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Won't bother Galway either way shur they're fan base is piss poor till all Ireland final day . How many Galway at provincial final yesterday, 5/6 k ? It's a poor show

Yeah the Galway football support isn't great, but it's always been that way, if there's a Galway team going really well, the fairweathers will come out to support in good numbers, otherwise forget about it. Wouldn't be bothered about attendance yesterday, plenty of fans (including ones who go to most of the games like myself) made business decisions on a match that Galway were always going to win, with at least 3 more games to come.

Would be a massive issue alright if they handed out All Ireland's on the basis of "best fanbase", but they don't.

Galway have zero excuses for Sunday, need to be ruthless in front of the posts like a Kerry would be in the same position as huge favourites.

Got what I expected and what was needed, really professional performance from Galway, excellent shot conversion rate albeit against a Division 3/4 outfit.
Any Sligo mistakes were punished really bar the late kickout that Tierney won and couldn't slip the handpass to the onrushing Galway player for a good goal chance. Tierney was excellent besides, totally on it from the start.

Galway sloppy at times in 2nd half but the game was long over. Hard to be overly critical, did what they had to do.
Walsh way out of form the last two matches, if he's been sick with the flu don't play him, it's Sligo not Mayo or Kerry. Cooke very good today I thought but you have to caveat everything with the fact there is a huge gap from Division One down to the lower levels. Galway are facing into a much greater challenge in two weeks time from a team who were AI champions only two years ago.

Galway and Kerry are the only real contenders   in my opinion.

Wouldn't write off Dublin until they are in the ground with a stake in the heart, if they hit form on the big day they could take out the champions, they are definitely not the team they were however. Don't know where the other contenders are at yet, Mayo could do anything from flopping out at the q final stage to winning the whole thing. Cannot understand what Tyrone are at. Until we see otherwise Kerry are clearly still the team to beat for me anyway.

While I like the look of what the men in maroon have displayed to date, there is a long way to go yet for Galway, the cat bad league final performance at the venue where the big games will all be played remains a concern. Had no excuse for the really flat performance - unlike Mayo who were out the following week - and could have done with the win in a national final. Squad is better but need to keep driving on.

Joyce wanting to retain Maher and Conroy at midfield means McDaid to 7 was something that could have been seen coming, hope that works out because a HB line of McHugh, Daly and McDaid all playing to potential could be the best line in the team. I would be concerned about McDaid's tackling technique at times, hopefully he's more so going the other way but it's something to watch out for, Galway cannot be giving away stupid fouls that turn into easy scores, always a chance you'll have a ref only too happy to blow for soft enough stuff like the league final this year.

What's going on with the goalkeeper hokey cokey I don't know, if they had been alternating every league game to see who got the nod for championship you'd say something but here we are regardless.

Looking for Galway to show some improvement on breaking ball and kickout retention from the Rossie match, also interested to see if Sligo will target the lack of height in the Galway FB line Sunday and how they might cope with that, seems a possible avenue of attack for Sligo.

Galway have zero excuses for Sunday, need to be ruthless in front of the posts like a Kerry would be in the same position as huge favourites.

Galway county chairman Paul Bellew has a differing viewpoint on the age grade structures, he reckons it's helping to retain more players, although he states that this is maybe more specific to Galway, relevant discussion is at 18 minutes into this interview, although not as bothered about inter county age grades:
https://www.offtheball.com/podcasts/otb-gaa-on-off-the-ball/galway-gaa-chairperson-paul-bellew-funding-coaching-and-under-age-system

There's no way it was 1/50 on in 2007 surely? I'd be shocked if it was, one of the Sligo posters would remember maybe what they were as underdogs that day.

Can't see any previous thread on this which says a lot. Galway are 1/50 on and the spread is 12 points. I can't recall any previous Connacht final where Galway were as overwhelming favourites to win, it's highly doubtful the 2000 final versus Leitrim was at those levels with the bookmakers, only final I can recall that might be in the mix.

