Mayo GAA Discussion Thread

dixiefly

Gary Neville wrote: »

Credit to Kerry for a very determined display.

However, the GAA will have to look at the very serious issue of sub-standard referees. Mayo is a perfect example of the level of commitment and professionalism now employed by players and management not to mention the expense and effort from their supporters.
Sides like Mayo, Kerry, Dublin and Donegal all deserve top quality officiating and certainly, it's not good enough when their efforts are frustrated by an incompetent official such as Mr. O Reilly. As a Cork Supporter, I was very annoyed at some of his very questionable decisions in our defeat by Mayo but I must admit we were 2nd best on the day - however, yesterday, I'm convinced that Mayo would have won convincingly if Reilly got the big calls correct.

Kerry's 1st penalty was a very poor decision - the forward clearly threw himself to the ground with minimal contact from the defenders. I'm not sure on the rule re sliding or foot tackles but I felt that the 2nd Kerry penalty was harsh too - both players tried to kick the ball and IMO, the Mayo Defender just reacted quicker - It was not a foul IMO.

However, the 2 frees in the first period of ET were outrageous - absolutely no fouls - both playeers challenged for the ball- these were huge calls at a crucial stage. I can recall at least 2 blatant black card offences by Kerry players that were ignored - Donncha Walsh cynically pulled down a Mayo Player and the drag-down for the penalty. Kerry clearly attempted to stop Mayo's running game by fouling the player at the start of the move. Reilly continually failed to stamp this out.

I saw Anthony Nolan give a shocking reffing display in the U21 semi final and now Reilly - that's semis in the 2 top competitions decided by woefully inept refs.

Mayo can't highlight this as it will be seen as whinging and James Horan has other things on his mind today. However, players, management and supporters deserve fair play as a minimum and what we saw from Mr Reilly was nowhere near good enough, IMO.

I agree. Not sure what can be done. Also, threre should be a facility to replace the ref after full time in a replay like this. Too much to ask considering whats at stake for both teams.

kerosene

Mayo had the momentum in the extra time and were well worth their two point lead, Reilly gifted Kerry two points, they were awful decisions, gave Kerry a badly needed lift at a critical time. Id a feeling before the game he wasnt up to it, but as a neutral I thought Kerry got close to ten major decisions in their favour. There was one in particular where the kerry man ploughed head first into the mayo defender, injured him and one himself a free, it beggered belief.

washman3

was that Mayo coach Donie Buckley that became involved in the melee. Bad form of the Kerry players pushing and shoving him if it was. Looked like his initial intention was just to end the melee and get the play moving again as there was 1 minute + left on the clock.

Loafing Oaf

Gary Neville wrote: »

Credit to Kerry for a very determined display.

However, the GAA will have to look at the very serious issue of sub-standard referees. Mayo is a perfect example of the level of commitment and professionalism now employed by players and management not to mention the expense and effort from their supporters.
Sides like Mayo, Kerry, Dublin and Donegal all deserve top quality officiating and certainly, it's not good enough when their efforts are frustrated by an incompetent official such as Mr. O Reilly. As a Cork Supporter, I was very annoyed at some of his very questionable decisions in our defeat by Mayo but I must admit we were 2nd best on the day - however, yesterday, I'm convinced that Mayo would have won convincingly if Reilly got the big calls correct.

Well a few dubious calls certainly went Kerry's way but that's laying it on a bit thick no? Re the broader point, Gaelic is intrinsically a very difficult game to officiate, owing to the lack of a clearly defined tackle, and has only become more so in recent years due to the business of 'swarming' the man in possession. Soccer has a similar problem, and the increased professionalisation of refereeing doesn't seem to have improved matters much...

Jippo

Gary Neville wrote: »

Did you see the 2 frees he awarded to Kerry in the first period of extra time ? Did you think either was a free ? Everyone bar Kerrymen disagreed with the 2 decisions - the RTE commentator and co-commentator and most neutrals thought Reilly got it wrong.

That is incorrect we know they weren't frees.

manofwisdom

Mayo started ET with huge energy and scored 2 excellent points yet they ended the half level

Mayos final score of the game came in 73rd minute I was very surprised how Mayo one of the fittest and conditioned teams around fell away so badly. Going the final 17 mins of the game without scoring was one of the main differences yesterday IMO.

