Mayo Football- 2006

[sinabhuil]

Great chance for Ballinrobe to get revenge on Moy villa in Junior cup. Can the A team do what the B team couldn't.

[Thunderblaster]

Foot.ie got a mention on the Western People this week on Colm Gannon's column. The Don, Renovator and Harpsbear all got a mention on it.

[short_frank]

Why is the Connaught publishing the league tables with Mulranney on 23 points and 18 games played when they have yet to play Manulla B. They did the same thing a couple of weeks ago saying Mulranney at that stage had 1 game left and were on 20 points when in reality they were on 17 and had 2 left. What really amazes me is that there is a M.A.F.L. committee member on the paper staff and they still can't see the mistake. I imagine this would be of major interest to Harpsbear/Ballyvarry and Kiltimagh/Knock.
This leads me onto the soccer coverage in the Mayo papers. I know we have covered this before but it seems nothing has changed. I see we get 1 page maybe 1 1/2 if we are lucky even though we are at a critical part of the season with so much at stake and I see the laughable situation of one paper giving a full page to two men rambling about English league soccer and their "teams" and 1 page to all Mayo soccer. Surely with the numbers playing each week and the success Mayo league soccer has had recently they could see that their coverage is a joke. If Foot.ie is being mentioned in the papers then let us all write in and show our displeasure at their coverage (or lack of it) of soccer in the county. Maybe the papers will answer with a reason for their laughable attempts to cover soccer but I won't hold my breath.
Just a quick final note to the journalists and editors of Mayo newspapers, there is football outside the Super league and the big Mayo towns!

[Mad Moose]

Foot.ie got a mention on the Western People this week on Colm Gannon's column. The Don, Renovator and Harpsbear all got a mention on it.


:eek:

[Mad Moose]

Why is the Connaught publishing the league tables with Mulranney on 23 points and 18 games played when they have yet to play Manulla B. They did the same thing a couple of weeks ago saying Mulranney at that stage had 1 game left and were on 20 points when in reality they were on 17 and had 2 left. What really amazes me is that there is a M.A.F.L. committee member on the paper staff and they still can't see the mistake. I imagine this would be of major interest to Harpsbear/Ballyvarry and Kiltimagh/Knock.
This leads me onto the soccer coverage in the Mayo papers. I know we have covered this before but it seems nothing has changed. I see we get 1 page maybe 1 1/2 if we are lucky even though we are at a critical part of the season with so much at stake and I see the laughable situation of one paper giving a full page to two men rambling about English league soccer and their "teams" and 1 page to all Mayo soccer. Surely with the numbers playing each week and the success Mayo league soccer has had recently they could see that their coverage is a joke. If Foot.ie is being mentioned in the papers then let us all write in and show our displeasure at their coverage (or lack of it) of soccer in the county. Maybe the papers will answer with a reason for their laughable attempts to cover soccer but I won't hold my breath.
Just a quick final note to the journalists and editors of Mayo newspapers, there is football outside the Super league and the big Mayo towns!

To be honest Frank we haven't a clue whats going on.I had thought that with the pull out of Lacken all points accrued or lost by the club would be scrapped and we would have a league table similar to that left when Dublin City left the Eircom League. Seems the simplest solution.Its done and dusted now and we know what we have to do.Partry beating Kiltimagh/Knock Utd helped:)

Regarding Mulranny, didn't they beat Charlestown 3-2 at the weekend:confused: .Kiltimagh/Knock Utd were beaten by yourselves.I'm nearly sure that was the result and it looks like we may end up in a play-off to ensure status in Division One next season. I haven't seen the paper so I take your word on that. I dont think that table sounds correct. As I remember from the weekend Kiltimagh/Knock Utd were beaten and Mulranny won to move to 20 points, 2 behind us. Not sure where the Connaught got their information but it doesn't concern us because its incorrect.

I'm sure the Connaught and The WP are well aware of us at Keelogues though its not necessarily us they are interested in coming to see this year.

I dont expect anything to change on the Mayo League coverage.I dont see a shift in focus either outside the big two clubs in the Super League anytime soon.

