Well I'm surprised at this, was expecting Mayo to end up playing Kildare or Laois but that ended up in a draw and Galway beat Down, Donegal beat Fermanagh, that means Donegal top 1A, Galway on score difference top 1B so we been second in 1A have ended up against our old rivals..
Well this will be hugely interesting in the run up to the championship!!! Should be a tough encounter as games between Mayo and Galway always are! Should be exciting too!
Game is in Croke Park next Sunday.
Well this was seriously unexpected!Don't think either camp would have chosen to meet at this time of year again but that's neither here nor there!Mayo will probably be favourites for this one and justifiably so. Gaway still have a poor enough mid-field, Bergin was very poor today. Doherty is a bit shaky in goal tendsto come off his line a bit too often and it cost us a goal today. Backs were a bit loose at time. They'll have to tighten up an awful lot of we hope to get anything out of next Sunday, Conor Mortimer scored 3 goals today and will need watching.Damien Burke is probably the best we have for that particular job. Finian Hanley, Deccy Meehan and Niall Coyne did well, hopefully we'll see more of the same next week. Geraghty/Cullinane, not a lot between them but Geraghty did alright today, some great catches. Cormac Bane played in fits and starts today, needs to be more consistent on Sunday, Ja wasn't really at the races at all, wouldn't be surprised to see Armstrong or Savage start ahead of him next day. Obviously, Padraic and Nicky Joyce and Mike Meehan are our main scoring threat. They'll be up against a tough back division and will need to be on their game. Anyway, this game is a little earlier than expected but looking forward to it already! Oh and Mayo will win it I'd say. ;)
Yeah I'd favour Mayo would win it too. In the league Mayo has really tightened up and is playing nice direct football. Today Ger Brady sounded very impressive in full forward. David Heaney is doing a brilliant job in mid field. Conor Mortimer has found serious form recently and is constantly scoring and today he's gotten into scoring goals!!
Would expect Mayo to win it but it should be tough.
Quote from: Redgreenery on April 08, 2007, 08:40:10 PM
Today Ger Brady sounded very impressive in full forward. David Heaney is doing a brilliant job in mid field.
I don't think Heaney came on at all today.
Quote from: IolarCoisCuain on April 08, 2007, 09:27:35 PM
Quote from: Redgreenery on April 08, 2007, 08:40:10 PM
Today Ger Brady sounded very impressive in full forward. David Heaney is doing a brilliant job in mid field.
I don't think Heaney came on at all today.
Yeah he didnt come on today, I was just saying that he is doing brilliant in midfield in the games in which he was played there recently.
Mayo boss John O'Mahony is eagerly anticipating his side's clash with fierce Connacht rivals Galway in the semi-final of the National Football League.
Mayo warmed up for the game with an impressive 4-7 to 1-11 win over Tyrone on Sunday (Conor Mortimer with a hat-trick) and O'Mahony is looking to the last four clash with his former side to act as a dress rehearsal for when the two meet in the Connacht Senior Football Championship.
"It's a big game and there'll be a lot of notice about it, because it's the first round of the Championship as well," O'Mahony said after the semis were decided.
"The first round of the Championship is what will be remembered at the end of the year but, having said that, it is the League semi-final.
"I met Peter Ford (Galway manager) at the Under 21 match (on Saturday) and he said, 'if we're going to progress in the League, we're going to have to meet anyway.'
"There it is, we'll take it as it comes."
I fancy Mayo to beat us on Sunday. Bit of a negative outlook I know but cant see it being any other way. Were not at all convincing on Sunday in Tuam. We'd win most games on 40% possession with the forwards we have but unfortunately we are not even capable of winning that amount of ball at midfield.
Add in the JOM factor and that will only add to it. There is little he doesnt know about this Galway team still.
I hope im wrong but i reckon Mayo by 7 or 8. What will follow will define our season. Could end up with a shorter year than last or could go away and take Mayo in Pearse Stadium...anyones guess..
you would have to fancy Mayo alright. We are struggling in a big way in midfield but also seem incapable of winning many of the breaks around midfield.
All backs are ok but are usually under a lot of pressure and will struggle to hold out. We had no real half forward line the last day so any ball that went into the full forward line was 50-50. Thankfully Joyce and Meehan won their fair share.
It looks as if the main problem areas have not being addressed yet so we may be in for a short summer.
Then again it's a local derby and are usually fairly close. be nice to win in Corker for a change.............
Lads
Have we had absolute confirmation of time and venue yet? There seems to be a bit of uncertainty.
Its a double header in croker according to sunday sport
Surprisingly Galway and Mayo is the first game at 2.15. Would have thought it the more attractive of the two.
This morning's Indo reports that Conor Mortimer is an injury doubt for the game. Losing your highest scorer wouldn't be a great way to be going into the game.
Anybody know how Ciarán McDonald's rehab is getting along?
Hat-trick hero Mortimer a doubt for semi-final
Tuesday April 10th 2007
CONOR MORTIMER is Mayo's latest doubt for Sunday's Allianz NFL semi-final with Galway in Croke Park on Sunday, a match both teams were keen to avoid.
Mortimer, who bagged a hat-trick of goals against Tyrone in Omagh, was visibly in pain on a couple of occasions after picking up a shoulder injury in the first half. The Mayo players were involved in club games yesterday and O'Mahony was keeping his fingers crossed that there would be no more casualties. Initially, Mayo were led to believe that Kildare would be their semi-final opponents immediately after the win in Omagh.
But now that it's Galway, Mayo's opponents in the first round of the Connacht SFC on May 20, O'Mahony insists his team won't be holding back.
"Neither team would have wanted it that way but neither team will shy away from it either. Ultimately, the championship game is what will be relevant at the end of the year but we have been cultivating a habit of being competitive in all games, trying to win every game. We had that in Omagh on Sunday.
"People said to me all week we didn't have to win against Tyrone but games are there to win, not lose or hold back from."
O'Mahony accepted it was better to be playing Galway in a league semi-final than a final a week later and a week closer to their Connacht clash.
Mayo have the luxury of re-introducing Peadar Gardiner, David Heaney, James Kilcullen and Kevin O'Neill to the team after they were rested for the Omagh match. Galway have turned their league campaign around once again with the return of Pádraic Joyce most significant.
They lost their opening two games and were facing a third defeat midway through their Pearse Stadium encounter with Armagh. But they came storming back to win that and reeled off four more wins to top the group with an impressive finish against Down.
Colm Keys
© Irish Independent
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/ & http://www.unison.ie/
this surely should have been a tuam or castlebar match it would have been a near full house instead of a quaterfull croker ! and as for kildare and donegal zzzzzzzz....
Mayo requested to be the first game to allow supporters time to get the train back on Sun evening.
Last I heard, Ciaran Mc's injury isn't clearing up really, so he's still a good bit away from making an appearance.
Is the 2.15 throw in confirmed?
The Weshtern have it down as 4.00.....
Football double bill confirmed for Croke Park
Seán Moran
The GAA have confirmed the fixtures for next weekend's National League semi-finals. Despite some last-minute uncertainty, it has emerged that the football double bill will go ahead at Croke Park on Sunday, the all-Connacht clash of Mayo and Galway starting at 2.15 and Donegal-Kildare to follow at 4pm.
Although Galway and Mayo met at the same stage of last year's league, the match was played in Castlebar, and it is six years since the counties played each other at Croke Park - that was in the 2001 NFL final, won by Mayo, whose manager, John O'Mahony, was then in charge of Galway.
Mayo triumphed that day but their opponents went on to take the All-Ireland later in the year
Ye Galway boys aren't missing a trick, the way you're talking you may as well not even turn up next Sunday!! I'm sure you are in slightly better shape than you're letting on ;) On the other hand it is Mayo that have a massive injury list to deal with at the moment. What is encouraging from a Mayo point of view is the way we are grinding out results without our first choice mid-field and our talisman McD, but the lads that have come in are doing a great job. However, the reality is Mayo-Galway games are always extremely tight affairs, and that's when we have a full team, so to say that we should win handy is crazy. We might be slight favourites but if Conor doesn't make it then that automatically makes Galway strong favourites in my opinion. Say what you want about Mortimer the littler, he is our main scoring threat by a distance, we will need him on Sunday to have a realistic chance of making the final.
Mortimer would be a big blow alright but id still have yee favourites ;) Savo and Matthew Clancy are still doubtful, Blake is just returning while Armstrong and Niall Coleman are both ruled out. Out of them 5, 3 would be definite championship starters so that more than evens it up!
Also, we havent won in Croker since 01 which is shocking for a county renowned for playing its best football there.
Mortimer will be a huge huge loss if he is out on Sunday, lads just keep your fingers crossed about him, he hasnt been confirmed as out, just a doubt. I'd expect Mayo to win alright but would expect it to be tough enough, if we lose Mort that could be a losing factor for Mayo but I'd still expect them to prevail. Looking forward to the encounter and its great to be in a neutral ground, especially when its Croke Park.
Game should be played home or away. I'd even rather a Galway venue as league semi played in McHale last year.
Would also give us a run out there in preparation for may !! Maybe this is why it is at Croke Pk.
2.15 throw in with the other semi to follow.
Quote from: Tubberman on April 10, 2007, 10:55:43 AM
Mayo requested to be the first game to allow supporters time to get the train back on Sun evening.
Last I heard, Ciaran Mc's injury isn't clearing up really, so he's still a good bit away from making an appearance.
I heard it is doubtful that he will make an appearance at all this year.The injury just isnt responding to treatment. He is now based in Kildare and is getting treatment in Dublin. I hope this is wrong,as we could do with him.
Read today in the Western that we have played in Croker 10 times in 3 years
Mayo V Kerry 04 Final LOST
Mayo V Kerry 05 Quarter Final LOST
Mayo V Kerry 06 Final LOST
Mayo V Dublin 06 Semi Final WON
Mayo V Laois 06 Quarter Final DREW
Mayo V Laois 06 Replay WON
Mayo V Armagh 05 League Semi Final LOST
Mayo V Fermanagh 04 Semi Final DREW
Mayo V Fermanagh 04 Replay WON
Mayo V Tyrone 04 Quarter Final WON
4 WINS
4 LOST
2 DREW
If my calculations are correct
QuoteI heard it is doubtful that he will make an appearance at all this year.The injury just isnt responding to treatment. He is now based in Kildare and is getting treatment in Dublin. I hope this is wrong,as we could do with him.
I heard that as well. But I can't remember where I heard it, so I didn't know if it was reliable and I didn't want to be putting out the rumour.
Would be sad if his career ended like that - hopefully it will start to respond soon. He would have a job to get his place on the team, but he'd be such a man to be able to spring from the bench if he's not able for 70 mins due to this injury.
Quote from: Tubberman on April 10, 2007, 01:58:31 PM
QuoteI heard it is doubtful that he will make an appearance at all this year.The injury just isnt responding to treatment. He is now based in Kildare and is getting treatment in Dublin. I hope this is wrong,as we could do with him.
I heard that as well. But I can't remember where I heard it, so I didn't know if it was reliable and I didn't want to be putting out the rumour.
Would be sad if his career ended like that - hopefully it will start to respond soon. He would have a job to get his place on the team, but he'd be such a man to be able to spring from the bench if he's not able for 70 mins due to this injury.
I havent heard that he's going to be missing for the whole championship, even though some people got that impression, I just heard about a month ago that he'll be 50/50 for the Galway game on May 20th. If it's been said that he's out for the championship then thats news to me!
From gaa.ie:
GALWAY v MAYO
Championship games between these great Connacht rivals are virtually annual events but now they are making a habit of meeting in knock-out League clashes too as this will their second meeting in successive years.
