HoganStand GAA Football and Hurling

National Forum

Galway Football thread

(Oldest Posts First) - Go To The Latest Post

You need to Login to Post

Replying To jm25: "Agree on olaoi just a pity it's in our most competitive line on field where he found his home hard to see him get in over mchugh Molloy hernon Kelly oflaherty Daly silke for sub role. Is tomo injured? I presume he doesn't have credit to not be involved in games currently" Tomo shouldn't be involved with Galway full-stop. TanCanRan (Galway) - Posts: 316 - 05/01/2026 15:08:23 2649908 Link
Replying To jm25: "Agree on olaoi just a pity it's in our most competitive line on field where he found his home hard to see him get in over mchugh Molloy hernon Kelly oflaherty Daly silke for sub role. Is tomo injured? I presume he doesn't have credit to not be involved in games currently" I think o Laoi will definitely start at wing back for Galway. I even suggested it last year even though Galway have lots wing back but very few good on ball or kicking it and in fairness he is in my opinion molloy , Mulkerrins not near good enough Hernon not sure was poor last year lacks awareness on field of play looked very poor v Meath last year out breath after 10 mins I think o flaherty is a wing back or sub not a forward hopefully management this year stop putting midfielders and wing backs up in forwards it will only get u so far but unfortunately it will not get u climbing the hogan in July I think mulhern from Mountbellew will start league wing forward great direct runner and great kick passer also think Roche a good player need find a centre back I'd put Mcdaid there and leave him there Galway def need change things up no point going with same lads over and over a few changes but stick with them I'd also put McGrath in goal seen him with Claregalway few time great kickout play him and stick with him Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 1114 - 05/01/2026 15:59:29 2649913 Link
Replying To Kickitout: "I think o Laoi will definitely start at wing back for Galway. I even suggested it last year even though Galway have lots wing back but very few good on ball or kicking it and in fairness he is in my opinion molloy , Mulkerrins not near good enough Hernon not sure was poor last year lacks awareness on field of play looked very poor v Meath last year out breath after 10 mins I think o flaherty is a wing back or sub not a forward hopefully management this year stop putting midfielders and wing backs up in forwards it will only get u so far but unfortunately it will not get u climbing the hogan in July I think mulhern from Mountbellew will start league wing forward great direct runner and great kick passer also think Roche a good player need find a centre back I'd put Mcdaid there and leave him there Galway def need change things up no point going with same lads over and over a few changes but stick with them I'd also put McGrath in goal seen him with Claregalway few time great kickout play him and stick with him" His kickouts were poor in two games this year Kerry played Graeme O'Sullivan a back wing forward worked and Diarmuid O'Connor midfielder also too played wing forward 2022. Donegal Ciaran Moore Olaoi would not be as good kick passer as mchugh Molloy Daly oflaherty he is a ball winner runner he barely kicked ball as forward The above are well capable of kicking twos dont see olaoi doing that jm25 (Galway) - Posts: 1867 - 05/01/2026 16:58:26 2649927 Link
Enjoyed the game in Bekan at the weekend. A nice Galway support there on a bitterly cold night. Mulhern was impressive, as were Colm Costello and Shane McGrath. Thought that tactically we could have used Fionn McDonagh so much better. A good run out and plenty of decent performances across the field. togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 1108 - 05/01/2026 17:29:20 2649933 Link
Replying To jm25: "His kickouts were poor in two games this year Kerry played Graeme O'Sullivan a back wing forward worked and Diarmuid O'Connor midfielder also too played wing forward 2022. Donegal Ciaran Moore Olaoi would not be as good kick passer as mchugh Molloy Daly oflaherty he is a ball winner runner he barely kicked ball as forward The above are well capable of kicking twos dont see olaoi doing that" There is a perceived depth in the half back positions but the potential absence of Molloy and John Daly would be significant, have they committed for 2026? Has Liam Silke committed? Heaney was also once an option, McDaid's versatility means he may be deployed elsewhere. Sweeney and O Laoi offer attacking quality, their styles are quite similar. Brian Cogger is another possibility, but relatively untested. Overall, apart from McHugh, the half-back line does appear somewhat unsettled at the moment. We know Sean Kelly will be back but is he needed at full back? Fitzy makes me nervous as does Mulkerin against the Div 1 teams. The only guarantees in the back 6 currently are Kelly (either CB or FB?) Johnny McGrath in the corner and McHugh RWB. Even if Silke returns, he was very shakey last term, not the player he once was. WonTon5 (Galway) - Posts: 99 - 05/01/2026 17:46:23 2649936 Link
