A winner takes all clash for promotion to Division 1. Cavan with the very slight advantage of being able to draw the game and go up.
Cavan were comfortable in their last two games but I don't believe we will get away with the mistakes we made yesterday against Galway. Laois kicked a lot of awful wides yesterday particularly in the first half, should probably have had a penalty too. We need to cut out the errors if we expect to win this game.
From a Cavan perspective, if we can't beat a Galway side that have won just 2 of their league games, we don't deserve to go up.
Cavan deserved favorites for this match, and home advantage as well. Strangely Galway have picked up 5 points away while only getting 2 at home so the trip won't faze them. They have to win and it's a tall order but achievable . You'd have to worry that they couldn't beat Fermanagh at home, with the wind and an extra player but we will see what they're made of now. Too bloody long spent in div 2.
Actually glad the game is away from home. Galway have been septic at home the last couple years in the league. Nearly all their best performances have come on the road. I don't know whether they get complacent at home of whatever it is but away games seem to concentrate the mind a little.
At u21 over the last few years Galway beat Cavan when it counted so I expect the uaisleacht to continue provided they get the finger out.
I hope we win, I used to buy into the narrative that it was better to stay in Division 2 if you didn't have the required squad for Division 1 but it's the only place that you can get a test every match against the best in the country. If Galway want to get back to anywhere near the top, Division 1 is the only show in town.
Might end up in a huge reality check like Down got this year but better off that than treading water where we are currently, the standard is too samey between the counties.
Based on all prior Division 2 matches though, Cavan are deserved favourites to be fair to them.
Quote from: GalwayBayBoy on March 28, 2016, 02:23:28 PM
Actually glad the game is away from home. Galway have been septic at home the last couple years in the league. Nearly all their best performances have come on the road. I don't know whether they get complacent at home of whatever it is but away games seem to concentrate the mind a little.
How much do you want for Tuam for the weekend.
I think we need to see Brian Donoghue in goal for this game and see how he gets on, Maghnus has had too many howlers of late and this business of taking off up the field is heart attack inducing. Half backs need to take care of their defensive duties first and foremost, too much time spent up thee field. Hopefully Shane Walsh will be okay to play next week, we need him on top form if we want anything out of this game. Eddie Hoare I think has had enough chances now, he's not an inter county centre forward. I've been critical of Eamon Brannigan before but I think he's a better option than Eddie at the minute, we need fast quick players, when they move the ball quick they look impressive, it's this slow build up that kills us and lets the opposition get organised.
Quote from: Westside on March 28, 2016, 01:14:30 PM
A winner takes all clash for promotion to Division 1. Cavan with the very slight advantage of being able to draw the game and go up.
Cavan were comfortable in their last two games but I don't believe we will get away with the mistakes we made yesterday against Galway. Laois kicked a lot of awful wides yesterday particularly in the first half, should probably have had a penalty too. We need to cut out the errors if we expect to win this game.
From a Cavan perspective, if we can't beat a Galway side that have won just 2 of their league games, we don't deserve to go up.
True but at the same time we've only lost one game if you look at it from another perspective! ;)
I would prefer to be playing cavan than Tyrone in a must win match.
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 04:18:08 PM
At u21 over the last few years Galway beat Cavan when it counted so I expect the uaisleacht to continue provided they get the finger out.
That was one game seafood! Hardly a trend.
2 nil in all Irelands. Cavan won 3 ulsters but...
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 08:22:19 PM
2 nil in all Irelands. Cavan won 3 ulsters but...
If that's the best statistic you can come up with seafood you are in trouble.
Quote from: Duine Eile on March 28, 2016, 04:40:18 PM
I think we need to see Brian Donoghue in goal for this game and see how he gets on, Maghnus has had too many howlers of late and this business of taking off up the field is heart attack inducing. Half backs need to take care of their defensive duties first and foremost, too much time spent up thee field. Hopefully Shane Walsh will be okay to play next week, we need him on top form if we want anything out of this game. Eddie Hoare I think has had enough chances now, he's not an inter county centre forward. I've been critical of Eamon Brannigan before but I think he's a better option than Eddie at the minute, we need fast quick players, when they move the ball quick they look impressive, it's this slow build up that kills us and lets the opposition get organised.
Breathnach isn't good enough but Donoghue is probably worse. His kick outs aren't good enough & he's not comfortable enough on the ball. You need only look back at the Laois game last year for a reminder of that where he gave away 2 goals by panicking in possession, while also putting kick outs over the sideline and messing up about 3 or 4 short ones as well.
Our goalkeeping situation has been a crisis since Adrian Faherty stopped playing for us.
Surely there has to somebody in club football good enough for county level (Healy is NOT up to it either)?
Breathnach is an excellent shot stopper but in today's game accuracy of kick outs is the single most important attribute a keeper must have & he is not reliable enough at this. High balls anywhere near the square and he is at sea also.
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 08:29:54 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 08:22:19 PM
2 nil in all Irelands. Cavan won 3 ulsters but...
I don't think they'll fear Cavan because of that, itchy. Galway are usually good in the big matches. Are Cavan? More fan pressure on them ?
If that's the best statistic you can come up with seafood you are in trouble.
Not the biggest fan of Donoghue either but he seems to be the only other keeper on the panel. Who was u-21 goalie this year? Wasn't there a Forde lad from Annaghdown tried during the FBD this year, can't remember too much about him.
This is like a league final more important than the league final against Tyrone. Both sides with a lot of underage success to be rewarded with division one football next year.
Will TG4 cover this game live? They should.
Galway seem to be doing their damnedest to avoid promotion - wonder what the odds are on them losing out on promotion as a result of a 4th straight draw and their only loss being to Tyrone by 2 points.
At the moment I'm inclined to think that Cavan are just that bit more suited for battling to avoid relegation in Division 1 next year.
At least for the draws with Meath and Armagh the lads had to battle and fight back to level both games, yesterday on the other hand was a disaster all round. The amount of chances kicked short, wide, not taken, misplaced passes was unbelievable. If they're at that next Sunday it's not going to be pretty! Hard to believe this could be Galway's last competitive match until June 18th if they lose.
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 09:05:22 PM
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 08:29:54 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 08:22:19 PM
2 nil in all Irelands. Cavan won 3 ulsters but...
I don't think they'll fear Cavan because of that, itchy. Galway are usually good in the big matches. Are Cavan? More fan pressure on them ?
If that's the best statistic you can come up with seafood you are in trouble.
What was the last big match Galway won?