Galway beat Mayo by five points in last year's League semi-final before losing the final to Kerry. Mayo last won the League title in 2001 when, ironically, they beat Galway in the final.
New Mayo manager, John O'Mahony, steered Galway to League finals in 2001 and 2004 but they were beaten on both occasions by Mayo and Kerry respectively.
A defeat by Donegal, who topped Div 1A, was Mayo's only setback in this campaign. Galway lost their opening two games to Derry and Laois but reeled off five straight wins to reach the semi-finals for the fourth time in seven seasons. They last won the title in 1981.
Galway and Mayo are due to meet again in the Connacht championship in Pearse Stadium on Mayo 20.
PATHS TO THE SEMI-FINAL
GALWAY
Derry 0-12 Galway 0-7
Laois 0-8 Galway 0-7
Galway 0-10 Armagh 0-8
Galway 1-8 Kildare 1-6
Galway 1-13 Westmeath 0-10
Galway 1-12 Louth 0-11
Galway 3-11 Down 1-11
Played 7, Won 5, Drew 0, Lost 2.
Average For: 1-9; Average Against: 0-11
MAYO
Mayo 1-11 Kerry 0-11
Donegal 1-13 Mayo 1-10
Mayo 1-10 Limerick 0-7
Mayo 0-12 Fermanagh 1-7
Mayo 1-12 Cork 2-8
Mayo 0-10 Dublin 0-9
Mayo 4-7 Tyrone 1-11
Played 7, Won 6, Drew 0, Lost 1.
Average For: 1-11; Average Against: 0-12
There's an interview with Alan Dillon in this morning's Irish Times. Dillon doesn't give much away - a man hardly spends this much time around Johnno without picking up some of his habits - but I get the feeling there'll be a lot of shadow-boxing at this game at the weekend before the real thing by the seaside on May 20th.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/sport/2007/0412/1176156964710.html
Dillon paints brighter picture
Ian O'Riordan
Thu, Apr 12, 2007
GAELIC GAMES/National Football League:One got the feeling when Mayo's Alan Dillon looked out across Croke Park yesterday he didn't know whether to laugh or cry, so he laughed. "It looks well," he said, with an obvious grin.
It was Dillon's first visit to GAA headquarters since last September, when along with the rest of his Mayo team-mates he suffered football's worst nightmare. Having played so brilliantly to make the All-Ireland final form deserted them when they most needed it - with Dillon, almost inconceivably, ending up scoreless in the 13-point defeat to Kerry.
His duties yesterday were far less pressurised as he helped launch the GAA's latest sponsorship deal involving Crown Paints. But Dillon will be back on Sunday for more important matters as Mayo renew their enduring rivalry with Galway in the football league semi-final.
Still, even that game will probably pale in significance compared to the Connacht championship meeting between the same teams on May 20th. And besides, Mayo's ultimate goal for the year must be to get back to Croke Park in September, and finally win the cursed thing - which is the only way to make full amends for the disappointments of recent years.
"Of course, there'll still be the memory of last September when we come here on Sunday," he said, "but it's only a league semi-final. There won't be 82,000 here or any great pressure, and hopefully, we can enjoy it this time, and express ourselves a little more. But all players love to play in Croke Park and I can't wait to get out there again.
"You can't hide from the facts either, so of course we've analysed the All-Ireland final, and looked at all our mistakes, and what we did wrong. We've looked back at our weaknesses on the day, and tried to work on them. You can read into it as much as you want really, but it was a combination of things."
Mayo, it seems, haven't dwelt on that disappointment, and already put the lessons of defeat to good use. Along with Donegal they secured play-off status even before the final round of the league, and Dillon also puts that down to a combination of things.
"Our fitness during the league has been very good. Jim Kilty has come in, and brought a whole new freshness to the thing. We'd some tough games along the way but got through, like I think the game against Cork showed we'd some good character there, being six points down at half-time. That's the most pleasing factor really.
"John O'Mahony has also come in with a new approach. His man-management is very good, in that he gets to know all the players, and tries to improve you as much as he can, individually, and that's one thing that has made a big difference.
"Of course everyone still has an eye on six weeks' time. But at the same time we won't be holding back. We want to put in as strong a performance as we can. It would be a great boost at this time of the year, getting some silverware going into the championship. At the start of the league everyone wants to make the knock-out stages, which we've done. So it's time to move on again, try to make the final, and win it."
Whenever teams meet in the play-offs of the league with a championship date looming there is always the danger that some shadowboxing will take preference to the real punches. One can't even be sure if victory on Sunday will give the winning team some sort of psychological edge for next month's meeting, or if the losing team gain the greater incentive to turn the tables the next day.
Mayo and Galway met at the same stage last year, with Galway triumphing, only for Mayo to come up with the trump card in the Connacht championship final. When Mayo last won the league title in 2001 they also beat Galway in the final, only to watch Galway capture the All-Ireland title.
© 2007 The Irish Times
1 David Clarke D. Ó Cléirigh Beal an Átha
2 Keith Higgins C. Ó hUiginn Béal Átha hAmhnais
3 James Kilcullen S. MacGiolla Chaillín Bealach an Doirin
4 Liam O'Malley L. Ó Máille Buireas Uamhaill
5 Enda Devenney E. Ó Duibheannaigh Beal an Átha
6 Billy Joe Padden L.S. MacPhaidín Béal an Mhuirthead
7 Peadar Gardiner P. Ó Gairnéir Crois Mhaoilíona
8 Pat Harte P. Ó hAirt Beal an Átha
9 David Heaney D. Ó hÉanaigh Béal Átha na Muice
10 Alan Dillon A. Diolún Baile an Tobair
11 Andy Moran A. Ó Moráin Bealach an Doirin
12 Aidan Kilcoyne A. MacGiolla Chadhain Cnoc Mór
13 Conor Mortimer C. Ó Muireartaigh Sruthair-Gleann Coirib
14 Ger Brady G. Ó Brádaigh Beal an Átha
15 Kevin O'Neill C. Ó Néill Na Fianna (Captain)
Ger Brady lines out at full forward, where he caused a lot of trouble against Tyrone - if he repeats that against Galway, we may have found a new weapon :)
No surprises other than that really - the team has a settled look now from 1-9 at least.
Will be very interesting to see how Ger gets on at FF alright. It will be a massive step up to play against someone of the quality of Hanley, but if he does well it will be very encouraging for the c'ship in a few weeks time.
The clash of the game will be Kilcullen against the great P. Joyce. We could be caught out here i think. Mayo need a big game from the full back right through the spine of the team up to Ger Brady to lay the ghosts of last September. I am optimstic though.
i believe in horses for courses, perhaps heaney at full back(he does well on joyce) for this game and kilcullen at midfield then revert back for other opposition. otherwise very happy with the line up
This is the line-up that I was expecting to see, wasnt at the Tyrone game but it'll be interesting to see how G Brady gets on at FF. Glad to see Kevin O Neill named on the starting panel and of course C Mortimer, as there was doubt earlier in the week about him! I'd expect them to take Galway with that team.
Could not agree more ildanach, Heaney always does a good job on Joyce, both a year older so time an equal factor for both. Kilcullen can do a good job at midfield, but if Kilcullen was at Midfield breaking balls I would like to see Brady beside him(obvioulsy if fit). Maybe Barry Moran and his fielding should get 20 minutes/ a half good to try him out against the Galway lads, leaving us with another option coming into May 20'th also would make it harder for Galway to get the right formula together for meeting us in the Championship
Preview from gaa.ie:
Croke Park 2.15pm, Mayo v Galway
Mayo are boosted by the return to fitness of Conor Mortimer ahead of Sunday's National Football League semi-final against Galway at Croke Park.
The diminutive forward netted a hat-trick of goals against Tyrone in the Division 1A clash on Easter weekend, but looked to be struggling with a shoulder injury during the game.
He is set to make the crunch tie though but Ciaran McDonald is still not back in full training yet.
Expected to be back for The Westerners are David Heaney, Kevin O'Neill, Peadar Gardiner and James Kilcullen, who were all rested for the county's last match. That quartet of players could hold the key to unlocking rivals Galway in this one, which is a repeat of the same stage last year when the Tribesmen won by five points. Galway went on to lose in the ultimate round against Kerry.
Incidentally, the last time Mayo claimed a league title (2001), they put Galway to the sword.
While Galway were impressive in their Division 1B games, they will face a totally different kind of competitor when they come up against Mayo on Sunday.
The Tribesmen do look to captain Padraic Joyce for inspiration far too much, but their half-back line is improving all the time and could be what is needed to stop Mayo's creative forwards. Nickey Joyce, Padraic's cousin, is coming along nicely in the forwards and beginning to take a bit of the weight off the shoulders of his better known relation.
Manager Peter Ford will be aiming to rally his troops ahead of this crucial encounter, but his team's fortunes may rest with the performance of their experienced captain.
The interesting sub-story here is that the sides will meet on 20 May in the Connacht Senior Football Championship. Neither camp will have wanted to show their cards this early and that could well influence proceedings at HQ.
VERDICT: Mayo.
Any Galway team named yet??
Ford hasnt named a Galway side before a friday since he took over from JOM and it wrecks my head. Johhno named his team for the All Ireland in 2001 on the Sunday before hand-that was confidence!
Blake will be pushin hard for inclusion but half back line is going so well where do ya put him?
If Savo is fit he will play instead of Alan Burke the last day. That should be about it!
Galway
Doherty
Fitzgerald
Hanley
D Burke
Coyne
D Meehan
M Comer
Bergin
Blake
Savage
Fallon
N Joyce
M Meehan
P Joyce
Bane
Not far off the Championship fifteen.........a bit late in the day for Forde to be trying Blake at midfield. Hes a class act at no 6 but will be interesting to see how he does there. Hes a decent midfielder for Milltown but intercounty is a much bigger ask. He will be back at 6 no doubt come 20 May.......Coyne was ok for league but unsure if hes made of Championship stuff. Meehan back at 5 too asap hopefully.
Coleman and Clancy will be fit for bench....will be big impact subs if they are up to coming on for last twenty.
Expect the real fireworks on 20/5/07......dont expect Sunday to be a barnstormer. Doesnt mean too much to either side....All Irelands are what both sides are looking for now and a league certainly wouldnt appease the Mayo crowd. Given that its so long since Galway won the league it would be valued a bit more by ourselves probably.
Much as expected really. Would prefer to see Blake at centre-back with Deccie moving to the wing and Comer on the bench. Not much between Geraghty and Cullinane for the other midfield spot. Neither has really claimed it.
Full-back line looks the strongest it's been for quite a while.
Forwards as expected. Armstrong and Coleman still injured aren't they? What's the story with Paul Clancy these days?
Is P. Clancy retired? There is no talk about him whatsoever. He wouldnt be the type to announce it or anything.
Surprised as you are Maroon and White regarding Blakes sudden positioning at midfield. Intercounty football a big step up there.
We could do ok here on Sunday though, Heaney and Harte are fine players but without McGarritty there is no dominant aerial presence. Im expecting alot of Bergin sunday.
Is Niall Coleman definitely on bench?
I'd say this will be acase of who wants it more. There will be a lot of breaking ball in the midfield so whoever gets on tough here will win.
It will be interesting to see how Blake does at midfield. Geraghty and Cullinane haven't impressed at all so there's a spot vacant.
I wonder do he have the finess though?
Overall you would have to start Mayo as favourites. A lot would depend upon how well Kilcullen does on Joyce, heaney always well on Joyce, sure we'll see on Sunday
Id be surprised if JOM doesnt let Kilcullen have a cut at Joyce, it would be a vote of no confidence i think. He could keep Heaney until championship. Nothing to lose by giving Kilcullen the chance, remember the real thing isnt until May 20th.