Replying To Kickitout: "I think o Laoi will definitely start at wing back for Galway. I even suggested it last year even though Galway have lots wing back but very few good on ball or kicking it and in fairness he is in my opinion molloy , Mulkerrins not near good enough Hernon not sure was poor last year lacks awareness on field of play looked very poor v Meath last year out breath after 10 mins I think o flaherty is a wing back or sub not a forward hopefully management this year stop putting midfielders and wing backs up in forwards it will only get u so far but unfortunately it will not get u climbing the hogan in July I think mulhern from Mountbellew will start league wing forward great direct runner and great kick passer also think Roche a good player need find a centre back I'd put Mcdaid there and leave him there Galway def need change things up no point going with same lads over and over a few changes but stick with them I'd also put McGrath in goal seen him with Claregalway few time great kickout play him and stick with him" Don't think I'd like to see McDaid that far back the pitch. He gets a lot of important scores for us. Not as much freedom to get forward from 6 as from the wing as the centre needs to be manned. Also, something I've noticed when he has to track back in games - he is not a good marker. Very loose. But obviously a seriously talented player going the other way. O'Laoi would be a good option for the wing. Mulkerrin as you say not good enough for that level whilst Molloy has gone completely off the boil since 22. If that form trend continues he isn't worth a run off the bench never mind starting. Mulhern and Costello wil probably see some game time in the league. I haven't seen enough of McGrath to properly judge. galwayman2 (Galway) - Posts: 1340 - 05/01/2026 17:47:03 2649937 Link
Ciaran Brady (Corofin) started no.10 for Cavan against Monaghan at the weekend. Brendan Carr (Dunmore McHales) also started No.10 for the Limerick footballers against Tipp. Great to see lads getting a chance to play county. WonTon5 (Galway) - Posts: 99 - 05/01/2026 19:08:13 2649954 Link
Our biggest issue last year was players caught between old rules style and new rules. Cooke is a great player when he is direct e.g. second half against Armagh. However, he often falls into the recycle mode and slows everything down. The difference between him and McDaid was striking against Meath. Huge mistake to leave McDaid on the bench. It sent out a message that we were going to play conservatively. We can't bring in loads of new players and I don't think we need to. But if we can get 2-3 good new options it wlll make a big difference. Particularly if they are in our problem areas. One or two of the older lads that gave great service to us need to be judged on what they can do now rather than the past. That's not to pre judge anyone, just something to keep in mind. Father time waits for no man. Very few can do what Conroy did and star into his late 30's. We are not that far away. Tweaks rather than major surgery required. Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1929 - 06/01/2026 09:50:15 2650000 Link
Replying To Mayonman: "Our biggest issue last year was players caught between old rules style and new rules. Cooke is a great player when he is direct e.g. second half against Armagh. However, he often falls into the recycle mode and slows everything down. The difference between him and McDaid was striking against Meath. Huge mistake to leave McDaid on the bench. It sent out a message that we were going to play conservatively. We can't bring in loads of new players and I don't think we need to. But if we can get 2-3 good new options it wlll make a big difference. Particularly if they are in our problem areas. One or two of the older lads that gave great service to us need to be judged on what they can do now rather than the past. That's not to pre judge anyone, just something to keep in mind. Father time waits for no man. Very few can do what Conroy did and star into his late 30's. We are not that far away. Tweaks rather than major surgery required." Tomo and Johnny Heaney are not available for 2026. Jellybaby (Dublin) - Posts: 375 - 06/01/2026 12:56:41 2650033 Link
Replying To Jellybaby: "Tomo and Johnny Heaney are not available for 2026." Both dropped MinorChamp_09 (Galway) - Posts: 33 - 06/01/2026 13:29:37 2650040 Link