[Thunderblaster]

I see we get 1 page maybe 1 1/2 if we are lucky even though we are at a critical part of the season with so much at stake and I see the laughable situation of one paper giving a full page to two men rambling about English league soccer and their "teams" and 1 page to all Mayo soccer.

If Mayo wins the King of The Bog Final on Sunday, finding our favourite sport on the local papers will be harder next week, when there would be in interview with a Mayo bogballer that actually won the King of The Bog Final in 1950 or 1951, two of three bad years for Mayo soccer with 1936 being the other one. Rather be watching Liverpool V Chelsea rather than that kick/handpass and catch rubbish.

[sinabhuil]

If Mayo wins the King of The Bog Final on Sunday, finding our favourite sport on the local papers will be harder next week, when there would be in interview with a Mayo bogballer that actually won the King of The Bog Final in 1950 or 1951, two of three bad years for Mayo soccer with 1936 being the other one. Rather be watching Liverpool V Chelsea rather than that kick/handpass and catch rubbish.

U are sad.

[Proud cove]

too many on here, at least I hope not. Probably getting a bit carried away with himself and I think if he gave his post more than a milisecond of thought, he wouldn't have written what he did. I think we should forgive him. He usually comes across as a decent lad.

[sinabhuil]

Despite playing soccer for the last 30 years I absolutely and totally support Mayo on Sunday. I would even go as far to say that if given a choice between Mayo to win the AI or Ireland to win the world cup I would pick Mayo to win the AI.
It is deep in our soul and part of what makes us what we are. We have no choice. To call this the King of the Bog Final is outrageous and shows the exact same level of prejudice that a very small minority of GAA officials show towards soccer.
UP MAYO.

[Proud cove]

an All-Ireland ahead of a World Cup. Come to think of it, nothing could ever compare to Westport United's victory in the Junior Cup. For covies everywhere, it defined us and was our greatest day.

[swift]

If Mayo wins the King of The Bog Final on Sunday, finding our favourite sport on the local papers will be harder next week, when there would be in interview with a Mayo bogballer that actually won the King of The Bog Final in 1950 or 1951, two of three bad years for Mayo soccer with 1936 being the other one. Rather be watching Liverpool V Chelsea rather than that kick/handpass and catch rubbish.

You are a disgrace TB. Now I have to admitt that usually you are on the money with you're posts but this time you are way out of line. You will probably be the first one out onto the streets if Mayo win shouting the odds and what have you. I was prepared to give you the benefit of the doubt with your thread on Westport Utd where on it you are the only one to post or read it but now you have gone to far. Then again the only good thing to come out of Westport is the road to Castlebar

[the 12 th man]

If you want to talk about GAA (like/dislike)start another thread.
This thread is for Mayo football.

[Closed Account]

Exactly.

[renovater]

hey renovater,

i see Bangor Hibs gain promotion to premier league and won the divisional cup. i did say they have a good season and you didn't think so. have faith :D
What I think are my opinions, you don't have to agree.
I don't need you to remind me what I said on a previous post.
It would serve you best keep your attention on how to promote Swinford to the big League.
By the way is young Price still playing with you.:)

[renovater]

U are sad.
Enough said about thunder views on gaa, just hope in the future he would not offend any sporting body without leased offering them the right to reply.
best wishes to Ross/ Mayo on Sunday.:mad:

[OscarBravo]

Why is the Connaught publishing the league tables with Mulranney on 23 points and 18 games played when they have yet to play Manulla B. They did the same thing a couple of weeks ago saying Mulranney at that stage had 1 game left and were on 20 points when in reality they were on 17 and had 2 left. What really amazes me is that there is a M.A.F.L. committee member on the paper staff and they still can't see the mistake. I imagine this would be of major interest to Harpsbear/Ballyvarry and Kiltimagh/Knock.
This leads me onto the soccer coverage in the Mayo papers. I know we have covered this before but it seems nothing has changed. I see we get 1 page maybe 1 1/2 if we are lucky even though we are at a critical part of the season with so much at stake and I see the laughable situation of one paper giving a full page to two men rambling about English league soccer and their "teams" and 1 page to all Mayo soccer. Surely with the numbers playing each week and the success Mayo league soccer has had recently they could see that their coverage is a joke. If Foot.ie is being mentioned in the papers then let us all write in and show our displeasure at their coverage (or lack of it) of soccer in the county. Maybe the papers will answer with a reason for their laughable attempts to cover soccer but I won't hold my breath.
Just a quick final note to the journalists and editors of Mayo newspapers, there is football outside the Super league and the big Mayo towns!

