We’ve just named our team for Sunday, one that shows five changes from the one that beat Dublin so comprehensively last Saturday night. Into the team for Sunday come Eoghan Reilly, Ger Cafferkey, Jason Gibbons, Cillian O’Connor and Jason Doherty while out go Kevin Keane, Shane McHale, Danny Geraghty, Conor Mortimer and Barry Moran. All of those dropping out do, however, feature on the subs list.
I’m not sure what to make of this team but the late hour at which it’s been announced means that I don’t propose to ruminate any further on it here at the minute so, without further ado, here’s the full list of team and subs:
Mayo (NFL Division One v Kerry, 8/4/2012): David Clarke (Ballina Stephenites); Eoghan Reilly (Castlebar Mitchels), Ger Cafferkey (Ballina Stephenites), Keith Higgins (Ballyhaunis); Lee Keegan (Westport), Donal Vaughan (Ballinrobe), Colm Boyle (Davitts); Jason Gibbons (Ballintubber), Aidan O’Shea (Breaffy); Kevin McLoughlin (Knockmore), Andy Moran (Ballaghaderreen), Alan Dillon (Ballintubber); Cillian O’Connor (Ballintubber), Jason Doherty (Burrishoole), Michael Conroy (Davitts). Subs: Robert Hennelly (Breaffy), Kevin Keane (Westport), Shane McHale (Knockmore), Peadar Gardiner (Crossmolina), , Pat Harte (Ballina Stephenites), Enda Varley (Garrymore), Evan Regan (Ballina Stephenites), Aidan Campbell (Swinford), Barry Moran (Castlebar Mitchels), Conor Mortimer (Parnells, Dublin), Danny Geraghty (Ballintubber).
Hard to see [deleted – WJ] being good enough to play v Kerry.
Has looked way off in other games. Not sticking with his man and physically puny.
Could make it a very long day
A few men who are getting a chance to put poor performances on their last appearance behind them.
Reilly got the run-around against Dublin and Jasoon Gibbons cut no ice against London in his last ‘real’ game or against Roscommon in the FBD.
Up front Cillian looked off the pace last time out against Cork before being hauled off early but he had a couple of U21 games in quick succession.
Keane, McHale and Mort might feel aggrieved to be missing out after their performance the last day.
Hard to predict the result, Kerry have named a much changed team, Cooper is back for first start this year, still overall this Mayo selection might be just that little more battle hardned, but we need to build up a big lead because if Jack O Conner decides to go for it in the seccond half, has some serious footballers on the bench.
At the first look, it’s hard to work through the logic of this selection, but looking deeper some thing begin to become clearer. Starting from the back, Clarke is a shoo-in, as are Caff and Keith. Reilly is worth a look as he has the potential. The half back line is now a settled unit and AOS at No 8 is a definite. We need to find our best midfield so going with Jason for this makes some sense there. The half forward line chosen only makes sense if they are all attackers rather than auxiliary ‘other line’ players. In particular, Andy at No 11, to me, is a good choice.
However, the inside line is the one I cannot fully work out. Cillain is the tallest of them and he in the corner. He will also (probably) take the frees. Conroy is on fire in the other corner, and JD is worth a run, but in the middle? Maybe they won’t line out that way, I don’t know.
One thing is certain. I suggested earlier that the selection should make Jack O’Connor think twice. This selection will have him looking at the drawing board a good few times before he will be confident that he has the correct strategy.
Let’s hope JH and Co have worked out a surprise like last week.
Keep the Faith!
Cynthia – I’ve taken out details of the player you’ve referred to in that comment (the other option was simply to delete the entire comment). It’s simply not acceptable to say that it’s “hard to see” a player on the county panel “being good enough” – house rule no.3 refers. The same goes for using a pejorative term like “puny”. Can I remind you that this is one of our players you’re referring to?
Would’ve like to have seen a bit of consistency regarding team selection, build on last Weeks proformance, nearing the end of the league now time really have a settled starting 15.
It’s simple really, the three spots up for grabs are 2,9 and 13 in that Conor or O Connor will be one or other there. I see use of the bench as crucial. Half back and half forward line set in stone, a partner for AOS and a corner back as I see it. But I have got it horribly wrong before!
