regardless of what any of us think in terms of how lads have performed and how good they are, all of them have put in a big effort and to miss the cut at this stage is not easy. And not an easy call for management either.

I dont think its fair that we even go into who could be in or who could be out before its actually announced tonight as its that close for some players. In my head, I can only have a guess at possibly 4, and its impossible to tell after that really.

As I said before they may try and officially have 2 goalkeepers, 12 defenders, 4 midfielders and 12 forwards with 2 - 4 more guys coming along to trainings to make up the numbers for games now and again. I do have a funny feeling that they may keep even more than than on programs for fitness and strength and conditioning so if they have potential for next year, they are not too far behind.

I hope to be there all going well. Champions league final ticket sorted, hope United get there now and cure to be had in Ruislip the next day!

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 03:44:57 PM
I hope to be there all going well. Champions league final ticket sorted, hope United get there now and cure to be had in Ruislip the next day!

This may be a stupid question but where did you get tickets?
I took a quick look online and the cheapest are over £ 1k !!

Is there anywhere someone could get a ticket at this stage?

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 12, 2011, 05:02:15 PM

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 03:44:57 PM
I hope to be there all going well. Champions league final ticket sorted, hope United get there now and cure to be had in Ruislip the next day!

This may be a stupid question but where did you get tickets?
I took a quick look online and the cheapest are over £ 1k !!

Is there anywhere someone could get a ticket at this stage?

Cousins are season ticket holders and have a few contacts in Manchester. Think the tickets are from another premier league club as far as i know...All Ireland final kind of job like when you end up getting your ticket from Carlow. :D

There was some craic the last time Mayo played in London! The Crown was mental. Id say there will be some crowd around with the Mayo gang living in London and the fact its a bank holiday here.

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 05:12:29 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 12, 2011, 05:02:15 PM

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 03:44:57 PM
I hope to be there all going well. Champions league final ticket sorted, hope United get there now and cure to be had in Ruislip the next day!

This may be a stupid question but where did you get tickets?
I took a quick look online and the cheapest are over £ 1k !!

Is there anywhere someone could get a ticket at this stage?

Cousins are season ticket holders and have a few contacts in Manchester. Think the tickets are from another premier league club as far as i know...All Ireland final kind of job like when you end up getting your ticket from Carlow. :D

Fair play to you ballinaman CL final in Wembley should be a cracker.


As for the Ruislip game, London have improved..they play more defensive these days but after a early scare i'd expect a 15+ pts win for Mayo.

Quote from: Tubberman on April 12, 2011, 01:59:25 PM
Was there in 06 - was a scorcher of a day and more people were hanging around the clubhouse drinking pint bottles than were looking at the match!  :D

Same last year  , the clubhouse rooms were all full with about 1500 looking at the game
The GAA annual report gave an official attendance of 3,400 or so :o
They must have counted everyone that came in the front gate all day long.

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 05:12:29 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 12, 2011, 05:02:15 PM

Quote from: ballinaman on April 12, 2011, 03:44:57 PM
I hope to be there all going well. Champions league final ticket sorted, hope United get there now and cure to be had in Ruislip the next day!

This may be a stupid question but where did you get tickets?
I took a quick look online and the cheapest are over £ 1k !!

Is there anywhere someone could get a ticket at this stage?

Cousins are season ticket holders and have a few contacts in Manchester. Think the tickets are from another premier league club as far as i know...All Ireland final kind of job like when you end up getting your ticket from Carlow. :D

I'm on the lookout too but no luck yet. Has the possibility of being a great weekend and liking the look of United's prospects of being there. Would be something else to see them in a final and Barcelona being there would be an unbelievable bonus as well.

dont think ill bother with champions league final not that interested in  Real V schalke

and these prices are in funny money note theAdministration fees are: 26.00 GBP  FFS

There are four price categories available for the general public:

Category 1: 300.00 GBP
Category 2: 225.00 GBP (Youth Package: 338.00 GBP)
Category 3: 150.00 GBP
Wheelchair: 80.00 GBP

Administration fees are: 26.00 GBP (inside Europe) and 36.00 GBP (outside Europe)

So its probably common knowledge that there were some cuts since the weekend. Some fairly big names wont be involved in 2011. Very brave calls by the management.

Those I heard that got cut so far are:

Barry Moran, Aidan Kilcoyne, Mark Ronaldson, Brian Benson, Tom Parsons

I think that Kevin Dolan and Rochford and a couple more are being given a chance to prove themselves in the next few weeks which suggests there will be a final cut before Ruslip?

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 13, 2011, 09:04:04 AM
So its probably common knowledge that there were some cuts since the weekend. Some fairly big names wont be involved in 2011. Very brave calls by the management.

Those I heard that got cut so far are:

Barry Moran, Aidan Kilcoyne, Mark Ronaldson, Brian Benson, Tom Parsons

I think that Kevin Dolan and Rochford and a couple more are being given a chance to prove themselves in the next few weeks which suggests there will be a final cut before Ruslip?

Heard those names myself. Brave calls is right but there's a justification for each of them too I guess. Each has a lot to offer but it is a sign of where we are at now that they are considered good enough. Of them, Barry Moran is probably the most unlucky in terms of not getting much game time but that's probably why he didn't make it - too injury prone.

Why does the panel have to be trimmed to 30??

If some of these lads are flying in the club championship next July/August (and presuming Mayo still have an interest in the championship), is there room to bring some of these back into the panel??

Without being Mayo specific I think all intercounty panels are now pretty much "openended". Personally think that 30 in a panel is about 5 players too many as there will be at least that amount just" making up the numbers "so as to be able to have 15 a side games at training.

Quote from: macdanger2 on April 13, 2011, 12:43:15 PM
Why does the panel have to be trimmed to 30??

If some of these lads are flying in the club championship next July/August (and presuming Mayo still have an interest in the championship), is there room to bring some of these back into the panel??

money - more player on the panel more ham sandwiches needed
JOM operated a closed panel more or less .  it give player a sign or commitment from the manager or comfort level depending on your point of view. but i think it does encourage development of player rather than just looking for a replacement any time some one has a bad game

Very hard on those lads who have been dropped from the panel. They are fine footballers, wouldn't be surprised to see some of them back in the green and red at some stage in the future. It will be a tough few days for them though I'm sure.

Back to this London match - I've been looking up flights and they're still reasonable enough so I think I'll head over for the craic.
The only thing is, I haven't a clue of the geography of London! I know Ruislip is a nice bit out, but where would be a good area to stay for the weekend?
I'd imagine Ruislip would be fairly dead generally, is there an area that would be reasonably priced but handy enough to get to the lively spots and also get train out to Ruislip on Sunday morning!?
Anyone else booked a spot to stay yet?

Lads is it easy to get to Ruislip on the tube from say Liverpool Street Station and how long would it take. Would you be able to make it back after the match without resorting to taxis via the tupe pretty handy after the match?

Hard luck on all concerned.  My first reaction is one of sympathy for those being let go. I'd hate to be in James Horan's shoes right now as he has to take tough decisions at times and I guess this was one of them.
I'd feel that Aidan as well as Barry was hampered lately by injuries and this told against them. However, speculation about anyone is pointless as only the manager and his team know the full story. I think we have had players in other counties added to and dropped from championship panels as the season progressed so we may some or all of them in Horan's plans again.

Not overly surprised about Kilcoyne's omission from the panel. However, he will probably feel annoyed himself as when he gets a run in the green and red he is usually good enough and can hack it. Unfortunate injuries told against him. Hopefully he will be back at some stage though. Ditto Barry Moran, who always seems to be injured for some reason or another.

does anyone have the definative list ?

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 13, 2011, 09:04:04 AM
So its probably common knowledge that there were some cuts since the weekend. Some fairly big names wont be involved in 2011. Very brave calls by the management.

Those I heard that got cut so far are:

Barry Moran, Aidan Kilcoyne, Mark Ronaldson, Brian Benson, Tom Parsons

I think that Kevin Dolan and Rochford and a couple more are being given a chance to prove themselves in the next few weeks which suggests there will be a final cut before Ruslip?

When ye beat us last Jan in the FBD (our only defeat in 2011 so far i might add) Benson & Ronaldson where the two main scorers.. just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

Quote from: ross4life on April 13, 2011, 10:06:55 PM
just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

You're right you know. Sure maybe we should just have a few round robin matches to see who comes second in Connacht this year??? ;)

Quote from: Tubberman on April 13, 2011, 07:01:19 PM
Very hard on those lads who have been dropped from the panel. They are fine footballers, wouldn't be surprised to see some of them back in the green and red at some stage in the future. It will be a tough few days for them though I'm sure.

Back to this London match - I've been looking up flights and they're still reasonable enough so I think I'll head over for the craic.
The only thing is, I haven't a clue of the geography of London! I know Ruislip is a nice bit out, but where would be a good area to stay for the weekend?
I'd imagine Ruislip would be fairly dead generally, is there an area that would be reasonably priced but handy enough to get to the lively spots and also get train out to Ruislip on Sunday morning!?
Anyone else booked a spot to stay yet?

The Crown in Cricklewood is usually the Mayo base for the weekend Tubberman. We stayed there in 2006 and it was a great spot on the Friday and Saturday nights. I'll probably not be staying there this time around - it is quite expensive, but Cricklewood is a decent base. The city centre is A1 too, especially with a view to being in there to get a good spot on Saturday to watch the Heineken Cup final and the Champions League final. And Ruislip is accessible enough by Tube, just can't remember which one.

Quote from: ildanach on April 13, 2011, 08:42:25 PM
does anyone have the definative list ?

There isn't one yet because it isn't cut to thirty just yet. Some more lads are being given a chance to prove themselves because they haven't had much of that thus far - Kevin Dolan, Ronan Rochford etc - and others might not be safe yet, as they're returning from injury - S O'Shea, Vaughan and Howley.

I make the below list to be all that are currently in, which comes to 32 so two more to be culled. I haven't included Cathal Freeman who I think has been dropped some time back but I could not swear to that.

Robbie Hennelly, David Clarke
Alan Feeney, Keith Higgins, Richie Feeney, Ger Cafferkey, Cathal Hallinan, Tom Cunniffe, James Burke, Peadar Gardiner, Lee Keegan, Eoghan Reilly, Ronan Rochford, Kevin McLoughlin, Chris Barrett, Ruaidhri O'Connor, Trevor Howley, Donal Vaughan
Ronan McGarrity, Jason Gibbons, Aidan O'Shea, Seamie O'Shea, James Kilcullen
Alan Dillon, Andy Moran, Aidan Campbell, Alan Freeman, Jason Doherty, Enda Varley, Neil Douglas, Kevin Dolan, Cillian O'Connor.

I can't see us dropping a forward from that selection so it looks like two defenders to me to go. I would hope though that the panel is kept reasonably open ended - if someone's form completely disappears, he shouldn't be kept on and, by the same token, if someone is shooting the lights out, they'd be brought in.

Quote from: ross4life on April 13, 2011, 10:06:55 PM

When ye beat us last Jan in the FBD (our only defeat in 2011 so far i might add) Benson & Ronaldson where the two main scorers.. just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

Go on away out of that back to the New York thread you cute hoor. That was a very weak Roscommon team as I'm sure you'll agree. Actually, I think you did agree or am I mistaken?

Quote from: ross4life on January 23, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
How many of that Mayo team today would be first 15? for Roscommon about 5 i would say.

You need a bit of practice at playing the poor mouth ;D

5 weeks until the london game there is time enough naming a panel the weeks off it and keeping another 10 on stand by with a chance to rejoin if they are playing well or injuries occur

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 14, 2011, 12:58:45 PM
The Crown in Cricklewood is usually the Mayo base for the weekend Tubberman. We stayed there in 2006 and it was a great spot on the Friday and Saturday nights. I'll probably not be staying there this time around - it is quite expensive, but Cricklewood is a decent base. The city centre is A1 too, especially with a view to being in there to get a good spot on Saturday to watch the Heineken Cup final and the Champions League final. And Ruislip is accessible enough by Tube, just can't remember which one.

The Crown in Cricklewood is booked out for months on the Saturday night. We hope to stay in the city centre but hotels are a little expensive with the Champions League final in town.

R&GS, is the Heineken Cup final not on May 21st?

Yeah, hands up. I was going off second hand info there that said it was on May 28. Anyway, still a good Saturday to be around London. And we won't be in a quare state at midnight so if we don't have to be in the pubs for a 3pm rugby game - although many might do that 'to get a clear run of things'!

The champions league is on the 28th.
I was in the Crown the last time and it was mental! Id imagine this time will be no quiter.
There is f**k all around Ruislip, its not the easiest place to get to especially at weekends when there is a lot of work being carried out on the underground lines.
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/livetravelnews/planned-works/calendar/default.aspx
You can get to ruislip on the central line from the city centre ( around 50mins) id say it would be better to try and base yourself nearer the centre and make your way out to the game on the day unless you know the place and have a base sorted.

Have been to Galway v London twice so far in 1999 and 2004. Good craic for the weekend for sure. I think the last weekend in May is usually a bank holiday over in the UK. It was definitely a bank holiday when we were over in 2004 anyway.
My advice would be to stay in the centre of London and just travel out to Ruislip on the day of the game. The nightlife around the centre of London is very good. It's a class city in fairness.
Much better off taking in all that the city has to offer by staying central & travelling out via the tube on the day of the match. We got the underground from city centre right out to Ruislip the last time. Took about 45mins to an hour from what I remember. Just get a 3 day travel pass and you can use the underground unlimited times. Brilliant way to get around.
Ye can hang around Ruislip/Cricklewood etc for a while after the game on the Sunday and taxi it back to city centre later. That's the way we did it the 2 times we were there anyway and it worked out well.

Anywhere around central London would be handy as the public transport is so good. We stayed at Jurys Kensinton the last time which was grand. Also stayed in Paddington last summer which was also handy. Stayed in EasyHotel Paddington where the rooms are tiny but I think I paid only £35 per night for a single room. Was perfect for me as I was out and about the whole time.

Quote from: galwayman on April 14, 2011, 04:44:38 PM
Have been to Galway v London twice so far in 1999 and 2004. Good craic for the weekend for sure. I think the last weekend in May is usually a bank holiday over in the UK. It was definitely a bank holiday when we were over in 2004 anyway.
My advice would be to stay in the centre of London and just travel out to Ruislip on the day of the game. The nightlife around the centre of London is very good. It's a class city in fairness.
Much better off taking in all that the city has to offer by staying central & travelling out via the tube on the day of the match. We got the underground from city centre right out to Ruislip the last time. Took about 45mins to an hour from what I remember. Just get a 3 day travel pass and you can use the underground unlimited times. Brilliant way to get around.
Ye can hang around Ruislip/Cricklewood etc for a while after the game on the Sunday and taxi it back to city centre later. That's the way we did it the 2 times we were there anyway and it worked out well.

Anywhere around central London would be handy as the public transport is so good. We stayed at Jurys Kensinton the last time which was grand. Also stayed in Paddington last summer which was also handy. Stayed in EasyHotel Paddington where the rooms are tiny but I think I paid only £35 per night for a single room. Was perfect for me as I was out and about the whole time.

Cheers for that galwayman. Could you recommend many good spots to watch the Champions League final in London? Pubs I mean, not Wembley! Which I'm not giving up hope on yet but a man needs a plan B.

Ye Connacht lads get great trips to New York and London every year, we can only look forward to an auld trip up to Jones Road a couple of times a year or so  :P

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 14, 2011, 01:17:10 PM

Quote from: ross4life on April 13, 2011, 10:06:55 PM

When ye beat us last Jan in the FBD (our only defeat in 2011 so far i might add) Benson & Ronaldson where the two main scorers.. just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

Go on away out of that back to the New York thread you cute hoor. That was a very weak Roscommon team as I'm sure you'll agree. Actually, I think you did agree or am I mistaken?

Quote from: ross4life on January 23, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
How many of that Mayo team today would be first 15? for Roscommon about 5 i would say.

You need a bit of practice at playing the poor mouth ;D

You are mistaken.


Don't need to practice any poor mouth, remember we are the ones that have to endure long famines after each Connacht title.

My point was about Mayos Strength in depth which seems to be a touchy subject among Mayo folks?

For example.. In that FBD game Mark Ronaldson scored 1-7 but now he can't make the panel  :o  & about 9/10 of that Roscommon team will now play in the Championship due to a long injury list we now have.

Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2011, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 14, 2011, 01:17:10 PM

Quote from: ross4life on April 13, 2011, 10:06:55 PM

When ye beat us last Jan in the FBD (our only defeat in 2011 so far i might add) Benson & Ronaldson where the two main scorers.. just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

Go on away out of that back to the New York thread you cute hoor. That was a very weak Roscommon team as I'm sure you'll agree. Actually, I think you did agree or am I mistaken?

Quote from: ross4life on January 23, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
How many of that Mayo team today would be first 15? for Roscommon about 5 i would say.

You need a bit of practice at playing the poor mouth ;D

You are mistaken.


Don't need to practice any poor mouth, remember we are the ones that have to endure long famines after each Connacht title.

My point was about Mayos Strength in depth which seems to be a touchy subject among Mayo folks?

For example.. In that FBD game Mark Ronaldson scored 1-7 but now he can't make the panel  :o  & about 9/10 of that Roscommon team will now play in the Championship due to a long injury list we now have.

If the team you played in the FBD, or anything close to that, goes out in the Connacht championship ye are indeed in trouble. But I don't see that happening myself.

Quote from: ross4life on April 15, 2011, 04:22:26 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 14, 2011, 01:17:10 PM

Quote from: ross4life on April 13, 2011, 10:06:55 PM

When ye beat us last Jan in the FBD (our only defeat in 2011 so far i might add) Benson & Ronaldson where the two main scorers.. just gives example of the shear strength in depth you guys have  :o

I really can't see past ye for connacht this summer.

Go on away out of that back to the New York thread you cute hoor. That was a very weak Roscommon team as I'm sure you'll agree. Actually, I think you did agree or am I mistaken?

Quote from: ross4life on January 23, 2011, 05:08:37 PM
How many of that Mayo team today would be first 15? for Roscommon about 5 i would say.

You need a bit of practice at playing the poor mouth ;D

You are mistaken.


Don't need to practice any poor mouth, remember we are the ones that have to endure long famines after each Connacht title.

My point was about Mayos Strength in depth which seems to be a touchy subject among Mayo folks?

For example.. In that FBD game Mark Ronaldson scored 1-7 but now he can't make the panel  :o  & about 9/10 of that Roscommon team will now play in the Championship due to a long injury list we now have.

Ronaldson is a rope Horan has made for himself. we still have hope he knows what hes doing

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 13, 2011, 09:04:04 AM
So its probably common knowledge that there were some cuts since the weekend. Some fairly big names wont be involved in 2011. Very brave calls by the management.

Those I heard that got cut so far are:

Barry Moran, Aidan Kilcoyne, Mark Ronaldson, Brian Benson, Tom Parsons

I think that Kevin Dolan and Rochford and a couple more are being given a chance to prove themselves in the next few weeks which suggests there will be a final cut before Ruslip?

Seems  you got it right, Abbey.

Five players cut from Mayo squad


Mike Finnerty

FIVE players have been released from the Mayo senior football squad following the end of the Allianz League last weekend.
Mayo manager James Horan informed Aidan Kilcoyne, Barry Moran, Tom Parsons, Mark Ronaldson and Brian Benson earlier this week that they would not be part of his plans for the upcoming Connacht championship campaign.
The Mayo News understands that a number of other players will be released in the coming weeks as the Mayo management team decide on the final 30 footballers that will make up their championship panel.
Among the newcomers who are still in line to be included in Mayo's championship panel for the first time are Alan Feeney, Richie Feeney, Robert Hennelly, Eoin O'Reilly, Lee Keegan, Cathal Hallinan, Ruaidhrí O'Connor, James Burke, Ronan Rochford, Jason Doherty and Jason Gibbons.
Donal Vaughan and Trevor Howley, both of whom have been sidelined with injuries so far this season, have also been retained in James Horan's plans.
Tourmakeady's Kevin Dolan, who broke his jaw three months ago during his inter-county debut against GMIT, has also been included.
However, it is the omission of Aidan Kilcoyne, Barry Moran, Tom Parsons and Mark Ronaldson that will generate most debate in Mayo GAA circles.
All four were part of Mayo's 2010 championship panel and the quartet also lined out at various stages of this season's National League campaign.
Charlestown's Tom Parsons started against Monaghan last Sunday, while Aidan Kilcoyne and Barry Moran, who has been suffering from a leg injury in recent months, were both introduced as second half substitutes.
However, Mark Ronaldson was an unused replacement last weekend.
Brian Benson, who had been training with the Mayo squad in recent months, did not feature in any of Mayo's seven league games. The Crossmolina forward did play against Roscommon in the FBD League before picking up an injury that stalled his progress.
Mayo begin their Connacht championship campaign against London in Ruislip on May 29.

http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12441:five-players-cut-from-mayo-squad-&catid=14&Itemid=100008

Ruaidhri O Connor was also let go from the panel. I didnt hear of anyone else

QuoteCheers for that galwayman. Could you recommend many good spots to watch the Champions League final in London? Pubs I mean, not Wembley! Which I'm not giving up hope on yet but a man needs a plan B.

www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/london/
I watched Galway v Sligo and England v Germany on a Sunday last summer in Waxy O'Connors in the Soho area of central London.
Was a grand spot to watch a game. It's fairly big and there's a few bars in the place so they can show different games on tvs in the different bars.
Went out to a pub not far away from that one of the nights called O'Neills, which was great craic.

If you're heading with a gang of mates and ye don't plan on spending much time in the hotel have a look at www.easyhotel.com.
The earlier you book the cheaper the room is as far as I know.Got a room for €20 in the EasyHotel in Berlin last year. Great value.
If heading with the missus I'd book elsewhere as the rooms are very small.

A ballycastle man manages O'Neills beside Waxys so id say the place would be wedged with Mayo lads ( as it is most weekends anyway!)

On the injury front at the weekend Seamie O'Shea picked up what appeared to be a pulled quad muscle. Richie Feeney didn't play for Mitchels either with a calf strain.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 18, 2011, 05:52:49 PM
On the injury front at the weekend Seamie O'Shea picked up what appeared to be a pulled quad muscle. Richie Feeney didn't play for Mitchels either with a calf strain.

FFS, regarding SOS - thats what happens when you get back from one injury, as you trying to get fit you get injured again. Hopefully he can make it back before too long, same for Richie.

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 19, 2011, 09:44:30 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 18, 2011, 05:52:49 PM
On the injury front at the weekend Seamie O'Shea picked up what appeared to be a pulled quad muscle. Richie Feeney didn't play for Mitchels either with a calf strain.

FFS, regarding SOS - thats what happens when you get back from one injury, as you trying to get fit you get injured again. Hopefully he can make it back before too long, same for Richie.

A major problem for SOS and others with niggling injuries is that the ground is mighty hard at the moment. I'd hate to see him go the way of Barry and Aidan. Maybe the others who were dropped were carrying injuries also.

Quote from: Lar Naparka on April 19, 2011, 10:28:27 AM

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 19, 2011, 09:44:30 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 18, 2011, 05:52:49 PM
On the injury front at the weekend Seamie O'Shea picked up what appeared to be a pulled quad muscle. Richie Feeney didn't play for Mitchels either with a calf strain.

FFS, regarding SOS - thats what happens when you get back from one injury, as you trying to get fit you get injured again. Hopefully he can make it back before too long, same for Richie.

A major problem for SOS and others with niggling injuries is that the ground is mighty hard at the moment. I'd hate to see him go the way of Barry and Aidan. Maybe the others who were dropped were carrying injuries also.

Yeah Seamie has been cursed with injuries. He's had Gilmore's Groin surgery in each groin and has had persistent ankle problems too. 2010 was the first time in a long time that he had a clear run from injury in pre-season and the signs of it was in his excellent form in the league before JOM tried to make an 11 out of him. I hope the injury isn't too bad but have heard nothing definite on it yet. Richie's injury is mild by comparison.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 19, 2011, 02:30:23 PM

Quote from: Lar Naparka on April 19, 2011, 10:28:27 AM

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 19, 2011, 09:44:30 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 18, 2011, 05:52:49 PM
On the injury front at the weekend Seamie O'Shea picked up what appeared to be a pulled quad muscle. Richie Feeney didn't play for Mitchels either with a calf strain.

FFS, regarding SOS - thats what happens when you get back from one injury, as you trying to get fit you get injured again. Hopefully he can make it back before too long, same for Richie.

A major problem for SOS and others with niggling injuries is that the ground is mighty hard at the moment. I'd hate to see him go the way of Barry and Aidan. Maybe the others who were dropped were carrying injuries also.

Yeah Seamie has been cursed with injuries. He's had Gilmore's Groin surgery in each groin and has had persistent ankle problems too. 2010 was the first time in a long time that he had a clear run from injury in pre-season and the signs of it was in his excellent form in the league before JOM tried to make an 11 out of him. I hope the injury isn't too bad but have heard nothing definite on it yet. Richie's injury is mild by comparison.

I know it's the grandfather in me coming out but I am genuinely concerned for the welfare Seamus, Barry and the rest of the lads we are discussing.
Carrying persistent injuries can only lead to trouble ahead.
I don't want to bring up the pros and cons of play for play but I would like to see the best medical care being available for players.
It won't eliminate career-threatening injuries but it could help to cut them down.
Top players have too many matches to play and too many training sessions to attend for their own good. Inter country panellists probably have excellent training and medical facilities -in Mayo at any rate. But the same can't be assumed when they are also playing for underage sides or at college or with their home clubs.
It's the nature of the baste, where young athletes are in question, to disregard advice    and to attempt to go on until they drop.
I don't really what can be done but I know one thing; something must.

Dillon confirmed as captain of Mayo, some comments on Trev

Quote
Dillon to captain Mayo

Alan Dillon has been named Mayo senior football captain for the championship season.

Captaincy duties rotated between Dillon and Andy Moran during the national football league, the latter being named as vice-captain for the summer competition.

Manager James Horan has also confirmed that last season's captain Trevor Mortimer is not completely out of his plans:

"It's not fair to say that Trevor is out of our plans at the moment. That story grew legs of its own.

"We've talked to him and he knows he's being assessed over these coming weeks, like a few other players."

Little fact here. On the last two occasions that London and Mayo have played in the Championship, Mayo have gone on to play in the All Ireland Final......1996 and 2006

Last two? did they not play them in 2001.

Quote from: ross4life on April 20, 2011, 03:35:21 PM
Last two? did they not play them in 2001.

London excluded in 2001 because of foot and mouth crisis. Probably just as well given team and manager they had that year.

Quote from: irunthev on April 20, 2011, 03:48:50 PM

Quote from: ross4life on April 20, 2011, 03:35:21 PM
Last two? did they not play them in 2001.

London excluded in 2001 because of foot and mouth crisis. Probably just as well given team and manager they had that year.

Fair enough, they probably didn't play any league games that year either?

Quote from: ross4life on April 20, 2011, 04:11:58 PM

Quote from: irunthev on April 20, 2011, 03:48:50 PM

Quote from: ross4life on April 20, 2011, 03:35:21 PM
Last two? did they not play them in 2001.

London excluded in 2001 because of foot and mouth crisis. Probably just as well given team and manager they had that year.

Fair enough, they probably didn't play any league games that year either?

Played pre Christmas Nat League games and were severely hammered in all and played one post Christmas game against Antrim and were crucified in it as well, then the  foot and mouth kicked in

Quote from: irunthev on April 20, 2011, 03:27:39 PM
Little fact here. On the last two occasions that London and Mayo have played in the Championship, Mayo have gone on to play in the All Ireland Final......1996 and 2006

Shhh!

Best of luck to Alan Dillon and Andy Moran as Mayo captain and vice captain, its a great honour for them.

I think its a role that will suit Dillon very much so. When he speaks in a dressing room people listen and when he was named as captain in games for Mayo this year he seemed to turn it on and play very well.

Andy too seems to talk a lot on the pitch and encourage players around him and also has the respect of everyone and is another natural leader.

I'm happy to see Alan get the captain's armband for the year, he has been a great servant for Mayo down the years, which seems to have been forever for a man who is still not even 30. One of the few names that you would have always down on your first 15 for Mayo for a long time now. As for Andy, your right Abbeyside he never seems to stop talking and encouraging players around him which is a great attribute in a leader. Looking forward to the London game first trip like this I'll be making for a Mayo game overseas.

Quote from: westmayo on April 21, 2011, 12:19:00 PM
I'm happy to see Alan get the captain's armband for the year, he has been a great servant for Mayo down the years, which seems to have been forever for a man who is still not even 30. One of the few names that you would have always down on your first 15 for Mayo for a long time now. As for Andy, your right Abbeyside he never seems to stop talking and encouraging players around him which is a great attribute in a leader. Looking forward to the London game first trip like this I'll be making for a Mayo game overseas.

Both guys seemed to have thrived on the leadership and responsibility so thats great to see and kind of exciting.

