National Forum

Galway Football thread

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post


Replying To Kew:  "Why are people on about mcgeeney? Did he have a great bunch of players early on? It's completely different why didn't Roscommon keep Davy burke for 10 years?"
You must be a gosoon because Galway were not up to much before Joyce. One semi final appearance since ye won in 2001, Mayo lording over Connacht, getting knocked out by the likes of Antrim and Tipp and wasting a number of good underage teams. Granted there was some improvement under Walsh. Burke was no improvement on Cunningham in the end, Anthony managed at least a Connacht title so there is no comparison with us. The question is has the team progressed under the manager and you'd have to say Galway have. Joyce has ye cemented as the best in Connacht, 4 in row with that and 2 All Irleand final appearances from a team that could manage one semi in twenty years. All the while one of his best players has been cursed with injury and his other top player not far behind in the injury stakes. McGeeney had planty of talent Jamie Clarke, Forker, Murnin, Grugan, McKeever, Campbell, Grimley.

FullOfPorter (Roscommon) - Posts: 235 - 01/07/2025 10:35:16    2622828

Link

Replying To Ros2013:  "Not coming on here to stick the knife in but I was gobsmacked ye lost. We should have beaten them
In the Hyde a month ago and Galway have a much better side than Roscommon who have been void of any consistency, confidence all year. Connacht football needs to regroup . A bit of collaboration between the five counties would be no harm."
This is a little biased... From the meath point of view we were very happy and relieved to get out of the Hyde with a draw given how close it was and it meant we could go on to top the group .. But ye got two goals against the run of play and overall Meath were clearly better on the day. We dominated midfield. We also hammered ye in the league and ye finished last in the group, so don't be losing the run of yourself.

TobinsBeard (Meath) - Posts: 133 - 01/07/2025 10:53:03    2622835

Link

Will 2026 look for a fitness plan for Damien Comer to have him fitter for Connacht and All Ireland games? 32 next year but surely ye want this man in the squad for his skills and leadership.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 8142 - 01/07/2025 11:00:10    2622837

Link

Replying To togoutlads:  "Our very talented roster of forwards, both starters and bench, don't know how to cohesively attack on a consistent basis. That's down to management. They're not a well oiled, well drilled unit. That's down to management. If they were, I think they'd shoot the lights out but instead they're told to start steadily, hold possession, recycle, play across the arc repeatedly. That's down to management. I've said it consistently last year that Scan as a forwards coach is simply not up to par. He's nowhere near it. I said repeatedly that we need a first class forwards coach otherwise our AI ambitions were no more than a pipe dream. But PJ and himself are thick as thieves back to Jarlath's days and nothing can prize them apart it seems! These forwards, the odd time they took it on themselves to have a real cut in order to save games, showed what they're capable of in short bursts - but PJ and Scan hobbled them, the Final last year and this year's first half against Meath being prime example of incredibly poor advise to and coaching of forwards. We couldn't have played into the oppositions hands more. Not smart enough to win All Irelands, Connacht is this management's ceiling. Of course those Connacht titles were a joy to win but this group of players were capable of more. 6 years is too long. Thank you but really time to make way."
I totally agree with that. We've a poster on here justifying Galway's cagey first half approach play, on the basis that conditions weren't up to scratch. The same poster didn't explain why Sean O'Shea fancied the same posts and conditions to the tune of 8 points before HT. We've a player like Tierney who can win and contest high balls in central offensive positions, but we don't hit any high balls into central offensive positions unless they're mishits for points, and more than one of those has wound up in the opposition net this season. In terms of poor offensive openings this season, you could certainly add the Connacht Final too. 20 mins into that, we'd recorded 0-6 from three Paul Conroy 2 pointers, and the rest of the Galway forward line had recorded precisely nothing on the scoreboard playing with a gale. It seems like Galway football has been dancing to PJs tune for about 25 years now.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4284 - 01/07/2025 11:23:18    2622842

Link

Walsh is not in same planet as Clifford and to be fair no one is in my opinion. I also have O Shea & Con ahead of Walsh. Bar the 22 final v Kerry has he delivered for us on the biggest stage I dont think so. There is no doubting his talent and I would love to know was he 100% himself after the Down game the shoulder knock as to be fair he looked primed to explode after his performance against Armagh & Down. If PJ goes which I feel he may who is in line? Surely it will be within county but no standout options in my view? We have struggeld at underage level the last 5 years. Our u20s failed to win one match this year. I feel it is imperative we get it right as window is closing on this team who I still feel can deliver but has to be in nest year or 2. Also as pointed out can we get a specialist plan for Damo to have him right for All ireland series in 2026.