Replying To Mayonman: "Our biggest issue last year was players caught between old rules style and new rules. Cooke is a great player when he is direct e.g. second half against Armagh. However, he often falls into the recycle mode and slows everything down. The difference between him and McDaid was striking against Meath. Huge mistake to leave McDaid on the bench. It sent out a message that we were going to play conservatively. We can't bring in loads of new players and I don't think we need to. But if we can get 2-3 good new options it wlll make a big difference. Particularly if they are in our problem areas. One or two of the older lads that gave great service to us need to be judged on what they can do now rather than the past. That's not to pre judge anyone, just something to keep in mind. Father time waits for no man. Very few can do what Conroy did and star into his late 30's. We are not that far away. Tweaks rather than major surgery required." Lol S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 591 - 06/01/2026 14:21:14 2650047 Link
Replying To Mayonman: "Our biggest issue last year was players caught between old rules style and new rules. Cooke is a great player when he is direct e.g. second half against Armagh. However, he often falls into the recycle mode and slows everything down. The difference between him and McDaid was striking against Meath. Huge mistake to leave McDaid on the bench. It sent out a message that we were going to play conservatively. We can't bring in loads of new players and I don't think we need to. But if we can get 2-3 good new options it wlll make a big difference. Particularly if they are in our problem areas. One or two of the older lads that gave great service to us need to be judged on what they can do now rather than the past. That's not to pre judge anyone, just something to keep in mind. Father time waits for no man. Very few can do what Conroy did and star into his late 30's. We are not that far away. Tweaks rather than major surgery required." That Galway panel had their chance between 22-24 and need new leaders to get back up again. The reality is Conroy is 10-20min at best, Comer and Walsh have too many injury problems to be considered reliable starters anymore. Cooke and Molloy have regressed since their initial break throughs. Silke and Glynn are not good enough defenders and are exposed under the new rules. A team led by Maher, McGrath, Darcy, Tierney, Kelly, Finnerty, McDaid and Thompson will be competitive but they need two more lock down defenders (instead of Glynn and Silke) as a long range 2 point kicker (now Walsh and Conroy aren't starters). They also need to find pace to bring on in the 2nd half, a bench of Conroy, Walsh, Molloy and Comer wont worry any tired defenders. Its noticeable that only 4 of the Galway Senior Football Championship team of the year played in Galways last match V Meath and three of the 4 played in a different position for Galway than they were selected on that team of the year. Sean Kelly is close to being the best centre back in the country but is played anywhere but Centre back for Galway. Id have thought a Galway team of Connor Gleeson; Sean Fitzgerald, (man marking FB needed), Johnny McGrath, Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, (pacy WB needed), John Maher; Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid; (pacy WF Needed) Dessie Connelly, Rob Finnerty, Matthew Thompson. So they are missing 3 starters at least as well as some pace on the bench tirawleybaron (Mayo) - Posts: 1649 - 06/01/2026 14:26:38 2650048 Link
Replying To MinorChamp_09: "Both dropped" Heaney unlucky to be dropped. Would still be a great impact player for last 15. Can understand if he didnt want to be limited to that. As for Tomo, not his biggest fan by any stretch, and could never understand the hype, but he has some scoring record for his lack of gametime. Always seemed to be in the right place for a goal. GalwaysFinest (Galway) - Posts: 207 - 06/01/2026 15:05:21 2650053 Link
I'm not sure where to play Kelly not sure at 3 in new rules and very loose at 6 v Bridget's Thompson gone till probably after Connacht From what I've seen Joyce has got a lot of undue criticism for picking gleeson he's miles clear as no1 right now Unsure will cooke play For mayo I'd go Gleeson McGrath Fitz Kelly Mchugh Hernon Olaoi Mcdaid Tierney McGrath Walsh J oneill Finnerty Comer Sweeney jm25 (Galway) - Posts: 1867 - 06/01/2026 15:14:46 2650054 Link
Replying To MinorChamp_09: "Both dropped" They opted out. Heaney after great service wasn't used much the last year so he's probably done with Galway now. Culllane a very good underage player but apart from a few fleeting moments he hasn't really established himself at senior level. Thompson a big loss for the league but the good news he should be back for the championship I expect the same with Peter Cooke. Drax_the_destroyer (UK) - Posts: 648 - 06/01/2026 15:19:47 2650056 Link
