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Galway Football thread

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Replying To galwayman2:  "Yeah agree with that. Power should be given a game.
They are not going to drop Gleeson for championship now it seems (although on the flip side he only came into the team late last year when Flaherty got injured in the league final).
But the other keeper should be given some game time. If Gleeson gets injured, he will have had no game at all bar the FBD."
Doesn't seem to matter.James Keane last year had no game time at all and when Flaherty was ready to come back even though he had played most of the league Keane wasn't replaced.In all fairness most teams don't change goalie unless injured so sub goalie has very little game time.

Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 217 - 20/03/2023 14:28:25    2465203

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Just watched the game back this morning as it was too late on Saturday night. Nearly everything has been covered here, but there is two or three things I noticed, the Cathal Sweeney turn over at the end was pretty bad. It could have cost us two points, I didn't notice it on Saturday, but when you put it with the one in Castlebar he needs to stop giving away cheap possession in dangerous areas, the Tierney decision when he was in on goal, he has been my favourite player this year, but just clip them ones over the bar or give the pass earlier. Finally the Ref was very poor, he looked like he had done the dog on it for Patricks week, surely there is a minimum fitness standard, he missed the late hit on Heaney and didn't stop play to get Johnny any assistance, the hit was dangerous and reckless and he gave Armagh a gimmie free when he pulled Heron for touching the ball on the ground when Cian never lost possession and the ball never touched the ground. I hope the referees reviewer gives him an honest review/report. Anyways for me I've no interest in a league final, Sean Kelly, Heaney, McHugh, Daly, Tierney, Conroy and Gleeson need next Sunday off, let Kerry and Mayo at it, a block of training and rest is more beneficial to Galway..

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 720 - 20/03/2023 14:35:38    2465210

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Replying To Dunmore10:  "He also caught a few great high balls the last day and was involved in blocking goal chance at end, you would nt have seen dat on highlights scan"
You are referring to the chance at the end when John Daly narrowed the angle and the Armagh forward had nowhere to aim his shot except Gleeson and it just hit off him ?

Dermot_Desmond_96 (Galway) - Posts: 36 - 20/03/2023 14:41:45    2465218

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Replying To Kickitout:  "The reason Gleason getting criticism has nothing do with full back line he just not good enough makes big mistakes in most matches he always flat footed in goal , it's management fault for actually playing him they have decided no matter how bad he is he going to be goalie so the book stops with them and in my opinion Galway will not win all Ireland with him in goal .."
Whatever your opinion about gleeson, the full back needs to be far better, sean Kelly is no full back, so sort out a full back or we r going no where

Dunmore10 (Galway) - Posts: 120 - 20/03/2023 14:46:07    2465222

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Replying To FatLadySinging:  "Mr. Systematic, you are of course biased for whatever reason against our goalkeeper Conor Gleeson. He was clearly fouled for the goal. It was a home-town decision that the referee chickened out of. The ref ought to be ashamed of himself. This type of barging is against the rules of the game and should be penalised with a free out. This is far more important than spotting a dubious hand ball 50 yards away. Gleeson is a fine goalkeeper and getting better all the time with experience. Those biased against him such as Systematic should stop the nonsense about these other so-called better keepers such as the Roscommon keeper Carroll who is not available to us. He is from a Roscommon family who are died-in-the-wool Roscommon supporters and see have nailed their colours to the mast. But wait until he makes a few mistakes and see how long he'll last with the Rossies. Goalkeeper in gaelic football is the most onerous and responsible position to play in with him being expected to fulfill a multiplicity of roles. Let those who are knocking him show a small bit of encouragement and positivity instead. As the saying goes: if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all. We have a very mean defence that have I think conceded the lowest score in Division 1. This is a credit to the goalkeeper and the defensive unit. This knocking of Gleeson is quite unfair and tiresome and should stop. Give the man a break Systematic."
In fairness he is being criticised because his weaknesses are causing problems for the team.
On the plus side he has a huge boot on him and made a good save at the end on Saturday.
Every player makes mistakes of course but he is making far too many of them and they are costing us.
He has two glaring weaknesses that haven't been addressed since last year.
Number one - he has absolutely no presence at all under the high ball. He is a huge man and has all the advantages - facing the play etc. yet it's panic stations every time ma ball comes near him in the air. He is just rooted to the line and a gust of wind would knock him back into the net.
His second big weakness is on kickouts. He is okay if the instruction is to lamp the ball long down the field and let the outfielders fight for the ball. His huge boot will ensure the kickout goes far.
But that tactic alone won't cut it at the highest level.
He does not have the ability to pick out a man with a floater like other county keepers can.
His speed of kickout also gives the team less chance of getting one away while the opposition are still disorganised. It takes forever for him to get the ball down and be ready for the kick. Again, compare this with other county keepers.
These are the weaknesses that people are seeing and can't be glossed over.
There is nothing personal about pointing these things out.