Also, we have four players who play full forward regularly with their clubs so might not be a huge issue. Any of the two Joyces, Meehan and Savo could be tried there if things not working out.
Quote from: MaroonAndWhite on April 13, 2007, 12:32:22 PM
Not far off the Championship fifteen.........a bit late in the day for Forde to be trying Blake at midfield. Hes a class act at no 6 but will be interesting to see how he does there. Hes a decent midfielder for Milltown but intercounty is a much bigger ask. He will be back at 6 no doubt come 20 May.......Coyne was ok for league but unsure if hes made of Championship stuff. Meehan back at 5 too asap hopefully.
Coleman and Clancy will be fit for bench....will be big impact subs if they are up to coming on for last twenty.
Expect the real fireworks on 20/5/07......dont expect Sunday to be a barnstormer. Doesnt mean too much to either side....All Irelands are what both sides are looking for now and a league certainly wouldnt appease the Mayo crowd. Given that its so long since Galway won the league it would be valued a bit more by ourselves probably.
Ive seen Blake a couple of times now. I always think he is limited enough footballing wise. It will be intresting enough to see him against Heaney who is a lot more mobile than him.
I'll be in Croker next Sunday to watch this low key Galway-Mayo clash but I wouldn't hold out too much hope for Galway next Sunday or indeed for the rest of this year.
I went along to Tuam last Sunday only to see that nothing has changed from last year. Exact same problems, same lack of solutions and options. I think the poor quality of opponents in Division 1B the past few years has masked the true placing of Galway in the overall scheme of things, certainly we are not top 4, at this stage are we even top 8 you'd wonder.
Mayo even at half tilt should win it the next day, I doubt they'll be too bothered win or lose however, they are only thinking of May 20th, as are the Galway team I hope, although Mayo have far more cause for optimism.
As for trying what has been our centre back Blake in the middle, I'm puzzled to see how he will solve our problem of gaining primary possession from kick-outs, Bergin is a fine running midfielder but needs someone alongside him to do the hard graft, for a big man Bergin doesn't have the aerial ability he should have. Cullinane and Geraghty don't seem to be championship class, although Geraghty won some great ball in the 2nd half last Sunday, this was only after one of the Down midfielders had been injured (he eventually came off the pitch later that half). The half forward line was non-existent that last day and it's the problem of midfield/half forward area that is most obvious, followed closely by the fact that while Down aren't up to much at least on some occasions they put together some lovely team moves in the match that resulted in scores. While he has shored up the defence well, I can't recall a Galway team looking and playing like everyone was on the same wavelength under Ford's management (bar one half against Cork in 2005). Still looks like a bunch of individuals with no discernible pattern or thoughtfulness to their play.
Only positives for Galway is that Finian Hanley is becoming a stellar full back, far more confident and commanding then the youngster who was drafted into the squad after the Leitrim game in 2005. He has pace, good distribution, good recovery powers when a mistake is made and is winning far more 50/50 balls between himself and his marker now. With Blake also very solid at CHB and Fitzy and Damien Burke sticky enough markers in the corners, in general I don't think the defence would concede big scores if the midfield and forwards were able to hold onto more possession, but as most opposition will have far more of the ball, there's only so much a defence can do when under constant pressure.
I hope I'm very wrong about our prospects for the year ahead but I feel that most Galway fans now have a very realistic expectation of what we can achieve this year. Personally I'd give the match to Mayo by 5 points, but if we manage to win, the team and Ford should go all out for the league title as if we make it to the final it's by far our best chance of winning something this year.
Have to agree with most of that An Fhairce Abu unfortunately. I dont think wel suffer at midfield the next day because it will be a very open game IMO. That wont mask the failures later in the year though.
QuoteIve seen Blake a couple of times now. I always think he is limited enough footballing wise. It will be intresting enough to see him against Heaney who is a lot more mobile than him
You obviously havent seen enough of him.
I have seen Blake numerous times and he is a top top footballer. I am at a loss as to how you think he is limited. He always gives great ball coming out of defence. What is limited about his play, he is never knocked off the ball, a good passer and well able to take a point.
However, he is no midfielder. He plays there for Milltown alright but he isnt big enough to compete there at intercounty level and by playing him there, you are just losing out at no. 6. Blake only missed 1 full match in the league (I think>) so this breaking up of the half back line doesnt make any sense.
Geraghty did not deserve to be dropped after his performance last week. Other times, he plays badly and we cant get the mangement to drop him!
I see no reason why Galway shouldnt win on Sunday & in the championship game.
Why?
1. We have a better full back (dont know much about Kilcullen but Hanley is proven at this stage and is playing well at the moment)
2. We have a better centre back, whether its Meehan or Blake playing there
3. We have a better midfield. Heaney is one of the most over-rated players in the country.
4. We have a better full-forward
5. Even though JA isnt playing well at the moment, Id still pick him ahead of Andy Moran
I doubt many players on that MAyo team would actually make the Galway side.
Oh, How I will rue this post on Monday morning :)
Galway dont have better players than Mayo.
Galway Sham we certainly do not have a better midfield than Mayo.
A good few of that Mayo team would make a Galway side, be fairly even split.
Still feel we have better players and have a better chance of an All Ireland. If we werent to do it this year I wouldnt begrudge Mayo a title.
QuoteGalway Sham we certainly do not have a better midfield than Mayo.
Maybe not on Sunday if Blake is playing there and defitinitely not when Mayo have McGarrity.
But Harte is not great shakes and Heaney is defitinitely overrated. I'd pick Bergin above either of those plus Geraghty & Cullinane are far better options than Barry Moran to bring on from the bench.
I hope you do rue it sham because most of what you wrote was utter trufflais!! I'd agree with some of your points, mainly FB and FF, Galway have 2 proven quality players there, we have 2 rookies in those positions. The fact that we have a 2nd/3rd string midfield on show will tip the balance in your favour a bit more. On the other side of it I think we prob have better backs, find it really hard to believe Dec Meehan will be at CHB, way too light-weight. We probably have the better forwards all round also, which is strange to say about a Mayo team, but we do have excellent forwards now, if only they would play more as a unit. I think it will be really tight especially since both sides are missing players. If we had McG, McD and D Brady in that side I would be very confident, extremely difficult to replace that calibre of player but given the starting 15 we have, Mayo by 1, sure I'll go mad and stretch it to Mayo by 2!!
Have to disagree Oirthear Mhaigheo on the backs. Galways best Unit.
Hanly, Kieran Fitz, Damien Burke, Dec Meehan(on the wing) and Blake(when centre back) are as good and better than what Mayo offer in this area.
Damien Burke the most under rated player in the country and alot better than Keith Higgins IMO who is a great footballer.
Yee have a way better half forward line no doubt.
Joyce and Meehan the only two who are consistently good enough to make Mayo forward line as of today.
As for the respective merits of the players I don't believe there's much of a difference between the talent levels of the two teams however there is a vast gulf between the management teams. JOM is a proven and successful winner at the very top level and well...Ford isn't basically. In fairness to Ford he has tightened up the defence considerably although to the detriment of our midfield and attacking play.
As for the game itself we would have to improve substantially in claiming primary possession in midfield to give ourselves a chance. If we had a Kevin Walsh in midfield we'd be laughing but unfortunately we don't. Joe Bergin is a fine player but he's more of a roaming running midfielder than a man to battle away at the coalface in the middle. If we're not winning clean ball in the middle they have to break it for the half-backs and half-forwards but we rarely seem to come out on top in winning breaking ball either.
Not sure if winning on Sunday will mean much come May. Come the championship I think the team whose hunger is greatest will probably win it on the day.
Combined Galway-Mayo Team: If all players available
1. D. Clarke (Mayo)
2. K. Fitzgerald (Galway)
3. F. Hanley (Galway)
4. D. Burke (Galway)
5. D. Meehan (Galway)
6. D. Blake (Galway)
7. P. Gardiner (Mayo)
8. R. McGarritty (Mayo)
9. J. Bergin (Galway)
10. G. Brady (Mayo)
11. C. McDonald (Mayo)
12. A. Dillon (Mayo)
13. M. Meehan (Galway)
14. P. Joyce (Galway)
15. C. Mortimer (Mayo)
fair enough belleaqa, I'll have to take your word for it on the likes of Burke, don't know much about him to be honest. If Killcullen does well on Sunday then we could be saying we have the better backs but I'd agree if Blake was at centre back, he would look alot more assured than BJP at the moment. All in all I think there will be a bit of shadow boxing despite what Dillon said, it's so close to championship that neither team will see this as the ultimate prize. It backfired on Galway by giving us a pasting last year in the league but I guess neither team is going to go out and throw the game either. It will prob be a ding dong battle anyway and the open spaces of croker should make for a cracker!
If theres a Galway back to be dropped from that combined team, its not burke, its Fitzgerald.
However, in my original post, I was pointing out how Galway are better in the key positions on Sunday.
belleaqua's team reflects this also with all central positions having a Galway player in it except McGarrity, not playing on Sunday & McDonald, also not playing on Sunday
1 Mayo back? can't agree with that. Could easily slot Liam O'Malley in for Fitzgerald and K Higgins will prove in time what a class footballer he is. Devenney falls into the "potential" category so you'd have to give Meehan the nod there.
Wouldn't have G Brady in there, not at half forward anyway but then again the Galway candidates aren't too strong. You guys don;t know much about Andy Moran but he's having a good year so he'd get the nod there. Possibly a bit harsh to only have 2 Galway forwards though??
Either way I'd make it Mayo 8, Galway 7 ;D
If anyones wondering what Damien Burke is capable of, they should have come to Tuam last Sunday. Benny Coulter scored 1-1 on him....the goal wouldnt have happened but for the keeper getting a rush of blood to the head and coming out where he shouldnt and the point came off a 45. Theres not too many that could match pure ox strength and speed with Coulter but Burke was comfortable.
One of the best man markers ive seen in a good while with Marc O'Se, Michael McCarthy, Paul Griffin. Hes seen off better than Mortimer.....hopefully he'll do the job on Sunday
Quote from: OirthearMhaigheo on April 13, 2007, 02:12:16 PM
It will prob be a ding dong battle anyway and the open spaces of croker should make for a cracker!
I think so. Good weather, big pitch, and no domination in midfield expected. All points towards an open fast exciting game. Of course it wont be championship but will be alot better to watch I reckon. Lookin forward to it now.
Quote from: OirthearMhaigheo on April 13, 2007, 02:17:53 PM
Either way I'd make it Mayo 8, Galway 7 ;D
Was waiting for that! All a matter of opinion!! Either way just shows that its fairly even!
QuoteIf anyones wondering what Damien Burke is capable of, they should have come to Tuam last Sunday. Benny Coulter scored 1-1 on him....the goal wouldnt have happened but for the keeper getting a rush of blood to the head and coming out where he shouldnt and the point came off a 45. Theres not too many that could match pure ox strength and speed with Coulter but Burke was comfortable.
One of the best man markers ive seen in a good while with Marc O'Se, Michael McCarthy, Paul Griffin. Hes seen off better than Mortimer.....hopefully he'll do the job on Sunday
And that wasnt even one of his better games!
Quote1 Mayo back? can't agree with that. Could easily slot Liam O'Malley in for Fitzgerald and K Higgins will prove in time what a class footballer he is. Devenney falls into the "potential" category so you'd have to give Meehan the nod there.
Wouldn't have G Brady in there, not at half forward anyway but then again the Galway candidates aren't too strong. You guys don;t know much about Andy Moran but he's having a good year so he'd get the nod there. Possibly a bit harsh to only have 2 Galway forwards though??
Either way I'd make it Mayo 8, Galway 7
Higgins, Like Heaney is another blown up by the Mayo fans. Would have Burke miles ahead of him.