Eire89 (Galway) - Posts: 361 - 01/07/2025 11:39:10    2622847

Link

With four Connacht titles in a row and two All-Ireland appearances, he's definitely earned another year if he wants it. That said, I do feel some adjustments are needed. With Scan, Morris, Ó Domhnaill, Graham, and Div all involved it feels like there are too many voices, so where does everyone fit? In game on the sideline it seems like Scan is the one in his ear and maybe Divilly at the end of the AirPod!

Worth noting Joyce along with the management and squad have reignited a real sense of pride and positivity around Galway football. The bond between players and supporters is stronger than it's been since early 00's, evident again with the strong maroon support in Croke Park on Sunday.

ahsure. (Galway) - Posts: 1716 - 01/07/2025 11:39:38    2622848

Link

Replying To Eire89:  "Walsh is not in same planet as Clifford and to be fair no one is in my opinion. I also have O Shea & Con ahead of Walsh. Bar the 22 final v Kerry has he delivered for us on the biggest stage I dont think so. There is no doubting his talent and I would love to know was he 100% himself after the Down game the shoulder knock as to be fair he looked primed to explode after his performance against Armagh & Down. If PJ goes which I feel he may who is in line? Surely it will be within county but no standout options in my view? We have struggeld at underage level the last 5 years. Our u20s failed to win one match this year. I feel it is imperative we get it right as window is closing on this team who I still feel can deliver but has to be in nest year or 2. Also as pointed out can we get a specialist plan for Damo to have him right for All ireland series in 2026."
Walsh gets far too much stick, he's been very consistent since Joyce took over. He was clearly injured for last years final as was Comer & Kelly. Despite Walsh carrying an injury he still scored 5 points against Meath, he wasn't the reason Galway didn't win.

How did Sean O'Shea do in his last 2 finals in 22 and 23? He was average enough in both games, he was outstanding last Sunday but I don't recall him hitting that level before, he's had plenty more average games then Walsh has in recent years.

There was an article on Clifford before Sundays game that he'd scored 10 points from his last 30 shots in Croke Park, imagine if that was Walsh. He'd be getting hammered in the media but Clifford can't do any wrong and Walsh has become an easy target and disappointing too see so many Galway people put the boot into him.

The same goes for Gleeson, if he'd put in Ethan Rafferty's performance of losing 10 kickouts in a row he'd be hammered but Rafferty hasn't.

Walsh and Gleeson are easy targets.

TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 292 - 01/07/2025 13:47:49    2622875

Link

Replying To Pope_Benedict:  "I totally agree with that. We've a poster on here justifying Galway's cagey first half approach play, on the basis that conditions weren't up to scratch. The same poster didn't explain why Sean O'Shea fancied the same posts and conditions to the tune of 8 points before HT. We've a player like Tierney who can win and contest high balls in central offensive positions, but we don't hit any high balls into central offensive positions unless they're mishits for points, and more than one of those has wound up in the opposition net this season. In terms of poor offensive openings this season, you could certainly add the Connacht Final too. 20 mins into that, we'd recorded 0-6 from three Paul Conroy 2 pointers, and the rest of the Galway forward line had recorded precisely nothing on the scoreboard playing with a gale. It seems like Galway football has been dancing to PJs tune for about 25 years now."
I can't remember too many times this year that Tierney has had a shot from distance either, we all know he's capable but looks to be told not too. Agree its baffling he's not used more at full forward, penalty aside against Armagh he's so assured when he has a goal chance.

Walsh against Down was looking for the the kick pass in but its clear he was hampered on Sunday and wasn't looking for it as much, might have made far more sense in that first half to move Tierney into Walsh's position.

Galway didn't have any sort of cohesion all summer, played in fits and starts but not sure where the blame lies on Sunday. They were of it in every aspect of the game, Meath shaded kickouts, turnovers & shot percentage. Galway were 50% from play which is abysmal.

TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 292 - 01/07/2025 14:30:54    2622899

Link

Replying To TheBishop:  "Walsh gets far too much stick, he's been very consistent since Joyce took over. He was clearly injured for last years final as was Comer & Kelly. Despite Walsh carrying an injury he still scored 5 points against Meath, he wasn't the reason Galway didn't win.

How did Sean O'Shea do in his last 2 finals in 22 and 23? He was average enough in both games, he was outstanding last Sunday but I don't recall him hitting that level before, he's had plenty more average games then Walsh has in recent years.

There was an article on Clifford before Sundays game that he'd scored 10 points from his last 30 shots in Croke Park, imagine if that was Walsh. He'd be getting hammered in the media but Clifford can't do any wrong and Walsh has become an easy target and disappointing too see so many Galway people put the boot into him.

