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Replying To smallfrank: "Didn't see Evan Murphy do a whole pile when he came on but he is a talent that needs a run. Finnerty was different class and if he's injured S/K are in big bother. Cathal Sweeney was very good also. For Tuam I though Brian Mannion tried very hard and looks very good in the ball, a guy I would like to see get a run in the FBD or early league for Galway. In the other game I thought Ian Burke was head and shoulders above everything else. Need to get him back involved with Galway. Also liked the way Dylan Canney was hit by Power as a default kick out which worked very well. For M/M, very impressed with Billy Mannion seems to have come on a ton in the last year and also thought Barry McHugh was excellent, he's a real leader for them. Great sign for them that they didn't play overly well but ground it out especially after Corofin getting the goal. Wasn't at any of the other games" Agree with 99% of what you say, with one small correction/clarification. Ian Burke was absolutely class and showed what he can give Galway. On any other day he would have been "head and shoulders" above all others and would have been a clear MOTM. Except for one thing....Barry McHugh. McHugh wasn't just MOTM and clearly miles ahead of every one else on the field. It wasnt just a MOTM performance ..it was the best performance all season by any club player in Galway...and I struggle to think of one as good in recent years ..you probably would have to go back to PJ in his heyday with Killererin to find as good. Barry did everything, worked hard , won ball, was disciplined under intense intimidation and more or less single handedly dragged an under-firing Mountbellew through against a quality side. In my opinion there is no disputing this , but everyone is entitled to their opinion. anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 840 - 11/10/2022 09:05:35 2443517 Link
Replying To Brandyh: "Agree on Ian Burke the County needs to get him on board. A game changer. Thought Paul Mannion had a great campaign along with Tuam Stars goalkeeper. Any other players in your opinion. County needs to find a midfielder desperately." I'm sure John Maher and Matthew Barrett will get a look as midfield options early next year. galway19 (Galway) - Posts: 674 - 11/10/2022 09:59:04 2443523 Link
Replying To anotheralias: "Agree with 99% of what you say, with one small correction/clarification. Ian Burke was absolutely class and showed what he can give Galway. On any other day he would have been "head and shoulders" above all others and would have been a clear MOTM. Except for one thing....Barry McHugh. McHugh wasn't just MOTM and clearly miles ahead of every one else on the field. It wasnt just a MOTM performance ..it was the best performance all season by any club player in Galway...and I struggle to think of one as good in recent years ..you probably would have to go back to PJ in his heyday with Killererin to find as good. Barry did everything, worked hard , won ball, was disciplined under intense intimidation and more or less single handedly dragged an under-firing Mountbellew through against a quality side. In my opinion there is no disputing this , but everyone is entitled to their opinion." Can't argue with that. The other thing that strikes me about him is that he wants the clutch score or pressure free and his accuracy is off the charts to be fair to him smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 364 - 11/10/2022 10:06:57 2443524 Link
Replying To Brandyh: "Agree on Ian Burke the County needs to get him on board. A game changer. Thought Paul Mannion had a great campaign along with Tuam Stars goalkeeper. Any other players in your opinion. County needs to find a midfielder desperately." You'll probably regret asking that question!!! But here you go and I've been at more games this year than ever(thank you split season). Also worth remembering Cillian McDaid came on as a sub vs Mayo and I ended the year in the Top 5 in Ireland so guys can kick on if given the chance. Matthew Barrett has to get a run early in the year at least. I definitely think Eoghan Kelly from Moycullen will feature for Galway next year and prob around the middle. Cooke is an obvious one, brilliant player and the time off doesn't seem to have done him any harm. Nathan Grainger may be small but had a brilliant championship and should be looked at. Brian Harlow and Kilcommins from Annaghdown are both big units but in my view would be suited to county football. I don't think McFadden the corner back for Salthill would look out of place on a county panel. I still think Liam Costello is more than good enough and should get a run early in the year. P.S. Keep an eye on the Dublin County final and how Michael Day goes, shouldn't be dismissed if he's going well up there. smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 364 - 11/10/2022 10:15:24 2443529 Link
