I only got to see the game on TV late last night due to family commitments. I have to say I'd agree that Galway probably deserved it. They were well set up defensively and played with conviction moving forward. They have a few really classy players and when they get the Corofin lads back they'll be a handful for any team. It's good to see as the GAA needs a strong Galway football team.
For ourselves we looked a bit too ponderous at times. Luckily Paddy is in the form of his life and kept us in it because there didn't seem to be much of a plan B if the ball wasn't going into him. That said, it was great to see early long diagonal balls being kicked into him. When Murphy gets back it will be interesting to see if he's played inside and receives the same service. A two pronged attack with those two lads could be exciting to see.
I wouldn't be too despondent about the results so far. It's true we'd prefer to be winning and ultimately remaining in Division 1. But supporters have to be realistic too. Last year we were flying in the league and it was pats on the back all round. In the summer then we could hardly raise a gallop. Also, we're missing 3 of our most important players in McGee, McGlynn and Murphy.
I think we're still well capable of beating Kildare, Monaghan and even Mayo at home. That might be enough to stay up and if it isn't well so be it. Cavan in May is the priority.
Replying To Lockjaw: "I only got to see the game on TV late last night due to family commitments. I have to say I'd agree that Galway probably deserved it. They were well set up defensively and played with conviction moving forward. They have a few really classy players and when they get the Corofin lads back they'll be a handful for any team. It's good to see as the GAA needs a strong Galway football team.
For ourselves we looked a bit too ponderous at times. Luckily Paddy is in the form of his life and kept us in it because there didn't seem to be much of a plan B if the ball wasn't going into him. That said, it was great to see early long diagonal balls being kicked into him. When Murphy gets back it will be interesting to see if he's played inside and receives the same service. A two pronged attack with those two lads could be exciting to see.
I wouldn't be too despondent about the results so far. It's true we'd prefer to be winning and ultimately remaining in Division 1. But supporters have to be realistic too. Last year we were flying in the league and it was pats on the back all round. In the summer then we could hardly raise a gallop. Also, we're missing 3 of our most important players in McGee, McGlynn and Murphy.
I think we're still well capable of beating Kildare, Monaghan and even Mayo at home. That might be enough to stay up and if it isn't well so be it. Cavan in May is the priority."
Great post lockjaw, nice to see a balanced view. As you say we were taking the doors of the dressing room hinges in the league last year and then fell apart in the championship. It is all about being primed for the championship opener against Cavan.
Galway look a very good side and I was impressed with them. They probably went a bit too defensive in the second half when they could have pushed on. It would be nice to see Galway making a push to challenge the big boys.
Both teams missing plenty of players and Donegal will certainly be a different animal if they can get Murphy into that full forward line. I thought they were went more direct then they have done previously but struggled in the 2nd half when Galway became more defensive and struggled to break Galway down.
I thought last year Donegal would struggle for the next few years because of the age profile of the team, not enough players in the 24-29 bracket but the return of MacNeilis & McLoone will help in that respect.
Galway very good going forward apart from the last few minutes when we wasted 3 glorious opportunities to put the game to bed.
Walsh, Comer & McBrearty all stood out as the class operators.
One aspect that isn't good enough is Galway's kick outs, its was dreadful yesterday. There's plenty of room for improvement.
I know Galway supporters have probably answered this question nunerous times on Shane Walsh but was wondering which is his preferred kicking foot? Other than the great Maurice Fitzgerald I can't recall any other player so comfortable on both feet. He is a fantastic player and could go on to be one of the greats.
Replying To Green_Gold: "I know Galway supporters have probably answered this question nunerous times on Shane Walsh but was wondering which is his preferred kicking foot? Other than the great Maurice Fitzgerald I can't recall any other player so comfortable on both feet. He is a fantastic player and could go on to be one of the greats."
Ray Silke was on twitter earlier with a great story just about that. Apparently when Shane Walsh was at school in St Jarlath's he said to Silke "Sir, I don't know which is my strong foot or my weak foot".
So even Shane himself doesn't know by the looks of it.