I know about Andy Moran, when ever I seen him play, with the exception of the match against Dublin last year, he has been pure shite.
in reference to Andy Moran I do believe I said "he's playing well this year" which he is, but sure we'll see how he does the next day.
Oh the rivalry has started properly now, and it's still only April :D
Galway Sham, we usually keep the more blunt appraisals of players/teams until the height of summer, but we'll see if your opinions on Heaney, Higgins and Moran are correct on Sunday. ;)
A fella that can keep tabs on PJ as well as Heaney cant be a bad footballer! God bless the dry sod and the fast ball!!!! Nothing like it to get the competitive juices flowing!!!
QuoteI know about Andy Moran, when ever I seen him play, with the exception of the match against Dublin last year, he has been pure shite.
I'd rate Andy as one of Mayo's best prospects. He covers ground, he's very strong and has a fair bit of Skill. He has started to kick a few James Horan Style long range points as well this year.
On D Burke:
QuoteHes seen off better than Mortimer
Sure didn't he mark Mortimer in last years connaught final and the Mort ended up "winning the game on his own" ;)
On D Burke:
QuoteHes seen off better than Mortimer
Sure didn't he mark Mortimer in last years connaught final and the Mort ended up "winning the game on his own" ;)
[/quote]
Something tells me that comment will be in a Galway dressing room in May rather than Sunday! ;)
I think it will be a pretty interesting game. I don't think Galway will win, but I can see a lot of weakness in Mayo's lineup. Their central spine looks pretty inexperienced, although it will be a good learning tool for JO'M. With Kilcullen up against Joyce, Billy Joe at centre back, Heaney and Harte in the middle, and Ger Brady in at 14. These are vital positions, and I think Mayo just don't look as settled or as strong as they usually do here. The Padden experiment, at centre back doesn't look like lasting into May.
It's a strange turn around, with Galway now having the better backs, and Mayo probably have the better forwards.
Galway's defence is motoring along very well, however I'd far rather see Blake in at centre back than Coyne. I think Blake is one of Galway's best players. He's brought a huge amount of solidity to the Galway defence. Perhaps Coyne could be slotted in at no.7.
Our midfield, as usual, is a bit worrying, and I'd like to see Geraghty start alongside Bergin there.
As for our forwards, we seem to have no tactic whatsoever. Just belt the ball into Joyce and hope that him and Michael can come up with something. We need them to start playing as a unit, and not relying on their natural footballing ability. Our half forward line is a bit of a joke. Bane should be out where Nicky is. Nicky just can't tackle. Ja and Savage are a long way from their best. It's a pity Paul Clancy isn't around, or even Matty Clancy. I think that if we can find a partner for Bergin in midfield, and a few half forwards then there'll be a tight game in Salthill, with us to win by 4 points.
On Sunday though, I think that Mayo, wanting to exorcise a few Croke Park demons, will be dead up for this one. Good news for Galway is we'll learn a lot more in a defeat against Mayo, than if we beat them.
Mayo in extra time!
Lads have to say 2 Mayo-Galway games in 6 weeks life don't get much better.
It took a Mayo game to get the Galway boys out of their winter hibernation! ;) Anyway, I think it will be a tight game. I wouldn't read much into the outcome of this game but it'd be nice to beat Galway twice in the space of a few weeks. The last time Galway fans were this pessimistic was in the Connacht final of 2005 and we all know what happened that time.
Must say that I don't think it'll be the ideal situation for Mayo anyways facing Galway before May 20th as probably both teams would be studying each other and some tacticts for both sides would be revealed to the other team.
Secondly on Andy Moran, he has really come on in the last few games and has really impressed me and has played very well in any position JOM has put him in.
Galway Sham, rookie mistake bigging ur team up before the match, i'm off to the bookies to bet on a record defeat.
In seriousness i'd expect this to be a close one, a lot closer than i'd imagine may to be
The rating of mayo's backs seems to be very down on them, just because a player is inexperienced doesn't make him immediately worse than a galway back line which hasnt exactly set the world on fire the last 3-4 years
Sunday will tell a lot abot kilcullen but i think JOM will use it to improve him rather than replace him, ditto for BJP
Will be disappointed if howley doesnt get a run on sunday after his best performance in a mayo jersey last sunday
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 14, 2007, 12:01:23 AM
The rating of mayo's backs seems to be very down on them, just because a player is inexperienced doesn't make him immediately worse than a galway back line which hasnt exactly set the world on fire the last 3-4 years
Fair point but it does until they prove otherwise. That Galway backline has been under alot more pressure than Mayo's.
The one time it came under sustained pressure it crumbled. Im not having a dig here just pointing this out.
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 14, 2007, 12:01:23 AM
Galway Sham, rookie mistake bigging ur team up before the match, i'm off to the bookies to bet on a record defeat.
In seriousness i'd expect this to be a close one, a lot closer than i'd imagine may to be
The rating of mayo's backs seems to be very down on them, just because a player is inexperienced doesn't make him immediately worse than a galway back line which hasnt exactly set the world on fire the last 3-4 years
Sunday will tell a lot abot kilcullen but i think JOM will use it to improve him rather than replace him, ditto for BJP
Will be disappointed if howley doesnt get a run on sunday after his best performance in a mayo jersey last sunday
Certainly woldnt consider the Mayo back line to be as poor as some on here have commented but Padden is a major weakness at 6......if bergin runs direct at him.....lets face it,Ja hasnt the legs anymore.....if we win some midfield ball for a change on Sunday, he'll be in trouble. Not to mention the likes of Sean Kavanagh, Whelan, Brosnan et al later in the summer. Galway know the value of a good number six after losing Tomas Mannion.....its took 5 years to find a good replacement in Blake.
And if the Galway back line have not set the world alight its cos midfield were so poor since big Walsh left that the ball generally is raining down on them non stop......would happen to any backline yet they havent shipped any massive scorelines outta memory
QuoteIt took a Mayo game to get the Galway boys out of their winter hibernation!
You'd be in a long hibernation if Westmeath beat ye at home last summer too :-[.
lads i dont think this mayo back unit is as week as some people are making out. We conceeded an average of 0-12 against the teams from a stronger division than the average 0-11 that galway conceeded in 1B. So there is much of a muchness. BJP at centre back has not been shown up yet and the only game IMHO that kilcullen has been poor was donegal.
At the minute confidence is high in mayo 6 wins out of 7 in the league, good comebacks against cork,dublin and beating tyrone in there own backyard. All these things will stand to mayo, add to that the self belief that is there considering the injuries that we have. I have a good feeling about this team at the minute. I think we will win by maybe 4 points on sunday
I think ur wrong on BJP MAW, for my money he seems to be a good reader of the game and has that great knack every CHB needs of being in the right spot at the right time, Something i also think Howley happens to possess.
If you look at the best CHB for the last 10 years they all had this
Quote from: Mayo4Sam on April 14, 2007, 12:46:59 PM
I think ur wrong on BJP MAW, for my money he seems to be a good reader of the game and has that great knack every CHB needs of being in the right spot at the right time, Something i also think Howley happens to possess.
If you look at the best CHB for the last 10 years they all had this
I don't think Padden possesses the steel or the nastiness that is required to be a top class centre back. It reminds me of the Donnellan experiment at no.6 that we had a couple of years ago. Both great natural footballers, who read the game very well, but just not the answer at no.6. They might get on well playing there during the league, but as someon previously said, if they get a rampaging midfielder running straight at him, I can't see him sending them back on their arse. The likes of Whelan, Cavanagh, Clancy, will run straight through him. I have no doubt that a lot of intercounty managers would target this area if they come up against Mayo, and Padden at centre back.
Galway's defence has been the only thing stopping us getting a whipping in the last 3 years. I don't really know how they are supposed to set the world alight, as one Mayoman said. How exactly do defenders 'set the world alight'? It's not their fault that we've had no midfield, and barely a half forward line. Our defence now consists of six all-Ireland winners, and two all-stars. Not too shabby.
Quote from: DJGaliv on April 14, 2007, 01:08:36 PM
I don't think Padden possesses the steel or the nastiness that is required to be a top class centre back.
I'm not sure i'd describe jimmy nallen as nasty and he seemed to get the job done. I think BJP is a solid an option as there is at the minute, out of 7 games he's been very good in them all.
Quote from: Bomber2312 on April 14, 2007, 01:15:45 PM
Quote from: DJGaliv on April 14, 2007, 01:08:36 PM
I don't think Padden possesses the steel or the nastiness that is required to be a top class centre back.
I'm not sure i'd describe jimmy nallen as nasty and he seemed to get the job done. I think BJP is a solid an option as there is at the minute, out of 7 games he's been very good in them all.
Perhaps nasty isn't the word, but you have to be a bit of a stubborn streak when playing centre back, and I don't think BJP has that.
Should be a good game tomorrow.Tough one to call but Mayo's form has been more consistent than Galway's.
Even though we've won our last 5 games we haven't played really well in any of the games.
If we were playing in 1A we wouldn't have been allowed get away with this as the teams in 1A were far superior.
I have a few worries about Galway at the moment. Midfield is a huge worry. We've struggled in all our games in this sector this year.
Blake is a good player but as another contributor said, he doesn't have the height to win ball here at county level. He is a quality centre back though, although he lacks pace and can be in trouble if he's turned as he doesn't have the pace to recover.
I've never been a fan of Geraghty and he is just too limited as a footballer for me. Cullinane isn't great either but has more potential than Geraghty and can be very good on his day. Bergin isn't the greatest ballwinner in the world but is very mobile and is good at kicking scores (as Mayo could testify after the Connacht final in 2003 where he kicked 4 or 5 points from play from midfield). If we had a player like Kevin Walsh available now, he and Bergin would be the ideal pairing.
The sideline is another worry. Johnno is the best in the business IMHO. If anybody can bring Sam to Mayo it's Johnno.I don't have much faith in Ford or his sideline team to be honest and Mayo definitely have a big advantage here.
Also, our forwards haven't performed this year on a consistent basis. I think we are lightweight up front and would not win enough ball against a tough, hard-tackling backline. Even Joyce and Meehan can struggle to win ball against a tight marking defence. Mike Meehan has been poor so far since returning and hopefully he can play his way into form before the championship. The half forwards have been poor as well. Nicky Joyce has been scoring well but again is liable to lose the ball in contact against tough tackles.
To those who haven't seen much of Damien Burke I also would say that he is a fine defender. I've seen a lot of him since underage and he seems to have got better as he's got older. Although her's not particularly tall,he's very physically strong and is quite quick. He was mainly a half back at minor and under 21 level but has now developed into our main man marker in the full back line. He'll have his hands full with Conor Mort though who is on fire at the moment.
In the Westmeath game last year Burke cleaned Dessie Dolan and kept him scoreless from play.
Overall I think Mayo may win tomorrow but I would not be surprised at all if Galway came out on top as they are always capable of beating Mayo regardless of how they've playing and regardless of the supposed strengths of either side (the same is true of Mayo in this regard).
Anyway, here's hoping it's a good, hard, clean game regardless. May 20th is the one we want though. Gaillimh abu!!
Really looking forward to heading up to Croker again tomorrow!! I reckon it'll be an exciting encounter and a tight one but would predict a Mayo win.
Best of luck to them!
Well todays the day! Headin off to Croker in a few minutes, great to be headin up there again! CMON MAYO!
Good game and a fair result- I think the result will be reversed next month however.Thought the pigeon was outstanding at corner back.That reminds me that the Millennium stadium has a hawk which keeps birds away - the hawk is brought in twice a day and the birds know to keep well clear.However, as Peter Quinn says, there are too many employed at croke Park as it is, so the pigeon should be OK for the championship.