Replying To galway19: "I'm sure John Maher and Matthew Barrett will get a look as midfield options early next year." Doubt pj will ask Maher in, he was in 2 years ago and dropped out so PJ won't forget that. It's all about cooke he has this aura about him, though he appeared lazy against claregalway his real test is mm in 2 weeks, it's his time to perform given he missed moycullens maiden win 2 years ago. The winner of this game will fancy their chances and will be hot favourites. Cooke midfield with McDaid and you have a good engine beside a great footballer Sportsfanatic90 (Westmeath) - Posts: 213 - 11/10/2022 10:32:44 2443532 Link
Replying To smallfrank: "Can't argue with that. The other thing that strikes me about him is that he wants the clutch score or pressure free and his accuracy is off the charts to be fair to him" He's an excellent kicker of the ball from frees and from play, and has been for many years. His ball winning ability is top-level too and he has a good eye for goal. When was in with Galway a few years ago, he kicked a lot of scores. The one issue held against him was a lack of pace at that intercounty level. While it's important, there are plenty top players who aren't that quick. Clever players will always make space. Another problem is there are fewer spots on a team now for natural scoring forwards. We have Walsh and Comer as nailed on starters when fit. At the moment Finnerty has the spot of the inside finisher and he's been in excellent form himself in the club championship. Kerry have a raft of scoring forwards at club level, but they only play with two inside against the better teams. Clifford and one other, whether that's Geaney, K Spillane or Brosnan. I do agree that McHugh should be brought on to the panel if he's interested and should be given game time in the league. We all know the lack of a bench or lack use of the bench was a problem this year. WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2039 - 11/10/2022 10:48:42 2443534 Link
Replying To Sportsfanatic90: "Doubt pj will ask Maher in, he was in 2 years ago and dropped out so PJ won't forget that. It's all about cooke he has this aura about him, though he appeared lazy against claregalway his real test is mm in 2 weeks, it's his time to perform given he missed moycullens maiden win 2 years ago. The winner of this game will fancy their chances and will be hot favourites. Cooke midfield with McDaid and you have a good engine beside a great footballer" I wouldn't like that, when I think of Cooke I think of a footballer(4 from play against Mayo 2019) and free taker, when I think of McDaid I think of that runner and scorer who ran lads into the ground all summer. I would prefer a worker who sits beside either of them. Someone actually like Maher, Kilcommins or Eoghan Kelly. If we have a load of half backs and not so many midfielders I wouldn't be against the idea of moving Dylan McHugh up. He set up the goal at the weekend and seemed to be fairly high up the pitch, great worker and calm on the ball. smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 364 - 11/10/2022 10:55:45 2443536 Link
Replying To Sportsfanatic90: "Doubt pj will ask Maher in, he was in 2 years ago and dropped out so PJ won't forget that. It's all about cooke he has this aura about him, though he appeared lazy against claregalway his real test is mm in 2 weeks, it's his time to perform given he missed moycullens maiden win 2 years ago. The winner of this game will fancy their chances and will be hot favourites. Cooke midfield with McDaid and you have a good engine beside a great footballer" Ideally you could have Cooke and McDaid in midfield and Conroy maybe for the last 20 minutes off the bench. Having seen Conroy recently the legs are definitely an issue now but he'd still be very useful for short spells. Have heard it's no guarantee that Cooke will make himself available though. May be away with his work again. Somebody already mentioned Moycullen's Eoghan Kelly. Thought he was excellent last weekend. Came late into the Galway squad this year but with a full pre-season behind him with Galway I think he could definitely be a realistic option. McHugh and Ian Burke are certainly good enough to at least be options off the bench if not even start. Whether they are interested or not is another matter. Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2214 - 11/10/2022 14:02:20 2443580 Link
At least it looks like we're not looking for half a team which we thought was probably the case 12 months ago. Ian Burke & Cooke are class acts and have to be enticed back in, Culhane looks like he'll kick on but still has a bit of growing to do which is natural given his age. Somebody mentioned Michael Day, I've been very impressed with him in the games that have been shown recently. Don't forget James McLaughlin, if that man can stay fit he'll be pushing for a place in that team. TheBishop (Galway) - Posts: 260 - 12/10/2022 14:16:43 2443744 Link
