Mayo V Galway - Connacht Final Thread

[AbbeySider]

The big surprise is that Deccie Meehan is actually starting to be honest AS.  Seeing him with the 15 jersey just adds to the shock factor.  He will more than likely be stationed around the middle to sweep up breaking ball (there will be a lot of this IMO) or as you say in front of the FB line.  I dont mind where he is so long as he is effective.  He was poor v Sligo and i just dont think he has the legs anymore for a pacy wing forward.   

In these cases its often the ould dog for the hard road and the pup for the boreen!  

In either role, playing as a sweeper infront of the full back line or an extra man getting breaks around the middle he will have freedom and wont need to be worried about pacy wing forwards as thats your wing backs problem.

If he does drift out or back there, then that leaves us with an extra man in our own full back line. Higgins will probably take meehan and O Malley will probably take Armstrong (or vice versa, either way...) leaving Cafferkey free.

Personally I would leave Cafferky where he is, minding the house and sweeping. It would leave the Galway Full Forward line 2 Vs 3 defenders. It will dampen their main scoring threats as I cant see where else the scores are coming from.

All that said, its shaping up to be a fairly negative sort of game. I originally expected a high scoring scenario but now im not so sure.

[Barney]

Yeah Abbeysider, between nerves, weather and tactics it does look like it could be tough, tight and low-scoring, That might suit us.

Suprised that Galway were so up front in naming Meehan in the corner but it certainly creates an awful lot of what-ifs for the Mayo management to consider. The tactics envisaged are the kind that created havoc for opposition teams when Meehan and Armstrong were at their best at under 21 level.

[rosnarun]

I think this role that everyone has assigned to declan meehan based on his jersey number would be more suited to Bradshaw. As meehan is getting on, he has the greater engine, the height to compete for the ball in the middle and able to take a score. I would use Bradshaw in this roving role. I'm not sure if this is what Sammon has in mind?

Whatever it is a Connacht final is not the time for experimenting. We have known that midfield is a problem area all year, we should know what we are doing to limit the damage that could be caused there by now.

That said this will probably be a close thing, a goal or two at critical moments will decide it either way.

Brehney imn the paper tipped bradshaw as a future solution to galways midfield  is he good/big enough or is it a case of an underrated player becoming overrated

[IolarCoisCuain]

I think this role that everyone has assigned to declan meehan based on his jersey number would be more suited to Bradshaw. As meehan is getting on, he has the greater engine, the height to compete for the ball in the middle and able to take a score. I would use Bradshaw in this roving role. I'm not sure if this is what Sammon has in mind?

Whatever it is a Connacht final is not the time for experimenting. We have known that midfield is a problem area all year, we should know what we are doing to limit the damage that could be caused there by now.

That said this will probably be a close thing, a goal or two at critical moments will decide it either way.

Brehney imn the paper tipped bradshaw as a future solution to galways midfield  is he good/big enough or is it a case of an underrated player becoming overrated

I've heard talk about Bradshaw in midfield before. Think Ray Silke had Bradshaw there in that team Silke named at the start of the season.

[AbbeySider]

Brehney imn the paper tipped bradshaw as a future solution to galways midfield  is he good/big enough or is it a case of an underrated player becoming overrated

I saw Bradshaw play for Moycullen at mid-field 2 years ago and he looked county class then let alone now.
(we played them in the Intermediate Connaught Final)

He is a fantastic footballer, fielder and athlete. I was actually surprised to see him line out in the backs for Galway, especially in the corner for Galway as he is so explosive further out the field. Its only a matter of time before we see him mid-field for Galway IMO.

[IolarCoisCuain]

Here's John Maughan's column from the Mayo Advertiser: http://www.advertiser.ie/mayo/article/14726

Maughan's quite bullish about Mayo's prospects due to the problems Galway have in midfield and what he describes as a "deterioration" in them since half-way through the league.

I must say my head is wrecked with this Declan Meehan thing. It's either the last sting of a dying wasp or else a masterstroke that will make the journey home from Salthill especially horrendous if Mayo lose.