galwayman2 (Galway) - Posts: 1237 - 20/03/2023 14:59:34    2465232

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Replying To Dermot_Desmond_96:  "You are referring to the chance at the end when John Daly narrowed the angle and the Armagh forward had nowhere to aim his shot except Gleeson and it just hit off him ?"
Positional sense, standing tall to make himself a bigger obstacle to put the ball past. Goalkeeping it's called. He mightn't be fantastic in every aspect of goalkeeping but credit him when he's due.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7337 - 20/03/2023 15:04:16    2465233

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Replying To FatLadySinging:  "Mr. Systematic, you are of course biased for whatever reason against our goalkeeper Conor Gleeson. He was clearly fouled for the goal. It was a home-town decision that the referee chickened out of. The ref ought to be ashamed of himself. This type of barging is against the rules of the game and should be penalised with a free out. This is far more important than spotting a dubious hand ball 50 yards away. Gleeson is a fine goalkeeper and getting better all the time with experience. Those biased against him such as Systematic should stop the nonsense about these other so-called better keepers such as the Roscommon keeper Carroll who is not available to us. He is from a Roscommon family who are died-in-the-wool Roscommon supporters and see have nailed their colours to the mast. But wait until he makes a few mistakes and see how long he'll last with the Rossies. Goalkeeper in gaelic football is the most onerous and responsible position to play in with him being expected to fulfill a multiplicity of roles. Let those who are knocking him show a small bit of encouragement and positivity instead. As the saying goes: if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all. We have a very mean defence that have I think conceded the lowest score in Division 1. This is a credit to the goalkeeper and the defensive unit. This knocking of Gleeson is quite unfair and tiresome and should stop. Give the man a break Systematic."
You should show respect to the "other so called better keepers"if you want respect for Conor Gleeson.Conor Carroll is a fine goalkeeper as is Conor Flaherty.Carroll played quite a bit underage with Galway but went to Roscommon because he wanted to play.Fair play to him.He is so young and still developing.Conor Flaherty was first choice before injury ruled him out and he has decided not to go back in this year.

Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 217 - 20/03/2023 15:14:04    2465238

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In relation to the Armagh goal...no one "ran at the keeper " or " barged him over " etc...an Armagh player with his back to him and with his 2 feet on the ground made minimal contact with his backside ... I hope Conor Gleeson learns from it and decides enough is enough, I'm going to boss the small square from now on.

As for calling for the goal to be disallowed and alluding to a conspiracy against our full back line and keeper...imagine if it was the other way around and Rob Finnerty made such minimal contact with 6"4"" Rafferty and the ref gave a free out ? We would all rightly go insane !

Future looking very positive with this large group of All Ireland winning u20 players.

Black+Blue (Galway) - Posts: 122 - 20/03/2023 15:32:03    2465248

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Regarding Armagh's goal, I have looked at it over again several times. Conor Gleeson is not blameless but I think that he would have dealt with it if John Maher had not got into the zone and impeded him. Maher had a really really fine game but, in my opinion , he was actually more to blame than our goalkeeper for that goal . When he came in from the side of the goal like that he had to get contact on the ball.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 840 - 20/03/2023 15:43:20    2465253

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Replying To Marooned:  "Can't figure out why Gleeson is so bad under high balls. Not like he's a small fella. He's actually a big lump. He has no spring when he jumps at all though. Can't seem to get himself off the ground.

