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Galway Football thread

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I thought that was Hernons best performance in a Galway jersey. I also thought Maher and Darcy were superb, crazy to think that both weren't on the panel in 22. I would say Walsh and Comer even coming on as a sub would be a bonus. They've effectively missed the league so must be miles off fitness and sharpness wise. I'm optimistic going into the championship and looking forward to Connacht

smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 584 - 23/03/2026 09:50:35    2662433

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Replying To jam83:  "It's even harder to understand the Galway slow attacking play when you hear Padraic Joyces interviews after most matches in this league. He pointed out the slow play, the fact they got tied up on the D, and he generally complains about the same issues each week especially slow starts. But yet those issues keep happening in every match. You'd have to seriously question the coaching the team are getting.
The players are so reluctant to shoot. Most of the highlights I've seen of other matches show players taking 2 point scoring chances, not doubting themselves every time like Galway. There aren't many managers out there who seem so at odds with how their team is performing."
Obviously management have to shoulder some responsibility there, but it feels like a players first and foremost, them lacking the confidence or ability to be direct, break a line or take a shot when available.

The main culprit yesterday was McHugh, who had numerous opportunities to break past the line and kick a score but turned it down to recycle. It was also evident with Silke, Molloy, Mulkerrin, McGrath, Kelly when he was on. It's all just leading to this monotonous over and back play because we just don't have the players willing or possibly even capable to penetrating and being direct

Obviously that situation becomes much better once McDaid and Thompson return, as they always handle a lot of ball around the edge. Walsh would make a huge difference there also but who knows the situation there.

In the meantime until they return, Conroy probably has to play the majority of minutes. Teams don't respect the kickpass or two point option with the majority of Galways players but they respect both with him. I think Hernon might also be needed further forward. He makes plenty of mistakes being direct but at least he's not afraid to make them

PressureKick (UK) - Posts: 356 - 23/03/2026 11:44:40    2662477

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Replying To giveitlong:  "Very interesting now in Connacht, While a largely changed Galway have gone toe to toe with Kerry, Armagh and Donegal remarkably our defeats have come against both of our neighbours. Big gamble has paid off in giving extended playing time to new lads against the top teams. Also looking further ahead, as we had 4 away games in the League this year we should have 3 next year. 2 of our home games were v Mayo and Roscommon so am I right in thinking that apart from them, we will only have one away game outside the province next year? is there an overseas training camp planned this side of Championship?"
Yes and that away game outside privince will be Cork or Meath.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 1057 - 23/03/2026 12:16:49    2662483

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Strange one with McGrath but he seems reluctant to pull the trigger unless the perfect space opens up and we know he has 2 points in his armory. Roche was not offering much in terms of movement inside to offer a quick return to anyone breaking through. Where has Fionn McDonagh gone, injured? No.14 is another problem area

WonTon5 (Galway) - Posts: 148 - 23/03/2026 12:29:41    2662493

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Replying To jam83:  "It's even harder to understand the Galway slow attacking play when you hear Padraic Joyces interviews after most matches in this league. He pointed out the slow play, the fact they got tied up on the D, and he generally complains about the same issues each week especially slow starts. But yet those issues keep happening in every match. You'd have to seriously question the coaching the team are getting.
The players are so reluctant to shoot. Most of the highlights I've seen of other matches show players taking 2 point scoring chances, not doubting themselves every time like Galway. There aren't many managers out there who seem so at odds with how their team is performing."
Galway were very reluctant to shoot from terrace side in the first half, presumably due to their local knowledge of the wind situation, the 2 shots they did go for from that side were missed. The dubs missed numerous chances from that area in the second half, including a bad wide from Con. The Dubs had their strongest side so far in action and played with savage intensity, which along with the melee carry on, goes to show how badly they wanted to stay up. I think management have learned from past mistakes of bringing back players who had picked up knocks etc before they were 100% ready. There will be no return to action this time until fully ready and fit. For me the best sight yesterday was that of Sean Mulkerrin's comeback. Fair play to him for persisting to overcome his injury.

giveitlong (Galway) - Posts: 1309 - 23/03/2026 12:47:55    2662500

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Players who don't 'break lines' generally lack pace. It's not a managerial issue imo. You you can't coach pace, as the old cliché says.

You usually won't break lines at the highest level without real pace. That's why Kelly, McDaid and Walsh have been so key for Galway in the last 5-6 seasons, and why Hernon and Flaherty had to provide that pace impact up the pitch yesterday, in the absence of the other trio. The new faces getting the so called 'gametime' in 2026 have made a positive impact, but I don't think that any of them are scary from a pace perspective, which is a pity. The new no10 McGrath is a perfect example. Grand footballer and ball handler, but seems to lack the pace to do real damage.

Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 4613 - 23/03/2026 12:58:46    2662502

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Replying To giveitlong:  "Very interesting now in Connacht, While a largely changed Galway have gone toe to toe with Kerry, Armagh and Donegal remarkably our defeats have come against both of our neighbours. Big gamble has paid off in giving extended playing time to new lads against the top teams. Also looking further ahead, as we had 4 away games in the League this year we should have 3 next year. 2 of our home games were v Mayo and Roscommon so am I right in thinking that apart from them, we will only have one away game outside the province next year? is there an overseas training camp planned this side of Championship?"
Not sure if it was a gamble to play inexperienced players in league. It was either that or play games with 10 or 12 players as the experienced players were unfit to play.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 1057 - 23/03/2026 14:35:45    2662552

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Replying To giveitlong:  "Very interesting now in Connacht, While a largely changed Galway have gone toe to toe with Kerry, Armagh and Donegal remarkably our defeats have come against both of our neighbours. Big gamble has paid off in giving extended playing time to new lads against the top teams. Also looking further ahead, as we had 4 away games in the League this year we should have 3 next year. 2 of our home games were v Mayo and Roscommon so am I right in thinking that apart from them, we will only have one away game outside the province next year? is there an overseas training camp planned this side of Championship?"
Next years a long way off but the prospects for league next year are much better as you say. This years league was very tricky to navigate with the 4 away games, 3 of them to possibly the 3 best teams in the country in Kerry, Donegal and Armagh. Two home games v Mayo and Roscommon that Galway would probably prefer to play in the opposing ground if anything. They've done very well to navigate that despite plenty of injuries

Next year shapes up much better. The top teams at home. Two away games (Ros + Mayo) short trips away in familiar grounds. Might even have the third away game v Meath up in Croke Park. That's about as nice as slate as you can get, having been as tough as you can get this year

PressureKick (UK) - Posts: 356 - 23/03/2026 15:46:40    2662595

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Replying To Pope_Benedict:  "Players who don't 'break lines' generally lack pace. It's not a managerial issue imo. You you can't coach pace, as the old cliché says.

You usually won't break lines at the highest level without real pace. That's why Kelly, McDaid and Walsh have been so key for Galway in the last 5-6 seasons, and why Hernon and Flaherty had to provide that pace impact up the pitch yesterday, in the absence of the other trio. The new faces getting the so called 'gametime' in 2026 have made a positive impact, but I don't think that any of them are scary from a pace perspective, which is a pity. The new no10 McGrath is a perfect example. Grand footballer and ball handler, but seems to lack the pace to do real damage."
Agree on the pace, balance of the team isn't right just now but that's the hand we're dealt with the quality of players that are missing. I think Mulhearn will be a line breaker but its hard to expect an u20 to come in and be that player although if McGlinchey had stayed fit he's more physically ready for this level then Mulhearn.

There's a lot right about this Galway team, plenty of dog in them all over the pitch and a never say die attitude. I thought Galway out worked the Dubs yesterday.

Galway going too need Thompson, McDaid and Walsh to win an All Ireland.

TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 308 - 23/03/2026 16:58:38    2662626

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Replying To giveitlong:  "Galway were very reluctant to shoot from terrace side in the first half, presumably due to their local knowledge of the wind situation, the 2 shots they did go for from that side were missed. The dubs missed numerous chances from that area in the second half, including a bad wide from Con. The Dubs had their strongest side so far in action and played with savage intensity, which along with the melee carry on, goes to show how badly they wanted to stay up. I think management have learned from past mistakes of bringing back players who had picked up knocks etc before they were 100% ready. There will be no return to action this time until fully ready and fit. For me the best sight yesterday was that of Sean Mulkerrin's comeback. Fair play to him for persisting to overcome his injury."
Just a bit of perspective, Dublin down to 14 for the last 20(down a man is big with new rules), Con coming back from injury only played 25 minutes and Dublins best scorer from play in the league out injured

sligo joe (Dublin) - Posts: 1108 - 23/03/2026 16:59:59    2662627

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Replying To sligo joe:  "Just a bit of perspective, Dublin down to 14 for the last 20(down a man is big with new rules), Con coming back from injury only played 25 minutes and Dublins best scorer from play in the league out injured"
In fairness Galway had arguably only 1 first choice forward actually playing the whole game yesterday in Finnerty. Walsh, Comer, McDaid and Thompson all missing. Tierney off injured early on. If everyone was fit that could well be the 6 first choice forwards selected. Not that we'll ever see it.

Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2510 - 23/03/2026 17:08:28    2662630

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