Would have been nice to make the final but not too disappointed. There doesn't look to be very much between the sides which gives me hope that we can have a right cut at Mayo again in Salthill.
Turning point of the game was defintely the penalty. We were completely on top at that stage and leading by 3 points (should have been further ahead really) but the penalty got Mayo back level and they kicked on from it. The two goals we conceded were very disappointing. Two soft goals. First one two Galway defenders went for the same ball and Hanley palmed the ball down to where his corner-back should have been. Only he wasn't there as he had come in to jump for the ball too. Sloppy play. Crazy penalty to concede too considering Fitzy had got hold of the ball but threw a dodgy pass near his own goal. Criminal that no Galway backs reacted to Doherty's save from the penalty. There was about 3 Mayo players rushing in. All in all two poor goals we conceded and 6 point gifted away.
Midfield went better than could be expected and we were on top there to such a degree that Mayo had to resort to short kick-outs in the second half (which to be fair actually worked well for them). Can't believe that nobody reacted to the short kick-outs as the Mayo keeper kept putting them in the exact same spot.
Padraig Joyce had a great game up front. Bane kicked a few nice scores but faded in the second half. Michael Meehan had a day to forget but you have to cut him some slack after his recent bereavement. He'll have to improve though. Nicky Joyce and Savo were in and out. Ja pretty quiet. We'll definitely need Michael Meehan back in form to make any impact come the championship. Can't be relying on Padraig Joyce as much up front. If fit in time Paul Clancy will have to get a place in the half-forward line too.
Congrats to Mayo. Should be a good game come May in Pearse.
Agree pretty much with GBB's assessment of the game. It will be some humdinger oif a game on May 20th, that's for sure. At least the negative streak which was shown in the last two Connacht final meetings wasn't evidenced today and it was an enjoyable game of football. I'd give man of the match to Heaney who had a great game in doing the work around the middle. I was surprised that Galway weren't more ahead when we got the penalty. Mayo's forwards did a lot of dithering with the ball all through the game and only really kicked off when the rebound of the penalty was converted. I suppose to have won with the midfield playing as poorly as they did in winning primary possession will give Johnno some comfort as he thinks ahead to May 20th.
It was an alright game. I was very impressed by L O Malley and (again) Heaney. I wonder why Ger Brady wasnt played at full forward though, he came in and out of the game a bit (at centre half forward) but he scored a great goal and a great point in the game. Overall I wasnt impressed with Mayo in periods of the game, at the start they were pretty bad but then made a great comeback with the goal. The start of the second half wasnt great either but they came on a bit. When A Campbell came on I thought he and mabye M Conroy gave a boost to the Mayo team or lifted them a bit. Galway could have won that game, I heard that they shot 17 wides!
So thats 3 games now that Mayo have won by the tightest of margins, a point, but mabye this is not the worst thing.
The main thing is that we are in the final now and have a tough game against Donegal to look forward to!
Congrats Mayo!!
From gaa.ie:
Sunday, April 15
Mayo held on in a competitive Allianz National League semi-final against arch-rivals Galway on Sunday to secure a place in the ultimate round.
NFL DIV 1 SEMI-FINAL
Mayo 1-12 Galway 2-10
There was little to choose between the sides but there was evident steel in this Mayo side, something that was markedly absent during their All-Ireland final capitulation against Kerry last autumn.
In the end it was a combination of the Westerners' ability to take scores and Galway's ill-use of the ball at the other end of the HQ pitch that decided the tie.
Padraic Joyce did point a difficult free four minutes from time to put just one between the sides, but the talismanic full forward afterwards hit two wides when working the ball into a more scoreable position may have had a radical affect on the result.
The opening half swung in Galway's favour before Mayo matched their intensity to draw matters level by the interval.
Nicky Joyce opened the scoring for the Tribesmen when he worked a free way out on the left under the Cusack Stand into a better position before popping the ball over the bar at the Davin Stand.
That was seven minutes in, and within 60 seconds of the Killererin man's score Cormac Bane had hit the back of the Mayo net.
Padraic Joyce, cousin of Nicky, was left in hectares of space by the Western County's defence and after drawing goalkeeper David Clarke out, he offloaded to Bane, who blasted home.
At 1-1 to no score it was a critical period for John O'Mahony's Mayo, and last year's beaten Sam Maguire Cup finalists responded brilliantly. The sides traded points and then Mayo blitzed their opponents in a 60-second whirlwind of their own.
A High ball in on top of the Galway full-back line spilled into the path of the unmarked Ger Brady. The powerful number 14 danced a jig on front of Paul Doherty before rifling a shot to the net, and then All-Star Alan Dillon gained parity with a quick point from play.
Galway pressed ahead again with two scores but instantly Mayo hit back with consecutive points to square things up.
The battle between Galway corner back Damien Burke and Mayo number 13 Conor Mortimer earned the latter two frees, which he scored, as well as a yellow card.
The initial exchanges saw Galway hassle the Mayo forwards to good effect before an element of jersey tugging from both parties became a theme.
Joe Bergin's dominance of the aerial exchanges in midfield was countermanded by the unnecessary frees being conceded by his defence.
The sides were tied on 1-5 apiece at the interval, but if Galway were guilty of conceding bad frees towards the end of the first half, a similar problem afflicted Mayo after the restart.
By the 41st minute the Tribesmen had notched three unanswered scores, two of which were the result silly indiscretions.
It looked as though Galway would pull out of sight but Mortimer was clotheslined in the area by Burke 15 minutes into the half and Meath referee David Coldrick immediately awarded a penalty.
The diminutive DCU star placed his kick for Paul Doherty's right corner but the keeper stretched to save well. The quickest player to react as the ball arrowed back out was All-Star Alan Dillon, who sidefooted to the net to regain parity.
In the remainder of the game Mayo outscored their neighbours and fierce rivals just five points to four, and Galway will rue most the point they conceded in the 57th-minute, when half-back Enda Devenney strolled through a hole in their defence before his blasted shot at goal drifted over the bar.
In the equivalent fixture last year Galway were the victors by five points but Peter Ford's charges went on to lose the provincial meeting of the sides by the minimum. Mayo's story is better known.
The sides meet again in the Connacht Senior Football Championship next month but much will have been garnered at Croke Park this weekend.
It's six years since Mayo last claimed a league title (2001), but incidentally they knocked out the Tribesmen along the way.
MAYO: D Clarke; K Higgins, J Kilcullen, L O'Malley; E Devenney (0-1), BJ Padden, P Gardiner; P Harte (0-1), D Heaney; A Dillon (1-2, 1f), A Moran (0-1), A Kilcoyne (0-1); C Mortimer (0-3, 3f), G Brady (1-1), K O'Neill (capt).
Subs: A Campbell for A Kilcoyne (45th min) and M Conroy for K O'Neill (45th min).
Yellow Cards: BJ Padden and C Mortimer.
Frees: 19.
Wides: 5.
GALWAY: P Doherty; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley (capt), D Burke; D Meehan, N Coyne, M Comer; J Bergin, D Blake; D Savage (0-1), J Fallon, N Joyce (0-4, 3f); M Meehan, P Joyce (0-5, 3f), C Bane (1-2).
Subs: N Coleman for M Meehan (63rd min) and B Cullinane for N Joyce (68th min).
Yellow Cards: D Blake and D Savage.
Frees: 15.
Wides: 12.
REFEREE: D. Coldrick (Meath).
Attendance: 23,209.
Lads,a couple of points from todays game Having watched Mayo plenty of times this year and i think we have one or two lads who started today that are not of county football standard. These men are Ger Brady and Enda Devenney....Brady can not tackle if his life depended on it and he loses possesion too easily,THIS MAN USED TO PLAY RUGBY!!! For christs sake he should be like the bomber Liston in the forward line,he has loads of size and power to dominate up front. I have read on this board how talented Enda Devenney is from lads in north Mayo for the past while. But in his last three games for Mayo he has not played at all...how many times did he kick the balll into a Galways man hand today...now he wasnt the only one who did this today, by a long shot..but he doesnt inspire confidence at all,In Castlebar against Dublin he got roasted as well. As for my man of the match i thought, Keith Higgins,Liam O Malley and Andy Moran were super today, Meehan didnt get a look in to day.For Galway,Joe Bergin, Dereck Savage and a mister P. Joyce played well today. We were very lucky to get away with the win,and after watching the display of Donegal today,we have a lot of improving to do to. But you have to be at the table in order to eat the dinner so we will have to wait and see.(will have to blame the A.Higgins mistake on a couple of beers after the game!!!)
I'd agree with you about E Deveeney, I wouldnt have been impressed with him at all, he gave away too much of the ball and done some awful shots and managed to send one wide which would have been easier to send over the bar as he was right in front of the posts. He done some awful passing. In his first 2 games he looked fairly promising but since then hasnt had any really great games at all.
An Gaeilgóir I usually ignore your nonsense but just seeing as we won a National League semi final and you still see fit to attack our players why don't you f**k off to the Pemiership or somewhere? By the way Aidan Higgins your first named super player of the day didn't even play today.
Piss off back to your Shell job.
Nice edit.
Quote from: muppet on April 15, 2007, 09:27:24 PM
An Gaeilgóir I usually ignore your nonsense but just seeing as we won a National League semi final and you still see fit to attack our players why don't you f**k off to the Pemiership or somewhere? By the way Aidan Higgins your first named super player of the day didn't even play today.
Piss off back to your Shell job.
???................................ :'(
Easy lads.
Heaney was the obvious man of the match in my opinion.
Conroy is a great lad to win a 50:50 but seems to set scores rather than take them.
Conor Mort should have been withdrawn yesterday. he was spouting muck in the papers yesterday as well.
Quote from: EastMayoHerald on April 16, 2007, 09:33:18 AM
Conor Mort should have been withdrawn yesterday. he was spouting muck in the papers yesterday as well.
What paper was that in EMH? If you can post a link or something like that I'd appreciate it. There was an interesting article in Tribune yesterday that referred to Conor's relationship with Johnno - very interesting. I've pasted it on the Donegal v Mayo thread.
The article was in the Ireland on Sunday...or its now called the Irish Mail on Sunday. Who was the Galway corner back marking Mort....I thought he should have been sent off for constant fouling...lets face it....due to the ref blowing the whistle for the end of the game, the corner back would have given away two penalities
Ok, got the result of the game wrong but I still think Galway will beat ye in May :)
Galway were all over Mayo at the beginning of the 2nd half, the penalty was a massive turning point.
The centre of that Mayo team will be found out in the championship, it is just too weak. Bergin, not renowned as being a particularly good ball winner, won kick-out after kick-out yesterday. Ja Fallon, who has been poor all year, gave Padden the run around in the first half but disappeared badly in the second half. Kilcullen doesnt look like a full back that would fill me with confidence either.
As for Galway, they have less questions to be answered about their team but there are still issues.
Michael Meehan hasnt played well this year (and has he ever had a good match against Mayo?)
Blake is not a midfielder, he is one of the best no.6's in the country. We are missing a good second midfielder but by playing Blake there, you are losing out at 2 positions, at no. 6 and at midfield. Blake should be no. 6. That requires management to make a tough decision and to drop either Comer, Coyne or Meehan, all who have played well in the championship but one of them need to be dropped.
Geragthy should have started yesterday, good game last week, what was the reason for dropping him?
I thought Nicky Joyce was doing well on the wing, constantly showing for the ball, was surpised when they switched himself & Bane.
Any word on Paul Clancy? He would be a huge addition to that Galway team, either in mdifield or at centre forward. Also, Sean Armstrong could be a big addition to.