Reading this thread is a pleasure now compared to last year! Lots of options coming through. It will be tricky for PJ to find the right balance. I always thought Ian Burke was a class act but the year before he dropped out he was very poor. Looked way off the pace and that probably was part of the reason for dropping out. You need to be "All In" if you want to win the big prizes. Would love to see him back at it and by the reports of the club championship it looks like he has got the bit between his teeth again. Eoghan Kelly is an interesting option. Really looking forward to seeing James McGlaughlin injury free going up against the big boys in D1. Huge future if he stays clear of injury. Cooke is another that would be a big addition but he needs to commit. Barry Mchugh, I am less convinced about. Top class at club level. Excellent at what he does but .... Saying that his club performances have been outstanding so maybe he deserves another go. PJ has seen him up close and will need to decide how he fits into the team. All good problems to have. Depth is what we need. Plenty of others I didn't mention. Some guys will step up like ducks to water at IC level, others while top class at club level lack that bit extra. Exciting times ahead i think. Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1828 - 14/10/2022 12:12:07 2443958 Link
Worth remembering we had 2 main scorers this year Walsh and Comer. We had smaller contributions from different stages from other forwards and above average from midfield(McDaid and Conroy),. What Tierney, Finnerty, P Kelly and Heaney did give us was huge work rate. If you watch back any of the games now you really notice it, tracking runs, blocks and making space for others. Anyone replacing these lads will have to match that work rate. In reality there's probably more chance of Finian O'Laoi getting a start for Galway than some of those being mentioned. I'm not saying it's right but that's the way I see it. smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 364 - 14/10/2022 18:27:12 2444000 Link
Anyone know if Cian o'Neill is staying on as coach for another year? Was around this time last year he joined the setup so ita probably a decision that's been made. Feels important PressureKick (UK) - Posts: 210 - 14/10/2022 20:30:58 2444010 Link
Replying To smallfrank: "Worth remembering we had 2 main scorers this year Walsh and Comer. We had smaller contributions from different stages from other forwards and above average from midfield(McDaid and Conroy),. What Tierney, Finnerty, P Kelly and Heaney did give us was huge work rate. If you watch back any of the games now you really notice it, tracking runs, blocks and making space for others. Anyone replacing these lads will have to match that work rate. In reality there's probably more chance of Finian O'Laoi getting a start for Galway than some of those being mentioned. I'm not saying it's right but that's the way I see it." Good point on workrate or put another way athleticism . O Laoi would run all day ,but would you want to rely on him to have the ball 30 yards and score , I don't think so. R Finnerty is a scorer. To me M.Tierney has a lot of improving to do. While we need workers we also need scorers. Barry McHugh , there has to be something there that he's not making the squad , he's the outstanding forward in the county at the minute , and when he has ball in hand or on floor it's a surprise if he doesn't score. Paul Mannion is another to consider. Athletic and can score too. juniorblegend (Kerry) - Posts: 70 - 15/10/2022 11:40:38 2444037 Link
So it's Mayo or Roscommon in the Connacht semi final. Would be away Roscommon and home to Galway. Probably Sligo in the final. Yondu (UK) - Posts: 845 - 15/10/2022 17:25:34 2444086 Link
Replying To Yondu: "So it's Mayo or Roscommon in the Connacht semi final. Would be away Roscommon and home to Galway. Probably Sligo in the final." With this draw it shows the importance of division 1. We are more or less guaranteed Round Robin irrespective of any results Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1828 - 15/10/2022 21:52:42 2444158 Link
Replying To Mayonman: "With this draw it shows the importance of division 1. We are more or less guaranteed Round Robin irrespective of any results" Responding to my own post. Possible i was wrong saying we are guaranteed Round Robin..... If we get relegated we are ranked behind promoted teams so potentially ranked 9th or 10th. You would assume Dublin, Kerry and at least 1 of the D1 Ulster teams reach the provincial finals. Along with 1 of the 3 Connacht teams. Plus the next best 7 in the league should mean that the top 11 qualify by one means or another (I'm assuming Dublin are promoted) Interesting!! Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1828 - 16/10/2022 11:11:22 2444175 Link
With the draw the league very important for Galway and mayo and Ross as well , the 8 provincial finalists and Westmeath guaranteed to be in the 16 and 7 best teams in league who don't make provical final Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 840 - 16/10/2022 14:15:56 2444189 Link