Think everything has gone arse ways this year. The league is less and less concerned with the lower leagues. The standard of football in the top division is slipping and there is damn all interest in the Super League race. To be fair coverage of games can be judged on how many people turn up at them. I've played in lower division games this year the majority of which had less than 20 people at. I enjoy playing but there's hardly hundreds of people waiting to read Division 1 or 2 match reports.
Partry and Inver seem to have good followings but that is the exception, not the rule.
Super League attendances seem to be dropping too. Interest seems to be at an all time low. Why? It's not as competitive in the Super League this year for sure with such a strong Celtic team but, and maybe it's just me, but every other big club is on the way down. Westport might be just in a slight transition but I don't know, time will tell. What do ye think?
Thunderblaster ur long enough around to know most soccer followers in Mayo follow the GAA in a big way too. Kop on

[Thunderblaster]

Anyone lighting the Futsal fire on Thursday evening in St Geralds College?

[Closed Account]

Intrigued.

Any more information on what is involved. A free football sounds good.

[short_frank]

Think everything has gone arse ways this year. The league is less and less concerned with the lower leagues. The standard of football in the top division is slipping and there is damn all interest in the Super League race. To be fair coverage of games can be judged on how many people turn up at them. I've played in lower division games this year the majority of which had less than 20 people at. I enjoy playing but there's hardly hundreds of people waiting to read Division 1 or 2 match reports.
Partry and Inver seem to have good followings but that is the exception, not the rule.
Super League attendances seem to be dropping too. Interest seems to be at an all time low. Why? It's not as competitive in the Super League this year for sure with such a strong Celtic team but, and maybe it's just me, but every other big club is on the way down. Westport might be just in a slight transition but I don't know, time will tell. What do ye think?
Thunderblaster ur long enough around to know most soccer followers in Mayo follow the GAA in a big way too. Kop on

Isn't this then the main reason and the most important time to have publicity. There is interest surely from the sixteen men named on each team sheet of each team and the other club members (a substantial amount of people) to justify more than one page and surely to take over a page of two men rambling about english soccer with opinions we hear down the pub at any time (as i said earlier).

[swinfordfc]

What I think are my opinions, you don't have to agree.
I don't need you to remind me what I said on a previous post.
It would serve you best keep your attention on how to promote Swinford to the big League.
By the way is young Price still playing with you.:)

No he follows the footsteps of some other players to the bright lights of Castlebar Celtic and no doubt will be playing up front for the senior team shortly.

[Thunderblaster]

Intrigued.

Any more information on what is involved. A free football sounds good.

FAI lights the Futsal Fire! Ever wondered what the ingredients are for a never ending production line of World Class soccer stars? Five times World Champions, Brazil appears to have discovered some of them with their seemingly endless supply of World Champions from the days of the great Pele right up to today’s superstars like Ronaldinho.



However, the FAI is now beginning to focus on a key element widely recognised as being an integral ingredient in the development of these highly gifted players.

The game of Futsal (from the Portuguese, futebol de salao and meaning indoor football) has been cited by such luminaries as Pele and Ronaldinho as having a major impact on their development as players.

The legendary Pele said:



“I played Futsal for 2 or 3 years before I joined Santos. Futsal was important in helping to develop my ball control, quick thinking and passing. Also for dribbling, balance and concentration….futsal was very, very important, no doubt”.



Futsal is the Official UEFA and FIFA version of indoor 5 a side football and most Brazilian youngsters grow up playing little else until they reach the age of 12 or 13.