Haven't done Connacht back to back since 2002/03, which both speaks to the competitiveness of the Rossies and the excellent Mayo team that walked all over Galway and the rest of the province for a long time, while also of course reflecting the absolute circle of hell that Galway football descended into, there were some chastening days including at the hands of Sligo in 2010. Would be a sign of progress to be consistently winning Connacht again but that said, the reputation of the provincial system is in dire order now compared to the start of the noughties.
This Sunday if Galway show up paying full respect to Sligo, going full tilt and playing to potential, they should be winning well I think, although given the draw today there's not exactly a brilliant prize awaiting the Connacht winners.

Is there any potential for a shock result at all?

[But with 3 progressing it's not something to be worried about.]

The way the provincials worked out this year, the group with the Ulster runner up was always going to be the "group of death". But with 3 progressing it's not something to be worried about.

People seem to think because three teams are getting out of the group, that as long as a team gets out of the group all will be fine and dandy.
There's going to be a world of difference in terms of teams coming out of the group as winner versus 2nd versus 3rd.
Half of those who come out of the group in 2nd and 3rd place will be gone within 7 days.
It's not like the Super 8s where getting out of the group would get a team a place in a semi-final in a neutral venue.

This is so true, topping the group is vital to get that two week break to a q final and to avoid the other group winners in the draw.
I'd go so far as to say that whoever are the four teams that top their respective groups, the eventual winners of Sam are going to come from that cohort. Not to say a 2nd or 3rd placed team can't do it but going week in week out playing win or go home games will stretch squads and any injury niggles to the limit, the odds just get longer and longer.

Surely there would be similar odds to a team from the qualifiers winning Sam in the old days

It's not like the old days though this is the thing, topping the group is the only way to go, advantage of a week off while the 2nd and 3rd placed teams are fighting for their lives at the same time is going to be massive. Maybe it'll shake out differently but I'll be shocked if the AI winner isn't one of the group table toppers.

Personally I think it should be top two through and two week break for those teams to the Q-finals but I see why they have gone this route to avoid the round 3 dead rubbers.

[But with 3 progressing it's not something to be worried about.]

The way the provincials worked out this year, the group with the Ulster runner up was always going to be the "group of death". But with 3 progressing it's not something to be worried about.

People seem to think because three teams are getting out of the group, that as long as a team gets out of the group all will be fine and dandy.
There's going to be a world of difference in terms of teams coming out of the group as winner versus 2nd versus 3rd.
Half of those who come out of the group in 2nd and 3rd place will be gone within 7 days.
It's not like the Super 8s where getting out of the group would get a team a place in a semi-final in a neutral venue.

This is so true, topping the group is vital to get that two week break to a q final and to avoid the other group winners in the draw.
I'd go so far as to say that whoever are the four teams that top their respective groups, the eventual winners of Sam are going to come from that cohort. Not to say a 2nd or 3rd placed team can't do it but going week in week out playing win or go home games will stretch squads and any injury niggles to the limit, the odds just get longer and longer.

[Armagh]

Connacht winner will probably get a tougher group than any other Connacht side eliminated earlier lol.

If Galway do win Connacht, that's twice in 2 years their 'reward' for winning their province has been the rotten draw against the good Ulster side. Last year, 1 of Clare, Cork Armagh. This year, one of Clare, Louth, Armagh/Derry

A handy run last year according to the Mayo boys though.
Sure Sligo might get the booby prize this year yet.

[Conroy wasn't great either.]

Galway won 10 out of 39 kickouts but had 26 attempts compared to Roscommon's 18, shows stats aren't everything but Galway won't be winning any All Ireland unless the kickouts improve.

As been covered a shocking 5 minutes from Galway, think every score for Roscommon during the period come from really poor kick passes. I'm sure once they watch the video of the game they'll be disappointed they didn't score around 2-16, they were excellent goal chances for Comer & Kelly who are both normally excellent in front of goal. On a positive note Galway responded very well to going behind and were back 5 points clear within about 10 minutes.

