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A great evening out on Saturday. A far from flawless but nonetheless mighty performance from the lads. Pearse might even turn into a fortress yet! Thought we did well in our matchups, nullified their star men, kept them just out of shooting range a lot of the time - with some really good defending but then momentarily porous at other times. Gleeson had another great game, to be fair to him. Conroy continues to lead by example. Kelly, Comer (if fit, please God) and Walsh can bring a lot more still. Finnerty is flying and Tierney looking to be almost full throttle again. D'Arcy, Maher, Heaney line breaking power and size is asking questions of blanket defences. Glynn, Fitzy, McGrath looking solid. Daly's points were nicely struck, needs to be quicker on the ball in the arc interplay sometimes though, imo, or better teams will turn him over on split second delays. McHugh great. Silke quality. That said, all defenders could've been tighter on some of Derry's successful shots from range - some shots got off far too easily. Great to see McDaid back, quiet yet but a tremendous player and massive influence to bring yet.
The key thing is we appear to be gathering momentum game on game. The support is building too and the supporters around me were certainly loving what they were witnessing on Sat evening. Hopefully there'll be a great travelling support for our lads on Sunday week in Mullingar. Keep up the great work lads. This train is starting to roll, let's keep picking up speed and driving her on! Gaillimh Abú!!

togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 1022 - 20/05/2024 15:29:19    2545908

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Gleeson had a great game, fair play to him. His jump to save what would have been a point was huge and felt like a key moment. A few more performances like his last two outtings and we'll owe PJ an apology.

My biggest critique, and others have said it, is just how ponderous we are in attack. We get the ball in our own 45 after a turn over and pass it back and forth a few times before even thinking about moving it down the field. It's an odd approach and won't win too many big games. It'll be interesting to watch how we develop in the next few games.
Gaillimh abú.

festinog (Galway) - Posts: 3143 - 20/05/2024 17:46:27    2545958

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A great day, great performance, and result..
Keeping Comer fit is an absolute must if we are to progress, and we cannot take our eye of the ball..
Gotta treat Westmeath with utmost respect.. they nearly caught us last year..

Belclare7 (Galway) - Posts: 194 - 20/05/2024 18:22:33    2545972

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Replying To PressureKick:  "The attack against a mass defense becomes slow and ponderous because Fitzgerald, Glynn and to a lesser extent McGrath are all uncomfortable in the attacking 45 so they hang back outside it. Then you have Conroy and Daly hanging back playing the quarterback role (which they're very good at). But it leads to essentially 9 attackers against 14 defenders and there's just not many options and it leads to endless recycling

This does have benefits, as they're much less likely to concede bar turnover goals. But it probably will become an issue when they're behind in a game, and a switch could have to be made there moving Kelly or Silke back and taking one of Glynn or Fitz off for an attack minded player. For the moment its working though and won't be changed from the start

While the kickout strategy drives me mad also and they lived off scraps possession wise against Mayo, they are dangerous off a long one especially with Tierney, Comer and Darcy (when on) as advanced options. A good example of that was Tierneys catch that led to the comer foul and sending off. A quick kick by Gleeson and a one v one at midfield with the kick to Tierneys advantage. That works great. The problems arise when Gleeson is slow and the opposition have the middle bunched and there's no 1 v 1's on. Its at those times our movement should be much better and we should be trying to get them off short. The only players with good movement from kickouts are McHugh, O'Flaherty and at times Silke. The rest are very static"
In all fairness Conor Gleeson is definitely trying to get ball away quicker and he had a good game on Saturday actually better than against Mayo.He made good save and did the bread and butter things well.Scoring points is grand but it's the simple things that need to be solid and you can feel his confidence is getting better with it.

Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 392 - 20/05/2024 18:24:52    2545974

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In fairness it was probably Conor Gleason best game in goal this year for Galway and the main reason was he stayed in goal did simply things not going out the field where he struggles,,, a question for posters on here where should Galway play Sean Kelly because in my opinion he definitely not a wing forward or midfielder and I for one think his game is suffering big time and he definitely one of Galway's best attacking defenders,, if they keep playing him out of position it will ruin him and will definitely not help the team either he to good to be messed around I think.,

Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 1020 - 20/05/2024 20:12:41    2545992

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I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !

Jimmymark2 (Donegal) - Posts: 5 - 20/05/2024 21:35:54    2546011

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Good to get the win. The goals came at the right time and was good to score them after the missed chances against Mayo.