Futsal is a high tempo game played with a size 4 ball which is designed to have a reduced bounce.

The consequence of this is that the ball tends to stay close to the floor more often which accelerates the development of skills such as passing, dribbling and close control.

The small pitch size also means players have to think quickly and react with a quick pass or a dribbling move to get out of tight situations.

The result over time is the production of highly skilled, quick thinking, creative players!



Perhaps you may have seen the recent advert on TV featuring footage of a very young Ronaldinho displaying dazzling skills on a Futsal court. This is testimony to the type of player Futsal can produce and the greatest endorsement of the game available. World Player of the year Ronaldinho doesn’t sit on the fence when he talks of his love of the game and how it helped him as a young player. He says:



““Futsal is an extremely important way for kids to develop their skills and understanding of the game.

My touch and my dribbling have come from playing futsal.”



Not only is Futsal a great tool to help develop gifted players, it’s also a game of high professional profile across the world. Spain for example has a full time professional league of 18 clubs.

There are an estimated 110 million players participating in Futsal across the world.

FIFA and UEFA have recognised the popularity of Futsal and have established World and European Championships competitions taking place every 2 years.



If you want to learn more about Futsal and the FAI’s plans to develop the game, you are welcome to attend a Futsal workshop which will take place as follows:



Venue: De La Salle Hall, St. Gerald’s College, Castelbar.

Date and Time: 21st September from 7-9pm



Just to let you know that there will be a Futsal Workshop in De La Salle Hall, St. Gerald’s College, Castlebar on Thursday 21st September 2006 from 7pm – 9pm. The work shop will be hosted by Derek O’Neill and assisted by Development Officers, Niall Harrison and Paul Byrne. The players on the night will be provided by the Mayo Academy.



So come along and see an alternative to the 11-a-side game and if it interests anyone in your club/organisation the development officers can discuss setting up a possible Futsal league/competition.

[theboy]

Great to hear more players leavin there clubs to go to celtic, are all these players goin to wait there when dykes goes, i dont think so. then they'll come back to there clubs with there tales between there legs. where has the pride gone from playin with your home town club... its spoiling the leagues.

[Mad Moose]

No he follows the footsteps of some other players to the bright lights of Castlebar Celtic and no doubt will be playing up front for the senior team shortly.


Is he definetely moving to Castlebar Celtic then. Cant blame the lad if he's good enough.Haven't seen him in a long time. Good player though from what I remember. I remember him at school aswell and he was decent.

[Mad Moose]

Great to hear more players leavin there clubs to go to celtic, are all these players goin to wait there when dykes goes, i dont think so. then they'll come back to there clubs with there tales between there legs. where has the pride gone from playin with your home town club... its spoiling the leagues.


Cant really blame a player for wanting to progress himself but I take your point. I know currntly we want to keep our best players in Keelogues for next season so I can understand your point.It might be different if a lad moved from Swinford to an Eircom League side but then again might this move be a test of his ability to play at that higher level. I would always encourage a player to take their chance and if it doesn't work out I reckon a club like Swinford would be happy to have him back.I dont think anybody would want to stand in his way.Maybe I have guaged that wrong however.

[Mad Moose]

I know when we were training the U-10's and U-12's we took to using the Futsal. The idea was as outlined above to coach kids on a small pitch using the futsal and therefore plying under tighter more restrictive playing conditions. It didn't suit everyone and some players couldn't adapt to the restriction on time and space.

Let us know TB what the interest is like and how the demonstration goes.

Definetely a game I would encourage the kids to practice. Such a difference for them when they go back to the regular game conditions.

[theboy]

no i think your right harpsbear, with regards to a player moving from a club, i agree 100% if the player was goin to an eircom league team that is a different story and could be jumped at. but this thing of every player goin to celtic isnt a good thing of the mayo leagues. it will get to a stage where celtics bench will be stronger then some super league teams. maybe some players are content with sitting on the bench half the season. maybe if celtic keep goin this way they are better off out of the mayo super league. but there not good enough for an eircom league.
maybe it could be looked at with regards to if a player signs for someone they are not aloud to move again within the season. get rid of the 1 transfer per season.