From last year's game, only 7 of the Cavan starting side will be the same next Sunday. Galway showed no "big match" temperament that day. The support for Galway was exceptionally poor and there was barely a murmur from the Galway fans even when the hurling supporters started to file in after half time. The team looked a class above Cavan in the first half when things were going well but as soon as Cavan upped their game and began to press Galway they folded, the players panicked. There was no goodwill in the stands for the team, no urging them on, there was almost the expectation from the crowd that the team would let the lead slip. That said I haven't found a more gracious bunch in the stands before or since and no doubt the attitude is a symptom of the team's fortunes.
There is definite supporter pressure on the Cavan team. The interest in Cavan football is huge and there's a massive bandwagon if things start going well. You only have to look at the U21 Final in 2011, we brought upwards of 10,000, Galway brought a few hundred. That pressure and interest definitely weighed on those lads that day.
There's less pressure and expectation on Galway next Sunday and I would be surprised if we don't see a nervy display from Cavan. I do feel that we have a better calibre of player to deal with that pressure now though. Only 1 of the 2011 U21 team is guaranteed to start next Sunday.
Quote from: Westside on March 28, 2016, 10:37:03 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 09:05:22 PM
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 08:29:54 PM
Quote from: seafoid on March 28, 2016, 08:22:19 PM
2 nil in all Irelands. Cavan won 3 ulsters but...
I don't think they'll fear Cavan because of that, itchy. Galway are usually good in the big matches. Are Cavan? More fan pressure on them ?
If that's the best statistic you can come up with seafood you are in trouble.
What was the last big match Galway won?
From last year's game, only 7 of the Cavan starting side will be the same next Sunday. Galway showed no "big match" temperament that day. The support for Galway was exceptionally poor and there was barely a murmur from the Galway fans even when the hurling supporters started to file in after half time. The team looked a class above Cavan in the first half when things were going well but as soon as Cavan upped their game and began to press Galway they folded, the players panicked. There was no goodwill in the stands for the team, no urging them on, there was almost the expectation from the crowd that the team would let the lead slip. That said I haven't found a more gracious bunch in the stands before or since and no doubt the attitude is a symptom of the team's fortunes.
There is definite supporter pressure on the Cavan team. The interest in Cavan football is huge and there's a massive bandwagon if things start going well. You only have to look at the U21 Final in 2011, we brought upwards of 10,000, Galway brought a few hundred. That pressure and interest definitely weighed on those lads that day.
There's less pressure and expectation on Galway next Sunday and I would be surprised if we don't see a nervy display from Cavan. I do feel that we have a better calibre of player to deal with that pressure now though. Only 1 of the 2011 U21 team is guaranteed to start next Sunday.
Galway haven't had a big match for a while but these players have a good record underage and know how to win. Poor Meath are still stuck in purgatory.
Galway played Cavan mid league last year. Playing Cavan in d2 in the middle of the league is not a big match with all due respect.
Ah come on. No big games in Connacht? What about the appearance in the quarter finals. Seafood, you are making no sense yet again. Stick to freeing women's nipples.
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 11:26:53 PM
Ah come on. No big games in Connacht? What about the appearance in the quarter finals. Seafood, you are making no sense yet again. Stick to freeing women's nipples.
;D
Is Seanie Johnston injured?
Drawing our last 3 games has been very disappointing but even if we'd won all 3 we'd still need to get something in Cavan. Going into the Fermanagh game the stats had shown that Galway had greatly reduced the amount of frees they'd been conceding in previous years, I'm sure they'd conceded less points from frees than any other team in any of the 4 divisions all year; From listening to GBFM and from some of the reports from the game many of those frees appeared soft.
I really haven't a clue what to expect on Sunday, every neutral appears to be tipping Cavan to win the game so there'll be a bit of expectation on Cavan shoulders come Sunday and we don't know how they'll cope with that.
If before a ball had been kicked in this years campaign I'd be told that Galway would need to win in Cavan to go up I'd certainly have taken it.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 29, 2016, 11:32:27 AM
Is Seanie Johnston injured?
Drawing our last 3 games has been very disappointing but even if we'd won all 3 we'd still need to get something in Cavan. Going into the Fermanagh game the stats had shown that Galway had greatly reduced the amount of frees they'd been conceding in previous years, I'm sure they'd conceded less points from frees than any other team in any of the 4 divisions all year; From listening to GBFM and from some of the reports from the game many of those frees appeared soft.
I really haven't a clue what to expect on Sunday, every neutral appears to be tipping Cavan to win the game so there'll be a bit of expectation on Cavan shoulders come Sunday and we don't know how they'll cope with that.
If before a ball had been kicked in this years campaign I'd be told that Galway would need to win in Cavan to go up I'd certainly have taken it.
Extremely soft some of them were, bordering on ridiculous. At one stage Fermanagh were taking a free, Eddie Hoare was running back to his position, the Fermanagh player kicked the ball at him and Eddie got a yellow card for obstruction!
Yeah Seanie Johnston probably injured. Pulled up with hamstring versus Laois.
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
Quote from: Duine Eile on March 29, 2016, 11:37:33 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 29, 2016, 11:32:27 AM
Is Seanie Johnston injured?
Drawing our last 3 games has been very disappointing but even if we'd won all 3 we'd still need to get something in Cavan. Going into the Fermanagh game the stats had shown that Galway had greatly reduced the amount of frees they'd been conceding in previous years, I'm sure they'd conceded less points from frees than any other team in any of the 4 divisions all year; From listening to GBFM and from some of the reports from the game many of those frees appeared soft.
I really haven't a clue what to expect on Sunday, every neutral appears to be tipping Cavan to win the game so there'll be a bit of expectation on Cavan shoulders come Sunday and we don't know how they'll cope with that.
If before a ball had been kicked in this years campaign I'd be told that Galway would need to win in Cavan to go up I'd certainly have taken it.
Extremely soft some of them were, bordering on ridiculous. At one stage Fermanagh were taking a free, Eddie Hoare was running back to his position, the Fermanagh player kicked the ball at him and Eddie got a yellow card for obstruction!
Galway had conceded 11 points in total from frees in 5 matches up to last Sunday, Fermanagh got 7 scored frees in one game, that speaks for itself really.
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
Cummins is in-and-out a bit, seems to have more joy coming on as an impact sub. Had his poor finish before HT last year gone under instead of over the bar, we probably wouldn't be playing ye on Sunday!
