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Replying To galway19:  "Much better second half for the college although they still don't look great despite a forward line of Conroy, O'Donoghue, O'Curraoin and O'Conghaile. Won comfortable enough in the end against a poor ATU Sligo team."
How did our (UoG's) midfield go in the second half? Very concerning that such a highly regarded midfield got well beaten in the first half. I'm years saying it but Galway's aerial ability has faded over the years. It's not quite a case of galway men can't jump but we're not really regarded as good fielders anymore. We've somehow downplayed the value of lording the aerial battles in recent years whereas the likes of Dublin have shown that a 6'6" high fielding monster like Fenton can become the fulcrum for so much of their game, while in Kerry, David Clifford's high fielding inside is a weapon that no team has really come to terms with yet. You can witness it pitchside or there are multiple photos of him online outfielding tall defenders, Sean Kelly included, by at least a foot to 18 inches above their fully extended jump. The NFL in the US put more focus than ever on vertical jump stats in their trials (combines) not cos they're all wide receivers and need to jump to claim the ball but rather to see who the truly elite athletes are - the vertical jump is used to test the 'explosiveness' of a player. There are drills galore around fielding for our sport and from AFL and NFL. Are we looking at them? I felt many of our lads struggled to get off the deck against Leitrim in the dome. It'll be interesting to see how we fetch against Enda Smith and co - I know this much, they expect to clean us in the air.

togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 971 - 18/01/2024 09:57:13    2520764

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Replying To togoutlads:  "How did our (UoG's) midfield go in the second half? Very concerning that such a highly regarded midfield got well beaten in the first half. I'm years saying it but Galway's aerial ability has faded over the years. It's not quite a case of galway men can't jump but we're not really regarded as good fielders anymore. We've somehow downplayed the value of lording the aerial battles in recent years whereas the likes of Dublin have shown that a 6'6" high fielding monster like Fenton can become the fulcrum for so much of their game, while in Kerry, David Clifford's high fielding inside is a weapon that no team has really come to terms with yet. You can witness it pitchside or there are multiple photos of him online outfielding tall defenders, Sean Kelly included, by at least a foot to 18 inches above their fully extended jump. The NFL in the US put more focus than ever on vertical jump stats in their trials (combines) not cos they're all wide receivers and need to jump to claim the ball but rather to see who the truly elite athletes are - the vertical jump is used to test the 'explosiveness' of a player. There are drills galore around fielding for our sport and from AFL and NFL. Are we looking at them? I felt many of our lads struggled to get off the deck against Leitrim in the dome. It'll be interesting to see how we fetch against Enda Smith and co - I know this much, they expect to clean us in the air."
High fielding is an art and should be encouraged and developed in players from a very young age. I can't understand why not, as it's one of the most enjoyable skills, together with long accurate kicking, for young 10/11 year olds to practice. The skill not only tests a player's athleticism, but also their judgement of ball flight. Seamus Moynihan (not a tall man) rarely got beaten at full-back under a high ball. The late great Teddy McCarthy was a joy to watch at midfield - again sub - 6ft.

Also, it gives goalkeepers a great outlet e.g. Cluxton hitting Fenton/McCarthy area. Kevin Walsh was our last fielder and of course basketball was where he developed the skill.

Really (Galway) - Posts: 622 - 18/01/2024 11:36:30    2520785

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Replying To togoutlads:  "How did our (UoG's) midfield go in the second half? Very concerning that such a highly regarded midfield got well beaten in the first half. I'm years saying it but Galway's aerial ability has faded over the years. It's not quite a case of galway men can't jump but we're not really regarded as good fielders anymore. We've somehow downplayed the value of lording the aerial battles in recent years whereas the likes of Dublin have shown that a 6'6" high fielding monster like Fenton can become the fulcrum for so much of their game, while in Kerry, David Clifford's high fielding inside is a weapon that no team has really come to terms with yet. You can witness it pitchside or there are multiple photos of him online outfielding tall defenders, Sean Kelly included, by at least a foot to 18 inches above their fully extended jump. The NFL in the US put more focus than ever on vertical jump stats in their trials (combines) not cos they're all wide receivers and need to jump to claim the ball but rather to see who the truly elite athletes are - the vertical jump is used to test the 'explosiveness' of a player. There are drills galore around fielding for our sport and from AFL and NFL. Are we looking at them? I felt many of our lads struggled to get off the deck against Leitrim in the dome. It'll be interesting to see how we fetch against Enda Smith and co - I know this much, they expect to clean us in the air."
McLoughlin fielded a few in the second half and they did get on top in the second half but it was largely because ATU Sligo had no kickout plan and just belted them down the middle hoping to win a break. I'd say they got a right talking to at half time because they were miles off the pace. Kelly lost the ball countless times in the tackle and the forward line kept kicking the ball into the goalkeepers hands. Eventually Sligo ran out of steam but when you compare the quality of the two sides it was an inter county panel playing a club side. Would be very disappointed with the Galway lads outside of Liam O'Conghaile.