McGarrity's return to the fold could swing the game our way
Mayo Advertiser, July 17, 2009.
Mayo Advertiser


I was delighted to hear on Saturday evening that Ronan McGarrity had participated in the A v B game in McHale Park, it was good news for all concerned and his inclusion in the Mayo team announced on Wednesday night gives the county and the player himself a great boost going into this weekend's Connacht final. Normally before matches of this nature, I'm fairly confident in predicting in advance who will win, but this time I'm finding it difficult. Mayo's performances in the championship to date have been hugely impressive albeit against weak opposition. And on the other hand Galway have been deteriorating since half time in the league game in Tuam, when Mayo came back in the second half in impressive style to win the game. Since half time in that game, every time Galway have togged out they have had question marks hanging over them. In Sligo they were very lucky and had to use six different combinations at midfield to see off the Yeats county men who, if they had a bit more conviction when goal chances were presented, could have sent Liam Sammon's side into the qualifiers at that stage.

O'Malley will add some stealth to defence

I'm delighted to see Liam O'Malley selected as he had a fantastic season before picking up an injury, it's a great credit to him to be able to return to training, not having lost any of his dash and appetite for the game. He brings a steely cut to the defence and definitely won't be found wanting in the heat of championship action on Sunday.

Ultimately the game will be decided as games invariably are on how the midfield battle goes, there is no doubt that Mayo have an edge here as Galway have struggled with a variety of combinations over the last six or seven games. If Mayo win primary possession here, I genuinely feel Mayo will prevail. The best line on the Mayo team in my opinion is the half forward line, where Pat Harte, Alan Dillon, and Trevor Mortimer have been playing superb football, a lot will depend on the inside forward line. And if Aidan O'Shea can display the kind of form he has displayed since he burst on to the team, I expect it will be we who will bring the Nestor Cup back to Mayo for the first time since 2006.

Conor's absence again surprises me

I am surprised that Conor Mortimer hasn't made the team, I believe he has been in brilliant form in recent trial matches and I would have expected him to have got a starting berth on the full forward line on Sunday. As we have seen in the championship so far, particular last Sunday in the Lenister final, the strength of your bench is hugely important these days as it's now a 20 man game not a 15. I have absolutely no doubt that Mortimer will play on Sunday and he might be just the man to spring into the action to tip the balance in Mayo's favour.

Another intriguing battle should be that of Padraic Joyce and Trevor Howley on the 40. Joyce is undeniably the leader of the gang and it was he in particular who grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in Marchaivez Park in the last 10 minutes to turn the tide in favour of the tribesmen. He is a hugely influential figure in the Galway set up and I feel if Howley can put the shackles on him Galway might just be found wanting. It's absolutely crucial that Howley sits on Joyce and denies him possession for the full 70 minutes, as I recall an occasion in McHale Park a few years ago when Padraic Joyce hardly touched the ball for 69 minutes he proved his class when it came to the crunch in the dying minutes of that game, kicking the winning score. This will be an intriguing battle and if Joyce can be nullified for the full 70 minutes it will go a long way to Mayo coming out on top in Pearse Stadium on Sunday evening.

A great evening of celebrations from a great day

Last Friday night as part of the 125 celebrations in Clare a sub committee had organised a challenge game between the 1992 Munster champions and a local selection in Michael Cusack Park in Carron in north Clare. It's 17 years since I managed that bunch of lads, walking into the dressing room was as if I had never really left them. Fourteen of the championship winning side had turned up to participate in the festivities. A number of players from the Kerry team that played in that Munster final had also made the trip to mark this historic occasion in the history of Clare football and the history of the association. A night of fun and story telling ensued as we remembered that great summer of 1992 when the minnows of Clare beat the aristocrats of the game.