Sometimes the captains armband doesnt suit a player as the pressure of it gets to them in both cases I think they will excel.  :)

Quote from: westmayo on April 21, 2011, 12:19:00 PM
I'm happy to see Alan get the captain's armband for the year, he has been a great servant for Mayo down the years, which seems to have been forever for a man who is still not even 30. One of the few names that you would have always down on your first 15 for Mayo for a long time now. As for Andy, your right Abbeyside he never seems to stop talking and encouraging players around him which is a great attribute in a leader. Looking forward to the London game first trip like this I'll be making for a Mayo game overseas.

I think Horan has called it correctly in both instances. It has been very encouraging to note that both lads are back to their best; given the events of last season, I wouldn't blame either if they had decided that they could take no more.
However, they have continued on and both are showing admirable  willingness to take on responsibility and to lead by example. The younger lads will need their influence to keep shape in times to come.

Flights booked, flying into Stansted from Knock Friday morning, home Monday morning - but very early! Might have to behave Sunday night. Should be a great weekend, a nice few I know are going with the Champions League on as well.

In terms of the team, I reckon it is still fairly open. The team against London might change for the Galway game (assuming we win, of course) but we'll get a good idea of Horan's thinking all the same.

It is possibly a toss-up between Clarke and Hennelly in goal; Higgins will start at 4, Richie Feeney at 5 and Ger Caff at 6. I reckon Alan Feeney will get the nod at three with Cunniffe and Hallinan battling for 2. 7 is fairly wide open. I reckon it will be between Vaughan and Burke. I'd give Burke the nod, he potentially can offer us more there.

McGarrity will start at midfield, if fit. Aidan O'Shea or Kilcullen will partner him I think. Andy and Dillon in the half-forward line, Freeman and Doherty inside. McLoughlin to play at 10 or 13 with Campbell, A O'Shea (if not at midfield), Varley and C O'Connor in the running for the last spot.

I'd go with the following

Hennelly
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Burke
McGarrity Kilcullen
A O'Shea Dillon Moran
McLoughlin Freeman Doherty

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 22, 2011, 12:52:53 PM
Flights booked, flying into Stansted from Knock Friday morning, home Monday morning - but very early! Might have to behave Sunday night. Should be a great weekend, a nice few I know are going with the Champions League on as well.

Are we in the Champions league as well? Whatever people might say, Horan has done some job with us, getting us into the Champions league  ;D sorry, couldn't resist

Quote
I'd go with the following

Hennelly
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Burke
McGarrity Kilcullen
A O'Shea Dillon Moran
McLoughlin Freeman Doherty

I like the look of the forward six, would have a fit Harte in for O'Shea though.
Good man R&GS, you are the type of supporter that deserves a ticket anytime we're blessed to make Croke Park. Will be back home myself for the August bank holiday weekend, hopefully I'll be able to see the lads in the flesh at HQ.

Quote from: Bod Mor on April 22, 2011, 01:59:57 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 22, 2011, 12:52:53 PM
Flights booked, flying into Stansted from Knock Friday morning, home Monday morning - but very early! Might have to behave Sunday night. Should be a great weekend, a nice few I know are going with the Champions League on as well.

Are we in the Champions league as well? Whatever people might say, Horan has done some job with us, getting us into the Champions league  ;D sorry, couldn't resist

Quote
I'd go with the following

Hennelly
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Burke
McGarrity Kilcullen
A O'Shea Dillon Moran
McLoughlin Freeman Doherty

I like the look of the forward six, would have a fit Harte in for O'Shea though.
Good man R&GS, you are the type of supporter that deserves a ticket anytime we're blessed to make Croke Park. Will be back home myself for the August bank holiday weekend, hopefully I'll be able to see the lads in the flesh at HQ.

Knowing of RGS, he'll have his ticket anyway don't worry! ;)

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 22, 2011, 12:52:53 PM
Flights booked, flying into Stansted from Knock Friday morning, home Monday morning - but very early! Might have to behave Sunday night. Should be a great weekend, a nice few I know are going with the Champions League on as well.

In terms of the team, I reckon it is still fairly open. The team against London might change for the Galway game (assuming we win, of course) but we'll get a good idea of Horan's thinking all the same.

It is possibly a toss-up between Clarke and Hennelly in goal; Higgins will start at 4, Richie Feeney at 5 and Ger Caff at 6. I reckon Alan Feeney will get the nod at three with Cunniffe and Hallinan battling for 2. 7 is fairly wide open. I reckon it will be between Vaughan and Burke. I'd give Burke the nod, he potentially can offer us more there.

McGarrity will start at midfield, if fit. Aidan O'Shea or Kilcullen will partner him I think. Andy and Dillon in the half-forward line, Freeman and Doherty inside. McLoughlin to play at 10 or 13 with Campbell, A O'Shea (if not at midfield), Varley and C O'Connor in the running for the last spot.

I'd go with the following

Hennelly
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Burke
McGarrity Kilcullen
A O'Shea Dillon Moran
McLoughlin Freeman Doherty

Ya im all booked too. ;D Flying with Cunni Aer Lingus so the times are grand. We arrive in London on Saturday afternoon and fly home on Monday afternoon.

Perhaps we should organise a Mayo Gaaboard meet up before or after the game!

Regarding the team, its very hard to tell but I think he will be looking at some of the fellas that have not had as much game time like Vaughan, Howley and Seamus O Shea if they all make the final cut.

For those who have not heard, Dillon pulled his hamstring on Tuesday night and is expected to be out for a month. Its possible he will be back for the London game but they may not needlessly risk him either. I wonder is McGarity supposed to make it back for it too?

Its funny, I still think the London game could be used to see how some of the newer lads do.

I would guess the team would be something like the following:
Clarke
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Vaughan
Gibbons A O Shea
Campbell Moran McLoughlin
Doherty Freeman O Connor

I think they will play Clarke as he needs games from being out injured. Its still very close between them but Hennelly might get the nod against Galway.
I think Vaughan willl start and we could see Howley get a game at some stage to see what he has to offer.
I would like to see how Gibbons and AOS do as a midfiield pair as they could have a future together.
Cillian O Connor to come out to CF and McLoughlin to float from defence to attack, wherever he is needed.

McGarrity was still using crutches as of yesterday so i doubt they'll risk him.

If the match was on this weekend the heat (27c) would play a major factor in the game. Come the 29th of May the rain should be back for the Mayo lads  ;)

Quote from: ballinaman on April 22, 2011, 03:15:10 PM
McGarrity was still using crutches as of yesterday so i doubt they'll risk him.

Yeah. Only out of plaster so time is against him but he ll need game time as well. And looks like Dillon might not make it either. With more league rounds to go we can expect more casualties and some of those let go may yet get a recall sooner than later. We re actually lookin a bit thin for midfielders already. Accepting that Ronan, Dillon and SOS not going to figure I d be hoping for something like this. Clarke, Cuniffe, Hallihan, Higgins, Feeney, Caff, Burke, AOS, Kilcullen campbell, O Connor, McLoughlin, Freeman, Andy, Doc.

Quote from: moysider on April 23, 2011, 12:07:53 AM

Quote from: ballinaman on April 22, 2011, 03:15:10 PM
McGarrity was still using crutches as of yesterday so i doubt they'll risk him.

Yeah. Only out of plaster so time is against him but he ll need game time as well. And looks like Dillon might not make it either. With more league rounds to go we can expect more casualties and some of those let go may yet get a recall sooner than later. We re actually lookin a bit thin for midfielders already. Accepting that Ronan, Dillon and SOS not going to figure I d be hoping for something like this. Clarke, Cuniffe, Hallihan, Higgins, Feeney, Caff, Burke, AOS, Kilcullen campbell, O Connor, McLoughlin, Freeman, Andy, Doc.

I think it's strange that there will be league rounds right up until the London game.

Higgins injured playing for the hurlers...that's all we need. I hope we're getting all of the injuries out of the way early before the championship starts or something because we seem to be having an awful lot of them this year.

Better news is that Vaughan is starting for Ballinrobe today in the league, will be a cert to get a run against London if fit, will probably play in the challenge game against Antrim next weekend as well if he comes through today ok.

TG4 just showed a programme on the Mayo v Galway games from 95 - 99.
Talk about bittersweet memories...absolutely brilliant days out, the ones that really got me hooked on Mayo football - went from a passion to an obsession. That day in the rain in Tuam in 99 was about as happy as I have ever been - only Dublin in 06 could rival it.
That Galway team in 98 were great, I loved watching them, yet seeing Ray Silke lift the Sam Maguire was sickening after our experiences in 96 and 97.

Quote from: Tubberman on April 24, 2011, 06:33:22 PM
TG4 just showed a programme on the Mayo v Galway games from 95 - 99.
Talk about bittersweet memories...absolutely brilliant days out, the ones that really got me hooked on Mayo football - went from a passion to an obsession. That day in the rain in Tuam in 99 was about as happy as I have ever been - only Dublin in 06 could rival it.
That Galway team in 98 were great, I loved watching them, yet seeing Ray Silke lift the Sam Maguire was sickening after our experiences in 96 and 97.

I recorded it but doubt if I will be able to watch it.

great memories of all them games but the one game i would have loved to have been at was the first rd championship game in tuam in 1997 .A blazing hot summers day and we finally break the hoodo.It must have been some athmosphere in Tuam that evening.I was at the 99 final and even tho it was a great day I just had the feeling that if we did not win the all ireland that year it would be the end of that team and management and our big chance was gone.And of course a few weeks later cork put us to the sword and we had to endure the Pat Holmes era for a few years.

Was at all 5 of those games, so kind of disappointed I missed the program.

96 and 99 were the two that stood out for me, 96 because we were awful against Roscommon the game before that and although we had shown a bit of promise in the league that year, that was the first game where you really thought there might be something in that team. 99 was bizarre, the day, the crowd, the weather, everything, but we pretty much beat the All Ireland champions pulling up towards the end so it was a great day.

97 was good too but more expected as we were Connacht Champions and Galway hadn't shown much that year. The four games from 96 to 99 were as good a quality of games as I've ever seen in Connacht and none of the derby games since then have come close in terms of quality and excitement.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 22, 2011, 03:08:01 PM

Quote from: Bod Mor on April 22, 2011, 01:59:57 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on April 22, 2011, 12:52:53 PM
Flights booked, flying into Stansted from Knock Friday morning, home Monday morning - but very early! Might have to behave Sunday night. Should be a great weekend, a nice few I know are going with the Champions League on as well.

Are we in the Champions league as well? Whatever people might say, Horan has done some job with us, getting us into the Champions league  ;D sorry, couldn't resist

Quote
I'd go with the following

Hennelly
Hallinan Feeney Higgins
Feeney Caff Burke
McGarrity Kilcullen
A O'Shea Dillon Moran
McLoughlin Freeman Doherty

I like the look of the forward six, would have a fit Harte in for O'Shea though.
Good man R&GS, you are the type of supporter that deserves a ticket anytime we're blessed to make Croke Park. Will be back home myself for the August bank holiday weekend, hopefully I'll be able to see the lads in the flesh at HQ.

Knowing of RGS, he'll have his ticket anyway don't worry! ;)

@Bod Mor - Yeah the Champions League is a bit of a poisoned chalice really, two games in 24 hours is not ideal and London could make the most of the fatigue! Thanks for the praise but to be honest if you like doing something, you'll do it. I would never consider it a burder or an ordeal.
@Farrandeelin - Believe it or not it can sometimes be a struggle to get that elusive ticket yet my parents, who only go to All-Ireland finals, always manage to magic tickets from somewhere.

On the injury front, the names are fairly pilling up. No Dillon, Higgins and possibly no McGarrity for London. Others may follow with the club games coming up. We wouldn't want to travel with complacency.

Howley came on yesterday for Knockmore. Played good when he did come on with around 15 mins to go. Hopefully he will be pushing for a place at least.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 25, 2011, 04:08:12 PM
Howley came on yesterday for Knockmore. Played good when he did come on with around 15 mins to go. Hopefully he will be pushing for a place at least.

thats great news.
hes badly needed for centre half back .

Quote from: rosnarun on April 25, 2011, 11:29:53 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 25, 2011, 04:08:12 PM
Howley came on yesterday for Knockmore. Played good when he did come on with around 15 mins to go. Hopefully he will be pushing for a place at least.

thats great news.
hes badly needed for centre half back .

if we see Howley at CHB this year we'll know that we're not going far. He has got the runaround in that position the last twice he appeared at HQ. I think he has a lot to offer as the extra man in defence that Horan seems to like to use.

Quote from: Chimley on April 26, 2011, 09:49:33 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on April 25, 2011, 11:29:53 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 25, 2011, 04:08:12 PM
Howley came on yesterday for Knockmore. Played good when he did come on with around 15 mins to go. Hopefully he will be pushing for a place at least.

thats great news.
hes badly needed for centre half back .

if we see Howley at CHB this year we'll know that we're not going far. He has got the runaround in that position the last twice he appeared at HQ. I think he has a lot to offer as the extra man in defence that Horan seems to like to use.

Agreed Chimley
Even the suggestion of Howley at CHB is a wind up that I wasnt even going to acknowledge with a reply  ::)

How are we looking on the injury front after the weekend?

I dont think Dillons injurys is as bad as initially feared so he may be back for the London game.
Keith Higgins has a hamstring injury but how long is he expected to be out?
Is Cunniffe back from his hamstring injury?

Vaughan played a full game for Ballinrobe at the weekend. I felt myself that he was well beaten by Jason Gibbons but I dont think Vaughan is a midfielder. He did better when he was moved in the second half.  I see Howley got some game time too. Whats the recovery schedule like for McGarity and Seamus O Shea?

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 26, 2011, 10:08:48 AM

Quote from: Chimley on April 26, 2011, 09:49:33 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on April 25, 2011, 11:29:53 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on April 25, 2011, 04:08:12 PM
Howley came on yesterday for Knockmore. Played good when he did come on with around 15 mins to go. Hopefully he will be pushing for a place at least.

thats great news.
hes badly needed for centre half back .

if we see Howley at CHB this year we'll know that we're not going far. He has got the runaround in that position the last twice he appeared at HQ. I think he has a lot to offer as the extra man in defence that Horan seems to like to use.

Agreed Chimley
Even the suggestion of Howley at CHB is a wind up that I wasnt even going to acknowledge with a reply  ::)

How are we looking on the injury front after the weekend?

I dont think Dillons injurys is as bad as initially feared so he may be back for the London game.
Keith Higgins has a hamstring injury but how long is he expected to be out?
Is Cunniffe back from his hamstring injury?

Vaughan played a full game for Ballinrobe at the weekend. I felt myself that he was well beaten by Jason Gibbons but I dont think Vaughan is a midfielder. He did better when he was moved in the second half.  I see Howley got some game time too. Whats the recovery schedule like for McGarity and Seamus O Shea?

Seamie O'Shea should be back for Breaffy by the weekend.

Mayo have a challenge run out against Antrim in Kiltimagh next Sunday at 2:30pm, and their last challenge before the London game will be on May 14th in Ballintubber against Offaly, throw-in at 5.15pm

The championship opener against London is ever looming so I guess Horan would be trying to firm up a settled team for London (and Galway hopefully), whereas on the other hand; there is quite a few injuries which will allow us to see how some players who are back will fair out.

According to Mike Finnerty in the Mayo News, up to 8 members of the county squad were not involved with their clubs last weekend including Keith Higgins, Seamus O'Shea, Neil Douglas, Alan Feeney, Richie Feeney,  Ronan McGarrity, Ger Cafferkey, Alan Dillon and with Andy Moran limping off and Howley only getting a few minutes at the end of the Knockmore game.

Keith Higgins is definitely out so I guess Cathal Hallinan may slot in at corner back but if Alan Feeney is also out then he may well play full back. If Richie is out then I would expect Vaughan to be given a run at wing back and maybe even Howley the other side. Vaughan played a full game against Ballintubber last Sunday so I guess he is nearing ready.

I doubt Alan Dillon will be ready or risked at the weekend so he makes room in the half forward line. Does anybody know the status the likes of Andy Moran, the Feeneys or Ger Cafferkey?

I put most of the injuries of late down to the change in the hardness of the ground which sometimes takes a while for the body and muscles to adjust.

Word that Pat Harte re aggravated his injury and due to miss summer. McGarrity making slow progress too, big doubt for London

Quote from: AbbeySider on April 28, 2011, 11:54:02 AM
Mayo have a challenge run out against Antrim in Kiltimagh next Sunday at 2:30pm, and their last challenge before the London game will be on May 14th in Ballintubber against Offaly, throw-in at 5.15pm

The championship opener against London is ever looming so I guess Horan would be trying to firm up a settled team for London (and Galway hopefully), whereas on the other hand; there is quite a few injuries which will allow us to see how some players who are back will fair out.

According to Mike Finnerty in the Mayo News, up to 8 members of the county squad were not involved with their clubs last weekend including Keith Higgins, Seamus O'Shea, Neil Douglas, Alan Feeney, Richie Feeney,  Ronan McGarrity, Ger Cafferkey, Alan Dillon and with Andy Moran limping off and Howley only getting a few minutes at the end of the Knockmore game.

Keith Higgins is definitely out so I guess Cathal Hallinan may slot in at corner back but if Alan Feeney is also out then he may well play full back. If Richie is out then I would expect Vaughan to be given a run at wing back and maybe even Howley the other side. Vaughan played a full game against Ballintubber last Sunday so I guess he is nearing ready.

I doubt Alan Dillon will be ready or risked at the weekend so he makes room in the half forward line. Does anybody know the status the likes of Andy Moran, the Feeneys or Ger Cafferkey?

I put most of the injuries of late down to the change in the hardness of the ground which sometimes takes a while for the body and muscles to adjust.

Richie Feeney will be fine. In fact I'm surprised he wasn't risked against Ballaghaderreen. I'd say it was more Holmes holding back for their championship duel with Ballagh'. Not sure with Alan Feeney but I think it is relatively mild and he ought to be fine for London. Reckon it will be Cunniffe, A Feeney and Hallinan v London with Howley having an outside chance but can't see him being started myself.

PP odds  London 16/1 draw 25/1 Mayo 1/100

Went to Gilmartin Park in Kiltimagh today to see a fairly facile win for Mayo against Antrim in a challenge game. It finished Mayo 3-11 Antrim 0-8. Probably the first game I was ever at that was over as a contest after two minutes. We lined out with this 15:

              Hennelly

Reilly      A Feeney    Vaughan

Barrett    Cunniffe      Keegan

     Kilcullen     Gibbons

Campbell  A O'Shea  O'Connor

Howley     Varley      Doherty

Hallinan and Gardiner had been named to start on the program at 4 and 7 but didn't. Hallinan came on in the second half but Gardiner was limping along the sideline with Dillon and McGarrity (no crutches) so must have picked up a knock in the last few days. Howley played in the Kevin McLoughlin roving defender role, but wore 13.

Mayo played the first half with a strong wind at their backs. First long ball went in after about 30 seconds, the Antrim full back line misjudged its flight in the wind, Doherty stayed back behind them, caught it, had one look at the sticks and drilled it into the net off the far post from about 12 yards. The next attack saw a Mayo pointed effort drop onto the post, the keeper fumbled the catch as it came down, spilled it to Doherty who had reacted quicker than the Antrim backs and he fired in another one. 2-0 to 0-0 after two minutes.

It was fairly one way traffic after that for the rest of the first half. Antrim looked decent up to the Mayo 45 metre line, but were hopeless beyond that. Howley looked very sharp and mopped up a massive amount of ball between the 45 and midfield. Vaughan was excellent in the corner as well. It was 2-8 to 0-2 by half time, Doherty hit two points to go with the two goals, Campbell got 3 (two frees), O'Shea with a free and Varley and Kilcullen with 0-1 each.

Clarke played in goal in the second half, James Burke came on at wing back for Keegan and Kevin Dolan came on for Doherty. Second half was tough enough watching with Mayo struggling a bit more into the wind and Antrim just being poor all round. All the subs didn't help with the flow of the game either, Antrim brought a panel of 32 down and must have played most of them by the end. Cillian O'Connor was the pick of the Mayo forwards in the second half, scored a nice point from a narrow angle on the left and finished off a goal from the right after a good team move. Horan ran the bench throughout the half with Hallinan, Seamus O'Shea, Douglas, David Gavin of Breaffy and another lad who wasn't on the program with 30 on his back getting a run (didn't catch who that was, someone else might know). The other second half points for Mayo came from Varley and Burke to bring up the 3-11.

Vaughan was probably the outstanding player for Mayo, won a huge amount of ball in the backs and used it well, Howley, Cunniffe and Barrett did likewise. Eoghan Reilly was having a good game in the corner but unfortunately got a kick in the hands off Gavin when the two of them went for the same ball and he had to go off. James Burke impressed when he got on in the second half. Kilcullen was strong as an ox in midfield again and it will be a tough pick between himself and AOS who also played well for the London game. He may be able to accommodate both by playing O'Shea at 11 where he started today. Gibbons would seem to be a bit behind those two at this stage and although SOS played well when he came on, I don't think he's challenging for a start against London.

In the forwards Doherty was his usual self - deadly if he gets half a chance at goal, his positioning to get chances is as good as his finishing. Varley saw a lot of ball and used some of it well but was poor at other times, O'Connor had a better game than him today I thought. Campbell was decent as well but I didn't see anything from Gavin or Dolan to suggest that they'll be challenging for starting spots. Michael Forde from Ballycastle was named in the subs as well, so the panel remains very open ended.

It was hard enough to judge anyone though because Antrim were god awful. They weren't helped by losing two players (Kevin McGourty and Sean Burke according to the program) to nasty looking injuries in the first half - but their defence could get destroyed by the likes of Murphy and McFadden against Donegal in two weeks if they line out anything like they did today. While they won a fair amount of ball in midfield their use of it in the forwards was shocking, especially in the first half. From our point of view though, it was good to see Howley and Vaughan back and looking fit and I'd say they'll both go close to the starting 15 for the London game.

Great account there Cosmo. The amount of goals Doherty is grabbing these days is ridiculous! He nailed two for Burrishoole last weekend too against Knockmore. He must be on something like 14 in 12 games with club and county. Phenomenal.
I think we'll see both Aidan O'Shea and Jimmy Kilcullen in the same Mayo starting team. They'll either be the midfield duo or, if McGarrity is back, Aidan O'Shea will play in the half-forward line. Vaughan and Howley are clearly men on a mission. That's a great thing for competition. I wouldn't grant them starting places too easily for the London game though.

I see trevor mort and dermot geraghty have been invited onto the mayo panel after the weekend.I am sure morts inclusion will stir a lot of debate but i have always felt that geraghty got a raw deal and was scapegoated unfairly after 2004 and 2006.

Yeah, interesting that one. Full story here - http://www.mayonews.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=12591:mortimer-back-in-mayo-fold&catid=14&Itemid=100008

Not sure about it being a good thing myself but perhaps he is due a look. Maybe he feels he has a point to prove after how he played the last two years.

Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 03:59:29 PM
Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

Nope - hasn't been involved under James Horan at all up until now. He was off travelling for a few months as well.
Re Doherty, he's hit an unbelievable goal-scoring streak. Hopefully it's not just a 'streak' as I labelled it, and is something that he can consistently produce. We've never had a consistent goal-scorer in the time I've been watching Mayo - although in fairness, not many teams do.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 02, 2011, 01:39:44 PM
The amount of goals Doherty is grabbing these days is ridiculous! He nailed two for Burrishoole last weekend too against Knockmore. He must be on something like 14 in 12 games with club and county. Phenomenal.

I'm scared to think how many he might score against us if it's a Ros v Mayowestros Connacht final.  :-[ :-[ :-\

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 03:59:29 PM
Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

I'm surprised you've forgotten the 2-4 that Doherty scored vs Roscommon in the 2009 U-21 championship in Charlestown. Including a scrambled goal in the last minute of injury time to bring the game to extra-time where Mayo won. That was some game!
Regarding last year, there was very little positives about the Mayo performances that day so I wouldn't knock him for that.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 03, 2011, 04:25:26 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 03:59:29 PM
Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

Nope - hasn't been involved under James Horan at all up until now. He was off travelling for a few months as well.
Re Doherty, he's hit an unbelievable goal-scoring streak. Hopefully it's not just a 'streak' as I labelled it, and is something that he can consistently produce. We've never had a consistent goal-scorer in the time I've been watching Mayo - although in fairness, not many teams do.

Ok maybe not part of Horan's panel but the piece says "Trevor Mortimer is expected to train with Mayo tonight (Tuesday) for the first time since last June" quick google search & he played for Mayo (as Captain) v New York last October.

Doherty confidence levels at the moment must be sky high & would have to fancy him to score a few goals v London.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 03, 2011, 04:48:19 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 03:59:29 PM
Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

I'm surprised you've forgotten the 2-4 that Doherty scored vs Roscommon in the 2009 U-21 championship in Charlestown. Including a scrambled goal in the last minute of injury time to bring the game to extra-time where Mayo won. That was some game!
Regarding last year, there was very little positives about the Mayo performances that day so I wouldn't knock him for that.

No i haven't 2009 was another one that got away  :(..as i stated above & with any top forward goals brings huge confidence.

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 04:50:33 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 03, 2011, 04:25:26 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 03:59:29 PM
Wasn't Trevor Mortimer part of the Mayo panel in this year's FBD it's not like he's been away for a few years? Doherty has come on alot in the last year, i saw him play v us in the U21 game & he certainly didn't look like a goal machine back then.

Nope - hasn't been involved under James Horan at all up until now. He was off travelling for a few months as well.
Re Doherty, he's hit an unbelievable goal-scoring streak. Hopefully it's not just a 'streak' as I labelled it, and is something that he can consistently produce. We've never had a consistent goal-scorer in the time I've been watching Mayo - although in fairness, not many teams do.

Ok maybe not part of Horan's panel but the piece says "Trevor Mortimer is expected to train with Mayo tonight (Tuesday) for the first time since last June" quick google search & he played for Mayo (as Captain) v New York last October.

Doherty confidence levels at the moment must be sky high & would have to fancy him to score a few goals v London.

Horan didnt manage the team against New York, that honour went to Eoin Sweeney the Physical Therapist.

I might head down and cheer on London. I think they have a good chance.

Quote from: thejuice on May 03, 2011, 05:41:07 PM
I might head down and cheer on London. I think they have a good chance.

Yerra you might be better off following London this year anyway.

Quote from: muppet on May 03, 2011, 05:51:58 PM

Quote from: thejuice on May 03, 2011, 05:41:07 PM
I might head down and cheer on London. I think they have a good chance.

Yerra you might be better off following London this year anyway.

All set up for a Mayo v Meath OF so..

Quote from: thejuice on May 03, 2011, 05:41:07 PM
I might head down and cheer on London. I think they have a good chance.

A good chance of....??? turning up?
I expect the rhus to win this by as much or more than we beat NY.

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 04:50:33 PM
Ok maybe not part of Horan's panel but the piece says "Trevor Mortimer is expected to train with Mayo tonight (Tuesday) for the first time since last June" quick google search & he played for Mayo (as Captain) v New York last October.

The article is probably still correct, I'd say the only training done for the NY game in October was in pint glass lifting.

Not sure what Trevor can add at this stage unless he returns to his form from years back. In recent seasons he has shown little other than the ability to solo into blind alleys.

I would have Dermot Geraghty in the squad for the sole purpose of marking Michael Meehan every year. He cleaned him repeatedly in his last stint with Mayo. He has always struggled against tall forwards though and his size will always hold him back.

Quote from: Cosmo Kramer on May 03, 2011, 07:49:54 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 04:50:33 PM
Ok maybe not part of Horan's panel but the piece says "Trevor Mortimer is expected to train with Mayo tonight (Tuesday) for the first time since last June" quick google search & he played for Mayo (as Captain) v New York last October.

The article is probably still correct, I'd say the only training done for the NY game in October was in pint glass lifting.

Not sure what Trevor can add at this stage unless he returns to his form from years back. In recent seasons he has shown little other than the ability to solo into blind alleys.

I would have Dermot Geraghty in the squad for the sole purpose of marking Michael Meehan every year. He cleaned him repeatedly in his last stint with Mayo. He has always struggled against tall forwards though and his size will always hold him back.

That and kick the ball away whenever he gets it. Really disappointed he's back but I'm hoping to be proved wrong.

horan must have him back for a reason. he has not been afraid to cut boys eho he deemed not up to it so far the year so hopefully his faith in t mort will be rewarded.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 03, 2011, 09:16:44 PM

Quote from: Cosmo Kramer on May 03, 2011, 07:49:54 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 03, 2011, 04:50:33 PM
Ok maybe not part of Horan's panel but the piece says "Trevor Mortimer is expected to train with Mayo tonight (Tuesday) for the first time since last June" quick google search & he played for Mayo (as Captain) v New York last October.

The article is probably still correct, I'd say the only training done for the NY game in October was in pint glass lifting.

Not sure what Trevor can add at this stage unless he returns to his form from years back. In recent seasons he has shown little other than the ability to solo into blind alleys.

I would have Dermot Geraghty in the squad for the sole purpose of marking Michael Meehan every year. He cleaned him repeatedly in his last stint with Mayo. He has always struggled against tall forwards though and his size will always hold him back.

That and kick the ball away whenever he gets it. Really disappointed he's back but I'm hoping to be proved wrong.