Anyone know if the Junior final between Clifden and Athenry on Saturday being streamed by any chance? TaytoFoley (Leitrim) - Posts: 83 - 19/10/2022 16:47:00 2444637 Link
Any thoughts on who will win Sunday. MM are strong favourites to go all the way. Players like Kelly, Daly, Foley (one of the most underrated players in the championship) McHugh, Finnerty etc they will be hard to stop. They are all relatively young so MM could be around for a while. I was at the Salthill and Annaghdown match and they were awesome. I only saw Moycullen play once and that was against Claregalway, and they took the foot off the gas in last 10 mins to let the Claregalway Franchise (well they are a mixture of a few parishes) back into the game. Fall asleep against MM and they will lose by 7-8 points. If they don't it will some match because Moycullen also have a litany of stars Kelly's, Connelly, Gallagher, Cooke, etc. In other Semi-final Salthill must be odds on. Sweeney, Finnerty, Culhane, Maher, Lavelle etc they have stars all over the pitch. I saw the Tuam match, and they were quite workmanlike especially when Finnerty went off. They did well for 30 mins against MM but MM were battled hardened and won out easy winners. For Annaghdown to win must stop the ball going into Finnerty especially and stop Sweeneys runs. Sweeney is doing his county chances no harm. Burke and Comer in Annaghdown are serious scorers but the ball there are getting has been good. I was at the Annaghdown against St Michaels, and I thought they were comfortable and despite the ball hitting the crossbar, Michaels never threatened the goal. Diarmuid Kilcommins has improved a lot this year (I heard that he was on Joyces panel last year, I can see why but I thought he was a hurler) and from what I saw against Michael he is a key man for Annaghdown. Stop him and you stop the ball going into Comer and Burke. It is not only those three Annaghdown have Meehan, Potter, Burkes and the other Kilcommins lad all who did well last day. Ryan Forde came on against St M and if he is fit i would be a great assent to them. Talking to an Annaghdown man leaving last Sunday he mentioned that Annaghdown are down the 2 Kerins, Ciaran Duggan and Forde so he felt Annaghdown has done well to get to semi-final. That said my predictions. Predictions MM by 5 Salthill by 1 LottoPlus (Kilkenny) - Posts: 55 - 20/10/2022 15:54:55 2444806 Link
Replying To LottoPlus: "Any thoughts on who will win Sunday. MM are strong favourites to go all the way. Players like Kelly, Daly, Foley (one of the most underrated players in the championship) McHugh, Finnerty etc they will be hard to stop. They are all relatively young so MM could be around for a while. I was at the Salthill and Annaghdown match and they were awesome. I only saw Moycullen play once and that was against Claregalway, and they took the foot off the gas in last 10 mins to let the Claregalway Franchise (well they are a mixture of a few parishes) back into the game. Fall asleep against MM and they will lose by 7-8 points. If they don't it will some match because Moycullen also have a litany of stars Kelly's, Connelly, Gallagher, Cooke, etc. In other Semi-final Salthill must be odds on. Sweeney, Finnerty, Culhane, Maher, Lavelle etc they have stars all over the pitch. I saw the Tuam match, and they were quite workmanlike especially when Finnerty went off. They did well for 30 mins against MM but MM were battled hardened and won out easy winners. For Annaghdown to win must stop the ball going into Finnerty especially and stop Sweeneys runs. Sweeney is doing his county chances no harm. Burke and Comer in Annaghdown are serious scorers but the ball there are getting has been good. I was at the Annaghdown against St Michaels, and I thought they were comfortable and despite the ball hitting the crossbar, Michaels never threatened the goal. Diarmuid Kilcommins has improved a lot this year (I heard that he was on Joyces panel last year, I can see why but I thought he was a hurler) and from what I saw against Michael he is a key man for Annaghdown. Stop him and you stop the ball going into Comer and Burke. It is not only those three Annaghdown have Meehan, Potter, Burkes and the other Kilcommins lad all who did well last day. Ryan Forde came on against St M and if he is fit i would be a great assent to them. Talking to an Annaghdown man leaving last Sunday he mentioned that Annaghdown are down the 2 Kerins, Ciaran Duggan and Forde so he felt Annaghdown has done well to get to semi-final. That said my predictions. Predictions MM by 5 Salthill by 1" You'd imagine the Moycullen vs M/M match is probably going to decide who wins the championship. Can't see either S/K or Annaghdown beating either of them tbh. I think M/M will win this one. Oddly enough I think Moycullen would give the all Ireland club series a better rattle as they've more going forward. MM still to win by 3/4 and retain the cup for another year. Throughthemidfieldhewasstormin (Wexford) - Posts: 258 - 20/10/2022 16:21:31 2444818 Link