The same goes for Gleeson, if he'd put in Ethan Rafferty's performance of losing 10 kickouts in a row he'd be hammered but Rafferty hasn't.

Walsh and Gleeson are easy targets."
Here we go hate on clifford where did you get 10 30 bull 7 and scored league fina.

More average than walsh i don't agree Oshe may not had be scoring as much some games but worker as well. He is more versatile in my opinion but that you can disagree with it

Clifford definitely is ahead walsh in my opinion 10 pts 30 is bull what matches what ones you counting and evidence for this missed few but 10 out 30

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 756 - 01/07/2025 15:19:09    2622909

Link

Replying To TheBishop:  "Walsh gets far too much stick, he's been very consistent since Joyce took over. He was clearly injured for last years final as was Comer & Kelly. Despite Walsh carrying an injury he still scored 5 points against Meath, he wasn't the reason Galway didn't win.

How did Sean O'Shea do in his last 2 finals in 22 and 23? He was average enough in both games, he was outstanding last Sunday but I don't recall him hitting that level before, he's had plenty more average games then Walsh has in recent years.

There was an article on Clifford before Sundays game that he'd scored 10 points from his last 30 shots in Croke Park, imagine if that was Walsh. He'd be getting hammered in the media but Clifford can't do any wrong and Walsh has become an easy target and disappointing too see so many Galway people put the boot into him.

The same goes for Gleeson, if he'd put in Ethan Rafferty's performance of losing 10 kickouts in a row he'd be hammered but Rafferty hasn't.

Walsh and Gleeson are easy targets."
I wait that's good stat if true obviously like see to link to information. Fact galway are thought so can about walsh and oshea

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 756 - 01/07/2025 15:20:13    2622910

Link

Replying To TheBishop:  "Walsh gets far too much stick, he's been very consistent since Joyce took over. He was clearly injured for last years final as was Comer & Kelly. Despite Walsh carrying an injury he still scored 5 points against Meath, he wasn't the reason Galway didn't win.

How did Sean O'Shea do in his last 2 finals in 22 and 23? He was average enough in both games, he was outstanding last Sunday but I don't recall him hitting that level before, he's had plenty more average games then Walsh has in recent years.

There was an article on Clifford before Sundays game that he'd scored 10 points from his last 30 shots in Croke Park, imagine if that was Walsh. He'd be getting hammered in the media but Clifford can't do any wrong and Walsh has become an easy target and disappointing too see so many Galway people put the boot into him.

The same goes for Gleeson, if he'd put in Ethan Rafferty's performance of losing 10 kickouts in a row he'd be hammered but Rafferty hasn't.

Walsh and Gleeson are easy targets."
Well said.

Ailteoir (Galway) - Posts: 921 - 01/07/2025 15:22:55    2622911

Link

I fully agree with your sentiments here Bishop and Pope's too as well as "togoout " who started these comments. We've been far too negative all season and indeed last year too despite our march to the final. We have talented attackers right back to our half backline of Kelly and McHugh but we show little belief in them. I'm not against PJ staying on but this negativity (particularly under the new rules) is a scandal and should be rooted out. Let our forwards be cut loose( including having a Comer/ Tierney high ball option…which we greatly missed this year) …whats there to be afraid of? Better to lose trying than chewing the bitter regrets of what might have been last Sunday.

Flaherty (UK) - Posts: 129 - 01/07/2025 15:24:56    2622913

Link

Replying To Pope_Benedict:  "I totally agree with that. We've a poster on here justifying Galway's cagey first half approach play, on the basis that conditions weren't up to scratch. The same poster didn't explain why Sean O'Shea fancied the same posts and conditions to the tune of 8 points before HT. We've a player like Tierney who can win and contest high balls in central offensive positions, but we don't hit any high balls into central offensive positions unless they're mishits for points, and more than one of those has wound up in the opposition net this season. In terms of poor offensive openings this season, you could certainly add the Connacht Final too. 20 mins into that, we'd recorded 0-6 from three Paul Conroy 2 pointers, and the rest of the Galway forward line had recorded precisely nothing on the scoreboard playing with a gale. It seems like Galway football has been dancing to PJs tune for about 25 years now."
It is true that we have not had a good win by a decent margin apart from V Roscommon this year. Donegal have dealt with the challenges of Monaghan and Cavan as would be expected from a real SAM contender. It is unlikely Galway would have beaten either of them by more than a couple of points. Clearly the biggest element lacking in Galway is Hunger, Energy and Drive, which they can only seem to muster for 10-12 minutes when under the kosh from opponents . PJ was asked about this in the post match interview and was at a loss to explain it, he joked , "we have even changed the bus driver" in an effort get over it, but to no avail. Still though as much as we are frustrated by this, changing manager may not be the solution. Any call for change that is not accompanied by a realistic, available alternative has to be disregarded. PJs record is second only to JOM in the past 25 years, and is miles ahead of any of the other holders of the position since. 4 CTs, 2 AI finals, while being plagued with injury issues. Should he walk away as he may well do, I think Stephen Rochford, would be a good choice. Should PJ stay, Rochford would be an excellent replacement for Mickey. A wounded Mayo man has done it for us in the past, Rochford is highly regarded for transforming Corofin into an attacking machine, and he got closer than any other to bringing SAM to Mayo.

