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Replying To BigBàsMan: "I would like to see it's as Morgan - burke - Morrissey & mannion - Lee - d burke" That corner back spot is anyones game. Three different starters in 3 games. Could be any of those or even Eoin Lawless might get a chance
I think I prefer Daithi inside at Fullback considering it will be a fairly young backline and Fintan can be easily exposed with pace if teams bring men out and leave space infront of the back line
Kinvara (Galway) - Posts: 195 - 10/02/2025 16:20:02
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Replying To Kinvara: "That corner back spot is anyones game. Three different starters in 3 games. Could be any of those or even Eoin Lawless might get a chance
I think I prefer Daithi inside at Fullback considering it will be a fairly young backline and Fintan can be easily exposed with pace if teams bring men out and leave space infront of the back line" If Fintan is too slow for 3 then where would you play him?
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14701 - 10/02/2025 17:06:29
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Replying To Kinvara: "That corner back spot is anyones game. Three different starters in 3 games. Could be any of those or even Eoin Lawless might get a chance
I think I prefer Daithi inside at Fullback considering it will be a fairly young backline and Fintan can be easily exposed with pace if teams bring men out and leave space infront of the back line" I think fintan is hurling very well at the moment and he had an excellent year for club too. He's experienced for his age. I always prefer daithi at 3 but we are short half backs. Of the corner backs I think Morgan has had an excellent year and can take 65s. He kept his man scoreless Vs kk. Morrisey is deserving of it and say he will start. I felt loftus was bet a few times against Clare.
BigBàsMan (Galway) - Posts: 96 - 10/02/2025 18:19:24
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Just want to say rip michael Coleman I remember him in 96 semifinal against wexford and league semi final. Absolute class hurler. I remember him 1990 he was a tower and a beast of a player condolences to his family club and galway
Wexfordgaa (Wexford) - Posts: 341 - 10/02/2025 20:13:26
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Replying To Viking66: "If Fintan is too slow for 3 then where would you play him?" Probably wouldnt play him at all in the starting team, leave him in reserves.
PoolSturgeon (Galway) - Posts: 1980 - 10/02/2025 22:54:05
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Replying To Viking66: "If Fintan is too slow for 3 then where would you play him?" With his experience playing everywhere in the fullback line and wing back, he's a fairly handy option off the bench or to stick on a lad who is good in the air depending on matchups
Kinvara (Galway) - Posts: 195 - 11/02/2025 09:26:43
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Replying To PoolSturgeon: "Probably wouldnt play him at all in the starting team, leave him in reserves." He's a very good hurler for a big man.
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14701 - 11/02/2025 10:05:18
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Replying To BostonGuy: "Another step forward this weekend, what I liked was the first half especially the serious speed and cohesiveness in the forward line. Well aware that this was a Clare "B" team but you can only play what's put in front of you and they did that. The half back line seems to be taking shape and hopefully will get better with experience. The work rate of Killeen and Fahy is also a plus. it would be nice to see this team playing on a real field and not a oceanside bog, I also saw a lot of wide's to the left in the second half. The biggest dilemma I see is Niland hes probably a top 2 free taker in the land but is it enough to nail down a position on this team, I didn't see enough of him in open play to deserve a spot, but its so hard to argue with his dead ball skills!" Niland is very similar to Patrick Horgan I think who will get you an extra 3/4 points in a game that others will not. Once he went off on Saturday the long range frees all went wide. In a tight game...... need I say it.
I remember last year in the stadium the crowd were roaring to bring him on when it was going wrong and he did come on and hit flawless. A 10/10 free taker is worth their weight in gold......Its a dilemma but a good one to have.