14 is up up for grabs too John. Where is Alan freeman?? Not even on the subs. I presume he is injured……
D,ont see tha logic in chopping n changeing week n week out with jh, maybe its injuries but ths team coud badly do with a league semi n final appear.if ther good enough.Ithink las wks game only papered ova tha cracks as tha dubs wer,t up for it mayo shoud n can get something n tralee b,cause s it s a weakened kerry team but i cant fathom 5 changes fr. las wk. game i dont think he knows wat his best team s to be honest.
What are you talking about? Of course Horan knows his best team but guys have to get opportunities to impress. What’s the point in having a large panel if you can’t see how some players adapt and perform against quality opposition. Forget about the fbd. The games in the league are looked at to see who is in the frame for championship. Horan made four changes for the Dublin game giving players a chance and look at the result. Whatever the result tonight at the end of the game management will know who stood up and is good enough come the summer….
According to Mayo GAA twitter man, Freeman is injured, I asked him last night. Who is that btw?
John, maybe I read it wrong but had you not said before that all places should be up for grabs? :p
my son cillian wants to say cillian o conner will score all the goals and points. Im a bit worried that mort is not playing but will be a good sub. On first look 5 changes are a lot. But i think that ff line is more of a goal threat now.
McHale and Keane were very good last week but Caff is first choice. Reilly on last chance i think. Hope Gibbons plays a blinder, nows his chance. Doherty looked lively last week.
Great chance for us now. Keep it going lads.
Digits …you are correct. I did indeed say that and I still firmly believe in that stance. However I am trying to read James Horans mind and in fairness to him he is steering us fine once more.
The manager said in an interview early this year that he would be trying to settle the side early and would be looking for continuity. So looking at my glass ball I see that in James head numbers 1 3,4,5,6,7,8,10,11,12, and 15 are nailed down. Conor and Cillian will battle for 13, 14 may be between Freeman and Big Barry. Midfield partner for AOS is also up for grabs.
My concern about certain players and positions is known but if they perform like they did V the Dubs and heed the script…then my opinion is as useful as a wrapper blowing in the wind. So gasaraí …more of the same tomorrow.
WJ surely Cynthia just expressed an opinion and backed it up with examples? If we can’t disparage a players previous poor performance then it’s a poor show…IMO…
Willie as you keep telling us the last few weeks – its your ball so fair enough. Dont think that my post should have been modified. But so be it. Its a shame that the blog is being steered towards certain views
It occurred to me the last night v the Dubs that it was too late to start bringing on subs with 10 minutes and counting to go they had no chance to settle into the game and make an impression. Now we have the 5 subs starting. Danny Geraghty must feel hard done by not to at least get the start as would connor
but I trust the JH and co know a lot more about the game and this bunch of players than me so……..I’ll just bit nails to morrow
None of us can speak for the bannister and selectors but he clearly wants to look at some players in as close to championship as you can get, and this is a sensible way to do it. Previous management were criticized for not giving players a chance, well I don’t think JH or his team can be accused of that. I also think all of a sudden we have options and, while its “only” the league, dare I say it a selection battle for certain positions. How did that happen? Not too long ago we could have easily predicted the team as there were none to many clear options. Fair play to them for that. We need another performance on Sunday, would love to win of course but as long as we see commitment and hard work, and some good football of course I’ll be happy. A semi final berth would be a massive bonus, even better if we got another game in Croke Park under the belts out of it.
THe Mort switch I think is more about keeping Mort in his place and not letting him lose the run of himself, throughout James’ interview on Seo Spoirt (the only decent GAA show in my opinion, fair play to Dara and TG4) when asked about Mort seemed to be very clear in saying he is one of many. I wouldn’t expect and manager to say anything else.
Also in fairness to Mort he is really working hard at his game and working hard on the pitch, would love to see him develop a killer instinct and bury a few goals when they are on, but credit where credit is due. Hope he keeps it up and we see him and the rest of them climbing the steps of the Hogan in September. Hey, a man can dream right? 🙂
Cynthia – it’s the bald statement that the player in question “isn’t good enough” that I have a problem with. I’ve no problem with individual players’ performances being critiqued or having their weaknesses highlighted but it has to relate to specifics, otherwise it just becomes trash-talking. I don’t think that’s too much to ask and I don’t accept that this means the debate is being steered in any direction. I just don’t want the site to become a soap- box for those who want to take cheap unsubstantiated shots at individual players.
