Messages

[O'Rourke]

So we have the EL Classico Connacht final. For the next couple of weeks we will get the usual themes from Breheny, Magee, O'Rourke et al. They will talk about the beautiful game and how only Galway play it properly. How Galway are the only team that represent Connacht properly and that it is a waste when the rest (mainly Mayo) get a go. Galway always have great forwards and are winners. Year on year, the young Galway players coming through are talked up. Although Galway have been average (and that's putting it mildly), They get little or no stick from the media. I suppose for Galway players over the last couple of years it has held it's own weight of burden, as these teams can not live up to this myth. Still year on year Galway get a clean slate to start on from the media. On the other hand Mayo carry the burden of history, no matter how good the progress from the year before.

Anyway rant over. I think we will win with a bit to spare, but not as much to spare as last year.

O Rourke actually opted again last year that Galway would beat us. Because Galway is on the up and we re heading to oblivion he ll have to predict a landslide victory for Galway if he has any consistency left at all. After all Galway are on the ways up.

What a lot of neutrals forget is that the '98 result was against the head. Mayo half clued in would have won comfortably. Even though Galway got a couple AIs their results against us were against the head. I remember O Rourke trying to explain the 99 result away. Pathetic analysis. Likes of Nallen, Horan and McDonald were awesome that day.

For Mayo people that are getting weak at the prospect of facing Shane Walsh there is a bit of hope. Like s of Michael Donnellan, Ja, Michael Meehan and even Padraic Joyce had more joy and better performances against other counties than against Mayo. We usually did well on them - well we did until the Fr. Pats and Johns were about. I remember an unknown Alan Roache giving Ja the full of it and Roundy Geraghty ruining Michael Meehan s day a few times too. Then there was the day that a young James Nallen brought a player manager around the field for a spin. We ve a chance yet.

I don't think I've ever seen so much nonsense in one post. Mayo were favourites for that clash based on them being All Ireland finalists the previous years. However the better team won that day away from home, by a comfortable 4 pts, a result that was a mild surprise at the time but was subsequently shown to be a very accurate reflection of the teams abilities, given that Mayo could only beat Galway once in a 7 year spell from late 97 to 04. The Galway loss in 99 came about as a result of a hangover from the All Ireland win that ended such a drought.

The soft All Ireland claim is laughable. In 01 Galway had to beat the 02 winners Armagh, a good Cork side, the Connacht champions away from home, the Ulster champions , and the Leinster champions who had just demolished Kerry. The previous year they confirmed their form over Kildare by again beating them in a semi, before being the width of a crossbar away from another AI. This was again with their best player missing through injury and their second best player playing with meninjitis, while Kevin Walsh wasn't deemed fit enough to start. There's absolutely nothing soft or handy in what that side achieved in that period. If anything with better management and luck with injuries they'd have won more

If Galway have not been out of it since 2001. Tell me the last big team they have beat in the Championship. Tell me the last team they have beat outside of Connacht in the Championship. How many games have they won in Croke Park? How many appearances in have they made in Croke Park. They still talk about the game v Kerry that Galway lost by 5 points as if some sort of achievement.  You mentioned the League, how many times did Galway reach the knock-out stages? Forget provincial titles, do Kerry or Cork measure being at the top based on success within the province. It just a means to an end for them. I'm just calling it as it is, Jez Mayo only won 2 Connacht titles from 1955 to 1981. Imagine that record in a 5 county province!

Galway's record outside of Connacht has been terrible since 2001. However, I wouldn't swap 4 connacht championships for a few wins outside of Connacht, even if they were AI QF's or something. Would you prefer a semi final exit this year or a Connacht title and no further? Silverware is silverware.

We underperformed in 01-08, but we weren't totally in the doldrums. The media simply expects a county like Galway, to be challenging every year, which has never been the case in the county. Our great teams come in cycles, and always have done. It must also be stressed that it has only been the seniors underperforming. Club and underage have been very good throughout that time.