On balance I agree with an earlier suggestion that it would probably be better for Galway to get promoted and expose our players consistently to top-class opponents, not withstanding the fact that they would probably get several absolute hidings in Div. I. However, I'm not sure if many supporters realise how truly ordinary this Galway team is, really, really average. Bad keeper, porous defence, inconsistent midfield, few natural scoring forwards, too much lateral attacking play etc. We have loads of players at the back that are 'good going forward' but maybe none that can do the primary task of defending well. We've gone back even since last year I feel, and last Sunday was just one of several nadirs (incl. c'ship defeats to Antrim and Wexford (at home!)) in recent years. Respect to Fermanagh, but if we can't beat a county with the smallest playing resources in the GAA, a county who have lost all other league matches to us, were down to 14 men and who had to retrieve a lead against the wind, then we really need to take a look at where we're going. Very little faith left in the mgmt. after Sunday.
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 11:26:53 PM
Ah come on. No big games in Connacht? What about the appearance in the quarter finals. Seafood, you are making no sense yet again. Stick to freeing women's nipples.
Connacht doesn't count, Itchy. Only big matches like Semi and all Ireland finals ;)
QFs are nothing to write home about either. I wouldn't pay much attention to them. If you are not good enough you are not good enough. This team should be better than that of the last few years
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
You've just summed Cummins up, if only his finishing matched the other aspects of his game; He lacks a bit of composure but he'd still be in the Galway team if I was picking it.
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
He hasn't been a regular though he was injured for some of the league games. I'd like to see him in there ahead of Eddie Hoare on Sunday.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 29, 2016, 02:07:40 PM
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
You've just summed Cummins up, if only his finishing matched the other aspects of his game; He lacks a bit of composure but he'd still be in the Galway team if I was picking it.
Adrian Varley is similar. His finishing isn't up to standard either. Not good for a guy playing ff
Quote from: galwayman on March 29, 2016, 02:11:36 PM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 29, 2016, 02:07:40 PM
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
You've just summed Cummins up, if only his finishing matched the other aspects of his game; He lacks a bit of composure but he'd still be in the Galway team if I was picking it.
Adrian Varley is similar. His finishing isn't up to standard either. Not good for a guy playing ff
I'd prefer Cummins to start ahead of Varley but in fairness to Varley I've been over to a game this year and have seen next to nothing on TV.
I can understand why so many are a bit despondent given our last 3 results but to be fair to KW its hard to make an assessment of where were at until after Sundays game.
If SJ is injured advantage Galway
Quote from: Westside on March 29, 2016, 01:00:51 PM
Well Galway won't need to worry too much about giving away frees in the wider reaches of the scoring zone. Our free taking is very haphazard. Gearoid, Johnston, Galligan and Martin Reilly are all interchanging. We badly need to sort it out before Championship.
How is Danny Cummins going this year? Caused us a world of grief last year and but for poor finishing he could have been the game winner for Galway.
Snap! I think we had 4 different free takers last Sunday, one of whom missed a 14m free before half time, unforgivable. Sice is probably our most reliable kicker from the right wing but there's days he's hit and miss too.
The real headscratcher with regards the frees for me is we seem to take Galligan up for the frees that look suited to a left footed kicker and let Martin Reilly take the ones that suit a right footed kicker :o Leaves both of them trying to kick scores off the ground from 40/50 metres with the outside of their boot almost.
Quote from: mouview on March 29, 2016, 02:04:55 PMOn balance I agree with an earlier suggestion that it would probably be better for Galway to get promoted and expose our players consistently to top-class opponents, not withstanding the fact that they would probably get several absolute hidings in Div. I. However, I'm not sure if many supporters realise how truly ordinary this Galway team is, really, really average. Bad keeper, porous defence, inconsistent midfield, few natural scoring forwards, too much lateral attacking play etc. We have loads of players at the back that are 'good going forward' but maybe none that can do the primary task of defending well. We've gone back even since last year I feel, and last Sunday was just one of several nadirs (incl. c'ship defeats to Antrim and Wexford (at home!)) in recent years. Respect to Fermanagh, but if we can't beat a county with the smallest playing resources in the GAA, a county who have lost all other league matches to us, were down to 14 men and who had to retrieve a lead against the wind, then we really need to take a look at where we're going. Very little faith left in the mgmt. after Sunday.
If Galway didn't get promoted and had a poor/average/disappointing summer might Walsh be under pressure to move on next Autumn?
Quote from: Itchy on March 28, 2016, 11:26:53 PM
Ah come on. No big games in Connacht? What about the appearance in the quarter finals. Seafood, you are making no sense yet again. Stick to freeing women's nipples.
What in the name of God...
Quote from: twohands!!! on March 29, 2016, 02:51:12 PM
Quote from: mouview on March 29, 2016, 02:04:55 PMOn balance I agree with an earlier suggestion that it would probably be better for Galway to get promoted and expose our players consistently to top-class opponents, not withstanding the fact that they would probably get several absolute hidings in Div. I. However, I'm not sure if many supporters realise how truly ordinary this Galway team is, really, really average. Bad keeper, porous defence, inconsistent midfield, few natural scoring forwards, too much lateral attacking play etc. We have loads of players at the back that are 'good going forward' but maybe none that can do the primary task of defending well. We've gone back even since last year I feel, and last Sunday was just one of several nadirs (incl. c'ship defeats to Antrim and Wexford (at home!)) in recent years. Respect to Fermanagh, but if we can't beat a county with the smallest playing resources in the GAA, a county who have lost all other league matches to us, were down to 14 men and who had to retrieve a lead against the wind, then we really need to take a look at where we're going. Very little faith left in the mgmt. after Sunday.
If Galway didn't get promoted and had a poor/average/disappointing summer might Walsh be under pressure to move on next Autumn?
after 1 year? Mulholland got time to settle things down. Getting Galway back to the top is a strategic play rather than a single bet. Mayo will decline. Ros may or may not have the smarts. Donegal will retreat. Monaghan have only one forward. The Dubs will crash and burn. Kerry will win half of the finals they compete in...
Two years.hes already had a year in charge.
You'd want to be showing some signs of improvement after 2 seasons in charge I would have thought.
Quote from: twohands!!! on March 29, 2016, 02:51:12 PM
Quote from: mouview on March 29, 2016, 02:04:55 PMOn balance I agree with an earlier suggestion that it would probably be better for Galway to get promoted and expose our players consistently to top-class opponents, not withstanding the fact that they would probably get several absolute hidings in Div. I. However, I'm not sure if many supporters realise how truly ordinary this Galway team is, really, really average. Bad keeper, porous defence, inconsistent midfield, few natural scoring forwards, too much lateral attacking play etc. We have loads of players at the back that are 'good going forward' but maybe none that can do the primary task of defending well. We've gone back even since last year I feel, and last Sunday was just one of several nadirs (incl. c'ship defeats to Antrim and Wexford (at home!)) in recent years. Respect to Fermanagh, but if we can't beat a county with the smallest playing resources in the GAA, a county who have lost all other league matches to us, were down to 14 men and who had to retrieve a lead against the wind, then we really need to take a look at where we're going. Very little faith left in the mgmt. after Sunday.[/b
If Galway didn't get promoted and had a poor/average/disappointing summer might Walsh be under pressure to move on next Autumn?