That said the defenders in front of him have to learn to block the opposition forwards from getting clear runs at him."
What I can't understand is that Galway players seem surprised and not ready for the high dropping ball into the square. Its not like they haven't been warned previously i.e. at least 6 or 7 times now since last year! What exactly are they doing in training to counter this tactic as whatever they are doing its not working when it comes to the matches themselves?

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3314 - 20/03/2023 15:55:54    2465256

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Replying To GDL:  "Just watched the game back this morning as it was too late on Saturday night. Nearly everything has been covered here, but there is two or three things I noticed, the Cathal Sweeney turn over at the end was pretty bad. It could have cost us two points, I didn't notice it on Saturday, but when you put it with the one in Castlebar he needs to stop giving away cheap possession in dangerous areas, the Tierney decision when he was in on goal, he has been my favourite player this year, but just clip them ones over the bar or give the pass earlier. Finally the Ref was very poor, he looked like he had done the dog on it for Patricks week, surely there is a minimum fitness standard, he missed the late hit on Heaney and didn't stop play to get Johnny any assistance, the hit was dangerous and reckless and he gave Armagh a gimmie free when he pulled Heron for touching the ball on the ground when Cian never lost possession and the ball never touched the ground. I hope the referees reviewer gives him an honest review/report. Anyways for me I've no interest in a league final, Sean Kelly, Heaney, McHugh, Daly, Tierney, Conroy and Gleeson need next Sunday off, let Kerry and Mayo at it, a block of training and rest is more beneficial to Galway.."
Yes Cathal Sweeney is a fine footballer but I think he needs to work on his S&C as well as composure on the ball as he is too easily dispossessed at times and can panic when under pressure. For instance "Soupy" Campbell of Armagh got the first point of the game when Sweeney was too easily turned over when he really should have held onto the pass.

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3314 - 20/03/2023 16:02:37    2465260

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Replying To FatLadySinging:  "Mr. Systematic, you are of course biased for whatever reason against our goalkeeper Conor Gleeson. He was clearly fouled for the goal. It was a home-town decision that the referee chickened out of. The ref ought to be ashamed of himself. This type of barging is against the rules of the game and should be penalised with a free out. This is far more important than spotting a dubious hand ball 50 yards away. Gleeson is a fine goalkeeper and getting better all the time with experience. Those biased against him such as Systematic should stop the nonsense about these other so-called better keepers such as the Roscommon keeper Carroll who is not available to us. He is from a Roscommon family who are died-in-the-wool Roscommon supporters and see have nailed their colours to the mast. But wait until he makes a few mistakes and see how long he'll last with the Rossies. Goalkeeper in gaelic football is the most onerous and responsible position to play in with him being expected to fulfill a multiplicity of roles. Let those who are knocking him show a small bit of encouragement and positivity instead. As the saying goes: if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all. We have a very mean defence that have I think conceded the lowest score in Division 1. This is a credit to the goalkeeper and the defensive unit. This knocking of Gleeson is quite unfair and tiresome and should stop. Give the man a break Systematic."
Don't have to wait he's already made them but is young and learning plus we need to look at new goalkeepers. as you said Goalkeeper in Gaelic football is the most onerous and responsible position to play in with him being expected to fulfill a multiplicity of roles. I do think supporters need to hold back on such criticism or at least be a little more constructive in what they say. Gleeson wasn't totally at fault on Saturday for that goal as a number of defenders was left ball watching and the Armagh keeper was more at fault for the Galway goal and a mistake that basically won the match for Galway.

The_analyser (Roscommon) - Posts: 3744 - 20/03/2023 16:21:44    2465271

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Replying To GreenandRed:  "Positional sense, standing tall to make himself a bigger obstacle to put the ball past. Goalkeeping it's called. He mightn't be fantastic in every aspect of goalkeeping but credit him when he's due."
Yeah and fair play to the free taker for tapping over a 14yard free from in front of the sticks.