And who is talking about the loss to Kerry? It was an excellent game and a good performance from an injury ravaged side, but every Galway fan knows we were never on Kerry's level at that time and they were always likely to win.

You'd swear Galway were a team of Goochs who just happened to take too many sleeping tablets. Counties fortunes can shift on a dime - look at Mayo's 2011 championship - but I have to imagine even a lot of Galway supporters groan at this notion that they have so much potential that a return to the top table is little less than a done deal. One step at a time, Martin.

Christ, all he said was that Galway will soon awaken from their slumber. Probably something to do with the 2 u-21 titles in 3 years. Nowhere did he say that they were set for an immediate return to the 'top table'.

Of all teams in the country that should be wary about their prospects after two U21 AIs it's Galway. Carney is just feeding into the cliched perception that a team that was once good will always naturally return, as it it's somehow anointed by God. Galway have been in this 'slumber' for more than a decade and for at least the last five years their record is atrocious. That isn't under-performance, it's near-terminal decline. If they weren't wearing maroon jerseys the media would be rubbishing them at every chance they got, be it right or wrong.

Perception is king in the GAA media.

Galway haven't been in a slumber for over a decade. You seem to be letting perception get the better of you there yourself. All Ireland winning teams are rare for everyone bar Kerry, so competing and winning provincial championships should be fine for everyone else while they wait for that rare talent of an All Ireland team to come along. Galway won 4 connacht championships from 2002-2008. So in truth, they'be been in slumber for 4 years so far (09-12) . That's hardly horrific, and they were playing division 1 football for a portion of that. Every county goes through down times. But give me a county of the size and tradition Galway has that has fallen away completely? It has never happened, so it's natural to assume that Galway will be good again one day. And while u-21 success is no guarantee of senior success, it hardly hurts to have the best crop of youngster in the country does it?

You'd swear Galway were a team of Goochs who just happened to take too many sleeping tablets. Counties fortunes can shift on a dime - look at Mayo's 2011 championship - but I have to imagine even a lot of Galway supporters groan at this notion that they have so much potential that a return to the top table is little less than a done deal. One step at a time, Martin.

Christ, all he said was that Galway will soon awaken from their slumber. Probably something to do with the 2 u-21 titles in 3 years. Nowhere did he say that they were set for an immediate return to the 'top table'.

[To be honest, I think going for a big name is the right thing to do for once. Raise the spirits with a Paidi o Se say, no ties to anyone, no loyalties, a clean slate and it would give the county a lift.]

Glen Ryan?

Or Kevin Walsh

No chance I would say. Eye is firmly on the Galway job I would think. Considering Kernan is going to be given two years possibly a little more, I would say he is very happy staying with his nicely developed improving Sligo side until the vacancey arises. The Mayo job wouldnt look the most attractive at the moment, especially with the expectation of the fans.

I can't understand calls for Peter Forde. Are ye Mayo lads not going to learn from Galway's mistakes? Replacing O'Mahoney with Forde? It just got worse and worse for Galway. Surely Mayo wont go down the same line.

To be honest, I think going for a big name is the right thing to do for once. Raise the spirits with a Paidi o Se say, no ties to anyone, no loyalties, a clean slate and it would give the county a lift.

I presume you meant to say "it would give the other counties a lift". Paidi is not what we need. A high-profile, self-promoting 'gas character' isn't going to turn things around.
We should be able to sort this out from within the county, but maybe a fresh face who wouldn't be afraid to get rid of a few big names, or give a bollocking to the county board about the setup etc is what we need.....

Well maybe not Paidi O'Se but I certainly think a complete outsider with a proven track record is the best option for ye. Whether you could attract a manager like that is another matter. Anyway, what do I care? I only hope you bring in Peter Ford or the like and make a complete balls of things once again.