Its all very positive and interesting again from where we thought we were
1shot (Galway) - Posts: 10 - 11/02/2025 10:12:06
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Great to see this thread is discussing option in various positions for once! Too often recently we've been stuck with no one to play a position. Here's how I see it now
Goalie- Darach 100%
Full Back line
2 of Morgan, Grealish , Morrissey. Morrissey and Morgan goign well but I also thought JAck was decent and composed on the ball against Tipp when everyone else was falling apart. Loftus will get more game time in the league as well I hope but he's back of the line at the moment. Daithi all day at 3, as above I don't think Fintan is a starter, but a savage sub with his versatility, attitude and hurling ability. Just too vulnerable to pace to start imo
Half back line
Leave Lee in place now and let him learn the role, he's shown enough. If we make it as far as a big game in championship and he's getting roasted we alweays have the option of moving out Daithi with Fintan as full back cover. Padriag makes the team tick and I think is playing as well as ever the last 2 games. 7 is a tough one at the moment, Brennan didn't blow me away nor did trayers. Be interesting to see who gets a run there, also the possibility of one of the corner backs pushing up.
Midfield
Fahy and Tom are doing well so leave them at it for now. We're really stuck in this position and have been for years. presume f one of them were to egt hurt etc the first option would be Cathal Mannion to come in here but a very different player. I'd like to see Fleming but reluctant to take out Tom or Cianan as I think more than any position you need constant exposure to bring you on.
Half Forwards
Killeen not going as well as lee but like Lee I think he's doen enough to be left there medium term. Lohan was super agaisnt Tipp so hopefully he gets in again before championship. Fleming in fairness to him has earned the right to stay in the team with his workrate. Hoepfully the hurlign will shine through once he settls in as he is well able. Those 3 would be a seriously mobile and strong half forward line. Conor Cooney an option there as well as well as Cathal Mannion. Concannon for me is a great sub in champiosnhip but too hot and cold to start. When he comes off the benceh he's always wired and mad to make an impact. After that I don't know. Linnane seems to be coming on a lot but wouldn't back him to paly in the forwards in championship.
Full Forwards
Loads of option here for a change. Whelan obviously but McLoghlin and Burns making serious cases and hopefully the both see plenty more minutes in the league. I'm a big fan of Kevin cooney as well. Liam Collins has probably slipped back the pecking order a bit for now. Flynn we all know his strengths and weaknesses and what he doesn and doesn't offer, don't think we'll see him as a starter again.
All that said you'll more than likely hasve to carry one of Niland, Conor Cooney or Flynn as a free taker, none of the otehrs are at the necesary standard. 'carry' may be harsh but I don't think any of the 3 deserve a start at this stage. Niland the most likely?
All in all a far more positive outlook than i expected half way through the league
Overdahill (Galway) - Posts: 10 - 11/02/2025 11:32:32
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Replying To Overdahill: "Great to see this thread is discussing option in various positions for once! Too often recently we've been stuck with no one to play a position. Here's how I see it now
Goalie- Darach 100%
Full Back line
2 of Morgan, Grealish , Morrissey. Morrissey and Morgan goign well but I also thought JAck was decent and composed on the ball against Tipp when everyone else was falling apart. Loftus will get more game time in the league as well I hope but he's back of the line at the moment. Daithi all day at 3, as above I don't think Fintan is a starter, but a savage sub with his versatility, attitude and hurling ability. Just too vulnerable to pace to start imo
Half back line
Leave Lee in place now and let him learn the role, he's shown enough. If we make it as far as a big game in championship and he's getting roasted we alweays have the option of moving out Daithi with Fintan as full back cover. Padriag makes the team tick and I think is playing as well as ever the last 2 games. 7 is a tough one at the moment, Brennan didn't blow me away nor did trayers. Be interesting to see who gets a run there, also the possibility of one of the corner backs pushing up.
Midfield
Fahy and Tom are doing well so leave them at it for now. We're really stuck in this position and have been for years. presume f one of them were to egt hurt etc the first option would be Cathal Mannion to come in here but a very different player. I'd like to see Fleming but reluctant to take out Tom or Cianan as I think more than any position you need constant exposure to bring you on.