Some great games last weekend which were badly needed

We needed a couple of serious performances last weekend to give the football championship the kick of life it needed after a number of poor games and indifferent performances from sides all over the country. Saturday evening's encounter between Derry and Monaghan was a breath of fresh air, especially after these two sides seven weeks previously engaged in a war of attrition, which was full of negativity and ugliness that would have had most neutral reaching for the remote control. It's amazing when two sides arrive to engage in playing football the way it should be played, what can happen. The Bradleys proved their class, with Paddy in particular stepping up to the plate after some quarters had questioned his class after being shut out by Tyrone to dramatic effect in the Ulster championship. It looks like it could be the end of the road for this particular Monaghan side, as I feel they have gone to the well once too often and have come up short again. I would be very surprised if Banty stays in charge there, as a new voice may be required to bring the Farney men on again next year. Later on Saturday I watched Kerry in Pearse Park Longford, this was to be their first opportunity for redemption, everything was going brilliantly in that first half when they were winning by nine points, with Kieran Donaghy proving his importance to Jack O'Connor's side. Unfortunately Donaghy took a serious injury minutes into the second half and Kerry's performance thereafter became completely disjointed.

The Lenister final was a cracking game of football, arguably one of the best we have witnessed. The Dubs were pushed all the way by a very good and well organised Kildare side, but proved they are a serious side and Pat Gilroy had a huge smile of contentment after the game, as he now realises more than most that his side are well capable of landing the big one. His side needed a serious test of their character and they got that on Sunday from Kildare. They're a serious outfit and Bernard Brogan delivered a superb performance at full forward. The Dubs this year have real depth in their squad and in fairness to Gilroy he proved his ability as a manager by making astute substitutions and changes at vital times.

[kevmy]

Whether D Meehan plays around the middle or as a sweeper either way for us it's good news imo. We've being worrying about the two attacking wing backs in the side. With Meehan (presumabely) leaving his No. 15 post it should give us extra cover for the two boys.

TBH I see Cafferkey picking up M Meehan he done well on him in the league, even in the 1st half when under serious pressure. That could leave L O'Malley watching the other corner and K. Higgings with a little bit more of a free role.

[mckieran]

Brehney imn the paper tipped bradshaw as a future solution to galways midfield  is he good/big enough or is it a case of an underrated player becoming overrated

In my opinion, he is not big enough for midfield. In the same way as Michael Donnellan wasnt big enough for midfiled. He has all the attributies to be a good midfielder if he was a bit taller.

That midfield of Coleman / Conroy looks extremely light.

Declan Meehan at no. 15 is a surprise, but while Matt Clancy might have wore no. 15, He would have operated out around the middle. So in that sense, Meehan seems like an obvious replacement.

[AbbeySider]

Whether D Meehan plays around the middle or as a sweeper either way for us it's good news imo. We've being worrying about the two attacking wing backs in the side. With Meehan (presumabely) leaving his No. 15 post it should give us extra cover for the two boys.

TBH I see Cafferkey picking up M Meehan he done well on him in the league, even in the 1st half when under serious pressure. That could leave L O'Malley watching the other corner and K. Higgings with a little bit more of a free role.

Kevmy
Michael Meehan scored 0-6 (3f) against Mayo in the league. That was on a wet winter day.
I would put trust O Malley or Higgins. Preferably Higgins.

Keith Higgins held Meehan scoreless from play (0-2f) in the Connaught final '08

Horses for courses

Edit:
Im just after going through the 2007 report and Keith Higgins also kept Meehan completely scoreless during that game in Salthill.
It would be crazy to put anyone else on him.

[GalwayBayBoy]

Whether D Meehan plays around the middle or as a sweeper either way for us it's good news imo. We've being worrying about the two attacking wing backs in the side. With Meehan (presumabely) leaving his No. 15 post it should give us extra cover for the two boys.

TBH I see Cafferkey picking up M Meehan he done well on him in the league, even in the 1st half when under serious pressure. That could leave L O'Malley watching the other corner and K. Higgings with a little bit more of a free role.

Kevmy
Michael Meehan scored 0-6 (3f) against Mayo in the league. That was on a wet winter day.
I would put trust O Malley or Higgins. Preferably Higgins.

