Replying To PressureKick: "Considering Mayo have a warm weather training camp done and as you mention, Joyce doesn't even know for another few weeks whether key players are even returning, it'll surely be a shock if Mayo don't win this one comfortably?
Replying To Eire89: "Interesting line up big note is Silke WF but will he line out there I dont think so espec not come champo but this is what league is for a bit of experimenting. Especially with new rules the the middle 8 just go everywhere really. i dont think O Curraoin offers enough from play & also think O Conghaile will have to make big impact if and when he get chances. Happy to see Maher as captain & mcHugh VC always good to change it around. On Maher & Comer any time line given for a return absolutley no rush but definitely would like see Damo play and get through mins this year. Feels like we have same conversation about him and his inj every year. I will be very intersted to see how the 2 McDonaghs get on. Fionn must be about 6 4"
I think the idea went out there in 2025 that we didn't know what we were at selectorially, in specific relation to the new rules. The selection of Silke at no10 could be some indication that management are taking steps to remedy that situation in 2026.
Hard to see many scores in that Galway side if they line out as selected. 3 rookie forwards and a defender included up front. O'Flaherty not really a consistent scorer either. Lot resting on Finnerty to produce scores.
Replying To S1234: "Ah ye are turning into a bunch of yerras like kerry ! There is about 8 starters on there and 2 starters on the bench including walsh and at home to it's yours to loose saÿ ye are one of the favourites for sam to .."
You've spent the winter basically calling Galway (and other teams) overrated, while also bigging up mayo and their new management at every opportunity.
Now the time comes that Mayo have had a great prep with a warm weather training camp, and Galway look a bit all over the shop, and yet suddenly Galway should be favorites and should be winning?
Which is it? Who do you believe is a better team and county at the moment?
Replying To Pope_Benedict: "I think the idea went out there in 2025 that we didn't know what we were at selectorially, in specific relation to the new rules. The selection of Silke at no10 could be some indication that management are taking steps to remedy that situation in 2026."
Or it could be that they don't know what there doing in 2026 as well,,,,,,
McBearty waffling on about the age profile of this Galway team and them being in last chance territory in 2026, when you actually lay it out, the panic doesn't really hold up.
Over 30s (5 players total) Damien Comer (32) - can still be an impact monster when managed right Shane Walsh (32) - still absolutely crucial Conor Gleeson (32) - goalkeeper age is almost irrelevant Liam Silke (31) - important, but not irreplaceable Paul Conroy (35) - impact minutes at this stage, not 70+ This group isn't anchoring the team, it's providing impact.
Prime-age core (26-28) This is the real heartbeat of the team: Seán Kelly (27) Cillian McDaid (27) Dylan McHugh (26) Robert Finnerty (27) John Maher (27) Kieran Molloy (28) John Daly (27)??? That's 7 players smack in their physical and mental prime
25 or younger Everyone else falls in here, which means: legs, recovery, development curve etc,.
If we compare that with Dublin when they won the 2023 All-Ireland, they weren't "young and fresh" Stephen Cluxton - 41 James McCarthy - 33 Michael Fitzsimons - 34 Brian Fenton - 30 Paul Mannion - 30 Ciarán Kilkenny - 29 That's multiple starters and core players well into their 30s, plus others right on the edge of it. The key point people miss is Winning All-Irelands is not about being young or old, it's about and having leaders in big moments, managing minutes smartly and surrounding experience with legs and timing peaks. The talk about Galway being in last chance discussions doesn't hold up.... 2-3 years down the line we will gradually decend into a transition phase, that will be a different picture.