I think it s a bit harsh on Trevor to be disappointed he s back. I mean there was never any doubting his commitment and if he still has the pace and energy he s always going to get on a lot of ball. With injuries bound to mount up we may be glad of him yet. I m not saying he is going to start or anything but he might have a lot to offer yet. I believe he could be a good 6 or do the libero jobs that Andy, Howley and McLoughlin do also. Even a wing forward role is not out of the question as long as he is under strict instruction to carry and lay off only! He could be spancelled to stop him tryin to kick the ball!
Harte missing the lot is a blow imo but I realise that that would not be a universal feeling. A tear in a ligament in the other knee will take at least 4 months so effectively 2 summers are gone for him.

I cant say im necessarily disappointed in Trevor being back.
If he is deemed good enough and Horan has something in mind for him then good and well.

Maybe the break did him well and he has a fresh appetite for it.
He has ferocious energy and I think he still has pace so he could have something to offer, maybe as an impact sub

We also might see more of them this year where he has something to prove and has to work his socks off to get near the team in comparison to the riduculous situation of 2009 and 2010 where he was guaranteed to start in every game, as captain, until management finally saw the writing on the wall for the Longford game.

Is it a pay on the gate job and any word on directions from city centre, say Liverpool street. Cheers lads. I'm on flight from knock on thursday if anyone is up for a few scoops!

It was pay at the gate the last time and id imagin it will be next, there is no way they would be able to co-ordinate tickets with so many not going to the match not affilicated to any club.
The central line will take you all the way from Liverpool St to South Ruislip which is the nearest underground station, it is about a 10 min walk to the pitch.

Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

+1

Cant wait!

Flights & accommodation are sure to go sky high now!

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 05, 2011, 02:42:12 PM
Flights & accommodation are sure to go sky high now!

Yah, glad I booked them all a while ago. Now, to find the London equivalent of Quinns of the Big Tree to see who might have a spare ticket for the Champions League Final the night before

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Quote from: ludermor on May 05, 2011, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Ragin' I can't go over that weekend  >:(

Quote from: Tubberman on May 05, 2011, 04:58:43 PM

Quote from: ludermor on May 05, 2011, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Ragin' I can't go over that weekend  >:(

Will ya put the foot down like a man!

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 05, 2011, 05:07:29 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 05, 2011, 04:58:43 PM

Quote from: ludermor on May 05, 2011, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Ragin' I can't go over that weekend  >:(

Will ya put the foot down like a man!

Don't worry tubberman, myself and yourself can keep the gaaboard updated with the scores. If that's any small consolation for ya! :P

Looks like Michael Meehan won't make the semi final big boost for Mayo.

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 05, 2011, 05:16:51 PM
Looks like Michael Meehan won't make the semi final

Wonder will he be back for the Final ? :D










v Sligo

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 05, 2011, 05:07:29 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 05, 2011, 04:58:43 PM

Quote from: ludermor on May 05, 2011, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Ragin' I can't go over that weekend  >:(

Will ya put the foot down like a man!

:D I know, I know. I'm saving up all the brownie points for weekends later in the summer - hope we get far enough that I'll need them....

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 05, 2011, 05:08:47 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 05, 2011, 05:07:29 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 05, 2011, 04:58:43 PM

Quote from: ludermor on May 05, 2011, 04:14:32 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 05, 2011, 12:51:35 PM
Last night's result confirmed the inevitable - a Man United v Barcelona Champions League final to whet the appetite before Ruislip. London is looking like a serious weekend away now. I cannae wait!

http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1200452DD22D60B4?camefrom=CFC_UK_PREMIER_RUGBY_WEB
the english premiership final is on the 28th as well, tickets are only 20 each ( 2 for 1 deal) .All the big events are taking place in london that weekend!!

Ragin' I can't go over that weekend  >:(

Will ya put the foot down like a man!

Don't worry tubberman, myself and yourself can keep the gaaboard updated with the scores. If that's any small consolation for ya! :P

I won't even be able to listen to the shaggin' match! But hopefully I'll be able to check internet on the phone, so keep updating the scores, good man  ;D

Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

I see as well that the round of league games fixed the weekend before the London game for Divisions 1A, B and C have been postponed. Fair enough on one level but ffs, could the county board not get their house in order? They knew the date for the London game a long way away, could they not have just sat down with Horan back in March and decided what to do? Instead they fixed games meaning lads made sure they didn't have any plans that weekend and clubs couldn't plan any weekends away, challenges etc. Now the round is pulled, and there can be no fresh reason for this, surely? Not good enough. Once again the humble club player is treated with little respect.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 09, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

I see as well that the round of league games fixed the weekend before the London game for Divisions 1A, B and C have been postponed. Fair enough on one level but ffs, could the county board not get their house in order? They knew the date for the London game a long way away, could they not have just sat down with Horan back in March and decided what to do? Instead they fixed games meaning lads made sure they didn't have any plans that weekend and clubs couldn't plan any weekends away, challenges etc. Now the round is pulled, and there can be no fresh reason for this, surely? Not good enough. Once again the humble club player is treated with little respect.

Wasn't at home for the Mitchels match, but was a great result! Dillon did play, scored 4 points (2 frees).
You're dead right about the fixtures, I was surprised to see that they had pencilled a round of games that weekend in the first place. But as you say, there's no obvious reason for them to pull the fixtures at this stage.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 09, 2011, 01:08:56 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 09, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

I see as well that the round of league games fixed the weekend before the London game for Divisions 1A, B and C have been postponed. Fair enough on one level but ffs, could the county board not get their house in order? They knew the date for the London game a long way away, could they not have just sat down with Horan back in March and decided what to do? Instead they fixed games meaning lads made sure they didn't have any plans that weekend and clubs couldn't plan any weekends away, challenges etc. Now the round is pulled, and there can be no fresh reason for this, surely? Not good enough. Once again the humble club player is treated with little respect.

Wasn't at home for the Mitchels match, but was a great result! Dillon did play, scored 4 points (2 frees).
You're dead right about the fixtures, I was surprised to see that they had pencilled a round of games that weekend in the first place. But as you say, there's no obvious reason for them to pull the fixtures at this stage.

At the start of the year there was a promised two week break before the London game so we scheduled the official opening of the Ballintubber Resource Centre and Pitch for May 14th with a Senior club and a Mayo inter county challenge game.

Low and behold the county board fixed club league games for next weekend so we are forced to play twice in the same weekend as Knockmore, the sporting chaps that they are, wont agree to postpone or bring forward our league fixture.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 09, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

Ya it was a good win, Ballintubber were by far the better team even though IMO we didnt even play that well for large periods as it was about 16 or 17 minutes before we raised a flag. Castlebar had a huge wind in the first half but failed to capitalise at all with the half time score being 1-4 to 0-6 to Ballintubber. About 20 minutes into the game Padraic O Connor got sent off and Ballintubber played with 14 men for most of the game. 

In the second half Ballintubber took over and won out well in the end. Castlebar were missing Barry Moran, Richie Feeney and Douglas, Ballintubber were missing Darragh Summerville, Damien Coleman, Ray Geraghty and Alan Plunkett didnt start.


EDIT:
Regarding the Mayo lads, apart from Richie Feeney; Dillon, Cuinniffe, Hallinan, Jayo Gibbons all seemed to be flying.

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 09, 2011, 02:07:14 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 09, 2011, 01:08:56 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 09, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

I see as well that the round of league games fixed the weekend before the London game for Divisions 1A, B and C have been postponed. Fair enough on one level but ffs, could the county board not get their house in order? They knew the date for the London game a long way away, could they not have just sat down with Horan back in March and decided what to do? Instead they fixed games meaning lads made sure they didn't have any plans that weekend and clubs couldn't plan any weekends away, challenges etc. Now the round is pulled, and there can be no fresh reason for this, surely? Not good enough. Once again the humble club player is treated with little respect.

Wasn't at home for the Mitchels match, but was a great result! Dillon did play, scored 4 points (2 frees).
You're dead right about the fixtures, I was surprised to see that they had pencilled a round of games that weekend in the first place. But as you say, there's no obvious reason for them to pull the fixtures at this stage.

At the start of the year there was a promised two week break before the London game so we scheduled the official opening of the Ballintubber Resource Centre and Pitch for May 14th with a Senior club and a Mayo inter county challenge game.

Low and behold the county board fixed club league games for next weekend so we are forced to play twice in the same weekend as Knockmore, the sporting chaps that they are, wont agree to postpone or bring forward our league fixture.

I wouldn't be blaming Knockmore there, the fourteen day rule (or maybe it is sixteen now) basically means the clubs can do f**k all. If ye played it the following week I'd say they'd be missing Howley and McLoughlin and ye'd be missing yer county flock too. The week after that is London so hard to know where they could turn. It goes back to the County Board to be honest.

Re Ballintubber v Mitchels, I know Castlebar were using this as a game to see where they are at. Now we know. Question is who can stop Ballintubber now and can I be the first to start the McGarry for Mayo campaign?

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 09, 2011, 12:49:42 PM
Any update on injuries/form after the weekend's club games? Did Alan Dillon play for Ballintubber. They gave Mitchels some hammering, would be all the more impressive if it was without him.

I see as well that the round of league games fixed the weekend before the London game for Divisions 1A, B and C have been postponed. Fair enough on one level but ffs, could the county board not get their house in order? They knew the date for the London game a long way away, could they not have just sat down with Horan back in March and decided what to do? Instead they fixed games meaning lads made sure they didn't have any plans that weekend and clubs couldn't plan any weekends away, challenges etc. Now the round is pulled, and there can be no fresh reason for this, surely? Not good enough. Once again the humble club player is treated with little respect.

They should have played a Michael Walsh game I think. It would be all the more suitable for all concerned on the 22nd of June.

Interesting piece with London manager. I see there's a few Mayos in their squad too.

From www.mayonews.ie

London under no illusions

Paul Coggins is realistic about taking on Mayo

Feature
Mike Finnerty

THE manager of the London senior footballers has conceded that his team are 'realistic' about their prospects of beating Mayo in the Connacht SFC at the end of the month.
Speaking just three weeks before welcoming James Horan's charges to Ruislip, London boss Paul Coggins outlined the approach his team were taking to their biggest game of the season.
"We're training hard and the buzz in the camp is good," the former London footballer told The Mayo News.
"This is my first year in charge and there have been a lot of changes. This time next year, hopefully, we'll be in a much stronger position. But, having said that, we'll be doing everything we can to give a good account of ourselves.
"We'll be breaking the game down to five-minute spells, and five-second spells really," he laughed.
"We have to break it down to that. We'll take it one play, one kick-out, at a time.
"We have to be realistic, and set realistic goals. It's not just about winning, or not winning, the game. It's about putting in the best performance that we possibly can."
Coggins (45) is a native of Granlahan, near Cloonfad, Co Roscommon. However, his parents are both from Mayo and he went to school in Ballyhaunis.
It is no surprise then to learn that he has been doing his home-work on London's opposition, and was among the crowd for Mayo's FBD League encounter with Roscommon back in January.
"I thought Mayo were very impressive in the second half that day," he said.
"I know a lot of those lads won't be involved against us but James Kilcullen caught my eye. He was actually over here for a while and trained with us for a few weeks. I'd have been happy to keep him too!
"But Mayo are a fine team, with plenty of fine footballers, and the likes of Ronan McGarrity and Alan Dillon have a lot of championship experience under their belts."
Experience is something that is in short supply for London this summer; they will be without the likes of Galway's Paul Geraghty, John Niblock and goalkeeper Brian McBrearty for the visit of Mayo while Conor Beirne, a stalwart of their defence in recent years, has returned home and is now part of the Roscommon squad.
Coggins will be hoping that young players like Liam Gavigan and Tom Waters, who are just out of minor, his captain, Seán McVeigh, and Barry Comer can step up to the mark.
The London squad also features ex-Kiltane footballers Tony Gaughan and John Scanlon, Ballaghaderreen's Noel Tuohy and Crossmolina's Seán Kelly.
"We'll be spirited," said Paul Coggins. "There's a great buzz among the players. They're really looking forward to it, working hard, and doing the best they can to be ready.
"But Mayo are a Division 1 team and we're a Division 4 team," he added. "The results weren't what we hoped for during the league. But I was fairly happy with our performances.
"We have to concentrate on ourselves, set our own goals. We want to put in the best performance we possibly can and see where that takes us."
The Coggins family home in Granlahan will have a Mayo flag up again this summer, as Paul's parents nail their colours to the mast.
The London manager is under no illusions about the reception that Mayo likely to get when they hit the field in Ruislip on May 29 either.
"There'll be a big Mayo crowd. Mayo exiles will come from all over Britain and it'll be like a home game for them really. But we'll give it our best shot."

Ruislip results this year.

London 0-16 Kilkenny 0-2
London 0-7    Roscommon 1-14
London 0-8     Longford 1-15

Decided to come out of retirement for the Championship.

It's giong to be a big Summer and an interesting Summer for Mayo.

Very hard to know where we are at. I think we are better placed than last year, I also think that management are gearing everything towards a serious shot at the Connacht Championship and so we were not as sharp in the league as a result.

Assuming we beat London the Galway game is a massive one for both counties. Two years without a Connacht Final appearance would be a blow for either. Whoever wins gets the opportunity to start repairing the damage of last year and building new momentum. Mayo should have the edge in midfield and our forward are doing ok but if we do not gain that foothold in the middle Galway will create chances and are backs are a worry. Thankfully in the Cork game in the league we ended the practice of backs haring up the pitch to get in on the attacking action. I hope this becomes standard come the Summer. Given our problems the one thing we need to ensure is that there are six lads back at all times because it is hard work that will benefit us.

Team for the Championship likely to be something like this -

Hennelly

Tom Cunniffe
Feeney
Higgins

R Feeney
Cafferky
Vaughan

McGarrity
Kilcullen

Dillon
Aidan O'Se
Andy Moran

Campbell
Freeman
Doherty

The backs are definitely a cause for concern. It will be interesting to see how the Feeneys do in championship football but it is hard to see that unit being good enough to cope with one of the better teams in Croke Park. It is too late for the likes of Vaughan, Howley or Geraghty to be coming in, I don't think Hallinan is good enough; James Burke is a bit too loose for my liking, Gardiner appears to be off the boil and I don't think he is what we need right now but I would be surpised to see Lee Keegan make a late push for the number 7 shirt.

Bit early yet for him, but there is every chance D Geragthy will find himself in one of the CB places. I think horan feels he needs a good man marker and has identified DG as a possible solution, possibly for the next game. People seen to forget that in the 2004 AIF he held cooper well for the time he was on him even though that was the last we really saw of him on the IC scene

Quote from: boosabum on May 12, 2011, 09:32:33 AM
Bit early yet for him, but there is every chance D Geragthy will find himself in one of the CB places. I think horan feels he needs a good man marker and has identified DG as a possible solution, possibly for the next game. People seen to forget that in the 2004 AIF he held cooper well for the time he was on him even though that was the last we really saw of him on the IC scene

Yep, he's definitely a player that can mark certain type of player out of a game (always keeps Meehan quiet), and can be cruelly exposed by others (anyone with a bit of height really).
I'd have faith that Horan knows when to use Geraghty and when he's unsuited.

I dunno lads, the height argument against Dermot Geraghty is a bit overused if you ask me. He was doing well on Cooper in the ground and in the air in 2004 when management panicked because of the damage Johnny Crowley was doing on Gary Ruane in the air and moved Pat Kelly back on Cooper with Geraghty like a fish out at sea in the half-back line. It was Kelly then who was outfielded by Cooper for his goal. In fact what Geraghty struggles with is blinding pace. Meehan doesn't have this - but he does have the height which hasn't given him an advantage off Geraghty. Similarly Geraghty apparently did well on Cillian O'Connor, who doesn't have blinding pace either. He's definitely worth a place in the panel if he is fully fit and sharp.

Welcome back Barney! I'd agree with your team by and large but think McLoughlin will start ahead of Campbell, playing as a seventh defender. Trevor Howley may also be in the reckoning here after doing an impressive job by all accounts in the role against Antrim (quality of opposition notwithstanding) while numbers 2 and 7 are far from settled. I'd be inclined to start Kilcullen at midfield and play Aidan O'Shea in the half-forward line.

RGS I forgot about McLoughlin - he started 7 league games - he will definitely start the big championship matches.

He has natural footballing ability but I do worry about his physique. He has been bullied a bit too much and tends to give away a lot of fouls.

So what are people's expectations/aims for the season. For me, a Connacht title and a good show in a Quarter Final would be progress. If we lose in Connacht I would hope for a mature attitude to the qualifiers and reach the Quarters that way.

Quote from: Barney on May 12, 2011, 08:25:55 AM
Hennelly

Tom Cunniffe
Feeney
Higgins

R Feeney
Cafferky
Vaughan

McGarrity
Kilcullen

Dillon
Aidan O'Se
Andy Moran

Campbell
Freeman
Doherty

The backs are definitely a cause for concern. It will be interesting to see how the Feeneys do in championship football but it is hard to see that unit being good enough to cope with one of the better teams in Croke Park. It is too late for the likes of Vaughan, Howley or Geraghty to be coming in, I don't think Hallinan is good enough; James Burke is a bit too loose for my liking, Gardiner appears to be off the boil and I don't think he is what we need right now but I would be surpised to see Lee Keegan make a late push for the number 7 shirt.

Welcome back aboard the bandwagon.
Regarding the last bit, I wouldnt be too quick to write players off like you did. Its often the guys that play great stuff in the FBD and league that are nowhere to be seen later in the championship. Austin O Malley, Ronaldson, Varley all promised stuff in the past early in the season, but when the ground quickened up the legs didnt seem to follow so I think the picture could be very different later in the year.

Anyway regarding your team I would say you have it almost right but if Campbell is to start it will be at number 10 and nowhere else.

The way I think its shaping up is:
Hennelly

Duine Eile, Cafferkey, Higgins
R Feeney, Cunniffe, Vaughan

McGarrity, Kilcullen

Dillon, Aidan O'Se, Andy Moran
Howley, Freeman, Doherty

Starting at the back, I think Hennelly has done enough to push Clarke out from between the sticks as he has played well and looks comfortable on the ball and picking passes out of defence. Also I think his kickout might be more accurate even though Clarke gets better distance.

I think Cafferkey will finally be put back fullback where he is most comfortable as he has not settled at centre back. They might try Cunniffe at centre back if Howley is there to cover him wherever he is needed. Howley played the sweeper role exceptionally well against Antrim so I think he will be given a chance.

I think there is one final battle for a place in the corner between the rest of the defenders (A Feeney, Hallinan, Barrett, Geraghty(?), McGloughlin). McLoughlin has been blowing hot an cold this year with Ok performances against Galway but a poor showing workrate wise against Armagh and Dublin so I think he might lose out. Most of the rest of the defenders have a fighting chance so I think these weeks and challenge games are important for them.

I think if McGarrity is fit then he will be played, otherwise Jason Gibbons or Aidan O Shea will partner Kilcullen, depending on the opposition.

Up front we have 5 excellent forwards which would trouble any defence.

Caff in full-back again then eh?  :-\

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 12, 2011, 04:17:51 PM
Caff in full-back again then eh?  :-\

Has he ever let us down at full-back?

I see David Kilcullen was drafted up to the Mayo Junior squad.
It might be too late for him to make an impression this year but David Kilcullen is a guy that might be able to make the step up next year. Ballintubbers Danny Geraghty could be another option in the future for centre back or midfield.

I think Cunniffe has made a late charge for CHB, maybe management now realise he is much more suited to playing there than in the corner. For me he doesn't seem like a corner back at all and I'm surprised he was played so much at 2 up until now. This will put Cafferkey under pressure for a place in the 15 but I see no reason to take Alan Feeney out of full back, he has done nothing wrong there so far. Cafferkey might be the one to lose out with a R Feeney, Cunniffe, Vaughan half back line and McLoughlin or Howley alongside them in the sweeper role.

Eoghan Reilly might be an outside bet for a corner back spot, he has been kept involved in the panel all the way through but hasn't seen too much game time to date.

Ah Jesus have we learned nothing? Tom Cunniffe at centre-half back? When are we going to learn? He is a decent option at wing-back or in the corner but we've seen he's not up to the mark at centre-half back for senior inter-county football. Arguably he's not up to that position for Castlebar either. Ger Cafferkey has been solid at centre-half back and has developed in that position during the league. A couple of average displays, true, but he represents our best option there and I was particularly impressed with his aggression against Cork, our last meaningful game.

I m with Sniper here. We can t bin the progress that has taken place so far. No point now going back to what has been tried and failed in the past. It s going to be a leap of faith anyway and with Galway a make or break game the team is going to have to hit the ground running. There may be room for a bit of messing about v London but judging by the piece above this has all the makings of a pub game. Feck all to learn there.

I also expect our wing backs to be the launch pad of our attack and that is the way to go. I can see the comfort of thinking about playing defensive defenders from 2-7 but it s not on. Especially when some of our most dynamic players play in the half back line. I predict a total football approach with one defensive midfielder and a water carrier from the forwards covering. With Howley, McLoughlin, Trevor and Andy around it is a game we are well equipted to play. Ronan has a good radar for a defensive role and Kilcullen can stop men. I expect our 5 and 7 to be central to our game.

My choice for our championship set up:

Clarke/Hennelly

Geraghty
Feeney
Higgins

R Feeney
Cafferky
Vaughan

McGarrity
O'Shea

Dillon
Andy Moran
McLoughlin

Howley
Freeman
Doherty

Plenty of football in my local clubmen but neither are corner backs.  Both can score and both can attack from deep.  I see Mcgarrity as the holding Midfielder in the same way as he has kept Sean Cavanagh fairly quiet in the past with O'Shea having a free role to attack.  No freetaker on the team from distance which would be my main worry......could cost us 3-5 points a game which is far too much i'd say :-[

Quote from: moysider on May 12, 2011, 10:57:54 PM
I m with Sniper here. We can t bin the progress that has taken place so far. No point now going back to what has been tried and failed in the past. It s going to be a leap of faith anyway and with Galway a make or break game the team is going to have to hit the ground running. There may be room for a bit of messing about v London but judging by the piece above this has all the makings of a pub game. Feck all to learn there.

I also expect our wing backs to be the launch pad of our attack and that is the way to go. I can see the comfort of thinking about playing defensive defenders from 2-7 but it s not on. Especially when some of our most dynamic players play in the half back line. I predict a total football approach with one defensive midfielder and a water carrier from the forwards covering. With Howley, McLoughlin, Trevor and Andy around it is a game we are well equipted to play. Ronan has a good radar for a defensive role and Kilcullen can stop men. I expect our 5 and 7 to be central to our game.

It will be interesting to see how our wing-backs are employed. Barney is right to a point when he says that our wing-backs sat back to good effect against Cork but perhaps that was because one of them, Lee Keegan, was making his starting debut. Richie Feeney is able to play both the defensive and attacking roles that may be required from a number 5, that's why he'll be there if fit. McLoughlin and Burke are more attack minded from 7, as would Vaughan. Howley less so. I wouldn't be too put out by Saffron's team with two defenders in the forwards, who would drop back and facilitate attacks from deep which definitely suit our style of football, whilst still leaving plenty of cover.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 12, 2011, 11:50:56 PM

Quote from: moysider on May 12, 2011, 10:57:54 PM
I m with Sniper here. We can t bin the progress that has taken place so far. No point now going back to what has been tried and failed in the past. It s going to be a leap of faith anyway and with Galway a make or break game the team is going to have to hit the ground running. There may be room for a bit of messing about v London but judging by the piece above this has all the makings of a pub game. Feck all to learn there.

I also expect our wing backs to be the launch pad of our attack and that is the way to go. I can see the comfort of thinking about playing defensive defenders from 2-7 but it s not on. Especially when some of our most dynamic players play in the half back line. I predict a total football approach with one defensive midfielder and a water carrier from the forwards covering. With Howley, McLoughlin, Trevor and Andy around it is a game we are well equipted to play. Ronan has a good radar for a defensive role and Kilcullen can stop men. I expect our 5 and 7 to be central to our game.

It will be interesting to see how our wing-backs are employed. Barney is right to a point when he says that our wing-backs sat back to good effect against Cork but perhaps that was because one of them, Lee Keegan, was making his starting debut. Richie Feeney is able to play both the defensive and attacking roles that may be required from a number 5, that's why he'll be there if fit. McLoughlin and Burke are more attack minded from 7, as would Vaughan. Howley less so. I wouldn't be too put out by Saffron's team with two defenders in the forwards, who would drop back and facilitate attacks from deep which definitely suit our style of football, whilst still leaving plenty of cover.

In the Cork game it was backs to the wall in first half and we were forced behind the ball a lot. That shouldn't happen again before August. Anyway I would expect an aggressive attacking approach from deep with the wing backs being key. I would go with Feeney and Burke - and to hell with any looseness there - its a team game. The reality is that Burke is a better link player and is a better passer from foot or hand than anybody else. Vaughan is all there athletically but not sure he s ahead in the peckin order for half back line. The teams that are being picked I like. I like Saffron s team. I m 100% with his midfield. From what I ve seen though I dunno why Cunniffe for 2 and Campbell at 10 are out of favour with folk. I thought they had very good leagues. Cunniffe pulled up injured and Campbell performed well in all games - plus he nails a good free from the right.

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 12, 2011, 04:28:17 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 12, 2011, 04:17:51 PM
Caff in full-back again then eh?  :-\

Has he ever let us down at full-back?

I see David Kilcullen was drafted up to the Mayo Junior squad.
It might be too late for him to make an impression this year but David Kilcullen is a guy that might be able to make the step up next year. Ballintubbers Danny Geraghty could be another option in the future for centre back or midfield.

only every time he has lined out there . as well as CHB
but he seems to be one of the untouchables  with horan as well as on this board with People content to shift the whole defence around for the sake of him
s killcullens return to the scene is the best bit of news in agent a big aggressive natural CHB is what we have been ctying out for. the only other option is probably howley who seems to have a lot of knockers here
Ignoring the london game heres what i think the championship team should look like this
K O'Malley
R feeney A feeney K higgins
P gardiner D kilcullen K Mcloughlin
  S o'se J kilcullen
t mort  A o se dillon
e Varley A Freeman andy

not having Ronaldson and barry moran on the panel are major mistakes and severely limits the team choice and very much makes a noose for Horan to hang himself

Ros' ,
You omitted Doherty?

Quote from: rosnarun on May 13, 2011, 02:16:54 AM
only every time he has lined out there . as well as CHB
but he seems to be one of the untouchables  with horan as well as on this board with People content to shift the whole defence around for the sake of him
s killcullens return to the scene is the best bit of news in agent a big aggressive natural CHB is what we have been ctying out for. the only other option is probably howley who seems to have a lot of knockers here
Ignoring the london game heres what i think the championship team should look like this
K O'Malley
R feeney A feeney K higgins
P gardiner D kilcullen K Mcloughlin
  S o'se J kilcullen
t mort  A o se dillon
e Varley A Freeman andy

not having Ronaldson and barry moran on the panel are major mistakes and severely limits the team choice and very much makes a noose for Horan to hang himself

You're entitled to your opinion... But...

I'd love to know how you came to selecting that team. Probably our 2 best performers in the league, Doherty and R Feeney, have been ommitted and changed position respectively.

Gardiner, D Kilcullen and T Mort brought in?? Based on what?? D Kilcullen is a decent option but he isn't of the calibre of T Howley. Gardiner will be a useful sub but when we have a player like Feeney there now, he isn't needed. T Mort is another player I would have as no better than a sub. Freeman, Doherty, Dillon and Moran are certainties to start. That leaves 2 places. A O'Shea has failed when tried in the forwards so I would have him as a midfield option.

A Feeney has done little wrong at FB, Higgins will start in the corner, Caff and R Feeney are nailed on in the half back line. That leaves 2 positions in defence. I have no idea who he will go for.

The team I'd pick;

                  Clarke
Howley       Feeney     Higgins
Feeney         Caff       Vaughan

        McGarrity      Kilcullen

Moran         Dillon       McLoughlin
Doherty    Freeman     A'O Shea

I'd have A O'Shea either playing 3rd midfielder or else dropping a line deeper when McLoughlin moves back.

Subs: Cunniffe, Keegan, Burke, S O'Shea, Varley, O'Connor, Campbell

rosnarun seems to have a issue with Caff alright, seems to go to town on the lad in most posts, described him as having "hands of stone" before if i remember correctly, very harsh in my opinion, will do a great job for us this summer.

Welcome to the board prison love. I'd have reservations with Howley in the corner and AOS in your team though, Howely picking up breaking ball around midfield and AOS facing goal could be a better option.

Best of luck to all the lads involved and hope Ruislip will be first of a decent run of games I'm able to attend this summer.

Quote from: mannix on May 13, 2011, 02:40:01 AM
Ros' ,
You omitted Doherty?

He wants a noose too.

Rosnarun will always start his team picking process by ensuring there are no Ballina Stephenites listed and go from there

Quote from: stephenite on May 13, 2011, 11:27:31 AM
Rosnarun will always start his team picking process by ensuring there are no Ballina Stephenites listed and go from there

It is a compelling argument!  ;D

However Caff will definitely start or all reason has been lost. It took Cahill a couple of years to find his feet and Hanley was the same. Discarding him would be absurd. The emergence of Alan Feeney is great for the panel and he could start in the FB line but I expect Caff will be either 3 or 6.