Replying To Jellybaby: "Tomo and Johnny Heaney are not available for 2026." If this is the end of Johnny Heaney's inter county career (and it may not be), he should be remembered fondly by Galway supporters. Fully committed, disciplined and versatile, he contributed important scores and defensively. I'll never forget his double save against Mayo in 2017. Again, not trying to write his epitaph but time waits for nobody... streaker (Galway) - Posts: 571 - 06/01/2026 15:23:18 2650057 Link
Replying To tirawleybaron: "That Galway panel had their chance between 22-24 and need new leaders to get back up again. The reality is Conroy is 10-20min at best, Comer and Walsh have too many injury problems to be considered reliable starters anymore. Cooke and Molloy have regressed since their initial break throughs. Silke and Glynn are not good enough defenders and are exposed under the new rules. A team led by Maher, McGrath, Darcy, Tierney, Kelly, Finnerty, McDaid and Thompson will be competitive but they need two more lock down defenders (instead of Glynn and Silke) as a long range 2 point kicker (now Walsh and Conroy aren't starters). They also need to find pace to bring on in the 2nd half, a bench of Conroy, Walsh, Molloy and Comer wont worry any tired defenders. Its noticeable that only 4 of the Galway Senior Football Championship team of the year played in Galways last match V Meath and three of the 4 played in a different position for Galway than they were selected on that team of the year. Sean Kelly is close to being the best centre back in the country but is played anywhere but Centre back for Galway. Id have thought a Galway team of Connor Gleeson; Sean Fitzgerald, (man marking FB needed), Johnny McGrath, Dylan McHugh, Sean Kelly, (pacy WB needed), John Maher; Cein Darcy, Matthew Tierney, Cillian McDaid; (pacy WF Needed) Dessie Connelly, Rob Finnerty, Matthew Thompson. So they are missing 3 starters at least as well as some pace on the bench" I would totally disagree on Kelly as a 6. Best in country? I would have 3 or 4 better options in Galway alone. Good going forward but wide open defensively as seen by hand causing havoc in Connacht club final Would also disagree on comer as impact sub. Meath weren't delighted to see him come on he nearly played a massive part in overturning an awful performance Walsh also worked as impact sub in 24 and not sure why he's been written off as a starter still plenty more football in him. jm25 (Galway) - Posts: 1867 - 06/01/2026 15:53:46 2650064 Link
Tomo seems injury related. Having awful trouble with both hamstrings. Missed a lot of the club championship with them. Heaney a loss even though he only seemed to be used as a sub last year. You always like to have some experienced players like him around. Thompson a serious loss for the league and Connacht campaign. No other way around it. For such a young player so much of Galway's play went through hom last year. Hopefully he comes back in decent shape in May. Cooke it sounds like they will know if he's available or not in the next few weeks. PJ saying that he has to be based in Ireland and not commuting back and forth from London. Is Cathal Sweeney still involved? Heard a rumour that he's possibly gone as well. Marooned (Galway) - Posts: 2456 - 06/01/2026 17:56:37 2650082 Link
With Magic Thompson gone for the foreseeable and Cooke not confirmed, I think given what we have seen so far with the new recruits, Shane McGrath is in pole position to take up that wing forward position for the league. Watched him 3 times this over the month and during the club championship and the lad offers a massive aerial threat on top of his movement and scoring ability. I'd say he is only scraping 5.11/6 ft foot but was out jumping Roche last weekend, his athletism is very good. WonTon5 (Galway) - Posts: 99 - 06/01/2026 17:58:17 2650083 Link
Is the Mayo lad above trolling or what? Walsh not a starter or not pacy coming off the bench? He was the best player in Dublin championship this year by a country mile and despite probably losing a step is still faster than the vast majority of forwards. He also had numerous top class displays last season to go with other quieter ones Defenders not being worried about comer coming on (if fit) is equally laughable. He caused havoc v Meath having barely played a minute all year. Naming Connelly as a starter also Galway's squad is somewhere in the top 3-5 bracket. It's probably not good enough to win them an all Ireland but a decent run at it and a Connacht 5 in a row is a realistic aim PressureKick (UK) - Posts: 334 - 06/01/2026 18:47:27 2650091 Link