Analysis of the game can only be limited as its impossible to play football in that place. Also, the sending off fcuked things up with the usual "balancing act" by the ref. Armstrongdeserved his two yellows but from a Sligo point of view it was the worst thing that could have happened. I suppose the extra few quid for Connacht council won't go astray with more white elephants to build.

On the Michael Meehan dive can anyone honestly say it would have been given up the other end? Would have been a free out for overcarrying.

What did Armstrong do to deserve his first yellow? A harmless push after being subjected to what can only be described by a sensitive 4 letter word beginning with R off the ball for the duration of the first half. The referee was slightly poor, as he gave Sligo, especially Davey and Kelly a mountain of soft frees. The refs seem to have decided that these lads are so small that they shouldnt be subjected to tackling, they should just be given a free upon contact. "Balancing act"!! Who are you deluding?

Ands get over the free at the end. Replays have proved it was a free. Im sure TV3 might send you out a copy if you want to watch it again and again. But the result will be the same, an obvious free.

To MyBall, my god things aren't that bad. Fair enough we were dreadfull and lucky, but the fact that we can play that badly and come out with a draw has to be a positive. Theres no need for that much doom and gloom, we have undoubted potential in the panel. Not many teams have a stronger base set of forwards than the 2 Joyce's, Meehan and Armstrong. Fair enough, Nicky and Sean need to dshow it but the potential is certainly there. We also have excellent young players in Bradshaw and Conroy. I was really disappointed with both yesterday but I can forgive both one bad day out. Our Midfield has performed well in its last 3 championship outings. We may be short a few players but we have potential, and are still a top 6/7 side. You sound spoilt by success, All Ireland winning groups dont come along every few years bar in Kerry

Glen Ryan?

Or Kevin Walsh

No chance I would say. Eye is firmly on the Galway job I would think. Considering Kernan is going to be given two years possibly a little more, I would say he is very happy staying with his nicely developed improving Sligo side until the vacancey arises. The Mayo job wouldnt look the most attractive at the moment, especially with the expectation of the fans.

I can't understand calls for Peter Forde. Are ye Mayo lads not going to learn from Galway's mistakes? Replacing O'Mahoney with Forde? It just got worse and worse for Galway. Surely Mayo wont go down the same line.

To be honest, I think going for a big name is the right thing to do for once. Raise the spirits with a Paidi o Se say, no ties to anyone, no loyalties, a clean slate and it would give the county a lift.

I'm sorry, but Meehan should get 8 weeks off for that dive.

He has brought the lowest form of gamesmanship into the sport and has been doing it repeatedly for the last 6 or 7 years. The man is a decent player but is a disgrace to the sport. He should be hanging his head in shame.

The replays are making you look very stupid aren't they?

Give me one instance of when he has ever dived in his career? Shut up you idiot.

On a side note, David Kelly is a great player but refs seem to give him frees whenever he is touched. Just because he is small doesn't entitle him to a free for every tackle made on him

Oh great. You've been let out for the weekend again...

What does that mean? Again?

Just because the replays are making you look like a complete idiot and you cant give an example to back up your statement. Meehan is brilliant and a great role model for youngsters.

What should get a ban is the kick Meehan took to his injured knee the first ball he went for.

A word for Padraig Joyce who I thought was magnificent in the 2nd half today. Even at 33 he looked a class above everyone else on the field. Will be a sad day when the great man finally packs it in.

I said to a couple of people today that I might stop going to games when he retires. Might as well pull the team out altogether when that sad day comes. He is a perfect example that you can forget about fast strong tough athletes, having a brain is so much more important

I'm sorry, but Meehan should get 8 weeks off for that dive.

He has brought the lowest form of gamesmanship into the sport and has been doing it repeatedly for the last 6 or 7 years. The man is a decent player but is a disgrace to the sport. He should be hanging his head in shame.

The replays are making you look very stupid aren't they?

Give me one instance of when he has ever dived in his career? Shut up you idiot.