I do wonder is rosnarun a wind-up merchant towards the Ballina lads or is he simply deluded. I hope for his sake it is the former. God love him if he thinks that ought to be the time that plays.

Quote from: rosnarun on May 13, 2011, 02:16:54 AM
K O'Malley
R feeney A feeney K higgins
P gardiner D kilcullen K Mcloughlin
  S o'se J kilcullen
t mort  A o se dillon
e Varley A Freeman andy

I think its the fact that he simply knows nothing about football.
A few things:
Kenneth O Malley and David Kilcullen are not even on the panel.
Not starting Doherty is insane.

If he is a WUM its fairly pathetic

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 13, 2011, 01:12:38 PM

Quote from: rosnarun on May 13, 2011, 02:16:54 AM
K O'Malley
R feeney A feeney K higgins
P gardiner D kilcullen K Mcloughlin
  S o'se J kilcullen
t mort  A o se dillon
e Varley A Freeman andy

I think its the fact that he simply knows nothing about football.
A few things:
Kenneth O Malley and David Kilcullen are not even on the panel.
Not starting Doherty is insane.

If he is a WUM its fairly pathetic

I can't remember whether I read it in The Mayo News or The Western People, but David Kilcullen was invited to train with the panel early in the year and declined. That's fair enough, but it's a bit daft for people to be naming him in their championship team on the back of a couple of Mayo junior matches - he wasn't even playing for Ballagh last year!
But if he gets back to full fitness, he is definitely worth a look - he has the physicality and the ability.

Quote from: stephenite on May 13, 2011, 11:27:31 AM
Rosnarun will always start his team picking process by ensuring there are no Ballina Stephenites listed and go from there

:D :D it does seem to be part of his selection policy allright

Quote from: the Deel Rover on May 13, 2011, 02:13:15 PM

Quote from: stephenite on May 13, 2011, 11:27:31 AM
Rosnarun will always start his team picking process by ensuring there are no Ballina Stephenites listed and go from there

:D :D it does seem to be part of his selection policy allright

Must introduce him to the delights of Ballina sometime. A nice housin estate girl would ease his woes.

any particular estates in mind?  careful now because i know people and can have a gypo at your door in two shakes of a ferrets tail. only kiddin, nicks.

He did pick Enda Varley, and himself, Doheerty and Alan Freeman could be a lethal full-forward line. They'd be my full-forward line if I was picking a Mayo team this year unless one of them is injured. I'd have A O'Shea and McGarrity in midfield.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 13, 2011, 11:05:43 PM
He did pick Enda Varley, and himself, Doheerty and Alan Freeman could be a lethal full-forward line. They'd be my full-forward line if I was picking a Mayo team this year unless one of them is injured. I'd have A O'Shea and McGarrity in midfield.

We wont have the luxury of playing a 3 man full forward line imo. It might look deadly but easier anyway to defend than 2 inside. One of our forwards is going to have a deeper role and that should mean 2 inside. Unless we go back to the 90 s when our 11 played behind midfield. Let s put it this way. That wont be in any coaching manual any time soon.

A bit harsh there moysider with the dig at Maughan.Colm mc was m.o.m in the connacht final and also had a very good game against kerry in 1996.He also played reasonably well against meath but unfortunatly mcmanus hoovered up alot of breaking ball in the last 20 min. which led alot of people to deem colm mcs role a failure which was far from true.Jeez i can not believe I am bringing this up again  :D

Quote from: Barney on May 12, 2011, 08:25:55 AM
Decided to come out of retirement for the Championship.

It's giong to be a big Summer and an interesting Summer for Mayo.

Very hard to know where we are at. I think we are better placed than last year, I also think that management are gearing everything towards a serious shot at the Connacht Championship and so we were not as sharp in the league as a result.

Assuming we beat London the Galway game is a massive one for both counties. Two years without a Connacht Final appearance would be a blow for either.

Losing to Galway is not a massive blow. The season for Mayo is all about their quarter-final. How they get to the quarter-final doesn't matter. If they win the quarter-final, the season's been a success, beyond all question. If they lose it - well, it depends on how they lost it and to whom I suppose. It's hard to see them capitulate as they did against Meath but then, I certainly didn't expect them to capitulate against Meath and still don't understand how it happened (and I certainly don't blame the ref).

If Mayo lose to Galway they can't meet either Cork or Kerry until the quarter-final stage, but it's a three game trip though the qualifiers. Ulster teams in Ulster would be bad draws. Otherwise, it's hard to particularly fear anybody. I think it would be good practice not to place too much store in the game against Galway and to release there is a back door option in the Championship.

Of course, beating Galway and winning Connacht would be a lovely way to get to the quarters. Of course. But if you only have an even money chance of beating Galway it's a mistake to beat the season on that one game, when you have access to a back door and in which the chances of your drawing a team against which you match up better are much higher.

Mayo, above all contending teams (Mayo have won four All-Ireland semi-finals in the past fifteen years - that makes them contenders, even though we in Mayo are loathe to give ourselves credit for what we've achieved), have made the least use of the back door. We need to expand our thinking to make the most use of the Championship as its presently constructed. Viewing a game against Galway as an all-or-nothing encounter when it's not an all-or-nothing encounter at all is a mental mistake and bad preparation.

Quote from: moysider on May 14, 2011, 12:16:23 AM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 13, 2011, 11:05:43 PM
He did pick Enda Varley, and himself, Doheerty and Alan Freeman could be a lethal full-forward line. They'd be my full-forward line if I was picking a Mayo team this year unless one of them is injured. I'd have A O'Shea and McGarrity in midfield.

We wont have the luxury of playing a 3 man full forward line imo. It might look deadly but easier anyway to defend than 2 inside. One of our forwards is going to have a deeper role and that should mean 2 inside. Unless we go back to the 90 s when our 11 played behind midfield. Let s put it this way. That wont be in any coaching manual any time soon.

True I suppose, it's all gone very defensive these days unfortunately, trying to get men behind the ball at all times.

Quote from: maigheo on May 14, 2011, 03:02:52 AM
A bit harsh there moysider with the dig at Maughan.Colm mc was m.o.m in the connacht final and also had a very good game against kerry in 1996.He also played reasonably well against meath but unfortunatly mcmanus hoovered up alot of breaking ball in the last 20 min. which led alot of people to deem colm mcs role a failure which was far from true.Jeez i can not believe I am bringing this up again  :D

Cant believe I brought it up either. It may have been a bit of a dig at Stylish John but I would be the last in the world to have a go at Colm Mac. 2 All Irelands in a row 2 of the most ordinary no 6s to ever play in a final had huge games against us because we left the forty vacant. If Colm had played the role from 15 with an 11 playing in position it would have been perfect and history probably would have been very different.

Quote from: mannix on May 13, 2011, 08:52:06 PM
any particular estates in mind?  careful now because i know people and can have a gypo at your door in two shakes of a ferrets tail. only kiddin, nicks.

are there differences in the pecking order in the ballina estates ?  unless you are including the Quay in the equation , but isn't that rugby land anyway
sorry if i failed to  give ballina their Quota picking the team .  Stick Devenny in any position you want im sure it'll improve the team

in football news  from Mayo Gaa twitter
Mayo 0-15 to Offaly 2-12
Mayo team to face Offaly: David Clarke, Ronan Rochford, Ger Cafferkey, Cathal Hallinan, Chris Barrett, Tom Cunniffe, Donal Vaughan, Jason Gibbons, James Kilcullen, Alan Dillon, Aidan O'Shea, Aidan Campbell, Enda Varley, Alan Freeman,howley

Some more info from todays game: Other Substitutes introduced (Hard to know who replaced who as so many came on) Eoghan Reilly, Alan Feeney, Peadar Gardiner, Dermot Geraghty, Trevor Mortimer, Seamus O'Shea, Neil Douglas, Kevin McLoughlin & Kevin Dolan. Todays Scorers: Aidan Campbell (4 points) Alan Dillon (6 points) Alan Freeman (2 points) Chris Barrett, Enda Varley & Peadar Gardiner (1 point each)

(Cant believe I brought it up either. It may have been a bit of a dig at Stylish John but I would be the last in the world to have a go at Colm Mac. 2 All Irelands in a row 2 of the most ordinary no 6s to ever play in a final had huge games against us because we left the forty vacant. If Colm had played the role from 15 with an 11 playing in position it would have been perfect and history probably would have been very different.)[/quote]  Moysider I did not mean to imply that you were having a go at colm mc one of the more underrated footballers in mayo.I take your point about him playing that role from no. 15 but I will always maintain that if Maughan had not become manager in 95 we would not have got out of connacht never mind contest all irelands during those years so any mistakes he made should be seen in that context and it would have been an era that would have been long forgotten  and saved us all this anguish   :) : :)

Anybody in Ballintubber on Saturday.

Are backs are a massive worry! The chopping and changing at this stage is the kind of thing I hoped we would move away from. Very uncertain few weeks ahead.

Quote from: Barney on May 16, 2011, 10:56:55 AM
Anybody in Ballintubber on Saturday.

Are backs are a massive worry! The chopping and changing at this stage is the kind of thing I hoped we would move away from. Very uncertain few weeks ahead.

Yeah I was at it and it was a very poor performance all round I'd have to say.
Offaly were certainly far more 'up for it' - they were pulling jerseys off the ball, not letting a Mayo player make a run at all. They were in Championship mode (Jason Ryan, Wexford manager, was there taking notes). It might have been no harm at all - it certainly will focus the minds of management and players alike.
All those Mayo players had club league games the next day, perhaps they had one eye on that and were holding back a small bit.
But the defence is definitely still a major concern based on Saturday - Offaly scored 2 goals and could have got another couple - they got in behind our defence far too easily.
I'm reluctant to read too much into challenge matches, so probably shouldn't draw too many conclusions, but I wasn't dreaming of September leaving the pitch (fantastic facilities by the way).

I dont think the backs are a massive worry as the game last Saturday was again used to experiment so we will probably see a more settled and solid defence for London and Galway so I wouldnt worry just yet.

I have mixed feelings about the Offaly game, its hard to read that much into it as there was so much chopping and changing.

One thing is for sure; Offaly seemed well up for it and the game was played at a good pace. Mayo did look a bit flat, which could have been down to hard training during the week and the thoughts of a club league game the next day, whereas Offaly seemed much fresher and as Tubberman said were in championship mode.

At the very least it was a decent and competitive game for Mayo and a few guys got game time like Ronan Rochford, Kevin Dolan, Trevor Mortimor, Dermot Geraghty etc

A couple of things would worry me though.

The injury list seems to be piling up with a serious amount of players getting niggles and strains. I dont know is this down to how hard they are being pushed training wise but there seems to be a lot of players picking up injury's.

On that point, Douglas went off after just a couple of minutes and seemed to be in serious distress, does anyone know what happened?

Similarly Seamus O Shea lasted only seconds before he took a big hit and went off with a shoulder injury. R&GS might let us know the extent of it...

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 16, 2011, 11:44:33 AM
I dont think the backs are a massive worry as the game last Saturday was again used to experiment so we will probably see a more settled and solid defence for London and Galway so I wouldnt worry just yet.

I have mixed feelings about the Offaly game, its hard to read that much into it as there was so much chopping and changing.

One thing is for sure; Offaly seemed well up for it and the game was played at a good pace. Mayo did look a bit flat, which could have been down to hard training during the week and the thoughts of a club league game the next day, whereas Offaly seemed much fresher and as Tubberman said were in championship mode.

At the very least it was a decent and competitive game for Mayo and a few guys got game time like Ronan Rochford, Kevin Dolan, Trevor Mortimor, Dermot Geraghty etc

A couple of things would worry me though.

The injury list seems to be piling up with a serious amount of players getting niggles and strains. I dont know is this down to how hard they are being pushed training wise but there seems to be a lot of players picking up injury's.

On that point, Douglas went off after just a couple of minutes and seemed to be in serious distress, does anyone know what happened?

Similarly Seamus O Shea lasted only seconds before he took a big hit and went off with a shoulder injury. R&GS might let us know the extent of it...

Kevin Dolan and Robbie Hennelly were limping afterwards as well. Hennelly didn't seem too worried, but Dolan looked very pissed off and I heard he had done his ligaments (not sure if knee or ankle, reocurrence of a previous injury apparently).
Hope it's not true as he has been very unlucky - broken jaw first day out, so hasn't had a real chance to stake a claim for a place.

Was there any other county players that was not involved with their clubs at the weekend?

Off the top of my head, guys carrying knocks and strains include:
Dillon
Cillian O Connor
Trevor Howley
Jason Gibbons
Douglas
Richie Feeney
Kevin Dolan
Hennelly
Seamus O Shea
McGarity
...

It was a poor performance on saturday.

The backs were pretty slack on several occasions. I don't think any of them did themselves many favours.  Ger Cafferky looked to be under pressure ( was that Niall Mcnamee he was marking?)Tom Cunniffe had a bad second half and was getting it in the ear from the manager.
Gibbons was anonymous at midfield. We completely collapsed when James Kilcullen was removed from that area for peace keeping reasons. He played well when he was on the pitch and adds much needed steel to the team.

Freeman was the pick of the forwards.I reckon this will be the championship team Horan picks for the galway game
:
D Clarke

D Vaughan/C Barrett
G Cafferkey
K Higgins

R Feeney
T Cunniffe
D Vaughan/P Gardiner

J Kilcullen
R Mcgarrity

A Moran
A O'Se
A Dillon

J Doherty
A Freeman
K Mcloughlin


I think Vaughan is viewed as one of the key men and will be kept in at the expense of c barrett or peadar.
Its worrying that there are so few nailed down for the team
Higgins
R Feeney
Mcgarrity
A Dillon
A Freeman
J Doherty
A Moran (maybe)
Thats only 6/7

I'll ask the question again - why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back and putting Tom Cunniffe there? If this happened under Johnno we'd be talking about him being afraid to try things. Its worrying, I fear.

On the injury front Seamie O'Shea has damaged his AC joint. Not broken but waiting for scan results to determine the extent of muscle/ligament damage. Robbie Hennelly got a bad bang on the shin but was able to play Sunday.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
I'll ask the question again - why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back and putting Tom Cunniffe there? If this happened under Johnno we'd be talking about him being afraid to try things. Its worrying, I fear. On the injury front Seamie O'Shea has damaged his AC joint. Not broken but waiting for scan results to determine the extent of muscle/ligament damage. Robbie Hennelly got a bad bang on the shin but was able to play Sunday.

This is unfortunately what happens when the gun is loaded. Or maybe not - it was just a challenge game after all. But the signs, while not omionous, are worrying. While IolarCoisCuain made a great case for an extended summer to a quarter final ,even if we lose the Galway game the reality will probably be much different. As Venter pointed out, there is hardly a settled line in the team yet. A settled, hardened team like, say Tyrone, could cope losing early and come through the qualifiers. But if we lose to Galway, how many will survive for the next game? This mayo team needs to win to develop. I hate to say it but if we lose early we will lose again early.
  The chop - change in the league was the way to go and I hope he goes with the shape that was evident when we were in good shape  during games there. It was,nt obscure. Cunniffe 2, Higgins 4, Feeney5, Caff 6, Burke 7. Ronan if fit, AOS, Campbell, Dillon, MCL. Freeman, Andy, Doc. If there is change from that - barring injuries naturally - then we should worry. Injured players that are coming back can force their way back over the summer. But, as Sniper has said, if Caff at 3 is where we ve ended up then...... It could be just an exercise in Amageddon, in case he has to be deployed there in certain circumstances. But surely others could have done with that experience.

Quote from: moysider on May 17, 2011, 12:28:44 AM

This is unfortunately what happens when the gun is loaded. Or maybe not - it was just a challenge game after all. But the signs, while not omionous, are worrying. While IolarCoisCuain made a great case for an extended summer to a quarter final ,even if we lose the Galway game the reality will probably be much different. As Venter pointed out, there is hardly a settled line in the team yet. A settled, hardened team like, say Tyrone, could cope losing early and come through the qualifiers. But if we lose to Galway, how many will survive for the next game? This mayo team needs to win to develop. I hate to say it but if we lose early we will lose again early.
  The chop - change in the league was the way to go and I hope he goes with the shape that was evident when we were in good shape  during games there. It was,nt obscure. Cunniffe 2, Higgins 4, Feeney5, Caff 6, Burke 7. Ronan if fit, AOS, Campbell, Dillon, MCL. Freeman, Andy, Doc. If there is change from that - barring injuries naturally - then we should worry. Injured players that are coming back can force their way back over the summer. But, as Sniper has said, if Caff at 3 is where we ve ended up then...... It could be just an exercise in Amageddon, in case he has to be deployed there in certain circumstances. But surely others could have done with that experience.

Well if Horan was seriously looking to either Alan Feeney or Cathal Hallinan at full-back, surely they'd be playing there in challenge games because neither of them got an extended run there in the League and they would both need games. Perhaps Horan doesn't rate either? I wouldn't agree with him there but he's taking a long time to come to that view, if he has. And, in doing so, he's putting a guy at centre-half back who patently isn't suited to the position. I'd worry about that. Moysider I'd agree with most of the shape you are talking about but I'd not be so sure about Burke at 7 and Campbell at 10. Burke would be one of several contenders - Vaughan, Howley among them - with none standing high above the rest. Kilcullen at midfield, Aidan O'Shea in the half forward line with Andy and Dillon and McLoughlin dropping from 13 would be more along the lines of what I'd envisage.

Iolar is right in some respects about the Galway game not being the be all and end all. That attitude of not fancying the qualifiers needs to change. But will it? Galway is huge imho.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back

Cafferkey is a superb athlete. He is strong, fast and has a good change of direction which allows him to be a reasonably sticky defender. He has enough height to at least contest high balls against bigger full forwards. I think he will do well for us at full back.

I dont think he has a future at centre back. He struggles to  control the ball when he is soloing out of defence, even when he is in open space. He has poor technique. His kicking is not good.

At full back, you dont need to be a good kicker or solo-er. Who was the donegal full back that played and won an all ireland in '92 without kicking the ball in the final?

I think Horan knows that the average Mayo supporter needs to be worried come championship time and he is just ensuring that there is no lack of anxiety. Can't imagine how they would cope if there was a settled team, no worries over central positions and quietly confident of winning Connacht without too much fuss!!

Quote from: venter on May 17, 2011, 12:37:03 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back

Cafferkey is a superb athlete. He is strong, fast and has a good change of direction which allows him to be a reasonably sticky defender. He has enough height to at least contest high balls against bigger full forwards. I think he will do well for us at full back.

I dont think he has a future at centre back. He struggles to  control the ball when he is soloing out of defence, even when he is in open space. He has poor technique. His kicking is not good.

At full back, you dont need to be a good kicker or solo-er. Who was the donegal full back that played and won an all ireland in '92 without kicking the ball in the final?

Matt Gallagher I think is the Donegal guy in question. See I don't know that Ger is our best full-back either. He is not exceptional in the air and has struggled in that regard at full-back, despite his height. I take your point about his football skill at centre-half back but James Nallen wasn't a superb kicker of the ball either. I'm borrowing from moysider here but Cafferkey won't need to kick too much ball at 6, especially with the pattern of the modern game towards handpassing. Most importantly at centre-half back he reads the game well and he is a defender first, which is what we certainly need when you bear in mind the attacking instincts of all our wing-back contenders.
Tom Cunniffe has lightning pace but, like Cafferkey, his ball skills aren't great. Unlike Cafferkey he doesn't read the game terribly well and he is too inclined to bomb forward. He's a contender for a wing-back spot or maybe in the corner but shouldn't be in the centre.

Quote from: Tatler Jack on May 17, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
I think Horan knows that the average Mayo supporter needs to be worried come championship time and he is just ensuring that there is no lack of anxiety. Can't imagine how they would cope if there was a settled team, no worries over central positions and quietly confident of winning Connacht without too much fuss!!

Ah, we'll win Connacht alright. It's getting the key positions right for the likes of Kerry and Cork I'm worried about.  :P

Any time I've seen Cafferkey at no 6, he usually lays it off with a handpass to somebody nearer to kick it out. He should be left at no 6 for the remainder of the year I think. Not too sure about Burke at no 7 though moy.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 17, 2011, 10:40:35 PM
Any time I've seen Cafferkey at no 6, he usually lays it off with a handpass to somebody nearer to kick it out. He should be left at no 6 for the remainder of the year I think. Not too sure about Burke at no 7 though moy.

There s little enough we can be sure about but I think he s worth a punt. To be honest though I have my doubts that he ll be in the mix. Maybe it s just a hunch but I get the impression that we will end up where we started from. We ve always been conservative and may still be. That would be a mistake in my opinion but management is working with these guys all the time so they are in position to make the calls. I sincerely hope Horan puts his own shape on things for the championship and be bold with selection.

Any idea of the ticket price for Ruislip lads?? Going bring a few English lads to see the real beautiful game!

Quote from: ballinaman on May 19, 2011, 09:29:17 PM
Any idea of the ticket price for Ruislip lads?? Going bring a few English lads to see the real beautiful game!

Googled and got this
http://www.dromintee.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=234:ulster-gaa-championship-ticket-prices-2011&catid=36:parishnotes&Itemid=18

Quote

Ulster GAA Championship Ticket Prices 2011
www.ulster.gaa.ie
USFC20102011
Quarter Final and Semi Final Games
                                                         2010    2011
Under 16 (to non-ticket games)                 Free    Free
Student (Terrace)                               NA    €10/£9
Senior Citizen (Terrace)                     €10/£9    €10/£9
Family (child for all games)                       €5/£5    €5/£5
Terrace & Senior Citizen                   €15/£13    €15/£13
Uncovered Stand/Unreserved           €25/£21    €25/£21
Covered Stand                                    €27/£23    €27/£23

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 17, 2011, 04:33:38 PM

Quote from: venter on May 17, 2011, 12:37:03 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back

Cafferkey is a superb athlete. He is strong, fast and has a good change of direction which allows him to be a reasonably sticky defender. He has enough height to at least contest high balls against bigger full forwards. I think he will do well for us at full back.

I dont think he has a future at centre back. He struggles to  control the ball when he is soloing out of defence, even when he is in open space. He has poor technique. His kicking is not good.

At full back, you dont need to be a good kicker or solo-er. Who was the donegal full back that played and won an all ireland in '92 without kicking the ball in the final?

Matt Gallagher I think is the Donegal guy in question. See I don't know that Ger is our best full-back either. He is not exceptional in the air and has struggled in that regard at full-back, despite his height. I take your point about his football skill at centre-half back but James Nallen wasn't a superb kicker of the ball either. I'm borrowing from moysider here but Cafferkey won't need to kick too much ball at 6, especially with the pattern of the modern game towards handpassing. Most importantly at centre-half back he reads the game well and he is a defender first, which is what we certainly need when you bear in mind the attacking instincts of all our wing-back contenders.
Tom Cunniffe has lightning pace but, like Cafferkey, his ball skills aren't great. Unlike Cafferkey he doesn't read the game terribly well and he is too inclined to bomb forward. He's a contender for a wing-back spot or maybe in the corner but shouldn't be in the centre.

Quote from: Tatler Jack on May 17, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
I think Horan knows that the average Mayo supporter needs to be worried come championship time and he is just ensuring that there is no lack of anxiety. Can't imagine how they would cope if there was a settled team, no worries over central positions and quietly confident of winning Connacht without too much fuss!!

Ah, we'll win Connacht alright. It's getting the key positions right for the likes of Kerry and Cork I'm worried about.  :P

yet again people bending over backwards trying to make a case for cafferkey. there isnt one . he was tried at fullback he failed , he has been tried at chb and has failed im only waiting for the ballina crew to bring up how he was a deadly full forward at u-14 and freeman should be dropped to make way for him.
On a different subject  Trevor Mortimer came on a CHB the last day could Horan be really thinking  about it ?  have we had our trevor's back to front howley a forward and mort a back? they both have the class to be on but i would have my doubts

Quote from: rosnarun on May 20, 2011, 01:20:33 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 17, 2011, 04:33:38 PM

Quote from: venter on May 17, 2011, 12:37:03 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back

Cafferkey is a superb athlete. He is strong, fast and has a good change of direction which allows him to be a reasonably sticky defender. He has enough height to at least contest high balls against bigger full forwards. I think he will do well for us at full back.

I dont think he has a future at centre back. He struggles to  control the ball when he is soloing out of defence, even when he is in open space. He has poor technique. His kicking is not good.

At full back, you dont need to be a good kicker or solo-er. Who was the donegal full back that played and won an all ireland in '92 without kicking the ball in the final?

Matt Gallagher I think is the Donegal guy in question. See I don't know that Ger is our best full-back either. He is not exceptional in the air and has struggled in that regard at full-back, despite his height. I take your point about his football skill at centre-half back but James Nallen wasn't a superb kicker of the ball either. I'm borrowing from moysider here but Cafferkey won't need to kick too much ball at 6, especially with the pattern of the modern game towards handpassing. Most importantly at centre-half back he reads the game well and he is a defender first, which is what we certainly need when you bear in mind the attacking instincts of all our wing-back contenders.
Tom Cunniffe has lightning pace but, like Cafferkey, his ball skills aren't great. Unlike Cafferkey he doesn't read the game terribly well and he is too inclined to bomb forward. He's a contender for a wing-back spot or maybe in the corner but shouldn't be in the centre.

Quote from: Tatler Jack on May 17, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
I think Horan knows that the average Mayo supporter needs to be worried come championship time and he is just ensuring that there is no lack of anxiety. Can't imagine how they would cope if there was a settled team, no worries over central positions and quietly confident of winning Connacht without too much fuss!!

Ah, we'll win Connacht alright. It's getting the key positions right for the likes of Kerry and Cork I'm worried about.  :P

yet again people bending over backwards trying to make a case for cafferkey. there isnt one . he was tried at fullback he failed , he has been tried at chb and has failed im only waiting for the ballina crew to bring up how he was a deadly full forward at u-14 and freeman should be dropped to make way for him.
On a different subject  Trevor Mortimer came on a CHB the last day could Horan be really thinking  about it ?  have we had our trevor's back to front howley a forward and mort a back? they both have the class to be on but i would have my doubts

Did Cafferkey take your woman one night in Longnecks Ros?

Possible Mayo team to face Galway injuries permitting

1-Robert Hennelly
2-Trevor Howley
3-Alan Feeney
4-Keith Higgins
5-Richie Feeney
6-Trevor Mortimer
7-Donal Vaughan
8-James Kilcullen
9-Aidan O'Shea
10-Andy Moran
11-Alan Dillon
12-Kevin McLoughlin
13-Alan Freeman
14-Ronan Mc Garrity
15-Jason Doherty

2 serious ball winners inside if we go long or a  footballing half forward line if we go with the short handpassing. Plan A and B contained within this team.

Quote from: Chisel on May 20, 2011, 02:45:17 PM
Possible Mayo team to face Galway injuries permitting

1-Robert Hennelly
2-Trevor Howley
3-Alan Feeney
4-Keith Higgins
5-Richie Feeney
6-Trevor Mortimer
7-Donal Vaughan
8-James Kilcullen
9-Aidan O'Shea
10-Andy Moran
11-Alan Dillon
12-Kevin McLoughlin
13-Alan Freeman
14-Ronan Mc Garrity
15-Jason Doherty

2 serious ball winners inside if we go long or a  footballing half forward line if we go with the short handpassing. Plan A and B contained within this team.

Welcome back PeterSolanTheGreat  ::)

Quote from: rosnarun on May 20, 2011, 01:20:33 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 17, 2011, 04:33:38 PM

Quote from: venter on May 17, 2011, 12:37:03 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 16, 2011, 11:22:51 PM
why are we taking Ger Cafferkey from centre-half back

Cafferkey is a superb athlete. He is strong, fast and has a good change of direction which allows him to be a reasonably sticky defender. He has enough height to at least contest high balls against bigger full forwards. I think he will do well for us at full back.

I dont think he has a future at centre back. He struggles to  control the ball when he is soloing out of defence, even when he is in open space. He has poor technique. His kicking is not good.

At full back, you dont need to be a good kicker or solo-er. Who was the donegal full back that played and won an all ireland in '92 without kicking the ball in the final?

Matt Gallagher I think is the Donegal guy in question. See I don't know that Ger is our best full-back either. He is not exceptional in the air and has struggled in that regard at full-back, despite his height. I take your point about his football skill at centre-half back but James Nallen wasn't a superb kicker of the ball either. I'm borrowing from moysider here but Cafferkey won't need to kick too much ball at 6, especially with the pattern of the modern game towards handpassing. Most importantly at centre-half back he reads the game well and he is a defender first, which is what we certainly need when you bear in mind the attacking instincts of all our wing-back contenders.
Tom Cunniffe has lightning pace but, like Cafferkey, his ball skills aren't great. Unlike Cafferkey he doesn't read the game terribly well and he is too inclined to bomb forward. He's a contender for a wing-back spot or maybe in the corner but shouldn't be in the centre.