giveitlong (Galway) - Posts: 1289 - 01/07/2025 15:29:58    2622916

Link

Galway need to just run it back next year but accept the the best days of Comer, Walsh and Conroy are done. They will be great impact players, but their training and conditioning needs to be arranged for that.
Another tight marking corner back is also required - Glynn isn't a proper man marker
Also just decide who the best keeper is and back him.

tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1484 - 01/07/2025 15:45:03    2622922

Link

The 50% rate you mentioned is abysmal alright and whilst there will be days when wides will be a problem, it doesn't excuse the lack of trying for shots like we had in say the first half last Sunday. The new rules seem to favour the attacker I believe, but to get the advantage it also means you have to be brave, a classic case of risk and reward.

If attacking play leads to more wides, there is the positive of being able to attack more opposition kick outs. Just look at Kerry last Sunday. Fortunately for them, they were facing more opposition kickouts but usually in the aftermath of a score. The one thing leads to the other…but belief underpins the whole.

Flaherty (UK) - Posts: 129 - 01/07/2025 15:59:24    2622925

Link

Replying To TobinsBeard:  "This is a little biased... From the meath point of view we were very happy and relieved to get out of the Hyde with a draw given how close it was and it meant we could go on to top the group .. But ye got two goals against the run of play and overall Meath were clearly better on the day. We dominated midfield. We also hammered ye in the league and ye finished last in the group, so don't be losing the run of yourself."
Says the Meath man.... take your own advice...

Belclare7 (Galway) - Posts: 329 - 01/07/2025 17:10:05    2622946

Link

Pj staying on... not all backroom will.
Walsh and Comer only 32 so another year or two in them if they wish!
We'll be grand..

Belclare7 (Galway) - Posts: 329 - 01/07/2025 17:13:11    2622948

Link

Replying To TobinsBeard:  "This is a little biased... From the meath point of view we were very happy and relieved to get out of the Hyde with a draw given how close it was and it meant we could go on to top the group .. But ye got two goals against the run of play and overall Meath were clearly better on the day. We dominated midfield. We also hammered ye in the league and ye finished last in the group, so don't be losing the run of yourself."
Looking back at that match the Roscomon goals was scored in the opening 15 and the scoreline was 2-1 to 0-4 against the run of play? 2nd half Meath was outscored 0-10 to 0-5. Meath win in the league didn't count for a lot as didn't get promoted to Div 1 along with Roscommon for 2026.

Meath deserve all the plaudits for reaching the last 4 totally against the odds and I'll be watching on with interest to see how you'll fare against Donegal. Next for Meath then is building on it, Can you gain promotion to Div 1 next year? can they reach the latter stages of the All Ireland championship again. Galway have lost Tipp in All Ireland Quarter final in the recent past and I hope for Meath's sake they don't fall back into decline as Tipp did.

Drax_the_destroyer (UK) - Posts: 511 - 01/07/2025 18:07:40    2622966

Link

Replying To Flaherty:  "The 50% rate you mentioned is abysmal alright and whilst there will be days when wides will be a problem, it doesn't excuse the lack of trying for shots like we had in say the first half last Sunday. The new rules seem to favour the attacker I believe, but to get the advantage it also means you have to be brave, a classic case of risk and reward.

If attacking play leads to more wides, there is the positive of being able to attack more opposition kick outs. Just look at Kerry last Sunday. Fortunately for them, they were facing more opposition kickouts but usually in the aftermath of a score. The one thing leads to the other…but belief underpins the whole."
Apologies, my recent two posts were meant to be a response to the last two posts by "TheBishop" but for some reason posted as "new posts", not my intention!

Flaherty (UK) - Posts: 129 - 01/07/2025 18:36:31    2622974

Link

Replying To Flaherty:  "Apologies, my recent two posts were meant to be a response to the last two posts by "TheBishop" but for some reason posted as "new posts", not my intention!"
Fortunately they still have to work and analyse armagh strength and win breaks. Maybe Galway should stop passing around in games and playing great for 5 minutes and getting away it caught up with Galway.

Gaaforlife2023 (Longford) - Posts: 756 - 01/07/2025 20:29:38    2623002

Link