That was a brilliantly worked goal from Roscommon but not sure how their tallest player from himself isolated on Galway's smallest player but even then Sweeney has to understand where the danger is and not vacate the space for an easy goal for Murtagh; Apart from that Sweeney & McGrath were excellent, looked very comfortable at this level.

Walsh's shooting was poor, must have had 3 or 4 wides from play and Conroy wasn't great either. Ian Burke did very well, clearly he was going well in training but you can see why he was picked against a team which is very well organised defensively.

Maher again was excellent with 2 points from play as well as keeping Enda Smith quiet, he's been a huge bonus for Galway. McHugh too had another great game whilst Comer was superb.

Whatever the succession plan for Conroy is needs to start kicking into gear I'm afraid. Conroy has had a great last few years since returning from the double leg break and has been an incredible servant but I'd worry over whether he is going to be able to stick the pace at this advanced stage of his career, ground and matches will both be playing quicker and harder from the group stages on. Last year he was on fire in the league and up to the Q final stage in championship before two really tame performances at the real business end, no coincidence that was when we hit CP and it will be hard to reverse that this year. He has had some good to great performances in the odd game this year as well, but the graph looks to be trending only one way.
The problem is that Galway are very reliant on Conroy and Daly for setting up attacks and unlocking defences with kick passes, neither had their greatest games yesterday. Conroy handles the most ball of any Galway player in every match almost, I don't see any lad that can do the same job that's ready to step in unfortunately. I think this is going to be an issue unless Conroy can find one final Indian summer in him.

Conroy mixed sublime with appalling. His balls for 3 scores, to Heaney, Burke and Tierneys mark were exceptional. The Burke one in particular was outrageous. However, some of his old failings for kicking ball away needlessly is an issue and doesn't tally with games Galway are attempting to control. He had two shockers in the second half. The first in particular at a moment of pressure directly caused Conor Daly's goal chance which shouldve been taken. He really shouldve known better in that moment

However I think back to when our season looked in the doldrums in the second half of the Tyrone game, and Conroy seemingly taking the game over on his own. He's still an absolutely pivotal leadership figure imo and also still the one player id trust to play a ball to unlock a defence (think of the pass to Comer in the league final). That's ahead of John Daly even who himself can't be excused, he's given away a number of stupid balls in the last two games. With two runners now seemingly around him in Maher and McDaid (wherever he fits back in), we can surely find a way to protect his legs on fast pitches.

Incidentally, i'd also have also said Conroy's gets our most touches by far. However I now think its Peter Cooke. The lad is a magnet for the ball in slow play. Whether anything good is coming from that is up for debate

I don't necessarily disagree with any of that, he is hugely important but for me that's the problem in itself as I'm not sure that we can find a way to protect a player as you've outlined in a big match against a serious team, CP just seems to play different and anyone not up to the pitch of it gets left in the dust. We'll miss Conroy when he is gone out of the team and I don't see any natural replacement, which is the worry really.

what date do they make the draw?

May 2nd I believe.

Sound , thats decent , gives time for everyone to prep and supporters time to make plans .

How could they do draw May 2nd - most of the winners and losers of provincials won't have been decided

This is the GAA, don't expect it to make sense. I didn't believe it when I first heard it either but here we are.

[Conroy wasn't great either.]

Galway won 10 out of 39 kickouts but had 26 attempts compared to Roscommon's 18, shows stats aren't everything but Galway won't be winning any All Ireland unless the kickouts improve.

As been covered a shocking 5 minutes from Galway, think every score for Roscommon during the period come from really poor kick passes. I'm sure once they watch the video of the game they'll be disappointed they didn't score around 2-16, they were excellent goal chances for Comer & Kelly who are both normally excellent in front of goal. On a positive note Galway responded very well to going behind and were back 5 points clear within about 10 minutes.

That was a brilliantly worked goal from Roscommon but not sure how their tallest player from himself isolated on Galway's smallest player but even then Sweeney has to understand where the danger is and not vacate the space for an easy goal for Murtagh; Apart from that Sweeney & McGrath were excellent, looked very comfortable at this level.