Quote from: Tatler Jack on May 17, 2011, 12:59:13 PM
I think Horan knows that the average Mayo supporter needs to be worried come championship time and he is just ensuring that there is no lack of anxiety. Can't imagine how they would cope if there was a settled team, no worries over central positions and quietly confident of winning Connacht without too much fuss!!

Ah, we'll win Connacht alright. It's getting the key positions right for the likes of Kerry and Cork I'm worried about.  :P

yet again people bending over backwards trying to make a case for cafferkey. there isnt one . he was tried at fullback he failed , he has been tried at chb and has failed im only waiting for the ballina crew to bring up how he was a deadly full forward at u-14 and freeman should be dropped to make way for him.
On a different subject  Trevor Mortimer came on a CHB the last day could Horan be really thinking  about it ?  have we had our trevor's back to front howley a forward and mort a back? they both have the class to be on but i would have my doubts

Yeah, them Ballina boys, they're the worst hoors of all time for hassling people! :P

Could this new ash cloud from the Icelandic eruption prevent this fixture from taking place, let alone stop us from travelling... ?

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 23, 2011, 11:46:31 AM
Could this new ash cloud from the Icelandic eruption prevent this fixture from taking place, let alone stop us from travelling... ?

The last time they permitted no flying anywhere near the ash. Since then they have created procedures that are far more practical and less restrictive. It is unlikely that we will see anything like what happened last year. Also without looking anything up, my house is shaking under a strong westerly gale. That wind won't bring Ash from  Iceland anywhere near us.

Quote from: Chisel on May 20, 2011, 02:45:17 PM
Possible Mayo team to face Galway

Remember Sligo   ;D ;D

Quote from: Rossfan on May 23, 2011, 12:06:21 PM

Quote from: Chisel on May 20, 2011, 02:45:17 PM
Possible Mayo team to face Galway

Remember Sligo   ;D ;D

How could we ever forget them! They beat us last year the hoors.

Quote from: muppet on May 23, 2011, 12:02:01 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 23, 2011, 11:46:31 AM
Could this new ash cloud from the Icelandic eruption prevent this fixture from taking place, let alone stop us from travelling... ?

The last time they permitted no flying anywhere near the ash. Since then they have created procedures that are far more practical and less restrictive. It is unlikely that we will see anything like what happened last year. Also without looking anything up, my house is shaking under a strong westerly gale. That wind won't bring Ash from  Iceland anywhere near us.

Edit:

I take the last part of that back. Looking at the charts the winds are blowing from Iceland down towards the middle of the Atlantic and then onto us from the west. The next few charts see that change to a direct airflow from Iceland to us tonight. Hard to tell for the weekend but I am still betting against a shutdown like last year.

Here is the chart for midnight tonight:
(http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/charts/FSXX00T_24.jpg)
They are talking about it having some impact for the next few days.

Here is that website proper and you can look at charts up to the weekend.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/surface_pressure.html (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/surface_pressure.html)

Quote from: muppet on May 23, 2011, 07:53:57 PM
Here is that website proper and you can look at charts up to the weekend.

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/surface_pressure.html (http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/surface_pressure.html)

Flights to Scotland canceled already.

I'm sure if needed Mayo can travel over on the ferry.

I see today's Indo is saying Cafferkey is likely to be out for the London game, and that Varley also missed training but should be ok.

That's Cafferkey, Keith Higgins, McGarrity all out. What about the Feeney's and Seamus O'Shea - are they back in the running for Sunday?

This will be a very close game in my opinion. Mayo much like Sligo will have big heads going into the game. Both sets of players have inflated opinions of their talents. While its very competitive, teams in Connacht are very poor and all teams are on a similar level. With that in mind I think London will win this by one.

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 24, 2011, 02:05:57 PM
This will be a very close game in my opinion. Mayo much like Sligo will have big heads going into the game. Both sets of players have inflated opinions of their talents. While its very competitive, teams in Connacht are very poor and all teams are on a similar level. With that in mind I think London will win this by one.

Are you Sligonian in disguise??  :D

Anyway, I see in The Mayo News that Cafferkey should be fit to play on Sunday, but Seamus O'Shea will be out.

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 24, 2011, 02:05:57 PM
This will be a very close game in my opinion. Mayo much like Sligo will have big heads going into the game. Both sets of players have inflated opinions of their talents. While its very competitive, teams in Connacht are very poor and all teams are on a similar level. With that in mind I think London will win this by one.

Mayo should be more than capable of skating by London using the second 15,provided of course that they do not think they just need to turn up and even then they should be far too strong. Mayo by 10 points or I"ll buy jedwards new album.

Quote from: mannix on May 24, 2011, 02:43:03 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 24, 2011, 02:05:57 PM
This will be a very close game in my opinion. Mayo much like Sligo will have big heads going into the game. Both sets of players have inflated opinions of their talents. While its very competitive, teams in Connacht are very poor and all teams are on a similar level. With that in mind I think London will win this by one.

Mayo should be more than capable of skating by London using the second 15,provided of course that they do not think they just need to turn up and even then they should be far too strong. Mayo by 10 points or I"ll buy jedwards new album.

People said much the same about Leitrim last weekend. Connacht while poor is very unpredictable and who knows what will happen until the final whistle.

Id say even if there is a problem with travel Mayo will find 15 or so Mayo fellows over in England capable of winning this one handy enough!! No comparison with last Sunday - Leitrim are a cut above London. Mayo by at least 10 and maybe a lot more if the London lads lose interest.

London's tactics these days are to keep the score down so the Mayo folks have no worries ahead of this exhibition game.

Mayo team due to be picked tonight. I've heard one or two surprises but won't say until I hear the full team.

Anthony Hennigan in the 'Western' is speculating on a selection based on an a v b match at the weekend. It looked something like this. Hennelly, Cuniffe, Feeney, Geraghty, Feeney, Vaughan, Keegan, O Sé, Kilcullen, Campbell, Dillon, Moran, Doherty, Freeman, Howley. we ll see how close that is?

We know about the injuries to a few. If that is the team there is little surprising apart from the absense of Kevin McLoughlin. Mark Ronaldson and Cathal Freeman took part in this match also. Great to see the panel flexible like this, compared to the crap we had. It has to be anyway with the rate of attrition with injuries.

Quote from: moysider on May 24, 2011, 11:11:32 PM

Anthony Hennigan in the 'Western' is speculating on a selection based on an a v b match at the weekend. It looked something like this. Hennelly, Cuniffe, Feeney, Geraghty, Feeney, Vaughan, Keegan, O Sé, Kilcullen, Campbell, Dillon, Moran, Doherty, Freeman, Howley. we ll see how close that is?

We know about the injuries to a few. If that is the team there is little surprising apart from the absense of Kevin McLoughlin. Mark Ronaldson and Cathal Freeman took part in this match also. Great to see the panel flexible like this, compared to the crap we had. It has to be anyway with the rate of attrition with injuries.

hennigan is just anti ballina 
ronaldson back on the panel and howley starting all we need now is the other trevor to play  instead of doherty.. whose time might come yet

Quote from: rosnarun on May 25, 2011, 01:10:02 AM

Quote from: moysider on May 24, 2011, 11:11:32 PM

Anthony Hennigan in the 'Western' is speculating on a selection based on an a v b match at the weekend. It looked something like this. Hennelly, Cuniffe, Feeney, Geraghty, Feeney, Vaughan, Keegan, O Sé, Kilcullen, Campbell, Dillon, Moran, Doherty, Freeman, Howley. we ll see how close that is?

We know about the injuries to a few. If that is the team there is little surprising apart from the absense of Kevin McLoughlin. Mark Ronaldson and Cathal Freeman took part in this match also. Great to see the panel flexible like this, compared to the crap we had. It has to be anyway with the


rate of attrition with injuries.

hennigan is just anti ballina 
ronaldson back on the panel and howley starting all we need now is the other trevor to play  instead of doherty.. whose time might come ye

You must be joking about Doherty, drop him? For what, lack of scoring threat? It's not like we have another like him. 

Quote from: mannix on May 25, 2011, 03:39:18 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on May 25, 2011, 01:10:02 AM

Quote from: moysider on May 24, 2011, 11:11:32 PM

Anthony Hennigan in the 'Western' is speculating on a selection based on an a v b match at the weekend. It looked something like this. Hennelly, Cuniffe, Feeney, Geraghty, Feeney, Vaughan, Keegan, O Sé, Kilcullen, Campbell, Dillon, Moran, Doherty, Freeman, Howley. we ll see how close that is?

We know about the injuries to a few. If that is the team there is little surprising apart from the absense of Kevin McLoughlin. Mark Ronaldson and Cathal Freeman took part in this match also. Great to see the panel flexible like this, compared to the crap we had. It has to be anyway with the


rate of attrition with injuries.

hennigan is just anti ballina 
ronaldson back on the panel and howley starting all we need now is the other trevor to play  instead of doherty.. whose time might come ye

You must be joking about Doherty, drop him? For what, lack of scoring threat? It's not like we have another like him.

Don't rise to it Mannix!

Team not released yet? No sign on any of the usual sites.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 25, 2011, 10:31:26 AM
Team not released yet? No sign on any of the usual sites.

I'm pretty sure it was named last night but I haven't heard the full-time yet. No email has arrived yet anyway.

Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe
3) Alan Feeney
4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney
6) Donal Vaughan
7) Chris Barrett
8: James Kilcullen
9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell
11) Andy Moran
12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley
14) Alan Freeman
15) Jason Doherty

Quote from: ballinaman on May 25, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe 3) Alan Feeney 4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney 6) Donal Vaughan 7) Chris Barrett
8 ) James Kilcullen 9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell 11) Andy Moran 12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley 14) Alan Freeman 15) Jason Doherty

Not a bad team although there are a few eyebrow raisers.

I heard that Jason Gibbons played himself onto it in the past couple of weeks. O Shea might be unlucky not to be starting in the half forward line. A stronger line might be Dillon, AOS, Moran with AOS floating around the middle for kickouts and Moran and Dillon attacking the wings.

Im not sure has Vaughan done much to be starting, let alone be playing centre back after being so long out but we will soon find out. I guess they wont risk Cafferkey, there any longer. Howley will play the sweeping role which suits him down to the ground.

Barrett has it all to do to keep McGloughlin off the team so he is playing to keep his place.


Who exactly is injured?

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 25, 2011, 11:29:28 AM

Quote from: ballinaman on May 25, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe 3) Alan Feeney 4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney 6) Donal Vaughan 7) Chris Barrett
8 ) James Kilcullen 9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell 11) Andy Moran 12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley 14) Alan Freeman 15) Jason Doherty

Not a bad team although there are a few eyebrow raisers.

I heard that Jason Gibbons played himself onto it in the past couple of weeks. O Shea might be unlucky not to be starting in the half forward line. A stronger line might be Dillon, AOS, Moran with AOS floating around the middle for kickouts and Moran and Dillon attacking the wings.

Im not sure has Vaughan done much to be starting, let alone be playing centre back after being so long out but we will soon find out. I guess they wont risk Cafferkey, there any longer. Howley will play the sweeping role which suits him down to the ground.

Barrett has it all to do to keep McGloughlin off the team so he is playing to keep his place.


Who exactly is injured?

According to WJ over at Green and Red; McGarrity, Higgins and S O'Sé.

Have to say I think they team isn't bad at all given the players that are out. I like the 2 Feeneys in there and Cunniffe at CB. McLoughlin could consider himself unlucky against Barrett and A O'Sé would be in with a shout around midfield - although I suspect we'll see him at some stage.

Judging by subs bench below is Douglas also still out? And is Ronaldson really back on the panel no sign of him on the bench?

Subs Bench:
16) David Clarke - Ballina Stephenites
17) Dermot Geraghty - Shrule-Glencorrib
18) Peadar Gardiner - Crossmolina
19) Aidan O'Shea - Breaffy
20) Eoghan O'Reilly - Castlebar Mitchels
21) Lee Keegan - Westport
22) Trevor Mortimer - Shrule-Glencorrib
23) Kevin McLoughlin - Knockmore
24) Cillian O'Connor - Ballintubber
25) James Burke - Ballymun Kickhams
26) Enda Varley - Garrymore

Quote from: kevmy on May 25, 2011, 12:00:06 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 25, 2011, 11:29:28 AM

Quote from: ballinaman on May 25, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe 3) Alan Feeney 4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney 6) Donal Vaughan 7) Chris Barrett
8 ) James Kilcullen 9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell 11) Andy Moran 12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley 14) Alan Freeman 15) Jason Doherty

Not a bad team although there are a few eyebrow raisers.

I heard that Jason Gibbons played himself onto it in the past couple of weeks. O Shea might be unlucky not to be starting in the half forward line. A stronger line might be Dillon, AOS, Moran with AOS floating around the middle for kickouts and Moran and Dillon attacking the wings.

Im not sure has Vaughan done much to be starting, let alone be playing centre back after being so long out but we will soon find out. I guess they wont risk Cafferkey, there any longer. Howley will play the sweeping role which suits him down to the ground.

Barrett has it all to do to keep McGloughlin off the team so he is playing to keep his place.


Who exactly is injured?

According to WJ over at Green and Red; McGarrity, Higgins and S O'Sé.

Have to say I think they team isn't bad at all given the players that are out. I like the 2 Feeneys in there and Cunniffe at CB. McLoughlin could consider himself unlucky against Barrett and A O'Sé would be in with a shout around midfield - although I suspect we'll see him at some stage.

Judging by subs bench below is Douglas also still out? And is Ronaldson really back on the panel no sign of him on the bench?

Subs Bench:
16) David Clarke - Ballina Stephenites
17) Dermot Geraghty - Shrule-Glencorrib
18) Peadar Gardiner - Crossmolina
19) Aidan O'Shea - Breaffy
20) Eoghan O'Reilly - Castlebar Mitchels
21) Lee Keegan - Westport
22) Trevor Mortimer - Shrule-Glencorrib
23) Kevin McLoughlin - Knockmore
24) Cillian O'Connor - Ballintubber
25) James Burke - Ballymun Kickhams
26) Enda Varley - Garrymore

I think the panel is down to 30-31 players travelling with only 26 allowed to be named on the program for Championship. I dont know anything about Ronaldson or Douglas but Rochford and Dolan might be gone. Im just going on rumours though.

Is Tom Parsons injured?

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 25, 2011, 12:59:09 PM
Is Tom Parsons injured?

Here, find yourself one of these and play with it for a few hours. Good lad.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzAIKONJqpYpAuJEVBiFiErd9oT4_UOM8QcFaVKilwKDYRw82Z&t=1)

Strong team - interesting to see how Caff gets on in the corner. That's 3 position's he's played in defence so far this year - Horan obviously thinks he's good enough for the team but can't find a position where he excels.
I think Vaughan could be a big success at CHB, but he's been out a long time - plus he'd need to learn to stay back and hold the defensive line a bit more.
Massive competition for the No 7 jersey, so fair play to Chris Barrett for getting the nod on this occasion. He'll have to work very hard to keep it.
I'm sure Aidan O'Shea won't be happy. But I'm not sure Kilcullen will more than 45 mins, so I'd say we might see him then if he's not already brought on in the HF line.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 25, 2011, 01:08:30 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 25, 2011, 12:59:09 PM
Is Tom Parsons injured?

Here, find yourself one of these and play with it for a few hours. Good lad.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzAIKONJqpYpAuJEVBiFiErd9oT4_UOM8QcFaVKilwKDYRw82Z&t=1)

Whats the problem?

Vaughan at chb is a risk and, as Abbeysider says, Cafferkey seems to have been run from that position, which I think is wrong myself. Also interesting to look at the forward line - only two out and out forward, Enda Varley and Cillian O'Connor. Aidan O'Shea and Trevor Mortimer also but neither appear to be in contention for forward spots at the moment. That lack of options is a concern.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 25, 2011, 01:08:30 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 25, 2011, 12:59:09 PM
Is Tom Parsons injured?

Here, find yourself one of these and play with it for a few hours. Good lad.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzAIKONJqpYpAuJEVBiFiErd9oT4_UOM8QcFaVKilwKDYRw82Z&t=1)

LMAO !!  :D

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 25, 2011, 01:30:06 PM
Vaughan at chb is a risk and, as Abbeysider says, Cafferkey seems to have been run from that position, which I think is wrong myself. Also interesting to look at the forward line - only two out and out forward, Enda Varley and Cillian O'Connor. Aidan O'Shea and Trevor Mortimer also but neither appear to be in contention for forward spots at the moment. That lack of options is a concern.

True about lack of options in the forwards - one of the reasons I was wondering about Ronaldson and Douglas

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 25, 2011, 01:30:06 PM
Vaughan at chb is a risk and, as Abbeysider says, Cafferkey seems to have been run from that position, which I think is wrong myself. Also interesting to look at the forward line - only two out and out forward, Enda Varley and Cillian O'Connor. Aidan O'Shea and Trevor Mortimer also but neither appear to be in contention for forward spots at the moment. That lack of options is a concern.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 25, 2011, 01:12:56 PM
I think Vaughan could be a big success at CHB, but he's been out a long time - plus he'd need to learn to stay back and hold the defensive line a bit more.

Id be more inclined to agree with R&GS regarding Vaughan, its a big call having him at CB and pushing Cafferkey to the corner. Maybe Howley's role could be to cover and mind the house if Vaughan gets forward and vice-versa. We will see how it plays out.

While you may say Horan thinks Caff is good enough for a position, it could also be Caffs last chance to prove himself in the corner. Certainly if Keith Higgins was a starter you would think that he would be in the corner and Caff would be on the bench or battling Cunniffe or Vaughan again for his place back. 

R&GS that bit about Cillian and Varley, are you discussing forward options on the bench?

Conor Mortimer the pundit!

http://eircomsports.eircom.net/GAA-Football/Video/

Realistically will Mayo learn much from this game either in terms of filling individual positions or overall team tactics, etc. ?

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 25, 2011, 02:01:31 PM

R&GS that bit about Cillian and Varley, are you discussing forward options on the bench?

Yes, with the qualification that while A O'Shea and T Mort have experience in the forward line, they don't seem to be vying for positions in that sector. O'Shea is challenging for midfield with Trevor being used at wing-back.

Quote from: Tatler Jack on May 25, 2011, 02:07:11 PM
Realistically will Mayo learn much from this game either in terms of filling individual positions or overall team tactics, etc. ?

realistically they will learn nothing, london are not strong enough to test them or if they are they were hiding it very well during the league. fulfill the fixture and have a nice break away from mayo is as good as it can be.

Interesting team...few interesting selections

2 half backs in the corner back positions (Cunnife & Ger Caff), i know Cuniffe played all the league in the corner and did quiet well but i still fear for him
Ger Caff shoved from 6 to 3 and now to 2?? Hes def not a corner man.

Howley playing 13, we dont need a sweeper against London!!

Does anyone think this team will actually start, This management consistently change the team on the Match day. I feel Geraghty, Mort & O Se and possibly Mc Loughlin will start. If they named Geraghty and Mort they would be slaughtered for bringing them in two weeks before the game, easier to slip them in on the morning. This is a nothing game bookmakers putting a 15point handicap on it.

Quote from: REDCOL on May 25, 2011, 04:48:10 PM
Does anyone think this team will actually start, This management consistently change the team on the Match day. I feel Geraghty, Mort & O Se and possibly Mc Loughlin will start. If they named Geraghty and Mort they would be slaughtered for bringing them in two weeks before the game, easier to slip them in on the morning. This is a nothing game bookmakers putting a 15point handicap on it.

I wouldnt say the management give a flying fiddlers as regards causing an upset so that wouldnt be the reason they would change it on the day. The changes we have seen on match day were more down unknowns like injuries and players being fully as well as not giving too much away to the opposition. Championship is different so I dont expect a different team to start unless someone gets injured.

I think myself that we will see Geraghty, Trevor Mortimor, Eoin O Reilly and Keegan get game time as they may not have had as much of a chance or as many minutes as other players. Cillian O Connor might get a few minutes too as he has not featured much yet.

I would be interested in how many exactly is left in the camp (still 30+ I would think) and who will make the final cut for the Galway game.

One thing about the team, is that they are all playing for their places so it may look different come the Galway game as Horan plays players that are on form in matches and training.

Quote from: mannix on May 25, 2011, 03:39:18 AM

Quote from: rosnarun on May 25, 2011, 01:10:02 AM

Quote from: moysider on May 24, 2011, 11:11:32 PM

Anthony Hennigan in the 'Western' is speculating on a selection based on an a v b match at the weekend. It looked something like this. Hennelly, Cuniffe, Feeney, Geraghty, Feeney, Vaughan, Keegan, O Sé, Kilcullen, Campbell, Dillon, Moran, Doherty, Freeman, Howley. we ll see how close that is?

We know about the injuries to a few. If that is the team there is little surprising apart from the absense of Kevin McLoughlin. Mark Ronaldson and Cathal Freeman took part in this match also. Great to see the panel flexible like this, compared to the crap we had. It has to be anyway with the


rate of attrition with injuries.

hennigan is just anti ballina 
ronaldson back on the panel and howley starting all we need now is the other trevor to play  instead of doherty.. whose time might come ye

You must be joking about Doherty, drop him? For what, lack of scoring threat? It's not like we have another like him. 

dont confuse a player in the middle of a hot streak with an accomplished player. i know the same guys lauding him now will be screaming for his head as soome as the run ends. we saw it all be fore with AOM. he is very rough around the edges and a lot to learn . that there is potential there is no doubt . but i dont think he is ready to start a serious championship game.
one big worry is the level of complacency is shocking for a team the lost against sligo and longford last year and had a much worse league this year .
the biggest worry is horan  seems no closer to a starting 15 than he did early spring. has he evr put out the same team 2 games in a row. and of course  this latest desperate attempt to find a job for Ger

I expect to see some positional changes at least for the match.

Interesting that Cafferkey is moved out of 6 after playing the entire league there. Is he likely to start in the corner. I suspect it could be Barrett in the corner with Vaughan on the wing. As far as I can recall McLoughlin was an ever present during the league? Or close to it. Of course there are always little injuries and stuff we might not be aware of.

I suspect that management may be keeping their powder dry as regards a couple of things until the real stuff starts on June 26. No point revealing a full hand now. In fact it may be silly to do so. On the other hand it would be nice to have a settled side - lets face it the big contenders are much more predictable but still win. After all the days will be shortening in 4 weeks time. If we dont get it right on the 26 there wont be much time to rejig things.

Theres no way he'd name a dummy team against London, what would be the point?

I'm glad to see Cafferkey away from 3 or 6, he's good enough for Mayo but not good enough to play in either of those two pivotal central positions. Vaughan is the nearest thing we have to a young James Nallen so I'm delighted to finally see him get a run at 6. Long overdue, but injuries have held him back. My prediction is that he will do well and stay there for the year if he stays fit. As regards Howley at 13, if we're going to play a sweeper all year there's no point not playing one against London because we don't need to, we might as well stick to the chosen formation.

Its clear that Horan is still trying things out, this means we won't have a settled 15 for the Galway game, but I suppose the advantage is that Galway will know as little about us as we will about them going in to that game.

Without the injured Mcgarrity what are Mayo like in midfield ? London are decent in that area.

Quote from: ross4life on May 25, 2011, 06:13:58 PM
Without the injured Mcgarrity what are Mayo like in midfield ? London are decent in that area.

Who would you say is decent?There has been a fair few withdrawls from the panel this year.

I have a suspicion that Cunniffe is the preferred CHB so it will be interesting to watch the switches develop.  ;)

Four Mayo players lining out for London
Monday, 23 May 2011 16:17

The four of them


London will be calling on a few Mayo natives

Feature
Mike Finnerty

NEXT Sunday morning the London senior football squad will arrive at the Emerald Gaelic Grounds in Ruislip with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Rated as 1/20 outsiders to knock Mayo out of the Connacht championship race, the pressure is really all on the visitors. For them, everybody expects. For London, nobody outside their own dressing-room does. It all seems fairly cut and dry.
Things are not quite so straightforward though for the four Mayo natives who are togging out for London this season.
Some of them are lining out against friends and familiar faces. Some will feel they could be playing for Mayo had the recession not intervened. All of them are Mayo men at heart.
However, next Sunday is a chance for them to make their mark.

Name: Noel Tuohy
Home club: Ballaghaderreen
Age: 23
Occupation: Teacher

DESPITE the odds being stacked against London, the former Ballagh' wing-back has been thinking (and talking) positively about next Sunday's game in recent interviews.
"Longford knocked Mayo out of the championship last year and they're a fellow Division 4 team," he mused earlier this month. "We will be looking to do the same.
"The aim will be to get a good start against Mayo, put them on the back foot and get them thinking," he continued. "It's not about containment; we'll be going out there in a positive frame of mind."
Tuohy's name has featured regularly on the Exiles teamsheet during the last two seasons after he moved to London to study in 2009. He now teaches at a Catholic school in Upton Park in the east of the city.
The 2008 Mayo SFC medal winner is likely to come into direct contact with Mayo 'goalador' Jason Doherty next Sunday, and might even run into his old club-mate Andy Moran at some stage.

Name: Seán Kelly
Home club: Crossmolina
Age: 24
Occupation: Student

HE may not have kicked a ball for his new London club yet, but the former Mayo minor and U-21 forward is determined to make an impression next weekend.
Ironically, he could have been part of the Mayo squad after attending a number of trial games organised by James Horan last Autumn. However, things have moved in a very different direction since.
Kelly, who lined out at centre-forward for Crossmolina last season, went to London to study for a Masters in Osteopathy earlier this year. His strength, vision and powerful left foot have been a big addition to the Exiles attack.

Name: John Scanlon
Home club: Kiltane
Age: 28
Occupation: Draughtsman

five years after winning a Mayo News Club Star award at right-half back, the talented Kiltane defender will make his senior championship debut for London next weekend.
After emigrating last year Scanlon made an immediate impression on the local GAA scene, winning a county championship medal with Neasden Gaels in his first season.
He will know many of Mayo's players intimately from his time with Kiltane and is unlikely to fear any of them. After all, footballers from Bangor Erris don't really 'do' fear!
If London are looking for a player to set the tone, the Geesala wing-back is that man.

Name: Tony Gaughan
Home club: Kiltane
Age: 26
Occupation: Plumber

AFTER spending a year commuting from London to Mayo to line out with Kiltane, the Doohoma native had to make the difficult decision to transfer his club allegiances to Neasden Gaels.
That was at the beginning of 2010 and, after winning a county championship medal last season, the former Mayo minor is now London's first-choice centre-half back.
He will probably be the player detailed to pick up Mayo captain Alan Dillon next Sunday and Gaughan's performance will be crucial to London's chances of making the game competitive.
"Against Mayo we'll be firm underdogs but it's just a matter of going out there and giving it a good go," he said recently.

Quote from: ludermor on May 26, 2011, 02:15:32 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 25, 2011, 06:13:58 PM
Without the injured Mcgarrity what are Mayo like in midfield ? London are decent in that area.

Who would you say is decent?There has been a fair few withdrawls from the panel this year.

Has there been more withdrawls since our meeting in Feb? i wouldn't be familiar with any of their players but they played very negative tactics v us e.g they deployed a sweeper in front of the full-back line, played a third midfielder & hunted in packs.

Some strange selections alright - neither corner back would be a recognised corner back really which is a massive mistake in my view. Corner backs need to be players who are able to stop their man first and foremost and able to play football second.

Rather than trying to fit the best 6 backs into the 6 positions, each position should be filled by the best player for that particular position.

Surprised to see Barrett, Gibbons and Campbell getting a start but presumably they've played their way onto the team and hopefully they'll take their chance.

Maigh Eo abú

I'm glad I'm not the only one that questions Vaughan's no 6 role. Anyway, Cafferkey may start at no 6 and fist the ball to the nearest player as he always does when he's in that position. Tough on McLoughlin not to start. I'm also disappointed AOS isn't around midfield to see him get some more game time there before Galway. Good luck to them all anyway.

Quote from: ballinaman on May 25, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe
3) Alan Feeney
4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney
6) Donal Vaughan
7) Chris Barrett
8: James Kilcullen
9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell
11) Andy Moran
12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley
14) Alan Freeman
15) Jason Doherty

How many of this team do you guys expect will start v Galway? & yes u'll beat London.

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 26, 2011, 09:12:35 PM

Quote from: ballinaman on May 25, 2011, 11:06:15 AM
Mayo Senior Football team to face London:

1) Robert Hennelly
2) Tom Cunniffe
3) Alan Feeney
4) Ger Cafferkey
5) Richie Feeney
6) Donal Vaughan
7) Chris Barrett
8: James Kilcullen
9) Jason Gibbons
10) Aidan Campbell
11) Andy Moran
12) Alan Dillon (Cap)
13) Trevor Howley
14) Alan Freeman
15) Jason Doherty

How many of this team do you guys expect will start v Galway? & yes u'll beat London.

Who knows? Quite a few I d say. Depends on injuries and stuff.

There is a lot of raised eyebrows about regarding this team. I dont really understand why? I dont subscribe to the idea that this is a final trial. I would not want to be trying to impress a manager in this one. There ll likely be no head nor tail to it and even if somebody has a great game, form in this game is a poor guide. I d rather go on league performances against the Div. 1 teams.

