Mayo GAA Discussion

Wasn't it the semi final he got injured in for Garrymore? I imagine that held him back a bit? I'm speculating of course but you'd imagine it played a part

I don't think its odd at all and I think its working out quite well so far! I think he was brought on at the right time against Dublin and had a decent impact. It looks like he isn't going to be a starter this year, but that could be just for the league in fairness.

I'd agree with that. I think the first few games have been a case of trying things out in midfield, but needing to bring him on to shore things up. That certainly seemed to be the case for Donegal and Monaghan. Against the Dubs it was a case of Mattie's first game back and looking to protect the lead. He played a much more defensive role there but was very good in keeping the ball moving forward and his physicality at that point of the game was a big asset as you say.

Despite what his many detractors will say, he's a great tackler, he's very very hard to dispossess and his passing, particularly long range foot passing is exceptional. Being able to send the ball up the field accurately at that point of the game is a massive boon.

He done well against dublin when he came on. Teams are running at him because of his size but as the game opens up he can offer something. Guys mightnt be as quick to try it when he is fresh and they have 50 minutes of running done because they know if he gets close he will take the ball off them.

What i liked in the dublin game was his collision with fitzsimons. He was often guilty of trying to play football around fellas and they would get in around him. He was playing into their hands and not playing to his own advantages. This time he seen fitzsimons coming and met him full tilt. A few collisions like that will keep defenders honest and make them think twice.

Yeah he's done well integrating a lot of new lads into the team. We've been very fortunate with the quality that's been available to join the squad in the past couple of years. I'd like to think there would be a role for Horan to continue with unearthing talent if and when his role as manager comes to an end.

I'm beginning to think the notion of a Championship 15 isn't featuring, rather he's likely to select players depending on the opposition and it will be a first 20 rather than 15, particularly when we have a bit more strength in depth, more so than other years. That's as long as we can steer clear of further injuries which have truly been the curse for us for years now.

I'm heading to the game tomorrow, but have actually never been to Hyde Park.

Any tips for the parking situation around the ground?

Match not on tv?

What's the point of Gaa Go so ffs.

Little one sick so can't travel. Haven't traveled yet this season, was hoping to make my supporter debut today.

Early goal for Armagh :-(

If Hennelly was not played in goal for the first 3 league games, we wouldn't have 5 points. I'll take the 5 points sooner than facilitating game time for a sub keeper. How many times do you see counties playing back-up keepers. Tyrone almost always have Morgan in goal. Monaghan with Beggan, Dublin had Cluxton, and now with Comerford in goal we don't see any trial of back-up keeper. It is unfortunate if the keeper picks up an injury. But if you put this constant focus on blooding another keeper, then it takes away from the actual task of getting points on the board.

Kickouts seem to be a big issue, not a strength of Byrne. This really shouldn't be a surprise though. It's probably the most important aspect of a keeper these days.

Madwest seem to think the ref is being very harsh on us.

Paddy Durcan!!! Love MWR

Better that it happened today and he will have gained huge confidence after the first minute !

Caught two great high balls

Hopefuly Robbie is back for Kerry all the same

What happened with Brickenden and Irwin? Hear they got the curly finger early on.

We'll take that. Thank god we won having given away that early goal, otherwise people would be calling for both Byrne and Hennelly to be omitted before every single game in the future in favour of the 3rd and 4th choice keepers. Wonder who's going to take the long range free kicks and 45's now.

But with Clarke and Hennelly it was not a case of having a "trusty backup keeper".

It was a case of having two keepers capable of starting for most if not all inter county teams.

That's different.

If Byrne is good enough to challenge Hennelly for that starting place then great, but if he is not then don't be putting him in for the sake of game time.

Management will have a fair enough idea of his abilities and prospects anyway and if he is not going toe to toe with Hennelly for game time then he's either not good enough or not good enough yet.

That sort of sound logic is too hard for some lads to grasp, Father,

The only way to find out if Byrne is good enough is to give him gametime!! It sounds like he had a mixed day today but hopefully he'll have learned from that and it'll stand to him if we need to call on him on a big occasion.

Great to get the win today after a poor start. Looking in good shape to make the league final now

Because you need a backup keeper.

And even though he is currently not as good as Hennelly he is better than what else is available.

As I said the management probably have a fair idea of his worth right now and giving him game time right now is not part of their plan to increase that worth.

Its like lads think that theres no difference between training and playing actual matches

You don’t know why people would want a good back up keeper?

Genuinely?

What did you think of Kelleher playing for Liverpool today?

If it was just 2016, I think that would be long forgotten!

Either way, it's apparent Hennelly is the best option we have and he is having a fantastic year so far so good luck to him.