FOOTBALL ANALYST:MY THOUGHTS on the likely outcome of the Connacht football final are predicated not alone on how Galway and Mayo have played in the championship to date but also on their respective performances against Kerry in the National League. Both of those matches took place in Tralee.
I was hugely impressed with Galway following their epic encounter with Kerry in last season’s All Ireland quarter-final but when I watched them in that league match against the same opposition I was struck by the fact they hadn’t appeared to improve from the previous season: if anything they seemed to have taken a backward step.
The one thing that stood out particularly was their lack of physicality, too easily brushed aside in the tackle. They were largely inept around the middle of the pitch and that could have serious consequences if it is an issue again tomorrow.
It is unrealistic to expect Paul Conroy to shoulder the primary responsibility for winning ball in that sector. He is an outstanding footballer but doesn’t have the strength as of yet to match up physically in terms of aerial power with players like Mayo’s Ronan McGarrity, David Heaney and Pat Harte. It’ll be a crucial battle in the context of the match.
In contrast to Galway, Mayo acquitted themselves very capably in Tralee and were far better equipped to deal with the challenge from both a physical and footballing perspective.
Manager John O’Mahony has put his imprimatur on this team, making changes in personnel and in doing so rewarding form rather than reputation.
The most obvious example is Conor Mortimer. In previous championships Mayo were hugely reliant on him for scores but that’s no longer the case and he’ll start the match from the bench. The county have endured more than their fair share of heartbreak in Croke Park in recent seasons and so evolution in terms of playing personnel is important.
You can not go to the well repeatedly with the same players, scarred by disappointment, and expect a different conclusion.
Mayo will have a physical edge in the middle third of the pitch in players like Peadar Gardiner, Heaney, McGarrity – it’s important he plays – Harte, Trevor Mortimer and Alan Dillon.
Individually and collectively they possess an athleticism and mobility that Galway may struggle to contain.
Aidan O’Shea provides his team with something of an X-factor in the full forward line. His physicality and competitive edge were obvious in his days as a minor and he could be a productive outlet for the long, high ball driven in to the edge of the square. Mayo’s forwards contribute more in scoring terms: Galway rely far more heavily on Pádraig Joyce and Michael Meehan.
When the team is going well Joyce is usually the architect, with Meehan the recipient of his clever, precise passing that creates opportunities. While not having the legs to provide that seminal influence on a consistent basis throughout a game, he retains the ability to come up with a critical intervention at the right time.
Meehan has the ability to win matches almost single-handed in scoring terms but that relies on getting the supply of possession to inflict the damage. I expect Keith Higgins, one of the best corner backs playing currently, to pick up Meehan. If Mayo can curb the influence of these two then they will be a long way down the road to winning.
The corollary is that Joe Bergin, Seán Armstrong and Cormac Bane have to step up and contribute.
O’Mahony is an excellent organiser, who clearly defines roles for players and demands a high work-rate from his players. His teams defend from the front all the way back and no Galway defender will be left unchallenged to carry ball forward. The team plays with a direct style.
Liam Sammon is a coach who likes to work with the ball in all his training sessions and places a premium on skills work. Galway place an overriding emphasis on a short passing game that can occasionally become slow and predictable. They need to very their game more. They will also need to score goals if they are to have a chance of winning.
Mayo appear the better equipped team to prevail, stronger in several areas and also far more convincing in their semi-final victory. It’s important for this Mayo team to win a Connacht final from a psychological perspective and embrace the latter stages of the championship in a positive frame of mind.
It is without a hint of condescension to note how heartening it is to see Antrim in an Ulster football final. It would be foolish to suggest anything other than a Tyrone victory but I do believe that Antrim will push the current All-Ireland champions for three quarters of the match.
Antrim are a hard working, athletic team who support each other very well and given their underdog status won’t be cowed by the challenge.
If anything they’ll relish the opportunity. They key to giving a good account of themselves is to start well: conceding a couple of early goals quickly drain confidence. I expect them to be in contention but Tyrone, with Brian Dooher and Seán Cavanagh to the fore, have the experience to pull away in the final quarter.
All-Ireland Qualifiers Round Three
Kerry v Sligo
Expect pride to be a galvanising factor for Kerry as they respond to negative comment from within the county in the forum that matters most, the pitch. There is no doubting the ability of the players but a convincing victory would be a morale booster for tougher days ahead. I expect this match to signal a turning point in their chase for Sam.
Donegal v Derry
Derry were very impressive winners the last day, as much for the football they played, as the victory itself. The two Bradleys were in sparkling form and given a similar platform they could destroy the home side. Donegal aren’t playing well, whereas Derry could win convincingly.
Wicklow v Down
Fortune is certainly smiling on Micko and Wicklow following a third home draw. The crowd at Aughrim must act as a 16th man and providing Wicklow can shackle Benny Coulter in particular the dream may go on.