P_Cash

Loafing Oaf wrote: »

Well a few dubious calls certainly went Kerry's way but that's laying it on a bit thick no? Re the broader point, Gaelic is intrinsically a very difficult game to officiate, owing to the lack of a clearly defined tackle, and has only become more so in recent years due to the business of 'swarming' the man in possession. Soccer has a similar problem, and the increased professionalisation of refereeing doesn't seem to have improved matters much...

Refereeing in soccer is no where near as bad versus what I seen yesterday.

My only question, when does it become a topic to discuss. I just wonder what game or what year will it be seen as something which affects the outcome of a game.

I wasn't at the game, I'm not a big Gaa fan at all, but speaking to a die hard this morning who was at the game felt the refereeing was terrible, I really felt sorry for her, so much put in to supporting mayo and for the refereeing to be so poor.

As an outsider to the GAA, could it not be discussed at least, rather they bring in a black card, what sort of a farce is that. . . .

Granted if games were more clear cut, but to many games are just too close now a day.

threeball

The reality is that it wouldn't even have gone to extra time had the ref not handed Kerry at least 3 if not 4 non existant frees on Donaghy in normal time and a soft peno where O Donoghue kicked the mayo defenders leg when pulling on the ball and end up arse over t*t.

threeball

P_Cash wrote: »

Refereeing in soccer is no where near as bad versus what I seen yesterday.

My only question, when does it become a topic to discuss. I just wonder what game or what year will it be seen as something which affects the outcome of a game.

I wasn't at the game, I'm not a big Gaa fan at all, but speaking to a die hard this morning who was at the game felt the refereeing was terrible, I really felt sorry for her, so much put in to supporting mayo and for the refereeing to be so poor.

As an outsider to the GAA, could it not be discussed at least, rather they bring in a black card, what sort of a farce is that. . . .

Granted if games were more clear cut, but to many games are just too close now a day.

You're applying soccer standards to a GAA game. We don't object to the physicality. We object to the blatantly biased calls that were obvious to everyone yesterday and the lack of consistency. I was a neutral yesterday and some of the calls were ridiculous and if I were from Mayo I'd be hopping.

P_Cash

threeball wrote: »

You're applying soccer standards to a GAA game. We don't object to the physicality. We object to the blatantly biased calls that were obvious to everyone yesterday and the lack of consistency. I was a neutral yesterday and some of the calls were ridiculous and if I were from Mayo I'd be hopping.

I was actually aiming for good standards, be it any sport in any part of the world,
You could say we have 7 important games, I just think they should look to see how to make the game more fair, how die hards put up with it I'll never know.

threeball

P_Cash wrote: »

I was actually aiming for good standards, be it any sport in any part of the world,
You could say we have 7 important games, I just think they should look to see how to make the game more fair, how die hards put up with it I'll never know.

Well yesterday it was the ref that fell way short on good standards and once he let Enright stay on the pitch after the first peno both team knew they could pretty much what they want. Mayo got more physical and Kerry got more cynical. He then keep compounding this error by applying different standards to different areas of the pitch so what was a foul 25yrds from goal wasn't a foul 50yrds from goal. And then he took it a step further and began reffing both teams to different standards to the point where even standing next to Donaghy was interpreted as a foul.
That was the problem in this game and has been the problem for quite a few years with Gaelic football. The only consistent ref I can remember is Pat McEneaney.

km79

I'm not going to comment too much on ref. its all been said. I will
say this though Donaghy and Cafferkey/Keane had a real good physical tussle. pulling,dragging bumping off the ball on both sides. Donaghy only had one free given against him. in extra time. that sums up the refs performance.
An ex footballer (I can't recall who) said in an article during the week said Reilly is the worst kind of ref as he sets out to even up personal scores with players/teams . Mayo paid dearly for the Keegan appeal.
What are the repercussions for Reilly ? none.
he will still get the big games next year.
Gaelic football players and management are basically professional now in training and approach.
Their games are being reffed / ruined by amateurs

km79

km79 wrote: »

