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Galway Football thread

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Replying To WonTon5:  "
Replying To smallfrank:  "[quote=Mayonman:  "Congrats to Mayo. Hard to stomach given the players at our disposal at the moment and our underachievement. However they totally deserved it. They played without fear. We will play them in the league, I hope our players give them a guard of honour, respect what they have done........ and then beat them. At times this year we looked like world beaters, but it was only for phases in games. We would start slow, then cut loose, get a lead and then go back to the slow play again. We need to back ourselves. Re underage, other than Shane McGrath and possible Oisin McDonagh, I am not sure if any of the others took their chance this year. I thought Fionn McD was disappointing. Hopefully he will improve. He looked to be lacking S&C for his big frame. Could have a lot to offer yet. Can take a while. Do we have any <b>special</b> talent coming through? I now we have lots of good underage, but anything really special???"</div>I was thinking about this. Andy Moran to be fair did make some big calls, went with a rookie young goalkeeper, dropped a multiple winning All Star(for good) and went with teenage forwards. The special talent, Colm Costello is older than Kobe and Byrne but has not been blooded at all. Shay McGlinchey has had injuries but again has not been trusted. James McLoughlin, huge man and was a huge prospect but hasnt kicked on due to injury Sam O'Neill was given a chance in 24, taken off and not sure if hes even on the panel. Patrick Egan has been on and off the panel. Tomo Culhane was given chances but left the panel. Cian Hernon has become a starter. Johnny McGrath seems to have lost form and is out of favour. Daniel O'Flaherty hasnt developed and has been given chances. Cathal Sweeeney got chances but opted out this year. Matthew Thompson was an outstanding find but got injured. Not in anyway writing off anyone above. Others that are serious prospects. Ciaran Mulhern(on the panel), Ross Coen, Mikey Mulryan, (on the panel) I think Eoin Gannon(Breathnachs), Ciaran O'Donnell(Headford) and Evan Burke(Tuam) have huge potential also."
I 100% agree with this, I think Ciaran O'Donnell along with Gannon/O'Neachtain are the best underage players we have seen the last few years since maybe Mcglinchy and Costello. As far as im aware there is no superstars in the 2027 incoming minor group. The club championship could unearth a few raw talents but with the S&C side of things, you won't see lads standout until they are 19/20. Maybe Sean Dunne (Barna) or Stephen Curley (Annaghdown) are now ready to put their hands up. A lot of hope still needs to lie with Mulhern and Mulryan. Are we missing lads from Oranmore? McDonagh, Keady, Cleary, Duffy, O'Donnell??Where is all that talent gone? Won everything underage, Have they picked another code or just slow transitioning to adult football? Milltown now have Kehoe and Darragh Costello playing senior this year. Dunmore also had a lad called Jack Jordan who looked a talent, anyone know where he's gone? Is Dara Walsh from Killannin playing this year? The future doesn't awfully bright with talent right now, we may not have a Kobe or Beirne but let's stay positive and hope we find some gems."]I'm know Stephen from school as we were in the same class and as much as hes talented I'm sure hes fully pushed on hes had a couple *injuries* not sure if he was injured, but he's not the tallest of lads. Hopefully I'm wrong though as it'd be great to see him represent Galway.

ColmFlaherty (Galway) - Posts: 202 - 28/07/2026 20:30:57    2687901

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Anyone else hearing rumours about a player vote against Joyce

CGalway26 (Galway) - Posts: 3 - 29/07/2026 09:11:40    2687941

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Replying To CGalway26:  "Anyone else hearing rumours about a player vote against Joyce"
Wouldn't believe all the rumours.

Alwaysencourage (Galway) - Posts: 625 - 29/07/2026 09:47:52    2687947

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As we see now after Mayo's mighty and fully deserved win, football has changed, changed utterly, since most teams have got a handle on the new rules. First and Foremost it is now a young mans game, with pace and super levels of fitness required in all areas. Outside of the AI Final itself, Donegal's first half effort V Kerry was probably the next best display of the year. I really hope Galway change the management and adept a new approach to several aspects of team preparation. Steven Poacher dropped every Leitrim player who was unable or unwilling to 100% commit to Leitrim Football, and took a hammering in the media for it, suffering massive defeats in the league and even unable to field on one occasion. He said it was a 5 year mission, but has really brought on the team hugely. As PJ himself stated "It was just as well Barry McNulty had an off day" when we played them. If Leitrim had pulled off the shock it would surely have forced a change of tack that might have brough a least one big preformence. The idea that players can live abroad half the year due to work or other commitments and still play intercounty football at a top level was doable back in the 60s and 70s but out of the question now. Listening to reporters asking PJ if Thompson would be available for the QF was laughable, a man who had not played since the FBD and also suffered an injury. Every year same story with the great Damo. I humbly suggest that any player who is not starting every game and finishing most for his club in the upcoming championship has no place on an intercounty team. Finally on positive note one would hope that Mayo's win might ignite a bit of hunger in our lads, I think it will.