Walsh will be gone if that happens I can imagine. John Divilly looks like the ideal replacement and would get more out of this Galway panel of players IMO.
Quote from: galwayman on March 29, 2016, 06:01:48 PM
Two years.hes already had a year in charge.
You'd want to be showing some signs of improvement after 2 seasons in charge I would have thought.
how long did Mulholland get?
Quote from: seafoid on March 29, 2016, 07:20:26 PM
Quote from: galwayman on March 29, 2016, 06:01:48 PM
Two years.hes already had a year in charge.
You'd want to be showing some signs of improvement after 2 seasons in charge I would have thought.
how long did Mulholland get?
Three seasons 2012-2014.
Quote from: seafoid on March 29, 2016, 05:50:02 PM
Quote from: twohands!!! on March 29, 2016, 02:51:12 PM
Quote from: mouview on March 29, 2016, 02:04:55 PMOn balance I agree with an earlier suggestion that it would probably be better for Galway to get promoted and expose our players consistently to top-class opponents, not withstanding the fact that they would probably get several absolute hidings in Div. I. However, I'm not sure if many supporters realise how truly ordinary this Galway team is, really, really average. Bad keeper, porous defence, inconsistent midfield, few natural scoring forwards, too much lateral attacking play etc. We have loads of players at the back that are 'good going forward' but maybe none that can do the primary task of defending well. We've gone back even since last year I feel, and last Sunday was just one of several nadirs (incl. c'ship defeats to Antrim and Wexford (at home!)) in recent years. Respect to Fermanagh, but if we can't beat a county with the smallest playing resources in the GAA, a county who have lost all other league matches to us, were down to 14 men and who had to retrieve a lead against the wind, then we really need to take a look at where we're going. Very little faith left in the mgmt. after Sunday.
If Galway didn't get promoted and had a poor/average/disappointing summer might Walsh be under pressure to move on next Autumn?
after 1 year? Mulholland got time to settle things down. Getting Galway back to the top is a strategic play rather than a single bet. Mayo will decline. Ros may or may not have the smarts. Donegal will retreat. Monaghan have only one forward. The Dubs will crash and burn. Kerry will win half of the finals they compete in...
Yes Seaf, but last Sunday was simply a fundamental managerial test that shouldn't be failed, whether 1 or 10 years in the job. You cannot contrive to blow a strong winning position that Galway had after 41 or so minutes.
If they beat Cavan all will be well.
Did any of the u21's who've not seen any senior action so far stand out against Roscommon?
Peter Cooke may solve our free taking issues in the years ahead.
The right time to judge KW is at the end of this season, no doubt he will be under pressure if we fail to win Sunday and that is followed up by defeat to Mayo and failing to make the quarter finals although that can be achieved with a lucky draw as AM benefited from in 2014. Win on Sunday and it certainly gives KW a bit of breathing space.
Thought there would be a chance this would be on TG4 as it's probably the most important match of the weekend but looks like they are showing Cork/Kerry. Which is a dead rubber more or less.
Mo the Fermanagh game was not El Gordo. The Cavan one is. Galway should beat them and a loss would say a lot.
A lot of Galway confidence ahead of this one, I fancy Cavan to nick it.
I've seen elsewhere that 2 of last years minors are training with the squad, considering neither of them played in the u21 game I don't see them making a matchday squad.
Speaking of last years minors they should have gone further, I was over for the Tipp game and couldn't fathom the odd tactic that appeared going for goals everytime they went forward in the first half.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on March 31, 2016, 12:05:37 PM
I've seen elsewhere that 2 of last years minors are training with the squad, considering neither of them played in the u21 game I don't see them making a matchday squad.
Speaking of last years minors they should have gone further, I was over for the Tipp game and couldn't fathom the odd tactic that appeared going for goals everytime they went forward in the first half.
They were a bit unlucky in that match that they couldn't find the net on a couple of occasion. Bit like the current U-21s tho', managerial shortcomings hindered them - missed a glaring chance to reach an AI final.
Given that the seniors have finished the past few campaigns on a high, they may again surprise this Sunday; just find it so difficult to see it happening.
In 2007, he steered Galway to a minor All-Ireland title and was fast-tracked to the senior side. The following July he helped them to a Connacht title, kicking a late point as they edged out Mayo. They went toe to toe with then All-Ireland champions Kerry in the rain in Croke Park a few weeks later.
Galway lost out that day but there was enough there to suggest that they could reasonably expect more good times ahead. Instead, the years have slipped by.
"The first year I came in we won Connacht in 2008 and we have not won it since and I suppose you start thinking that every year will be like this. But that has not been the way, Mayo have been dominant for the last few years," Conroy said.
Since then Galway have struggled for traction. They have chopped and changed managers with alarming regularity as they looked to restore themselves to the position they enjoyed around the turn of the millennium. Kevin Walsh is the fifth manager that Conroy has played under.
"When I was growing up we were in Connacht finals every year or every other year it seemed. And the fans when they look at it that way and see no success, someone has to pay for it," he said.
"It is important that you don't change your manager every year, that you allow structures be put in place and it is very hard to do that if you are chopping and changing your manager every year. You're then back at square one."
Conroy leads the Tribesmen into Sunday's do-or-die clash with Cavan. The mission couldn't be more straightforward. Win in Kingspan Breffni Park and Galway will play Division 1 football next year. Ironically, travelling to Cavan might suit Walsh's side a bit more as they haven't won any of their three home games in this year's league.
"I can't put my finger on that," Conroy replied when asked why Galway do better on the road. "We went away to Derry and won very convincingly and we've had a decent record away. I don't know why that is.
"We struggled with (home form) last year and it cost us. We lost to Laois in Tuam and to Cavan in Pearse Stadium. This year hasn't been great either. There's been two draws and we lost to Tyrone at home but hopefully that positive away form will continue on Sunday."
Sunday represents another chance to get back into the top flight. They came close back in 2012 but John Doyle's penalty with the last kick of the game secured a draw for Kildare and saw them go up at the expense of the Tribesmen. And if there was any doubt back then as to whether they were ready for the high-octane Division 1, Conroy believes his side have served their time now.
Struggled
"Maybe we weren't ready to move up. I'd like to think we are capable and ready to move up now."