On a side note, David Kelly is a great player but refs seem to give him frees whenever he is touched. Just because he is small doesn't entitle him to a free for every tackle made on him

How is Kernan going to set this team out?

3 in midfield for kick outs at the very least, with Bergin joining the two in there. Sice is on Davey, a good player. Sice should be able to nullify Davey's attacking instincts and will track back to help the defence. The other 4 forwards will stay inside. Look for Armstrong to switch with Clancy is things aren't going to plan.

If Sligo bring O'Hara back in front of thier full back line, the only logical thing for Galway to do is free up Bradshaw as the free man to attack from deep. The prospect of Bradshaw having a free role with no marker is very exciting. Alan Burke will pick up David Kelly. Expect the supply to the forward line to come from O'Donnell, Bradshaw and Conroy.

The Joe show has to have his say at some stage

www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_Bk1F9ihIM

I take it Alan Burke is being lined up to mark David Kelly in a few weeks time then?
I think it's a better bet than his brother then.

I assume Bradshaw and Blake will come back into the half back line and Breathnach into the half forward line?

Id say Alan Burke will be on Kelly alright. He looks the best option. The half forward line depends on who Joe picks in midfield. If Coleman doesnt make it then he might play Bergin there, or he could play Cullinane with Bergin at HF. The half forward line looks to be Sice, Armstrong and An Other, which could be any of Bergin, Clancy, Bane or Breathnach. Whether Eoin Concannon starts relys directly on whether Meehan is fit or not, I would think.

As regards tactics, I personally hope that Walsh brings O Hara back to play sweeper in front f the full back line. All Galway have to do then is a quick shuffle of the back line and we have Bradshaw as the free man to attack from deep. The damage that boy will do if he gets a free role with no marker is untold.

First off, while I think JO'M is a very good manager, talks of him being some sort of messiah and working miricales with Galway are off the mark. I could have won an All Ireland with the group of players he had around that time. In fact, there is grounds to say that he should have won more with that team, especially thinking back to the poor 99, 02, 03 years.

But that is exactly what Mayo would have needed over the past 4 years to win something, a messiah. None of Mickey Harte, Boylan, O Dywer, or even dear old Paidi would have got Mayo within an asses roar of winning an All Ireland in the past 4 years. You simply haven't had the players.

2006 was a false dawn. Tyrone were decimated with injuries. Kerry knocked out Cork, and Dublin did a complete bottling job against Mayo in the semi's. Mayo were probably the 5th best team in the country that year and they got found out in the final. But even back then you simply had better individuals than you have now. Nallen/ Heaney were younger, McGarrity was pre sickness, Mort looked sharper and you had one truly class player in McDonald.

Fast forward that to last Saturday. Look at the team, and name me one proper class player Mayo had in their ranks? Someone who could change a game like McDonald could? There was nobody. Even so, that team was good enough to win Connacht last year. What has happened since is that Mayo have lost the last of their leaders in Nallen and Heaney. There is nobody left to stand up and take command. Can O'Mahony be blamed for this? Yes to a very small degree. But he cant go out and phyically make players. The players arent there, and no matter what manager was in control the results would have been largely the same. The only player who could make a difference is living the dream in OZ.

Alot of the GALWAY confidence is based beacuse the game is in Salthill. Interesting, from a Sligo viewpoint its hard to respect that point. Its lazy naive and shows a lack of knowledge of us.

We are delighted the game is in Salthill and not Tuam, and we actually prefer it to Markievicz as its wider. We played better in Croke Park than last sat, for reasons we want more space.

But its just thought that a wider pitch will suit Galway as much as it will suit ye. After a few shaky years, we have started to play very well when in Salthill.

Reffering your posts above, and trying not to be patronising in any way, if Galway play to their full ability they will win this. Not that there is a whole lot between the teams, I just feel Galway have that bit more at their best. Remember last year we were good enough to come out of Markevic with a 4 point win while playing awful.