WJ, will you be heading to the game? I hope you are as the team seem to pull results out of the bag when you go to the matches. I also agree with Cynthia, I feel that us supporters have a right to say what we feel, despite it being your blog etc. I do agree it is last chance saloon for the likes of Reilly and O’Connor, but they need to lay down a marker.
The more I think about it, the more I fancy our chances, No 1Kerry dont need the points as much as we do, No2 The Mayo team selected is much nearer our strongest , not that I’m 100 o/o sure whats exactly our strongest team. 3rd Kerry are nit srarting their 2 best players in my opinion, Brian Sheean, best midfielder in the country at the moment , not to mention the best free taker & Darren O Sullivan, taking this into account with fact that Aiden O Shea, is back & looking like he means business after having misssed all but 8 minutes of the last 3 games. Hopefully he can repeat last weeks performance. Jason Gibbons has at last got his chance impress from the start, midfield will be crucial, if we can win it there, got enough experience and talent up front & enough of the same in defence to prevail.
Sadly not F’deelin – I’m on my way to Mayo for Easter with the wife and kids and this one was never on my list – so if this year’s record of the lads only winning when I’m there, it could be an unproductive afternoon! Also, just to be clear – the last thing I want is to stop anyone saying what they feel but I also think that comments have to be fair when directed at individual players, that’s all.
Don’t see much wrong with Cynthia’s response (opinion). The armagh crowd said far worse IE sexual orientation, fornicating self abusers, parentage called into question etc. Political correctness can be taken too far, doubt very much if the players are to bothered about what they read here or anywhere else anyway.
Hopefully Campbell will more than a 5 min run on Sunday. Keith has more than enough in the tank for a man marking job on gooch if necessary, plus gooch wont track if he brakes forward. Mayo to win.
Farr, I cant believe you think its a last chance for O Connor to impress
Lads Willies Joe trying to be fair to everyone. Lets all relax a bit.
Looking forward to match. Important we maintain level of performance.
Are we improving? Yes
Have we more options this year? Yes
Have we an easier run to Quarter finals? yes
Is JH making progress? yes
Need to strengthen midfield, Settle ff line, score more goals and start being more ruthless. Backs doing very well. Keep Clarke in goal pls. Hennelly too flighty.
Finally what is story with Cillian and Freeman. What is reason for loss of form?
Based on what I have seen of the player Cynthia is referring to I don’t believe he is good enough to Mark top quality towards. We saw clear examples of that in recent outings and we can’t turn a blind eye to the issue if we want to be taken serious as all ireland contendors. Yes he is one of our players and personal attacks are not on but comment on his performances have to be entertained surely. Anyway he has another chance to prove most wrong and as always I hope he shoves my opinion down my throat although it will take more than one good performance against opposition who have nothing to play for to convince me.best of luck to the lad
Sweet Hezu now the minors start to annoy me. How in gods name do you manage to lose to Leitrim? Surely they are not ahead of us at that age level?
Good to see that James Horan and Co. are planning for the future, with the team selected.
For every player on the team, there is a quality
replacement. Good to see Cillian O’Connor
getting a run in his natural position.
Irrespective of what happens tomorrow, we will
be well prepared for the Summer.
Play as well as we did last Sunday, that is all I ask.
Cathal Henry.
If we can’t beat a patched up Kerry side with nothing to play for i won’t hold much hope for our guys this summer & our minors losing to Leitrim is another prime example the talent coming through is not what it once was.
Right, off to mass and then pointing the car towards Kerry. Reluctant cork supporters in the back, sorry that should read reluctant cork hurling supporters in the back, who can’t understand why anyone would travel further than their back garden to watch a game involving the big ball. Let’s hope we perform
any bets on a draw today result kerry 2 15 mayo 2 15
Is this link really showing the game. Has anyone watched any league games online through this or any other site?
http://digg.com/newsbar/Sports/watch_free_kerry_v_mayo_live_allianz_football_div1_2012_game_streaming_tv_link
great result and more school for mayo next sunday Unlucky Lee Keegan
what happened keegan kerry get a with everything not fair they are like snakes sneeky snake