The current Galway side is littered with All-Ireland winners at minor, U-21 and club level. They know better than most in Galway that that success won't necessarily translate to the senior stage but Conroy believes Walsh has put the necessary framework in place for the county to flourish.
"Maybe we only have four or five lads who have played in Division 1. The average age in the team is around 22 or 23, but most have been involved for a couple of years.
"They are relatively experienced. In fairness to them they've been doing fairly well winning two U-21s in the past couple of years. So it is time for us now to bring it to senior level."
It'd be nice to have a load of Connacht derbies next year in D1 like the good old days, but saying that Ros-Cavan is like a derby game at this point. Hard to know how this one will shake down.
Quote from: Syferus on March 31, 2016, 08:54:59 PM
It'd be nice to have a load of Connacht derbies next year in D1 like the good old days, but saying that Ros-Cavan is like a derby game at this point. Hard to know how this one will shake down.
3 Connacht teams in D1 would be one of the signs for the Rapture.
Quote from: seafoid on April 01, 2016, 01:46:36 AM
Quote from: Syferus on March 31, 2016, 08:54:59 PM
It'd be nice to have a load of Connacht derbies next year in D1 like the good old days, but saying that Ros-Cavan is like a derby game at this point. Hard to know how this one will shake down.
3 Connacht teams in D1 would be one of the signs for the Rapture.
It's not that long ago when FOUR connacht teams made the division 1 semi finals!
Galway team vs Cavan
(NFL Div.2, Round 7)
1. Manus Breathnach (An Spidéal)
2. David Wynne (Maigh Cuilinn)
3. Declan Kyne (Clonbur)
4. Cathal Sweeney (Killannin)
5. Liam Silke (Corofin)
6. Gary O'Donnell (Tuam Stars - captain)
7. Johnny Heaney (Killannin)
8. Fiontáin Ó Curraoin (Mícheál Breathnach)
9. Paul Conroy (St. James')
10. Thomas Flynn (Athenry)
11. Eddie Hoare (St. Michael's)
12. Gary Sice (Corofin)
13. Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin/Clonberne)
14. Adrian Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks)
15. Damien Comer (Annaghdown)
No changes from the team that started against Fermanagh, I thought we might see Danny Cummins or Eamon Brannigan brought into the forward line, Shane Walsh must be fit thankfully.
I would love to see Cavan pushing on and winning Ulsters again but they seem to be missing something.
That is more or less the galway team to face mayo later on in the championship,Bradshaw and Danny Cummins possible starters come championship.Cavan game will tell us alot where we are, hopefully on the way up!!
I doubt that's the team that will start.
Brannigan,Bradshaw,Cummins all in with a good shout of starting.
Eddie Hoare has to be in danger of the chop
I doubt that's even the team that will start against Cavan, Adrian Varley left Tuam with his shoulder in a sling last week apparently and Fiontan came off because of injury as well, we'll see!
Quote from: galwayman on April 02, 2016, 07:04:55 PM
Eddie Hoare has to be in danger of the chop
Walsh seems to like him though. He's a decent league footballer but his lack of pace will be exposed I feel once the pitches harden nearer the Summer.
True.he was poor last week.
A good club player certainly but not up to senior county level
How do the Cavan lads fancy their chances in Championship this year?
They haven't really made much progress since 2013, I think this may partly have been to do with a lot of withdrawals and such and Killian Clarke who is their best player after McKiernan hasn't played much Championship games in the last two seasons. The likes of Keating, Johnson and Givney back this year is a big boost to them. Mackey has also struggled with injuries in that time.
They would also seem to be a much more physically equipped side this year. With Givney back, Buchanan and Argue now getting adjusted to senior football, Corr, McKiernan, Clarke - they have a real big physical base to their side - which I felt has been lacking with them recently.
Their forward line is much improved, not so sure about the back line although I'm very surprised it has taken Conor Moynagh this long to nail a starting place down given how highly he seems to be rated in Cavan. I haven't seen them in action this year but their results have been impressive, they've been very consistent and on the face of it they look to have got a few key men back in and the side has a better all round physical balance to it along with some natural scorers up front.
What would be the expectations for the Championship? Ulster? Ulster final? Good qualifier run?
I remember thinking they were going nowhere under Hyland after they couldn't see it out against Monaghan last year. After so long under one manager, winning a game of that nature, when five points ahead, would have been a signal they were going places. Or rather, losing it like they did showed the opposite. Teams on the verge of challenging the leading lights win those games.
This Galway game will show a lot with regard to whether or not they're about to make a step up. The signs are good so far but let's see how they go when the pressure is on. A solid League could set them up nicely for at least a decent spin through the qualifiers but for me it's all still up in the air right now.
4 changes for Galway:
Out:
Johnny Heaney, Fiontán Ó Curraoin, Eddie Hoare, Adrian Varley
In:
Gareth Bradshaw, Eamon Brannigan, Patrick Sweeney, Danny Cummins
Woo f**king hoo
No surprise. Frankly, can't believe how we beat Laois and Derry at the start. Been absolutely static for years.
We haven't progressed at all under Kevin Walsh.
Absolutely no better than under Mulholland
Well done to Cavan.
Northern Sound went hoarse with about 10 minutes to go.
The old enemy returns.
Well done Cavan, fully merited win today. A lot of soul searching required by a number of players after that performance today and the sideline didn't cover themselves in glory either! There was one oh so obvious switch that should have been made early on and it just never materialised - couldn't believe it to be honest. Hard to look forward to the championship as a Galway supporter this evening. :(
Well done to Cavan. Fair play to the posters on here for keeping the faith. I hope ye can kick on from this.
Bad day for Galway.
Well done to Cavan a great traditional county finally back in division one that hard work underage is paying off now. As for Galway Kevin Walsh was a great player but he is not the right manager to bring Galway seniors forward.
Congrats to Cavan.
Nice to see one of the traditional aristocrats back at the top.
Quote from: GaillimhIarthair on April 03, 2016, 05:27:36 PM
Well done Cavan, fully merited win today. A lot of soul searching required by a number of players after that performance today and the sideline didn't cover themselves in glory either! There was one oh so obvious switch that should have been made early on and it just never materialised - couldn't believe it to be honest. Hard to look forward to the championship as a Galway supporter this evening. :(
I'm feeling the same tonight Gaillimh. Very deflated.
I was in Cavan today.
For the first time in my life I have a huge sense of dread heading into the championship.
We have huge problems in Galway football.
If some form of action plan is not implemented soon I fear for our long term Gaelic football future.
I don't have the answers but something has to be put in place and soon.
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
Quote from: Syferus on April 03, 2016, 04:58:37 PM
The old enemy returns.
