John O'Mahony, the Galway team manager, regards the new proposals for the All-Ireland football championship and its relationship with the National League, as "revolutionary but interesting".
He says that "here are "lots of positive things included in the proposal and it has to be studied closely".
"For one thing I am pleased with the idea that the entire football season would be concluded within the space of one calendar year. It would mean a lot of intensive competition but we have to test the waters and find out what the players and the public want. I believe it is worth a try but I am prepared to listen to other views and I know that there are other views out there. "It requires widespread debate and I believe that this will happen. It might put too much pressure on the players but we must look at it," he says. In regard to the establishment of an organisation for the purpose of putting forward the views of players recently he feels that it can also have a positive effect.
"I believe that the players contribute an enormous amount to the GAA at present and it is important that they be listened to. They must be allowed to have a say in the running of the association and their views on matters such as insurance need to be heard and, if necessary, acted upon. I'm sure their views on the new proposals will also be heard," he said. Turning to Sunday's National League and Galway's trip to play Donegal in Ballybofey, O'Mahony has selected Karl Donnellan from Tuam Stars at full back following the defeat of Roscommon in the first round.
Out of contention is Tommy Joyce who is suspended after being sent off in the Connacht club championship when playing for Killererin against Crossmolina last Sunday. He is replaced by Enda Daly at left half back. Otherwise the team is the same as that which beat Roscommon. Anthony Tohill is not included in the Derry team to face Kildare in Newbridge. He is resting following damage to an ankle injury which he picked up in the International Rules series in Australia. His absence gives the selectors an opportunity to give Michael McIvor his debut at midfield where he will partner Dermot Heaney.
Sligo will have their two Tourlestrane players back in action for the visit of All-Ireland champions Meath - Eamon O'Hara at midfield and Gerry McGowan at corner forward. Mickey Moran has left the right half back position vacant pending a fitness test on Ronan Keane and David Durkin. In the full-back line Nigel Clancy moves to the central position with Noel McGuire moving to the corner. Michael Lagan from Castleconnor, who made a successful debut against Fermanagh although ending up on the losing side, is retained at left half back.