Dermot_Desmond_96 (Galway) - Posts: 36 - 20/03/2023 16:24:36    2465274

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Replying To tommy k:  "Yes Cathal Sweeney is a fine footballer but I think he needs to work on his S&C as well as composure on the ball as he is too easily dispossessed at times and can panic when under pressure. For instance "Soupy" Campbell of Armagh got the first point of the game when Sweeney was too easily turned over when he really should have held onto the pass."
But try and talk about hos positive play, he has been excellent for Galway in the last few games, was outstanding in Tuam , I always wonder why you find it important to highlight the negative aspects of a young man's gene..

Belclare (Galway) - Posts: 904 - 20/03/2023 16:39:17    2465290

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Replying To galwayman2:  "In fairness he is being criticised because his weaknesses are causing problems for the team.
On the plus side he has a huge boot on him and made a good save at the end on Saturday.
Every player makes mistakes of course but he is making far too many of them and they are costing us.
He has two glaring weaknesses that haven't been addressed since last year.
Number one - he has absolutely no presence at all under the high ball. He is a huge man and has all the advantages - facing the play etc. yet it's panic stations every time ma ball comes near him in the air. He is just rooted to the line and a gust of wind would knock him back into the net.
His second big weakness is on kickouts. He is okay if the instruction is to lamp the ball long down the field and let the outfielders fight for the ball. His huge boot will ensure the kickout goes far.
But that tactic alone won't cut it at the highest level.
He does not have the ability to pick out a man with a floater like other county keepers can.
His speed of kickout also gives the team less chance of getting one away while the opposition are still disorganised. It takes forever for him to get the ball down and be ready for the kick. Again, compare this with other county keepers.
These are the weaknesses that people are seeing and can't be glossed over.
There is nothing personal about pointing these things out."
I think pretty much all of that is spot on and fair.

Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2209 - 20/03/2023 16:45:31    2465291

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Galway lost an All Ireland in 2000 and the following Spring a league final. In the early rounds of Connacht we got clipped by Roscommon and had difficulty with high balls. John O'Mahoney called in a keeper who wasn't on the panel for the league and made a couple of switches, the rest is history. Not blaming any players but this story is simply a fact.

A decision made to improve the team and kick on.
The mistakes against Armagh last summer, last Sunday, above in Donegal can't all be blamed on Sean Kelly. Need to look at another option or it will cost us. We have options now with free takers, Walsh, Tierney, Conroy, Finnerty. We need them between the sticks also.

smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 361 - 20/03/2023 17:45:53    2465320

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Replying To candlewax:  "who would be the top 3 players from this league campaign?"
Tierney no 1 by some distance . Hoping he continues in similar form

Kelly and heaney

galwayfball (Galway) - Posts: 1678 - 20/03/2023 18:06:23    2465330

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Replying To Belclare:  "But try and talk about hos positive play, he has been excellent for Galway in the last few games, was outstanding in Tuam , I always wonder why you find it important to highlight the negative aspects of a young man's gene.."
No I said he was a fine footballer if you read my post and I have praised him here previously for his good play but there are things that need to be improved which could make a difference in tight games in more important games later on. All players have to keep improving if they hope to win an AI medal.

tommy k (Galway) - Posts: 3314 - 20/03/2023 18:08:28    2465332

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Replying To Marooned:  "I think pretty much all of that is spot on and fair."
There is nothing "spot on or fair" about it (especially if you are at the receiving end of the trolling) if it is biased and over the top and not giving the player due credit for his great contribution to the team and their current status as one of the top teams in the country. Also give Padraig Joyce and the management due credit for their astute judgement.

FatLadySinging (Galway) - Posts: 86 - 20/03/2023 20:36:49    2465369

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Replying To galwayfball:  "Tierney no 1 by some distance . Hoping he continues in similar form

Kelly and heaney"
You're a 'north board man' with those picks, a KW fan too we recall.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3410 - 21/03/2023 09:38:11    2465395

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