I'm not going to comment too much on ref. its all been said. I will
say this though Donaghy and Cafferkey/Keane had a real good physical tussle. pulling,dragging bumping off the ball on both sides. Donaghy only had one free given against him. in extra time. that sums up the refs performance.
An ex footballer (I can't recall who) said in an article during the week said Reilly is the worst kind of ref as he sets out to even up personal scores with players/teams . Mayo paid dearly for the Keegan appeal.
What are the repercussions for Reilly ? none.
he will still get the big games next year.
Gaelic football players and management are basically professional now in training and approach.
Their games are being reffed / ruined by amateurs

Reilly didn't follow the rules of the GAA, Enright should have been sent to the sideline, match defining decision and obvious to a toddler. Several frees including the Kerry penalties were debatable.

Reilly should not be reffing a senior game again, disgraceful performance. Whatever about soccer as a sport the level of reffing is light years ahead.

You have to wonder what else HQ could do to get a Dub v Kerry final.

threeball

km79 wrote: »

I'm not going to comment too much on ref. its all been said. I will
say this though Donaghy and Cafferkey/Keane had a real good physical tussle. pulling,dragging bumping off the ball on both sides. Donaghy only had one free given against him. in extra time. that sums up the refs performance.
An ex footballer (I can't recall who) said in an article during the week said Reilly is the worst kind of ref as he sets out to even up personal scores with players/teams . Mayo paid dearly for the Keegan appeal.
What are the repercussions for Reilly ? none.
he will still get the big games next year.
Gaelic football players and management are basically professional now in training and approach.
Their games are being reffed / ruined by amateurs

I posted much the same opinion yesterday. it looked like Reilly didn't take kindly to the overturned card and Mayo paid for it in spades

Peist2007

Loafing Oaf wrote: »

Well a few dubious calls certainly went Kerry's way but that's laying it on a bit thick no? Re the broader point, Gaelic is intrinsically a very difficult game to officiate, owing to the lack of a clearly defined tackle, and has only become more so in recent years due to the business of 'swarming' the man in possession. Soccer has a similar problem, and the increased professionalisation of refereeing doesn't seem to have improved matters much...

The referee's poor decisions in favour of Kerry swung the game in their favour. No one is laying anything on thick. I expect Donegal to be completely shafted in Croker today too - if it's close

P_Cash

threeball wrote: »

I posted much the same opinion yesterday. it looked like Reilly didn't take kindly to the overturned card and Mayo paid for it in spades

Did the same Ref do both games?

zetecescort

P_Cash wrote: »

Did the same Ref do both games?

No, last nights ref actually did Mayo game in the previous round against Cork and gave a few soft frees to Mayo.

Loafing Oaf

Peist2007 wrote: »

The referee's poor decisions in favour of Kerry swung the game in their favour. No one is laying anything on thick.

Well I still think it's OTT to say Mayo would have won 'convincingly' if Reilly was on his game. It would have been a tight game regardless of who was refereeing...

threeball

P_Cash wrote: »

Did the same Ref do both games?

He was the linesman that drew the refs attention to the red card in the drawn game