Half Forwards
Killeen not going as well as lee but like Lee I think he's doen enough to be left there medium term. Lohan was super agaisnt Tipp so hopefully he gets in again before championship. Fleming in fairness to him has earned the right to stay in the team with his workrate. Hoepfully the hurlign will shine through once he settls in as he is well able. Those 3 would be a seriously mobile and strong half forward line. Conor Cooney an option there as well as well as Cathal Mannion. Concannon for me is a great sub in champiosnhip but too hot and cold to start. When he comes off the benceh he's always wired and mad to make an impact. After that I don't know. Linnane seems to be coming on a lot but wouldn't back him to paly in the forwards in championship.
Full Forwards
Loads of option here for a change. Whelan obviously but McLoghlin and Burns making serious cases and hopefully the both see plenty more minutes in the league. I'm a big fan of Kevin cooney as well. Liam Collins has probably slipped back the pecking order a bit for now. Flynn we all know his strengths and weaknesses and what he doesn and doesn't offer, don't think we'll see him as a starter again.
All that said you'll more than likely hasve to carry one of Niland, Conor Cooney or Flynn as a free taker, none of the otehrs are at the necesary standard. 'carry' may be harsh but I don't think any of the 3 deserve a start at this stage. Niland the most likely?
All in all a far more positive outlook than i expected half way through the league" Darach is playing well. Leaving Fintan out would be hard to do. He is a good player and replacing him would be difficult. Gavin Lee seems ready to fill the 6 jersey. Midfield I would have concerns on Monaghan for championship. He is always going well during the league but struggles as the year progresses. Concannon first outing at the weekend and brings players into the game. He is more than a sub for me. Do we really think Fleming will cut the mustard come championship? Killeen is doing ok but is it enough to hold a position. He hits a few balls inside but that's about all. Mc Loughlin is a decent inside forward and deserves more time. Nilands first outing also and is so accurate but where to play him is a perdicument. We can't go back to Flynn and Cooney yet again. I would say the galway forwards are working harder than I have seen in recent years.
Lowballhighball (Clare) - Posts: 1 - 11/02/2025 13:41:49
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Replying To 1shot: "Niland is very similar to Patrick Horgan I think who will get you an extra 3/4 points in a game that others will not. Once he went off on Saturday the long range frees all went wide. In a tight game...... need I say it.
I remember last year in the stadium the crowd were roaring to bring him on when it was going wrong and he did come on and hit flawless. A 10/10 free taker is worth their weight in gold......Its a dilemma but a good one to have.
Its all very positive and interesting again from where we thought we were" Agree, but its hard coming from the likes of Joe Canning who did it all! Niland is lights out on the frees its just if he could contribute a little more. Gillane for Limerick is typically not their biggest threat from open play but definitely does enough to add value over and above the frees, same with McCarty for Clare. Horgan was a class hurler, but father time has caught him and hes lost two steps, but will be interesting to see if Cork start him. I would love to see him get a well deserved AI
BostonGuy (Galway) - Posts: 145 - 11/02/2025 14:22:50
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I think you can get away with one of Niland or Monaghan but not both. That's two fairly light players in the middle third who don't turn over ball
Kinvara (Galway) - Posts: 195 - 11/02/2025 14:23:59
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Replying To Overdahill: "Great to see this thread is discussing option in various positions for once! Too often recently we've been stuck with no one to play a position. Here's how I see it now
Goalie- Darach 100%
Full Back line
2 of Morgan, Grealish , Morrissey. Morrissey and Morgan goign well but I also thought JAck was decent and composed on the ball against Tipp when everyone else was falling apart. Loftus will get more game time in the league as well I hope but he's back of the line at the moment. Daithi all day at 3, as above I don't think Fintan is a starter, but a savage sub with his versatility, attitude and hurling ability. Just too vulnerable to pace to start imo
Half back line
Leave Lee in place now and let him learn the role, he's shown enough. If we make it as far as a big game in championship and he's getting roasted we alweays have the option of moving out Daithi with Fintan as full back cover. Padriag makes the team tick and I think is playing as well as ever the last 2 games. 7 is a tough one at the moment, Brennan didn't blow me away nor did trayers. Be interesting to see who gets a run there, also the possibility of one of the corner backs pushing up.