Walsh's shooting was poor, must have had 3 or 4 wides from play and Conroy wasn't great either. Ian Burke did very well, clearly he was going well in training but you can see why he was picked against a team which is very well organised defensively.

Maher again was excellent with 2 points from play as well as keeping Enda Smith quiet, he's been a huge bonus for Galway. McHugh too had another great game whilst Comer was superb.

Whatever the succession plan for Conroy is needs to start kicking into gear I'm afraid. Conroy has had a great last few years since returning from the double leg break and has been an incredible servant but I'd worry over whether he is going to be able to stick the pace at this advanced stage of his career, ground and matches will both be playing quicker and harder from the group stages on. Last year he was on fire in the league and up to the Q final stage in championship before two really tame performances at the real business end, no coincidence that was when we hit CP and it will be hard to reverse that this year. He has had some good to great performances in the odd game this year as well, but the graph looks to be trending only one way.
The problem is that Galway are very reliant on Conroy and Daly for setting up attacks and unlocking defences with kick passes, neither had their greatest games yesterday. Conroy handles the most ball of any Galway player in every match almost, I don't see any lad that can do the same job that's ready to step in unfortunately. I think this is going to be an issue unless Conroy can find one final Indian summer in him.

I think that the people piling in on Gleeson previously should now start to appreciate that it's not all on the goalie and Power is not going to miraculously solve the kick out woes. Power has been tried and not done it before, I sincerely hope he works out this time but even yesterday he got away with a suicide short kick out that ended up in a goal chance Cox should have buried but instead mishandled to the floor. Rossies go 4 points up there and the pitchforks would be out for Bernie today like they have been for Gleeson. Needs to be more effort to have team moves that are nearly guaranteed to secure possession from kick outs as well, it's not all on the number one but I feel like I've been typing that same sentence here for over ten years. I don't think we have any top class goalie available and to be honest I don't think we've had a single one in my lifetime on hard reflection. If there was anything that should be looked at underage it's finding someone who has top class restarts and get him groomed for the Seniors from a distance out.

Maher has been the shock of the year for me, playing way above all possible expectations that could have been had and fair play to the lad for that, to recover an inter county career from the Mayo debacle in 2020 when all would have figured he wouldn't be seen again is incredible to be honest, he is going great and long may it continue. Haven't seen Ian Burke play as well in the maroon for years, not noted as a scorer and he still missed what was a sitter point off his left in the 2nd half so plenty to work on there as well. If he could contribute like he did in general play yesterday and chip in with 2/3 points from play, that would be massive for Galway moving forward.
McGrath's height would worry you against teams further down the line that have sizable FF lines who might be able to target it aerially but what play from him out there yesterday, you won't be left wondering about that ladeen's attitude or willingness to get stuck into the opposition anyway.

Again Galway with only a middling return from shots at the posts around the 50% mark, been keeping a close eye on this and it's regressed from last year, this and the kickouts are the huge challenges to fix for Galway, because defensively I think we are looking fairly solid so far and if we can get most lads playing to their potential at the same time we'd give anyone a game of it at least. It's the most obvious of obvious statements but need to be getting the scores when opportunities are there, Galway are not doing that in the last two matches.

Depends on who they are playing and what crowd they will bring, if Galway win Connacht final you could have Mayo going to Salthill for first group match, that would bring a sizable crowd you'd imagine.

Joke giving man of the match to a member of the losing team.

If the best player during the match is on the losing team should you not give it to him?

I thought after the AI final last year there was a moratorium on this.

We needed to stick one of those goal chances to reflect how that half went, Rossies will come into it at some stage.

What's with Gough not calling the two Galway marks? Doesn't matter if they are not getting bombed into the FF, they are going the requisite distance, being caught and the rule is the rule. I think the advanced mark is disaster of a rule by the way and should be done away with but it's bizarre what he is at.