As far as I can see this selection is consistent with selection policy since the FBD. While lads wont have to be introduced to each other in the Mayo dressing room before the Galway game it is unlikely that more than 10/11 will have played together in a competitive match before. Not ideal but then again this is not a criticism of Horan. He didn t have a skeleton of a team to build on. He didn t even have a spirit or a ghost of a team. What little remained to him had to be broken down like an illfitting jigsaw and start again. He didn t have even a picture to help him do the jigsaw!
  He could have went with a settled team earlier and stuck with them but it may not have been the best team - short, medium or long term. For example, Doherty would be still cooling his heels if he had settled with  safe options that punters recognised likes Austin, Varley, Ronaldson. I think Horan has gambled with this championship and hopefully he will be rewarded. The reality is if we dont get to a 1/4 final we wont see much development. As I ve already said this team needs a winning run during the Summer to develop.  I think everybody realises that. 2 defeats and we will be in the same boat next year. The Galway game is huge in the context of where this team will go over the next couple years. Most important game for ages.
There are people that dont like this team, Caff here, Cunniffe there, Barrett somewhere else. But it s as ligit a selection as any other. Not like fellas are being dropped after a great championship last year or anything. If we think there are fellas that should be playin instead but are not that s just our opinion/preference. I m sure there has been a lot of thought put into this selection and more put into the following one. I don t think we ll be great on Sunday. Wouldn t matter if we were. We ll do enough and hopefully we ll avoid injuries.

As always a good and reasonable post,moysider.Over on the willie joe blog there is outright panic on the selection of the team when in truth it is only little more than a challenge game .I am quite sure that Horan is picking the team based on what he is seeing at training and in challenge games and not on reputation or whether a fella played a good game 2 years ago.

the only consistent thing about Horan's selections has been the variety . i doubt any one even watching the league would have guessed more then 4  positions s feeney dohrty freeman (who  only played a few games)and hennely  and even at that risked much money on them . Cafferkey was chb for almost every game   midfield was different every day A o sé  was always there.  hallinan is gone completely K mclouglin was Generally close to our man of the match ,campbell looked like his run had ended and even andy and dillon are swapped.
As maigheo says it looks like horan is picking based on form in training a very dangerous way to go . we all know of the training ground Maradona's who cant get a kick in an actual game.
having said  that i don't have a major problem with the selection giving the injury problems and would expect Mcgarrity higgins S oSé to be back for Mayo's next game .
lets just hope it in the connaught championship.

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 25, 2011, 01:26:18 PM

Quote from: Tubberman on May 25, 2011, 01:08:30 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 25, 2011, 12:59:09 PM
Is Tom Parsons injured?

Here, find yourself one of these and play with it for a few hours. Good lad.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRzAIKONJqpYpAuJEVBiFiErd9oT4_UOM8QcFaVKilwKDYRw82Z&t=1)

Whats the problem?

Dropped from the panel - not good enough.

Good luck to the mayo team at the weekend. Hopefully a strong performance from all and a good win.

Quote from: mannix on May 27, 2011, 04:33:31 PM
Good luck to the mayo team at the weekend. Hopefully a strong performance from all and a good win.

I ll second that.

Also just remembered. The last time we played London was 06 I think. Just want to acknowledge the passing of Michael McDonnell who was taken suddenly ill at the airport on that Ruislip trip. He was Connacht PRO at the time. He had been doing great work at Colleges and stuff for years. No harm when we re beating ourselves up about selections and stuff to remember the bigger picture. Somebody that did so much for the game, and was taken so suddenly, way before his time. 5 fast years when you think about it.

Well said Moysider.

On a different note, there are heartening remarks from James Horan in this short interview in this morning's Indo: http://www.independent.ie/sport/gaelic-football/horan-seeking-all-black-spirit-to-light-up-mayo-2660184.html

---

Independent.ie
Horan seeking All Black spirit to light up Mayo
By Donnchadh Boyle
Saturday May 28 2011

MENTION Richie McCaw and James Horan smiles.

Horan lived in New Zealand until he was five and still looks out for the All Blacks and their inspirational captain.

To many, McCaw is fortunate not to spend more time in the sin-bin for lying in offside positions and illegally slowing down ruck ball -- risking a 'shoeing' from the studs of the opposition -- but for Horan, he's exactly the player you'd want on your side.

"At times he gets caught on the wrong side and he must be going through a serious amount of pain," says Horan. "But on the very next ball he'll do the same thing. How do you beat a guy that's not afraid to get hurt? Or is willing to die, so to speak, to beat you? He's unbelievable. His attitude is great."

Mayo will hardly need to go to such lengths to see off London this weekend, but Horan is still expecting similar application from his players.

Even by the standards of long-suffering Mayo supporters, last summer's championship was the worst in living memory as defeats to Sligo and Longford brought about an unprecedented period of introspection.

Former Irish Independent GAA correspondent Liam Horan was asked to undertake a strategic review of football in the county, while in his report to annual Convention, county secretary Sean Feeney questioned the "spinal problems" of the senior footballers that dogged the reigns of John Maughan and John O'Mahony.

When it came to finding O'Mahony's successor, Mayo were bold and avoided the temptation to appoint the man with the profile (Tommy Lyons), while the man with the track record (Maughan) dropped out.

Unexposed to inter-county management, James Horan represented something of a gamble but he had impressed at club level and, on the week of the decisive county board meeting, he steered Ballintubber to their first senior championship final, a game they subsequently won.

On his appointment, he promised change and so far, Horan has been good to his word. Familiar names like Aidan Kilcoyne, Barry Moran, Tom Parsons and Mark Ronaldson have all been dispensed with, and of the team that will start in Ruislip tomorrow, only seven of them started against Longford last year.

Trawled

The county was trawled thoroughly over the winter. On Horan's first weekend in charge, trials featured players from 29 different clubs, including Crossmolina native Sean Kelly who is now part of the London set-up.

There has been no double-speak either. After a recent challenge match against Offaly, he described their performance as "terrible" and said that some players had played their way off the side. There were mitigating circumstances. Mayo had trained the night before and there was club action the following day, but like a gear bag at the pub, excuses were left at the door.

"The guys we let go, we had other guys in their positions showing up well in training," Horan said. "That's what we said we'd do. We want guys to invest in their training and give everything to it. That way you are prepared for the scenarios games will throw at you. These are ambitious guys who are willing to learn. We want to get the fundamentals right."

Off the pitch, they have been making all the right moves. Mayo have alternate travel plans should the ash cloud interfere with their flights to London. It may seem like a small detail but it's one that caught out no less a club than Barcelona before last year's Champions League semi-final. And after a league campaign he described as "up and down" Horan has a clear idea of what needs to be improved. "We had some good moments. But we had the (second) highest concession rate in the division. We have to be harder to beat.

"We have good players in certain positions and we'll try to play to that. You want to be giving the players the responsibility. They are the decision-makers on the field, you just have to give them the tools and the scenarios to be able to make the right one."

By September, McCaw could be on his way to securing the Webb Ellis trophy and Mayo will be looking at 60 years since Gerald Courell and Jackie Carney last brought Sam Maguire back. Sages in the county say Horan is the first forward to manage Mayo since -- an omen, perhaps?

He won't entertain talk like that but, right now, anything is possible.

- Donnchadh Boyle

 

What time is throw-in today? And I assume tis on the radio?

Well best of luck to the Mayo lads today.

Quote from: kevmy on May 29, 2011, 12:22:22 PM
What time is throw-in today? And I assume tis on the radio?

Throw-in is at 3pm, and I'm sure it will be on mid-west. That's where I'll be listening anyway http://www.midwestradio.ie/mwr/listen-live.html (http://www.midwestradio.ie/mwr/listen-live.html)

Heard on Radio 1 just now that Dermot Geraghty will be starting instead of Ger Cafferkey.
Well, he's a corner back anyway, unfortunately nobody seems to know whether Cafferkey is a full back, centre back, corner back etc....

Quote from: REDCOL on May 29, 2011, 02:55:08 PM
Our very own Graham Geraghty, not seen for 5 years and then straight into the team, the only difference is our geraghty was never up to it, Hows Hallinan, Gardiner, Reilly, Burke feeling after training all year.

A bit harsh on Geraghty there. He can definitely do a good tight marking job on certain players, e.g. Michael Meehan.
His size is his biggest problem though, and nobody can make him taller....
I suppose some players might be a bit pissed off, but that's not enough of a reason to have a closed panel IMO.
If somebody is showing up well in club games, then management are right to bring them into training I think. I see what you're saying though, it needs good man management to avoid rocking the boat.

London get the first point of the day. Richie Feeney had hit a wide for Mayo before that.
The shock of the millenium is on the cards  :D

Btw, Hallinan is on the bench now as Cafferkey is out altogether.

Poor start for the Mayo men

London 2 up now.

Edit: Dillon gets Mayo off the mark from play.
London 0-02 Mayo 0-01

That Dillion score should kick start Mayo

Collins give a free & thens gives a penalty  ::)

Penalty for Mayo. Foot-block as Doherty was shooting for goal.
Aidan Campbell hits the post from the spot!!

Sounds poor from Mayo so far.

Quote from: mayogodhelpus@gmail.com on May 29, 2011, 03:16:33 PM
Sounds poor from Mayo so far.

Yeah, sounds like they haven't settled at all yet.
London with their 3rd point. FFS lads, getting robbed of possession by London!

Goal from London. FCK THIS  :o

London 1-03 Mayo 0-01

Good job Mayo are not playing Galway today, awful start.

GOAL - LONDON!

Dillon gets a score for Mayo. Hopefully that goal will give them a kick in the arse.

London 1-03 Mayo 0-02

jeez when are the 1st rd of the qualifers?

Getting spitroasted in the centre of the pitch.

I think the Mayo lads had a few brews last night?

Is the loser of this game not out?

Quote from: Zulu on May 29, 2011, 03:24:57 PM
Is the loser of this game not out?

I think so.

Dillon the only Mayo scorer so far, doing the captain's job.

London 1-03 Mayo 0-03

Quote from: Zulu on May 29, 2011, 03:24:57 PM
Is the loser of this game not out?

Only out of Connacht.
C'mon London !!! :D

Alan Freeman taking the free from the ground but dropping in London goalies hands.

Quote from: Zulu on May 29, 2011, 03:24:57 PM
Is the loser of this game not out?

London always play in the back door, i expect Mayo to kick on in the 2nd half but they need ht break quickly.

Mayo getting more possession now, but have hit a fair few wides.
London get another score.

London 1-04 Mayo 0-03

London 1.04
Mayo 0.04

Doherty - point

Mayo wide.

Mayo have the wind in the 2nd half? that must be one of the worst ever 35mins displays by a Mayo team??

Another Mayo wide - Aiden Campbell

Half time whistle blows - that's the highlight of the first half from a Mayo point of view  :(

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 03:38:56 PM
Half time whistle blows - that's the highlight of the first half from a Mayo point of view  :(

& the Nissan that they have called for the owner of, as its blocking an exit!  :o

Mayo must have hit 10 wides so far and missed a penalty. Even playing this poorly should be winning this match. Campbell and Gibbons seem to be shocking. Surely O'Sé on for one of them.

Even if as i expect Mayo will win this well in the end you can't take away from this embarrassing performance today.

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 03:42:18 PM
Even if as i expect Mayo will win this well in the end you can't take away from this embarrassing performance today.

I don't think anyone will even attempt to. It seems that performance in the challenge match against Offaly wasn't a one-off. And yesterday's performance shows what standard Offaly are at...
But Mayo produced some good performances in the league (mainly in patches of games, it has to be said) so the year isn't a write-off yet.

No changes for the start of the second half.
Time to step up to the mark and fcking perform.

Some lads are trying to play themselves off the panel. I still expect a decent second half mayo show and a win.

Relax lads we will win handy enough and when we win Connacht todays first half will be long forgotten. A few cobwebs to be blown away but nothing to get concerned about. Might be all for the best as we prepare for the real CF v Galway - we don't need to be raging hot favs.

Up London!

This is very depressing.

Aidan O'Shea and Kevin McLoughlin coming in. Hopefully they can inspire something.

Jason Gibbons (possibly injured) and Aidan Campbell (nightmare) are off.

Quote from: Mayo Mick on May 29, 2011, 03:58:53 PM
Relax lads we will win handy enough and when we win Connacht todays first half will be long forgotten. A few cobwebs to be blown away but nothing to get concerned about. Might be all for the best as we prepare for the real CF v Galway - we don't need to be raging hot favs.

::)

cmon london...................................... is david brady watching this ???

QuoteRelax lads we will win handy enough

Ya back to 2 now. We will get a goal soon.

1-05 to 0-05 now.
We are not reducing the gap....

3 points London lead now.

Dillon injured.

2pts in it again

Andy Moran - point

London 1.05
Mayo 0.06

London backs clean out another Mayo attack.

Good to see the Roscommon man getting on the score board.

Dillon scores a point, seems he carrying on.

1pt game now, Crowd are very silent how many traveled over?

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 29, 2011, 04:09:37 PM
Good to see the Roscommon man getting on the score board.

Great to see Leitrim win last week.

That it was. It will be good to see London winning today. You lot were daft to drop the Sligo man off your panel.

London score a point after carrying ball from their goal to score on the other end.

another point for london "listen to the roar of the crowd" nope i didn't hear anything.

There's only around 15 mins left  >:(
Another wide for Mayo.

How many wides is that today?

Another London points. Roscommon man off the bench and scores.

What's the score now, 1-6 to 8?

To think I was gonna lump on mayo -15 points at evens, thank god I didnt ....................................... fair play to london

Were the mayo team out on the lash last night with the style guru and ladies man David Brady ?????????????????

London 3 up now.
Cillian O'Connor on for our sweeper Howley.

Andy Moran brings it back to 2... 

Elphin man has just scored for London  :o

1-7 to 0-8 how many mins left?

1-7 to 0-9

A point from Andy and another from Kilcullen

Commentary on mid-west shocking

Quote from: squire_in_navy_slacks on May 29, 2011, 04:15:53 PM
To think I was gonna lump on mayo -15 points at evens, thank god I didnt ....................................... fair play to london

Were the mayo team out on the lash last night with the style guru and ladies man David Brady ?????????????????

What's with your Brady obsession? Trying to concentrate on a match here.

Quote from: kevmy on May 29, 2011, 04:16:52 PM
1-7 to 0-9

A point from Andy and another from Kilcullen

Commentary on mid-west shocking

Almost as bad as the Mayo performance.

Big 10mins for both teams.

Peadar Gardiner on for Dillon - presume Dillon is injured. He was our best player

Level, C'mon on Mayo.

Andy Moran levels the match.
Never thought I'd be relieved for Mayo to be level with London with less than 10 mins to go

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 04:20:50 PM
Peadar Gardiner on for Dillon - presume Dillon is injured. He was our best player

Ya he was injured in a clash about 10 minutes ago, but stayed on.

There won't be a cow milked for a week in London if they win this.

Connacht council are shítting themselves I'd say

Only about 5mins left would you Mayo guys settle for a replay?

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 04:18:48 PM

Quote from: kevmy on May 29, 2011, 04:16:52 PM
1-7 to 0-9

A point from Andy and another from Kilcullen

Commentary on mid-west shocking

Almost as bad as the Mayo performance.

for sure where . great to hear johno's thoughts on the game  :P

London back in front - 5 mins left.

London on the attack, Paul Gerraty from County Galway scores after being played the ball from a Mayoman in the London shirt. It's like Connacht extras beating Mayo.

2 points up. WE ARE FCKED

Another London point

1.09
0.10

london 2 ahead 3mins to go.

we are fcuked

cmon london, ye bloody roosters
cmonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn

Tnx fck, London miss a free. Come on Mayo, holy fck.

cant believe this.the year over already

Trevor Mortiomer

I point in it, 1 minute left + 3 additional minutes.

Holy God

T Mort brings it back to 1 point.
Praying for extra-time. Jesus Christ. 3 mins injury time.

TBH London deserve to win & will be heartbreak for them if they don't

LEVEL

all square

jammy jammy mayo........................

Looking like extra time or a 1 point win for someone??

Mayo wide.

Wide from Andy Moran..... would have put us ahead for first time.
Into injury time.

London have the ball in attack

Free in for Mayo.

Jason Doherty - free - wide

Jason Doherty misses it. Looks like extra time.

lord jesus, cancel my appointments for the rest of the day, i am feeling sick.

Extra-time

How many free takers today?

Lucky Mayo! London could & should have won that in normal time.

Draw - Extra Time

Mayo are always rubbish when they leave  Connacht.

Looks like that missed free by London that would have put them 3 up will end up costing them. Had they scored that they would probably have held on for the win.

i'm very close to having a sligonian

darn it.................. i wonder what that wise old ould brady has to say about this

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 04:32:54 PM
Lucky Mayo! London could & should have won that in normal time.

+1

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 04:35:06 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 04:32:54 PM
Lucky Mayo! London could & should have won that in normal time.

+1

+2

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 29, 2011, 04:33:48 PM
Mayo are always rubbish when they leave  Connacht.

Sligopatriot will you please give it a rest and go back to the Hogan stand

The best mayo players were playing for london!

I'm following mid-west advice and getting a stiff drink for myself.

Quote from: the Deel Rover on May 29, 2011, 04:35:49 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 04:35:06 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 04:32:54 PM
Lucky Mayo! London could & should have won that in normal time.

+1

+2

+69

Quote from: maigheo on May 29, 2011, 04:36:03 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 29, 2011, 04:33:48 PM
Mayo are always rubbish when they leave  Connacht.

Sligopatriot will you please give it a rest and go back to the Hogan stand

Whats the problem chief?

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 04:36:47 PM
I'm following mid-west advice and getting a stiff drink for myself.

I reckon thats what the mayo lads were up too last night...........................

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 04:36:47 PM
I'm following mid-west advice and getting a stiff drink for myself.

could do with a bottle of tack right now

Sounds like the Mayo lads have jet-lag.

TBH i feel sorry for the poor Mayo folks that traveled over & paid x amount of money.

That was the worst listening experience of my life.

All that matters now is getting out of this. I d take a draw now aet and a replay in McHale Park. Looks like we re a bag of nails.

are we out of the championship if we loose ?

Quote from: Jinxy on May 29, 2011, 04:39:31 PM
Sounds like the Mayo lads have jet-lag.

Id say brady had them up all night telling them tales of how he cleaned out his rivals over the years in midfield

If ends in a draw replay would be next Sat in McHale park & if London win they travel to Salthill

Quote from: the Deel Rover on May 29, 2011, 04:40:49 PM
are we out of the championship if we loose ?

No, but we might as well be.

Andy Moran puts us in front for the first time in the match. He's the leader on the pitch since Dillon went off.

Crafty Mayo trying to lull us into a false sense of security.

how many free takers have we tried ?

Time we sorted out this freetaking mess.

When we play bad teams like London and Sligo we have a bad habit of dropping down to their level.

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 04:41:53 PM

Quote from: the Deel Rover on May 29, 2011, 04:40:49 PM
are we out of the championship if we loose ?

No, but we might as well be.

Andy Moran puts us in front for the first time in the match. He's the leader on the pitch since Dillon went off.

& your man on mid west said "puts us back in front"

Andy puts us 2 up. Fair fcks to him, he's driving us on.

Quote from: highorlow on May 29, 2011, 04:43:54 PM
When we play bad teams like London and Sligo we have a bad habit of dropping down to thier level.

Go away out of that. If I was a pure devil I would have great craic judging on todays performance.

Thank God for Everpresent Andy. Appears to have upped it since Dillon went off injured.

Quote from: moysider on May 29, 2011, 04:43:41 PM
Time we sorted out this freetaking mess.

its been like that all year 

Sounds like the London legs are gone

proud Mayoman???

Andy is a Roscommon man! His address proves it!!!

Looks like Mayo have finally decided to play

Andy Moran again, then Cillian O'Connor.
4 points up all of a sudden. Maybe the ultimate nightmare is receding, but it still won't hide what has gone on over the previous 70 mins.

G,wan Andy. Johnno praisin Trevor as well.

Quote from: neilthemac on May 29, 2011, 04:47:28 PM
proud Mayoman???

Andy is a Roscommon man! His address proves it!!!

He is a Roscommon man and a Roscommon supporter.

ahh the irony johno contributing mayo's comeback to the veteran Trevor Mortimer

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 29, 2011, 04:48:42 PM

Quote from: neilthemac on May 29, 2011, 04:47:28 PM
proud Mayoman???

Andy is a Roscommon man! His address proves it!!!

He is a Roscommon man and a Roscommon supporter.

meath man and dub supporter

Rossie to the rescue will be the headline in the Mayo papers tomoro  ;)

jesus our own sean kelly after scoring a goal all square

Mayo a point up only at half time

Some disaster in the Mayo goalmouth and London have a goal. FFS.
We're just 1 up at HT in ET

Freak goal for London  :o

London goal. For the love of God.

Quote from: moysider on May 29, 2011, 04:53:01 PM
London goal. For the love of God.

;D what a phrase, havent heard that in a while

Whats going on here?

Was all Mayo in the 1st half of extra time though that goal will give London hope.

jeez johnno would drive you nuts with his excuses about last year

John O'Mahony on Mid West would make you sick,listening to his rubbish.

london rock.......................

Freeman puts us 2 up at start of 2nd half. Right lads, push on and get the fck out of Ruislip.

Quote from: Halfquarter on May 29, 2011, 04:56:47 PM
John O'Mahony on Mid West would make you sick,listening to his rubbish.

fcuk sake i thought it was just me

Quote from: Tubberman on May 29, 2011, 04:57:43 PM
Freeman puts us 2 up at start of 2nd half. Right lads, push on and get the fck out of Ruislip.

Tommy Freeman ????????????/ jesus rossies and monaghan lads pulling mayo out of the fire ................... :D

I make that the first 45 we've scored in about two years. (Kilcoyne v Ros 2009)

By the way I've been on here for two hours...this is the first time I have felt well enough to post since 3 o'clock.

Quote from: Cosmo Kramer on May 29, 2011, 05:00:58 PM
I make that the first 45 we've scored in about two years. (Kilcoyne v Ros 2009)

And it was from the goalie

Robbie Hennelly with a 45. Seems the only player who can kick a long range free. Richie Feeney is decent at them as well.
We really should have free taking sorted at this stage, wasted an awful lot of frees today

What has happened us?

Just goes to show that the league is absolutely and utterly meaningless. Look at Armagh last night, London today and Leitrim.

2-10 to 0-18 1min left

Oh Christ, only two points in it now. This is cat and these f**kers on the radio aren t helping.

Quote from: highorlow on May 29, 2011, 05:04:59 PM
What has happened us?

Just goes to show that the league is absolutely and utterly meaningless. Look at Armagh last night, London today and Leitrim.

A victory against a s hite Galway team, A cork team that travelled five hours from on a bus on s hite roads and a draw against Down.

Quote from: neilthemac on May 29, 2011, 04:47:28 PM
proud Mayoman???

Andy is a Roscommon man! His address proves it!!!

Andy is a proud Mayoman, those are his own words.

His postal address means nothing.

Thank fcuk its over. That proud Mayoman saved our holes with six points.

Galway will kill us.

Mayo somehow pulled that out of the fire! fair play to London some performance from them.

Quote from: highorlow on May 29, 2011, 05:04:59 PM
What has happened us?

Just goes to show that the league is absolutely and utterly meaningless. Look at Armagh last night, London today and Leitrim.

not really, mayo were crap in the league and are crap now.................. so there ya go

Well that was thoroughly depressing, bordering on farcical.

Quote from: Cosmo Kramer on May 29, 2011, 05:07:39 PM

Quote from: neilthemac on May 29, 2011, 04:47:28 PM
proud Mayoman???

Andy is a Roscommon man! His address proves it!!!

Andy is a proud Mayoman, those are his own words.

His postal address means nothing.

Thank fcuk its over. That proud Mayoman saved our holes with six points.

Galway will kill us.

Galway are on the same level of mediocrity.

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 05:07:57 PM
Mayo somehow pulled that out of the fire! fair play to London some performance from them.

David Bradys video link team talk at halftime in extratime inspired the lads ........................

scrape by london, well nobody would expect anything after this.

That was disgaceful from Mayo.

Sounds like London deserved to win

Mayo have used their get out of jail card today! fair play to London Unlucky not to win. Rossie Andy Moran Mayo's main man.

Phew. Settle for that. In fact it may be a blessing in disguise. It wont matter a shite the next day anyway and we may have learned a bit. Also a bit more chaff will have been blown away.

We were apparently good in the league by all accounts.....

Quote from: moysider on May 29, 2011, 05:10:32 PM
Phew. Settle for that. In fact it may be a blessing in disguise. It wont matter a shite the next day anyway and we may have learned a bit. Also a bit more chaff will have been blown away.

Well said Moysider.

Crafty Mayo trying to lull us into a false sense of security.

Quote from: squire_in_navy_slacks on May 29, 2011, 05:09:47 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 05:07:57 PM
Mayo somehow pulled that out of the fire! fair play to London some performance from them.

David Bradys video link team talk at halftime in extratime inspired the lads ........................

I haven't much time for DB and he's a crap analyst but did he steal your pint or something??

Mayo will need to stop leaking goals,no change from the league in that area.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 05:12:01 PM
Crafty Mayo trying to lull us into a false sense of security.

Twas all part of the horans plan ::)

The main thing out of this is Roscommon and even Leitrim should believe Connacht title is anyones in Connacht.

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:15:58 PM

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 05:12:01 PM
Crafty Mayo trying to lull us into a false sense of security.

Twas all part of the horans plan ::)

The main thing out of this is Roscommon and even Leitrim should believe Connacht title is anyones in Connacht.

2007 Sligo, 2008 Galway, 2009 Mayo, 2010 Roscommon, 2011 Leitrim?? i wouldn't rule it out.

I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Certainly had Collins nailed that last free and put London 3 up, game was all but over. Collins was a sweet freetaker at underage, too. I'm sure Sligo lads will remember him from five or six years ago in the Hyde. I'd still expect a very different Mayo the next day.

The Mayo heads will be set on Galway now i can imagine 6/7 changes & they will be looking for a performance like the one they had v Galway in the league.

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 05:59:33 PM

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

I thought at one stage they would. I await the lads who were over there for the match summary. We're banjaxed as a footballing county and Galway will hammer us next time out I'm afraid. :(

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 29, 2011, 06:06:44 PM

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 05:59:33 PM

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

I thought at one stage they would. I await the lads who were over there for the match summary. We're banjaxed as a footballing county and Galway will hammer us next time out I'm afraid. :(

It was shambolic, but let's not go overboard. No need to write the obituary for Mayo football.
If we produce a performance like that against Galway in McHale Park, then we can despair!
If we put in a decent/good performance and beat the tribesmen, there won't be much talk about Ruislip.

We got out of jail there. It can only get better from that performance because Galway would beat us out the gate otherwise.

Positives:
Our first championship win in two years.
Remember the DUBs display last year against Wexford. It doesn't matter how you win these games.
Horan will have learned a lot today if he is the man to take us forward.

Negatives:
We have no reliable freetaker in the squad. 7 different freetakers today by my count.
The extra defender does not suit our game or playing style.
Still leaking soft goals.

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 29, 2011, 06:06:44 PM

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 05:59:33 PM

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

I thought at one stage they would. I await the lads who were over there for the match summary. We're banjaxed as a footballing county and Galway will hammer us next time out I'm afraid. :(

Less of the poor mouth now. Our best player probably isn't going to be fit and Padraig Joyce has greyer hair than my old lad. I'm sure Mayo will be much improved next day out.

I've seen Mayo teams play great down the years and still lose. Today's bottom line is they got away with it, and live to fight another day.

They might turn it around against Galway but it's a big ask on what we've seen today. It's not Padraic Joyce's grey hairs that worry me. It's that finely tuned football brain under the grey hairs that bothers me.

Galway are in deep doo-doo when Joyce hangs them up but while he's still around they start as hot favourites in Castlebar. No two ways about it. Galway have Joyce, a man who's delivered time and time again, to say nothing of the talent of two Under 21 All-Ireland winning teams. Mayo have a puncher's chance. Mayo might get on a roll after this, but Galway are favourites in Castlebar.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 06:16:35 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 29, 2011, 06:06:44 PM

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 05:59:33 PM

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

I thought at one stage they would. I await the lads who were over there for the match summary. We're banjaxed as a footballing county and Galway will hammer us next time out I'm afraid. :(

Less of the poor mouth now. Our best player probably isn't going to be fit and Padraig Joyce has greyer hair than my old lad. I'm sure Mayo will be much improved next day out.

And not forgetting Galway themselves were lucky to beat New York last year.

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 06:28:41 PM

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 29, 2011, 06:16:35 PM

Quote from: Farrandeelin on May 29, 2011, 06:06:44 PM

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 05:59:33 PM

Quote from: SLIGONIAN on May 29, 2011, 05:37:45 PM

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 29, 2011, 05:29:46 PM
I bet during that game John Prenty had a face on him like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

If Mayo had lost it would of cost the Connacht Council 1 million euro, that free with 3 mins left to put london 3 up cost them the game but i think it ridiculous to say london deserved it, mayos wides kept london in it imo.