Midfield
Fahy and Tom are doing well so leave them at it for now. We're really stuck in this position and have been for years. presume f one of them were to egt hurt etc the first option would be Cathal Mannion to come in here but a very different player. I'd like to see Fleming but reluctant to take out Tom or Cianan as I think more than any position you need constant exposure to bring you on.
Half Forwards
Killeen not going as well as lee but like Lee I think he's doen enough to be left there medium term. Lohan was super agaisnt Tipp so hopefully he gets in again before championship. Fleming in fairness to him has earned the right to stay in the team with his workrate. Hoepfully the hurlign will shine through once he settls in as he is well able. Those 3 would be a seriously mobile and strong half forward line. Conor Cooney an option there as well as well as Cathal Mannion. Concannon for me is a great sub in champiosnhip but too hot and cold to start. When he comes off the benceh he's always wired and mad to make an impact. After that I don't know. Linnane seems to be coming on a lot but wouldn't back him to paly in the forwards in championship.
Full Forwards
Loads of option here for a change. Whelan obviously but McLoghlin and Burns making serious cases and hopefully the both see plenty more minutes in the league. I'm a big fan of Kevin cooney as well. Liam Collins has probably slipped back the pecking order a bit for now. Flynn we all know his strengths and weaknesses and what he doesn and doesn't offer, don't think we'll see him as a starter again.
All that said you'll more than likely hasve to carry one of Niland, Conor Cooney or Flynn as a free taker, none of the otehrs are at the necesary standard. 'carry' may be harsh but I don't think any of the 3 deserve a start at this stage. Niland the most likely?
All in all a far more positive outlook than i expected half way through the league" Good summary. Niland's freetaking is a weapon really, with his range and strike rate. Illustrated this last year v KK in Salthill, when we 'got a result' off the back of it, and off the back of little else on the day. Niland often worth carrying as a freetaker. CC rarely worth carrying for freetaking, but still one of the better all round forwards in the county imo, even if it doesn't always look that way in a Galway shirt.
Pope_Benedict (Galway) - Posts: 3947 - 11/02/2025 14:28:45
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Replying To Lowballhighball: "Darach is playing well. Leaving Fintan out would be hard to do. He is a good player and replacing him would be difficult. Gavin Lee seems ready to fill the 6 jersey. Midfield I would have concerns on Monaghan for championship. He is always going well during the league but struggles as the year progresses. Concannon first outing at the weekend and brings players into the game. He is more than a sub for me. Do we really think Fleming will cut the mustard come championship? Killeen is doing ok but is it enough to hold a position. He hits a few balls inside but that's about all. Mc Loughlin is a decent inside forward and deserves more time. Nilands first outing also and is so accurate but where to play him is a perdicument. We can't go back to Flynn and Cooney yet again. I would say the galway forwards are working harder than I have seen in recent years." Fair points but I'd be more inclined to gave Fleming an extended run to see if he can cut the mustard as you say and the same with Killeen. We've seen Concannon for years now and know what he does. Similar with Fintan. both useful but you won't win an all irealnd with them starting imo. So with the future in mind I'd be leaving the likes of Fleming and Killeen in to see if they develop. Maybe they won't be spectaculr this year but I don't think we should slip back into "win now" mode becasue we're goign well in the league. Very fair point on monahan but I'd be willign to leave him and Fahy to see can they develop that partnership, as bpth have been moved around a lot in recent years and midfield has been a barren waste land with an ageing David Burke and the likes of Linnane and Glennon in there in recent years. I suppsoe my summaray was based on thinking ahead and looking at potential. IN particular int he case of fleming and Killeen, who ahve come in and been decent in positions where we need players so let's see if they grow into the team in the way Fahy has over the last couple of years.