I can see this Galway team improving a lot (where as I cant see Mayo improving much at all)
Quote from: An Gaeilgoir on April 15, 2007, 09:06:14 PM
Lads,a couple of points from todays game Having watched Mayo plenty of times this year and i think we have one or two lads who started today that are not of county football standard. These men are Ger Brady and Enda Devenney....Brady can not tackle if his life depended on it and he loses possesion too easily,THIS MAN USED TO PLAY RUGBY!!! For christs sake he should be like the bomber Liston in the forward line,he has loads of size and power to dominate up front. I have read on this board how talented Enda Devenney is from lads in north Mayo for the past while. But in his last three games for Mayo he has not played at all...how many times did he kick the balll into a Galways man hand today...now he wasnt the only one who did this today, by a long shot..but he doesnt inspire confidence at all,In Castlebar against Dublin he got roasted as well. As for my man of the match i thought, Keith Higgins,Liam O Malley and Andy Moran were super today, Meehan didnt get a look in to day.For Galway,Joe Bergin, Dereck Savage and a mister P. Joyce played well today. We were very lucky to get away with the win,and after watching the display of Donegal today,we have a lot of improving to do to. But you have to be at the table in order to eat the dinner so we will have to wait and see.(will have to blame the A.Higgins mistake on a couple of beers after the game!!!)
I'l preface this response by saying that due to the fact my teleporting machine has been out of action for the last few months I haven't seen any of the Mayo games in flesh,and only managed the Cork game live on the telly.
With that in mind I generally catch the games deferred coverage on Setanta out here in Oz, but have a voracious appetite for reading Internet forums, and all the matchreports online. From your comments above I will only say that Ger Brady did not seem to play an orthodox Full Forward role for the majorty of the game and yet he ended up with 1-1, not a bad return at all in fairness. The most damning report I can get from other forums was that "he was brilliant"
Enda Dev on the other hand seemed to have a more questionable role, I believe he made great surging runs but that it was mixed with some questionable defensive decisions, however he is still learning to deal with the pace of fotball at this level and I suppose the league is the time to learn, all in all I am certainly looking forward to some great performances from Enda in the Mayo jersey.
I'd still trust Johnnos judgement when it comes to team selections, getting to a league final is not bad going after all
Either way,whilst you make a damning indictment of the two Ballina lads,you do not offer any alternatives as to who you would select in their positions???
Not sure if I was watching a different game at times but I think the criticism Devenney is getting is a bit harsh. I thought yesterday was teh first day he made some of his trademark runs forward, he put in alot of good work that way. I'd agree with Stephenite aswell that getting used to the pace of Senior inter county football takes some time. Before this season Devenney last played in a Mayo jersey in 2003 if I'm not mistaken and that was at U21 level. I think he will get better and better, but I'd agree he is not doing as well as many of us expected just yet. We really need to get midfield sorted, we have to get a ball winner in there, DB getting fit would be a start and B Moran showing some sort of form would be welcomed too. Once again, there are questions at Full Back and CHB, both players tend to mix the good with the bad. However, Kilcullen still hasn't gotten a roasting, Joyce turned him a couple of times far too easily but then he recovered with some great blocks, I'd say he will be left on him in May. Billy Joe does great work going forward but his tackling has to improve, he gave away alot of frees yesterday. in the forwards I thought we looked very light-weight, the amount of 50/50s we lost was unreal, yet we still picked off plenty of scores, that was encouraging. A Moran put in another good afternoons work, he was one of the few who could win his own ball, and count the number of times he gives possession away and not too many digits are needed. All in all, we're a major work in progress but we're in a league final and there are lots of players to come back. A Galway lad said he thinks they will improve lots and he can't see us improviing much. Well that's nonsense considering we didn't have a midfield out there yesterday, when are they back is the only concern. The sooner the better DB and Ro!
Firstly, I want to put it on the record here that i have nothing against Ballina and if my comments caused offence to some people i do apologise. Regarding E. Devenney, he is indeed a young player and will learn the game as time progresses,but when you look at Liam O Malley or Keith Higgins,Andy Moran,Aidan Campbell or Mickey Conroy who are equallly young and inexperienced,Enda does not seem to be as assured or convincing, during the past 3 games in particular. All those other lads, some who have come on as subs have improved with more and more gametime. Enda has not improved with each game. I know he has had his injuries and i hope he proves me wrong but going on his recent form is he good enough for the first fifteen? Ger Brady is a big solid man so why does he lose the ball in possesion so easily? Todays game is so fast that if a ball is turned over in the full forward line that within two passes our backs are under pressure.This is especially true for Mayo as our half backs are usually pretty far up the field during each attack and are out of position on the quick counter attack.Also, when the opposition backs are in possesion Ger does not go in hard to tackle them.Yesterday we had Alan Dillon,Andy Moran and Conor Mortimor really harrasing the Galway backs when they were in possesion and it worked well at times.As for trusting John O Mahony that goes without saying. It was great to see him on the sideline again with a Mayo side. We have a lot to be very positive in Mayo at the moment regarding our football at minor, U-21 and Senior. So again apologies to all the Ballina Folk i upset and roll on next Sunday!!!
Quotethe penalty was a massive turning point.
Yeah it swung the game alright as Mayo were looking a bit lost at that point. Worst thing is looking at the replays on Sunday sport last night is that Fitzy was clearly fouled by David Heaney just before he got rid of the ball (which is why he threw such a poor pass) so it should have been a free-out rather than a penalty. However these things happen in games of football. What can ya do?
I thought that this was a poor, error-ridden match yesterday with two teams that were not going at it 100%.
I felt that the majority of scores for both teams came as a result of mistakes by the opposition rather than by good play from themselves.
I think that while a draw would have been a fair result, Galway left it behind them in the first 15 minutes of the 2nd half, we were well on top, should have been about 5 or 6 points up instead of 3 when Mayo got the penalty. The peno was lucky for Mayo, at the time I saw nothing wrong with the ref's decision, but looking at the replays on the Sunday Game it should have definitely been a free-out for Fitzgerald when he was fouled by Heaney. It brought Mayo right back into it and after that I felt it was always likely to be a Mayo win after that.
Galway good points: Bane certainly knows where the posts are (though he has a tendency to flit in and out of a game), Nicky Joyce was good - nice to have a proper left hand side free taker again, Bergin stepped up when needed and had a very good game IMO.
Bad points: Galway finishing left a lot to be desired yesterday, Ja - legend in his day - is plainly not good enough anymore for senior inter county, still no cohesion in the Galway play both in backs and forwards - gave away about 1-4 from not being able to get the ball out of defence quickly after having done the hard part in breaking down a Mayo attack, too much unnecessary fouling, Mike Meehan got a huge roasting from Higgins.
Mayo lads, is McGarrity due back for the game on May 20th? Ye badly missed him yesterday, although come the 20th yesterday's result/performance won't matter a jot in fairness.
In fairness to Meehan he beat Higgins to the vast majority of balls that came their way in the second half (after having a very quiet first half). His finishing was terrible though. Think he kicked three bad wides after getting himself some space.
Agree that many of the scores from both sides came from mistakes rather than any brilliant play.
Have to say i am with An Gaeilgoir re Devenney. The defensive side of his game is not up to scratch. When his man wins possession, he stands way too far off him, not even closing the opponent down when he attempts to kick. That just not good enough. Even regarding the strong points in his game, i.e.: the surging forward ... he doesn't strike me as really knowing what to do when he makes a burst into the opponents half, unlike say Aaron Kiernan
Re the comments about Brady - he had a good game but the comments re his workrate off the ball are valid IMHO. He did not work as hard in trying to close down the Galway backs as the other forwards.
Couple of other random thoughts:
If you could combine the attributes of Keith Higgins and James Kilcullen, then you would have the prototype full back.
Why did 5 of the 6 backs have to wear gloves on a dry ball ? Overall, the basic handling skills of too many guys was poor. Too many times a 2nd attempt was needed to get a grasp of the ball.
I liked the look of the half forward line that finished the game, i.e.: Dillon, Moran and Campbell.
Higgins yet again got the better of Michael Meehan
I think the intensity of the match and lack of involvement from the crowd would mean that little really could be taken form this game as an indicator of what will happen on May 20th.
On the match itself I'm suprised how much ball we won at midfield. The fact that Mayo used short kickouts in the second half showed that. the fact that they were able to get a man free on a number of occasions to do this is worrying. i don't think it will happen next time. MInd you, I don't think Mayo will try the short kickouts next time either.
We were a bit clueless up front at times. We have a couple of chances after we went three points up at the start of the second half which we didn't take and gave away a soft penalty to level things up.
I think the backs again did reasonably well but they have to clear their lines more and no c*ck ups clearing the ball out like what happened to give away the penalty. I think the person who said that Burke should be sent off for fouling Mortimer is wrong, there were a lot of 50/50 balls which we has a right to fight for. Mortimer isn't sweetness and light either and has a tendency to look for fouls while fouling at the same time also.
Our midfield and half forward line need serious work. I think Ja and Savo have too much on the clock. I would like to see Paul Clancy and Coleman given starts there. Bane can score but seems to do f*** all else. I was impressed with Nicky Joyce, i hope he can sustain that form into the championship.
Ail in all, it's a derby match which will always be close and we'll see who does the business May 20th
It was a peculiar game. It reminded me of the nineties whereby Mayo would have 75% of the possession and loads of chances and wides, but still lose to Galway by a point or two. Mayo have developed an incredible knack of staying in games when they should be beat out of sight. It's a Munsteresque type quality that flirts with a potential hiding.
Anyway i thought that Galway have an excellent back-line. Mayo found it very difficult to penetrate. There seemed to be an ongoing tussle off the ball between Mortimer and his Marker. Penalty aside, i think that Mort has developed an Andy Johnson syndrome from Refs and has a credibility problem on frees. Although I thought that he harsh done by yesterday to be pulled up so many times. Unfortunately for him another quiet day in the capital.
Anyway despite Ger Brady's obvious lack of physicality, i think he is a smart player that usually makes the right decision. I'd be happy to persevere with him in the full forward line for the time being. Other than that our forwards lost a dreadful amount of 50/50 ball. I counted at least 4/5 in a row at one stage.
I've read in 2/3 different forums that Liam O'Malley and Keith Higgins played well to excellent. Who was marking Cormac Bane in the first half? I'd guess that our full back line barely broke even over the 70 minutes. Kilcullen is an accident waiting to happen. I'm was really concerned about his positioning for those high balls in the first half. How many times did he fall for the Ja Shuffle. Will somebody give BJP a maroon jersey for May 20th. It's obvious he's clambering to play for Galway, he must have got at least 7 bookings yesterday. Our wing backs were ok. Our wing forwards were again poor. Campbell at least looked hungry for the ball when he came on and will probably start ahead of Kilcoyne.
Honourable mention to Pat Harte & David Heaney who worked hard all day and scrapped for every ball. It was a joy to watch Joe Bergin fielding 2/3 quality balls in the second half under sever pressure and hang on to them.
From yesterday, i fear the worst for May 20th, Galway have a quality back 6 which will restrict Mayo to single figure score total. I still cannot figure out how Mayo won that game yesterday?
Cormac Bane is a strange one alright. At times you wouldn't even know he's on the pitch than he'll appear from nowhere and kick 2 or 3 massive points. He was the same against Westmeath last year. I'd like to see him be more forceful and demand the ball more. He tends to hang around the fringes of play. He's got real talent but to take himself to the next level he'll have to get involved more.
Hard to see Ja sticking championship pace. He was quiet enough yesterday at a game played at 75% speed. He might be useful as an impact sub alright.
Does anyone have any news on Paul Clancy? I heard over the weekend that he's training away with the squad while someone else told me that's he's retired but just hasn't announced it yet.
yeah, agree with that about Bane. He never seems to play particuarly well but always ends up with a couple of points from play at the end of a match so he's worth his place on the team. I wonder what he scored altogether in the league, He couldnt be far off being Galways top scorer, Would he?
