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Sligo GAA thread

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Replying To republican:  "Great strides is right and really appreciate the comments from other counties. It was a great battling display yesterday, we have speed up front and tenacious defenders. We were just that bit weaker when it came to depth off the bench, I hate to not focus on the guys that got us there but it was a real shame we didn't have Alan Reilly yesterday. If we had a fit Spillane and Reilly I think we would have one with a few to spare.

Fair dues to all involved, we backed up the talk regarding fixtures schedule beforehand. I thought Lally was immense and not sure how he did not make the team of the week! Delighted for McGuiness too after a tough incident against Galway. Cummins was getting a hard time in the first half but came up big with a massive score. Mulligan will be all the better for that experience. We are building nicely so hopefully we can hang on to the full panel and give Div3 a rattle next year.

Sligeach Abu"
I thought Down seemed to get a grip of Lally in the second half which definitely took a little of our attacking impetus. His jink is something else with the long bounce. My worry in the past was always that he was a bit wasteful in possession for a county player but he has really tightened up in that regard this year. Looks every bit as important now as Murphy, Carrabine, O' Connor, Lyons, Towey, etc. Plenty of nominees but as a previous poster eluded to, I'd agree he is probably Sligo's most conistent performer in 2024.
Agree fully on Mulligan. He will continue to mature as a footballer and I think he has a very high ceiling.
In terms of subs, Reilly as you suggested could have made an impact if still involved but a half fit Towey would have added serious value in the second half. I'm not sure where he is at in terms of being involved on the club scene this year.
McEntee's plans will as previous posters suggested, likely depend on the situation in Armagh but I'd like him to continue with this group.

johncreilly (Sligo) - Posts: 31 - 25/06/2024 09:30:28    2554638

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As the year draws to a close on the county scene, just how many from the U.20 winning teams have made the breakthrough to seniors.
2022 team
Jack Lavin. Missed the first half of the year with injury and made a few appearances off the bench. I still believe he needs a new club to progress his career.
Eoghan Smith. Got loads of opportunities and isn't just at the level required yet. Time is on his side.
Oisin Flynn. The fact that he's on the extended panel speaks volumes for his commitment as he never nailed down a starting spot on the U 20. He is certainly still on the radar.
Joe Keaney. Still only 22 and hopefully a good club championship will see him return to the Co set up. He has a lot to offer.
Lee Deignan. Patiently on the bench for most of the league he made a few appearances before starting the last 2 games.
Other players that might come in from that group would be Jack Davitt and Shane Molloy.
2023 team.
Canice Mulligan. Serious player and needs minding. The last really good player from the West division had to retire in his early twenties due to injuries.
Luke Casserly. Got a full game against Tipperary and a few appearances off the bench . Very much in the frame.
Daire O Boyle. Surprised he didn't get more minutes on the pitch. Very good player.Calry badly need him at the moment.
Dylan Walsh. Disappointed. Ran off playing junior soccer at every opportunity until he got injured . May not kick a ball this year for the club. Needs to commit properly next year as he is a serious talent.
Others that may come from that group is Matt Henry.
So I make it 5 from the 2022 team and 4 from the 2023 team
Next year Sloyane, Johnson , Doherty at a minimum should also be drafted in.
There probably won't be that many starting places up for grabs next year if everyone stays fit as we are basically a young team but the subs bench needs a major overhaul.

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1749 - 25/06/2024 11:13:12    2554681