That doesn't narrow it down atall atall
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 08:47:15 PM
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
That's mean spirited Barbarino and on a day when Monaghan's teeth skin was just marginally thicker than Cork's.
Just be grateful we didn't pass by Cavan on our way down to Div 2.
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Ah sure don't you be worrying your good self about us poor creatures in suffering!
;D
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Much more to senior inter county football than just winning All Ireland. Your county are now established division two team and for the pick you have that simply isn't good enough.
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 03, 2016, 09:31:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Much more to senior inter county football than just winning All Ireland. Your county are now established division two team and for the pick you have that simply isn't good enough.
Sure neither is the Mayo pick .. All Irelands do count. Walk into any pub in North Galway.
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:51:51 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 03, 2016, 09:31:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Much more to senior inter county football than just winning All Ireland. Your county are now established division two team and for the pick you have that simply isn't good enough.
Sure neither is the Mayo pick .. All Irelands do count. Walk into any pub in North Galway.
Absolutely! Being in Division One for 20 years. Winning Connacht titles year in year out, winning Quarter finals and semi finals in Croker for the last 15 years, Playing nice football, running Kerry close and getting all the plaudits are not worth a damn if you are not winning AI titles. But hey you can only try and we've enjoyed the last 15 years a lot more than some have! ;)
Quote from: Main Street on April 03, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 08:47:15 PM
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
That's mean spirited Barbarino and on a day when Monaghan's teeth skin was just marginally thicker than Cork's.
Just be grateful we didn't pass by Cavan on our way down to Div 2.
Moi, mean spirited
a propos Cavan. Jamais. Feck of with your generosity of spirit ye lundy.
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 08:47:15 PM
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
I too am looking forward to Cavan v Conor McManus next year. Congrats on staying up and getting through a second year without a doping scandal in your squad. ;D
Massive win today, delighted for the lads. Strongest Cavan Senior Panel in 10 years or more.
Well that's that then, last competitive game until June 18th. Wasn't at the game but it sounds like the same old story. Not looking forward to meeting Mayo to be honest, I can see us taking another hammering if Mayo click on the day and we continue the way we have been. Goalkeeping still seems to be an issue for a second year in a row. I saw a list of teams that were in the semi finals of the Galway club championship somewhere lately and there was a shockingly low representation from these teams on the county panel, might be time to go back to these clubs and see if there's anything they've missed. Even though the standard of our club championship lately (with the exception of Corofin) has been absolutely shocking which hasn't helped.
Not many pluses for Galway but good to see Shane Walsh getting back to his best after last year's tragic accident. Some of his touches today were sublime given the conditions. He should be even better on the firmer surfaces come the Summer. Unfortunately hard to see anything other than Galway getting overpowered by Mayo again in Connacht and another trip into the qualifiers.
Quote from: From the Bunker on April 03, 2016, 10:05:30 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:51:51 PM
Quote from: Cunny Funt on April 03, 2016, 09:31:12 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 03, 2016, 09:20:46 PM
D1 will have 4 counties who live for football and have not won Sam for over 60 years if at all. Only Kildare are gagging for an AI more than MO, CN,MN and RN. Surely one of them can break the hoodoo.
Much more to senior inter county football than just winning All Ireland. Your county are now established division two team and for the pick you have that simply isn't good enough.
Sure neither is the Mayo pick .. All Irelands do count. Walk into any pub in North Galway.
Absolutely! Being in Division One for 20 years. Winning Connacht titles year in year out, winning Quarter finals and semi finals in Croker for the last 15 years, Playing nice football, running Kerry close and getting all the plaudits are not worth a damn if you are not winning AI titles. But hey you can only try and we've enjoyed the last 15 years a lot more than some have! ;)
Are Mayo the new Tyrone?
Every thread has to end up being about Mayo?
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 10:08:12 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 03, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 08:47:15 PM
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
That's mean spirited Barbarino and on a day when Monaghan's teeth skin was just marginally thicker than Cork's.
Just be grateful we didn't pass by Cavan on our way down to Div 2.
Moi, mean spirited a propos Cavan. Jamais. Feck of with your generosity of spirit ye lundy.
I just can't remember the last time Cavan were a problem for Monaghan.
2001?
Cavan have been in the shadows that long.
Cavan have a rare day of success and before the sun sets the witch comes to claim Cavan's first child. The witch's name is Monaghan.
A disappointing result but not a surprise given Cavan's form and our last 3 results. Congratulations to Cavan, they clearly deserve their promotion but let there's a lesson for those writing KW off that Hyland was similarly written off last year.
After we'd beaten Derry I expected Galway to get promoted and am surprised we've failed to win a game since. There were certainly signs of improvement last summer, we gave Mayo more of a test than we have in several years and could easily have beaten Donegal; I watched that game again recently and should have been 3 or 4 points clear going into the final 20 minutes, we missed 4 easy chances no more than 25 yards out whilst keeping Donegal to kicking some great points from distance, obviously we were opened up in the last 20 minutes but for the majority of the game we were in it. Lets see how we get on in this years championship before we assess KW properly although its thoroughly understandable that many are very frustrated.
Quote from: Main Street on April 04, 2016, 12:39:35 AM
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 10:08:12 PM
Quote from: Main Street on April 03, 2016, 09:15:01 PM
Quote from: babarino on April 03, 2016, 08:47:15 PM
Happy to renew acquaintances with the Breiffne in the top flight next year. Suspect they'll last as long as this year's newbies Down.
(The Cavan 1st goal today was a cleverly disguised lift ball)
That's mean spirited Barbarino and on a day when Monaghan's teeth skin was just marginally thicker than Cork's.
Just be grateful we didn't pass by Cavan on our way down to Div 2.
Moi, mean spirited a propos Cavan. Jamais. Feck of with your generosity of spirit ye lundy.
I just can't remember the last time Cavan were a problem for Monaghan.
2001?
Cavan have been in the shadows that long.
Monaghan only bet Cavan last two championship games by a point. Last year Monaghan had a bench, Cavan didn't. Cavan have a strong bench for the first time in years. Plus I'm pretty sure our recent league meetings have being tight too.
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 04, 2016, 10:17:18 AM
A disappointing result but not a surprise given Cavan's form and our last 3 results. Congratulations to Cavan, they clearly deserve their promotion but let there's a lesson for those writing KW off that Hyland was similarly written off last year.