davegrohl48

The final whistle blew yesterday and I had to go to a birthday party of someone else that had already started in living room. Trust me that was tough.
Today we mainly need perspective:
1. Ref was poor is widely acknowledged. If you wanted proof can't really look past the Enright no yellow card for penalty, the Peter Crowley head down charge on Colm Boyle, the free for the pickup on Keegan evem though Keegan seemed to make a perfect pickup action or else if was for a foul on Donaghy didn't look much, of anything for that free, allowing Donaghy hold the ball for 20 secs with no yellow card, the free against a legitimate Colm Boyle tackle, late in the game Kevin Keane ahead of Donaghy both advancing for the ball Reilly has a good 15 yards of Donaghy holding to observe with no foul from Keane and no free out. TV commentators picked up that one.
In his defence the first Donaghy free in ET there was an arm hold early.
Overall the main point is Reilly deliberately after calling the penalty ignored to issue a card as he knew he'd have to send off Enright. Never even consulted his umpire. A two armed swing to the ground is an automatic yellow card minimum anywhere on the pitch.
Conversely it is hard to think of a soft free or decision in Mayos favour over close to 100 minutes of play. People pointing out things in the brawl - the brawl was a mess wouldn't base anything on that.
Perspective is that clearly we were good enough yesterday and the ref made a big difference in a game that finished level.
2. Management. Horan and the backroom team have Mayo fitter and more skillful than ever. People may question fitness but will come back to that point later of why we died off in second period ET. Skill wise can easily be seen with amount of players who can left handpass and our improved pass completion.
3. Philosophy of selection/tactics/in-game mgmt
This has been and still is this Mayo mgmt teams weakness and there were no signs of improvement.
Take yesterday's game n look for positives. Michael Conroy as a runner - left too late in the game and waaaay too late in the 4 year mgmt period. It looks like he's an excellent solo runner from midfield. How was this only discovered a man down against Kerry? Game situation dictated to come back help out n make sure of keeping posession by running with ball n finding a handpass. Conroy was better by a huge distance in that role than himself in a corner forward role!!!! 4 years to discover that by accident!
Freeman winning ball n passing it - left too late n the player poorly managed to this point in the 4 years.
Negatives in-game yesterday:
Once could be seen that Donaghy was not going to be contained by Cafferkey (predictable) and that the referee was not allowing on the ground containment (during game should have been obvious) Mayo should have made a switch. Keane did better than Cafferkey. But Seamus OShea clearly should have been brought back on Donaghy.
Team selection contradicted our tactics. Barry Moran is our slowest player and we knew we had the best success with the running game. If David Moran outfielded the 4 other midfield options in the last game it was misguided hopefulness to think Barry Moran would fair better. Bad bad call by mgmt. Also as we needed as many runners on the pitch after the exertions of last week.
The usage of substitutions. It was predictable that the running speed of Colm Boyle/AOS/Kevin McGloughlin would be affected by last week. AOS should have been subbed after his injury. Donal Vaughan ex cross country athlete gets subbed while still able for more (looked annoyed) McGloughlin and Boyle both played to a jog by mgmt. Bad bad calls n nothing there not being utterly controllable or predictable.
Simply mgmt had a succesful philosophy of how to play the game. They improved the fitness n skills of the players to allow them play it. Unfortunately they didn't fully base team selection on the philosophy to have runners on the pitch n runners to replace them They also didn't correct our weakness at full back.
Persective is a lack of follow through on our football philosophy on how to play the game.
4. Forwards.
We had Cillian/Andy n JDOC played well yesterday. Freeman got on ball late in the game n passed well. The pitch was too tight for Dillon.
But we were well beaten at midfield. N didn't have many bad wides. New forwards can be found but we need to evolve to a system of practiced plays. It still looks individualistic.
5. Midfield. We should never ever ignore running speed again pre-game in selection or in-game. In-game we need to adjust to short kickouts puzzled that we kept going long?
6. Defence. Full back a problem. Seamus Cunniffe might be knocking on the door in two years aged 20 so hopes are bright. Tom Cunniffe didnt look pacey yesterday? There's a few young defenders with pace around the 19-22 age bracket, I know of one ex-sprinter for example. We need to add fresh faces not just upfront.
Final perspective, where to from here?
Relentlessly forward because the world will bounce off us before we give up this march.
We can all play our part bigger than you think.
1. This week lets all ensure the pitch invader n Chrona Esler for her tweet properly reprimanded. Contact County Board n Western people.
2. Setup via the progressive Mayo News a player-watch online. Any young player anywhere can now be highlighted. I know a pacey young defender who is excellent at blocks. A guy like Edwin McGreal the Mayo news can get a players name looked at. He knew about Barry Moran being picked pretty much in interview before the game. I'll check if Edwin McGreal interested.
3. Don't say "something needs to be done" think of something you can do and do it. I'm currently working on a software application which is Gaa related. I'll see how goes contacting Edwin McGreal as it is in his domain. If the Mayo news not interested the Western people. Then direct to County Board.
We cannot be stopped Mhaigh Eo abu.

jmayo

threeball wrote: »

Well yesterday it was the ref that fell way short on good standards and once he let Enright stay on the pitch after the first peno both team knew they could pretty much what they want. Mayo got more physical and Kerry got more cynical. He then keep compounding this error by applying different standards to different areas of the pitch so what was a foul 25yrds from goal wasn't a foul 50yrds from goal. And then he took it a step further and began reffing both teams to different standards to the point where even standing next to Donaghy was interpreted as a foul.
That was the problem in this game and has been the problem for quite a few years with Gaelic football. The only consistent ref I can remember is Pat McEneaney.