Mayo were never going to lose that game.

I thought at one stage they would. I await the lads who were over there for the match summary. We're banjaxed as a footballing county and Galway will hammer us next time out I'm afraid. :(

Less of the poor mouth now. Our best player probably isn't going to be fit and Padraig Joyce has greyer hair than my old lad. I'm sure Mayo will be much improved next day out.

And not forgetting Galway themselves were lucky to beat New York last year.

Yes and we were grand once we survived that scare.

No offence Mayo lads but if ye cannot beat 12 bales out of London (as most Div 4 sides did in The League) them ye'll have another short summer.

what was the london team?

Quote from: magpie seanie on May 29, 2011, 06:53:24 PM
what was the london team?

London: E Byrne; B Comer, M Maloney, D McGreevy; S Doolan, T Gaughan, J Scanlon; D Hagen, S McVeigh; C McCallon, P Geraghty, M Gottsche; K O'Leary, P McGoldrick, E O'Neill. Subs: S Kelly, K Phair, J Collins, C O'Sullivan, N Tuohy, C Connelly, L Gavigan,

I have observed for the last six months and have not bothered to comment on Mayo during the league, It is a glorified training schedule for the championship. That said thank you to all for the updates and opinions during that period and shame on me for being so lazy.

I do not want to turn this into an obituary for 2001 but will make the following observations.

Like a lot of people on this board, I wanted James Horan to be manager of Mayo, he was a great player in his day, but to be honest, a fair bit that support was due to the fact that I did not want some of the other candidates to be manager for different reasons. I read about and watched a few Ballintubber games and gave him the benefit of the doubt on his tactics, by his own admission, you can only work with what you have and you play accordingly. I think Ballintubber played with four forwards for most of last year.

We are now nine months into his reign and it appears that we are no further along than we were last June, when Longford beat us. In fact looking at today line up and subs used we may very well have taken a step backwards.

1) Today, we had a midfield paring starting their first championship game, granted some of this due to injury, some of it manager selection.
2) We had a corner back who has not played county football for three or four years.
3) We had a player listed to line out at corner forward, who played most of his career at corner back/half back and who in my mind is not county senior material. so in essence we started with five forwards.
4) We had to bring on subs today that are on their last legs from an intercounty career standpoint. JOM was rightly criticised for doing the same in his first year.

I did not have high expectations fro Mayo in 2011 or 2012 for that matter, but as long as I saw some progress, then I could live with the results or the lack thereof. Most realistic fans probably felt the same deep down. What has transpired is that we are admitting from day one that we do not have the confidence in our backs and midfield and not only do we do not possess six forwards in Mayo that are capable of playing intercounty senior football,but do not have a natural scoring forward as a sub on the panel.

This is not meant to be a stinging criticism of James Horan and company, but what have they being doing for the past nine months. Please go back to basics,You still have the guts of three years to get backs you can trust to win 50/50 balls, get a midfield who can get a decent share of possession and please try to develop natural forwards who can score. Use the Kerry/Cork/Meath model and put players in positions where they are capable and comfortable playing Gaelic Football.

Best wait and see what the lads who travelled over think. It s daft drawing conclusions from listening to that crap on the radio.

We knew we would not be great in this one and it looks like we got bogged down against a team that was throwing the kitchen sink at us. And yes, a lot of people had issues with the selection for this one and for good reason as it turned out. I don t think this will have any relevance as to how we will do rest of the summer. In fact having survived it is a good result for us. Beating London easily would only have papereed over cracks. Now is a chance to do real work, starting with sorting out the messing with frees. I expect us to be much better in midfield the next day and we should be able to control the game better. Higgins will be back and the much maligned Cafferkey will improve us as well. The contribution of Trevor and Kevin McLoughlin today would suggest that they will feature from the start and we ll be the better of it too. Galway will also be playing a game we know in a proper championship environment. London was goin to ambush somebody sometime in what is a strange fixture. They nearly did us today but we got away with it. We might yet be the better of that today.

Moysider, hope you are right, but everybody said the same after last years Galway V New York game and look what happened in the month or two after.

I don't think you can just dismiss this result as a bad day at the office. If Tervor Mort starts against Galway ye may as well throw yer hats at it. He isn't good enough and has proven this repeatedly, why not see what others can do? Did AOS get a run today?

I posted what I thought of Mayo clubs on the strategic plan thread and this performance only highlights that Mayo's problems are deeper than the capabilities of any manager. This result suggests Mayo are not a top ten team and I'd be concerned as this isn't a once off but follows on from a number of poor performances.

Jaysus the Mid-West coverage was so bad it made our Willie Hegarty sound like Michael O'Hehir! a small warning to the Mayo folks, we had a similar performance v London in 2005 & never recovered.

Jesus Mary and Holy St Joseph ... fair play to our Andy for pulling the Mayoites through!

Couple of match reports here;

http://www.advertiser.ie/mayo/article/40289/london-push-mayo-to-the-limit

http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2011/0529/mayo_london.html

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 07:48:47 PM
Jaysus the Mid-West coverage was so bad it made our Willie Hegarty sound like Michael O'Hehir! a small warning to the Mayo folks, we had a similar performance v London in 2005 & never recovered.

didn't you win the minor all-Ireland the year after? 

I was reading an interview with the manager of the Swiss soccer team today, Ottmar Hitzfeld - he used to manage Bayern. He was very good. Switzerland are in the same sort of place as Mayo at the moment. Their best players are past it and they need a period to rebuild but the supporters have these expectations that aren't being met and then they get very negative. Alex Frei was the top striker and when his performances fell behind he even got death threats.  So it's not that bad in Mayo yet :)

Quote from: seafoid on May 29, 2011, 08:08:23 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 29, 2011, 07:48:47 PM
Jaysus the Mid-West coverage was so bad it made our Willie Hegarty sound like Michael O'Hehir! a small warning to the Mayo folks, we had a similar performance v London in 2005 & never recovered.

didn't you win the minor all-Ireland the year after?

Clearly i was talking about the senior set up, only now where starting to find our feet.

Quote from: Zulu on May 29, 2011, 07:30:12 PM
I don't think you can just dismiss this result as a bad day at the office. If Tervor Mort starts against Galway ye may as well throw yer hats at it. He isn't good enough and has proven this repeatedly, why not see what others can do? Did AOS get a run today?

I posted what I thought of Mayo clubs on the strategic plan thread and this performance only highlights that Mayo's problems are deeper than the capabilities of any manager. This result suggests Mayo are not a top ten team and I'd be concerned as this isn't a once off but follows on from a number of poor performances.

I think Mayo will have to put this game behind them and move on. At least it will be another 6 years before we play there again. I suspect whoever goes over next year wont be looking forward to it. I find myself surprisingly calm about it all. We dodged a large calibre bullet today but I don t think it changes anything going forward much. A few lads might have lost their places and the deployment of the sweeper may need finetuning. But better these things showed up today and we got away with it. If we don t improve then we re no good and that s that.
Anyway our prospects for this Summer were never good anyway - hence my lack of angst. We re starting from a very low base after what has happened last 4 years. I had Galway as likely winners in Castlebar since the begining of the year (our easy win over them in the league didn t change anything). Now I still think if we can win v Galway we might develop if we get a run going. Lose to Galway and we re likely to exit the qualifiers quickly. I think Trevor can be good for us in the half back line. His proper place and crazily only ever deployed there briefly a couple of years ago. But to have any chance against anybody we will need a fit McGarrity back with AOS in midfield and a fit again SOS is needed too.

Any chance of getting Billy Joe back? Was well up for it last night. He is finally playing in a settled position and I think James Horan needs to start doing this sooner rather than later with the Mayo lads and stop switching and changing

Well I ended up buying the new jedwards album, thank you mayo.  Obviously they just thought it was a matter of turning up and London decided they would give it all up today and not think about the league. Hard luck London, this is one you really should have won. Baffled how a team as bad as London were in the league were able to play so well against a supposedly good division one team.

At least I have  the Waterford hurlers to fall back on.

Quote from: mannix on May 24, 2011, 02:43:03 PM

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 24, 2011, 02:05:57 PM
This will be a very close game in my opinion. Mayo much like Sligo will have big heads going into the game. Both sets of players have inflated opinions of their talents. While its very competitive, teams in Connacht are very poor and all teams are on a similar level. With that in mind I think London will win this by one.

Mayo should be more than capable of skating by London using the second 15,provided of course that they do not think they just need to turn up and even then they should be far too strong. Mayo by 10 points or I"ll buy jedwards new album.

All of the panel should be made to buy it.
Anyone was taken off or forwards who didn't score should be made to learn it.

I suppose we got out with a win and by the sounds of things we should be very thankful that, however any repeat of that sort of shite will surely see the pressure turned up on Horan.

Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht. 

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Go way out of that, London only beat Kilkenny this year!

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Andy Moran is a Catalan  ;)

Quote from: Rossfan on May 30, 2011, 01:30:12 PM

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Andy Moran is a Catalan  ;)

and Mayo are cat

You're not doing much to promote inner peace in your neighbouring fans seafoid.  ;)

Quote from: Rossfan on May 30, 2011, 01:30:12 PM

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Andy Moran is a Catalan  ;)

Yes Andy Moran the Catalan rossie is doing well for himself. the only Barcelona comparisons would be O'Donnell is our Guardiola.

As for Mayo if the injured players return? i expect up to 10 changes v Galway  David Clarke, Cillian O'Connor,Trevor Mortimer,Aidan O'Shea,McLoughlin,McGarrity, Higgins,Douglas,Gardiner and S O'Sé

Quote from: ross4life on May 30, 2011, 03:32:36 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on May 30, 2011, 01:30:12 PM

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Andy Moran is a Catalan  ;)

Yes Andy Moran the Catalan rossie is doing well for himself. the only Barcelona comparisons would be O'Donnell is our Guardiola.

As for Mayo if the injured players return? i expect up to 10 changes v Galway  David Clarke, Cillian O'Connor,Trevor Mortimer,Aidan O'Shea,McLoughlin,McGarrity, Higgins,Douglas,Gardiner and S O'Sé

I'd expect some changes alright. McGarrity and Higgins are obvious ones if fit. McLoughlin was unlucky not to start so he'll prob come in and A O'Sé might as well. But tbh I don't see Horan making much more after that. Maybe C O'Connor if he abandons the sweeper but I can see him putting McLoughlin in that role and sticking with it.

Quote from: kevmy on May 30, 2011, 03:41:49 PM

Quote from: ross4life on May 30, 2011, 03:32:36 PM

Quote from: Rossfan on May 30, 2011, 01:30:12 PM

Quote from: seafoid on May 30, 2011, 11:09:06 AM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 10:52:10 AM
Not long home after an early flight home this AM from Stansted. Even though I was there I still don't know if I can appreciate the absolute enormity of what nearly happened. With three minutes to go I had given up. London had us but couldn't close it out. They showed they were a Division 4 side in the closing minutes. Unfortunately for us, despite all the plamasing they'll get, they showed their Div 4 standard on plenty of other occasions.
Mayo, on another day, could have won this by 20 points. That's not to say we shouldn't be worried. A lot of people will say it was 'one of those days'. They're on about Mayo's missed chances, misfortune etc. True. But what was most frightening about it was when Mayo found themselves in that situation in the second half, so few players showed the ability or the desire to pull us out of it. Andy Moran did. Some of the subs made an impact. Alan Feeney drove on from his free role in defence. That's it. Frightening. Way too many questions over this team to be in any way confident about Galway.

Galway only got 3 points in the League I believe.
Surely Mayo must be raging hot favorites for this fixture .

Obviously Roscommon must be the Barcelona of Connacht.

Andy Moran is a Catalan  ;)

Yes Andy Moran the Catalan rossie is doing well for himself. the only Barcelona comparisons would be O'Donnell is our Guardiola.

As for Mayo if the injured players return? i expect up to 10 changes v Galway  David Clarke, Cillian O'Connor,Trevor Mortimer,Aidan O'Shea,McLoughlin,McGarrity, Higgins,Douglas,Gardiner and S O'Sé

I'd expect some changes alright. McGarrity and Higgins are obvious ones if fit. McLoughlin was unlucky not to start so he'll prob come in and A O'Sé might as well. But tbh I don't see Horan making much more after that. Maybe C O'Connor if he abandons the sweeper but I can see him putting McLoughlin in that role and sticking with it.

I doubt Douglas or Gardiner will be starting, but the others are all well in contention alright. Given that both of the O'Shea's seem to be vying for the same spot (alongside McGarrity when fit) I'd say only one of them will start and it will probably be Aidan. Seamus can't get a run of games at all.

How is Ciarian McDonald playing this weather? We should do a 'meath' on it and call him up!

There could be a pile of changes. Bear in mind McGarrity, Higgins, Varley, Douglas, S O'Shea and Cafferkey weren't togged due to injury. Of the subs that came on, Aidan O'Shea, Kevin McLoughlin, Trevor Mortimer and Cillian O'Connor all staked a claim. Don't be shocked if someone who plays well in the club championship the weekend after next gets a call-up. I think Pat Harte is due back for Ballina that weekend. Mark Ronaldson is moving well too I hear. Not too many players can be sure of their places. I can't see that as a good thing.

Mayo will be a different team in 4 weeks against us you can be sure of that.
I'd still expect ye to beat us at home regardless of the near miss yesterday.
Obviously ye will have to improve a lot on that performance - that goes without saying but I reckon yeterdays performance might do ye no harm looking ahead to 4 weeks time.
There will be extra motivation there and it's better to discover some flaws yesterday than next month.

Tom parsons would be a great addition to that Midfield. Great Sligo stock in him, unfortunatley its the outsiders like Andy Moran et al that seem to have the passion when playing for mayo.

Quote from: Sligopatriot on May 30, 2011, 04:42:47 PM
Tom parsons would be a great addition to that Midfield. Great Sligo stock in him, unfortunatley its the outsiders like Andy Moran et al that seem to have the passion when playing for mayo.

And Alan Costello played well for Sligo last year...

just wondering sligopatriot ,have you nothing  better to do than come on here and try to get a rise out of mayo posters.Are you farmer 2 from the hogan stand who manages to ruin every mayo thread over there.You tried your best yesterday to ruin this thread and thank God nobody took your bait so if you do not mind could you find something else to occupy yourself during your summer holidays.  just saw that you have been banned and good riddance :D

Quote from: maigheo on May 30, 2011, 04:59:37 PM
just wondering sligopatriot ,have you nothing  better to do than come on here and try to get a rise out of mayo posters.Are you farmer 2 from the hogan stand who manages to ruin every mayo thread over there.You tried your best yesterday to ruin this thread and thank God nobody took your bait so if you do not mind could you find something else to occupy yourself during your summer holidays.  just saw that you have been banned and good riddance :D

He'll be back again under a new name, Peter Solan the Great if you didn't already know.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 04:14:17 PM
There could be a pile of changes. Bear in mind McGarrity, Higgins, Varley, Douglas, S O'Shea and Cafferkey weren't togged due to injury. Of the subs that came on, Aidan O'Shea, Kevin McLoughlin, Trevor Mortimer and Cillian O'Connor all staked a claim. Don't be shocked if someone who plays well in the club championship the weekend after next gets a call-up. I think Pat Harte is due back for Ballina that weekend. Mark Ronaldson is moving well too I hear. Not too many players can be sure of their places. I can't see that as a good thing.

That would be your free taking problems sorted if he's picked.

Quote from: ross4life on May 30, 2011, 05:08:20 PM

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 30, 2011, 04:14:17 PM
There could be a pile of changes. Bear in mind McGarrity, Higgins, Varley, Douglas, S O'Shea and Cafferkey weren't togged due to injury. Of the subs that came on, Aidan O'Shea, Kevin McLoughlin, Trevor Mortimer and Cillian O'Connor all staked a claim. Don't be shocked if someone who plays well in the club championship the weekend after next gets a call-up. I think Pat Harte is due back for Ballina that weekend. Mark Ronaldson is moving well too I hear. Not too many players can be sure of their places. I can't see that as a good thing.

That would be your free taking problems sorted if he's picked.

I know he was good with frees against ye in the FBD in Ballyhaunis but I don't know that he would be the free-taking solution either. We've no consistently reliable free-taker.

Sligo patriot, you are correct, just like Costelloe for Sligo and young Kelly from Belmullet stock and Walsh the manager from Galway. You'd know all about outsiders allright. Never won a Connacht U21 title since its inception.

Quote from: Billys Boots on May 30, 2011, 03:00:16 PM
You're not doing much to promote inner peace in your neighbouring fans seafoid.  ;)

The karma is bad again this year, billy. It must be the fairies are not happy. I thought the good vibes would last at least into June, but no.

Just back in the door now. Surreal atmosphere in Rusilip. Hard to believe what was unfolding and could have easily have happened another day. The lack of intensity from the Mayo players was shocking. Credit to the London players, they must shattered. I think i'll be watching the match in McHale park through my fingers...christ.

Quote from: ballinaman on May 30, 2011, 07:34:19 PM
Just back in the door now. Surreal atmosphere in Rusilip. Hard to believe what was unfolding and could have easily have happened another day. The lack of intensity from the Mayo players was shocking. Credit to the London players, they must shattered. I think i'll be watching the match in McHale park through my fingers...christ.

I dont quite know what to say about the game either, apart from admitting to being scared sh!tless when it looked like we could be beaten in the second half. There was a deadly silence around the ground, and a feeling the London were actually going to do it when they were still 2 ahead with not much left on the clock. Our hearts were out of our chests looking on in disbelief and wondering when Mayo would just turn it on, but it never seemed to come.

Having said all that it was a strange, strange game and a bizarre result. It went wrong all over the pitch for Mayo and it was down to ourselves for not being hungry enough and not giving London enough respect, and I think it could actually be as simple as that. The reason it went so horribly wrong for Mayo is that some if the players were not mentally prepared for the game and expected to beat London without much effort. I suppose some of the younger players will learn that its just not that easy and there is a fine line between being up for a game and working for a victory and getting caught out when you expect to roll over a team.

I dont want to be too downbeat but there is a few things worried me and need addressing straight away.

- We dont have any settled line on the team and that was obvious as the support play and the runs including players showing for the ball was non existent at times
An example was when Richie Feeney had to get forward and take on a shot when there was nobody off his shoulder or making a move for him inside so he had to go himself. He actually had nobody to pass it to.

- The spine of the team isnt even settled, apart from the keeper, full back and maybe centre forward. After that we will probably see a different centre back, midfield and maybe even changes in the forwards which isnt ideal.

- The workrate was not good enough from anyone and that starts from the full forward line all the way back the pitch. Freeman and Doherty looked lazy, letting the ball hop and not attacking it, not tracking runs or stopping their men. I would have made a change there sooner.

- At midfield we were beaten. London crowded the breaks while Mayo players just watched on and didnt try and get in close enough. Kilcullen made a few handling errors and Jason Gibbons was finding it hard to get into it. Aidan O Shea did well later in the game when we needed to get possession.   

- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go. Apart from probably showing our hand to Galway it wasnt the game for it. What will happen if say Howley is told to play out behind midfield and Galway decide to put Joyce or another forward out there instead of a defender? Suddenly, like what happened on Sunday you are defending against 6 forwards and another attacking player as well as everyone else. Also when we had the wind in the second half that tactic should have changed straight away and Cillian O Connor should have been brought in sooner. Unless a sweeper is protecting the full back line I dont believe it is needed and its only bringing another opposing player on top of your defence. 

- Mayo players look tired, flat and spent. I remarked on some of the players trying to sprint and the legs looked so tight they were taking small steps instead of being able to stride out. Another example struck me was the freshness of Trevor Mortimor and Dermot Geraghty compared to the rest of the Mayo players. As a group, Mayo have to be fitter than they looked against Offaly and London and I know that they are looking to reach a peak later in the month but I would hope that they would be fresh and well rested for that game. I would focus on just playing football, get players used to each other, getting settled positions and playing at pace for the next few weeks.

- Most of the performances from Mayo players were bad bar some of the older guys who pulled it out of the bag. Dillon had a good game, Andy had a bad 70 mins and inspirational extra time performance. Trevour Mortimor changed the game when he came in. Kevin McGloughlin got a vital late point to level it and Cillian O Connor won at least 3 vital frees and scored from play - all in all the subs made a huge impact.

- Below par on the day would probably include Campbell whos man caused serious problems, Jason Gibbons who never settled against a very strong London midfield, Vaughan who didnt look comfortable and is not a centre back in any form, Barrett who was anonymous, Cuniffe who looked shaky although wasnt cleaned, Doherty and Freeman who didnt work hard enough.

- All in all, with Higgins and Cafferkey back the defence immediately improves. With McGarity back we should improve no end at midfield so its not all bad.
I would forget about a sweeper unless as I said they are to protect the full back line say against Kerry. I would not have Vaughan centre back and I am thinking the Cafferkey should be given another chance.

Horan has been brave in trying things out and I commend him for that, but I hope that the time for experiments will soon be over and we can try and get it settled for the 26th

Some worrying reports coming back now alright. Still not too concerned to be honest. The mindset could not be right coming into this - no matter what is said to players. I remember last year, 5 days before the Sligo game, a senior player told me that they needed a good test from Sligo to be get right for the Galway game. I could not believe what I was hearing. Now even after Sligo and Longford debacles it appears that we have players that pick and choose as to what opposition they will take seriously.
We of course will be in a different zone for the next match. I don t think anybody believed that JH was putting out his best XV against London. We all thought they should be good enough to do the job though. Nobody saw that train coming in fairness. In fairness to management it would have been difficult to stop the rot once the game settled into a groove. I m long enough around the game to know that matches can often take on a life of their own. I don t blame JH for playing Howley in the role he did. Players have to get used to playing a system. If JM is guilty of anything it is perhaps being a bit cocky sending out an understrength team - even taking injuries into consideration. Lets face it KMcL and AOS are two hugely important players for us and automatic selections. I would make changes for Galway (most would have been made anyway regardless of what happened in Ruislip) but would not assume that some players who did not play the last day would have been any better than those that did. Collectively we re were not up for it.  For Galway I would go with the following.

Clarke, Geraghty, Feeney, Higgins, Feeney, Cafferkey, Mortimor, McGarrity, AOS, Harte (if he s ready at all) Dillon, McLoughlin, Doherty, Freeman, Andy.

Why can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Do any Mayo posters give themselves a chance vs Galway??

Quote from: neilthemac on May 30, 2011, 10:44:35 PM
Why can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Do any Mayo posters give themselves a chance vs Galway??

A great chance. Galway slight favourites and more dependable to produce a solid performance. They can be counted upon to hit their frees and 45s which is probably a five point swing to them before a ball is thrown in. However if we get sorted with injuries and get the selection and tactics right we could have a flyer. The way I see it Galway to edge a scrap but if either was to pull away I would fancy us to do it. Complicated maybe. I ll put it another way, if we are not a good deal better than Galway we ll probably lose a tight one. We miss too many frees etc to grind out results. We ll just have to wait and see what Mayo shows up.

Just wondering is it possible that mayo trained thro this game as they done in 1996 .Remember reading that Maughan put the players thro a ferocious training session on saturday and the same on sunday morning with the result that the players were hardly fit to move during the game and by all accounts only for Maurice Sheridans 8 frees we would have been in big trouble.I may be grasping at straws but there has to be some explanation for the inept display.I think Ronan Mc will make a huge difference the next day but i would think Horan will hold Trevor Mort as an impact sub rather than starting him.The game against Galway is going to be huge as if we have an other inept display like yesterday Horans tenure will be short lived.

Quote from: neilthemac on May 30, 2011, 10:44:35 PM
Why can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Yes, why?!

Quote from: maigheo on May 30, 2011, 11:03:25 PM
Just wondering is it possible that mayo trained thro this game as they done in 1996 .Remember reading that Maughan put the players thro a ferocious training session on saturday and the same on sunday morning with the result that the players were hardly fit to move during the game and by all accounts only for Maurice Sheridans 8 frees we would have been in big trouble.I may be grasping at straws but there has to be some explanation for the inept display.I think Ronan Mc will make a huge difference the next day but i would think Horan will hold Trevor Mort as an impact sub rather than starting him.The game against Galway is going to be huge as if we have an other inept display like yesterday Horans tenure will be short lived.

I dont know what they are doing in training, but I ll put it this way - this would hardly have been a peak-for game. If any of us were manager we would have taken chances with this game too. For me it still is not a serious fixture. Having said that, the manager that has to go there next year will be wearing a large nappy. How does one factor this fixtue in? Go to London for a surreal fixture and than a 4 week break before th real stuff starts.
Trevor needs to start. He s not going to 'chance' Burke and no point having Trevor back to gather splinters. We cant afford luxury impact subs right now and Trevor s thickness and dog are in short supply. I d go with Geraghty too. There is no question about their stomach for it.
  I wouldn t be shortening Horan s tenure yet, especially when you consider what Pateen and Johnno were allowed to get away with for years. I m sue JH will learn a lot from the last day. If fans at the game were unhappy with some lads imagine how he feels.
Going back to London in 96. There was knee-jerk reaction to some performances and one player in particular that was 'considered' poor in London was left out after. He would have made a difference when it counted later. Ten years later Kieran McDonald dug us out of Carrick after Harte got the line. He had to come back into his own half to impose himself on the game because we were not able to get out of our own half. Of course his display was completely misjudged by many who thought he should have held his position or something. Sigh. After Carrick we went on a bit.

Quote from: ross4life on May 30, 2011, 11:36:21 PM

Quote from: neilthemac on May 30, 2011, 10:44:35 PM
Why can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Yes, why?!

They often do. But usually they take ye a bit more seriously than they do London.

A big worry was the size of the mayo team v the London team , Mayo looked a lot smaller in most of the one on ones. The London half backs won a lot of breaking ball esp in the first half but they were able to break a couple of tackles in a way that few mayo lads could.
The London full back looks like he will be a big loss for Kerry, he commanded his area and used the ball in a way Mayo can only dream about currently.

Quote from: neilthemac on May 30, 2011, 10:44:35 PM
Why can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Do any Mayo posters give themselves a chance vs Galway??

By the time Mayo/Galway match comes around it will take on a life of its own like it always does. Local derby.. traditional rivals etc. The London match will have lost alot of its significance by then. Galway had their own problems during the league also as we all know but both sides will see this fixture as a match they can win and position themselves to win a Connacht title. Fixtures like London/NY are nightmares for managers. I think they have to train heavily leading up to them and cant afford to peak in any way for matches like these. Horan and Mayo obviously had Galway in mind and their preparation was geared towards this. Mayo players not looking fresh would make sense if they were still training hard.

Quote- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go

Yes when I heard this I thought it was the most naive thing the management have done too date. A semi professional outfit having to play a sweeper against a bloody pub team doesn't bode well!

The only good thing about this is that Galway will arrive in Castlebar c**k sure of an easy win and we might catch them on the hop.

QuoteWhy can't Mayo ever play like that when they meet Roscommon??

Because we love you.

Personally, I wouldn't spend too much time trying to find the reasons for Mayo's dismal performance.
I'm convinced that many of the lads managed to give Horan the slip the previous night and had several pints too many.
They nearly paid the price.

Well a few of them had no bother going out for a few pinits in London after the game ( even though they were susposed to be on a place striaght home??) so they werent too upset with their performances!

Quote from: ludermor on May 31, 2011, 11:13:35 AM
Well a few of them had no bother going out for a few pinits in London after the game ( even though they were susposed to be on a place striaght home??) so they werent too upset with their performances!

FFS luder, its an amateur sport. If lads wanted to have a pint with their family and friends after the game then its none of your business.

Disgraceful comment  >:(

Quote from: Lar Naparka on May 31, 2011, 11:00:46 AM
I'm convinced that many of the lads managed to give Horan the slip the previous night and had several pints too many.
They nearly paid the price.

Crazy statement and conclusion that tells us how little you know about how much modern players put in Lar

Quote from: highorlow on May 31, 2011, 09:00:43 AM

Quote- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go

Yes when I heard this I thought it was the most naive thing the management have done too date. A semi professional outfit having to play a sweeper against a bloody pub team doesn't bode well!

The only good thing about this is that Galway will arrive in Castlebar c**k sure of an easy win and we might catch them on the hop.

We are in no position to be c**k sure going anywhere at the moment, especially Castlebar.

I'm with Abbeysider here, suggesting the players had pints the night before is way off the mark Lar. I know one player who had a Champions League final ticket and he didn't even ask if he could go because he didn't want his focus to come off the game. There was a lot of complacency at the back of some minds I guess. Perhaps it is just human nature.

Talking to the players after they were told no drink on the Sunday night. I think a couple might have waited on in London and I wouldn't begrudge them a couple of scoops. They get few enough chances and while they didn't do much to deserve a big pour, they're still four weeks away from Galway. It does distil the conflict between the professional attitudes expected of the players and the amateur reality.

Quote from: highorlow on May 31, 2011, 09:00:43 AM

Quote- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go

The only good thing about this is that Galway will arrive in Castlebar c**k sure of an easy win and we might catch them on the hop.