giveitlong (Galway) - Posts: 1332 - 29/07/2026 10:11:22    2687950

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Replying To CGalway26:  "Anyone else hearing rumours about a player vote against Joyce"
No truth to this.

gaillimhboy (Galway) - Posts: 423 - 29/07/2026 10:29:48    2687954

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Replying To giveitlong:  "As we see now after Mayo's mighty and fully deserved win, football has changed, changed utterly, since most teams have got a handle on the new rules. First and Foremost it is now a young mans game, with pace and super levels of fitness required in all areas. Outside of the AI Final itself, Donegal's first half effort V Kerry was probably the next best display of the year. I really hope Galway change the management and adept a new approach to several aspects of team preparation. Steven Poacher dropped every Leitrim player who was unable or unwilling to 100% commit to Leitrim Football, and took a hammering in the media for it, suffering massive defeats in the league and even unable to field on one occasion. He said it was a 5 year mission, but has really brought on the team hugely. As PJ himself stated "It was just as well Barry McNulty had an off day" when we played them. If Leitrim had pulled off the shock it would surely have forced a change of tack that might have brough a least one big preformence. The idea that players can live abroad half the year due to work or other commitments and still play intercounty football at a top level was doable back in the 60s and 70s but out of the question now. Listening to reporters asking PJ if Thompson would be available for the QF was laughable, a man who had not played since the FBD and also suffered an injury. Every year same story with the great Damo. I humbly suggest that any player who is not starting every game and finishing most for his club in the upcoming championship has no place on an intercounty team. Finally on positive note one would hope that Mayo's win might ignite a bit of hunger in our lads, I think it will."
I was just reading where Andy Moran insisted on 4 of the team living and working in Dublin move home and guy unemployed for 6 months because of his move home is this what's required to win an all ireland ?

minor77 (Galway) - Posts: 314 - 29/07/2026 13:12:26    2687988

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Galway would be lucky to have PJ for another term; he is a great tribesman.
Success in 2027 comes down to the 26 available in June.
Mayo's brilliant success is massive for Connacht, and this can only drive the province forward.
Gaillimh Abu

suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1818 - 29/07/2026 13:30:17    2687993

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Best of luck to the Galway ladies at the weekend! A Connacht double!!!

Mayonmylifetime (Mayo) - Posts: 11 - 29/07/2026 23:34:58    2688099

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Replying To suckvalleypaddy:  "Galway would be lucky to have PJ for another term; he is a great tribesman.
Success in 2027 comes down to the 26 available in June.
Mayo's brilliant success is massive for Connacht, and this can only drive the province forward.
Gaillimh Abu"
Is that the sole requirement to being manager for Galway then? Being a great tribesman?

FallenStar (Galway) - Posts: 440 - 30/07/2026 12:32:16    2688158

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Replying To Mayonmylifetime:  "Best of luck to the Galway ladies at the weekend! A Connacht double!!!"
Hopefully to be a treble then the following week

ColmFlaherty (Galway) - Posts: 202 - 30/07/2026 12:56:32    2688162

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Replying To Mayonmylifetime:  "Best of luck to the Galway ladies at the weekend! A Connacht double!!!"
Thanks for the good wishes. Mayo did Connacht proud and to beat Kerry in AI final is some achievement. I'm sure your stylish play and overall positivity will help all west of Ireland teams into the future. We can now dream too. Enjoy the celebrations

Really (Galway) - Posts: 657 - 30/07/2026 13:28:14    2688166

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You would not think that our premium Football Club competition is starting this weekend. Very little from Galway Gaa. Only published links to streaming last night. I know the ladies are in the All Ireland and the best of luck to them but for god sake put a bit of effort into promoting our games. The clash of Corofin and Claregalway on Friday evening has all the hall marks of a cracker. I listened to Galway Bay's preview and it was poor. There are so many people with an in-depth knowledge of both Intermediate and Senior teams in the county that you could have real analysis and discussion that could drive attendances at this weekends games. We can do much better than this.

galwaygoal (Galway) - Posts: 178 - 30/07/2026 14:08:50    2688172

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Replying To FallenStar:  "Is that the sole requirement to being manager for Galway then? Being a great tribesman?"
Obviously not: it's only year 2 of the new rules. PJ will have learnings from them. He deserves another year to proceed with the knowledge that everything before June is preparation for the real business. I wouldn't use him as a scapegoat for not going further this year. I hope he has another crack at it.

suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1818 - 30/07/2026 16:07:44    2688193

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Replying To suckvalleypaddy:  "Obviously not: it's only year 2 of the new rules. PJ will have learnings from them. He deserves another year to proceed with the knowledge that everything before June is preparation for the real business. I wouldn't use him as a scapegoat for not going further this year. I hope he has another crack at it."
That you Scan?