Agree with everything bar last sentence.

As for yesterday well we played a half decent Kerry team with some outstanding players (Moran being the best) and for chunks of the match a guy from Meath.

I think Horan, much like Maughan before, did a great job up to a point, but they both seemed to lack the tactical ability to ultimately land the big prize.
Horan's biggest achievement I think was instilling a never say die attitude amongst a team that took a lot of body blows.
Beaten in 2012, beaten in 2013 and still coming back for more.
Hell last week we lost a player, were 5 points down and still came roaring back.

I think without the influence of the aforementioned Meath man the worst that Mayo should have come out of yesterday with was a draw.

I think most of the incidents the ref got wrong are covered in post above by davegrohl48.
Suffice it to say most times something was let slide it appeared to hurt Mayo more than Kerry.

The big questions I now have are ...
can someone explain how Enright managed to stay on the pitch until subbed and how do you now tackle/compete against a big tall full forwards without it being a free in ?

Oh and I know one other poster mentioned it, but I would like to hear Pat Spillane's comments on his county's current team or his comments only applicable to Northern teams.

Being from Mayo you get used to being beaten by better teams on big days.
Getting royally screwed over (pardon the pun) by an offical so a comparable team wins is the thing that grates for me.

feargale

padd b1975 wrote: »

He did, different times and a bit less commitment required back then.

McStay would be my choice too, not many AI winners knocking around the county.

Ah the military traditionally give a bit of leeway where sport is concerned. Back in the day when Romanian rugby was good their team was composed virtually entirely of Securitate men!

seligehgit

Any indication that Kevin McStay would be interested in the job?

Loafing Oaf

feargale wrote: »

Ah the military traditionally give a bit of leeway where sport is concerned. Back in the day when Romanian rugby was good their team was composed virtually entirely of Securitate men!

Apparently he's retired from the Army so the star would seem to be aligned for him to take the job...

rankingelite

Kevin McStay will probably be the bookies favourite, Liam Mchale wouldn't be a bad choice either.

Lissavane

rankingelite wrote: »

Kevin McStay will probably be the bookies favourite, Liam Mchale wouldn't be a bad choice either.

Either would be just more of the same, regardless of their personal qualities. They've grown up with the mindset of losers.

Now that Mayo seem to have perfected their physical and techinical skills, they need a manager that has the mindset of a winner and can instill that in the team.

Mayo need a Kerry manager!

Royal Legend

Gary Neville wrote: »

Credit to Kerry for a very determined display.

However, the GAA will have to look at the very serious issue of sub-standard referees. Mayo is a perfect example of the level of commitment and professionalism now employed by players and management not to mention the expense and effort from their supporters.
Sides like Mayo, Kerry, Dublin and Donegal all deserve top quality officiating and certainly, it's not good enough when their efforts are frustrated by an incompetent official such as Mr. O Reilly. As a Cork Supporter, I was very annoyed at some of his very questionable decisions in our defeat by Mayo but I must admit we were 2nd best on the day - however, yesterday, I'm convinced that Mayo would have won convincingly if Reilly got the big calls correct.

Kerry's 1st penalty was a very poor decision - the forward clearly threw himself to the ground with minimal contact from the defenders. I'm not sure on the rule re sliding or foot tackles but I felt that the 2nd Kerry penalty was harsh too - both players tried to kick the ball and IMO, the Mayo Defender just reacted quicker - It was not a foul IMO.