Aye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 31, 2011, 12:46:50 PM

Quote from: highorlow on May 31, 2011, 09:00:43 AM

Quote- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go

The only good thing about this is that Galway will arrive in Castlebar c**k sure of an easy win and we might catch them on the hop.

Aye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

I'm guessing that in a week or two we will have open warfare between the two sets of fans. Each side will be insisting how useless their own side is and go nuclear at any hint of their side being within an asses roar being able to win.

This will escalate and be reported nationally and maybe even internationally. Mayo will end up cheering Galway onto the field in a tribute to their unquestionable brilliance. Galway supporters will respond by invading the pitch before the match and carrying Mayo players off shoulder high and awarding them victory.

Galway fans will drink Castlebar dry singing we told ye we were useless. Mayo will nod and say:'aye ye were right.'

James Horan is a genius.

Wow!! We are some mess. We hoped a new management might bring some sort of order to things but they look like they have made things worse. Have any of our problems really been addressed. And then you read Andy Moran in the Mayo News today (note in particular the highlighted bit):

QuoteMAYO players aren't working hard enough and they must face up to their shortcomings in the coming weeks if they are to improve. That was the forthright view of the team's vice-captain, Andy Moran, in the aftermath of Sunday's close shave.
Speaking to The Mayo News shortly after Mayo came within a whisker of being the first team to lose to London in the championship for 34 years, the Ballaghaderreen forward admitted that big question marks now hang over the county squad again.
"Of course the question marks are going to be there, especially when you come down to London and you draw with them," he began.
"It's proper order that the question marks should be there and the question marks are there in our heads. We've to sort out these problems ourselves within our camp.
"I think, as players, myself and Alan [Dillon] need to pull lads together and we need to get this thing sorted. At the minute we're not doing what we want to do and we're not playing the way we want to play so we need to get it sorted.
"I don't think we're doing the work we should be doing," he added. "At training it's alright doing it but away from training you need to be looking after yourself. "I think we need to be in the pitch shooting, like Maurice Sheridan, out at night yourself, taking your strikes. When you get a chance, be it from a free or from play, against better teams and you don't take it, you're in trouble."
One of the issues being pondered on Sunday evening as the sun set on Ruislip was whether this was better or worse than last year's defeats to Sligo and Longford?
In terms of the result, obviously better, but Moran conceded that the fact that London had only won one game in Division 4 of the National League (against Kilkenny), certainly helped Mayo get over the line.
"It looked like Longford all over again really," he said. "Last year at this stage we got Sligo and they are a better team, a Division 2 team, than London who are a Division 4 team.
"They [Sligo] killed us off whereas this year we got a few cracks and breaks and it helped us. Fair play to Trevor Mortimer and Aidan O'Shea and Kevin McLoughlin, they really helped out when they came in and they're the reason we're still in the Connacht championship really."
The straight-talking Moran also confessed that defeat on Sunday could have ended his inter-county career, and that of a few others, but argued that this performance didn't make Mayo a bad side, merely an inconsistent one.
"You saw us in the league against some of the best teams, the Downs, Corks, Kerrys. . . 
"I think we can compete with the best of them, we just need to start doing the basics right, get our skill-sets right, start winning hard ball and just pushing on, playing championship football.
"At the minute we're too inconsistent. We can't slip to levels like we slipped to today. We need to be clinical in front of goal, we need to be the best we can be every day we go on the field. Today we weren't but we got away with it, thank God.
"Going out on the field myself I don't worry about results, it's performance and we didn't perform. We didn't perform against Monaghan, we performed against Antrim in a challenge and didn't perform against Offaly. There's definitely something wrong there and we need to get it right.
"I suppose when you're going from a base level of today there's only one way and it's up. That's the way we'll be looking at it."

How much do some of these fellas want to play for Mayo. The vast majority are extremely dedicated but do they go the extra mile. Yes I know they are amateurs but a lot of people give them support both emotionally and finacially and they should realise that they are privileged to be good enough to wear the jersey.

So what if we beat Galway? So what if we beat Roscommon or Leitrim? We know there is another dose of humiliation coming our way at some point. And there is even a lethargy in the support of Mayo. We have taken so many knocks that people are giving up on the concept of a Mayo team. The core support has reduced significantly now. Even the anger has subsided after painful defeats - we are greeted more by a resignation of where we stand. And then when a plan for the way forward is put out there it is rejected by the cosy cartel that is our County Board.

It looks like we are set for a generation of Mayo GAA being bankrupt both on and off the pitch.

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 11:29:13 AM

Quote from: ludermor on May 31, 2011, 11:13:35 AM
Well a few of them had no bother going out for a few pinits in London after the game ( even though they were susposed to be on a place striaght home??) so they werent too upset with their performances!

FFS luder, its an amateur sport. If lads wanted to have a pint with their family and friends after the game then its none of your business.

Disgraceful comment  >:(

Oh FFS get over yourself,there standard line was the team was going straight home to Mayo after the game but there was a few lads out in the city after . They were almost the subject of the biggest embassasment in Mayo GAA history but they didnt seem too disappointed.

Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2011, 12:54:28 PM
James Horan is a genius.

Further evidence of which I hear is a thirty minute 'game' without the ball at one of the recent Mayo training sessions. Now if he can only persuade the opposition to do the same

Quote from: passedit on May 31, 2011, 01:49:01 PM

Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2011, 12:54:28 PM
James Horan is a genius.

Further evidence of which I hear is a thirty minute 'game' without the ball at one of the recent Mayo training sessions. Now if he can only persuade the opposition to do the same

that reminds me of a  Larry Finnerty story .  They were catching an imaginary ball in a training  when larry leave they field to go to the changing room the boys ask him were he is off to to which he replies" getting my gloves i can't catch the ball it's slipping through my hands with all the rain its made "     

Quote from: ludermor on May 31, 2011, 01:21:25 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 11:29:13 AM

Quote from: ludermor on May 31, 2011, 11:13:35 AM
Well a few of them had no bother going out for a few pinits in London after the game ( even though they were susposed to be on a place striaght home??) so they werent too upset with their performances!

FFS luder, its an amateur sport. If lads wanted to have a pint with their family and friends after the game then its none of your business.

Disgraceful comment  >:(

Oh FFS get over yourself,there standard line was the team was going straight home to Mayo after the game but there was a few lads out in the city after . They were almost the subject of the biggest embassasment in Mayo GAA history but they didnt seem too disappointed.

Very unfair way to look at things, there was some of the management team and members of the county board out too, perhaps we should have chased them out of the ground when we had a chance.  :D

Quote from: passedit on May 31, 2011, 01:49:01 PM

Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2011, 12:54:28 PM
James Horan is a genius.

Further evidence of which I hear is a thirty minute 'game' without the ball at one of the recent Mayo training sessions. Now if he can only persuade the opposition to do the same

Im sure these stories carry all the way to North Down and im sure they are true  ;)

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 03:28:11 PM

Quote from: passedit on May 31, 2011, 01:49:01 PM

Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2011, 12:54:28 PM
James Horan is a genius.

Further evidence of which I hear is a thirty minute 'game' without the ball at one of the recent Mayo training sessions. Now if he can only persuade the opposition to do the same

Im sure these stories carry all the way to North Down and im sure they are true  ;)

I'm confident of my sources. Are you saying this didn't happen? BTW I was in Ruislip in 96 and only a very one sided refereeing display saved yer blushes that day, so I wouldn't be writing off the year just yet.

Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on May 31, 2011, 12:11:13 PM
I'm with Abbeysider here, suggesting the players had pints the night before is way off the mark Lar. I know one player who had a Champions League final ticket and he didn't even ask if he could go because he didn't want his focus to come off the game. There was a lot of complacency at the back of some minds I guess. Perhaps it is just human nature.

Talking to the players after they were told no drink on the Sunday night. I think a couple might have waited on in London and I wouldn't begrudge them a couple of scoops. They get few enough chances and while they didn't do much to deserve a big pour, they're still four weeks away from Galway. It does distil the conflict between the professional attitudes expected of the players and the amateur reality.

A Íosa Críost na bhFlaitheas, you and Abbey take your football far too seriously!  ;D
I never claimed that I can understand the complexities of modern football any more than I understood the ditto of the game back in my own time.
I'd go as far as admitting that I probably know less than John O"Mahony.
But, sure as hell, I do know plenty about players taking the opposition for granted and nearly paying the price and I think this happened with many of our lads last Sunday. All that is a long way short of accusing anyone of taking to the field in a half cut condition either.
But if what we saw on Sunday was a Mayo side with with 100% focus and commitment from every player, we have a short summer ahead of us.
If some of the lads had a couple of pints on the quiet or indulged in a late night burger and chips or stayed up to watch a late night movie so what?
It's only an amateur game and you can't expect impressionable young lads to have sense all the time.
If some of them took London too much for granted, then they will have learned a very valuable lesson and I'm still backing Mayo to take Connacht btw.
Put it another way, if many on the field were off-focus on the day, it will have have been a blessing in disguise. If they had really been off-form, I'd be very worried.
Roll on Galway!

still cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

Quote from: mannix on May 31, 2011, 04:19:14 PM
still cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

If I am not mistaken Mannix, didnt Kerry get a bit of a fright from Limerick last year?
Limerick being a division 4 team, down there with Kilkenny and Kerry only squeezing out a late victory by 3 points?

A soft goal, a missed penalty, or a few more wides and Kerry could have been red faced too. You get the odd funny game like that.

Galway were nearly embarrassed by New York in recent years too, after which didnt they change the rule to let the losers into the back door?

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 04:32:43 PM

Quote from: mannix on May 31, 2011, 04:19:14 PM
still cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

Galway were nearly embarrassed by New York in recent years too, after which didnt they change the rule to let the losers into the back door?

That was only last year and while it was close for much of the game, Galway still pulled away towards the end to win by 7 points. It was a slapdash performance that did not bode well for the rest of our Summer unfortunately.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 31, 2011, 04:46:28 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 04:32:43 PM

Quote from: mannix on May 31, 2011, 04:19:14 PM
still cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

Galway were nearly embarrassed by New York in recent years too, after which didnt they change the rule to let the losers into the back door?

That was only last year and while it was close for much of the game, Galway still pulled away towards the end to win by 7 points. It was a slapdash performance that did not bode well for the rest of our Summer unfortunately.

Galway only pulled away because NY lost their heads e.g getting two players sent off.

Quote from: Blowitupref on May 31, 2011, 04:58:13 PM

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 31, 2011, 04:46:28 PM

Quote from: AbbeySider on May 31, 2011, 04:32:43 PM

Quote from: mannix on May 31, 2011, 04:19:14 PM
still cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

Galway were nearly embarrassed by New York in recent years too, after which didnt they change the rule to let the losers into the back door?

That was only last year and while it was close for much of the game, Galway still pulled away towards the end to win by 7 points. It was a slapdash performance that did not bode well for the rest of our Summer unfortunately.

Galway only pulled away because NY lost their heads e.g getting two players sent off.

Well that and the fact that they scored some points and goals.

Did david brady give any pearls of wisdom in regards to mayos poor performance ???

fair balls to you abbeysider your fighting the good fight for your clubman  :D anyway roll on galway . seem to remember in 2006 we were brutul against leitrim as well

Quote from: squire_in_navy_slacks on May 31, 2011, 05:02:04 PM
Did david brady give any pearls of wisdom in regards to mayos poor performance ???

aye jet lag

Quote from: the Deel Rover on May 31, 2011, 05:03:31 PM

Quote from: squire_in_navy_slacks on May 31, 2011, 05:02:04 PM
Did david brady give any pearls of wisdom in regards to mayos poor performance ???

aye jet lag

LMAO!  :D :D :D

It promises to be a exciting climax to the Connacht championship but as proud Connacht man you would have to fear for the chances of all the teams once they enter the All Ireland series.

Quote from: ross4life on May 31, 2011, 05:13:15 PM
It promises to be a exciting climax to the Connacht championship but as proud Connacht man you would have to fear for the chances of all the teams once they enter the All Ireland series.

i dunno ross4life apart from the armagh down game the rest of the games played were shite as well

Quote from: ross4life on May 31, 2011, 05:13:15 PM
It promises to be a exciting climax to the Connacht championship but as proud Connacht man you would have to fear for the chances of all the teams once they enter the All Ireland series.

You could well be right. But Galway, Roscommon and Mayo are at the team-building stage and this year may be a bit soon for any of them to make waves.
Sligo still have lots of potential but they need to get their act back on course.
Leitrim will put it up to any other side in Connacht but I don't think they have the resources to go any further than a Connacht final appearence- if they manage to get to it this year.

Quote from: muppet on May 31, 2011, 12:54:28 PM

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on May 31, 2011, 12:46:50 PM

Quote from: highorlow on May 31, 2011, 09:00:43 AM

Quote- Playing a sweeper against London was not the way to go

The only good thing about this is that Galway will arrive in Castlebar c**k sure of an easy win and we might catch them on the hop.

Aye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

I'm guessing that in a week or two we will have open warfare between the two sets of fans. Each side will be insisting how useless their own side is and go nuclear at any hint of their side being within an asses roar being able to win.

This will escalate and be reported nationally and maybe even internationally. Mayo will end up cheering Galway onto the field in a tribute to their unquestionable brilliance. Galway supporters will respond by invading the pitch before the match and carrying Mayo players off shoulder high and awarding them victory.

Galway fans will drink Castlebar dry singing we told ye we were useless. Mayo will nod and say:'aye ye were right.'

James Horan is a genius.

Indeed.
"We're the worst team in Connacht"
"What? Ye're lucky! we're the worst team in Ireland!"
(with aplogies to Monthy Python).

I don't know what to make of sundays performance. Obviously the players underestimated the London team, I think we all did. The manager definitely did. The gas thing about this game is Mayo could have won it by 10 to 15 points. They had 19 wides, a missed penalty and god knows how many more squandered chances that didn't even go wide.

The thing that really worries me about sunday is the lack of a free taker. This has gone on all league and still hasn't been sorted out. I counted at least 7 different free takers and I think maybe more. Moran, freeman, doherty hennelly Dillon campbell, O'Connor. I think O Shea also had a crack at one. So how has something so important not been addressed properly at training. How come nobody on the team wants to step up and be the man to take the frees.

Andy Moran spoke above about the practice Maurice Sheridan put in. His free taking ability was the main reason he made the starting 15 and he contributed 6-7 points a game. No way was he getting dropped and the practice he put in made sure of this.

I cant understand why with all the lads fighting for places at the moment, one of them doesn't say to himself if I can nail the down the freetaking duties I'm getting a starting jersey. Go away work on your technique, practice and practice some more. Lads thats what its going to take if ye are serious about playing for your county and serious about winning

As for the tactics on Sunday. My god James Horan what are you at. Playing with an extra man in defence against London. Are you for real. So ok you a trying to fine tune a system for later in the championship but for christ sake 3 points down at half time playing with a breeze in the second half and no change at half time. These tactics in my opinion were the main reason why Mayo were nearly caught out on Sunday. Trevor Howley was totally lost. The London corner back had free run of the park and even managed to chip in a couple of points. He was a big lad and helped out at midfield as well as Howley wandered around not quite sure what he should be at. Our full forward line could have done with the extra man as they struggled to get to grips with there opposite numbers.

I have to say I'm really disappointed with what I saw on Sunday. This was nearly Mayo's most embarrassing day ever. I wanted James Horan as manager and still do but seriously this is not good enough. I used to read Horan in the western and taught he spoke a lot of sense. Id love to see what he would have to write this week.

I think Barney has it nail on the head. Mayo's support is dwindling. I often get looks of 'Where the hell are you off after them shower?' when I go to matches wearing the green and red jersey. It's not good enough. Somebody needs to rock the county board's boat. Them frigging county board tickets should be left at the executive's door in my opinion. >:(

Reports said there was over 4,000 in Ruislip that's a decent crowd. Did any of ye read Willie Joe's blog/report he certainly doesn't like JOM.

Quote from: ross4life on May 31, 2011, 08:31:12 PM
Reports said there was over 4,000 in Ruislip that's a decent crowd. Did any of ye read Willie Joe's blog/report he certainly doesn't like JOM.

WJ took major issue with JOM giving his two-cents worth on mid-west alright.
He might have a point, but it's not really here nor there. His radio analysis wasn't a factor in the performance on Sunday and won't have an impact on how we play against Galway.

I  still don't know what to make of Sunday, and what it might mean for the rest of the summer, and possibly beyond.
I was in Ballintubber for the Offaly challenge match and they were very poor that day as well - maybe they are going through some very heavy training. I think either Horan or a player mentioned they'd be stepping it up between league and championship.
So maybe that's to blame - either way, we'll just have to wait for the Galway match and see what type of performance we witness.
There'll be no hype over it anyway, that's for certain! The new-look McHale Park might have to wait another couple of years before it gets a capacity crowd.

Quote from: ross4life on May 31, 2011, 08:31:12 PM
Reports said there was over 4,000 in Ruislip that's a decent crowd. Did any of ye read Willie Joe's blog/report he certainly doesn't like JOM.

I heard there was over 5,000 and the biggest ever attendance in ruislip.

Ah yeah Lar I kinda thought you were being a bit mischevious. But they certainly wouldn't have been going for a couple of pints the night before. There certainly was complacency but I guess that is hard to prevent, especially when the strongest team isn't picked.

The more I think about it the more I realise that Sunday was a freak game in a lot of ways. Mayo are clearly the better team and could have won comfortably. But when that didn't happen, Mayo didn't look too capable of driving their way out of the abyss.

QuoteAye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

If ye can't beat a team that couldn't beat a group of part timers then ye should pack in the football and concentrate on the hurling full time. Dosn't matter if the match is in castlebar or caslegar, Galway by double scores.

QuoteThey were almost the subject of the biggest embassasment in Mayo GAA history but they didnt seem too disappointed

If I was on the end of that result I'd be on the beer also.

One thing is certain this year, expectations of this team will be non existant.

Quotestill cannot understand how mayo came so close against a team that were the down there with kilkenny. did mayo understimate and london rise for the occasion?
could you see cork or kerry being surprised by waterford like mayo were by london?  not a chance.

Kerry were nearly beaten by Sligo a few years back also.

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 09:57:02 AM

QuoteAye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

If ye can't beat a team that couldn't beat a group of part timers then ye should pack in the football and concentrate on the hurling full time. Dosn't matter if the match is in castlebar or caslegar, Galway by double scores.

Perhaps it was attitudes like that that made Mayo complacent in the first place? Team with former Dr Crokes players should never have been taken that lightly.

QuotePerhaps it was attitudes like that that made Mayo complacent in the first place? Team with former Dr Crokes players should never have been taken that lightly.

London are now a new force in the GAA......give me a break, a Mayo u16 team would / could beat them.

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:17:25 AM

QuotePerhaps it was attitudes like that that made Mayo complacent in the first place? Team with former Dr Crokes players should never have been taken that lightly.

London are now a new force in the GAA......give me a break, a Mayo u16 team would / could beat them.

So you were at the match or have you came to this conclusion from aertel?

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:17:25 AM

QuotePerhaps it was attitudes like that that made Mayo complacent in the first place? Team with former Dr Crokes players should never have been taken that lightly.

London are now a new force in the GAA......give me a break, a Mayo u16 team would / could beat them.

Were you at the match?

QuoteMayo complacent

Nothing to do with complacency. It's the players and skill set that was wrong. JH needs to drop at 7 to 10 players from that starting team / panel. In fact a team that goes out and disgraces the jersey the way they did on Sunday all need to be dropped aka the Mayo team v Sligo (and lost) in the 70's. However that is too much a nuclear option in the modern era.

Its probably too late in the day to recruit a whole new panel so he might just have to do a Mick O'Dwyer this year and leave the 7 to 10 poor players on the bench for the rest of the season.

Bottom line is we still don't have a championship standard full back line, midfield, CHB, CHF or full forward.

We would be aswell to start the O'Shea brothers in mid-field the next day, trevor mort at CHF, and howley at full back and bring back Geraghty. I would start Gardiner and McLoughlin also. Luck enough that panels are so big these days.

p.s If someone can re-edit this topic to Connacht SFC Q/Final London v Mayo 29.5.11 in Ruislip only people who attend the match can comment this will clarify things.

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:30:05 AM

QuoteMayo complacent

Nothing to do with complacency. It's the players and skill set that was wrong. JH needs to drop at 7 to 10 players from that starting team / panel. In fact a team that goes out and disgraces the jersey the way they did on Sunday all need to be dropped aka the Mayo team v Sligo (and lost) in the 70's. However that is too much a nuclear option in the modern era.

Its probably too late in the day to recruit a whole new panel so he might just have to do a Mick O'Dwyer this year and leave the 7 to 10 poor players on the bench for the rest of the season.

Ah you winding us up now !  ;)

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:30:05 AM
Bottom line is we still don't have a championship standard full back line, midfield, CHB, CHF or full forward.

Total exaggeration

Full back: Alan Feeney (probably Higgins in one corner and we have options in the other)
Center back: Maybe Ger Cafferkey
Midfield: McGarity and Aidan O Shea
Center Forward: Alan Dillon
Full Forward: Alan Freeman

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:30:05 AM
We would be aswell to start the O'Shea brothers in mid-field the next day, trevor mort at CHF, and howley at full back and bring back Geraghty. I would start Gardiner and McLoughlin also. Luck enough that panels are so big these days.

Howley full back? You just lost all credibility

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:30:05 AM
p.s If someone can re-edit this topic to Connacht SFC Q/Final London v Mayo 29.5.11 in Ruislip only people who attend the match can comment this will clarify things.

Finally we agree, you just redeemed yourself again

QuoteHowley full back? You just lost all credibility

Almost as incredible as playing him as a sweeper against London.

QuoteTotal exaggeration

If its a total exaggeration then you need not have bothered listing out. You are doubting your own opinion. I'm not.

Quote from: ballinaman on June 01, 2011, 10:11:54 AM

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 09:57:02 AM

QuoteAye after being relegated I doubt we would be cocksure of beating anyone let alone Mayo on their own patch.

If ye can't beat a team that couldn't beat a group of part timers then ye should pack in the football and concentrate on the hurling full time. Dosn't matter if the match is in castlebar or caslegar, Galway by double scores.

Perhaps it was attitudes like that that made Mayo complacent in the first place? Team with former Dr Crokes players should never have been taken that lightly.

I think you are dead right about this. I'd go further and say that this is a young and relatgively inexperienced team and the lads picked up the vibes from the fans.
I was back in Mayo over the weekend and it's fair to say that anyone I met, who had any interest at all in the game,  was taking the result for granted. Mind you, I also expected Mayo to win with a bit to spare.
Down at home, same as  here, there was consternation after the game and it was a case of doom and gloom all over the place.
IMO, this is a bit unfair and certainly won't help the team prepare for the Galway game. London proved to be better than anticipated and maybe too many of Mayo's young lads took the result  for granted and were looking forward to meeting up with old friends over there and having the craic.
Whatever the reason for the way we played, it's history now and it's time to get behind the lads as the Galway gane gets closer.

Quote from: highorlow on June 01, 2011, 10:59:41 AM

QuoteHowley full back? You just lost all credibility

Almost as incredible as playing him as a sweeper against London.

Not quite that incredible actually, it would be incredible to play Howley fullback though.

I dont know if the word sweeper was the term of the role Howley seemed to play. A sweeper would sweep in front of a back line but Howley spent all his time around or just behind midfield. Im not sure if he had a roving role which worked for him against Antrim in Kiltimagh or not but he certainly wasnt helping out the defence or fullback line.

In any case it didnt really work as he wasnt getting in on the breaks and his man was causing damage. However there are days when it may work better, like the times we were crying out for a sweeper against Kerry in 04 and 06.

QuoteTotal exaggeration

Quote
If its a total exaggeration then you need not have bothered listing out. You are doubting your own opinion. I'm not.

I was listing examples to disprove what you said.

By your logic, I could say with confidence that to bring back McDonald will win Mayo an All Ireland and argue that whoever lists reasons I am wrong are doubting their own opinion? Thats hilarious!

So Im saying it....

Bring back McDanger and Sam Maguire is coming home to Mayo!  :D
(by the way of anyone disagrees with me and starts listing reasons then they are doubting their own opinion so dont bother  ;) ) 

The Committee Room - Tonight

Marty is joined in studio by Mayo footballer Conor Mortimer, who is currently nursing himself back to full fitness after undergoing a cruciate knee operation. He will share his thoughts on the Mayo versus London game at the weekend as well as what is occupying him away from the pitch.


The Committee Room is broadcast live on RTÉ Two at 8.00pm tonight, Wednesday.

Quote from: AbbeySider on June 01, 2011, 11:42:45 AM

Bring back McDanger and Sam McGuire is coming home to Mayo!  :D
(by the way of anyone disagrees with me and starts listing reasons then they are doubting their own opinion so dont bother  ;) )

Where does he play?

Quote from: Davitt Man on June 01, 2011, 01:34:32 PM
The Committee Room - Tonight

Marty is joined in studio by Mayo footballer Conor Mortimer, who is currently nursing himself back to full fitness after undergoing a cruciate knee operation. He will share his thoughts on the Mayo versus London game at the weekend as well as what is occupying him away from the pitch.


The Committee Room is broadcast live on RTÉ Two at 8.00pm tonight, Wednesday.

Brutal programme, but can't miss MJ Mort lettin' loose!  :D

QuoteRT @Conmort: Am on the new GAA show on RTE at 8 bells wednsday night . Tune in should be interesting #mayogaa

Aye he tweeted on the club mayo dublin website that he was on this.

Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June. 

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

The Galway lack of accuracy has arrived. It already is June.

Quote from: muppet on June 01, 2011, 10:57:09 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

The Galway lack of accuracy has arrived. It already is June.

Noblesse oblige  ;)

The moaning and self loathing are already evident on page 30 which predates June.

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

Aye, and our team could barely wait around until June either  :)

Seriously though, not sure about nihilism but it is all very bizarre. And I m not sure which is more bizarre - the performance in London or the reaction to it. I also think that it is off the mark to lump together the 'Horan Review' rejection by the board and all that has gone wrong on the pitch together.

Quote from: moysider on June 01, 2011, 11:01:29 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

Aye, and our team could barely wait around until June either  :)

Seriously though, not sure about nihilism but it is all very bizarre. And I m not sure which is more bizarre - the performance in London or the reaction to it. I also think that it is off the mark to lump together the Horan review rejection by the board and all that has gone wrong together.

I agree. I think it is over the top.  Mayo were quite good in the league.
They were much better than Galway. Why would it all go to pot now ? 

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 11:03:21 PM

Quote from: moysider on June 01, 2011, 11:01:29 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

Aye, and our team could barely wait around until June either  :)

Seriously though, not sure about nihilism but it is all very bizarre. And I m not sure which is more bizarre - the performance in London or the reaction to it. I also think that it is off the mark to lump together the Horan review rejection by the board and all that has gone wrong together.

I agree. I think it is over the top.  Mayo were quite good in the league.
They were much better than Galway. Why would it all go to pot now ?

It shouldn t and I dont think it will. No reason why it should. There has been a good shape of a team there during the Spring when a certain combination of players was on the field, maybe - 33% of the time. The Ruislip team bore little resemblance to that, due to a combination of injury and maybe the management wanting to use the game look again at players. There is a very good team there if we get it on the pitch.

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 11:03:21 PM

Quote from: moysider on June 01, 2011, 11:01:29 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

Aye, and our team could barely wait around until June either  :)

Seriously though, not sure about nihilism but it is all very bizarre. And I m not sure which is more bizarre - the performance in London or the reaction to it. I also think that it is off the mark to lump together the Horan review rejection by the board and all that has gone wrong together.

I agree. I think it is over the top.  Mayo were quite good in the league.
They were much better than Galway. Why would it all go to pot now ?

It might not go to pot at all but I've long since stopped using league performances as a reliable barometer of the Summer. They are usually just a notch above a challenge game in intensity.

Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on June 01, 2011, 11:53:44 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 11:03:21 PM

Quote from: moysider on June 01, 2011, 11:01:29 PM

Quote from: seafoid on June 01, 2011, 10:28:53 PM
Jesus, the Mayo nihilism thread sprouted early this year. It couldn't even wait until June.

Aye, and our team could barely wait around until June either  :)

Seriously though, not sure about nihilism but it is all very bizarre. And I m not sure which is more bizarre - the performance in London or the reaction to it. I also think that it is off the mark to lump together the Horan review rejection by the board and all that has gone wrong together.

I agree. I think it is over the top.  Mayo were quite good in the league.
They were much better than Galway. Why would it all go to pot now ?

It might not go to pot at all but I've long since stopped using league performances as a reliable barometer of the Summer. They are usually just a notch above a challenge game in intensity.

Not sure about that. It s ok for likes of Kerry, Cork and Tyrone to lay off intensity in league matches. They have been at the top and know where the ceiling is and know how to get back there. For mayo to treat the league as flippantly is not on and I dont think we did. When we had a good selection we really upped it in games in the league. I think teams that expect to get intensity for a couple of matches during the Summer cannot progress. The league may not be a barometer but the fact that some teams have an awful league and a good championship is, I suspect, good fortune.