Galway have tonight named their team for Sunday’s Connacht final, with their starting fifteen showing two changes from the side that defeated Sligo in the semi-final a few weeks back. Here’s their selection for the McHale Park provincial decider:
Galway (Connacht SFC final v Mayo, 13/7/2014): Manus Breathnach (An Spideal); Donal O’Neill (Cortoon Shamrocks), Finian Hanley (Salthill-Knocknacarra), Joss Moore (Mountbellew-Moylough); Gareth Bradshaw (Moycullen), Gary O’Donnell (Tuam Stars), Paul Varley (Cortoon Shamrocks); Fiontain O Curraoin (Micheal Breathnach), Tom Flynn (Athenry); Michael Lundy (Corofin), Shane Walsh (Kilkerrin-Clonberne), Damien Comer (Annaghdown); Paul Conroy (St James’s), Eddie Hoare (St Michael’s), Danny Cummins (Claregalway).
The two changes the Tribesmen have made from the Sligo match see Joss Moore and team captain Paul Conroy coming in for Aonghus Tierney and Michael Martin. These minor alterations in playing personnel contrast greatly with the size of the changes to the team since Salthill last year. Only six of Sunday’s team – Manus Breathnach, Gareth Bradshaw (who was one of two Galway players red carded that day), Fiontain O Curraoin, Tom Flynn, Paul Conroy and Danny Cummins – also lined out in Pearse Stadium last May.
We last played Galway in a Connacht final back in 2009 and only three of their team for Sunday – Finian Hanley, Gareth Bradshaw and Paul Conroy – also started for them that day in Pearse Stadium. We’ve six survivors, by the way, from that day – Ger Cafferkey, Keith Higgins, Andy Moran (then left half-back), Alan Dillon, Barry Moran and Aidan O’Shea.
The last time we played the Herrin Chokers in a Connacht final at MacHale Park was the previous year and only Bradshaw and Hanley remain on their starting fifteen since then, although their current captain Paul Conroy came off the bench for them that day to score a vital late point on the way to a one-point win. That, of course, was their most recent Nestor Cup success. We have four survivors from the team that started that 2008 decider – Keith Higgins, Colm Boyle, Alan Dillon and Andy Moran.
I think if we revert to a pressing game and tackle from the full forward line similar to Salthill and Donegal games last year we will win . If we don’t we will get sucked into a battle similar to the Hyde which could go either way .
I would not fancy being the Galway keeper if we treat him as if he were Cluxton and pressure his kickouts . He won’t be able to play short kickouts and he will have to play long where Aidan, Seamie and Barry should patrol the skies assuming Barry is going to play midfield . Not discounting the Galway midfield who can’t have a Brazilian disaster similar to last year!
James Horan does show a lot of loyalty to players who would seem to underperform in the opinion of some ( i.e. Doc) , but if people watch the Hyde escape again no one won as much ball as him and Doc is playing the type of game he is asked to play despite playing in the incorrect line of attack in my opinion. Then again I’m assuming Barry, Aidan , Alan and Andy are playing in their selected positions .
But James Horan is mayo manager and he selects the team based on what is happening in training etc so he and the management team know best and are driven to succeed for us all.
Gerry G ( from a previous post) “On a personal level this final won’t be the same without being able to talk to the old man about it .He would enjoy this. Hon Mayo”
Says it all really Gerry . I will visit my peoples resting place today , remember all the great Mayo adventures we had together . Memories come flooding back of all the great days and not so great days we had with Mayo. But the difference is when people move on to the Heavens they are gone from our life but Mayo will always be here for us . I find weekends of Mayo games are similar to Anniversaries and birthdays – they bring all our past back and supporting Mayo is very emotional. Gerry ‘the old man ‘ is proud of you . Hon Mayo.
D
You talk a lot of sense and I agree on most points.I dont think you and I were watching same match in Hyde though if you consider Doc had a good game.He didnt but I and many others are fully behind him and hope his performance will improve on Sunday.That would make us all happy .Otherwise in fairness lets give someone else a chance.
Delighted to see Barry back.He hopefully is fit for putting out players not 100 per cent is not sensible in my view.I will trust James that all players are fit and raring to go.
Its interesting to see that Paul Conroy has been named at no. 13, you’d expect him to play much further out the field. It looks like it will be pretty congested around the middle of the field. Whoever picks up most of the breaks will hold all the aces.
2 point win for galway in 08
It wasn’t, Tommy – it was a one-point win for Galway that day. The scoreline was 2-12 to 1-14 (match report here) and, by an odd coincidence, it was exactly the same scoreline in Pearse Stadium the following year, where we came out on top in that year’s final by 2-12 to 1-14.
Sorry Willie, I remember Armstrong putting Galway two ahead but forgot the closing Mayo score to finish the game
Surprised it was Martin that had to make way for the fit again Conroy. On the Mayonews podcast the Galway fella from their radio commentary was certainly talking up a good fight it will be a close game will all comes into play.
D thank you so much for your kind words. great to have such great memories. We are lucky to be living in a time now with Mayo going for 4 in a row and the minors intent on retaining their All Ireland title. Hope this is an even better year to remember. Hon Mayo