galway19 (Galway) - Posts: 790 - 18/01/2024 12:01:34    2520797

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Replying To galway19:  "McLoughlin fielded a few in the second half and they did get on top in the second half but it was largely because ATU Sligo had no kickout plan and just belted them down the middle hoping to win a break. I'd say they got a right talking to at half time because they were miles off the pace. Kelly lost the ball countless times in the tackle and the forward line kept kicking the ball into the goalkeepers hands. Eventually Sligo ran out of steam but when you compare the quality of the two sides it was an inter county panel playing a club side. Would be very disappointed with the Galway lads outside of Liam O'Conghaile."
Honestly a lot of Galway lads are living off past reputations or even their brothers reputation. I agree outside O Conghaile and lesser O Currain the Galway lads were poor. One high-fielding midfielder is enough but you also need a play maker at midfield. You can have either McLoughlin or Kelly not both together. The amount of ball Kelly turned over in the tackle was awful. And he will probably start for Galway. I would actually have McLoughlin and Annaghdown's Kilcommons midfield (if he is back from injury) . Kilcommons, although only about 6 foot, at least he can kick pass the bloody ball and adds more line speed than Kelly who would rather fist pass the ball backwards that kick it forward. That saying McLoughlin has no line speed. Also plenty of place for Culhane as well up front. Also play Sweeney at 5 or no where, this role at 13 has does not suit him another anonymous performance. O Flaherty is another one I am disappointed with. In the FBD last week his man had 4 point at half time while O Flaherty was running around trying to score his own scores. Again last night he gave away a lot of ball but score 1 so he is ok. Reputations will only get you so far.

LottoPlus (Kilkenny) - Posts: 85 - 18/01/2024 14:00:36    2520820

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Replying To Drax_the_destroyer:  "Don't have to hope it will be the same panel for the FBD final. The first choice panel are off on a week long collective training plus a few outdoor challenges in prep for the outdoor NFL games."
Well done PJ and Co for sticking with the same panel for tomorrow evening. Development players need games and in fairness Roscommon always bring 100% no matter who they tog and so it will give a brilliant insight to see if lads are ready to step up to the full Senior squad.

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 770 - 18/01/2024 14:22:29    2520822

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Replying To gaalway:  "From what I hear:

Spiddil - Frank Doherty
Ml. Breathnach - Colm Tummon
Carraroe - Maghnus Breathnach
Lettermore - Phillip Neary
Salthill - Finian Hanley
Arann Islands - Patrick Mark Ó Fátharta
Michaels - Declan Meehan
Claregalway - Ciaran Murphy
Carlistrane - Barry McCabe/Neil McHugh
Oughterard - Murphy

Not 100% but this is what I'm hearing"
Who is Phillip Neary ? I thought Lettermore would stick with the management team they had for the relegation play off last year.

JakeTheMan (Galway) - Posts: 19 - 18/01/2024 14:42:42    2520826

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Replying To LottoPlus:  "Honestly a lot of Galway lads are living off past reputations or even their brothers reputation. I agree outside O Conghaile and lesser O Currain the Galway lads were poor. One high-fielding midfielder is enough but you also need a play maker at midfield. You can have either McLoughlin or Kelly not both together. The amount of ball Kelly turned over in the tackle was awful. And he will probably start for Galway. I would actually have McLoughlin and Annaghdown's Kilcommons midfield (if he is back from injury) . Kilcommons, although only about 6 foot, at least he can kick pass the bloody ball and adds more line speed than Kelly who would rather fist pass the ball backwards that kick it forward. That saying McLoughlin has no line speed. Also plenty of place for Culhane as well up front. Also play Sweeney at 5 or no where, this role at 13 has does not suit him another anonymous performance. O Flaherty is another one I am disappointed with. In the FBD last week his man had 4 point at half time while O Flaherty was running around trying to score his own scores. Again last night he gave away a lot of ball but score 1 so he is ok. Reputations will only get you so far."
Once I seen Kilcommins' name mentioned I knew it was LottoPlus commenting!

