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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: 590 - 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: 368 - 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: 1069 - 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: 158 - 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: 1314 - 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: 4693 - 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: 1069 - 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: 368 - 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: 318 - 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: 1123 - 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: 2535 - 23/03/2026 17:08:28    2662630

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Replying To PressureKick:  "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"
Just seen a video on Galway GAA social platforms and McHugh made that winning two pointer for Rob Finnerty, he drove the line and then gave a perfect handpass to allow him the opportunity to do the business.

GDL (Galway) - Posts: 955 - 23/03/2026 18:46:48    2662667

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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"
I dont think theres any lack of perspective in Galway. We are well aware that dublin would probably have got over the line (narrowly) if POCB stayed on the pitch. We also recognise that dublin were down some quality players but arguably not missing quite as much quality as we were.. Consequently we are happy with the result but unllikely to dine at the top table unless we a) get back closer to full strength and b) get the rub of the green at the business end, if we get that far.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 1069 - 23/03/2026 19:00:58    2662670

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Replying To TheBishop:  "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."
I would have thought that being able to stay fit as an indicator as to who is the most physically ready at this level!

backtooldwall (Galway) - Posts: 225 - 23/03/2026 20:14:21    2662677

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Replying To Marooned:  "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."
I wasn't commenting on the Galway selection and I accept all your points, just pointing out that it wasn't the strongest team put out in the league by Dublin and I suppose just to add to my point it was probably the most inexperienced Dublin team to play Galway for many a year and while Galway deserved their win there wasn't a whole lot in it.

sligo joe (Dublin) - Posts: 1123 - 23/03/2026 21:32:08    2662689

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I didn't realise Hernon could kick points like that. Is he normally a good kicker at club level or was this a flash in the pan. Hopefully he will continue in that vain. Very Mcdaid like. Would add another weapon to us.

Thought Mchugh should have gone for goal rather than pass to Roche. The pass was terrible and behind him. We need to be more clinical in front of goal.

I'm losing confidence completely in Molloy. He is very sloppy in his play of late. I'd say PJ is losing his mind with him as well. Not the first time he has been whipped off before HT this year.

All in all a good league. I think we are capable of putting it up to any team but without our full deck I would worry about us doing it a few games in a row. I am not counting Damo and Shane as the full deck. They are bonus territory. The draw has been kind to us, so all to play for.

Positives from the league
Jack Glynn has been exceptional
New faces, all won't make championship squad but one or two will (Shane McGrath)
Cian Hernon, potential has always been there
Dylan Mchugh, Sean Kelly, Matty Tierney, Maher all getting back to their best
Liam O'C, best year so far. Adding more scoring threat

Worries
Injuries
Lack of goals
Long range free taker - this is really important to resolve

Does anyone have any info on Damo, Shane and Cilllian injuries. Are they back running etc?

Mayonman (Galway) - Posts: 1949 - 24/03/2026 09:38:40    2662754

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I think its safe to say that all of the new guys who got significant time in the league will make championship panel, McGrath, McDonagh, o conghaile , macdoncha, mulhern, roche. We dont have that many lads returning to suggest that lads,who were considered in our first 20 for the league, and in the main did okay, would drop outside our top 30 for champo.

anotheralias (Galway) - Posts: 1069 - 24/03/2026 10:07:53    2662758

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My post keeps getting eaten.
Great win - can never beat the dubs enough.
Should have been a second penalty (ironically that call sparked the melee anyway)
Gavin should have been black carded for pulling back Darcy on our kickout, but ref didn't want to give them a second black card.

Need to be better in front of goal - 4 or 5 goal chances again either through bad positioning or bad finishing.

Based on last 2 games, Conor Flaherty has claimed his spot - way better than Gleeson or McGrath now, but I'd still like to see more of McGrath.

systematic (Galway) - Posts: 277 - 24/03/2026 11:17:14    2662791

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Successful league campaign IMO stayed in division 2 and gave plenty of newbies exposure. Kelly Maher Tierney Conroy all came through inj free worried about kelly inj after dubs game but hoping its minimal. We are easier side in connacht and hope he is back. As many have suggessted Comer & Walsh are a bonus if make a 26 with their injuries. Best game hernon has played in a Galway shirt. Who is our FB now? Hernon effective out the field is fitz out of favour? Hope McDaid is back for champo to be fair he is always reliable and always gives his best. Is Flaherty now no1? Mcdonancha McGrath great finds. Mulhern too light and gets turned over too much but plenty of time on his side and this campaign will stand to him. Thought Jack Glynn had an immense campaign and was back to his best. Plenty of options but do feel light an inside forward given Walsh and Comers injury issues.

Eire89 (Galway) - Posts: 485 - 24/03/2026 11:34:30    2662795

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There might be a lot of flaws and work ons still there for us, from the lack of really effective goal creation, the ridiculous ongoing lack of a go-to long range free scorer (not 'taker'!) and plenty more besides but with the auld melee on Sunday I'm actually glad to see that even down to the new lads it's clear these lads have each others backs and we ain't going to be bullied by anyone - the maroon and white will stand and fight with the best of them, if we have to!

togoutlads (Galway) - Posts: 1129 - 24/03/2026 11:49:23    2662806

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