Are you aware that Jim McGuinness and Padraic Joyce have a vibrant history of friendship dating back to their unforgettable years at university together? Let me introduce you to the insights of Gordon Manning…
[Jim McGuinness and Pádraic Joyce boast a bond born of past triumphs, yet only one can claim victory this weekendOpens in new window]
Before we dive into today’s games, let me take you back to last night’s electrifying match where Armagh triumphed over Kerry in overtime, securing a spot in their first All-Ireland final since 2003. Malachy Clerkin was on the scene at Croke Park and has all the details.
[Armagh secure first All-Ireland final spot since 2003, outshining Kerry in thrilling victoryOpens in new window]
Down to the final three… Following the heart-pounding All-Ireland semi-final that saw Armagh standing victorious, today will reveal who will be their opponent in the final slated for July 28th. Will it be Jim McGuinness’ Donegal or Padraic Joyce’s Galway?
We may gain some perspective looking into Sean Moran’s match preview…
Donegal v Galway, Croke Park, Sunday, 4.0pm – Directly broadcasted on RTÉ2 and BBC Two NI
The recent passing of All-Ireland successful manager, John O’Mahony stirred deep emotions in Galway but he wouldn’t have wished this to cause disruptions to Pádraic Joyce’s preparations which are already grappling with injury complications. According to the team sheet, none of the injured players are excluded, apart from the notable substitute Cian Hernon.
Coming in as Ulster champions and having efficiently ousted Louth in the quarter-final, Donegal concedes the most points out of all semi-finalists, a pattern typical of their season thus far.
Jim McGuinness’s squad has built their season on solid defence and barring their unsuccessful trip to Cork where they were riddled with three goals, they have managed to keep their net untouched in the championship.
An organised defence is maintained by full back Brendan McCole which makes scoring against them a formidable task. Their swift counter-attacks have turned out to be highly effective, generating stunning shots from a range of scorers.
Playing the dual role of a playmaker and counter-attacker, Ryan McHugh has regained his top form, while Peadar Mogan has been the standout player scoring from defence and frequently winning Man of the Match titles.
There are significant hurdles facing Galway, from the quality of their defence, prominently featuring tight-marking full back Johnny McGrath, and flanking defenders adept at counter-attacks. Furthermore, the physical prowess of the Connacht champions’ midfield and half forwards, inclusive of Paul Conroy, Matthew Tierney, John Maher, who previously subdued Brian Fenton, and an exceptional Cillian McDaid, is noteworthy.
Kieran McGeeney, awed after Armagh’s match with Galway, pointed out, “the entire half-forward line stands at 6ft 4ins, they’re giant lads”. This practically affords Connor Gleeson the liberty to make extended restarts, thereby favouring his team. Jason McGee’s inclusion in the Donegal team after an injury is potentially beneficial for McGuinness, though he must surely have a plan to confront such an architectural disadvantage.
Possible suspicions have been raised over whether all of Galway’s injuries have conveniently healed in time. Shane Walsh recently concluded a match appearing to be injured; however, his manager maintains robust faith in his recovery resilience. Damien Comer’s lower performance against Dublin, despite an improved play in later stages, coupled with Rob Finnerty’s accuracy being a key component in his team’s success, yields some worry.
A key issue for Joyce is Galway’s lackluster first half against Dublin, coming perilously close to a defeat – salvaged largely by Walsh’s unparalleled marksmanship. Should they begin in a lackadaisical manner in coming matches, they risk being completely outpaced. Galway’s knack for performing their best under duress, demonstrated in both the Connacht final and All-Ireland quarter-final, necessitates a stronger pace and urgency in future games.
Prediction: In favour of Galway.
The Galway team featured Connor Gleeson, Johnny McGrath, Seán Fitzgerald, Jack Glynn, Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, Séan Mulkerrin, Paul Conroy, Sean Kelly, Matthew Tierney, John Maher, Cillian McDaid, Robert Finnerty, Damien Comer and Shane Walsh. The reserves consisted of Conor Flaherty, John Daly, Eoghan Kelly, Daniel Ó Flaherty, Kieran Molloy, Cathal Sweeney, Cein Darcy, Johnny Heaney, Liam Ó Conghaile, Tomo Culhane and Niall Daly.
A similar line up was seen from Donegal, with Shaun Patton, Ciaran Moore, Brendan McCole, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Thompson and Michael Langan. Additional team members included Jeaic MacCeallbhuí, Shane O’Donnell, Daire Ó Baoill, Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen and Niall O Donnell. The Donegal subs were Gavin Mulreany, Caolan McColgan, Stephen McMenamin, Odhran Doherty, Luke McGlynn, Mark Curran, Jason McGee, Hugh McFadden, Jamie Brennan, Aaron Doherty and Cathal MacAonghása.