jam83 (Galway) - Posts: 239 - 30/07/2026 16:37:36    2688197

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Replying To 1951andwaiting:  "To the best of my knowledge Fr Tom Burke's was a hurling club for Claddagh & Westside, it disbanded after a few years and became St,Michaels and concentrated on football only. I stand corrected but I remember hearing this before"
1951andwaiting - is it time to change your name? 2026andwaiting doesn't strike the same chord:)

Cbar (Mayo) - Posts: 388 - 30/07/2026 16:49:58    2688198

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I honestly believe the most thing Galway football supporters want ( there not a huge amount let's be honest ) is a Galway team who play attacking football not the rubbish we have being treated to the way Galway. Play u definitely not neex train 3 days a week for it it's hand pass to player beside u then same again there needs be big changes in management and squad we need find 2 goalies totally new half back line there lads on subs and extended squad last 3 years play one match gone again need at end of club championship hold trials go back to basics because the way they pick lads now ain't working all Corofin backs must be in squad actually some might not even make there team i genuinely thought Dave Morris would add something different but in 2 years it not worked out hard see how next year be different Mickey Graham as well and scan they not going change there ways now and in all honesty onlt for Shane Walsh over last number of years we be no where near anything I know now time not on his side but I still believe with right management and play him centre forward there 2-3 years left in him

Kickitout (Galway) - Posts: 1168 - 30/07/2026 17:35:43    2688207

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Replying To suckvalleypaddy:  "Obviously not: it's only year 2 of the new rules. PJ will have learnings from them. He deserves another year to proceed with the knowledge that everything before June is preparation for the real business. I wouldn't use him as a scapegoat for not going further this year. I hope he has another crack at it."
Are you for real another year of slow slow sideways passing no kickout strategy giving up the kickouts to the opposition no thanks

minor77 (Galway) - Posts: 314 - 30/07/2026 20:07:53    2688226

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Replying To Kickitout:  "I honestly believe the most thing Galway football supporters want ( there not a huge amount let's be honest ) is a Galway team who play attacking football not the rubbish we have being treated to the way Galway. Play u definitely not neex train 3 days a week for it it's hand pass to player beside u then same again there needs be big changes in management and squad we need find 2 goalies totally new half back line there lads on subs and extended squad last 3 years play one match gone again need at end of club championship hold trials go back to basics because the way they pick lads now ain't working all Corofin backs must be in squad actually some might not even make there team i genuinely thought Dave Morris would add something different but in 2 years it not worked out hard see how next year be different Mickey Graham as well and scan they not going change there ways now and in all honesty onlt for Shane Walsh over last number of years we be no where near anything I know now time not on his side but I still believe with right management and play him centre forward there 2-3 years left in him"
Attacking football, when PJ came in he promised that.
Then he lost to Mayo in Tuam 3-23 to 0-17 and Kerry away the following year 4-21 to 0-11.
We need to be a bit realistic here.
You need forwards now that are going to press and tackle and force turnovers. Attacking wise Walsh, Finnerty are as good if not better than anyone. Will they press, tackle, track runners and force turnovers…I'm not so sure and the worst part is that should be the easy part. Anyone can press and get in the way if the attitude is right

smallfrank (Galway) - Posts: 620 - 31/07/2026 11:25:19    2688261

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Replying To minor77:  "Are you for real another year of slow slow sideways passing no kickout strategy giving up the kickouts to the opposition no thanks"
Think Mayo proved in the final that all these KO posession stats dont mean a hill of beans in the 'piggary zone' its about hard working, full blooded tackles to win the breaks and/or put oppossition under pressure if they win the KO

The_DOC (Galway) - Posts: 863 - 31/07/2026 12:24:37    2688273

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Replying To smallfrank:  "Attacking football, when PJ came in he promised that.
Then he lost to Mayo in Tuam 3-23 to 0-17 and Kerry away the following year 4-21 to 0-11.
We need to be a bit realistic here.
You need forwards now that are going to press and tackle and force turnovers. Attacking wise Walsh, Finnerty are as good if not better than anyone. Will they press, tackle, track runners and force turnovers…I'm not so sure and the worst part is that should be the easy part. Anyone can press and get in the way if the attitude is right"
We gave Kerry a brilliant game down there in 2020 and were going very well in the league playing nice football before Covid. Whatever happened during an after Covid was a disaster and seemed to set us on a path of being risk averse as much as possible.
There are loads of ways to play football. We don't necessarily have the forwards to tackle and press up high like Mayo did. That's not a requirement. Kerry don't have the forwards to do that either and it doesn't stop them from playing football when they have the ball.
Defensively we're not too bad, but we can definitely improve our attacking with the ball. Kickouts/midfield also needs improvement.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2983 - 31/07/2026 12:52:48    2688279

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