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Replying To eoinog:  "As the year draws to a close on the county scene, just how many from the U.20 winning teams have made the breakthrough to seniors.
2022 team
Jack Lavin. Missed the first half of the year with injury and made a few appearances off the bench. I still believe he needs a new club to progress his career.
Eoghan Smith. Got loads of opportunities and isn't just at the level required yet. Time is on his side.
Oisin Flynn. The fact that he's on the extended panel speaks volumes for his commitment as he never nailed down a starting spot on the U 20. He is certainly still on the radar.
Joe Keaney. Still only 22 and hopefully a good club championship will see him return to the Co set up. He has a lot to offer.
Lee Deignan. Patiently on the bench for most of the league he made a few appearances before starting the last 2 games.
Other players that might come in from that group would be Jack Davitt and Shane Molloy.
2023 team.
Canice Mulligan. Serious player and needs minding. The last really good player from the West division had to retire in his early twenties due to injuries.
Luke Casserly. Got a full game against Tipperary and a few appearances off the bench . Very much in the frame.
Daire O Boyle. Surprised he didn't get more minutes on the pitch. Very good player.Calry badly need him at the moment.
Dylan Walsh. Disappointed. Ran off playing junior soccer at every opportunity until he got injured . May not kick a ball this year for the club. Needs to commit properly next year as he is a serious talent.
Others that may come from that group is Matt Henry.
So I make it 5 from the 2022 team and 4 from the 2023 team
Next year Sloyane, Johnson , Doherty at a minimum should also be drafted in.
There probably won't be that many starting places up for grabs next year if everyone stays fit as we are basically a young team but the subs bench needs a major overhaul."
I'm not sure I agree on the new club Eoinog. If we start going down that route, why would clubs bother bringing players through at all. In essence, I hear what you're saying but I think the emphasis needs to be on the player delivering for his team consistently. Ballymote are an intermediate side playing in junior. At the end of the day, Lavin (and any others in the same position) will play 7/8/9 games for his club this year and should be pushing them to win Junior A. The major progression in my opinion will be in the off season/pre season and early league games.
Unless it is a case that the group don't share any ambition of getting up and contending for Intermediate titles (that may be the case, I don't know), I can't see why a move would be the right thing to do. The foundation of the County Player is in his club. Personally, I can't understand how players would leave - especially for another team in the same county. What's worth more - potentially winning an intermediate medal in the future with your own club, or a senior with another?
In terms of names mentioned, I think you're right in that it will be largely the gameday 26 that will see dramatic change before the starting 15. Definitely need some more energy and depth there and you'd hope the guys you've mentioned can add that.

johncreilly (Sligo) - Posts: 31 - 25/06/2024 12:01:35    2554696

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Keep 15 men on the field and Sligo win that game by a few points to spare and would have won the final against Laois.

Next step for Sligo now is getting promoted to Div 2 and holding their own in that division. Clare did that for about six years and reached All Ireland Quarter final a few times. Louth are doing that now and reached the last 8 at the weekend no reason why Sligo can't do the same in the years ahead.

Gaa_lover (USA) - Posts: 3407 - 25/06/2024 15:45:25    2554800

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I wonder what are the chances of twisting Caroline Currid's arm and getting her involved next year. It might be the right time with the age profile of the squad and how critical it is to instill that winning mentality now. Just a thought that sprung to mind.

republican (Sligo) - Posts: 333 - 25/06/2024 15:58:21    2554806

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Replying To Gaa_lover:  "Keep 15 men on the field and Sligo win that game by a few points to spare and would have won the final against Laois.

Next step for Sligo now is getting promoted to Div 2 and holding their own in that division. Clare did that for about six years and reached All Ireland Quarter final a few times. Louth are doing that now and reached the last 8 at the weekend no reason why Sligo can't do the same in the years ahead."
The red card was unlucky. It was a mistimed attempt to punch the ball. It wasn't a dirty stroke and unfortunately these things happen in contact sport. The referee was correct in issuing the straight red . We all wish the Down player a full recovery, unfortunately he got a broken jaw and I believe that he is just 21 some of these days. To answer another poster, I doubt if Caroline Currid would be interested in working with us or indeed if she is what we want at this moment. We still make silly mistakes and we need to work on that first. Caroline will add a bit to the party but you need your house in order first.

eoinog (Sligo) - Posts: 1749 - 25/06/2024 16:35:45    2554812

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Replying To republican:  "I wonder what are the chances of twisting Caroline Currid's arm and getting her involved next year. It might be the right time with the age profile of the squad and how critical it is to instill that winning mentality now. Just a thought that sprung to mind."
So if we had Caroline Currid, Mullen tackle would not have been made and Mulligan would not have pulled the jersey for the penalty? Come on - does not seem to be much wrong with this group mentally.