Gleeson - Best game for Galway IMO. Hit some very good long kickouts in the 1st half. Great catch and the save was better than it looked also. Fair play to him.
McGrath - Excellent. As always.
Fitzgerald - Solid and safe.
Glynn - Solid also.
McHugh - Drove forward. Solid.
Daly - Had more space after the red card and took his points well. Still very slow and is concerning. Will be exploited against 15 men better team.
Silke - More prominent supporting the attack. McFaul got through for a goal chance so half backs need to tighten up.
Kelly - Took his goal well but still isn't as effective.
Conroy - Excellent. Should probably have got 4 points if we're being hyper critical.
Heaney - Scored a good point but still not playing as well as usual.
Maher - Good shift and links attacks well.
Tierney - Great game, worked very hard and did well for the 1st goal.
Comer - Was well marked but did well with limited ball until injury.
Walsh - Good handpass to Maher for Finnerty's point when bunched up. Came into it after Comer went off. Missed a simple free though which is not near good enough for this level. Can't be relied on and we need someone else on frees.
Finnerty - Followed up the Mayo game with another good performance.

Subs:
Darcy - Great goal, really lifting his levels since the league.
McDaid - Quiet but good to see get a run.
Flaherty - Good composure for Darcy's goal.
O'Conaighle - Solid, scored a good point.
O'Curraoin - Only got a few minutes. Would have been an option for the last free.

jobseekersbent (Galway) - Posts: 383 - 21/05/2024 08:08:31    2546031

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !"
The game was level - and Galway about to kick the free to go one point up when McKinless was (correctly) sent off.

MrVelo (Galway) - Posts: 21 - 21/05/2024 08:40:55    2546038

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !"
True, but Galway were the better team overall. Galway were missing McDaid and Comer didn't do much after thuggery incident and was taken off later. I wouldn't call the goal luck, Galway pressed nearly every kick out and forced the mistake. Derry didn't contest any Galway kick out which shows lack of confidence and ambition. They wont win anything doing that. Doesn't make sense when they really pressed Dublin in league final and did well.

hopballref (Galway) - Posts: 424 - 21/05/2024 09:31:43    2546054

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !"
Did Donegal now have a homecoming after winning Ulster this year?

SamandLiamSoon (Galway) - Posts: 623 - 21/05/2024 09:37:14    2546055

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !"
Galway were about to go 1 up playing against a small wind when McKinless did his deed. Comer basically couldn't move after that action also, so not as simple as Derry going down to 14 as Galway's best player was effectively lost. You could argue their second best player started from the bench also. McFaul should've seen a second yellow on about 4 occasions but Cawley wasn't going to have that headline of 13 men hanging over his head.

It's the first time ive ever heard being pressed up on a kickout and winning it as a big slice of luck. Were all 3 of the 4 Donegal goals v Derry lucky in that context?

PressureKick (UK) - Posts: 256 - 21/05/2024 09:44:49    2546060

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Almost identical scenario as last year, beating Derry instead of Tyrone in first game at Salthill. Westmeath up next and last game against Armagh. It's probably an advantage to Galway as they know exactly what not to do this time around. If Galway avoid unfortunate injuries ye will have too much for Armagh in that final game.

MachaireConnacht (Roscommon) - Posts: 1000 - 21/05/2024 09:49:34    2546062

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "I think a bit of perspective is needed here, Galway lads get very carried away. Derry's half back line was decimated, they played the majority of the game with 14 men, Derry ahead before McKinless was (correctly) sent off, had McGuigan put that kick either side of Gleeson then Derry level after 63 minutes despite playing with 14. Big slice of luck for the first goal, kicked straight to a Galway man and still had the good fortune as it was saved and came back to Kelly, not to mention home advantage.

Great to get the win but don't go overboard !"
Nobody in Galway is going overboard , but this sounds like Ulster sour grapes.
Incorrect also . Game was level and Galway free awarded ( that to put Galway 1) up before sending off. Galway playing against wind also so I think there was only going to be 1 winner. Comer's influnce was lessened. And I have said a few times before, I would rather play a team 15 v 15 with Damian than 15 v 14 when our 15 is without him ( or with him half injured).