However, the 2 frees in the first period of ET were outrageous - absolutely no fouls - both playeers challenged for the ball- these were huge calls at a crucial stage. I can recall at least 2 blatant black card offences by Kerry players that were ignored - Donncha Walsh cynically pulled down a Mayo Player and the drag-down for the penalty. Kerry clearly attempted to stop Mayo's running game by fouling the player at the start of the move. Reilly continually failed to stamp this out.

I saw Anthony Nolan give a shocking reffing display in the U21 semi final and now Reilly - that's semis in the 2 top competitions decided by woefully inept refs.

Mayo can't highlight this as it will be seen as whinging and James Horan has other things on his mind today. However, players, management and supporters deserve fair play as a minimum and what we saw from Mr Reilly was nowhere near good enough, IMO.

I know its a bit raw in here and I would agree that the two frees Donaghy got in ET were not frees, the first penalty was debateable and you have to allow that the ref saw it from an angle. the second one was a penalty.
Refereeing is an issue throughout the GAA, the fella refereeing the hurling final next Sunday should not be let near a juvenile game let alone the showpiece final.
Reilly IMO had a good game up until ET, everyone tired and it got scrappy.

The real issue with refereeing in this country is McEnananey, he is dictating too much what is going on and he is damaging hurling.
Reilly is seen as the fittest referee in the game, Coldrick is a better referee in my opinion, McQuillan had a pretty good game today, none of the Cork refs should be let near a football or hurling field and the Westmeath and Dublin lads should not be allowed near a hurling field.

I read a lot of messages of good will to Horan and the Mayo team over the last 24 hours. well deserved too.

Mayo have thrown the kitchen sink at winning an All Ireland over the last few years and have been unlucky not to win it, don't mind the likes of Brolley and the sh1te that comes out of his mouth, unlike in the 90's under Maughan, not only were you fitter, but Horan also changed your game to a nice mix of possession and kicking, the skill level was of the highest order and the dedication and commitment was unreal.
Yesterday, contrary to what some Kerry people want you to believe, you lost narrowly to a very good Kerry team, who had to bring an unprecedented level of commitment and desire (for a Kerry team) to get past you yesterday.

Lets hope that there is someone around who can carry on the brilliant work that James Horan did with this team and take them to the next level and win an All Ireland.

Inspector Coptoor

Anyone able to tell me why Gavin Duffy never got a look in all year?

Mayo were crying out all year for more big physical players and then a gift like Gavin Duffy comes on the scene and wasn't given a minute of championship football or even put as a sub at any stage?

And a diminutive player like Mickey Sweeney gets to tog out?

Makes no sense to me at all.

Was in limerick last night and croker last week, am disgusted this team aren't in another final but Kerry got over the line in ET.
No score in the final 16 mins saw to that for Mayo.

If Robbie had slotted that last kick in normal time it would have been fantastic but I'm not blaming him as it was a very tough kick

threeball

Inspector Coptoor wrote: »

Anyone able to tell me why Gavin Duffy never got a look in all year?

Mayo were crying out all year for more big physical players and then a gift like Gavin Duffy comes on the scene and wasn't given a minute of championship football or even put as a sub at any stage?

And a diminutive player like Mickey Sweeney gets to tog out?

Makes no sense to me at all.

Was in limerick last night and croker last week, am disgusted this team aren't in another final but Kerry got over the line in ET.
No score in the final 16 mins saw to that for Mayo.

If Robbie had slotted that last kick in normal time it would have been fantastic but I'm not blaming him as it was a very tough kick

He's a rugby player who hasn't played Gaa in 10yrs. Would leinster throw jack mccaffrey on the wing just cos he's fast?

Inspector Coptoor

He's proven quality at the sport playing midfield for Mayo at minor level (albeit a long time ago)

He played a rugby position (full back) that required very similar skills to Gaelic football and after training as a PRO athlete for the last 12 years I'm
Sure he could have added an extra bit of physicality that mayo were lacking in some positions at times.

How many times did Donaghy kick the ball yesterday?
I'd say once, for the goal.
He basically played like a post position basketball player would play under the net as e was glued to the box (& Cafferkey for that matter)

Anyway, it's just an opinion, word was he was doing well at training in the A vs B games, I just think he should have been given a crack of the whip.

rankingelite

Lissavane wrote: »

Either would be just more of the same, regardless of their personal qualities. They've grown up with the mindset of losers.