RealSouthSligo (Sligo) - Posts: 88 - 25/06/2024 16:42:42    2554814

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There was some amount of positives packed into the Sligo performance on Sunday-

- The McGuinness block in normal time and his runs forward were very impressive and inspiring
- Paddy O Connor goal, great run by Lally and I honestly don't know how Paddy wrapped that ball around his waste and still finish so well. One of the best goals I've seen in a Sligo jersey.
-Lee Deignan making a statement, some great scores and runs
- Aidan Devaney - I actually think this was his best display in a Sligo jersey- the saves were elite, a miracle save on the Eddie one but also his kickouts are very good, he didn't put a foot wrong
-Cummins point to go ahead in normal time- he just doesn't miss, very accurate, I thought that was the winner
- Lally for me was our best - his running power and IQ was off the charts- a joy to watch and took the game to Down
- I really enjoyed Lyons and Mullen pace running forward - they were very impressive
- Canice's goal was a great move through the hands, Mullen responded very well to cleaning up the fumble
-Mark Walsh's impact is always exciting and Spillane got a great score

I agree gaa_lover, I feel we would have won if we didn't go down to 14. Hopefully Mullen will learn from that, too aggressive but accidental at the same time.

The management got an incredible amount right and deserve credit. The new gameplan is working well. I did see things we got wrong match up wise and positionally but no point going into on here.

Republican - no chance of Caroline being involved while McEntee is here. He's old school on sport psychology. In fairness to McEntee I hear good things on Mulholland and McLaughlin in the backroom team so again he gets a lot right. McFadden was a big loss but we have improved on forward play. There is something to be said for getting over the line too. We should have beaten Galway and if we are ruthless even with 14 men we could have defended the last Down score better in normal time. I didn't see many learnings on game management and closing it out but a big ask. We had to avoid ET with the new rules and I'm not sure we recognised that a point up.

As everyone on here knows under McEntee we always start the year very poorly. I know an end of year review with the county board will happen but they need to get the team better prepared for that first league game, Laois and Clare last 2 years were performances way below our standards and if you want to get promoted you need to win most of your games. I am not sure if McEntee is staying on but I know it will be his decision. My opinion has improved on him during this year especially. It will be an interesting couple of weeks. If Armagh beat Roscommon I can't see them moving on from McGeeney. Monaghan maybe on the lookout soon. This maybe McEntee's ceiling with us.

Sligonian (Sligo) - Posts: 1662 - 25/06/2024 21:21:47    2554852

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Replying To RealSouthSligo:  "So if we had Caroline Currid, Mullen tackle would not have been made and Mulligan would not have pulled the jersey for the penalty? Come on - does not seem to be much wrong with this group mentally."
"Come on -" I'm not sure what part of my comment stated that we would have avoided both incidents. I am talking about a native Sligo person who is the best at what she does in a sport where the tiny margins make a difference. I am just saying that every year I see the praise heaped on her and I always think its such a shame she is not involved with Sligo in some way.

republican (Sligo) - Posts: 333 - 26/06/2024 12:04:40    2554930

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Replying To johncreilly:  "I'm not sure I agree on the new club Eoinog. If we start going down that route, why would clubs bother bringing players through at all. In essence, I hear what you're saying but I think the emphasis needs to be on the player delivering for his team consistently. Ballymote are an intermediate side playing in junior. At the end of the day, Lavin (and any others in the same position) will play 7/8/9 games for his club this year and should be pushing them to win Junior A. The major progression in my opinion will be in the off season/pre season and early league games.
Unless it is a case that the group don't share any ambition of getting up and contending for Intermediate titles (that may be the case, I don't know), I can't see why a move would be the right thing to do. The foundation of the County Player is in his club. Personally, I can't understand how players would leave - especially for another team in the same county. What's worth more - potentially winning an intermediate medal in the future with your own club, or a senior with another?
In terms of names mentioned, I think you're right in that it will be largely the gameday 26 that will see dramatic change before the starting 15. Definitely need some more energy and depth there and you'd hope the guys you've mentioned can add that."
Eoinog deleted message 25/06/2024 12:38:21
I agree with you and I am going against my principals in advocating a different club but his present club are poor in my opinion. I remember attending Co finals and Sligo league games in Corran Park. It was the best ground in the county. Now they struggle to cut the grass. Loads of good young players from that club played for Sligo Minors and haven't been heard of since. They can't bring players through at all. A few years ago in championship they gave Bunninadden a bye because they couldn't field due to a soccer game..I hate to see a lad hampered by a club with no ambition.