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 974 - 21/05/2024 10:01:37    2546070

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Despite the Derry win, the performance still wasn't excellent. Need a big improvement to win our next two games and beyond.
My team for Westmeath considering injuries would be:

Gleeson
McGrath
Kelly - Harsh on Fitzgerald but Kelly better from deep and would help speed up our slow build-up play.
Glynn
McHugh
Daly
Silke
Conroy
McDaid
Heaney
Maher
Tierney
Walsh
Darcy (if Comer injured)
O'Conaighle/O'Curraoin/Cunningham/Tomo (if Finnerty injured)

jobseekersbent (Galway) - Posts: 383 - 21/05/2024 10:17:08    2546072

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Replying To anotheralias:  "Nobody in Galway is going overboard , but this sounds like Ulster sour grapes.
Incorrect also . Game was level and Galway free awarded ( that to put Galway 1) up before sending off. Galway playing against wind also so I think there was only going to be 1 winner. Comer's influnce was lessened. And I have said a few times before, I would rather play a team 15 v 15 with Damian than 15 v 14 when our 15 is without him ( or with him half injured)."
No sour grapes here, I have no love of Derry. "Nobody in Galway is going overboard" fair play for checking with everyone, but this thread tells a different story. There was little wind (especially for Salthill), on the there was only going to be 1 winner - well that's your opinion I would have to disagree. As I said perspective - Derry missing most of their half back line and played with 14 for the bulk of the game.

Jimmymark2 (Donegal) - Posts: 5 - 21/05/2024 10:38:18    2546081

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "No sour grapes here, I have no love of Derry. "Nobody in Galway is going overboard" fair play for checking with everyone, but this thread tells a different story. There was little wind (especially for Salthill), on the there was only going to be 1 winner - well that's your opinion I would have to disagree. As I said perspective - Derry missing most of their half back line and played with 14 for the bulk of the game."
Thou protesteth too much.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 974 - 21/05/2024 10:48:22    2546085

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Replying To Kickitout:  "In fairness it was probably Conor Gleason best game in goal this year for Galway and the main reason was he stayed in goal did simply things not going out the field where he struggles,,, a question for posters on here where should Galway play Sean Kelly because in my opinion he definitely not a wing forward or midfielder and I for one think his game is suffering big time and he definitely one of Galway's best attacking defenders,, if they keep playing him out of position it will ruin him and will definitely not help the team either he to good to be messed around I think.,"
great to see you posting after a galway win

candlewax (Galway) - Posts: 292 - 21/05/2024 10:54:58    2546090

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Replying To Jimmymark2:  "No sour grapes here, I have no love of Derry. "Nobody in Galway is going overboard" fair play for checking with everyone, but this thread tells a different story. There was little wind (especially for Salthill), on the there was only going to be 1 winner - well that's your opinion I would have to disagree. As I said perspective - Derry missing most of their half back line and played with 14 for the bulk of the game."
I don't think you have love for anyone reading your posts, you seem upset. I am not sure if you're actually from Donegal or if you're just on a wind up here but the irony of a Donegal supporter telling any county not to go overboard. Which Galway poster on this thread " tells a different story" ?? Did you check with everyone?

When it comes to Galway I don't think any of our supporters go overboard, we don't even have any pundits on either RTE or Gaa Go pushing narratives telling the world we are going to win Sam. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about Derry having a few players injured and one of their players stamping and getting sent off. You can only beat what's put in front of you, which we did.

cavan.galway (Galway) - Posts: 222 - 21/05/2024 11:06:15    2546097

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Replying To Kickitout:  "In fairness it was probably Conor Gleason best game in goal this year for Galway and the main reason was he stayed in goal did simply things not going out the field where he struggles,,, a question for posters on here where should Galway play Sean Kelly because in my opinion he definitely not a wing forward or midfielder and I for one think his game is suffering big time and he definitely one of Galway's best attacking defenders,, if they keep playing him out of position it will ruin him and will definitely not help the team either he to good to be messed around I think.,"
I had said it here last week that Sean Kelly is better coming on to the ball from deep but I think fullback is too far back and Fitzgerald seems to have improved from the league. I think he should at least play left half back instead of Silke and Silke appears to be more comfortable at cornerback but it would be harsh to drop Glynn for Silke as Glynn has been solid. Silke could be used as a sub option for either McGrath or Glynn. Alternatively Kelly could play at centre-back instead of Daly as Daly is not in the same form defensively as he was 2 years ago.

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3470 - 21/05/2024 11:25:45    2546101

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The Donegal man is only on the windup and best left ignored.

Galway missing plenty of players too, Patrick Kelly and McDaid from the All Ireland final team and Molloy too as he's not got back to that form too. Peter Cooke someone else who's opted out this year, its a shame he's not committed because if he wasn't starting he'd be getting plenty of game time as a sub.

Joyce has got plenty of stick throughout the spring which was certainly over the top given how many injuries Galway had bur he now deserves a bit of credit, we'd have all been delighted a few months ago if you told us we'd avoid relegation, beat Mayo in a Connacht Final and beat Derry in the opening round of the group stage.

TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 289 - 21/05/2024 11:26:39    2546103

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