Overdahill (Galway) - Posts: 10 - 11/02/2025 14:52:33
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The Niland problem will probably be solved by his little brother in the years to come. Lethal from play and dead balls
Kinvara (Galway) - Posts: 195 - 11/02/2025 14:54:44
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Replying To BostonGuy: "Agree, but its hard coming from the likes of Joe Canning who did it all! Niland is lights out on the frees its just if he could contribute a little more. Gillane for Limerick is typically not their biggest threat from open play but definitely does enough to add value over and above the frees, same with McCarty for Clare. Horgan was a class hurler, but father time has caught him and hes lost two steps, but will be interesting to see if Cork start him. I would love to see him get a well deserved AI" One thing gillane isn't is a top class IC free taker, he misses plenty and generally doesn't take any from distance as left to byrnes who is a far superior free taker
jm25 (Galway) - Posts: 1330 - 11/02/2025 14:55:43
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Replying To Overdahill: "Great to see this thread is discussing option in various positions for once! Too often recently we've been stuck with no one to play a position. Here's how I see it now
Goalie- Darach 100%
Full Back line
2 of Morgan, Grealish , Morrissey. Morrissey and Morgan goign well but I also thought JAck was decent and composed on the ball against Tipp when everyone else was falling apart. Loftus will get more game time in the league as well I hope but he's back of the line at the moment. Daithi all day at 3, as above I don't think Fintan is a starter, but a savage sub with his versatility, attitude and hurling ability. Just too vulnerable to pace to start imo
Half back line
Leave Lee in place now and let him learn the role, he's shown enough. If we make it as far as a big game in championship and he's getting roasted we alweays have the option of moving out Daithi with Fintan as full back cover. Padriag makes the team tick and I think is playing as well as ever the last 2 games. 7 is a tough one at the moment, Brennan didn't blow me away nor did trayers. Be interesting to see who gets a run there, also the possibility of one of the corner backs pushing up.
Midfield
Fahy and Tom are doing well so leave them at it for now. We're really stuck in this position and have been for years. presume f one of them were to egt hurt etc the first option would be Cathal Mannion to come in here but a very different player. I'd like to see Fleming but reluctant to take out Tom or Cianan as I think more than any position you need constant exposure to bring you on.
Half Forwards
Killeen not going as well as lee but like Lee I think he's doen enough to be left there medium term. Lohan was super agaisnt Tipp so hopefully he gets in again before championship. Fleming in fairness to him has earned the right to stay in the team with his workrate. Hoepfully the hurlign will shine through once he settls in as he is well able. Those 3 would be a seriously mobile and strong half forward line. Conor Cooney an option there as well as well as Cathal Mannion. Concannon for me is a great sub in champiosnhip but too hot and cold to start. When he comes off the benceh he's always wired and mad to make an impact. After that I don't know. Linnane seems to be coming on a lot but wouldn't back him to paly in the forwards in championship.
Full Forwards
Loads of option here for a change. Whelan obviously but McLoghlin and Burns making serious cases and hopefully the both see plenty more minutes in the league. I'm a big fan of Kevin cooney as well. Liam Collins has probably slipped back the pecking order a bit for now. Flynn we all know his strengths and weaknesses and what he doesn and doesn't offer, don't think we'll see him as a starter again.
All that said you'll more than likely hasve to carry one of Niland, Conor Cooney or Flynn as a free taker, none of the otehrs are at the necesary standard. 'carry' may be harsh but I don't think any of the 3 deserve a start at this stage. Niland the most likely?
All in all a far more positive outlook than i expected half way through the league" Don't forget Killeen took the frees for Loughrea all year and was exceptional. That would solve the niland / Flynn dilemma and you gain a forward like McLoughlin.
BigBàsMan (Galway) - Posts: 96 - 11/02/2025 16:34:58
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Nucleus of a good team is in the pipeline.
Fintan " the best hurler in the country" Burke is not getting the recognition he deserves on this forum. Take Dublin game last year he was the sole resistance against the blue tide. In Shefflins first year he marked Hegarty out of the game in the Limerick semi final and only we had so little up front we could have won the All Ireland that year. We could do with Fintan at 3, 6, 7 everywhere really. Personally Ill take him at 3 or 7 with Lee deserving the chance to cement the Number 6.