[Mad Moose]

I've said it before but I think Dykes will leave Castlebar Celtic in a poor state and an awful lot will depend on his replacement should he leave.He has signed far too many players and it hasn't been good for the league and no club at this level could survive on such spending.The goodwill in Castlebar might fade very quickly.There are so many clubs in and around Castlebar which draw on local support, e.g Snugboro. I hear Dykes has expressed his interest in the job at Limerick.I dont think he'll get it but he wants back into Eircom League club management and what becomes of Castlebar Celtic after that.


On an unrelated matter I read Colm Gannon's piece in the Western People in which he mentions the contribution of myself,Mossey,TB, and the Renovator I think. Colm might do better to concentrate on the issues in the Mayo League and what actually affects the league. In case he is reading this as no doubt he will again I'd like to look at some of the positives of the league which as usually local community efforts.I take great pride in the facilities we at the Ballyvary Blue Bombers are fortunate enough to use.I go down there under floodlights to train when I can and I'm very fortunate to be part of a good local club.I can also highlight the equally wonderful facilities at Swinford (of course) and Snugboro Utd, the latter of which I'm fortunate to have played on.We have come an awful long way at our club from McKeon's field and it takes an awful lot of continuous effort to ensure those facilities remain. Our ground is a very valuable local resource whether its for football hurling or walking the dog. We've been quite privileged in knowing our facilities were good enough for the Mayo team to use this season and hopefully its enough to ensure our future.

So much good to be taken from the existance of the league. Now how is that for now Colm, if you haven't already been dropped.;)

[red metal]

Keith Carty and Barry O Dwyer Chris kelly are to join current Conn Cup Champions Abbey Utd from Castlebar Celtic!Carty and O dwyer are former Abbey player while kelly,s brothers Gareth and Darren have both played with the club!

[theboy]

Keith Carty and Barry O Dwyer Chris kelly are to join current Conn Cup Champions Abbey Utd from Castlebar Celtic!Carty and O dwyer are former Abbey player while kelly,s brothers Gareth and Darren have both played with the club!

Had to happen at some stage. Have these players left already or is it after the super league is over? so now will campbell go back to manulla, neary to s&f and anyone else who joined go back to there clubs???

[red metal]

I think they will leave in 3 weeks time. After all the games with Westport are over and the league is won?But im sure westport might have something to say about that!

[Proud cove]

If they manage to lose it, they will replace the Mayo team as the greatest bottlers of all time and that'll be some claim to fame. United have left themselves with far too much to do after losing to S&F. I'd say their best bet for anything is the AIB Cup and even that might prove to be beyond them. I hope I'm wrong but I can see United ending the season with nothing. Not great at all.

[theboy]

ya its not looking good this year for westport, what has changed so much over the past year. both teams still have to play S&F again in foxford, this also could have a bearing on things with regards to the title as S&F are far from safe.

[Proud cove]

Maybe the last few years of non stop football finally caught up with them and that along with a few players having notions about themselves, could have put them in the position they're in now. It won't get better too quickly either with Danny Scahill, Gerry McLoughlin and Eoghan McHale all off to Austsralia in the near future and David Horkan going back to NUIG soon. Could be lean times ahead.

[renovater]

No he follows the footsteps of some other players to the bright lights of Castlebar Celtic and no doubt will be playing up front for the senior team shortly.
I think that is sad when a player leaves a club with out good reason when he could have waited to help them get promoted.
did he get a bribe?:mad:

[renovater]

Cant really blame a player for wanting to progress himself but I take your point. I know currntly we want to keep our best players in Keelogues for next season so I can understand your point.It might be different if a lad moved from Swinford to an Eircom League side but then again might this move be a test of his ability to play at that higher level. I would always encourage a player to take their chance and if it doesn't work out I reckon a club like Swinford would be happy to have him back.I dont think anybody would want to stand in his way.Maybe I have guaged that wrong however.
My concerns are how does a player decides at the end of a league campaign when the winning line is so near,that he Price who as been brought up through the ranks decides to walk.
its only my opinion not for one moment sujesting he was poached but it sure does leave a mad tasted in the mouth.
It wasn't long ago when players were leaving the Bombers and going astray to Manulla.
one wonders how these things happened.
Is there phone calls been made by other members of these so called clubs.
One needs to see all the best players from around the county playing for one team, strange times we live in.