Keith Higgins held Meehan scoreless from play (0-2f) in the Connaught final '08

Horses for courses

Edit:
Im just after going through the 2007 report and Keith Higgins also kept Meehan completely scoreless during that game in Salthill.
It would be crazy to put anyone else on him.

In fairness to Meehan that was when he was played at corner-forward. He's far better at full-forward. Although if there is only himself and Armstrong up front I don't think set positions will mean all that much and I think you'll see the likes of PJ and Nicky drifting into the full-forward line at times while the others move out.

I have also heard that Deccie will not be playing the role expected of him.

[Kilconly SuperSub]

Maybe it is for D Meehan to slot into wing back and Bradshaw to go to midfield.

This game is tight. Probably too hard to call. Mindframe of the teams going into it will be the clincher.

Galway got more from the prep games and Galway beat Cork by 6 points in a friendly lately. Roscommon were useless and Mayo dispatched them as such.
Galway looked bad against Sligo but how good were they. They beat a side which was within 2 points of Limerick who should of beaten Cork.

So alot of strings for Galway.. Mayo is showing little except hammerng a team which a good intermediate club would give a run too..

The beauty of a Connaght Final... Anything could happen and even if one is All-Ireland champions and the other in Div 3 nothing is certain with these protagonists to our play!

[An Fhairche Abu]

As GBB says Meehan wasn't at full forward, if he gets decent ball I'd have no fear of him against any of the Mayo backs.
Ja and Savo had their last good day out playing with the county that day in 2007 as well, how times change!

[AbbeySider]

In fairness to Meehan that was when he was played at corner-forward. He's far better at full-forward.

Ok but as man marking goes, corner or otherwise Keith has a good record and always picked up Meehan.

Although if there is only himself and Armstrong up front I don't think set positions will mean all that much and I think you'll see the likes of PJ and Nicky drifting into the full-forward line at times while the others move out.

And Bergan id assume. We have a relatively small full back line that could be exposed if Bergan drifts inside.

I have also heard that Deccie will not be playing the role expected of him.

What do you meant the role expected of him?
One thing that isnt expected is him to wait in corner forward. Anything else is possible.

[muppet]

Declan Meehan as one of the forwards should allow us to have Gardiner or preferably Moran not marking a Galway forward.

That alone makes me much happier.

Both Higgins and O'Malley have done well on Meehan in the past but both have had less than ideal preparation for this, particularly O'Malley who has a fitness test on Sunday morning. Only those who have seen Higgins in training will know how he is travelling so if he is flying I'd put him on Meehan otherwise I'd start Caff leaving Higgins on Armstrong.

Liam O'Malley could sweep or push out to his club position in the half backs and let Moran or Gardiner go after Declan Meehan.

See? Much better.

I predict a win by 2 or 3 points to us but I would rather be 4 or more clear entering the last 5 mins. Too many bad days in the old Pearse Stadium to be comfortable with a 2 point lead with 2 minutes to go.

[An Fhairche Abu]

I'd go for a Mayo victory purely on the fact that they are due a win. The championship tale of this decade is Galway five wins, Mayo two wins.

2008   Connacht SFC F      Galway 2-12      Mayo   1-14
2007   Connacht SFC QF      Galway 2-10      Mayo   0-9
2006   Connacht SFC F      Mayo   0-12              Galway 1-8
2005   Connacht SFC F      Galway 0-10      Mayo   0-8
2004   Connacht SFC SF      Mayo   0-18              Galway 1-9
2003   Connacht SFC F      Galway 1-14      Mayo   0-13
2002   Connacht SFC SF      Galway 0-12      Mayo   1-7

In trying to analyse Galway-Mayo matches you are at nothing most of the time, regardless of form or the respective quality of the teams these games always seem to take on a life of their own.

Best of luck to the Galway players and management, come 5.30 on Sunday hopefully it'll be a Connacht 3 in a row for Galway over Mayo!