Cormac Bane is Galway's 3rd highest scorer with 0-11/ Padraic Joyce is top with 1-22, Nicky Joyce next with 1-15 and then Bane. It's all in yesterdays match programme if you have it.
Video clips of Mayo's scores at Croker yesterday are available on my blog at: http://www.mayogaablog.blogspot.com/ (http://www.mayogaablog.blogspot.com/)
Have to say im more positive about Galways chances on May 20th to the point where I think we will take them. Just a few observations about both sides.
I thought Devenney played well and the criticism here is a bit unjust. Only problem is the balance in the half back line in two attacking wing backs and a converted forward at centre back.
As regards Mortimer being held illegaly, I was on the fourteen yard line in the Canal End and have to say Kilcullen was hangin out of Joyce alot of the time too.
Galway backs look really impressive. I think if Blake replaces Coyne there we will have a great six and id like to see Coleman partner Bergin at midfield.
Up front Meehan was off the pace completely. But saying that I read a good point in one of todays papers, its impossible to see Higgins doing that job on him again.
Also Kilcullen just did enough on Joyce which I am personally delighted about, I think PJ will give him a right roasting in May.
Another comment in todays paper noted the smile Joyce gave when he missed the last equalising chance, as if to say that the real thing is May!
Wouldn't mind seeing Coleman partner Bergin in midfield either. Coleman isn't big for a midfielder but he still catches his fair share of ball plus he has that bit of aggression to his game that some of the others don't. However he may be needed in the half-forward line as this is the line of the field that worries me most about the team at present. Nicky Joyce will probably take one spot but unless Paul Clancy is back the other spots will be between Ja, Savo and Mattie Clancy which woudn't fill me with a huge amount of confidence. Either that or you play Armstrong in the corner and move Bane out or something.
Would prefer to see Blake back at no 6 which would release Deccie to the wing. Think I'd drop Comer ahead of Coyne though to make way.
Think Hanley will be a top class full-back but he's still young and learning the game. I'd like him to be a bit more careful when he's handpassing out of defence as he threw one or two loose ones yesterday which ended up as Mayo points.
Either way it looks like it could be another very tight game in a few weeks.
Enjoyable enough game, lacked the tension and intensity of championship though. Lot of mistakes from both sides. Galway still have yet to win their first match in Croke Park since 2001. Hopefully they'll have the chance during the summer!
1. Paul Doherty: Did well to save the penalty but he's dodgy as hell. Should have come out on Brady but stayed on his line and didn't give himself a chance. From what I know of Colm King he's a decent enough keeper, would be interesting to see if he's any improvement. Just don't trust Doherty to be honest.
2. Kieran Fitzgerald: Did fairly well, was unlucky to be caught for the penalty, hadn't a chance to get rid of the ball and from where I was sitting it looked like he was fouled beforehand. Still played ok though.
3. Finian Hanley: Has come on in leaps and bounds in the last few games. Has made the no.3 jersey his own at this stage.
4. Damien Burke: One of our best and most under-rated backs . Gets better with every game he plays. Honourable mention here has to go to the pigeon of course! Played a blinder. Can't understand why one of the linesmen or grounds men didn't move it.
5. Declan Meehan: Covered acres of ground, didn't do too badly, still has a bit to go to get back to his usual best though.
6. Niall Coyne: I was very impressed with Coyne, Blake will be hard pressed to get him moved out of the no.6 position I'd say. Was brilliant yesterday.
7. Mike Comer: Not one of his best days. If Blake is to dislodge one of the halfback line I'd say it'll be him.
8. Diarmuid Blake: Didn't do too badly at all, won a fair amount of ball and is a much better footballer than Geraghty or Cullinane.
9. Joe Bergin: Has a few good moments but gets nervous on the ball when the pressure is on and tends to lose it easily. Hope his form improves because he's about the only half decent mid-fielder we have.
10. Derek Savage: Quiet enough, scored one good point but the forward line need more from him.
11. Ja Fallon: Ja's best days are behind him. He'd probably be better utilised as an impact sub. He doesn't have the legs for it and shot some absolutely brutal wides. His place will probably go to Coleman or Armstrong for the championship.
12. Nicky Joyce: Had a good game, can't understand why he was taken off. Has played well throughout the league but I think he's a better option in the full forward line, not really able to tackle and scores more closer the goal. Also nice to see we have a consistent free taker from the left wing now, would I be right in saying he's probably the first since Niall Finnegan?
13. Mike Meehan: Started badly with a missed free and this trend continued throughout the game. That said, although he didn't score, he still set up some scores for the other lads. Strange though how he never seems to play well against Mayo.
14. Padraic Joyce: Easily the best player we have and God help us when he retires. Was involved in nearly every score we got. Seems to have the hunger back for this year, hopefully he'll keep it up for the championship. Unlucky not to level it at the end.
15. Cormac Bane: Can hit monsters of points but he's about as predictable as the weather. didn't do too badly yesterday, will probably start on May 20th but needs to up his game a bit. I'd swap himself and Nicky Joyce though.
One bit of a rant I have to vent is why the hell did Peter Forde take off Mike Meehan and Nicky Joyce? If any of the forwards were going to get a score these would be two of the most likely. Takes them off and leaves on Ja and Savo. Absolutely ridiculous. Anyway, leaves things nicely poised for May 20th.
Can never understand this 'the real thing is in May' / 'this is just a dress rehearsal' / 'its only the league' stuff - its just an excuse in defeat. I can only speak for myself, but I would have been extremely p*ssed off if we had lost yesterday. No player or manager likes to ever loose, particularly not in a match like the semi of the second most important competion in intercounty football. You can be rightly sure Galway were v dissapointed to loose yesterday. The reality is that the game was there for the winning yesterday and Galway werent able to take it. I am pretty happy that we beat a fairly full strength Galway without 3-4 regulars and were able to close out a tight game.
Well lads, was a good game, although it lacked an awful amount in intensity. I don't think I saw one big hit at all in the whole game. Congrats Mayo though, and I hope they beat Donegal in the final.
Galway will learn a lot more in defeat than they will have in a "paper of the cracks" victory. Our defence, as expected played well. I like the look of our full-back line. It's beginning to look very solid, something that couldn't have been said in the last five years. Hanley and Damien Burke were very good, although Fitzy had a mixed day. I might be over-critical of the all-star Fitzgerald, but I haven't seen him put up a top performance in quite some time. The reaction for the penalty save was absolutely shocking, and the turning point for the game.
The half back line were pretty tight. Despite Coyne's performance, I still think Blake is the man to anchor us. He's much more settled in position, and always seems to have a bit of time on the ball, and picks the right pass. That's a sign of a top footballer. One thing we have to work on is our distribution out of defence. Our half forward line is so weak that if a decent ball is not sent into the forwards, it's back down on top of our full-back line within seconds. I think Comer will be the one to lose out here come May 20th. If Blake is sent back to no.6, perhaps Alan Burke is a better choice for wing back than Coyne. Although Alan Burke's distribution is better, Coyne's extra physicality might be more suited.
The midfield were well on top, but that was expected against a Mayo central pairing missing both Brady and McGarrity. I thought Bergin did very well, although you could see Blake was a no.6 playing out of position. This allowed Bergin to go on the attack, safe in the knowledge that Blake was minding the house, which he probably wouldn't have been able to if one of the two beasts, Geraghty or Cullinane, were partnering him.
What can I say about the half forward line. Nicky Joyce, Ja and Savage hardly strikes fear into the opposition. We were lucky that Mayo's half back line's passing wasn't up to scratch. We definitely need Paul Clancy back in there. Ja is unfortunately past it as a 70 minute player, although he'd be a fine impact sub. He's having a tough time leading a tepid half forward line. I'd say come May 20th, we might play a two man full forward line, with Ja hoovering up round midfield. He had the better of BJP in the first half, but tired after that. Nicky did well from free taking duties, and from general play. But he belongs in the full forward line. Hastling, harrying, and tracking back are not really things that he excels in. Savage, well, savage was only alright. He's been only alright for a long time now. Like in the 2000 AIF, he went for a score and failed pathetically with a better placed man outside him. I can't believe that Cullinane and Coleman were brought on, and neither Ja or Savo were taken off.
The inside line worked well. I like Bane, he's an unassuming footballer. There's a lot of potential there. He kicked some great scores, and generally showed well for the ball. He went missing for a while, but I suppose so did the rest of the team after the penalty. Joyce was very good. He knows he's the beating of Kilcoyne come May 20th. Kilcoyne did well on him on Sunday though. However he was turned easily enough. Kilcoyne made up for this with some great blocks, and last ditch tackling. But so much last ditch tackling would worry me if I was JOM. Mike Meehan won a lot of ball, but when he got it, he didn't do much. He looked like a guy who has more important things to think about than football. He appears pretty frustrated. Perhaps a spell out at centre forward would give a bit of freedom from the sticky marking he's had to endure for the past few years. Higgins was very good. No last ditch tackling there, just good honest hassling, and harrying. Played him to a tee.
I was disappointed in Forde's decision making again. First his decision to try Blake in midfield for the first time this year, in a league semi-final! Secondly for his crazy substitutions. Two points down, and he brings on Coleman and Cullinane for Nicky Joyce and Mike Meehan. Fair enough Meehan was having an off day, but I would have thought that Cullinane could have come on for Comer, moving Coyne to 7, and Blake back to center back. Coleman would have been worth a go in the half forward line ahead of Ja or Savage. Take your pick, neither man was going to kick a score for us. Meehan and Nicky on the otherhand, are capable of creating and taking a score with little fuss.
Galway know they've a lot to work on, but they know that they are well capable of beating this Mayo team. Although we lost by two points, this may prove to be a confidence boost for Galway. Mayo will be favourites going into the showdown by the sea, what with all their players coming back from injury. However, Galway fans won't be too disheartened, there's plenty of positives. We were narrowly defeated despite nobody playing anywhere near their full potential. We also have a far more settled looking team than Mayo. Mayo have a few experiments going on which we probably won't see in Salthill. Whether that will be to their benefit, it's hard to say.
Good point by Maradona, although games between Mayo and Galway are so tight, that psychology can come in to it. Galway know they had the beating of Mayo, and they know they didn't play well. Last year they comfortably accounted for Mayo, then were kicked around Castlebar, and lucky to escape without a heavier beating. This year, in Pearse, Mayo will arrive with Galway's former manager, an all-Ireland winner, a win against Galway fresh in their minds, and either a league title, or another glorious defeat in Croker under their belts. Galway have nothing to lose. That's a dangerous team. I don't think either team has reached such a level of consistency that they think that they can beat their arch-rivals every time. This ones yours lads, Salthill will be interesting. I, for one, can't wait!
QuoteYou can be rightly sure Galway were v dissapointed to loose yesterday
I'm sure they were disappointed and they would have liked to win but I doubt they woke up today in the depths of despair about it. Padraig Joyce was smiling after he put one wide at the death. I doubt he'd be grinning if he misses a chance to level a game come the Summer. The league is nice to win but I could barely tell you who won it two years ago. Or the year before that. That's just the way it is.
I think Galway fans are just relatively happy as some feared we'd get beaten out the gate by 6 or 7 points on the day. As it was we had a close up look at Mayo and could easily have won the game had a couple of things gone our way. As it said in one of the papers today the two Mayo goals came somewhat against the run of play so I think most Galway fans are happy that the team is maybe in half-decent shape although lots more needs to be done yet.
QuoteI am pretty happy that we beat a fairly full strength Galway without 3-4 regulars and were able to close out a tight game.