Agree Paul Kelly isnt a midfielder but Kilcommins isnt the answer as a replacement based on what we have seen at Sigerson/Galway. If you were to fit him in it would be as a wing back.

Not forgetting this Maurice Sheridan team adores Paul Kelly.

Is Sean Kelly still carrying a knock does anyone know? He was listed on the Sigerson panel before Christmas but hasnt featured. Would love to see him midfield alongside McLoughlin.

GalwaysFinest (Galway) - Posts: 191 - 18/01/2024 15:08:07    2520830

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would be good to see martin quinn off that extended panel and into the 26. magic defender. best ive seen in years at intermediate level. good for the odd score too.

caltra04 (Galway) - Posts: 25 - 18/01/2024 15:20:59    2520835

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Replying To LottoPlus:  "Honestly a lot of Galway lads are living off past reputations or even their brothers reputation. I agree outside O Conghaile and lesser O Currain the Galway lads were poor. One high-fielding midfielder is enough but you also need a play maker at midfield. You can have either McLoughlin or Kelly not both together. The amount of ball Kelly turned over in the tackle was awful. And he will probably start for Galway. I would actually have McLoughlin and Annaghdown's Kilcommons midfield (if he is back from injury) . Kilcommons, although only about 6 foot, at least he can kick pass the bloody ball and adds more line speed than Kelly who would rather fist pass the ball backwards that kick it forward. That saying McLoughlin has no line speed. Also plenty of place for Culhane as well up front. Also play Sweeney at 5 or no where, this role at 13 has does not suit him another anonymous performance. O Flaherty is another one I am disappointed with. In the FBD last week his man had 4 point at half time while O Flaherty was running around trying to score his own scores. Again last night he gave away a lot of ball but score 1 so he is ok. Reputations will only get you so far."
Maurice Sheridan seems to value defensive players rather than players who can kick the ball forward. There are an awful amount of lads on that panel who play county but refuse to play forward. Kilcommins had a bit of an injury so only got a few minutes last night but he has to be starting, at least there is a bit of cut about him. I can't see them winning the competition without Sean Kelly anyway

galway19 (Galway) - Posts: 790 - 18/01/2024 15:27:08    2520837

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Replying To caltra04:  "would be good to see martin quinn off that extended panel and into the 26. magic defender. best ive seen in years at intermediate level. good for the odd score too."
Definitely deserves a chance, maybe lacks height/physicality for Inter County though.

INTOTHEWEST1 (Galway) - Posts: 9 - 18/01/2024 16:51:09    2520854

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Replying To LottoPlus:  "Honestly a lot of Galway lads are living off past reputations or even their brothers reputation. I agree outside O Conghaile and lesser O Currain the Galway lads were poor. One high-fielding midfielder is enough but you also need a play maker at midfield. You can have either McLoughlin or Kelly not both together. The amount of ball Kelly turned over in the tackle was awful. And he will probably start for Galway. I would actually have McLoughlin and Annaghdown's Kilcommons midfield (if he is back from injury) . Kilcommons, although only about 6 foot, at least he can kick pass the bloody ball and adds more line speed than Kelly who would rather fist pass the ball backwards that kick it forward. That saying McLoughlin has no line speed. Also plenty of place for Culhane as well up front. Also play Sweeney at 5 or no where, this role at 13 has does not suit him another anonymous performance. O Flaherty is another one I am disappointed with. In the FBD last week his man had 4 point at half time while O Flaherty was running around trying to score his own scores. Again last night he gave away a lot of ball but score 1 so he is ok. Reputations will only get you so far."
Not a chance Paul Kelly starts on the Galway team. He hasn't started a game since the league in 2022 if memory serves me. Has barely featured at all in the championship since 2021.

galwayman2 (Galway) - Posts: 1278 - 18/01/2024 22:51:12    2520892

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Big defeat for the young lads in the dome. Not unexpected. Roscommon had most of their big names playing apart from the Brigid's lads and a couple others. Great shooting from them but under little pressure from the Galway backs. For Galway the only standout player was Cillian O'Curraoin. Finished with 10 points I think. Free taking was top notch and got a couple great scores from play as well. Could have done serious damage with a better supply of ball. Would be shocked if he's not in the full Galway squad this year. Nobody else put their hands up really. Ger Davoren did very well off the bench. Caught 3 or 4 kickouts at least. Darragh Varley has size, speed and athleticism. Not sure what his best position is but he has something about him.

Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2290 - 19/01/2024 21:35:19    2521039

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Replying To Marooned:  "Big defeat for the young lads in the dome. Not unexpected. Roscommon had most of their big names playing apart from the Brigid's lads and a couple others. Great shooting from them but under little pressure from the Galway backs. For Galway the only standout player was Cillian O'Curraoin. Finished with 10 points I think. Free taking was top notch and got a couple great scores from play as well. Could have done serious damage with a better supply of ball. Would be shocked if he's not in the full Galway squad this year. Nobody else put their hands up really. Ger Davoren did very well off the bench. Caught 3 or 4 kickouts at least. Darragh Varley has size, speed and athleticism. Not sure what his best position is but he has something about him."
Liam Boyle the best for me over the two games. O'Curraoin next best with D'Arcy, Davoren, and Costello doing themselves no harm.

SamandLiamSoon (Galway) - Posts: 622 - 20/01/2024 10:54:03    2521087

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Would have been an eye opening experience for a lot of our lads last night, main thing being you get punished for your mistakes 99% of the time at the highest level. Some wayward passing coupled with Roscommon accuracy and willingness to take on their man (refreshing to watch) really had us in for a long night. The amount of wides we had in the second half did not help the cause either. Anyway well done to the Rossies.

Agree with above poster, Boyle, D'arcy, O'Curraoin and Daveron upon introduction were best for us.

ahsure. (Galway) - Posts: 1632 - 20/01/2024 11:19:46    2521089

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Replying To ahsure.:  "Would have been an eye opening experience for a lot of our lads last night, main thing being you get punished for your mistakes 99% of the time at the highest level. Some wayward passing coupled with Roscommon accuracy and willingness to take on their man (refreshing to watch) really had us in for a long night. The amount of wides we had in the second half did not help the cause either. Anyway well done to the Rossies.

Agree with above poster, Boyle, D'arcy, O'Curraoin and Daveron upon introduction were best for us."
It was very disjointed and hard to judge guys to be fair. They were effectively playing a Div 1 team.
I thought Boyle was good as well, Varley is very athletic, Kirrane seemed to struggle with the pace as did our midfield. O'Curraoin looks very mature for his age and wants the ball when a few others didn't last night. Davoren can claim a high ball but you need more than that. Will be interesting to see the team next week. I won't be surprised to see Conor Flaherty and Sean Mulkerrin lining out.

smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 442 - 20/01/2024 11:28:49    2521092

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Replying To ahsure.:  "Would have been an eye opening experience for a lot of our lads last night, main thing being you get punished for your mistakes 99% of the time at the highest level. Some wayward passing coupled with Roscommon accuracy and willingness to take on their man (refreshing to watch) really had us in for a long night. The amount of wides we had in the second half did not help the cause either. Anyway well done to the Rossies.

Agree with above poster, Boyle, D'arcy, O'Curraoin and Daveron upon introduction were best for us."
You could also add varley in the corner too. Surprised with Rory Cunningham, he didn't want the ball at the end!! In comparison O'Curraoin has the stuff to become an inter county footballer, let's hope he keeps the head and gets the required coaching.

Howardhunt1 (Galway) - Posts: 79 - 20/01/2024 11:39:03    2521095

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Little benefit out of last nights hammering. Hard to judge emerging players when the team is being totally over run.

Next weekend will give us some idea of the wisdom of such a move and hopefully a few of these lads will get a better chance to showcase there talents.

Stripsandbanners (Galway) - Posts: 82 - 20/01/2024 12:16:10    2521100

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Replying To anotheralias:  "Fully agree. I also think that it would be prudent to field a mixed team in the FBD final i.e. a hybrid of first teamers and A-listers. The reasons for this are:

1. Out of respect for the competition
2. Out of respect for the opposition
3. To avoid an embarrassing defeat
4. To be fair to the guys that are developing ( I dont think it's fair to judge players if they are playing on a team that are getting beaten all over the pitch)"
Ah sure I haven't a clue!

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 955 - 20/01/2024 12:52:14    2521105

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I'd say not 2 many will be brought into a full training squad that are not there already I'd say maybe Liam Boyle only one as there are 5/6 of team already in there ,,

Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 952 - 20/01/2024 13:22:18    2521111

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Replying To anotheralias:  "Ah sure I haven't a clue!"
Fair play for finally owning up to that fact. Does take courage.

SamandLiamSoon (Galway) - Posts: 622 - 20/01/2024 13:31:21    2521112

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