Mayo GAA supporters: 'They play too slow, too conservative'

The Mayo News asked supporters about their take on the Connacht final. There was much disappointment with different aspects of the game, but also anticipation about the upcoming All-Ireland series.

Declan Sweeney from Kilcommon

“We had a lot of possession in the first half but we just weren't good enough to take the scores on. Second half, we went ahead twice, three times. We just didn't have the killer instinct, just didn't seem to push on when we had to push on. We lost midfield there in the last 10-15 minutes of the game. We're playing the same system all the time. Just too conservative. Go for the ball, take on a couple of scores, then fall back into play again, go again. Paddy Durcan was a big loss to us in that kind of game.”

Michael Hegarty from Ballyhaunis

The referee gave a free at the end, which should never have been given, unfortunately. Anyway, it was a good game. Both teams were really good. I think Comer was the difference. Comer played an extremely good game. It's always disappointing losing against Galway. It doesn't really matter how. Well, we've drawn a much more favourable group now. There are optimistic signs. In the backs for example: Sam Callinan has improved a lot, an excellent back. Jack Coyne as well, all the backs had a really good game. Forwards were very indecisive. A lot to work on.

Aobhiann from Partry

“I think in the second half we had it in our hands. If it wasn't for the injury time and especially giving away too many frees. That was what lost us the game. Ryan O'Donoghue didn't play at his best at all today, I've seen him much better. Colm Reape was great in goal, like Superman. Overall disappointing. But we have a good group now, that's why I'm optimistic now.

Cullen From Tourmakeady

“I'd say we have a quarter-final in us now at least. Galway wanted it more today. This could be speculation but it looked like they wanted to lose so they got the handier group stage. The sqaud needs a proper shake-up. I've been saying this for years.“

Laura from Lahardane

“A bit heartbroken about the way it ended. It's good seeing Cillian and Diarmuid coming back on and getting game time. It's sad Paddy Durcan was out, but there is enough on the bench to cover for him, a lot of very good young lads that get a chance then. I don't think the team in general is too young, every team has to start some place and there is enough experience there as well.”

Tom Byrne from Kiltimagh

“We had the game in the bag. We were two points up at full-time and then Galway took the game by the scruff of the neck. We turned the ball over three times. We need to be more direct and show more fighting spirit especially at the end of the game. We are still a very good team, but we need to change our tactics a bit. It seems only a couple of players are allowed to shoot and the rest of them are only passing the ball around. They were lucky to a degree because Galway had two excellent goal chances in the first half. Galway deserved it on the day, they seemed hungrier. Their full forward line was very good, Finnerty, Comer and when Shane Walsh came on, we couldn't handle them at all.”

Left: Des Reape from Bonniconlon, right: Liam Devaney from Swinford

Des Reape from Bonniconlon

“We just should've seen it through and won it. There were a couple of questionable decisions at the end with two soft frees from the ref. Our kick-outs let us down, not finding our player, losing possession and that't when you get under pressure and are in real trouble.”

Liam Devaney from Swinford

“Lack of belief in the way they were playing. Didn't see a good structure there. My advice is beat Roscommon and beat Cavan and then we're going to play Dublin in a neutral venue, and that'll be Croke Park so a great day out for everyone anyway.”

Paul from Louisburgh

“It's disappointing. We were too laborious when we were going forward and Galway were more incisive when they did. The attack needs to improve, they need more pace. It's too ponderours and too slow.”

Declan from Claremorris

“It wasn't really encouraging what I saw from Mayo today. They were a bit flat when Aidan O'Shea went off. I was expecting a bigger game from Tommy Conroy. It's time for him to redeem himself. We don't have enough fire. The changes the management made didn't make a difference.”