Padraic Mannion is a class act- there is more confidence and cohesion among the entire backline with Padraic driving things. He is almost irreplaceable. Morrissey is an outstanding corner back.
Ive been impressed with both Fahey and Monaghan at midfield. Strength and pace- I think we should not do any tinkering here and let these guys man the midfield.
The forwards really has been the bugbear over the past few seasons- but there are encouraging signs. Whelan remains a great focal point but he cannot do it on his own. Burns looks the real deal and the most exciting player we have had in the full forward line since Damien Hayes. (No disrespect obviously to Joe " the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be"Canning)
Id also persevere with Niland- his ice cool free taking as others have mentioned and I believe there is more in him from general play once he is given a settled run. Im not convinced about McLoughlin - will he be able for the physical stuff.
Place has to be made for Cathal " the most natural and beautiful striker of a ball I have ever seen" Mannion.
The half forward line I think will ultimately be decisive whether we go anywhere this year. Killeen has been ok if not spectacular at 11 but again Id allow him the chance to grow. And can we get it right with the two wing forwards. I am a huge fan obviously of Cathal but perhaps it is not always easy to know where to play him.
Conor Cooney- I think it may be time to move away from him now.
I wonder will we go with an extra defender come championship- Linnane looks the man if this route is taken,
Anyway heres hoping we beat Kilkenny in the Leinster Final and also beat Limerick if we face them.
Maybe the full title is a bridge too far in 25 but you never know.
AmandaClarke (Galway) - Posts: 1 - 12/02/2025 01:43:08
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Replying To AmandaClarke: "Nucleus of a good team is in the pipeline.
Fintan " the best hurler in the country" Burke is not getting the recognition he deserves on this forum. Take Dublin game last year he was the sole resistance against the blue tide. In Shefflins first year he marked Hegarty out of the game in the Limerick semi final and only we had so little up front we could have won the All Ireland that year. We could do with Fintan at 3, 6, 7 everywhere really. Personally Ill take him at 3 or 7 with Lee deserving the chance to cement the Number 6.
Padraic Mannion is a class act- there is more confidence and cohesion among the entire backline with Padraic driving things. He is almost irreplaceable. Morrissey is an outstanding corner back.
Ive been impressed with both Fahey and Monaghan at midfield. Strength and pace- I think we should not do any tinkering here and let these guys man the midfield.
The forwards really has been the bugbear over the past few seasons- but there are encouraging signs. Whelan remains a great focal point but he cannot do it on his own. Burns looks the real deal and the most exciting player we have had in the full forward line since Damien Hayes. (No disrespect obviously to Joe " the best there is, the best there was and the best there ever will be"Canning)
Id also persevere with Niland- his ice cool free taking as others have mentioned and I believe there is more in him from general play once he is given a settled run. Im not convinced about McLoughlin - will he be able for the physical stuff.
Place has to be made for Cathal " the most natural and beautiful striker of a ball I have ever seen" Mannion.
The half forward line I think will ultimately be decisive whether we go anywhere this year. Killeen has been ok if not spectacular at 11 but again Id allow him the chance to grow. And can we get it right with the two wing forwards. I am a huge fan obviously of Cathal but perhaps it is not always easy to know where to play him.
Conor Cooney- I think it may be time to move away from him now.
I wonder will we go with an extra defender come championship- Linnane looks the man if this route is taken,
Anyway heres hoping we beat Kilkenny in the Leinster Final and also beat Limerick if we face them.
Maybe the full title is a bridge too far in 25 but you never know." Wow, a positive Galway poster!
Viking66 (Wexford) - Posts: 14701 - 12/02/2025 09:16:02
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Replying To Viking66: "Wow, a positive Galway poster!" Are there many positive posters on the Wexford thread?
Crashingwaves (Galway) - Posts: 87 - 12/02/2025 10:51:23
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