We had no Paul Clancy, Sean Armstrong, Paul Geraghty and Niall Coleman was only fit enough to come in near the end. Likely that two or three of those will be in the team come May.
Quote from: DJGaliv on April 16, 2007, 08:47:57 PM
Mike Meehan won a lot of ball, but when he got it, he didn't do much. He looked like a guy who has more important things to think about than football. He appears pretty frustrated. Perhaps a spell out at centre forward would give a bit of freedom from the sticky marking he's had to endure for the past few years. Higgins was very good. No last ditch tackling there, just good honest hassling, and harrying. Played him to a tee.
Spot on there. Iv watched Meehan since Hogan Cup and his body language strikes me as different. Obviously recent circumstances have dictated that. Seems very disillusioned at the moment but id never write the guy off. He'l make up for that in the summer.
This allowed Bergin to go on the attack, safe in the knowledge that Blake was minding the house, which he probably wouldn't have been able to if one of the two beasts, Geraghty or Cullinane, were partnering him. ;D ;D ;D
QuoteWe had no Paul Clancy, Sean Armstrong, Paul Geraghty and Niall Coleman was only fit enough to come in near the end. Likely that two or three of those will be in the team come May.
Was Geraghty injred???
Quote from: WJP11 on April 16, 2007, 03:33:57 PM
Video clips of Mayo's scores at Croker yesterday are available on my blog at: http://www.mayogaablog.blogspot.com/ (http://www.mayogaablog.blogspot.com/)
Well done on the Blog, I had a quick read there. il read more when I get the chance. You could be the next Spalpin!
Can someone please clear up whether Paul Clancy will play with Galway this year? No speculation wanted! Any concrete evidence that he will be back??
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on April 16, 2007, 08:48:20 PM
QuoteYou can be rightly sure Galway were v dissapointed to loose yesterday
I'm sure they were disappointed and they would have liked to win but I doubt they woke up today in the depths of despair about it. Padraig Joyce was smiling after he put one wide at the death. I doubt he'd be grinning if he misses a chance to level a game come the Summer. The league is nice to win but I could barely tell you who won it two years ago. Or the year before that. That's just the way it is.
We had no Paul Clancy, Sean Armstrong, Paul Geraghty and Niall Coleman was only fit enough to come in near the end. Likely that two or three of those will be in the team come May.
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And we had no David Brady, Ronan McGarritty, Trevor Mortimer, Ciaran MacDonald, Austin O'Malley
Really, well let me refresh your memory, two outta the last three years the League champions became the All Ireland champions a few months later. Theres no guarantees but it certainly is relevant.
people talk about Mayos supposed poor record in Croke Park, it dosent hold a candle to Galways in recent times if we look at the facts. Granted the last time ye won there was winning Sam, something we clearly havent been able to do. But are Galway people not the slightest bit worried about not being able to win in Croker in the last 6 years? Contrast that to Mayo who, notwithstanding the two massive well documented capitulations to the Kingdom have a fine recent record in croker, beating Tyrone (reigning All Ireland champs), Fermanagh, Laois and of course most famously the Dubs all in Croker. granted its clear from the genius analysis here that the match in Pearse Stadium is a foregone conclusion and Galway will be capturing the Connacht Championship this year, but how are ye going to deal with whats now becoming the Croker issue?
Mayos goals were soft, maybe so, but we still scored them. Are no Galway men worried that it there was 3 Mayo players quicker to the saved penalty than the Galway backs? Of the two teams it looked to me like Galway were playing closer to a championship type pace, yet Mayo were the team that won.
Lads ye're completed entitled to analyis the match and ye're team any way ye want, but the overriding attitude seems to be that Mayo have no chance in Pearse Stadium. I find that incredibly arrogant given that two teams went to play in Croker and Mayo won.
I can see why a change was made in the half forward line...all well and good having scoring forwards inside but theyre not much use if they are not getting the ball. That said, he should have put Coleman in for Meehan and put Nicky inside. Nicky has serious pace which Mike Meehan doesnt and I believe he is capable of giving any corner back a serious roasting. Blake to six, Coyne to seven and Comer to be dropped. Cullinane in at midfield and Coleman and Bane at wing forward with Matt Clancy at 11 to run straight at Padden in May. Meehan, PJ and Nicky at 13,14 & 15 respectively. There is enough ball winners from 8 - 12 top ensure the full forward line gets an ample amount of ball to put up the scores.
Thanks, Abbeysider, I hope you continue to enjoy reading it. I'm no Spailpin: his take on the county's progress - which I enjoy hugely - is a far more erudite one than mine. I'm aiming more at the kind of blogs you often see that are dedicated to English premiership sides - like a poor imitation of, for example, Arseblog but without most of the profanities!
But are Galway people not the slightest bit worried about not being able to win in Croker in the last 6 years?
Galway will be capturing the Connacht Championship this year, but how are ye going to deal with whats now becoming the Croker issue?
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To be honest that Croker thing isnt an issue with Galway supporters or the team IMO. Its a media spouted statistic, they are alot more worried about it than we are. We are known for playing our best football in Croker and I think that will be the case again come the summer. We dont care too much for 'psychological effects' here.
As for your point about our 'genius analysis' I think ul find we have not written off Mayo but realsie we have a great chance of winning it!
As for Galway being 'nearer to championship pace' you were at a different game to what I was at then.
QuoteAnd we had no David Brady, Ronan McGarritty, Trevor Mortimer, Ciaran MacDonald, Austin O'Malley
I'm aware of that. If you actually read the post you'd realise I was merely replying to someone saying that Galway had a full strength team out while Mayo were missing a clatter of players. We were actually missing a few ourselves.
Quotegranted its clear from the genius analysis here that the match in Pearse Stadium is a foregone conclusion and Galway will be capturing the Connacht Championship this year
How do you come to that conclusion. I think nearly everyone has said it'll be a close game that could go either way.
QuoteAre no Galway men worried that it there was 3 Mayo players quicker to the saved penalty than the Galway backs?
I believe it was raised a couple of times on this thread.
QuoteOf the two teams it looked to me like Galway were playing closer to a championship type pace, yet Mayo were the team that won.
I don't know how you managed to measure this?
Quotebut the overriding attitude seems to be that Mayo have no chance in Pearse Stadium. I find that incredibly arrogant given that two teams went to play in Croker and Mayo won.
I think only one Galway poster has actually said he fancies Galway to win the game (would hardly be a massive shock anyway given the history of these games and Mayo's record on Galway soil). The rest have merely said we have a chance in what should be a close game. A win for either side wouldn't surprise anyone.
I think you're being a tad over-sensitive here.
Have to agree with all your points there Galway Bay Boy, its a pity people wouldnt read ALL the posts before spoutin shite about one or two then.
Well there's a criminal amount of bullshit there.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on April 16, 2007, 08:48:20 PM
We had no Paul Clancy, Sean Armstrong, Paul Geraghty and Niall Coleman was only fit enough to come in near the end. Likely that two or three of those will be in the team come May.
Quote from: Msgr. HoranAnd we had no David Brady, Ronan McGarritty, Trevor Mortimer, Ciaran MacDonald, Austin O'Malley
GBB's comment about Galway's missing players was in response to a comment regarding Mayo having a lot of players to come back into the team come Championship. We can go round in circles if you like, do you want me to name Galway's missing footballers in reply to your few?
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
Really, well let me refresh your memory, two outta the last three years the League champions became the All Ireland champions a few months later.
Well we better write off Tyrone, Kerry, Armagh, Dublin, Cork, Laois, and Galway so, as this all-Ireland is between Mayo and Donegal. Sure we don't stand a chance in Salthill according to you.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
people talk about Mayos supposed poor record in Croke Park, it dosent hold a candle to Galways in recent times if we look at the facts. Granted the last time ye won there was winning Sam, something we clearly havent been able to do. But are Galway people not the slightest bit worried about not being able to win in Croker in the last 6 years? Contrast that to Mayo who, notwithstanding the two massive well documented capitulations to the Kingdom have a fine recent record in croker, beating Tyrone (reigning All Ireland champs), Fermanagh, Laois and of course most famously the Dubs all in Croker.
No, not worried, Savo, Ja, Fitzy, Meehan, and Joyce, the spine of our team, know what it's like to win a
Sam Maguire in Croke Park.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
granted its clear from the genius analysis here that the match in Pearse Stadium is a foregone conclusion and Galway will be capturing the Connacht Championship this year, but how are ye going to deal with whats now becoming the Croker issue?
The Croker issue? Don't try and project your county's issues on us my friend. Beating an over-hyped Dublin in Croker does not end your Croker issue. Winning a Sam Maguire there will. Who mentioned a foregone conclusion for Galway to beat Mayo? Methinks you're a little rattled at the lack of mass negativity from us Galway folk.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
Mayos goals were soft, maybe so, but we still scored them. Are no Galway men worried that it there was 3 Mayo players quicker to the saved penalty than the Galway backs?
Plenty of Galway lads have mentioned that
isolated incident. It's something we can learn from for the next day. Aren't you worried that Mort choked in Croker by missing an important penalty? Oh yeah, another thing, we outscored ye, thirteen scores to twelve. No Mayo man has been worried about that.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
Of the two teams it looked to me like Galway were playing closer to a championship type pace, yet Mayo were the team that won.
The only thing I can infer from that, is that in your opinion, Galway looked like the sharper team. You do realise the game in Salthill is five weeks away. Isn't this a good thing from a Galway perspective?
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
Lads ye're completed entitled to analyis the match and ye're team any way ye want
Phew thanks for that.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
but the overriding attitude seems to be that Mayo have no chance in Pearse Stadium. .
The overriding attitude is that Galway have a lot better chance in Pearse than many would have previously thought. Considering we know we didn't play well, but probably should have won.
Quote from: Msgr. Horan
I find that incredibly arrogant given that two teams went to play in Croker and Mayo won
It is arrogant to believe that we might win? Christ JOM is only there a wet week and now he's got the support thinking like him. Being positive about your teams chances is not arrogance!
Galway Mayo games are always 50:50. This one is no different. I, and many like me, believe that losing this game will give us some motivation to put things right next time. This team needs motivation to play well. For example vrs Armagh in the league. Forde's half time team talk consisted of it being the last game for a lot of players if they don't recover this six point deficit. We ended up winning.
We don't like being favourites, and we won't be going into this, but we know we can cause an upset. Call that an arrogant attitude if you want. Mayo are in a better position to challenge for an all-ireland than us, but they also have a lot more weaknesses than I previously imagined.
Quote from: belleaqua on April 16, 2007, 10:19:51 PM
Quote from: DJGaliv on April 16, 2007, 08:47:57 PM
Mike Meehan won a lot of ball, but when he got it, he didn't do much. He looked like a guy who has more important things to think about than football. He appears pretty frustrated. Perhaps a spell out at centre forward would give a bit of freedom from the sticky marking he's had to endure for the past few years. Higgins was very good. No last ditch tackling there, just good honest hassling, and harrying. Played him to a tee.
Spot on there. Iv watched Meehan since Hogan Cup and his body language strikes me as different. Obviously recent circumstances have dictated that. Seems very disillusioned at the moment but id never write the guy off. He'l make up for that in the summer.
Oh God ya, I wouldn't write him off either. He just hasn't looked like he's been enjoying his football in a long time. I don't think being shoved off into the corner does him any favours. With such a weak half forward line, I think he'd be worth a go at centre forward. I saw him send the centre back on his arse against Down, winning back possession. He's well able for it physically, more so than Nicky Joyce, or Savage. The marking won't be as tight either. He's well able to tackle, and hastle, and he can certainly pick a pass. He's not a bad fielder of the ball too. I think a half forward line of Coleman, Meehan, and Bane, would be a lot more productive than Savage, Ja, and Joyce.