Now that Mayo seem to have perfected their physical and techinical skills, they need a manager that has the mindset of a winner and can instill that in the team.

Mayo need a Kerry manager!

Jack O Connor?

ColeTrain

Lissavane wrote: »

Either would be just more of the same, regardless of their personal qualities. They've grown up with the mindset of losers.

Now that Mayo seem to have perfected their physical and techinical skills, they need a manager that has the mindset of a winner and can instill that in the team.

Mayo need a Kerry manager!

Like Jack O'Shea?

km79

rankingelite wrote: »

Jack O Connor?

a good shout actually but don't see it happening

seligehgit

ColeTrain wrote: »

Like Jack O'Shea?

You're right,that went well:rolleyes:

Mind you Jack O Connor is a top top manager. How likely is it that he's interested and willing to take such a long arduous journey to Mayo?

threeball

Can't see McStay wanting it considering the number hes on with RTE. He'd be mad

yop

Cant say a lot as its still a bit raw, but very proud of our lads. The commitment of the 2 teams over the 2 games was incredible, NOTHING left on the sideline by the players and with todays game we have a game we can all be proud of.
As above I'm worn out with what the state of reffing in this game was, who knows but my heart is telling me he cost us the game, I haven't seen the game on TV so can't comment besides, except from the various media and texts I got from people who said he robbed us blind.
With regards the GG, have to say its a fine fine spot for a game, the atmosphere was incredible and the tension (which led me been phyiscally sick at one stage!!! (sad I know)) was nuts.

Wish James the best in everything he does, some things he did or didn't do baffled me, but he was brave enough to take us from an awful low to where we are today.

My heart is broken and spirit in ribbons, but we will be back

cocoman

threeball wrote: »

Can't see McStay wanting it considering the number hes on with RTE. He'd be mad

Agree.

km79

yop wrote: »

Cant say a lot as its still a bit raw, but very proud of our lads. The commitment of the 2 teams over the 2 games was incredible, NOTHING left on the sideline by the players and with todays game we have a game we can all be proud of.
As above I'm worn out with what the state of reffing in this game was, who knows but my heart is telling me he cost us the game, I haven't seen the game on TV so can't comment besides, except from the various media and texts I got from people who said he robbed us blind.
With regards the GG, have to say its a fine fine spot for a game, the atmosphere was incredible and the tension (which led me been phyiscally sick at one stage!!! (sad I know)) was nuts.

Wish James the best in everything he does, some things he did or didn't do baffled me, but he was brave enough to take us from an awful low to where we are today.

My heart is broken and spirit in ribbons, but we will be back

I agree with everything except the GG being a fine spot for a game.
Provincial games yes AI semi replay not a chance. Mad crush coming in and that was 40 mins before ko.
one tea shop in main stand
no backs on seats, looking at backs of peoples heads
40 minute walk from train station
open on 3 sides
no thanks
look at croker today
that's where players want to play
makes me very very angry actually thinking about it

yop

km79 wrote: »

I agree with everything except the GG being a fine spot for a game.
Provincial games yes AI semi replay not a chance. Mad crush coming in and that was 40 mins before ko.
one tea shop in main stand
no backs on seats, looking at backs of peoples heads
40 minute walk from train station
open on 3 sides
no thanks
look at croker today
that's where players want to play
makes me very very angry actually thinking about it

I should have qualified it in that the atmosphere was incredible, much much better than Croker for atmosphere in my opinion.
Home in 2.5 hours as well!

km79

yop wrote: »

I should have qualified it in that the atmosphere was incredible, much much better than Croker for atmosphere in my opinion.
Home in 2.5 hours as well!

good atmosphere in the stand but with it being open on 3 other sides noise was lost outside stand
atmosphere was better last week I thought.
it just did not "feel" like an AI semi
the players deserved better
another year over
what now????

seligehgit

Kevin McStay wants the job I'd say based on those comments on the Sunday Game.

naughto

If its offered to mc stay he will take it from what he said on the Sunday game

Blackjack

Have waited a long time before posting on this game.