[renovater]

Keith Carty and Barry O Dwyer Chris kelly are to join current Conn Cup Champions Abbey Utd from Castlebar Celtic!Carty and O dwyer are former Abbey player while kelly,s brothers Gareth and Darren have both played with the club!
I did say some time back that this would sooner or later would happen.
so the rats are leaving. well good luck to them.
by the way will they bring the Gray one as well?:)

[Mad Moose]

My concerns are how does a player decides at the end of a league campaign when the winning line is so near,that he Price who as been brought up through the ranks decides to walk.
its only my opinion not for one moment sujesting he was poached but it sure does leave a mad tasted in the mouth.
It wasn't long ago when players were leaving the Bombers and going astray to Manulla.
one wonders how these things happened.
Is there phone calls been made by other members of these so called clubs.
One needs to see all the best players from around the county playing for one team, strange times we live in.


I'm afraid I'll have to agree with ya Renovator and at this level you just might not expect it to happen.Of course at local level its going to leave a bad taste in the mouth.Maybe the Manulla/Bombers example isn't the best to use given the relative proximity of the clubs to one another and the fact we draw on the same locality for players. That better example might be the possible transfer of a player from Swinford to the top team in the county currently Castlebar Celtic (No disrespect to Westport particularly in saying that). I think Castlebar Celtic will pay the cost of spending so much money if we are to believe the reputed salaries of say Dykes. The players they have brought in didn't come for peanuts. I've seen this overspend at League of Ireland level and there are so many clubs in financial crisis.The margin between success and failure is very narrow.I'd never blame a player for ambition.I get the feeling, and its only a feeling that if the lad leaves Swinford to join Castlebar Celtic it may well be to further his career and might open the door to a higher level of football. I imagine he might be welcomed back at Swinford down the line.

Of course different clubs know whats going on at every club and of course they approach players. Is this not what happened with Andy Neary at Straide and Foxford and his home club lost out on one of their key players. We have players at Ballyvary from other clubs, not many mind but we do nonetheless.

Just a thought

[swift]

I just think that its a shame that they did'nt put the Celtic-Westport game on under lights on maybe a Friday night instead of a Sunday morning I think with the poor showing of the league this year it could have been a chance to get some 'Brownie Points' with supporters.

Also it was just a matter of time that the Sligo lads up and left and too what cost to the club. Fergie with his short term plans for success has surely damaged the club for a long time to come.

[theboy]

yes same thing happened neary, an over dose of phone calls and he cracked. players leaving now to travel is getting common, as far as im aware S&F have lost 3 players in the last 2 weeks with one more goin just before xmas and and another right after xmas. so they'll be under pressure from the start next year. it happens from time to time clubs go through a tough periods. it will ne interesting to see now after all the strays that went to celtic leave, will the lads who were dropped step back in. I dont think i could do it..

[red metal]

I did say some time back that this would sooner or later would happen.
so the rats are leaving. well good luck to them.
by the way will they bring the Gray one as well?:)

That,s football for you.player,s now have no loyalty!

[sinabhuil]

[QUOTE=swift;538785]I just think that its a shame that they did'nt put the Celtic-Westport game on under lights on maybe a Friday night instead of a Sunday]

Great idea. I would love to see a game. Virtually impossible at weekends with family commitments. Especially after a full season. I would love to see a game.