After we'd beaten Derry I expected Galway to get promoted and am surprised we've failed to win a game since. There were certainly signs of improvement last summer, we gave Mayo more of a test than we have in several years and could easily have beaten Donegal; I watched that game again recently and should have been 3 or 4 points clear going into the final 20 minutes, we missed 4 easy chances no more than 25 yards out whilst keeping Donegal to kicking some great points from distance, obviously we were opened up in the last 20 minutes but for the majority of the game we were in it. Lets see how we get on in this years championship before we assess KW properly although its thoroughly understandable that many are very frustrated.
most of the team are young and don'T have the cuteness yet. They have a tendency to switch off that has to be worked on. The more matches they get, the better. They are also missing a core of older players so they have to figure it out themselves. At least we have decent forwards. The defence has made progress and when they go forward they are exciting to watch. I wouldn't mind staying another year in D2 if it meant winning Sam in the next 5 years. I think that is possible.
There were 2.6 k in Pearse to see them v Tyrone and 8k in Pearse the following week to see the hurlers so the footballers are not yet viral.
Cavan have a very tough assignment in Ulster this year.
Quote from: seafoid on April 04, 2016, 10:39:04 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 04, 2016, 10:17:18 AM
A disappointing result but not a surprise given Cavan's form and our last 3 results. Congratulations to Cavan, they clearly deserve their promotion but let there's a lesson for those writing KW off that Hyland was similarly written off last year.
After we'd beaten Derry I expected Galway to get promoted and am surprised we've failed to win a game since. There were certainly signs of improvement last summer, we gave Mayo more of a test than we have in several years and could easily have beaten Donegal; I watched that game again recently and should have been 3 or 4 points clear going into the final 20 minutes, we missed 4 easy chances no more than 25 yards out whilst keeping Donegal to kicking some great points from distance, obviously we were opened up in the last 20 minutes but for the majority of the game we were in it. Lets see how we get on in this years championship before we assess KW properly although its thoroughly understandable that many are very frustrated.
most of the team are young and don'T have the cuteness yet. They have a tendency to switch off that has to be worked on. The more matches they get, the better. They are also missing a core of older players so they have to figure it out themselves. At least we have decent forwards. The defence has made progress and when they go forward they are exciting to watch. I wouldn't mind staying another year in D2 if it meant winning Sam in the next 5 years. I think that is possible.
Can't share your optimism. Bar Shane Walsh and Comer (at a pinch, he needs improvement also) and maybe Brannigan who might yet be a good-un, the rest of our forwards (and team in general) are very average. At the risk of sounding like a parrot, the likes of Cummins, Hoare, Flynn, O'Curraoin, O'Donnell, Bradshaw, the Sweeneys etc. have all reached their limit as players, which is yesterday, around 3rd/4th in Div II. Sice is inconsistent, and while KW was right to try a new FB after Hanley's many struggles last year, Kyne doesn't appear to be the answer. Our goalie doesn't inspire confidence. Mayo were fairly comfortable against us in Pearse last year, while Donegal pulled away too easily when they upped a gear, (and they were well-beaten subsequently). And we were a far better outfit last year IMO. It would take a leap of confidence far greater than my imagination will allow to see most of these winning Sam at any time.
I actually don't know if some of the aforementioned players are Senior or Intermediate in Galway because I'm not sure what the difference is any more and no-one seems to care. Going back 10 years or more, league games were a big thing, worthy of discussion in the pubs on weekend nights, especially when promotion/relegation to and from the Senior ranks was at stake. Intermediate clubs strove to go Senior via either league or c'ship; the 16 Senior clubs wore their status rather as a badge of honour, and tried to avoid being relegated by finishing outside the bottom 2 in 1B. (No relegation via the c'ship then.) If you went down, you felt you could be down there for a long, long time. Now, I doubt if there are many fans in the county who could name who the Senior clubs are and what league division they are in. I'm not saying a restoration of this system would transform our fortunes overnight, but I do think it would give a better structure and identity to the club scene.
At post-primary school in Tuam back in the 80s, football was religion, as much as hurling still is in Gort, Loughrea etc. now. While Jarlath's dominated, the CBS would only recognise this due to the fact they took in boarders from perfidious Mayo and beyond; they saw themselves as the true representatives of North Galway football. League and c'ship games between the 2 schools were often crackers and be the talk of the hinterland for days before and afterwards. Sligo or Roscommon schools were scarcely even a footnote. Now, the 2 have amalgamated, boarders no longer are taken, but for some reason they have become much less than the sum of their parts. Tuam is not a football town any more, the capital city of a rich region. There's a famine in the North with no end in sight.
Galway has often seen fallow periods, but even during the 70s, 80s and early 90s, finals were reached and semi-finals were at least competitive. Now, we haven't won at HQ since '01 and haven't looked like doing so since maybe the '05 1/4 final v Cork when a good HT lead was blown. We've slipped very badly and shouting 'Stop' isn't helping.
I think there were 7 players from intermediate clubs starting for Galway yesterday, doesn't say a lot for our senior championship. I agree with your point about the club league mouview, if nothing else the league had meaning and it gave county management another chance to look at players, now it's only glorified challenge matches. Bad weekend all round for the county. The pressure is going to really be on Kevin now.
Quote from: mouview on April 04, 2016, 12:42:29 PM
Quote from: seafoid on April 04, 2016, 10:39:04 AM
Quote from: Maroon Manc on April 04, 2016, 10:17:18 AM
A disappointing result but not a surprise given Cavan's form and our last 3 results. Congratulations to Cavan, they clearly deserve their promotion but let there's a lesson for those writing KW off that Hyland was similarly written off last year.
After we'd beaten Derry I expected Galway to get promoted and am surprised we've failed to win a game since. There were certainly signs of improvement last summer, we gave Mayo more of a test than we have in several years and could easily have beaten Donegal; I watched that game again recently and should have been 3 or 4 points clear going into the final 20 minutes, we missed 4 easy chances no more than 25 yards out whilst keeping Donegal to kicking some great points from distance, obviously we were opened up in the last 20 minutes but for the majority of the game we were in it. Lets see how we get on in this years championship before we assess KW properly although its thoroughly understandable that many are very frustrated.
most of the team are young and don'T have the cuteness yet. They have a tendency to switch off that has to be worked on. The more matches they get, the better. They are also missing a core of older players so they have to figure it out themselves. At least we have decent forwards. The defence has made progress and when they go forward they are exciting to watch. I wouldn't mind staying another year in D2 if it meant winning Sam in the next 5 years. I think that is possible.