Very proud of the team and all they have given us.

I appreciate this is going to sound bitter but there's absolutely no doubt that the ref handed that game to Kerry. They should have been done to 14 men for the black card offense by enright on O'Connor. After that, several soft frees.
If anyone needs a blow by blow account, the Irish times have detailed it here.

Anyway - records won't show that as they'll only reflect the score line.

Sad to see Horan go but hopefully we can find a decent replacement for him. I do think Kevin McStay could do a good job there.

Anyway - here's to the players, and we have to consider ourselves lucky as fans to have a bunch as tough as them who keep coming back year after year to give it all they can.

yop

After seeing the highlights there how Reilly is let ref another game after this has to be under serious question. His mistakes were shocking and ultimately cost us the match.

McStay, not sure to be honest, something doesn't sit well with me about him and I dont think he will bring anything more than Horan.

KMFCross

yop wrote: »

After seeing the highlights there how Reilly is let ref another game after this has to be under serious question. His mistakes were shocking and ultimately cost us the match.

McStay, not sure to be honest, something doesn't sit well with me about him and I dont think he will bring anything more than Horan.

Very true about Reilly yop, it would be very poor once they analyze his performance if he is let ref another senior game again.

RE: McStay, he seems to have a great read on the game any time you listen to him analyze a game and take it apart for the sunday game. He has success in the all ireland at underage so knows how to get over the line.

Also he was very vocal about the donaghy threat and why caff was elected for the job which Horan did not seem to plan for. I get the feeling McStay would have got the match up with Donaghy right.

yop

KMFCross wrote: »

Very true about Reilly yop, it would be very poor once they analyze his performance if he is let ref another senior game again.

Disagree with you about McStay, he seems to have a great read on the game any time you listen to him analyze a game and take it apart for the sunday game. He has success in the all ireland at underage so knows how to get over the line.

Also he was very vocal about the donaghy threat and why caff was elected for the job which Horan did not seem to plan for. I get the feeling McStay would have got the match up with Donaghy right.

Ah ya, its just my own opinion, he seems like a lad who is well fit to break down a game, but doing it via video evidence and in the stand compared to the heat of a game, then we will see what he does.

One thing I didn't like was when we played Ros last winter in Cbar he sat behind me with the Ros county board members and jeered our lads who were been hammered out the door, I was shocked when I turned around to find it was him. Just didn't like it. Anyway thats irrelevant to him getting the job.

Who else is there?

I can't see us going outside the county as the funds are probably low.

Holmes, Maughan, McStay. No one else really I can think of.

Kristopherus

yop wrote: »

After seeing the highlights there how Reilly is let ref another game after this has to be under serious question. His mistakes were shocking and ultimately cost us the match.

McStay, not sure to be honest, something doesn't sit well with me about him and I dont think he will bring anything more than Horan.

Well, whoever takes over will have a tough act to follow. Can anyone see Mayo winning 4 Connacht titles in a row over the next 4/5 years.

I'm not too sure about McStay either, but his involvement with St.Brigids lately has'nt been negative.

Fowler87

Get Tomas O'Se on board as well;)

yop

Fowler87 wrote: »

Get Tomas O'Se on board as well;)

There was one man I really would have loved to see manage us and that was Paidi O'Shea, he was as cute as fk and hard as nails. An honor to meet the man and read his book.
If you watched Donegal today, they lumped into Dublin, punched them, kicked them, nailed them at EVERY turn. We need to do this, Caff was much too soft on Star yesterday, Keane roughed him up but of course Mrs Reilly gave him 2 of the softest frees you will ever see.

We need someone who will make the decisions. The more I think of Caff at full-back the more I think he isn't up to it. Against Donegal, Dublin and then 2 games this year he was beat up and over. Phyiscally pushed around the place.

Blackjack

yop wrote: »

Holmes, Maughan, McStay. No one else really I can think of.

Of those 3 we know McStay has all Ireland glory at club level. The others do not. The other 2 had their chance before now, and with Maughan we just can't keep going back to that well.
If we need someone to pick up our current players so that we are challenging again next year, I think McStay really is the only one of those 3 that can do it.