[Thunderblaster]

The futsal was very interesting. It was hosted by Derek O'Neill from the FAI, along with Paul Byrne and the Mayo U.13 Academy kids were used. Attendance was a little iffy; weather did not help. The demo was very good and it is beneficial for the kids. There are 30 million futsal players in 110 countries around the world and futsal is more popular than football in Brazil and Italy. We all got a free ball and we are getting DVDs and brochures next month. You can get five futsal balls for €85 from the FAI, including postage if you fill in the details to doneill@fai.ie. The FAI are looking to be in international competition for 2009 and are encouraging clubs and leagues to set up competitions and play them in community halls/gyms and to share facilities as not all clubs have such facillities.

[OscarBravo]

Isn't this then the main reason and the most important time to have publicity. There is interest surely from the sixteen men named on each team sheet of each team and the other club members (a substantial amount of people) to justify more than one page and surely to take over a page of two men rambling about english soccer with opinions we hear down the pub at any time (as i said earlier).

Surely the argument that because there is no support shouldn't be a reason for the papers to give a load of coverage. By that logic table tennis should get two pages because they have only 10 fans in the county.
I think in fairness all three papers usually give more than one page. Surely we have to expect a bit less the week of an All-Ireland
Look I play in the lower divisions. Any coverage we get is usually sent in by our PRO and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. Does your PRO sent in stuff, maybe that's where you should be looking. Inver certainly have a good PRO as you can see with their reports most weeks. I don't think we can demand coverage. I know I certainly wouldn't like if I was a reporter at any of our games this year. Jesus I barely stuck playing in some of them!!

[OscarBravo]

Many of ye heading to this one. Pity alright that its not under lights. Can't see past a Celtic win, I see on the Westport thread that some of the players are going to Oz. That won't help their winter cup football but can't blame the lads either, sure they've been playing non-stop for 3 years.
Thunderblaster with the manager's contract up for review at the end of the Super League do you expect him to be kept on? In fairness he hasn't done bad but will Westport be able to suffer losing to Celtic for the league, which I think they will.
It's no bad thing that they are losing O'Dwyer, Carty and Kelly. The first two were playing poorly and lucky to be getting on the team. Kelly was a tasty player but hard for him to wait with the others gone.
Have to say Gary Price leaving is a surprise but Celtic are obviously trying to bulk up a strong U18 team for a crack at the FAI Youth Cup rather than bring him into the senior set-up

[Thunderblaster]

Thunderblaster with the manager's contract up for review at the end of the Super League do you expect him to be kept on? In fairness he hasn't done bad but will Westport be able to suffer losing to Celtic for the league, which I think they will.

Hard to say really, there are a number of people in Westport not happy with him and feels that he should go. Most feel that he should not play, some blame the players for lack of commitment. Sunday's result may determine what direction the committee will take on the future of Brendan O'Connor. Most of the squad born in 1983/84 have never gone a season without winning a trophy. If Celtic do win the league, there would be howls of derision from some of the heavies that love to see Celtic lose.
The lads going to Australia? Cannot fault them as they (like most) need a serious break to recharge the batteries after playing constant football for four years. To counteract that, you need a successful underage structure with a high turnover of players good enough for Super League/Connacht Cup and FAI Junior Cup standard and Westport United are a bit off that yet but a structure is attempted to be put in place.

[red metal]

Any word on the Castlebar Celtic and Westport game?

[Bestie]

Any word on the Castlebar Celtic and Westport game?
Celtic won 2 - 1. Celtic were the better side. There is a full report on http://mayo.fai.ie

[Spot Kick]

Celtic won 2 - 1. Celtic were the better side. There is a full report on http://mayo.fai.ie
Have to agree with you there. Celtic could have won by more were it not for Hoban in goal. I cannot remember the Port having a clear strike on goal in the second half. I think they will badly need Dessie O'Malley back for the Cup Final on Sunday next. They had no striking force today against a solid back four.

[red metal]

Thanks lads! I wanted to go to this game but the head refused to get up off the pillow!

[Bestie]

Thanks lads! I wanted to go to this game but the head refused to get up off the pillow!

Just wondering is next Sunday's game timed right for you? Do you think you might be able to make it by 3.00pm. Celtic had a small crowd at the top game of the season yesterday, and could do with a few more supporters for the Cup Final. Westport had more followers than Celtic yesterday.