Can't share your optimism. Bar Shane Walsh and Comer (at a pinch, he needs improvement also) and maybe Brannigan who might yet be a good-un, the rest of our forwards (and team in general) are very average. At the risk of sounding like a parrot, the likes of Cummins, Hoare, Flynn, O'Curraoin, O'Donnell, Bradshaw, the Sweeneys etc. have all reached their limit as players, which is yesterday, around 3rd/4th in Div II. Sice is inconsistent, and while KW was right to try a new FB after Hanley's many struggles last year, Kyne doesn't appear to be the answer. Our goalie doesn't inspire confidence. Mayo were fairly comfortable against us in Pearse last year, while Donegal pulled away too easily when they upped a gear, (and they were well-beaten subsequently). And we were a far better outfit last year IMO. It would take a leap of confidence far greater than my imagination will allow to see most of these winning Sam at any time.
I actually don't know if some of the aforementioned players are Senior or Intermediate in Galway because I'm not sure what the difference is any more and no-one seems to care. Going back 10 years or more, league games were a big thing, worthy of discussion in the pubs on weekend nights, especially when promotion/relegation to and from the Senior ranks was at stake. Intermediate clubs strove to go Senior via either league or c'ship; the 16 Senior clubs wore their status rather as a badge of honour, and tried to avoid being relegated by finishing outside the bottom 2 in 1B. (No relegation via the c'ship then.) If you went down, you felt you could be down there for a long, long time. Now, I doubt if there are many fans in the county who could name who the Senior clubs are and what league division they are in. I'm not saying a restoration of this system would transform our fortunes overnight, but I do think it would give a better structure and identity to the club scene.
At post-primary school in Tuam back in the 80s, football was religion, as much as hurling still is in Gort, Loughrea etc. now. While Jarlath's dominated, the CBS would only recognise this due to the fact they took in boarders from perfidious Mayo and beyond; they saw themselves as the true representatives of North Galway football. League and c'ship games between the 2 schools were often crackers and be the talk of the hinterland for days before and afterwards. Sligo or Roscommon schools were scarcely even a footnote. Now, the 2 have amalgamated, boarders no longer are taken, but for some reason they have become much less than the sum of their parts. Tuam is not a football town any more, the capital city of a rich region. There's a famine in the North with no end in sight.
Galway has often seen fallow periods, but even during the 70s, 80s and early 90s, finals were reached and semi-finals were at least competitive. Now, we haven't won at HQ since '01 and haven't looked like doing so since maybe the '05 1/4 final v Cork when a good HT lead was blown. We've slipped very badly and shouting 'Stop' isn't helping.
I think you're been too negative Mouview although its difficult to share Seafoid's optimism. You're been very harsh on Cathal Sweeney, he was excellent on Cillian O'Connor, Jamie Clarke & McBreaty last summer although I don't think his brother is good enough.
It did look far too easy for Cavan to get scores yesterday, our fullback line looked way too exposed yesterday which has been a problem for years. It sounds like we struggled with breaking ball yesterday and winning the kick outs, this needs fixing urgently and it was our biggest problem against Mayo last year and really struggled the last 20 minutes against Donegal in this area. I've lost count of the amount of soft goals we've conceded. The goal conceded yesterday looked very soft whilst the 2 we conceded against Derry and the goal against Tyrone we're extremely poor to concede. If both these aspects of our game were fixed we'd certainly have better results and would likely have been promoted. KW will be under pressure if this still a problem come the end of this years championship 2 years is enough time to sort out the basics of the game.
It does take time though, we'd been completely left behind in recent years as the gap between ourselves the top teams was gigantic. I know in AM's last year we got closer to Mayo and got within a few points of Kerry at one stage in the second half but both opponents didn't need to operate at their best to beat us, I will say we don't look as physically weak as we did 2 years ago.
I don't think the players are as bad as your making out though Mouview but we do look short of a bit of quality in certain areas, I'm not convinced about Kyne yet although we'll know more about it him come championship and our GK is an issue too. We're probably short of a scoring forward too but most counties have that problem. We don't have the quality of players we had in 98-01 but I do think we've got enough to get promoted to Div 1 and be competitive. Lets see what the championship brings
I'll give you a bit of leeway on C Sweeney, MM, even if I thought he overachieved a lot last year. Conceding goals, while maybe preventable, is just another sign of bad defending, and Galway were under pressure anyway v Meath, (despite letting in a soft one), and v Fermanagh, where they conceded none. When you have good players, imposing tactics or playing systems isn't such a big deal; when you have bad players, no amount of tweaking or coaching seems to get results.
I don't want to be harsh on amateurs who're giving so much of their time for our entertainment, but sadly, I really do think our players are that ordinary. From what I've seen from the league, our only indispensable players would be Walsh and Comer, with Conroy, Sice, Silke and Wynne (not too bad a debut season in fairness) being the next up. Beating Mayo in June at this remove is unthinkable, and because it is a semi-final would mean that we would be playing a 'warmer' team in our first qualifier round. Unfortunately I just think 2016 is already probably gone.
Quote from: seafoid on April 04, 2016, 05:24:03 AM
Cavan have a rare day of success and before the sun sets the witch comes to claim Cavan's first child. The witch's name is Monaghan.
Good old Seafood. Did you liberate the nipples yet?
Galway Footballers Homepage on Facebook have listed the clubs and players used throughout this league (not official page by the way, it's run by supporters)
The following is a breakdown of the clubs represented in the 2016 NFL
17 clubs, 29 players
- Killannin: 4 players
(Cathal & Patrick Sweeney, Johnny Heaney, Ruairi Greene)
- St. Michael's: 3 players
(Eddie Hoare, Eamonn Brannigan, David Cunnane)
- Maigh Cuilinn: 3 players
(David Wynne, Gareth Bradshaw & Peter Cooke)
- Mícheál Breathnach: 2 players
(Fiontain Ó Curraoin & Sean Denvir)
- Clonbur: 2 players
(Alan & Declan Kyne)
- Corofin: 2 players
(Liam Silke & Gary Sice)
- Annaghdown: 2 players
(Damien Comer & Eoghan Kerin)
- Athenry: 2 players
(Tom Flynn & Thomas Dolan)
- Kilkerrin/Clonberne: 1 player
(Shane Walsh)
- Cortoon Shamrocks: 1 player
(Adrian Varley)
- Oughterard: 1 player
(Enda Tierney)
- Claregalway: 1 player
(Danny Cummins)
- Salthill/Knocknacarra: 1 player
(Finian Hanley)
- St. James': 1 player
(Paul Conroy)
- Tuam Stars: 1 player
(Gary O'Donnell)
- An Spidéal: 1 player
(Manus Breathnach)
- Kilconly: 1 player
(Paul Mannion)
not one representative from the likes of Milltown, Mountbellew/Moylough, Caltra, Killererin (in fairness, we have nobody good enough at the minute), Dunmore, Monivea, you'd have to wonder is it that the talent isn't there? Will they not play under the current regime? Is the standard in the north of the county gone downhill that much?