Hi Eoinog,
I generally wouldn't waste my time responding to personal attacks from somebody with an obvious gripe against Ballymote, but these attacks have been persistent for some time now. I have attached the above message also which you later deleted in either cowardice or regret.
Firstly I will deal with your continuous calls on Jack Lavin to leave Ballymote.
I am presuming you have no knowledge of the type of person Jack is. Jack is heavily involved in the club and driving it to keep improving not just on the field but off the field too. Whenever called upon to help in fundraising, underage coaching or whatever it may be he has never said no, and in many instances he is offering his time to the club on his own accord.
He is a credit to his family and his club and is someone we are immensely proud to have in our club.
For any Gael to suggest a player should leave a club for any other reason than the club is about to fold or cannot field or is not training to any credible level is pretty disgusting. I don't like naming other player or clubs but by your logic should Paul McNamara leave Johns, what if St Pats or Castleconnor were to be relegated should Mulligan or Carrabine move on. One of the greatest traits of Seán Carrabine in my eyes is his love for his club and how he drives them on whenever he is available and I think that love and pride of where your from is the epitome of the GAA.
You may retort back Ballymote is a big town and should be doing better.
I agree we should be higher up the divisions in league in championship. But to say there is no ambition or we are not trying is a fallacy.
Ballymote were Senior from 2004 to 2014 and haven't hit those heights since, we took our eye off the ball in terms of underage for a number of years for sure but over the last ten years a serious amount of work is been doing to move the club in the right direction.
It is only now in the last 3 years we are starting to see the players trickle through from this work. If we have everyone fit and available our first 15 would have approx 12 players under the age of 23.
2022 under 20 team - Jack Lavin (Captain) & Cian Kilcoyne
2024 Minor Panel - James Lavin (Captain) & Conor Walsh (only 15)
2024 Manning Cup Panel - 5 players, only St. Marys had as many

Just a few examples above of the progress of our underage players. I know there are no certainties in bringing through players and that drop off in all clubs between the ages of 17 & 21 is a huge issue but we are working hard in Ballymote to drive a cultural change and the likes of Jack Lavin are key drivers in this.

I see your comment also above questioning the state of Corran Park.
Again would agree going back a number of years the ground had fallen into disrepair but again a massive amount of work has gone into improving both the pitch and surrounding grounds. I could counter this and comment on other grounds around the county but I'm not in the business of been negative for the sake of it and making personal attacks on other clubs. I would like to say I think most grounds in the county have improved greatly in the past few years. We played in both Farnans and Curry recently and would have to commend both clubs on the improvements to the playing surfaces there. In Ballymote we have a dedicated groundsman who takes great pride in the pitch and we are lucky to have him. We have added a score board and running track in recent years along with new fences and both the stand and dressing rooms have received a facelift, with a new toilet block also constructed.
For all these reasons it makes me think your comments are personal attacks rather than constructive and objective opinion.
When you have time please also research the proposed development to take place in Brother Walfrid and Corran Park, funding already secured for the first phase.
You are entitled to your opinion even if it based on a chip on your shoulder but there is a lot of good happening in Ballymote at the minute, European rowing champions, All Ireland Handball and Boxing Champions, Girls and Boys representing Ireland internationally in Soccer, a thriving Athletic club producing connaught and All Ireland winners and GAA club doing its bloody best to keep improving and most importantly providing a healthy and positive outlet for the young people in our town.
I'm Seán Stagg from Ballymote, who are you Eoinog?

SeánStagg (Sligo) - Posts: 1 - 26/06/2024 12:55:05    2554948

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Super post, beat wishes for season ahead to all Ballymote teams

onthefortyfive (Sligo) - Posts: 33 - 26/06/2024 13:19:52    2554956

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